A Nigerian man deported from the US to Ghana has told the BBC that he is now stuck in a hotel in Togo, after he and five others were secretly transferred to the neighbouring country by Ghanaian officers.

The man said they were informed they would be moved from a military camp to better accommodation, but were then “dumped” in Togo. The BBC has approached Ghana’s government for comment.

The US government deported the Nigerian man – along with other West African nationals – as part of its crackdown on immigration.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa previously said the government had accepted the deportees in the spirit of “pan-African empathy”.

The Nigerian, who has requested anonymity for safety reasons, alleged that Ghanaian officers took him and the five other deportees into Togo through a back route. He further claimed that this was done after bribing local police, and without informing Togolese authorities of their entry.

“They did not take us through the main border, they took us through the back door. They paid the police there and dropped us in Togo,” he said.

The Togolese authorities have not commented on the alleged presence of the deportees on their territory.

Four of the group – three Nigerians and a Liberian – then checked into a hotel in Lomé, the Togolese capital, which lies just across the border from where they were abandoned.

With no documents of their own, he said they relied on the hotel staff to receive money from relatives abroad to cover their bills.

“We’re struggling to survive in Togo without any documentation,” he said.

“None of us has family in Togo. We’re just stuck in a hotel,” he added. “Right now, we’re just trying to survive until our lawyers can help us with this situation.”

He said that while in Ghana they had been asking for better living conditions since the environment at the military camp where they were placed was “deplorable”.

“Life there was really hard, so we asked for a better place, better medication, better healthcare and better water,” the Nigerian told the BBC.

He said that days later, immigration officials arrived at the camp, saying they were taking six of them to a hotel for more comfort, but they ended up across the border in Togo.

“When we arrived, we asked what we were doing at the border, and they told us they wanted us to sign some paperwork so they could take us to a hotel, but we didn’t sign anything,” he added.

The Nigerian told the BBC that the language barrier in Togo made it difficult to communicate. Togo’s official language is French, while he spoke English.

He also said that his deportation had affected his family in the US.

“I have a house in the US where my kids live. How am I supposed to pay the mortgage? I don’t know how they’ll manage while I’m gone. My kids can’t see me, and it’s just so stressful,” he lamented.

He said he was a member of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, an activist organisation advocating for a breakaway state in south-west Nigeria for the Yoruba ethnic group.

Although the movement is not banned, it has been in the crosshairs of the Nigerian government, with 27 people arrested last year for being involved in its campaign.

Because of his affiliation with the group, the man told the BBC he fears that returning to Nigeria could lead to his arrest and torture. The Nigerian deportee said he was under a US court-ordered protection that should have shielded him from deportation from the US.

The US has not given the reason for his deportation.

The Nigerian was part of a group of West Africans deported to Ghana last month, which also included nationals of Togo, Liberia and The Gambia.

They had previously been held in a US detention facility before being flown out on a US military plane in shackles, their lawyers said.

The US government’s “third-country deportation” policy has faced criticism, with several countries pushing back against the strategy, including Nigeria.

The deal for Ghana to take in nationals from various West African countries was announced by President John Mahama three weeks ago. He said he had been approached by the US to accept the deportees, and had agreed because there was free movement of people in West Africa.

Foreign Minister Ablakwa has since said Ghana received no financial reward for accepting the deportees.

Opposition MPs have demanded an immediate suspension of the deportation agreement until it is ratified by parliament, but the government has said it plans to accept another 40 deportees.

Lawyers for the deportees have started legal action against both the US and Ghanaian governments, saying their rights were violated.

Energy minister engaging Chevron delegation in Cape Town

On the sidelines of the ongoing African Energy Week in Cape Town, Ghanaian officials held a high-level meeting with executives of Chevron International Exploration and Production Limited to discuss opportunities in the country’s upstream petroleum sector.

The discussions, led by Chevron’s Director of Commercial, Chris Jablonski, centred on Ghana’s progress under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration in promoting transparency, attracting foreign investment and strengthening governance in the energy sector.

Talks also highlighted the strategic role of natural gas in Ghana’s energy future, with emphasis on maximising the value of gas produced by upstream partners.

Ghanaian officials, led by energy minister John Jinapor, underscored the government’s commitment to reducing the country’s dependence on liquid fossil fuels by prioritising natural gas as a cleaner, more cost-effective and efficient alternative.

“I reaffirmed President Mahama’s unwavering commitment to restoring investor confidence in the upstream petroleum sector through sound policies, stable regulations, and a transparent investment climate,” he stated after the meeting.

Jablonski was joined by a high-level Chevron delegation, including Gavin Lewis, Head of Chevron Exploration; Mamadou Blondin, Vice President for Middle East & Africa Corporate Affairs and Chris Fordham, Business Development Manager.

Both sides expressed optimism about building stronger partnerships that will support Ghana’s energy transition, deepen investment in the petroleum sector and drive long-term economic growth.

 The German Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Frederik Landshoeft, says his country will continue to collaborate closely with Ghana in the area of security to ensure peace in the sub-region.

He noted that Ghana and Germany had been cooperating closely on security largely because peace and stability in the sub-region were in the mutual interest of the two countries and part of global security.

“At the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre and with our mili­tary advisory team working alongside the Ghana Armed Forces, for example at the Kofi Annan School, we learn from each other. Together, we strengthen regional security architecture and help protect our citizens from threats,” he emphasised.

Mr Landshoeft who has just com­menced with his duty tour of the coun­try made the call when he addressed the media at his residence in Accra yesterday.

He also expressed the need for Ghana and Germany to collaborate to protect multilateralism in the world.

According to him, this form of cooperation was needed now more than ever due to the changing dynamics of internationalism.

