Hannah Acquah, Founder and CEO of TKC Africa Ltd, is set to deliver a compelling presentation titled “Why I Am Betting on Local Investors for Africa’s Economic Future” at the Inclusive Fintech Forum (IFF) in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2025. Acquah’s presentation will explore the transformative potential of Africa’s local investor ecosystem in driving sustainable economic growth and innovation across the continent.

As a vocal advocate for African-led investment, Acquah has consistently emphasized the importance of empowering homegrown capital to fuel the continent’s development. “Africa’s growth story cannot be complete without the active participation of local investors,” says Acquah. “By investing in our own businesses and innovations, we build resilience and unlock long-term prosperity.”

TKC Africa Ltd has been at the forefront of initiatives that connect African entrepreneurs with local and international investors, fostering inclusive economic participation. The upcoming presentation will shed light on the strategic opportunities within Africa’s fintech landscape and how local investors can lead the charge in shaping the continent’s economic trajectory.

The IFF Kigali 2025 will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers from around the globe to discuss the future of inclusive finance. Acquah’s insights are expected to resonate strongly with stakeholders seeking practical strategies to support Africa’s growth through localized investment.

Stay tuned for more updates from the forum as Africa’s investment landscape continues to evolve.

www.tkcafrica.com

www.inclusivefintechforum.com

@InclusiveFinTechForum @TheFoundersPeak @NavinSuri @SagariWhte @hannahacquah @TKCAfrica @IFF @LocalInvestors @Rwanda @kigali @Africa @LPs @GPs @pensionsfirms @familyoffices @privateequity @venturecapital @insurancefirms @foundations @Economicfuture @wgcddne

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File photo of someone using a mobile phone

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) Bailout Dashboard and Debt Tracker tools platforms have been launched to provide citizens with accessible data on Ghana’s public debt and IMF programme progress.

These will provide the public, including journalists, researchers, and policymakers with data to facilitate their work in the bid to promote fiscal transparency and accountability in Ghana.

The Economic Governance Platform (EGP), a coalition of civil society organisations focused on sustainable economic growth, launched the online platforms on Thursday in Accra.

“The launch of the IMF Dashboard and Debt Tracker tools is a significant step towards promoting fiscal transparency and accountability in Ghana,” said Mary Amelana Addah, the Executive Director, Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), when she launched the platforms.

She said the development of the tools by civil society, funded by OXFAM Ghana, was a way of demonstrating the commitment of the CSOs to promoting transparency and accountability in Ghana’s public finance management (PFM).

Data on the platforms would help advocate better fiscal downturns, better PFM regimes, and better debt sustainability for the people of Ghana.

Madam Addah commended the EGP, which had come a long way since its inception to earn international recognition, with the IMF and World Bank, citing it as an example for other countries to emulate.

“Kenya has even sent representatives to learn from Ghana’s experience,” she noted.

Dr Angela Azumah Alu, the Country Director of Oxfam in Ghana, expressed concern that the most vulnerable populations were disproportionately affected by Ghana’s unsustainable debt challenges.

She was optimistic that the new tools would help demystify the IMF process and Ghana’s debt situation, enabling citizens to hold leaders accountable for their actions.

Abdul Karim Mohammed, Coordinator, EGP, said Ghana’s debt crisis were attributable to a myriad of factors, including poor tax management, corruption, and economic mismanagement.

These factors, he noted, have persisted since the country attained independence.

To help address them, he disclosed that the EGP had commissioned a study to look into Ghana’s debt management practices.

The study, expected to be launched in the coming weeks, will examine the political economy of debt acquisition and accumulation, the legal and institutional framework for debt management, and debt transparency and accountability.

The EGP is a civil society-led initiative that aims to promote sustainable economic growth, reduce debt dependency, and ensure that Ghana’s economic policies benefit its citizens.

Over the years, the platform has metamorphosed into a viable group that brings together CSOs and academia to interrogate issues of fiscal governance, macro, micro, PFM issues, governance, and anti-corruption.

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The late professor Atta Mills and his classmates

It is always amazing when people sit back to reminisce how they have grown beautifully to become meaningful people in society.

Though not all can tell the rags to riches story, everyone has a story to share, be it good, bad, or ugly.

One of such moments about the early years of prominent people has flooded the internet, showing a moment the late former president of Ghana, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, was captured in a group photo with some of his classmates.

