Betway, a global leader and pioneer in the online gaming and sports betting industry, is proud to announce the launch of the first Aviator Legends Tournament in Ghana: an exciting new competition that invites players to test their skill, bravery and timing in the high-flying world of Aviator.

The Aviator Legends Tournament is set to be the biggest crash game event of the year, offering players across Ghana the chance to compete for the massive grand prizes, free flights every day and the ultimate chance to be named as the Aviator Legend of 2025.

From the 2nd to 30th June 2025, Ghanaian crash game enthusiasts will battle it out for who becomes the 2025 Aviator Legend. With a grand prize of GHC 500,000 for the ultimate winner and guaranteed daily free flights, the tournament which is exclusive to Betway promises a mix of competition, non-stop entertainment and game play strategy.

Players will participate in daily Aviator sessions over the month of June, where they must wager and then strategically cash out before the plane flies away. The longer the flight, the higher the multiplier and the more points you can accumulate. But wait too long, and it’s game over. Points are awarded based on multipliers and consistency and the top 8 performers on the leaderboard at the end of the tournament will advance to the grand finale in Accra where they can win the grand prize of GHC 500,000 and be named Aviator Legend 2025.

Kwabena Oppong-Nkrumah,Country Manager – Marketing from Betway adds, “We want to create a memorable experience by launching a tournament that will encourage players to take a shot at winning and promote a healthy competition against one and another.”

Developed by SPRIBE, Aviator has become a firm favourite in Ghana for its fast-paced gameplay and sky-high winning potential.

Giorgi Tsutskiridze, Chief Commercial Officer at SPRIBE, adds “Aviator has redefined what a crash game can be — simple, social and incredibly engaging. Partnering with Betway to launch the firstever Aviator Legends Tournament is an exciting step forward in bringing this unique experience to an even wider audience. This competition isn’t just about winning prizes — it’s about building a community of players who dare to push their limits and chase that perfect flight. We’re proud to be part of this milestone.”

With Betway’s seamless platform and trusted reputation, the Aviator Legends Tournament promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for both seasoned players and newcomers.

With high cash prizes up for grabs and the chance to become an Aviator Legend, Betway is encouraging players to take to the skies and join the legends by logging in or registering at www.betway.com.gh/aviator-legends . The challenge begins on 2nd June! Whether you’re a casual flyer or a high-stakes gamer, this is your chance to rise above the rest.

-ENDS

About Betway

Betway is part of Super Group: the global digital company which provides first class entertainment to the worldwide betting and gaming community.

Super Group (SGHC) Limited is the holding company for leading global online sports betting and gaming businesses: Betway, a premier online sports betting brand, and Spin, a multi-brand online casino offering.

Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE ticker: SGHC), the group is licensed in over 20 jurisdictions, with leading positions in key markets throughout Europe, the Americas and Africa. The group’s successful sports betting and online gaming offerings are underpinned by its scale and leading technology, enabling fast and effective entry into new markets. Its proprietary marketing and data analytics engine empower it to responsibly provide a unique and personalized customer experience. For more information, visit www.sghc.com

Betway Group is a leading provider of innovative and exciting entertainment across sports betting, casino and esports betting. Launched in 2006, the company operates across a number of regulated online markets. Betway prides itself on providing its customers with a bespoke, fun and informed betting experience, supported by a safe, secure, fair and responsible environment.

Betway is a member of several prominent industry-related bodies, including International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), iGaming European Network (iGEN), the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS), Sports Wagering Integrity Monitoring Association (SWIMA) and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), and is ISO 27001 certified through the trusted international testing agency eCOGRA.

For more information about Betway please visit: www.betway.com.gh

In Accra, the price of a kilo of tomatoes is up nearly 40% compared to last year. Inflation may be easing, but at 22.4% in March 2025, everyday costs still bite hard.

Friends in London tell a similar story: although the UK’s official inflation rate has fallen to 2.6%, most people don’t feel any richer; their wages haven’t really kept pace, and bills continue to climb.

In the US, inflation is slightly lower at 2.4%, but that hasn’t stopped rents, healthcare costs, and the endless drip of monthly subscription fees from squeezing wallets thin.

No wonder we mutter the same phrase from Kumasi to Kensington: “Nowhere cool.”

That phrase has become a kind of shorthand, a way to sum up the shared, simmering frustration that something is out of balance almost everywhere. It reflects not just economic discomfort but something deeper. There is a global unease with how modern life is structured.