“In a world where more and more states are turning away from a rules-based international order, where bullying and the law of the strongest are propa­gated, we need middle powers like Gha­na and Germany who stand up out of conviction for multilateral responsibility.”

He said Ghana had become more than an important partner for his country in West Africa and beyond and this would require that the two nations consolidated their cooperation.

To this end, he said the area of coop­eration would be strengthened especially in the areas of security, business and labour migration.

In the area of business, Mr Landshoeft said German companies continued to seek new, reliable markets, and Ghana’s openness and stability could prove to be powerful advantage.

“When President Mahama declared Ghana open for business, Germany lis­tened. At the Ambassador’s Conference’s business day in Berlin, there was even a line of companies in front of the Ghana desk,” he said.

He said Germany had strong compa­nies that needed skilled and motivated young people to engage and had the capacity to fill those vacancies.

Mr Landshoeft said investing in skills, training and entrepreneurship was linked with Germany’s demand for profession­als, and also created opportunities for Ghanaian youth.

He said the ties between the two countries went far beyond economics and security.

“They are human ties with over 60 university partnerships, thousands of Ghanaian students in Germany and a vibrant cultural exchange,” he said.

He said music was one of the stron­gest bridges in this direction and the late Daddy Lumba created Bürger Highlife during his Hamburg years and became a symbol of Ghana-German creativity.

“This year, we, at the Embassy, will pay tribute to him at our Unity Day cele­bration,” he said.

The Ambassador said this year’s German Unity Day 2025 celebration scheduled to take place at his residence on Thursday evening would be more than just a reception.

He said the event would be used to shine light on the bridges between Ger­many and Ghana and on the pathways that would lead the two countries to shared progress and stability.

“We will begin with outstanding Gha­naian artists like Baka Dabri, Adena and Susan August, supported by the fantastic Patch Bay band. And we will then have a special tribute to Daddy Lumba,” he concluded.

 BY CLIFF EKUFUL

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

Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah is the new CEO of GCT and DCG

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and the Digital Chamber of Ghana (DCG) have announced the appointment of Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah as their new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025.

With close to two decades of progressive leadership experience spanning Ghana’s telecommunications, digital, and FMCG sectors, Sylvia combines deep industry knowledge with a proven ability to build partnerships and deliver results, which she brings to her new roles.

Her inspiring career spans high-impact positions at leading multinational organisations, including MTN Ghana, Tigo (Millicom Ghana), AirtelTigo (AT Ghana), and Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC (Diageo/Castel Group).

Throughout her telecoms career, Sylvia has been at the forefront of transformational projects shaping Ghana’s telecom and digital landscape.

She played a pivotal role in securing regulatory approvals for Ghana’s first landmark telecom merger, spearheaded high-stakes public policy advocacy, and championed initiatives that expanded connectivity, enhanced regulatory compliance, and strengthened industry-government relations.

At MTN Ghana, she was instrumental in securing the 3G License and Submarine Cable Landing rights, both of which helped establish MTN as Ghana’s market leader in data services.

At AirtelTigo, she provided executive leadership during one of Ghana’s most complex mergers, navigating regulatory landscapes, stakeholder management, and post-merger government relations.

She also supported the acquisition of its EMI License from the Bank of Ghana and served as a former Council Member of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, giving her deep insight into the Chamber’s mission and governance.

In addition to her executive roles, Owusu-Ankomah has served as a Board of Trustees Member of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) under the Ministry of Communications, where she contributed to strategies for digital inclusion and the expansion of connectivity to underserved communities.

She also served as a former Advisory Board Member of the Ghana Innovation Hub, supporting initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of Ghana’s digital economy.

Most recently, she served as Director of Corporate Relations at Guinness Ghana, where she led public policy advocacy, sustainability, strategic communications, and reputation management, achieving significant wins.

These included safeguarding their license to operate, driving local sourcing, and leading their business sustainability agenda in Ghana.

Commenting on her appointment, Stephen Blewett, Chair of the Governing Council and CEO of MTN Ghana, said: “Sylvia’s appointment represents an exciting new chapter for the Chamber. Her deep roots in the telecom sector, coupled with her proven ability to unite stakeholders and deliver tangible results, position her perfectly to lead the industry Chamber into its next phase of digital growth and innovation.”

Expressing her vision for the role, Sylvia stated: “I am humbled to lead the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Digital Chamber of Ghana at such a defining time for Ghana’s digital journey. My mandate is clear – strengthening collaboration across government, industry and consumers. Together with our members, we will advocate for policies that enable inclusive and sustainable industry growth, safeguard critical telecommunication infrastructure, empower innovation, and ensure Ghana remains at the forefront of Africa’s digital renaissance.”

She holds an MBA in Management from Coventry University (UK), a Public Policy Analysis certification from the London School of Economics, and a Leading Sustainable Corporations certification from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

SP/AE

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

The US Capitol dome is reflected in a puddle on the ground, on September 29, 2025

The federal government has officially shut down after a deadlocked Congress failed to pass a funding measure to keep the lights on – and no one inside the Capitol knows what will happen next.

A weekslong stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over enhanced Obamacare subsidies has turned into the first government shutdown since 2019. Leaders of both parties are privately and publicly adamant that they will not be blamed for the funding lapse. Republicans insist Democrats need to simply agree to extend current funding for another seven weeks. But Democrats refuse to do so without major concessions for lending their votes to pass any funding measure in the Senate.

Senators left the Capitol on Tuesday night in a state of deep uncertainty about how long the shutdown could last. The Senate is on track to vote again late Wednesday morning on the same GOP funding plan — which Republican leaders have vowed to put on the floor day after day until enough Democrats yield and agree to reopen the government. But many Democrats have declared publicly they will not relent, even as President Donald Trump and his budget office have ramped up threats to use the shutdown to further shrink the size of government — in some cases permanently.

