Ghana has already received 14 deportees from the US

A U.S. judge on Saturday said it appeared that President Donald Trump’s administration intentionally circumvented immigration laws this week when it deported Nigerian and Gambian migrants to Ghana.

Judge Tanya Chutkan, based in Washington, D.C., scheduled an emergency hearing after lawyers representing some of the migrants said their clients had expected they would be moved to their home countries, where they fear torture or persecution.

The deportations are part of Trump’s strategy to send migrants to “third countries” to speed their removal and pressure migrants in the U.S. illegally to leave.

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama said this week that his nation had struck an agreement with the U.S. to accept West African deportees and had already received 14 people.

Chutkan said it appeared the Trump administration crafted the deal as a way “to make an end run” around U.S. legal requirements that it refrain from sending migrants to danger in their home countries.

“These are not speculative concerns,” said Chutkan, an appointee of former President Barack Obama. “The concerns are real enough that the United States government agrees they shouldn’t be sent back to their home country.”

Still, Chutkan said it was not immediately clear what actions she could take or whether the case should go before a Boston-based judge hearing a broader case over such removals.

A lawsuit filed Friday on behalf of five of the migrants said they were taken from a Louisiana immigration detention centre, shackled, and put on a U.S. military plane without being told their destination. Several migrants on the flight were placed in straitjackets for 16 hours, the complaint said.

The five plaintiffs had U.S. legal protections against deportation to their home countries, the lawsuit said. One of the migrants, a bisexual man, has already been sent to Gambia and was in hiding, it said. The other four have been held in squalid conditions in an open-air detention facility operated by the Ghanaian military, it said.

In a court filing, the U.S. Department of Justice said it no longer had custody of the migrants, that the court lacked authority to intervene in diplomatic actions, and that a Supreme Court decision in June allowed the government to send migrants to nations other than their country of citizenship.

Plaintiffs are represented by two advocacy groups, the American Civil Liberties Union and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

The deportations have sparked criticism in Ghana.

In a statement on Friday, opposition lawmakers called for the agreement to be suspended, saying it should have been approved by Ghana’s National Assembly.

The deal “risks our country being perceived as aligning itself with the U.S. government’s current immigration enforcement regime, one which has been criticised as harsh and discriminatory,” the statement said.

A Ghana government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has placed part of the blame for Ghana’s currency challenges on the Bretton Woods institutions, the IMF and World Bank.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on September 13, 2025, he argued that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) must continue intervening in the local currency market, even after the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) program concludes.

Kpebu’s comments came in response to fellow panelist Professor Godfred Bokpin and amid ongoing discussions about managing the cedi-dollar exchange rate.

He insisted that currency intervention is a long-standing and necessary practice for nations, citing the historical US-China currency wars as a prime example.

He explained that China consistently fixed its currency over two decades to make its exports cheaper and become a global economic force, a strategy that ultimately led the US to accumulate significant debt to China.

“As for intervention, as I’ve said, I’ve grown to appreciate it over two decades or so,” he remarked, drawing on his experience from business school.

Ghana ranks 5th in Africa for IMF debt

The lawyer also sharply criticised the IMF and World Bank, contending that these international bodies are “part of the problem” due to a lack of accountability in their programs.

“The IMF can complain from time to time, but truth be told, beyond this whole IMF checking fiscal discipline, they are also part of the problem. The IMF and World Bank have always been part of the problem due to laxity in holding leadership accountable,” he said.

Kpebu explained that despite the appearance of addressing root causes, the political dynamics within these institutions often lead them to “scratch the surface” without enforcing real accountability.

Here’s IMF’s latest projection of Ghana’s total debt stock by end of 2025

As a result, he argued, their structural adjustment programs fail to achieve the desired results, while the institutions continue to profit from developing nations.

Kpebu’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that, while IMF and World Bank programs are intended to foster fiscal discipline, they often do not fully address the systemic issues that lead to economic instability.

VPO/MA

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President John Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom, stressing that he will never condone attacks on journalists in any form.

Addressing journalists at the Presidential Media Encounter at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, Mr. Mahama condemned the growing incidents of harassment of media practitioners, particularly by security personnel at public events.

“I’ve condemned assaults on journalists in any form. Journalists are doing their job, and their job is to bring news to the doorsteps of our people and to inform, educate and entertain them,” he said.

The President noted with concern that some security officers have developed a “passion” for harassing journalists. He stressed that this culture must end through a combination of education, sanctions, and stronger collaboration between the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the security services.