From reports, the photo circulating on social media is from their days in Form 2 at Cadbury.

This was between 1954 and 1959.

The late Atta Mills and his friends were seen in their African print cloth wrapped around one shoulder, just as chiefs wear their regalia.

Atta Mills, with his 7 friends, posed for the camera with their bushy hairstyles.

Fast forward, the late Mills completed his secondary education at Achimota School, earning his Ordinary Level Certificate in 1961 and Advanced Level Certificate in 1963.

He proceeded to the University of Ghana, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and a professional law certificate in 1967.

He subsequently attended the London School of Economics, earning an LL.M. in 1968.

In 1971, he completed his Ph.D. programme at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Mills then entered into politics and became the Vice President of Ghana from 1997 to 2001 under the late Jerry Rawlings’ administration.

In 2008, he won the general elections and was sworn into office on January 7, 2009.

He, however, passed away on July 24, 2012.

The late Atta Mills is remembered for his dedication to democracy, social welfare, and economic reform.

He is also noted to be one of the most peaceful and truthful leaders Ghana has ever had.

SA/AE

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Dr. Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru

The re-imposition of a curfew on Walewale and its surrounding areas in the North East Region has sparked strong opposition from the Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru.

The decision, which follows two incidents allegedly linked to the ongoing Bawku crisis, has been criticized as politically motivated and ineffective in addressing the root causes of insecurity in the region.

Dr. Abdul-Kabiru argues that the move unfairly punishes innocent civilians while failing to implement a comprehensive approach to ensuring peace.

In a statement addressing the curfew, he outlined several concerns, including the lack of consultation with affected constituencies, the selective application of security measures, and recent acts of military brutality against civilians.

See below for the full statement:

“My attention has been drawn to the recent decision to impose a curfew on Walewale and its surrounding areas following two incidents allegedly linked to the Bawku crisis within the Walewale constituency. While I have consistently condemned attacks on travelers in and around Walewale, I must emphatically state that this decision is both ill-advised and politically motivated, offering no real solution to the underlying issue.

Firstly, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, consulted Members of Parliament from the Bawku area without extending the same engagement to those of us equally affected. This exclusion demonstrates a clear lack of commitment to fostering peace and instead appears to be an unjustifiable use of state power to punish innocent civilians.

Secondly, if the government truly believes that a curfew is the best security measure at this time, then it should have been imposed across all areas where attacks on travelers have occurred, including Binduri, Zebilla, and Garu. It is particularly concerning that these attacks—some of which have happened under military escort—have not been met with similar security measures. Since December 2021, at least 25 such attacks have been recorded, including three in the last month alone. The selective enforcement of this curfew raises serious concerns about whether the lives of travelers to and from Bawku are being treated with equal importance.

Thirdly, a more reasonable and effective approach would have been to enhance highway patrols and provide security escorts for travelers. Deploying even half of the police and military personnel assigned to enforce the curfew could have ensured the safety of both travelers and businesses, rather than imposing restrictions that disrupt daily life.

Fourthly, the government’s intentions were laid bare when, on January 15, 2025, military personnel, without provocation, brutally assaulted innocent civilians. Although the military later apologized, their continued unlawful and excessive use of force is both distasteful and unacceptable. In the past two days alone, security forces have indiscriminately tortured residents in Kukua, Loagri, Walewale, Gbimsi, and Wulugu, resulting in one fatality and several others sustaining serious injuries. I will be working closely with the families of the deceased and other victims to pursue all available legal avenues to seek justice.

Lastly, the decision to impose this curfew, coupled with the Interior Minister’s communication on the matter, unfairly suggests that the people of Walewale are responsible for these attacks. This is a dangerous and misleading narrative. While it is true that certain individuals are exploiting the poor security situation to carry out attacks, the entire community should not be made to suffer for the failure of security forces to apprehend those responsible.

That said, I urge the people of Walewale and the general public to support security agencies in maintaining peace and stability in the area. Violence has no place in our society, and collaboration with law enforcement is crucial in addressing these security concerns. I also appeal to the Ministry of Interior to reconsider this decision and adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to restoring peace. Any forceful enforcement of this curfew will only breed resentment and further escalate tensions in Bawku.

Thank you.

Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru, PhD (MP, Walewale)

Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, impressed students at Harvard University in the United States when he delivered a lecture on Ghana’s digitalisation journey and its impact on economic transformation.

Speaking at Harvard University on Saturday as the keynote speaker on the theme “Africa Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa’s Progress,” Dr Bawumia outlined Ghana’s digitalisation initiatives and their positive contributions to economic growth.

Dr Bawumia first reflected on how Africa had missed out on the first, second, and third industrial revolutions before stressing the necessity of embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution to drive economic transformation.

“Policymakers in Africa must adopt a mindset of possibilities. We should embrace technology and not be intimidated by it. We must believe that we can leapfrog advanced nations in many areas if we put our minds to it,” Dr Bawumia stated. He highlighted how Ghana’s digitalisation efforts, in which he played an instrumental role, are addressing long-standing challenges that have hindered modern economic growth.

“For over 60 years after independence, Ghana had a largely informal system without many of the basic elements necessary for a modern economy. Today, we are building a formal, data-driven economy to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.

Ghana’s digital success story

Dr Bawumia noted that in the past eight years, Ghana has pursued an “aggressive policy of digitalisation” to “jumpstart the economic transformation of our country.”

“Our focus has been on digital technology that addresses real challenges. At this stage of our development, we are not looking at driverless cars or humanoid robots. Instead, we seek technology that solves problems in agriculture, health, education, access to credit, payment system efficiency, public service delivery, and revenue mobilisation,” he explained.

Dr Bawumia pointed out that, before this digitalisation drive, the issue was largely seen as peripheral and not central to Ghana’s national development agenda.

“My focus on digitalisation as Vice President was initially ridiculed by political opponents. But I remained committed to my vision of using digitalisation to address everyday challenges faced by Ghanaians while building an engine for economic growth and job creation,” he stated.

Expounding on Ghana’s digital transformation, Dr Bawumia demonstrated how the country has tackled long-standing challenges through technology.

“One of the biggest challenges was the inability to uniquely identify individuals. It was possible to be born, live an entire life, die, and be buried in Ghana without any official record of your existence. This made it difficult to access public services such as acquiring a driver’s licence, passport, or government permits,” he explained.

He also highlighted the absence of a functional national property address system, which he described as a major obstacle to economic modernisation.

To address these issues, Dr Bawumia cited the issuance of Ghana Cards to 85% of the adult population and the implementation of a digital address system as transformative steps.

Other key challenges being addressed through digitalisation include:

• A large informal sector and over-reliance on cash payments, which has been mitigated through mobile money interoperability, making Ghana one of the most financially inclusive countries in the world.
• Fragmented and manual government databases, which have been streamlined through the digitisation of services such as passport applications, driver’s licences, and business registrations.
• Inefficient manual records in healthcare facilities, which have been replaced with digital health records in government hospitals.
• Poor healthcare access in remote areas, now addressed by Ghana’s world-renowned medical drone delivery service.

A major pathway for job creation

Beyond modernising the economy, Dr Bawumia emphasised that Ghana’s digital transformation has created job opportunities and strengthened businesses, particularly through digital payment systems.

“The digital payments infrastructure, along with the digital property address system, is boosting e-commerce in Ghana and creating jobs,” he said.

“E-commerce is thriving in Ghana. Many sales now take place via Instagram, Facebook, and websites. Individuals who cannot afford to rent or build physical shops can now conduct business online at little cost, with deliveries facilitated by digital addresses and payments enabled through mobile money interoperability.”

A call to African Leaders

Concluding his address, Dr Bawumia urged African leaders to embrace digital technology to unlock the continent’s vast potential.

“The digital economy holds the key to unlocking Africa’s potential and creating jobs for our youth. By working together—governments, businesses, educators, and innovators—we can build a future where every African has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter tomorrow.”

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Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has reiterated the government’s commitment to providing resources, training, and market access to help Ghana’s chocolate industry thrive.

The sector minister said Made-in-Ghana chocolates not only tasted good but also contained numerous nutrients, including antioxidants, that helped to boost the immune system.

She said this at the climax of this year’s National Chocolate Week celebration, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Cocoa Board and the Cocoa Processing Company on Friday in Accra.

The celebration was themed: “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana,” with the sub-theme: “Chocolate for All: Taste, Share, and Care.”