“It’s going to be very harmful for working people,” a visibly exasperated GOP Sen. Josh Hawley told CNN moments after Democrats blocked the bill. “I don’t know how it ends. They don’t know how it ends,” he said. “You’re asking millions of people to pay a really high price.”

In the Democratic party, the pressure is now on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to keep more of his members from yielding to the GOP pressure campaign to support their seven-week funding bill and agree to negotiate later on the Obamacare subsidies. That task will become tougher with every day of a shutdown, particularly as Trump has threatened to cancel programs favored by Democrats. Inside the party, there’s growing concern about the damage that the White House budget office could cause across the country that can’t be easily reversed by Congress.

Asked if he’s concerned that the White House could do permanent damage to the government, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse told CNN: “Of course, who wouldn’t be? We have a madman in charge.”

He said Democrats now need to “make sure that Trump is held responsible for all of that, pays the price for it.”

Some cracks have begun to show: Two more members flipped their positions to back the GOP bill on Tuesday night in the final vote before a shutdown: Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Sen. Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with Democrats. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania also backed the GOP bill and has criticized his party’s strategy during the shutdown fight.

At least two other Democrats appeared to be seriously contemplating their vote on the floor Tuesday — which Republicans took as another sign of weakening in the Democratic party’s stance.

Senior Democrats had long conversations with Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, both of New Hampshire, on the floor before they ultimately voted with Schumer and the rest of their party. After Shaheen cast her vote, she went straight to Senate Republican Leader John Thune and spoke with him privately for several minutes.

Asked later about what appeared to be extensive lobbying ahead of her vote: Shaheen told reporters: “No, I was just having conversations with other people who are thinking long and hard about how we move forward.”

She added that she ultimately decided to vote against the bill to force Republicans into talks on ACA subsidies: “I thought getting this done so that we can now hopefully get back to the negotiating table was the best approach.”

The beefed up premium subsidies, which were first approved as part of a Biden administration Covid-19 rescue package in 2021 and later extended, make Obamacare coverage more affordable for lower-income Americans and enable more middle class households to qualify for assistance.

They spurred a record 24 million people to sign up for policies for 2025. If the enhanced subsidies are allowed to lapse at year’s end, premiums are expected to skyrocket by 75%, on average, for 2026, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group.

Meanwhile, GOP leaders insisted there are other Democrats who are anxious about a shutdown and want to find an off-ramp to the looming crisis.

“There are Democrats who are very unhappy,” Thune told reporters Tuesday night, adding that he is “having conversations” with some Democrats that he declined to name. “There are others out there I think who don’t want to shut down the government but are being put in a position by their leadership that ought to make all of them very uncomfortable. Tonight is evidence, there is some movement there.”

Schumer, however, was adamant that the American people would see Republicans as causing the shutdown — not his own party — because of the looming health care cliff: “At midnight, the American people will blame them for bringing the government to a halt.”

But asked by CNN whether he can guarantee that nine of his Democrats would not cross over and vote with Republicans, the New York Democrat did not answer.

“Our guarantee is to the American people. We’re going to fight as hard as we can for their health care, plain and simple,” Schumer said, when pressed about the GOP’s plan to put up the same funding plan again and again until enough Democrats yield.

Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii was hopeful but also doubtful pressure to cut a deal will build on Republicans from their own constituents who will face higher health care costs when their enhanced subsidies expire at the end of this year.

“Let’s hope that they come around to the fact that they’re hurting a lot of their own constituents by not negotiating on the health care issue,” she said. “But you never know, because they apparently don’t care.”

GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — who is seen as a potential dealmaker on any ACA subsidies deal — told reporters that she believes there still is room to negotiate on health care.

“I think we do have to talk about the impending cliff that we’re looking at with the premium tax credits. What that’s going to look like, I think, is absolutely a subject of discussion,” Murkowski said.

“I hope that people who are interested in seeing this shutdown come to a quick end are willing to talk about ways that we might be able to accomplish that,” Murkowski said.

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Some DStv subscribers in Ghana want government to ensure MultiChoice Africa delivers not only more channels but also better quality and accessibility, as the pay-TV provider rolls out new value upgrades.

Starting Wednesday, October 1, 2025, customers will enjoy significant improvements across all subscription packages, following a landmark agreement between the Government of Ghana and MultiChoice Africa.

Under the new arrangement, subscribers on the Paddy bouquet will be upgraded to Access, while Access subscribers will move to Family.

Family bouquet customers will be upgraded to Compact, Compact subscribers will move up to Compact Plus, and Compact Plus subscribers will now enjoy Premium.

Even Premium subscribers are included in the new package. They will automatically be entered into a draw for an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai. The initiative runs for three months, after which a stakeholder committee will review the packages.

In Accra, subscriber Haruna Mohammed stressed that more channels must come with stronger service delivery. “Lately, the channels you pay for keep showing no signal. I even called my DStv repairer to reset it, but still no signal. For me, the pricing is fine, but they must fix the signal issues,” he said.

Other subscribers expressed optimism that the new upgrades will make DStv more affordable. Prince Horlah noted, “Consumers have been demanding reductions. When new packages are introduced, they affect our pockets and daily lives. This move could ease that burden.”

Another subscriber, Shorts Dzumedo Quarshie, welcomed the opportunity to access higher packages at no extra cost.

“Previously, I wanted to move from Access to Family, but I couldn’t afford it. Now, I’ll be able to enjoy more channels while paying the same amount,” he said.

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, remains optimistic about the country’s World Cup qualification chances despite a recent points deduction imposed by FIFA.

