The 2024/25 Ghana Swim League made a splash at its third meet last Saturday, as the National Aquatics Centre in Borteyman, Accra, played host to a thrilling display of talent, determination and youthful ambition.

With young swimmers vying for crucial ranking points across multiple age categories, the event marked another milestone in the league’s mission to elevate competitive swimming in Ghana.

Launched in October 2022, the Ghana Swim League has quickly become a cornerstone of competitive swimming in the country, offering a platform for athletes in divisions ranging from eight and under to 18 and above, in both male and female categories.

Over the course of six meets, swimmers competed in 15 individual events, pushing their limits to gain points and secure qualification for the grand finale.

Each year, the league ranks swimmers based on their performance across the season, with the top eight in each age group earning a coveted spot in the Meet of Champions, where medals and glory await.

The league also offers bragging rights to the club with the most medals, solidifying their reputation as the best in Ghana.

The league’s rapid growth is a testament to its success. What began with just seven clubs and 150 swimmers in its maiden season has now expanded to over 450 athletes and 15 teams, including powerhouses such as defending champions Dolphin Swim Centre (Takoradi), inaugural winners Marlins Swim Team, and emerging contenders such as African Sharks, ARIS Eagles and Tema Seals.

Clubs from Greater Accra, Ashanti and the Western Region are all in the mix, showcasing the sport’s widening appeal across the country.

Transformative competition

The Co-Founder and Board Member of the league, Ralph Quaye, emphasised the competition’s mission to revolutionise swimming in Ghana.

“Our aim is to create regular, structured competitions for swimmers of all ages and skill levels,” he told the Graphic Sports.

“By implementing time standards and professional officiating, we’re raising the bar for competitive swimming in the country,” he said,

He also highlighted the league’s ambitious plans for expansion. “We want to involve more regions and clubs, introduce high-performance training opportunities, and strengthen partnerships with sponsors and media to increase visibility and funding for the sport,” he said.

The success of the league has been nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings in its first season with just seven clubs and 150 swimmers, the league has seen explosive growth, now boasting over 450 athletes and 15 competing teams in its third season.

These teams include clubs from the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Western regions, such as African Sharks, ARIS Eagles, Al Raad Swim Club, Blue Whales, defending champions Dolphin Swim Centre, Ghana Bluefins, GhDolphins, Legon Swim Club, Lincoln Community School, Marlins Swim Team, MultiKids Inclusive Academy, Torpedo Swim Club, Tema Seals, Monarch Swim Academy, and Ghana Aquatic Masters.

The league’s impact is already evident. The introduction of an automated timing system—a first for Ghanaian swimming—has not only improved the accuracy and professionalism of competitions but also attracted more female participants, as well as heightened media coverage of the sport.

Notably, several of the league’s standout swimmers have gone on to represent Ghana on the international stage, competing at events such as the African Games, African Championships, and even the Olympics.

Notable athletes include US-based Harry Stacey, Oduma Agyei, Michael Crabbe-Mann, Ivan Snowden, Naima Kankam, Theodore Asampong Jr., Mercedes Abdallah and Kelvin Abdallah.

The league’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The President of the Ghana Swimming Association, Delphina Quaye, praised the league’s contribution to the sport’s growth.

“Since the Ghana Swim League’s launch, we’ve witnessed tremendous growth in participation and recognition for swimming in Ghana,” she told Graphic Sports.

“The league’s success has led Channel One TV to commit to annually hosting a swimming championship, bringing even more attention to this rapidly evolving sport.”

Mrs Quaye also highlighted the positive effect the league had had on local swimmers: “The introduction of the Ghana Swim League has significantly raised the standard of swimming in Ghana, with many swimmers now qualifying to represent the country on the international stage.”

By Mildred Siabi-Mensah

Takoradi, Feb. 3, GNA – The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in collaboration with the Duapa Werkspace, has organized an evaluation exercise on tax policies and incentives for people in climate related businesses.

The meeting was aimed at assessing tax policies and incentives for climate-smart businesses and how best such emerging enterprises could take advantage of the tax regime and become more compliant.

Mr Erasmus Mensah-Ackon, the CEO of Duapa, a business Incubation Centre said the initiative was also to allow for sustainable enterprises to share insights on the challenges and opportunities within Ghana’s tax framework.