The cost of living is only part of the story. Beneath it runs anxiety about precarity, systems under strain, and a growing sense that today’s cities, even in their gleaming modernity, aren’t built for human thriving.

Why BNPL Signals a Deeper City Crisis.

Something unusual is happening in how we pay for everyday things. In the UK and US, you can now buy a simple burger and split the cost into about four payments. It’s not just for fashion or tech anymore. Basic meals and even concert tickets are increasingly being paid for in installments.

At this year’s Coachella festival, around 60% of general-admission tickets were bought on credit through Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) services. That whole BNPL sector is expected to cross $560 billion globally this year.

BNPL can help people manage tight budgets, yes, but if you need a loan to have dinner, it’s a warning sign. It means more people are living on borrowed comfort, not actual security.

In African cities, BNPL is growing fast too. It’s powered by mobile phones, informal jobs, and the pressure to keep up. But here’s the concern: if credit becomes the main way to feel included or “modern,” we’re building cities on shaky ground. True dignity shouldn’t rely on debt for basic needs. We need systems that let people thrive without stretching their wallets to breaking point.

Persons of Concern: the club no one queued for.

Once used to describe refugees, the term Persons of Concern (POCs) is quietly expanding to include teachers, nurses, and even software engineers. It now includes anyone living a paycheque away from arrears. It now includes everyday hardworking people who find themselves increasingly poorer and poorer, year after year, through no fault of their own.

When survival dominates the lives of 60% of a city’s residents, innovation, ambition, and investment all falter.

What makes this shift more concerning is how invisible it is. Many POCs wear the mask of normalcy. They show up to work, smile at clients, and meet KPIs, all the while quietly rationing electricity, skipping meals, or delaying essential health checkups. The social contract weakens when middle-income earners become the working poor.

The Three-pillar antidote

In 2018, I argued that African cities must become:

1. Regionally Productive
2. Worldwide Connected
3. Self-Reliant

The framework still holds. However, the stakes are higher now, so it is important that we unpack these pillars again through a 2025 lens.

1. Regional Productivity

Productivity doesn’t just mean more output. It means useful output in sectors that matter, at scales that are inclusive, and with systems that reward long-term value.

• Ease borders inside the border. Ghana ranks fairly well for starting a business, yet contract enforcement and customs friction drag GDP. World Bank simulations suggest that streamlining these could lift national output by up to 2%. Businesses in Kumasi shouldn’t face more red tape sending goods to Accra than they would be exporting to Abidjan.
• Skill up, spin up. Intra-African trade has reached $192 billion. There’s robust demand for goods made and branded on the continent. Yet our technical training systems often lag. There is a huge difference between a local skilled artisan and a local export-ready manufacturer. Yet, the gap is actually narrower than we think. We can bridge this gap, but only with the right support systems like maker spaces, certification hubs, and co-investment from diaspora networks.
• Localise supply chains. Cities must cultivate internal resilience. If 80% of a hospital’s PPE must come from abroad, then every border shock becomes a health crisis. Regional production hubs, especially for essentials like food, medicine, and construction inputs, are both strategic and economic priorities.

2. Worldwide Connectivity

Africa has often been plugged into global systems only as an extraction point. Examples are mining, raw exports, and data harvesting. But AfCFTA changes the game. It creates a platform for cities to negotiate their integration terms.

Thirty-seven African states are shipping under AfCFTA’s Guided Trade Initiative. Digitised customs, harmonised standards, and single-origin certification let businesses comply once and then access 54 markets. Cities that plug in early will enjoy network effects down the line.

But connectivity also means digital. Broadband penetration in some African capitals remains under 50%. Without reliable, affordable internet, everything from fintech inclusion to remote learning collapses. Urban investment must include fibre optics and public access points as basic infrastructure.

Let’s not forget cultural exports: Nollywood films, Ghanaian music, and Francophone fashion. These connect the continent to global youth culture. Policies should help creative industries formalise, scale, and retain ownership.

3. Self-Reliance

Africa still produces only around 80% of the food it consumes. But we have tools like AI-driven fertiliser maps, solar-powered cold chains, drought-resilient seeds, and many others. Urban-centred “agro-rings” could shield populations from price shocks and retain value locally.