The sanction was a result of the national men’s football team, Bafana Bafana, fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

The points deduction has reduced South Africa’s tally from 17 to 14, and the South African Football Association was also fined 9,000 Pounds Sterling. McKenzie described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and an embarrassment to the nation and the game of football.

However, McKenzie believes the deduction is “but a bump in the road” and is confident that Bafana Bafana can still qualify for the World Cup. “This deduction is but a bump in the road, and we believe that we remain firmly on track for qualification; our belief in the team’s ability to succeed is unshaken,” he said.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. “The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction. We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability,” McKenzie said.

In the meantime, McKenzie has urged South Africans to unite in support of Bafana Bafana. “For now, we urge all South Africans to unite in support of Bafana Bafana. Let us get behind our boys in these critical games. Together, we can and must carry them on our shoulders to the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026,” he said.

Photo of cedi and dollar notes

The Ghana cedi has crossed the GH¢12 mark on the interbank exchange market.

This is the first time since May 2025, following a period of consistent appreciation against the US dollar.

As of Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Bank of Ghana published rates indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢12.42 to the dollar, reflecting renewed pressure on the local currency amid persistent economic challenges and high demand for foreign exchange.

Despite headline inflation dropping marginally, the cedi continues to struggle on both the interbank and forex markets, depreciating steadily against the dollar.

The depreciation is expected to impact fuel prices at the pump in the upcoming pricing windows, increase the cost of living, and likely complicate the government’s quest to achieve single-digit inflation by the end of the year.

Here’s how the cedi is faring on the BoG interbank market as of 8:00 AM, October 1, 2025:

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢12.41, Selling at GH¢12.42

• Pound – Buying at GH¢16.69, Selling at GH¢16.71

• Euro – Buying at GH¢ 14.57, Selling at GH¢14.59

‘Debt is the new form of colonisation’ – Professor Bokpin

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

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢13.20, Selling at GH¢13.55

• Pound – Buying at GH¢17.50, Selling at GH¢18.50

• Euro – Buying at GH¢15.20, Selling at GH¢16.10

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

SA

An Associate Professor at the University of Ghana, Professor Alex Dodoo, has cautioned against the politicisation of education in the country arguing that the practice is inimical to national development.

He said educational policies must not be influenced by politics but realities of the nation and the fast changing technological world.

Prof. Dodoo, who is also the Director of the African Collaborating Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Surveillance, made the call in a speech read on his behalf at the 70th anniver­sary celebration of St. John’s Gram­mar Senior High School in Accra on Saturday.

The event, which brought together dignitaries, alumni, parents, staff and students, was marked by reflection on the school’s journey since its founding in 1954 and the need to consolidate gains for the next generation.

Prof. Dodoo called for a united, non-partisan approach to make the country a global powerhouse of pre-tertiary education, saying “If our nation is to move from poverty to prosperity, we need a non-partisan approach to education we need for the Ghana we want.”

“In these times, quality education must be redefined as the ability to “learn how to learn” in a knowl­edge-driven era where gadgets, tools and systems are constantly changing,” he noted.

Prof. Dodoo encouraged school and its alumni to honour its living heroes both locally and internationally.

He entreated institutions across the country to adopt global stan­dards such as International Standard Organisation certifications to improve efficiency, quality and accountability in education.

The Headmaster of St. John’s Grammar, Mr Sebastian Akali-Nya Adama, expressed gratitude to staff, alumni and parents for their support over the years, noting that the school had grown into a major academic institution with over 5,000 students and 265 staff.

He revealed steady improvement in the school’s academic performance, with the overall pass rate at the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) rising from 90 per cent in 2022 to 93 per cent in 2024.

Mr Adama said the school had also excelled in sports, arts and culture, emerging champions in athletics, soc­cer, handball, table tennis and national theatre competitions.

Despite these achievements, the Headmaster lamented challenges including inadequate teacher accom­modation, shortage of dormitory beds, lack of a dedicated assembly hall, and under-resourced science and ICT laboratories.

He appealed to government, alumni and stakeholders for broader support to address these pressing needs.

“Whilst we celebrate these gains, we must also acknowledge pressing chal­lenges, they remind us that the work of nation-building through education is never complete,” he stated.

 BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA

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

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has officially opened the 2025 Africa Internet Summit in Accra, an event that coincides with Ghana’s celebration of 30 years of Internet connectivity.

In his welcome address, the Minister reflected on Ghana’s pioneering step in 1995 to connect to the global Internet despite limited infrastructure, while also outlining the progress made over the past three decades. He pointed to milestones such as the establishment of the Ghana Internet Exchange in 2005, the arrival of multiple submarine cables, and the development of a vibrant ecosystem of mobile broadband, cloud data centres, and innovation hubs serving entrepreneurs, students, and businesses nationwide.

“The real success is not the cables, towers, or servers. It is the people – the young coders, network engineers, and entrepreneurs who are the heartbeat of Ghana’s digital revolution.”

– Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana

Hon. George acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly uneven access, high connectivity costs, inadequate digital literacy, and cyber vulnerabilities. He emphasized that addressing these issues was critical to achieving inclusive growth and protecting Africa’s digital sovereignty.

The Minister also commended the contributions of institutions such as the National Communications Authority (NCA), Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Ghana Domain Name Registry, National Information Technology Agency (NITA), and the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC) in expanding access and supporting Ghana’s digital transformation, especially in underserved areas.

Looking to the future, he highlighted five priority areas for Africa’s digital development:

• Connecting Africa to itself to reduce reliance on external routing;
• Transitioning from consumers to creators of technology;
• Retaining digital value within Africa through open-source and AI frameworks;
• Powering the Internet with reliable, renewable energy; and
• Maintaining openness to innovation while ensuring fair competition and consumer protection.

He linked these ambitions to the government’s 24-Hour Economy agenda, which seeks to create jobs and improve service delivery through continuous access to digital platforms.