“It’s a matter of sanctioning people who assault journalists. I’ve been speaking with the President of the GJA, and we’re going to bring them together with the security agencies so they can carry out awareness among their personnel. If you see a journalist at an event, he is also doing a job, just like the security officer is doing his job. You don’t have the right to assault or manhandle them,” Mr. Mahama emphasized.

The President assured that his government will continue to work closely with media stakeholders to ensure journalists can operate in a safe and supportive environment.

“As a lifetime member of the GJA, there’s no way I’ll condone the assault of journalists in any form,” he added.

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.

Ghana’s Criminal Investigations Department is investigating allegations that an Indian national facing fraud charges in her home country fraudulently obtained Ghanaian citizenship and used it to conduct international business schemes.

Niharika Handa, also known as Niharika Gautam, was declared a “Proclaimed Offender” by the Delhi District Court on August 3, 2021, according to court records. Despite allegedly fleeing India in 2021 to evade 14 non-bailable arrest warrants, Handa reportedly acquired Ghanaian citizenship in 2022 alongside her son, Punar Vasu Handa, without meeting the mandatory seven-year residency requirement.

The case has raised serious questions about Ghana’s citizenship vetting processes and highlights concerns about the country being used as a haven for international fugitives. Documents reportedly show discrepancies between Handa’s Indian and Ghanaian identity papers, including altered birth dates.

Local business partners allege that Handa used her newly acquired Ghanaian status to establish credibility in Ghana’s business community. She reportedly co-founded Gold Crest Refinery with technology entrepreneur Amar Deep Singh Hari, who later accused her of diverting millions of dollars from the company before leaving the country.

The allegations follow a pattern of establishing residence in elite communities, building business networks through social events, and leveraging partnerships to attract investment before relocating, according to investigators familiar with the case.

Company registry filings in the United Kingdom list Handa as director of multiple firms under various name variations, suggesting the use of Ghanaian identity documents to expand operations internationally. Reports indicate she obtained visas to several countries including the UK, UAE, and Schengen zone nations using her Ghanaian passport.

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the matter is under active investigation. National Security officers reportedly conducted raids related to counter-allegations made by Handa and her son, though investigators found no evidence supporting their claims.

Ghana’s citizenship laws require seven years of continuous residence and comprehensive background checks before naturalization. The alleged circumvention of these requirements has prompted concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the system.

International security experts warn that individuals operating across multiple jurisdictions present heightened risks to unsuspecting business partners and investors. The case demonstrates how fraudulent identity documents can facilitate cross-border criminal enterprises.

A senior security source emphasized the broader implications, noting that citizenship represents the state’s protection and that fraudulent acquisition damages Ghana’s international reputation.

The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of Ghana’s immigration and citizenship processes following several high-profile cases involving foreign nationals allegedly using the country as a base for international fraud schemes.

Handa’s son is also reportedly facing legal proceedings in India and Dubai, with both individuals allegedly following similar patterns of establishing temporary residence before relocating when investigations begin.

The case highlights the challenges facing African nations in balancing economic openness with security concerns as they seek foreign investment while preventing abuse of their systems by international criminals.

Ghana’s authorities have not announced charges but continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent citizenship acquisition and subsequent business activities.

The investigation’s outcome could influence future citizenship policy reforms and screening procedures for foreign nationals seeking Ghanaian nationality, particularly those from countries with outstanding legal issues.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has slammed the government over the arrest of the New Patriotic Party Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.

Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, A Plus pointed out that Abronye’s arrest and continued detention just because of comments is completely wrong.

He added that even though he has been on the receiving end of most of Abronye’s insults, the right way to handle such issues was through defamation suits and not arrests and arbitrary detentions.

“I’m not saying that nobody should be arrested, but arresting, detaining, remanding just for expressing or insulting somebody, I may not agree with what you have to say, even about me or anybody else, but I will defend to the death anybody’s right to freedom of information. Abronye has insulted me more than anybody in this country, but that does not change the fact that people must not be arrested and detained. If you have issues with people, you can go and sue them for defamation.

“If somebody makes comments in this country, I don’t believe that people must be arrested and detained for making comments. I stand by that, whether the person is my enemy or my friend. I’m not speaking because Abronye is a friend or because I like Abronye. But when they come for somebody and you don’t speak up, they will come for you,” he told GhanaWeb’s Ishmael Batoma.