The engagement brought together businesses focused on environmental sustainability, allowing them to contribute valuable feedback that would help refine existing tax policies and guide the development of new incentives to promote green entrepreneurship.

“This event marks a significant step towards fostering a business-friendly environment for climate-conscious enterprises in Ghana.”

He was therefore grateful to all participating businesses for their contributions to the impactful dialogue.

GNA

International Monetary Fund

Starting the new year with less debt relieves economic constraints and gives governments more leeway to address critical national concerns.

Avoiding significant IMF debt has helped these nations reduce economic risks, promote sustainable development, and maintain national sovereignty.

By avoiding severe lending conditions, they can better deploy resources to important areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare.

Additionally, African countries with minimal debt avoid the difficulties of austerity policies that sometimes accompany big IMF loans, unlike those with heavy debt.

These policies, which usually consist of tax hikes, expenditure cuts, or the elimination of subsidies, may stabilize economies temporarily but frequently impede long-term growth and progress.

These low-debt nations’ capacity to prioritize investments that promote sustainable development and poverty alleviation is another indication of their economic resilience.

This strategy creates the groundwork for more extensive economic prospects and promotes a positive growth cycle.

“Africa’s external debt has grown substantially during the last decade, reaching a record level of $656 billion in 2022,” according to the Unpacking Africa’s Debt report by the UN states.

Despite this, many African countries have managed to keep their lending low, relying almost solely on domestic economic solutions.

With that said, here are the 10 African countries with the highest debt to the IMF as of 20th, January 2025.

Burundi has less debt to the IMF than Seychelles for this month, putting it in tenth place ahead of Seychelles, which ranked 10th last month.

President John Dramani Mahama appears to have completed his nominations for central and local government ministerial positions, except for the deputy ministerial positions that have not been announced yet.

So far, he has named nominees to head the 23 central government ministries he will operate, as well as the 16 regional ministries, in addition to the three (3) Ministers of State positions he created.

A careful look at the nominees, some of whom have been vetted and approved by Parliament, points to President Mahama sticking to loyalty and experience.

Eighteen (18) out of Mahama’s 26 central government ministerial appointees, representing 67% of the appointments, served in his first term, with only eight being ‘newcomers’.

Ten out of the 18 who served in Mahama’s previous government received promotions – from deputy ministerial positions, plus one municipal chief executive position to a full ministerial positions.

The remaining eight (8) served in different ministerial portfolios in Mahama’s first term.

Below is a breakdown of Mahama’s ministerial appointments:

The Promotions:

1. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who has been appointed as Minister of Finance, was a Deputy Minister of Finance during Mahama’s first term.

2. John Jinapor

Minister of Energy and Green Transition John Jinapor has gone a rank up from the deputy energy minister position he occupied during Mahama’s first term.

3. Dr. Dominic Ayine

Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, also received a promotion, having served as a Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice in Mahama’s first government.

4. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who deputised for Minister of Education, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang during the president’s first term, is now the Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, awaiting approval by Parliament.

5. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed

Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who was Mahama’s Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, is now the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology-designate.

6. Adjel Kenneth Gilbert

Former Deputy Minister of Defence, Adjel Kenneth Gilbert, is now the Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

7. Abla Dzifa Gomashie

Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who was the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, is now the substantive minister for the sector.

8. Emelia Arthur

Emelia Arthur, a former Deputy Western Regional Minister under Mahama, is now Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

9. Felix Kwakye Ofosu

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a former Deputy Minister of Information, is now Mahama’s Minister of State, Government Communication-designate.

10. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum

The Minister of State in charge of Special Initiatives-designate, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, was the Deputy Minister of Local Government during Mahama’s first term.

11. George Opare Addo

The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, was a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly.

Appointments from Experience:

1. Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka

Minister of Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, is a former Minister of Youth and Sports.

2. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah

Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, was Minister of Communications during Mahama’s first term.

3. Haruna Iddrisu

Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, was President Mahama’s Minister of Trade and Industry during his first term.

4. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

Former Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, is now the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.

5. Abdul-Rashid H. Pelpuo

Former Minister of Youth and Sport, Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has been nominated by Mahama as Minister of Labour, Jobs-designate

6. Eric Opoku

Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, was Ashanti Regional Minister and subsequently the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister during Mahama’s first term.

7. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, who was the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts during Mahama’s first term, has been appointed Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.