“Digital government services will allow citizens to register businesses, file taxes, and renew licences at any hour. E-commerce will enable farmers in remote towns to sell produce globally. Telemedicine and online education will flourish, supported by strong cybersecurity. Let us turn connectivity into capability, and capability into opportunity. Together, we can ensure that the Internet remains a powerful engine of jobs, innovation, and prosperity for the entire African continent.”

– Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana

Margaret Ansei, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Enterprises Agency

Margaret Ansei, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), has called for increased investment in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the continent as a strategic pathway to unlock the vast potential of intra-African trade and tourism.

Speaking at the Ghana International Expo and Investment Forum 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, she said the theme for this year’s event, “Unlocking Investment Potentials through Intra-Africa Trade and Tourism,” reflects an urgent call for action and collaboration to reposition African economies for sustainable growth.

“MSMEs are not merely businesses; they are lifelines that represent the heartbeat of our economy, employing over 80 percent of our population and contributing significantly to our GDP.”

She noted that while MSMEs remain critical to Ghana and Africa’s economic fabric, they continue to face systemic barriers, including limited access to finance, fragmented markets, and insufficient visibility.

“The GEA, through various interventions, aims to eliminate these barriers and empower entrepreneurs, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities”, she added.

Ansei said with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra, it had the transformative potential to integrate Africa’s economies, boost intra-African trade by over 50 percent and provide Ghanaian businesses access to a market of over 1.4 billion people.

“AfCFTA is not just about treaties or figures. It’s about people. It’s about stories like that of Beauty Secrets by Nard, a woman-led MSME now exporting organic products across borders,” she said.

Ansei also highlighted the untapped power of tourism as a catalyst for commerce, culture, and investment, saying the “December in Ghana” initiative significantly boosted income for small-scale artisans, tour operators and hospitality providers, showcasing the sector’s multiplier effect.

She said tourism, when strategically linked with trade, offers enormous potential to scale MSMEs beyond local borders and deepen regional value chains.

Ansei noted that the heart of the GEA’s efforts is the BizBox Project, a flagship initiative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which seeks to create 250,000 dignified jobs, with a focus on women, young girls, and persons with disabilities.

“Through BizBox, we are not only providing skills and access to markets but also opening doors for regional trade and cross-border opportunities,” she said.

Ansei said there were three pillars critical to unlocking Africa’s trade and tourism investment potential, including partnerships, market access and inclusive growth.

She reiterated that Africa was not a continent of scarcity but of coordination challenges, saying with deliberate efforts, MSMEs could become engines of job creation, innovation, and wealth across the continent.

She urged stakeholders to rally around the vision of a prosperous Africa powered by empowered entrepreneurs, integrated markets, and vibrant tourism.

“Together, through trade and tourism, supported by vibrant MSMEs, we can transform our economies, reduce poverty, and inspire the next generation with hope and opportunity,” she said.

The GIEIF 2025 brought together policymakers, investors, business leaders, and development partners from across the continent and beyond to explore opportunities for economic collaboration under the AfCFTA framework.

There was also an Exhibition of Made in Ghana products and services, including shea butter Kente cloths, local fabrics with exhibitors sponsored by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the GEA.

 WATERAid Ghana has launched a project dubbed: ‘Clean Ghana,’ under the IGNITE programme to improve and sustain healthy behaviours in health facilities and communities in the Jirapa District of the Upper West Region.

The campaign targets 510 health staff from doctors, nurses and cleaners to security personnel to ensure that health care facilities become a model of excellence in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Practices.

Participants were drawn from across key stakeholders like health sector players to community folks including traditional authorities.

Unveiling the campaign, the Director of Programmes at WaterAid, Mohammed Ibrahim Adokor, stated that the Campaign, under the ignite project is a shared purpose and a common goal at the heart of human dignity.

“When health centres are clean and safe, they become places of healing and trust, especially preg­nant women and new borns,” he declared.

He underscored that WaterAid has the vision and commitment to the health of mothers and the future of their children, and the resilience of the community where everyone everywhere has sustain­able water.

He indicated that the foundation of their vision was built on hygiene and guided by the provision of sustainable WASH which is evident in a healthier municipality through the provision of improved Water Systems at facilities such as Sabuli, Ullo and Gbare Health Care Centres.

The Programme Director clarified that the campaign would directly engage fathers, mothers, caregivers, children under five, lactating mothers and young ado­lescent girls.

He added that the campaign was expected to reach 1,000 house­holds and a population of over 100,000 lives including children who will be impacted through the prevention of malnutrition and diseases.

The Jirapa Municipal Health Director, Florence Angsomwine, indicated that the level of water borne diseases such as diarrhea that were recorded at health care facilities which were preventable and urged all to drink clean and live clean.

She observed that the chunk of disease incidence is malnutri­tion and called for more effort to eliminate it through the constant practice of hygiene such as wash­ing hands with soap and water.

The Municipal Health Direc­tor commended WaterAid for choosing Jirapa through what she described as their sustained part­nership to implement the project and also build the capacities of health workers.

 FROM NAZIRU ALHASSAN, JIRAPA-DUORI

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

Myjoyonline.com brings you the front pages of the various newspapers across the country.

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.

Featured

Graphic Online

Business News

Oct – 01 – 2025 , 07:05

The visit is part of the MCE’s vision to strengthen public–private partnerships

William Kofi Adzowu, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi East, has paid a working visit to selected business establishments in the municipality to assess their operations and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The visit is part of the MCE’s vision to strengthen public–private partnerships, and aimed at stimulating the local economy, creating jobs, and addressing the challenges facing businesses.