The week-long celebration, which coincides with Valentine’s Day, is to project the rich history and cultural significance of Ghana’s cocoa and to remind Ghanaians of the importance of love, affection, and the joy of sharing chocolate with others.

“Chocolate is indeed a universal language that brings people together, and we are proud to be one of the world’s leading producers. By celebrating the week, we are not only promoting our local chocolate industry but also showcasing the best of Ghanaian culture and hospitality,” Madam Gomashie said.

“The Black Star Experience” initiative, government’s flagship programme, was at the heart of the celebration and designed to promote Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, with cocoa as a symbol of national pride and economic strength, she said.

The occasion was also to pay glowing tribute to Tetteh Quashie for introducing cocoa beans to Ghana from Fernando Po in the late 19th century and to honour farmers who cultivate the prestigious crop, which was transformed into the sweet delight that brings joy to millions worldwide.

The minister urged Ghanaians to taste, share, and care for local chocolates and continue to promote them, support cocoa farmers, and preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage.

Marilyn Maa Efua Houadjeto, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority, said the theme epitomised the need to inculcate in the people the habit of consuming cocoa in its various forms.

She noted that the programme had helped to reshape the celebration of Valentine’s Day in Ghana by leveraging chocolate as a symbol of love, providing a longer period of engagement, and increasing awareness.

Mrs Houadjeto said that promoting local consumption of Ghanaian chocolate would enhance domestic tourism and social cohesion and create jobs for the youth.

“Cocoa is a stress reliever, helps to reduce blood pressure, improves the blood flow to the brain and boosts brain function, acts as a stimulant, and a natural aphrodisiac,” she said.

“Cocoa has become a veritable component of Ghana’s tourism experience, igniting a sense of pride and heritage, and the industry is one of the leading industries that absorbs a significant number of Ghana’s labour force.”

She encouraged tour operators/guides to prioritise the inclusion of cocoa farms in their tours to the various tourist sites and attractions to educate clients on the health and economic benefits of cocoa.

“Tourism establishments must also ensure that chocolate-based products and chocolates are part of their menu and snacks so that the foreign exchange needed could be raked into the economy,” she said.

She called on stakeholders in the entire value chain to continue to promote the consumption of chocolate and cocoa-based products, adding: “It must be continually nurtured and promoted to attract both national and international attention and participation.”

“This will help not only keep the chocolate message constantly running in the minds of Ghanaians but also create avenues for those in the processing and manufacturing sectors to showcase their various cocoa products,” the GTA CEO stated.

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At a symbolic meeting at the Bui Power Authority Head Office in Accra, the outgoing CEO, Hon. Ing. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, officially introduced the newly appointed acting CEO, Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam and handed over the seat leadership, in accordance with a directive from the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama.

In his address, Hon. Ing. Dzamesi expressed his gratitude to the Management and Staff of BPA for their support during his tenure. He recounted his journey as CEO, which began on September 3, 2021, and highlighted the challenges and achievements of his leadership.

Hon. Ing. Dzamesi emphasized the importance of teamwork and professionalism, noting that the Authority’s success was a collective one.

Hon. Ing. Kofi Dzamesi expressed his confidence in the incoming CEO Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam, describing him as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the Energy Sector. He urged Management and Staff to extend their full support to the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress for the Authority.

“I am delighted to hand over to Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam, who comes with a wealth of experience from the energy sector. I am confident that he will build on the foundation we have laid and take BPA to even greater heights,” Hon. Dzamesi stated.

Following his remarks, Hon. Dzamesi formally presented his handover notes to Ing. Sam, symbolizing the transfer of leadership responsibilities.

In his response, Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam expressed his gratitude to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minster for Energy and Green Transition for the trust and confidence reposed in him. He acknowledged the contributions of previous CEOs and commended their achievements in advancing the Authority’s mandate.

“I bring to BPA a wealth of experience and a commitment to firm, fair, and proactive leadership. The power sector is one that requires a high level of stakeholder consciousness, and I am determined to ensure that BPA remains responsive to the needs of all stakeholders,” Ing. Sam stated.

He also highlighted the importance of innovation and urged the young professionals within the Authority to harness their creativity to drive the organization forward. “I see a lot of young talent here, and I encourage you to ignite your innovative spirit. Together, we can position BPA as a leader in the energy sector and a blessing to our nation, Ghana,” he added.