This is where decentralised infrastructure becomes key. Imagine a circular economy that doesn’t just recycle plastic but repurposes organic waste into biofertiliser for peri-urban farms. Or rooftop gardens on housing estates linked to local feeding programmes. This can happen in real life, not just in sci-fi movies.

Self-reliance also includes energy. With falling solar prices and battery innovation, cities can aim to power health clinics, schools, and small factories independently. Mini-grids paired with local cooperatives can create jobs while ensuring reliability.

Five practical moves

1. Regulate micro-credit and BNPL.I own a micro-credit enterprise, but I am still an advocate for sustainable policies. Cap effective interest rates, enforce plain-language contracts, and link repayments to credit scores so users build a financial footprint.
2. Create Earn-Save-Spend-Later wallets. Match savings with credit access to nudge behaviour away from impulsive debt. Think of it as financial literacy embedded in design.
3. Bundle infrastructure with founder spaces. Every road built should add a solar mini-grid or a fabrication hub, letting SMEs capture value from the uplift. Industrial parks shouldn’t be isolated zones but integrated economic corridors.
4. Tie export rebates to SDGs. Reward firms whose shipments bear low-carbon tags and decent-labour stamps. Make ESG compliance not just moral but profitable.
5. Launch an African Food-Security Bond. Peg its returns to local crop yields, so farmers, citizens, and investors all gain when harvests do. This is not charity. This is climate-aligned finance.

Closing thought

If Persons of Concern don’t win, none of us will. But the scaffolding is already up. We have continental trade corridors, digital finance rails, climate-smart agriculture, and more. The work ahead is to weave these into self-sustaining cities/regions.

Where a burger or your groceries are paid for outright because wages cover the basics. Where BNPL funds tomorrow’s machinery, not yesterday’s lunch. Where regional exports, not remittances, drive household security.

Let’s get to work. Because somewhere ought to be cool. For now, it’s looking like #NowhereCool!

I hope you found this article both insightful and enjoyable. Your feedback is greatly valued and appreciated. I welcome any suggestions for topics you would like me to cover or provide insights on. You can schedule a meeting with me through my Calendly at www.calendly.com/maxwellampong. Alternatively, connect with me through various channels on my Linktree page at www.linktr.ee/themax.

Subscribe to the ‘Entrepreneur In You’ newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/d-hgCVPy.

If you want to explore this subject matter more thoroughly, I have compiled a list of reading materials and references that provide greater detail and focus on particular areas.

1. Reuters, ‘Ghana consumer inflation eases to 22.4% in March’ (Accra, 2 April 2025) https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ghana-consumer-inflation-eases-224-march-2025-04-02/ accessed 23 April 2025.
2. Office for National Statistics, Consumer Price Inflation, UK: March 2025 (16 April 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/consumer-price-inflation-uk-march-2025 accessed 23 April 2025.
3. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index – March 2025 (10 April 2025) https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf accessed 23 April 2025.
4. Patti Villegas, ‘Consumers Urged to Use Caution With Eat Now Pay Later Financing’ Dallas Express (29 March 2025) https://dallasexpress.com/business-markets/consumers-urged-to-use-caution-with-eat-now-pay-later-financing/ accessed 23 April 2025.
5. Jack Kelly, ‘The BNPL Boom at Coachella: Signs of Stretched Wallets’ Forbes (16 April 2025) https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2025/04/16/the-buy-now-pay-later-boom-at-coachella-signs-of-stretched-wallets/ accessed 23 April 2025.
6. FinTech Futures, Buy Now Pay Later Global Business Report 2025 (25 March 2025) https://www.fintechfutures.com/press-releases/buy-now-pay-later-global-business-report-2025 accessed 23 April 2025.
7. World Bank, Doing Business Simulation for Ghana 2024 (World Bank 2024) section 4.
8. Afreximbank, Annual Trade Report 2024: Intra-African Trade Trends (Afreximbank 2025) 17-18.
9. AfCFTA Secretariat, ‘Guided Trade Initiative Dashboard’ (2025) https://afcfta.au/int/GTI accessed 23 April 2025.
10. Food and Agriculture Organisation, ‘Africa Regional Food Balance Sheet 2024’ (FAO 2025) table 3.