NPP’s Abronye DC arrested – Report

The musician-turned-politician said that the government should rather focus on prosecuting people who have stolen from the state through corrupt practices, and not persons who make comments on some issues.

“I’m not going to arrest people just because of what they have said. We should spend that energy arresting people who have stolen from this country. Instead of spending that energy to arrest Obama Pokuasi, Fante Comedy and Abronye, people have chopped our money and they are the ones that have to be dealt with,” he said.

He also asserted that although there have been precedents of people being arrested and jailed over allegations they made, that should not be repeated, saying, “We are resetting, we are moving away from some of these things. There is a precedent for a lot that happened to journalists in this country. Are we saying that because there is precedent, it should continue like that or we are looking at something different?”

The Gomoa Central legislator also took a swipe at Ghanaian politicians, describing them as ‘hypocrites’ when it comes to issues of freedom of speech.

“The politicians only know all the laws that allow them to arrest and detain people or even jail people when they are in government — they know every law; public order, misdemeanour, offensive conduct. Immediately, they go to opposition, then they remember all the embassies where they can go and seek asylum. Then they remember that they have been victimised for something that they have said,” he added.

Police provide reason for Abronye’s arrest

According to the Ghana Police Service, Abronye DC was arrested for what the Service described as “offensive conduct.”

In a statement shared on the Police Service’s official social media platforms on September 8, 2025, the Service announced that Abronye DC would be processed for court.

“The Ghana Police Service has today, 08/09/25, arrested Mr. Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye, for offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace. He is currently in custody and will be put before court,” the statement read.

The arrest follows Abronye’s recent attempts to seek political asylum in eight countries, including Côte d’Ivoire and the United States.

He cited political persecution, threats to his life, and alleged abuse of state security powers by the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as reasons for his request.

Listen to his comments below:

BAI/AE

Will Ghana pass the Anti-Witchcraft Bill? Find out in the latest episode of The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV in this conversation with Amnesty International:

File photo of Makola Market [Image Credit: JAFEPX]

Ghana’s economy expanded by 6.3% in the second quarter of 2025, marking an improvement over the 5.7% recorded during the same period last year.

According to the latest data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), growth was largely driven by the services sector, which surged by 9.9%, compared to just 2% in Q2 of 2024.

Key contributors to this expansion included the finance, insurance, trade, and education sectors, which continue to demonstrate resilience and dynamism.

Meanwhile, non-oil GDP rose by 7.8%, supported by gains in agriculture and other productive sectors. This helped cushion the impact of a decline in oil production.

Cedi weakens further to trade at GH¢12.10 to $1

Commenting on the figures, Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu said the performance reflects a strengthening recovery and growing momentum across multiple sectors.

“We’re seeing signs of real economic resilience,” he noted.

Inflation also moved in a positive direction, easing to 11.5% in August, its lowest level since October 2021. This beats the Finance Ministry’s year-end target of 11.9%, offering renewed optimism for households and businesses.

The stronger-than-expected growth is expected to bolster investor confidence as the government continues to implement IMF-backed reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and unlocking new opportunities for development.

SA/MA

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Prophet Nigel Gaisie is the founder and leader of the Prophetic Hill Chapel

Founder and leader of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has issued a solemn call to Ghana’s Members of Parliament, urging them to intensify their prayers amid troubling spiritual revelations.

During an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen program on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the renowned prophet expressed deep concern over the spiritual atmosphere in Ghana’s Parliament.

‘I see you in Parliament’ – Nigel Gaisie drops prophecies on Malik Basintale

He revealed that he is unhappy with the spiritual atmosphere in the House, warning that without earnest prayer, the institution could face serious challenges.

He has therefore urged both Ghanaians and all legislators to rise in prayer and seek divine intervention.

“Parliament is not in a good place spiritually (sic). This isn’t to cause fear or panic, but rather a call to prayer. From the Speaker to the last member, everyone must engage in intense prayer. I said back in December 2024 that what I saw wasn’t pleasant and we must keep praying,” Gaisie claimed.

Nigel Gaisie further clarified that not all prophecies may play out as revealed due to certain circumstances, but firmly maintained that he is a true prophet.

“Not every dream I have is 100% affirmed, but the majority do come to pass. Some are averted through prayers, while others manifest because no action was taken to prevent them,” he stated.