Accompanied by the Municipal Coordinating Director, Richard Blevi, and other Assembly officials, the MCE toured Aduroye Herbal Limited and KESMENS Enterprise, two key players in the municipality’s industrial sector.

He discussed challenges related to the supply of raw materials and assured the businesses of the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening linkages between them and suppliers of raw materials.

The MCE also underscored the Assembly’s commitment to promoting sustainable value addition.

“My administration is committed to supporting businesses that not only generate revenue but also create employment and prioritise environmental sustainability,” he stated.

He further assured that local businesses would be positioned to benefit from the government’s 24-hour economy policy, which is expected to create more jobs and expand opportunities.

Adzowu noted that the exercise was more about listening to business operators than merely inspecting.

“We have gained crucial insights directly from the business owners. The Municipal Assembly will now work diligently to create a more enabling environment for businesses to thrive, because that is the foundation for job creation and development in our municipality,” he stressed.

The MCE assured the businesses that concerns raised, particularly regarding regulatory processes, road networks, and access to funding would receive urgent attention from the Assembly.

Amo Collins, Chief Executive Officer of Aduroye Herbal Limited, expressed appreciation to the MCE for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the companies.

The acting Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, has revealed that commercial water losses — driven by illegal connections, meter bypassing, billing inaccuracies and non-payment —  are severely impacting its revenue and operational sustainability. 

He said these losses hindered the company’s ability to maintain infrastructure, expand access and meet rising operational costs, including electricity, chemicals and wages.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement workshop on addressing commercial water losses in the delivery of urban water supply in Accra yesterday, Mr Mutawakilu stated that since February 2025, the company had faced a challenging financial landscape and initiated revenue enhancement efforts, mapping loss hotspots and strengthening enforcement strategies.

He emphasised that Ghana Water could not combat the crisis alone, calling for multi-stakeholder collaboration, including regulators, law enforcement, MMDCs, media and customers.

“On the challenge of commercial water losses, ladies and gentlemen, the issue of commercial water losses is one of the pressing challenges facing Ghana Water Limited today.

These losses, driven by illegal connections, meter bypassing, inaccurate billing and non-payment for water consumed, significantly impact our revenue. 

“This not only threatens our financial sustainability, but also hampers our ability to expand water infrastructure to underserved communities,” he said.

He pledged the company’s commitment to implement workshop recommendations, enhance accountability, and integrate anti-water theft measures into its framework. 

Workshop

The workshop, sponsored by the World Bank, is meant to promote transparency and accountability for sustainable urban water service delivery and also improve water access.

It was to share the fieldwork results, foster stakeholder collaboration, address illegal framework, as well as leverage the media platforms to raise public awareness and expose water theft to promote transparency.

The event featured presentations on water use analytics and findings on commercial water losses, along with stakeholder remarks, a panel discussion and breakout sessions focused on strategy development to address water losses.

It also brought together representatives from the World Bank, government institutions, security services, MMDAs and Assembly members, customers, the media, as well as management and staff of GWL.

The Marketing Manager at GWL, Christopher Bofa, presented findings from ongoing field investigations into commercial water losses, which began on August 11 this year, and had so far covered parts of Accra West, Accra East, and Tema.

In the presentation titled “Field Work Findings on Commercial Water Losses,” he stressed that the investigative team had to conduct labour-intensive fieldwork, including digging, to trace and expose the unauthorised connections.

The findings highlighted serious revenue losses and underscored the need for stronger enforcement and internal accountability within GWL.

“The meter is installed, but an alternative pipeline is laid that connects directly to a storage tank — bypassing the meter entirely.

This means water flows into the tank without being recorded, and in many cases, these are large tanks, with multiple units observed on site,” he explained.

“In the case of illegal connections, these are individuals who access water without ever being registered in our system.

They have found unauthorised ways to connect to the network and use water, yet they are not recognised as customers, so we cannot bill them at all,” he said.

Action

Task Leader for the GAMA Water and Sanitation Project at the World Bank, Harold Esseku, said the event was not just a “talk shop” but a platform for real action.

He praised ongoing efforts, especially the use of the GIS system to improve operations, and said the sector’s steady progress compared to 15 years ago.

Mr Esseku highlighted how each past initiative, such as the High Impact Improvement Programme (2013–2015), had built upon previous efforts, creating a continuous improvement cycle.

Representatives from the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA), the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the police applauded GWL for its growing success in community engagement.

MTN Ghana is pushing for a tiered revenue-sharing model that would give gaming start-ups a larger cut of earnings, arguing that treating emerging developers the same as established companies stifles growth before it begins.

Speaking at the MTN DigiFest 2025 Gaming Focus Group and Closing Session held at the company’s head office, Yaw Antwi Boadu, Manager for Video and Gaming at MTN, outlined an approach designed to balance fair monetization with industry development and player experience.

The proposal challenges conventional platform economics, where distributors typically apply uniform revenue splits regardless of developer size or maturity. Boadu’s argument is straightforward: when start-ups are already working with small revenue bases, taking a standard platform cut can make survival impossible.

“For start-ups, the revenue is already small. If you give them an even smaller percentage, you cripple them at the very beginning,” Boadu explained. His proposed solution involves differentiated treatment, with emerging developers receiving a higher percentage share while larger companies with established revenue streams and advanced technologies face different terms.

It’s a recognition that one-size-fits-all approaches don’t work when trying to nurture an ecosystem. Established gaming companies can absorb platform fees because they operate at scale—their large user bases generate sufficient volume that revenue splits still leave meaningful income. Start-ups lack that cushion, meaning every percentage point of the revenue share determines whether they can afford to keep developing.

Beyond revenue mechanics, MTN is leveraging what might be its most valuable asset for developers: access to millions of potential players. With over 18 million active subscribers, the telecommunications giant’s digital platforms—including the MyMTN app—offer visibility that most start-ups couldn’t achieve through their own marketing efforts.