The author, Dr. Maxwell Ampong, serves as the CEO of Maxwell Investments Group. He is also an Honorary Curator at the Ghana National Museum and the Official Business Advisor with Ghana’s largest agricultural trade union under Ghana’s Trade Union Congress (TUC). Founder of WellMax Inclusive Insurance and WellMax Micro-Credit, Dr. Ampong writes on relevant economic topics and provides general perspective pieces. ‘Entrepreneur In You’ operates under the auspices of the Africa School of Entrepreneurship, an initiative of Maxwell Investments Group.

By Naa Shormei Odonkor

Kumasi, June 05, GNA – Mr. Richard Addo Gyamfi, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service, has said TVET is key to transforming Ghana’s economy.

He noted that TVET equips individuals with the essential skills to create jobs and promote employment, thereby helping to reduce the country’s unemployment rate.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, Mr. Gyamfi announced that the Ashanti Regional Ghana TVET Service was ready to admit students after the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Mr. Gyamfi disclosed that the Ashanti Regional TVET Service was prepared to admit over 6,000 students into its 38 schools this year.

He said almost 20 of the 38 TVET schools across 27 districts in the region had boarding facilities to accommodate students who would love to live in the schools.

Mr. Gyamfi further noted that although the schools faced some challenges, they were equipped with qualified teachers, adequate facilities and the necessary materials to train the students who would be admitted.

He said due to the important role TVET played in the socio-economic development of the country, it was critical for the government to commit resources to TVET education.

He encouraged parents and guardians to support their wards in pursuit of their career in TVET and not impose their preferred career choices on them.

He stressed: “We are in an era of skills, that is the most important thing the market needs. “Parents and guardians, encourage your wards to take up and pursue TVET as a career.”

The Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service under the Ministry of Education seeks to manage, oversee and implement approved national policies and programmes related to pre-tertiary TVET.

GNA

Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Benjamin Mensah

As a demonstration of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Karpowership Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Navy and the Forestry Commission, has embarked on a massive tree-planting exercise in the Western Region in support of the government’s “Tree for Life” initiative.

The event, which took place at the Sekondi Naval Base saw the symbolic planting of 100 trees within the Naval facility, with an additional 2,900 trees earmarked for planting in the Subri Forest Reserve – a key ecological zone in the region. The event was celebrated under the national theme “Reclaiming degraded landscapes”.

The initiative is part of Karpowership Ghana’s ongoing support of the government’s “Tree for Life” programme, which aims to combat deforestation, restore degraded lands, and raise national awareness on environmental protection. This year’s effort brings the company’s total number of trees planted to 14,000 across Ghana since 2022.

Speaking at the event, Sandra Amarquaye, Head of Corporate Communications at Karpowership Ghana, described the initiative as more than a ceremonial gesture: “Today is not just about planting trees, it’s about cultivating a culture of responsibility. We are proud to say that we are not only powering homes and industries across Ghana but also investing in the very environment that sustains us all. This is what we mean when we say, Plant Today, Power Tomorrow.”

Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, commended the initiative and praised Karpowership Ghana for aligning their corporate actions with national sustainability goals: “We need more of these public-private partnerships if we are to tackle the climate crisis and protect our natural resources.” He added that, “while planting trees is commendable, it is equally important to care for them, to nurture, protect, and ensure their sustained growth and survival.”

The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command – Commodore Samuel Ayelazono echoed the importance of collective environmental action, noting that the Navy sees environmental protection as part of its broader duty to the nation: “The Navy’s mandate is to protect Ghana’s maritime domain, but we recognize that our duty also extends to the land and environment we are called to serve. Partnering with Karpowership on this initiative is a step we are proud of, and we are committed to maintaining the trees planted here at our base. Thank you Karpowership Ghana.”

The Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, expressed deep appreciation to Karpowership Ghana for the initiative, describing it as a timely response to the environmental degradation threatening forest reserves in the region: “Ghana stands at a very critical moment with the menace of Galamsey and its unfortunate impact on our environment. Therefore, this year’s theme speaks to the urgent task we face as a nation and as a global community restoring what has been lost, healing what has been harmed, and renewing our commitment to the protection of the natural environment upon which all life depends.”

The event brought together traditional leaders, regional officials, environmental advocates, and school children, who took part in planting the ceremonial trees and receiving sensitization on the importance of trees in climate regulation, air quality improvement, and water conservation.

As part of its long-term sustainability agenda, Karpowership Ghana reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship through impactful initiatives. The company emphasized that tree-planting is not a one-off activity but a vital component of its broader strategy to support climate resilience, restore ecological balance, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s green development goals.