‘If not for propaganda, Nigel Gaisie is more qualified for your position’ – Abronye blasts Basintale

VKB/VPO

Will Ghana pass the Anti-Witchcraft Bill? Find out in the latest episode of The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV in this conversation with Amnesty International:

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare is the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, is leading Ghana’s official delegation to the Osaka World Expo 2025 in Japan, where the country will showcase its vibrant cultural heritage and dynamic economic potential to the global community.

Representing the President of the Republic, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the highly anticipated “Ghana Day” event on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Her remarks will highlight Ghana’s strategic vision for trade, investment, and innovation, while inviting global partners to explore opportunities across key sectors.

In addition to her address, the minister will host a business forum and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with international stakeholders, aimed at strengthening trade relations and fostering new partnerships.

GoldBod secures airport land for state-owned refinery, laboratory

The Ghana Pavilion at the Expo will offer visitors an immersive experience of the country’s rich traditions, warm hospitality, and diverse investment prospects in agribusiness, manufacturing, digital technology, tourism, and energy.

Joining the delegation are other high-level officials, including the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.

Also present is Sampson Ahi, who serves as Ghana’s Commissioner General for the Expo, alongside senior representatives from various state agencies.

Together, the delegation is working to position Ghana as a destination for global investment and a trusted partner in international development.

SA

GhanaWeb’s latest documentary, Sex for Fish, that explores the plights of teenage girls in coastal communities, all in an attempt to survive, is out. Watch it below:

The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for a shift towards practical literacy that not only promotes reading and writing but also preserves the county’s identity and creates jobs.

He stressed that literacy should be relevant to the realities of today by equipping citizens with digital skills to thrive in a fast-changing world.

The Ga Mantse was speaking at the commemoration of International Literacy Day 2025 in Accra last Monday.

“Literacy must be practical. Reading that opens doors, writing that sparks innovation and digital skills that leads to jobs.

No child, no farmer, no trader anywhere in Ghana should be left behind,” he said. 

Literacy Day

International Literacy Day, observed globally on September 8 since 1967, emphasises literacy as a human right and driver of development. In Ghana, 7.9 million people, including 4.6 million women, remain illiterate.

Despite the progress, gender and regional disparities persist, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive, practical literacy in the digital era.

The event, organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Engage Now Africa, sought to raise awareness about the challenges millions of people still face in accessing basic reading and writing skills.

It emphasised literacy’s vital role in empowering individuals, reducing poverty, promoting gender equality and building sustainable societies. 

Significance

The Ga Mantse further stated that illiteracy now meant double exclusion—both from traditional education and the digital age.

He said literacy went beyond letters on a page, serving as a means to safeguard traditions, transmit history and empower the next generation.

Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II urged parents, teachers, leaders and traditional authorities to embrace technology as a bridge, not a threat, while ensuring that no child, farmer, or trader was left behind.

The Paramount Queen for Youth and Children of the Ga State, NyeAwo Naa Ayele Nobaatse I, urged authorities to redefine literacy in line with its unique challenges and prioritise fixing the country’s broken education system.

She echoed the Ga Mantse’s sentiments and stressed that true literacy must go beyond reading and writing to include critical thinking, digital responsibility and national development. 

NyeAwo Naa Ayele Nobaatse I further lamented persistent shortages of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate funding and untrained staff in public schools, describing the system as “sad and heartbreaking.”  She, therefore, called for honest dialogue, intentional planning and sustained investment.

Digital inclusion

The African Director and Ghana Country Director of Engage Now Africa, Cecilia Amankwah, underscored the urgent need to strengthen literacy as a foundation for digital inclusion and socio-economic development.

She enumerated persistent challenges such as low internet penetration, unequal access to digital tools, and the setbacks caused by COVID-19. 

She revealed that since its inception, Engage Now Africa had enrolled over 20,000 learners, graduated 15,000, and provided skills training to more than 10,000 Ghanaians.

Ms Amankwah called for stronger partnerships with government, NGOs and international bodies to transform literacy nationwide.

The Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, Dr Osman Tahidu Damba, in a speech read on his behalf, stressed the need to bridge the country’s digital divide to make literacy meaningful in the modern era.

He described literacy as the foundation of empowerment and sustainable development, but lamented how many rural schools still lacked internet access while high data costs hindered low-income families.

Dr Damba, however, highlighted national efforts, including digital libraries, distance learning platforms and ICT policy reforms, but emphasised that more must be done.