“Imagine publishing your game on MTN’s platform and instantly gaining millions of potential users discovering it,” Boadu said, positioning the company as a distribution channel that could transform local developers’ reach overnight. For context, Ghana’s entire population sits around 33 million, meaning MTN’s subscriber base represents more than half the country’s potential gaming market.

That distribution power matters particularly for mobile gaming, which dominates Africa’s gaming landscape given limited console and PC penetration outside major cities. Mobile phones serve as the primary gaming platform for most Ghanaians, making carrier relationships strategically important for developers trying to reach mass audiences.

But Boadu also warned against letting monetization strategies undermine the core product. While in-app purchases and premium models drive revenue, he stressed that developers must maintain balance or risk alienating the players who determine whether games succeed or fail.

“There’s a thin line between revenue and the gaming experience. If you prioritize money too much, you disrupt the fun,” he cautioned, urging developers to keep player experience paramount while building sustainable revenue streams. It’s advice grounded in the reality that aggressive monetization—whether through excessive ads, paywalls, or predatory mechanics—can kill user engagement faster than any technical flaw.

The gaming manager pushed developers toward more diversified revenue thinking, arguing that relying exclusively on in-game payments leaves businesses vulnerable to market shifts or player preference changes. Sustainable success, he suggested, requires exploring multiple revenue sources beyond the game itself.

“Developers and publishers must look at all aspects of revenue generation—not just the game itself. That’s how you stay resilient,” Boadu added, implicitly referencing opportunities like merchandising, licensing, competitive gaming, and content creation that successful gaming franchises exploit.

Boadu also expressed interest in Ghana’s emerging eSports ecosystem and gaming academies, which he described as critical infrastructure for developing the next generation of gaming talent. When someone mentioned an eSports gaming academy during discussions, his response indicated MTN might see partnership opportunities in that space.

“I noticed the mention of an eSports gaming academy—if that’s your initiative, then I’d like to know more. Are they partners or sponsors? Because these are the kinds of platforms that will shape the future of gaming in Ghana,” he remarked, signaling that MTN’s gaming ambitions extend beyond simple distribution into broader ecosystem development.

The interest makes strategic sense. ESports represents one of the fastest-growing segments in global gaming, and Africa remains relatively underdeveloped in competitive gaming infrastructure despite having substantial player populations. Companies that help build that infrastructure early could benefit from first-mover advantages as the market matures.

DigiFest 2025 features gaming stations, demonstrations of the MyMTN app, and various engagement activities as part of MTN’s broader push to position itself as a technology enabler rather than just a telecommunications operator. Gaming represents one element of that transformation, alongside artificial intelligence initiatives and digital service expansion.

For Ghana’s gaming industry, MTN’s proposed approach represents a potentially significant shift. Local developers have historically struggled with distribution and monetization challenges, often lacking the resources to reach audiences beyond immediate networks or compete with international titles that dominate app stores.

If MTN follows through on its pledges—offering favorable revenue shares, distribution access, and ecosystem support—it could lower barriers that have prevented many talented Ghanaian developers from turning creative ideas into sustainable businesses. The question is whether the proposed model delivers meaningful support or simply creates the appearance of partnership while maintaining platform control.

As the DigiFest gaming sessions concluded, Boadu emphasized the need for stronger partnerships across the industry’s various players. His vision positions MTN as a facilitating platform that helps local gaming develop on terms that don’t favor established players at emerging developers’ expense.

“Start-ups must be empowered, players must enjoy their games, and revenue models must sustain the industry. That’s the only way forward,” he concluded, articulating a vision where commercial interests align with ecosystem health rather than operating in tension.

Whether MTN implements this vision in practice remains to be seen. Platform pledges don’t always translate into favorable contract terms, and developers will ultimately judge the company by what it delivers rather than what it promises. But at minimum, the gaming manager’s comments signal recognition that Ghana’s gaming industry needs support structures different from what serves mature markets.

For Ghanaian developers watching these discussions, the opportunity is clear: a major telecommunications company is expressing willingness to adjust its business model to support local gaming growth. Whether that translates into meaningful partnerships or just another platform extracting value will become apparent when contracts get signed and revenue starts flowing.

Ghana’s credit market is showing signs of fatigue in 2025, marking a sharp slowdown from the borrowing surge that characterised 2024.

Fresh data from the Bank of Ghana’s July 2025 Monetary Policy Report paints a picture of cautious households, businesses pulling back, and government tightening its belt—all of which have implications for banks, investors, and the broader economy.

Credit Growth Slows Dramatically

Gross loans and advances in the banking sector grew by just 6.1% to GH¢89.7 billion in the first half of 2025. This is less than half the 15.6% growth seen in the same period of 2024.

Lending to individuals and private businesses—long considered the lifeblood of credit expansion—slowed to 9.2% (GH¢85.3 billion) by June 2025, compared with 17.7% growth a year earlier.

The steepest decline came from the public sector, where credit contracted by 31.3% to GH¢4.4 billion, a much deeper pullback than the 5.0% contraction recorded in June 2024.

This contraction underscores government’s restrained fiscal position, likely influenced by Ghana’s IMF-supported programme and a need to reduce debt build-up.

Where the Credit Is Flowing?

Despite the slowdown, certain sectors continue to attract credit at scale:
•Services sector: 37.2% of total credit (up from 32.8% in June 2024)
•Commerce and finance: 24.4% (up from 23.6%)
•Manufacturing: 10.6% (nearly flat from 10.7%)

Together, these three sectors absorbed 72.3% of total loans by June 2025, compared with 67.2% in June 2024.