The management, and staff of BPA extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Ing. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi for his leadership and welcome Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam as the new CEO of the Authority.

 PROFILE OF ING. KOW EDUAKWA SAM

Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam is a seasoned electrical engineer with over 25 years of experience in Strategic Leadership, Project and Contract Management, Protection and Control Engineering, Control and Instrumentation Engineering, as well as Technical and Energy Auditing.

He holds an MBA in Management Information Systems from the University of Ghana (2004) and a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (1998).

Additionally, he has earned postgraduate certificates in Project/Investment Appraisal and Risk Management from Duke University (2012) and Power System Analysis from the University of Pennsylvania (2011).

In his most recent role as Head of Project Development at VRA’s Engineering Services Department, Ing. Sam led a team of engineers in identifying and developing bankable conventional and renewable energy projects, including Solar PV and Wind, to expand VRA’s power generation portfolio.

Notable projects developed under his leadership include the Lawra and Kaleo Solar PV projects, as well as the Floating Solar PV project, which is slated for implementation by the end of 2025.

Ing. Sam is credited with the development of VRA’s Project Life Cycle (PLC) and project templates, which guide and standardize the development and implementation of projects at VRA.

Part of his responsibilities included reviewing and auditing VRA’s projects to ensure compliance with the PLC and Procurement Procedures.

He possesses a strong understanding of Strategic Leadership and has acted as Director on various occasions in the absence of the substantive Directors of the Technical Services and Engineering Services Departments at VRA. Ing. Sam is a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers.

ken Ofori-Atta, former finance minister

The Chairman of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) in the UK and Ireland, Kit Yawson, has criticised former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta for allegedly evading justice.

He stated that the former minister should be brought back to Ghana to face the law for his actions, which led to the loss of jobs for several Ghanaians.

Yawson proposed a public inquiry where Ofori-Atta would be made to answer for his role in the financial crisis he allegedly caused.

In an interview with Sir Richie on As It Is in Ghana on Rainbow Radio 92.4FM, UK, he claimed that former appointees of the previous administration engaged in activities that cost the country significant sums of money, and Ken Ofori-Atta was no exception.

He asserted that if Ofori-Atta and other corrupt NPP appointees had lived in South American or Arab countries, they would have faced execution for their involvement in corruption and related activities.

“Let me tell you this: if it were in Asian or South American countries, these guys would not be alive; they would have been arrested and executed for their corrupt practices,” he stated.

He further alleged that “the previous government ran a family-and-friends administration, stole state resources, and denied Ghanaians development.”

“We know that Akufo-Addo led a family-and-friends government. Ghana is not a broken nation—Akufo-Addo and his gang of corrupt appointees stole a large portion of our money. I’m not a direct witness, but we all know they stole from us. Every Ghanaian who reads about Ghana knows that our resources fell into the wrong hands,” he added.

Yawson also questioned the wealth accumulated by government officials, using former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah as an example.

“If Cecilia Dapaah had millions of dollars in her house, how much more would Ofori-Atta have? Some argue that the security officers who raided his home had no right to do so, but Ken Ofori-Atta had the right to flee from justice,” he remarked.

He concluded by describing Ofori-Atta’s appointment as a product of nepotism.

“Ofori-Atta became a minister after his cousin was elected president. He’s a complete Kwaku Ananse,” he said.

Kosmos Energy Ghana (KEG), a deepwater exploration and production company, has handed over a newly built and fully equipped school clinic to Senya Senior High School in the Awutu Senya District of the Central Region.

The facility is expected to benefit more than 1,540 students and 110 teaching and non-teaching staff.

The air-conditioned clinic is stocked with essential medical supplies, including four modern hospital beds, four side cabinets, four oximeters, two non-contact infrared thermometers, two weight scales, first aid boxes, and disposable gloves.

Additional equipment includes two blood pressure monitors, four glucometers, two medicine cabinets, ward nurses’ cabinets, a three-step trolley, a fourfold screen, an examination couch, chairs for nurses and patients, a wheelchair, disposable syringes, and tables and chairs for staff.

The school management described the clinic as a timely intervention. Previously, students who fell ill at night had to lie on the ground outside the school gate while waiting for transport to the hospital due to the lack of an on-campus medical facility.