He called for lifelong learning systems that would integrate digital fluency, creativity and problem-solving.

The Ghana cedi has depreciated against major trading currencies 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 Tuesday, September 10, 2025, Bank of Ghana published rates indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢12.10 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, September 10, 2025:

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢12.09, Selling at GH¢12.10

• Pound – Buying at GH¢16.36, Selling at GH¢16.38

• Euro – Buying at GH¢14.18, Selling at GH¢14.19

Foreigners control 70% of Ghana’s market – GUTA president

Below is the current cedi rates at forex bureaus

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢13.20, Selling at GH¢13.45

• Pound – Buying at GH¢17.80, Selling at GH¢18.60

• Euro – Buying at GH¢15.50, Selling at GH¢16.20

GhanaWeb’s latest documentary, Sex for Fish, that explores the plights of teenage girls in coastal communities, all in an attempt to survive, is out. Watch it below:

MTN Ghana has announced its intention to gradually shut down its 2G and 3G networks, allowing subscribers sufficient time to transition to more advanced technologies.

During a recent address at the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, Stephen Blewett, the CEO of MTN Ghana, outlined the company’s plan. He acknowledged that many customers still rely on these older services.

Blewett noted that while many users intentionally limit their data usage to 2G and 3G, others are constrained by devices that do not support 4G capabilities. “Despite the broad availability of 4G, many of our customers continue to use 3G. For some, it’s a strategy to control their data consumption, while others remain on older devices,” he explained.

He emphasised that MTN is committed to enhancing spectrum efficiency and that the eventual discontinuation of older networks will be approached with careful planning and sensitivity to customer needs.

In a landmark move for Africa’s digital security landscape, Virtual Infosec Africa (VIA) and global cybersecurity firm LogRhythm (now Exabeam) have launched the continent’s first monthly subscription-based Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) service.

The initiative is set to transform how Ghanaian businesses, government agencies, and utilities protect their digital infrastructure—making enterprise-grade cybersecurity both accessible and affordable. The timing couldn’t be more urgent. 

In the first quarter of 2025, Africa recorded the highest average number of cyberattacks per organisation globally, with 3,286 attacks per week, according to Check Point Software Technologies. 

In Ghana and other parts of the continent, cyberattacks have increasingly targeted critical sectors, including energy, finance, telecommunications, and public services. 

Nearly one in five successful breaches resulted in the disruption of core business operations, the INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment said in its 2024 report.

For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the cost of deploying robust cybersecurity systems has been prohibitive. 

VIA’s solution

The Chief Executive Officer of VIA, Mr Emmanuel Asiedu Sekyere, said the company and Exabeam’s subscription model directly addresses this challenge. He said the novel initiative allows organisations to pay monthly, spread costs over time, and immediately benefit from AI-driven threat detection, monitoring, and compliance tools.

Mr. Emmanuel Asiedu Sekyere, Founder and CEO, VIA

“We see this as a breakthrough for SMEs in Ghana,” the founder of VIA, a wholly-owned Ghanaian firm, said. 

“They’ve long been exposed to threats without the means to defend themselves. Now, they can access the same technology used by global corporations—without the financial strain.”

The service is hosted at VIA’s managed security site at the National Information Technologies Agency (NITA) in Accra and powered by Exabeam’s next-generation platform, which uses artificial intelligence to detect and respond to threats in real time. 

It is tailored to local industry needs and comes with pre-financing options to ease adoption. 

Impact on national security

Beyond SMEs, the initiative has significant implications for national cybersecurity. 

As Ghana continues to digitize public services and expand its digital economy, the resilience of its cyber infrastructure becomes a matter of national interest. 

Affordable access to advanced cybersecurity tools could help prevent large-scale disruptions, data breaches, and financial losses.

“This isn’t just a business solution—it’s a national safeguard,” Mr. Asiedu said. “We’re helping build a digitally secure Ghana, one subscription at a time,” he added.

He explained that the model also supports long-term business sustainability. 

The CEO of VIA said that by reducing the risk of cyber incidents, companies can protect customer trust, maintain operational continuity, and avoid costly recovery efforts. 

“For startups and growing enterprises, this could mean the difference between survival and collapse in the face of a cyberattack,” Mr. Asiedu said.

He noted that as Ghanaian organisations increasingly embrace digital transformation, VIA and Exabeam’s subscription service offered a timely and practical solution to one of the most pressing challenges of the digital age. 