Newcomers:

Minister of Health: Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

Minister of Roads and Highways: Kwame Governs Agbodza

Minister of Transport: Joseph Bukari Nikpe

Minister of Sports and Recreation: Kofi Iddie Adams

Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs: Ahmed Ibrahim

Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations: Samuel Nartey George

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection: Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey

Minister of State, Climate Change and Sustainability: Issifu Seidu

BAI/AE

You can also watch videos from the Minority after chaos erupted during Mintah Akandoh’s vetting

Kwame Mensah, a small business owner in Sunyani in the Bono Region, had worked tirelessly for years to build his enterprise. His business depended heavily on mobile money transactions, as most customers found it convenient to pay through their mobile wallets.

In May 2023, Kwame received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a customer service agent from his mobile network provider. The caller spoke confidently, explaining that there had been an issue with Kwame’s mobile money account and that immediate verification was needed to prevent it from being blocked. The so-called agent requested his mobile money PIN to rectify the issue.

Caught off guard and eager to ensure his business operations were not disrupted, Kwame hesitated but eventually provided the details. Within minutes, he received notifications of withdrawals from his account. Panic set in as he realised what had happened. He dialled the network’s customer care number, but it was too late, his entire working capital had vanished.

“I received a call from an unfamiliar number claiming to be from MTN. The caller said there was an issue with my MoMo account and offered to assist me. Before I realised it, I had fallen victim to a scam, and my account was completely emptied.”

For Miss Bernice Opoku, a nurse in Abesim, her attempt to redeem a prize after receiving a text message informing her of winning a substantial cash prize in a promotional lottery was the beginning of her woes. The message appeared legitimate, complete with official-looking branding and a customer service number to call for verification. However, unbeknownst to her, it was just another scam. She fell for it, and her wallet was emptied in an attempt to redeem the prize.

As fraudsters continue to exploit unsuspecting victims through social engineering tactics, taking advantage of their trust and lack of awareness about such schemes, the unfortunate experiences of both victims and several others highlight the growing menace of digital fraud in Ghana.

Surge in digital fraud

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has categorised MoMo fraud into various types, including mobile network operator fraud, fake promotions, scam messages, fraudulent transaction reversals, and fortuitous scams.

The rise in digital fraud continues to pose significant risks to banks, customers, and the government’s push for cashless transactions and financial inclusion. Kwame Oppong, Director of Fintech and Innovation, attributes the rise in digital fraud cases to new tactics adopted by fraudsters to deceive both vendors and users of mobile money platforms.

According to Dr Kwasi Osei-Yeboah, Head of the Financial Stability Department at the Bank of Ghana, digital fraud led to a total loss of GH¢20.8 million in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for stronger security measures and public awareness initiatives.

“In 2023, banks reported 15 SIM swap cases with a total loss value of GH¢4.8 million; and at the same reference period, PSPs recorded 14,655 SIM swap-related frauds with a total loss value of GH¢16 million,” he revealed.

The need for advanced security

The remarkable growth in digital transactions continues to be a game-changer in the country’s financial landscape, highlighting the increasing adoption of digital financial services.

This sharp rise in transaction volumes can be attributed to several factors, including the growing penetration of mobile technology, improved financial literacy, and the increasing trust in digital payment systems.

Dr Osei-Yeboah acknowledges the strides made in transitioning banking services online, with up to 80 percent of banking products now accessible through digital platforms. However, amid these advancements, concerns are often raised over the alarming increase in fraudulent activities targeting digital financial services.

This surge not only reflects a shift in consumer behaviour toward cashless transactions but also presents an immense opportunity to further enhance financial inclusion, particularly for the unbanked and under-banked populations.

According to data from the Bank of Ghana, the total value of mobile money transactions for 2024 reached a historic high of GH¢3.0192 trillion, representing an impressive year-on-year growth of approximately 57.90%.

Additionally, regulatory policies that promote fintech innovations, coupled with strategic collaborations between banks, telecom operators, and financial service providers, have played a crucial role in this sustained growth.

Bolstering security measures

As the sector continues to evolve, ensuring robust regulatory frameworks, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and customer protection policies will be key to maintaining trust and sustaining this remarkable growth in Ghana’s digital financial ecosystem.

Dr Osei-Yeboah recommends a more comprehensive approach among stakeholders to confront this growing threat head-on by implementing robust layered authentication and verification procedures and fostering collaboration between financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies.