Economist, Dr Ishmael Yamson (L) and President John Dramani Mahama (R)

Chairman of the National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee, Dr Ishmael Yamson, has expressed optimism in the committee’s recommendations, stating that it will help advance President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to ‘reset’ Ghana’s economy in the face of global economic challenges.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on June 4, 2025, during the formal presentation of the committee’s final report, Dr Yamson described the recommendations as both timely and essential, considering the current state of the global and domestic economy.

“We are confident, Your Excellency, that you will find the recommendations useful as you lead the resetting of Ghana agenda,” he said.

Dr Yamson noted that the committee’s work took into account widespread global disruptions and uncertainties, emphasising the need for Ghana to build a self-sustaining economy.

“We also believe that you will find the recommendations appropriate in these times of extreme global disruptions and uncertainties, where resilience means self-reliance,” he added.

According to Dr Yamson, some of the committee’s proposals have already been adopted and incorporated into the 2025 national budget and has started yielding early results.

“We are excited to know that even before we had the opportunity to present the final report to you, some of the key recommendations, which were fed into the 2025 budget, are already being implemented and yielding spectacular results,” he indicated.

The National Economic Dialogue was initiated as part of a broader effort to engage stakeholders in shaping Ghana’s long-term economic trajectory.

The final report reflects extensive consultations aimed at addressing structural issues and enhancing policy direction.

MRA/VPO

Watch as Muntaka Mubarak criticises Afenyo-Markin in Parliament

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has successfully secured a High Court injunction compelling striking nurses and midwives to immediately end their nationwide industrial action and return to work.

The injunction, granted today, Thursday, June 5, 2025, follows the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA)’s decision to proceed with its strike despite the NLC declaring the action illegal.

Healthcare services across Ghana have been severely impacted since the GRNMA began its strike on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, leaving patients stranded and medical facilities struggling to cope.

The nurses and midwives initiated the strike over what they describe as prolonged delays in the implementation of their 2024 Collective Agreement, which addresses critical conditions of service and remuneration.

The NLC, invoking its powers under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), had previously directed the GRNMA to suspend all planned actions, including symbolic protests and the eventual withdrawal of services, pending mediation.

This directive came after the GRNMA notified the NLC of its intent to strike in a letter dated May 29, 2025.

However, the GRNMA leadership failed to attend a crucial meeting scheduled by the NLC for Wednesday, June 4, while representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance were present.

This non-compliance led the NLC to declare the industrial action illegal under Section 159 of the Labour Act.

“The Commission declares the industrial action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association as illegal and directs them to call it off with immediate effect,” an NLC statement released yesterday, June 4, read.

The High Court’s injunction now legally enforces the NLC’s directive, ordering all GRNMA members, estimated to be over 128,000 nurses and midwives, to resume work at their respective health facilities immediately.

The NLC has also directed the GRNMA leadership to continue engaging with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on the implementation of their collective agreement and to report progress to the Commission by June 25, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has also issued a passionate appeal to the striking nurses and midwives to return to work, prioritising patient well-being and urging them to return to the negotiation table to find a lasting solution to the impasse.

The strike has led to significant disruptions, particularly in outpatient department (OPD) and emergency services across public hospitals nationwide.

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.

Nii Lante Vanderpuye supports the government’s decision to impose a GH¢1 levy on fuel

The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Program (DRIP), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has said that the government’s decision to impose a GH¢ 1 on fuel levies is a step in the right direction.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, he said that to be able to resolve the issue of recurring debt in the energy sector, the government’s decision, which is to introduce a GH¢1 fuel levy, expected to generate substantial revenue to help clear debts and stabilise the power supply, is “a good step.”

The former Member of Parliament emphasised that a small contribution from every Ghanaian towards the fuel levy can collectively make a huge difference.

He added that the accumulated funds will help address the country’s energy challenges and ensure a reliable power supply.

“If every Ghanaian is willing enough to give GH¢1 on a litre of fuel, we will be able to accrue so much; almost 57 billion, to be able to take care of the difficulties and challenges we have in meeting the demands of the energy sector,” he added.

According to him, the government, through such policies, is making a thoughtful and intelligent approach in tackling the difficulties and challenges of the country.

DR/AE

Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Simone Giger

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Simone Giger, has urged Ghana to broaden its economic base by venturing beyond traditional exports, enhancing trade and production.