“Cybercriminals don’t wait, and now, Ghana doesn’t have to either,” he added.

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.

Spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai in Accra have issued an ultimatum to foreign nationals operating in the area to vacate their shops or risk being forcibly removed.

At a press conference on Monday, September 8, the dealers insisted that the spare parts trade is legally reserved for Ghanaians, accusing foreign traders of flouting local investment laws by occupying retail spaces meant for locals.

One dealer cited Nigeria as an example of stricter enforcement, arguing that Ghana was failing to protect its own citizens.

“You can’t just walk into a spare parts shop in Lagos and start doing business. I’ve been there. Foreigners only operate at the wholesale level, and even then, the licensing fees are very high. That’s why only a few can afford it. Ghana has similar laws, but we’re not enforcing them,” he said.

The traders expressed frustration with both government officials and trade association leaders, accusing them of neglect and inaction.

“We feel like orphans in our own land. We have leaders, but none stand for us. They keep telling us to register, but what’s the point if they can’t protect us? Many of us are willing to register to help the association generate revenue, but when we’re in trouble, there’s no one to defend us,” another trader lamented.

The group also alleged discriminatory treatment by tax authorities, claiming that while Ghanaian traders face constant harassment, foreign traders operate with minimal oversight.

One dealer shared a personal encounter with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), stating:

“The intimidation is unbearable. They accuse you of things you haven’t done, especially when it comes to VAT. I eventually closed my shop and relocated. It’s been almost five years, and GRA still calls me. They never ask if I need support – only chase me when I try to start something again,” he said.

By Vera Owusu Sarpong

The Co-Founder of AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD), Tianze Zhang, has stated that developing countries must reform their educational system to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI).

He said AI had the potential to help people grow their interest, take their examinations and write their reports with precision.

“The education system needs to rethink the balance between the AI and humans in the role of AI and humans in education development,” Mr Zhang stated in an interview with the Daily Graphic on the outcomes of the AIFOD Vienna Summit at the United Nations Office.

AIFOD Vienna Summit

Mr Zhang spoke on the role of AI in developing countries and stressed the need to scale up investment, noting that these countries currently receive less than one per cent of global AI funding. He emphasised the importance of strategies to redirect capital flows towards them.

A total of 600 delegates from 120+ countries established groundbreaking frameworks to redirect $1.2 trillion in AI investments towards emerging markets.

These markets are experiencing remarkable growth rates of 28-34 per cent annually, significantly outpacing the 19 per cent growth in developed economies.

AIFOD is an independent global forum of more than 5,600 members dedicated to democratising AI for developing nations through strategic public–private partnerships. 

The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries, foster inclusive growth, and empower the Global South to be creators rather than mere consumers of AI technologies.

Ethical standards

On ethical standards, Mr Zhang urged developing countries to localise AI to align it to their culture, by developing their own AI tools with the languages that could better preserve their cultures.

“We are helping communities to understand how to develop their own AI, and we are helping them to attract funding from the private sector,” Mr Zhang explained.

He, therefore, advised developing countries not to rely on the big players in AI, stressing that every country should have a different approach to developing AI.

AI education

He said his organisation was focused on creating a level playing field to ensure fairness for developing countries, adding that AI was revolutionising the work environment.

Mr Zhang observed that AI was depriving many people of their jobs, as was evidenced in the areas of legal fields, medical fields and consulting fields as well.

“This will create a huge disparity for the developing countries, where, for sure, more jobs will be deprived at a competitive level,” he added.

He called for more education in AI management, so that within the next 10 years, developing countries could catch up in AI.

Application or infrastructure

Mr Zhang said the key issue at the end of the Vienna Summit was whether developing countries should prioritise investment in application or in infrastructure.

He said the consensus was that the situation must change to establish fairer standards that would help developing countries enter the AI market ethically.

“We now need to switch from the view of the scales of investment to a more holistic approach, about social values, about the community values, about the cultural values.

“This is very important and so, with AIFOD fair standards, we evaluate three pillars for AI investment in developing countries,” he said and enumerated them as data sovereignty, ethical investment and sustainable impacts.

“So, these are the values that we hope the developing countries or the companies to consider when they are building the AI; they need to think about,” he said. 

Future of AI market

Mr Zhang said, considering that the China-US market was saturating, the developing countries were the future of tomorrow, but expressed worry that billions of people lacked computer literacy and also in AI tools.