“We want to use this opportunity to encourage financial institutions to bolster the security arrangements around their digital products by implementing layered authentication and verification procedures, including multi-factor authentication, as well as employing encryption technologies to protect data during transactions,” he said.

He also highlights the significance of public education and awareness as essential components in the fight against fraud, emphasising that an informed public is the first line of defence against deceptive schemes.

For Dr Ken Ashibey, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, robust regulatory frameworks that ensure accountability and protect consumers in financial transactions are critical.

He further calls for the implementation of stringent policies and oversight mechanisms to deter fraudulent activities and enhance trust in the system.

This report is produced by Frank Addo Aboagye under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.

Accra, Feb. 3, GNA – The Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration, and Development (GEC) has successfully concluded its transformative Sprinter Project with a handover ceremony for beneficiaries. 

The closing event marked the end of the short-term skills training initiative, which empowered 85 young Ghanaians with practical vocational skills in pastry making, fashion upscaling, and organic cosmetic production. 

In 14 days of intensive training across three locations in the Eastern, Volta and the Greater Accra Regions, beneficiaries acquired hands-on knowledge and received comprehensive start-up kits to immediately launch their entrepreneurial ventures.  

The project prioritized returned migrants, persons in vulnerable situations, including single mothers and persons living with disabilities, creating a pathway for them to gain self-employment and financial independence. 

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Andreas Berding, Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre, said: “This is not just the end of a training programme — it’s the beginning of countless success stories. We are proud of every beneficiary who has embraced this opportunity to learn, grow, and become a driving force in their communities. With their skills and start-up tools in hand, we are confident they will build sustainable livelihoods and help reduce the pressures that lead to irregular migration.” 

Since its inception in 2021, the GEC’s technical vocational education and training (TVET) programme has supported over 1,000 beneficiaries in Ghana’s key migration hotspots – Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions. 

Sprinter’s unique model, which condensed training into a 14-day format with rapid distribution of start-up kits, has proven particularly effective for returned migrants and persons unable to participate in long-term training. 

By targeting young people between the ages of 18 and 35, the Sprinter Project aimed to foster inclusive economic development and create meaningful employment opportunities.  

With a short window between training and business start-up, the project sought to fast-track the journey to self-reliance, making it a beacon of hope for Ghanaian youth seeking a brighter future. 

Naa Koshie Lamptey, one of the project beneficiaries, shared her journey: “This experience has been life-changing. As a single mother, I needed a programme that fit into my schedule and gave me practical results quickly. Today, I’m walking away with the tools and skills to start my own pastry business. I’m ready to provide for my family and even train others.” 

The ceremony featured exhibitions of the products created by beneficiaries during the training and success stories from participants who have already secured market opportunities. 

GNA  

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the Africa Prosperity Network

The Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has urged other African nations to adopt Ghana’s mobile money system as a benchmark for their own.

Ghana boasts a unique interoperable payment system that enables seamless transactions between mobile money wallets and bank accounts, and vice versa. This system has been globally recognized and is often referred to as a gold standard.

Addressing delegates at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues in Accra, Dr. Zuma emphasized the urgent need for continent-wide mobile interoperability and digital payment systems while acknowledging the effectiveness of Ghana’s approach.

She also underscored the importance of African countries investing in broadband infrastructure and expanding e-commerce to enhance inter-African trade.

The Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) aimed to help African nations transition from a fragmented continent to an integrated one, with a continental infrastructure investment framework guiding coordinated efforts among governments, investors, and development partners.

The three-day event, which focused on promoting an integrated African continent, particularly in trade, discussed key issues and put forward several recommendations.

Dr. Zuma also addressed challenges related to logistics, transportation, and energy in Africa.

By P. K. Yankey  

Takoradi (W/R), Feb 3, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama will embark on a “Thank You Tour” to  the Western Region on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. 

The visit, marked the second edition of the nationwide tour that began last week in the Volta region. 

This was contained in a press release issued by the Western Regional Communications Bureau of the National Democratic Congress, signed by the Regional Communications Officer Mr Richard Kirk-Mensah and copied to the Ghana News Agency. 

The release said during the visit, the President would be in Sekondi, the administrative capital of the region, to extend his heartfelt gratitude to Nananom, (traditional leaders),  respected queen mothers, the Clergy, Imams, esteemed Zongo chiefs, heads of departments and party members at all levels. 