On the other end of the spectrum, mining and quarrying was the least financed, accounting for just 2.8% of loans, down from 3.3% in 2024—despite its role in foreign exchange earnings.

The Contrast With 2024’s Borrowing Boom

This cooling trend contrasts sharply with 2024, when Ghanaian borrowers nearly doubled their appetite for loans despite high interest rates.

Private sector and household borrowing surged by 26.3% to GH¢89.1 billion, while gross loans and advances across public, private, and household segments jumped 24.1% to GH¢95.5 billion.

Even with interest rates hovering around 30%, businesses and individuals were aggressively tapping into credit, signaling confidence in recovery and expansion. By 2025, that momentum appears to have waned.

Why the Shift?

Several factors explain the sharp reversal:
1.High borrowing costs: Elevated interest rates continue to weigh on demand, with average lending rates currently (September, 2025) at 21 percent.

2.Cautious private sector: Businesses may be scaling back investment in the face of weaker demand, and tighter operating margins as well as exchange rate uncertainty. At the start of 2025, the cedi traded at around GH¢14.80 to the dollar. By May, it had strengthened to about GH¢10.20, after hitting a high of GH¢15.00 in February. However, the currency has since slipped back, now trading at around GH¢13.50 to the dollar.

3.Government restraint: The drastic contraction in public sector credit reflects fiscal consolidation efforts under the IMF programme.

4.Bank caution: Lenders may be rebalancing portfolios after 2024’s aggressive expansion, prioritizing asset quality over rapid growth.

What It Means for Business Leaders

•Corporate strategy: The dip in borrowing suggests subdued investment appetite. Business leaders may need to reassess expansion timelines or explore alternative financing options such as equity or partnerships.

•Banking sector outlook: With demand for loans easing, banks could face revenue pressures, particularly if lending remains concentrated in just three sectors. They may need to innovate products or broaden their risk appetite.

•Policy direction: The data underscores the challenge for government—balancing fiscal restraint with the need to stimulate private sector growth.

Policymakers may need to consider targeted interventions to unlock credit for productive sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and SMEs.

The Bottom Line

Ghana’s credit market in 2025 is less about aggressive borrowing and more about selective financing. While services and commerce remain robust, the broader slowdown raises questions about economic momentum, investment confidence, and the long-term sustainability of growth.

For executives, investors, and policymakers, the numbers signal a period of caution, recalibration, and strategic financing choices.
–

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and the Digital Chamber of Ghana (DCG) have announced the appointment of Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah as their new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025.

With close to two decades of progressive leadership experience spanning Ghana’s telecommunications,
digital, and Fast Moving Consumer Goods sectors, Sylvia combines deep industry knowledge with a proven ability to build partnerships and deliver results, which she brings on board in her new roles.

Her inspiring career spans high-impact positions at leading multinational organisations, including MTN Ghana, Tigo (Millicom Ghana), AirtelTigo (AT Ghana), and Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC (Diageo/Castel Group).

Throughout her telecoms career, Sylvia has been at the forefront of transformational projects shaping
Ghana’s telecom and digital landscape. She played a pivotal role in securing regulatory approvals for
Ghana’s first landmark telecom merger, spearheaded high-stakes public policy advocacy, and
championed initiatives that expanded connectivity, enhanced regulatory compliance, and strengthened
industry-government relations.

At MTN Ghana, she played a pivotal role in securing the 3G License and Submarine Cable Landing rights, both of which significantly contributed to establishing MTN as Ghana’s market leader in data services.

At AirtelTigo, Sylvia provided executive leadership during one of Ghana’s most complex mergers,
navigating regulatory landscapes, stakeholder management, and post-merger government relations. She
also supported the acquisition of its EMI License from the Bank of Ghana and served as a former Council
Member of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, giving her deep insight into the Chamber’s
mission and governance.

In addition to her executive roles, Sylvia has served as Board of Trustee Member of the Ghana Investment
Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) under the Ministry of Communications, where she
contributed to strategies for digital inclusion and the expansion of connectivity to underserved
communities. Sylvia also served as a Former Advisory Board Member of the Ghana Innovation Hub,
supporting initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of Ghana’s digital
economy.

Most recently, Sylvia served as Director of Corporate Relations at Guinness Ghana, where she led public
policy advocacy, sustainability, strategic communications and reputation management, achieving
significant wins. These included safeguarding their license to operate, driving local sourcing, and leading
their business sustainability agenda in Ghana.

Commenting on her appointment, Stephen Blewett, Chair of the Governing Council and CEO of MTN
Ghana, said: “Sylvia’s appointment represents an exciting new chapter for the Chamber. Her deep roots in the telecom sector, coupled with her proven ability to unite stakeholders and deliver tangible results, position her perfectly to lead the industry Chamber into its next phase of digital growth and innovation.”
Today’s announcement follows the successful conclusion of Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey’s tenure on June,
2025, after nearly eight years of service. The Council expresses its gratitude for his leadership and contributions, which helped establish strong advocacy platforms for the sector and laid the groundwork
for the Digital Chamber.
Expressing her vision for the role, Sylvia stated: “I am humbled to lead the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Digital Chamber of Ghana at such a defining time for Ghana’s digital journey. My mandate is clear – strengthening collaboration across government, industry and consumers. Together with our members, we will advocate for policies that enable inclusive and sustainable industry growth, safeguard critical telecommunication infrastructure, empower innovation, and ensure Ghana remains at the forefront of Africa’s digital renaissance.”

Sylvia holds an MBA in Management from Coventry University (UK), a Public Policy Analysis
certification from the London School of Economics, and a Leading Sustainable Corporations certification
from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah’s appointment underscores the two Chambers’ commitment to visionary
leadership that serves industry, government, and Ghanaians as a whole.

The two Chambers wished her great success and committed to support her every step of the way.

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.