He said the new market needed education to give them more opportunities and enable them to afford the AI tools.

Mr Zhang, therefore, advised AI developers to make their AI products more accessible and affordable for people in developing countries.

“We hope the companies come to Africa ethically and not just to literally dig the gold and leave the trenches,” he explained.

Writer’s Email: [email protected]

By Joyce Danso

Accra, Sept. 9, GNA- Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, was on Tuesday remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court.

Baffoe, who is facing charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace and publication of false news, is expected to reappear on Friday, September 12, 2025.

The court did not take his plea but read out the charges to him.

He is alleged to have made offensive and abusive statements on Ohia TV during a live-stream against the Inspector General of Police, Mr Christian TettehYohuno, to wit, “the Current Inspector General of Police (IGP) has low Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and he is the most foolish IGP in the history of Ghana”.

” The current IGP, Tetteh Yohonu, is the most corrupt IGP in the history of Ghana.”

Again, Baffoe is said to have made publication of false news on September 3, 2025, on Ohia Online TVprogramme, dubbed: “The Evidence”, to wit ” all strategic meetings conducted by the NDC in Akwatia had the IGP in attendance.”

The court, presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah,remanded Baffoe into police custody after carefully listening to the prayers of the defence counsel and the prosecution.

The court denied the accused person’s bail with the reason that his plea had not been taken on the grounds that the police are conducting full investigations into the matter, adding that the police did not also want to breach the 48-hour rule.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Ebenezer Teye Okuffo and Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, gave various reasons to the court as to why Baffoe should be remanded.

Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer held that Baffoe should be remanded because he was a flight risk.

He said it was on record that Baffoe had written letters to embassies in the country, seeking asylum in some countries, including Ivory Coast.

Chief Inspector Lawer noted that one could enter the Ivory Coast on foot, and “if the accused is granted bail, his chances of absconding were 100 per cent.

“This should be a convincing reason for this court to remand the accused person into police custody for us to conclusively investigate and arraign him,” he said.

Chief Inspector Okuffo told the court that the nature of the accusation borders on the security of the nation, hence the need to conduct thorough investigations into the matter.

He said the law enjoined the court to remand the accused person to enable the police to conduct further investigations into the matter.

Chief Inspector Okuffo said Baffoe was arrested on Monday and arraigned on Tuesday  because the Police did not want to breach the 48-hour rule.  

Mr Daniel Nii Martey Addo, who led the defence team, prayed the court to admit his client to bail because he was not a flight risk as Baffoe voluntarily honoured thepolice invitation.

He said Baffoe would always make himself available in court or whenever the police called him, adding that he owned a TV channel, which was located within the jurisdiction.

Defence counsel said the charges preferred against Baffoe were misdemeanour and urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of his client.

GNA

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe

President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng

Foreign businesses now dominate about 70% of Ghana’s market, leaving local traders with just 30%, according to the President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng.

His comments follow fresh enforcement efforts by the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, which on Monday began flushing out foreign traders alleged to be breaching the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, 2013 (Act 865).

The Association has threatened citizen-led action if authorities fail to act.

Speaking on TV XYZ’s Dwaboase programme, Dr. Obeng said weak enforcement of investment laws had ceded control of entire sectors to foreigners.

“Our market is gone. Today, those who deal in stationery and printing are mostly Chinese.

When you go to Chinatown and China Mall, you see many people trooping in and out to make purchases.

Previously, all these cars were going to Makola, Kejetia, Mankessim, but now they are all parked at China Mall,” he lamented.

He added that perception plays a role, with many Ghanaians believing they get better value from foreign-owned outlets.

“We go to China to buy their goods, so if a Chinese person has opened a mall here, locals feel they would be better served when they get to their market,” he explained.

Dr. Obeng warned that the survival of Ghanaian enterprises is under serious threat and urged government to take urgent steps to restore market control to locals.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced plans to roll out a new digital platform in 2026 that will allow vehicle owners to reserve their preferred registration numbers online before completing the registration process.

The initiative, dubbed “DVLA SELECT,” is part of ongoing efforts by the Authority to enhance customer convenience and streamline vehicle registration services.

In a statement issued on September 8, 2025, the DVLA said the upcoming platform will enable clients to “choose and reserve their preferred vehicle registration numbers online” ahead of visiting a DVLA office for final processing.

The Authority noted that additional details regarding the platform’s usage, access, and implementation timeline will be communicated to the general public in due course.

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