GNA 

 The Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migra­tion, and Development (GEC) has successfully conclud­ed its transformative Sprinter Project with a handover ceremo­ny for beneficiaries.

The closing event marked the close of the short-term skills training initiative, which empow­ered 85 young Ghanaians with practical vocational skills in pastry making, fashion upscaling, and organic cosmetic production.

In 14 days of intensive training across 3 locations in the East­ern, Volta and the Greater Accra Regions, beneficiaries acquired

 hands-on knowledge and received comprehensive start-up kits to immediately launch their entrepre­neurial ventures.

The project prioritised returned migrants, persons in vul­nerable situations, including single mothers and persons living with disabilities, creating a pathway for them to gain self-employment and financial independence.

Speaking at the handover cere­mony, Andreas Berding, Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre, said, “This is not just the end of a training programme, it’s the begin­ning of countless success stories.”

“We are proud of every ben­eficiary who has embraced this opportunity to learn, grow, and become a driving force in their communities. With their skills and start-up tools in hand, we are confident they will build sustain­able livelihoods and help reduce the pressures that lead to irregular migration,” he said.

Since its inception 2021, the GEC’s technical vocational education and training (TVET) programme has supported over 1,000 beneficiaries in Ghana’s key migration hotspots – Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions.

Sprinter’s unique model, which condensed training into a 14-day format with rapid distribution of start-up kits, has proven par­ticularly effective for returned migrants and persons unable to participate in long-term training.

By targeting young people between the ages of 18 and 35, the Sprinter Project aimed to foster inclusive economic devel­opment and create meaningful employment opportunities. With a short window between training and business start-up, the project sought to fast-track the journey to self-reliance, making it a bea­con of hope for Ghanaian youth seeking for a brighter future.

Naa Koshie Lamptey, one of the project beneficiaries, shared her journey: “This experience has been life-changing. As a single mother, I needed a programme that fit into my schedule and gave me practical results quickly. Today, I’m walking away with the tools and skills to start my own pastry business. I’m ready to provide for my family and even train others.”

The ceremony featured exhi­bitions of the products created by beneficiaries during the training and success stories from partic­ipants who have already secured market opportunities.

 BY TIMES REPORTER

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader

The Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has disclosed that all his wealth was acquired through his business ventures before he entered politics.

According to him, most of his assets, including properties, were obtained many years ago; therefore, he sees no reason why Operation Recover All Loot, President John Dramani Mahama’s investigative team to recover state assets, should be pursuing his properties.

In an interview on Joy News on February 2, 2025, Afenyo-Markin revealed that he had to leave school to pursue financial opportunities, which enabled him to establish his businesses and accumulate significant wealth.

He disclosed some of the properties and businesses he owns, including a multi-million-dollar coral draw business, a beachfront property in Winneba, a residence in the Veterinary area, a residence in Abelemkpe, trucks working for Diamond Cement, and tankers, among others.

“I have lived in my Abelemkpe residence for over 20 years. My firstborn is 21, and I lived there before I gave birth to my firstborn. My residence in Winneba has been mine for many years. I am a businessman and a well-established individual,” he stated.

“When we finished school in 1997, we had to stay home for two years. During this period, I came to hustle in Accra. Through hustling and schooling, I found my way to Ghana Post, where I started working as a postboy and rose to become a principal postal officer.

“I received a scholarship to study at Capevass in 1999. However, in 2001, after President Kufuor took office, I did not return to school due to career counselling and the introduction to entrepreneurship. I left school at level 300 to pursue business opportunities,” he said.

He continued, “I purchased my first Mercedes and BMW, which I still have parked. I began running my business and married at age 23, while my wife was 22.

“I started Excel Coral, a multi-million-dollar investment. Standard Chartered gave me a five-million-dollar facility, and Barclays Bank provided a ten-million-dollar facility. Even though I was not in public service, I started my business early.

“I worked for Guinness, and my trucks work for Diamond Cement. My tankers operate from Ivory Coast, and my business in Awaso employs many people. I am not one to buy property under someone else’s name.

“I take pride in my work as a businessman,” he concluded.

To those asking how Hon. Afenyo Markin made his money and acquired all his properties, here you go. Something Okudzeto Ablakwa can never relate to. My leader 🫡❤️ pic.twitter.com/LcnzRinNyG

— CHARLOTTE NICOLE 🕊 (@charllycolegh) February 2, 2025

AM/SEA