This, she believes, will unlock Ghana’s economic potential and amplify its global market presence.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Ambassador Giger emphasised the importance of diversification and expansion into new areas to unlock Ghana’s full economic potential.

She added that she is optimistic about Ghana’s economic potential and believes the country can further boost its growth by adding value to its local products.

She encouraged Ghana to explore new sectors that can penetrate global markets, thereby increasing the presence of Ghanaian goods internationally.

In her words, she said; “I would be super happy if one day I could go to a Swiss market and buy clothes made in Ghana, handicrafts made in Ghana, or even chocolate made in Ghana.”

DR/AE

Watch as Muntaka Mubarak criticises Afenyo-Markin in Parliament

Ghana is set to become a leading force in Africa’s digital economy with the launch of a $1 billion innovation hub, funded entirely by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corp. (PCFC), a government-owned entity of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reports People of Color in Tech (POCIT).

The outlet shares that the project, scheduled to break ground next year, will be constructed on a 9.7-square-mile site in Ningo Prampram, situated in the Greater Accra Region. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of 2027.

A Major Step Toward Africa’s AI Future

Sam George, Ghana’s minister of communication, digital technology, and innovation, stated that the initiative directly supports President John Mahama’s national vision of positioning the country as Africa’s next hub for artificial intelligence (AI) through the One Million Coders program.

Launched in April 2025, the program aims to equip Ghanaian youth with software development skills to help close the country’s digital gap and prepare the workforce for a tech-driven future, according to a press release from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

The participation of PCFC is a key factor in making that vision a reality. George told Impact Newswire the organization will bring a network of more than 11,000 companies from the UAE to invest and operate in Ghana.

UAE’s PCFC Brings Proven Innovation Model To Ghana

PCFC, which played a pivotal part in Dubai, UAE’s digital transformation, currently operates more than 11 innovation hubs in collaboration with global technology leaders, including Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM, according to POCIT. Its expansion into Ghana marks the organization’s first major venture in Africa.

Beyond infrastructure development, the project is a long-term partnership aimed at growing local talent, strengthening Ghana’s tech capabilities, and creating thousands of jobs.

The upcoming Ghana innovation hub is expected to attract major players in business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing, AI engineering, and other emerging technologies, according to POCIT.

Ekow Rhule is Country Director of I-DIEM Africa

The Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM) Africa has lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement of a national ban on the importation and manufacturing of Styrofoam in Ghana.

The policy, declared on World Environment Day, celebrated globally on June 5th, marks a crucial step in the country’s fight against environmental degradation and disaster vulnerability.

In his address, the President noted that Styrofoam would be replaced by more sustainable alternatives such as paper and aluminum packaging, signaling a shift toward environmentally responsible consumer practices.

Styrofoam, commonly noted with what we call the “takeaway box” in Ghana, has long posed serious environmental and public health threats.

Its non-biodegradable nature leads to the clogging of drains, worsens urban flooding, pollutes water bodies, and contributes to mounting sanitation challenges. I-DIEM Africa considers the announcement of the ban not just timely, but a visionary move toward environmental justice and disaster risk reduction.

Ekow Rhule, Country Director of I-DIEM Africa, welcomed the decision, saying, “This is a powerful signal that Ghana is ready to confront the environmental risks that threaten its people and cities.

The banning of Styrofoam would reflect a commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction, something I-DIEM Africa strongly advocates for. We are especially encouraged because this aligns directly with our mission to build resilience through equitable and inclusive emergency management policies.”

I-DIEM, headquartered in the United States, is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across all phases of emergency management and disaster response. Its Africa office supports capacity building, community resilience, and policy advocacy that place vulnerable populations at the center of disaster preparedness and climate adaptation efforts.

He noted that I-DIEM Africa stands ready to support this policy’s rollout by engaging communities, partnering with local governments, and encouraging innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions.

“This ban is not just about removing Styrofoam; it’s about changing mindsets and building a culture of environmental responsibility. We are committed to helping drive that change”, he stated.

I-DIEM Africa plans to incorporate this milestone into its environmental risk campaigns and resilience education initiatives, especially among youth and informal sector groups.

The organisation also called on other African governments to emulate Ghana’s example by implementing bold, preventive environmental measures to safeguard public health and reduce climate-related disasters.

“We cannot wait for disasters to strike before we act. Banning Styrofoam is a preventative measure, and we applaud Ghana for leading the way,” Rhule concluded.

Watch as Muntaka Mubarak criticises Afenyo-Markin in Parliament

Editor’s Note: The story has been updated to reflect the exact number of excavators the minister indicated was sea-borne en route to Ghana.

Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has disclosed that approximately 1,200 excavators are currently stranded at the Tema Port, awaiting clearance.

This development follows a government-imposed halt on the clearance of excavators as part of efforts to combat illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

Speaking to the Evans Mensah on JOY FM’s Top Story news programme, Mr. Nikpe revealed that intelligence reports suggest close to 3,000 additional excavators are sea-borne and en route to Ghana. The influx, he warned, poses a serious threat to the country’s environment and its ongoing fight against illegal mining.

The Government of Ghana has imposed an immediate ban on the importation of excavators. The Transport Ministry, in a statement signed by Mr. Nikpe, announced the implementation of a new policy dubbed “No Permit, No Excavator”, which takes effect immediately.

Under the directive:

• All shipping lines are prohibited from transporting excavators into Ghana without prior approval.
• Dealers and importers must secure permits from the Ministry of Transport before bringing such machinery into the country.
• Enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure strict compliance, with violators facing legal consequences.

“The directive is aimed at protecting our water bodies and forest reserves,” the statement said, citing the devastating environmental impact of unregulated mining activities, particularly the use of heavy-duty earth-moving equipment in unauthorized mining operations.

Mr. Nikpe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing maritime laws and working with the Ghana Maritime Authority to monitor all incoming shipments.

He also called on stakeholders to adhere to the new regulations, stressing that the government will not tolerate actions that compromise the nation’s natural resources.

This clampdown forms part of a broader national agenda to restore degraded lands, preserve water bodies, and uphold the rule of law in Ghana’s extractive sector.

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.

Plan International Ghana has officially launched the She Leads Social Movement, a bold new platform to sustain advocacy for girls’ rights and leadership following the successful completion of its three-year She Leads Project.

The launch, held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Monarch Hotel in East Legon, Accra, brought together development partners, civil society actors, traditional leaders, and girls from across Ghana’s regions to mark a transition from project to movement.

Speaking at the launch, Project Manager for the She Leads Project, Joyce Obenewaa Darko, said the decision to launch the She Leads Social Movement stems from the overwhelming impact and momentum the project generated since 2021.

“It has been very transformative. We have touched lives and built the capacities of girls across senior high schools and communities,” she said.

She credited the movement’s success to the collaborative work with religious and traditional authorities, whom she described as “champions of change” for using their platforms to promote girls’ leadership and speak out against harmful gender norms.

Darko emphasized that the movement is not only a legacy of the project but a sustainability strategy to ensure that girls’ voices remain strong and unified even beyond donor funding.

“In all our engagements, we were able to mobilize groups from school clubs, community clubs, and regional platforms into a national movement. We believe it is time they come together as one She Leads Social Movement to champion the cause of girls’ rights and women’s leadership,” she explained.

“We see the She Leads Social Movement as a sustainability plan beyond the She Leads Project. The needs of girls will not disappear because a project ends. This movement gives them one big voice to continue advocating for education, equality, and leadership,” she further added.

Madam Joyce also praised the recent passage of Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, which the She Leads Project had actively advocated for. She revealed that the movement would play a role in educating girls and young women about the new law to ensure they are prepared to benefit from the spaces it opens up.

“We contributed to the bill’s passage through petitions, consultations, and by creating spaces for girls to input into the legislative process. We are now working to ensure its implementation by sensitizing women and girls to prepare themselves for the leadership roles it supports,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo reaffirmed government’s support for the movement, noting: “We are committed not only to listening, but to acting.”

She announced several key government initiatives, including the GH¢51.3 million Women’s Development Bank and the GH¢292.4 million Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, aimed at breaking systemic barriers to girls’ empowerment and inclusion.

Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Wendy Van Mel, applauded the She Leads partners for their coalition-building efforts and celebrated Ghana’s milestone in passing the Affirmative Action law.

She encouraged the next generation to use technology to amplify their advocacy: “The Dutch government remains your reliable partner in advancing gender equality now and in the future.”

The She Leads Social Movement now serves as a unified national platform for over a thousand girls and young women across Ghana to push forward the unfinished agenda of gender equality, inclusive leadership, and protection of girls’ rights.