Kosmos Energy stated that its social investment programme for 2024 and beyond focuses on providing humanitarian relief to under-resourced senior high schools in Ghana, in addition to its joint initiatives with Jubilee and TEN Fields Joint Venture partners.

At the handover ceremony, Mr Joe Mensah, Senior Vice-President & Head of the Ghana Business Unit at Kosmos Energy Ghana, recalled that before this project, the company had donated 3,200 student mono-desks to four senior high schools: Savelugu SHS, Ningo SHS, Prampram SHS, and Tsiame SHS in the Northern, Greater Accra, and Volta regions.

He stated that Kosmos Energy expanded its support to the Central Region, acknowledging that the government alone cannot meet all the needs of educational institutions.

“Kosmos Energy selected Senya Senior High School after reviewing the school’s needs. We decided to build a clinic and stock it with essential medical supplies to serve the students,” he said.

“We believe this facility will not only provide timely first aid but also serve as an isolation unit to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.”

He added that KEG’s Humanitarian Relief Initiative, launched in 2022, focuses on supporting schools with special needs. So far, the programme has assisted four schools catering to children with disabilities in the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, and Northern regions.

Mr Mensah urged students to take their studies seriously and strive for academic success.

The headmaster of Senya SHS, Mr Ebenezer Nana Wilson, highlighted the previous challenges faced during medical emergencies, particularly at night, when staff had to wait for a tricycle (Pragia) to transport sick students to the hospital.

He described Kosmos Energy’s support as a crucial intervention that would significantly improve student welfare. He also noted the school’s urgent need for additional infrastructure due to increasing boarding student enrolment.

The Central Regional Director of Education, Mr Emmanuel Essuman, stressed the importance of a well-equipped school clinic.

“Health and education are closely linked. When students are healthy, they can learn more effectively and reach their full potential,” he said.

Mr Essuman commended Kosmos Energy for the initiative and assured that the clinic would provide essential medical care, guidance, and support to students. He urged healthcare personnel managing the clinic to demonstrate compassion and commitment.

The Member of Parliament for the area, Mrs Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, who is an architect, praised the company for its support and pledged continued assistance for Senya SHS and other schools in the district.

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World number one Jannik Sinner has accepted an immediate three-month ban from tennis after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency over his two positive drug tests last year.

The 23-year-old Italian, who won the Australian Open last month, is suspended from 9 February until 4 May.

He will be eligible to play at the French Open – the next Grand Slam of the year – which starts on 19 May.

Sinner had previously been cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent panel after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol in March.

Wada had been seeking a ban of up to two years, having launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) over the 2024 decision by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) not to suspend Sinner.

In a statement on Saturday, Wada said it accepted the three-time Grand Slam champion “did not intend to cheat”, that the drug “did not provide any performance-enhancing benefit” and that this happened “without his knowledge as the result of the negligence of members of his entourage”.

It means the Cas hearing will not take place, but Sinner will serve a three-month suspension as “under the code and by virtue of Cas precedent, an athlete bears responsibility for the entourage’s negligence”.

In a statement released by his lawyers, Sinner said: “This case had been hanging over me for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year.

“I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise Wada’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love.

“On that basis, I have accepted Wada’s offer to resolve these proceedings based on a three-month sanction.”

Tennis has seen some high-profile doping cases over the past six months, with leading female player Iga Swiatek accepting a one-month suspension in November after testing positive for a banned substance when she was world number one.

News of Sinner’s positive tests was announced in August, shortly before the US Open – which he would go on to win.

The ITIA said at the time that the panel found Sinner bore “no fault or negligence” for testing positive for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol – a steroid that can be used to build muscle mass.

It accepted he had been inadvertently contaminated by his physiotherapist, who was treating a cut on his hand with an over-the-counter spray, which was later found to contain the banned substance.

But Wada lodged an appeal with Cas last September, stating at the time that the finding of “no fault or negligence” was not correct under the applicable rules, with a hearing scheduled for 16-17 April.

Wada has now officially withdrawn its Cas appeal and, having accepted the ban, Sinner will not be able to train until 13 April.

The next tournament he can play is in the clay-court Italian Open, which begins on 7 May.

He will miss prestigious hard-court tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami – where he is the defending champion – as well as many of the clay tournaments before the French Open.

The ITIA says Wada’s outcome supports its initial findings.

Will he lose his number one ranking?

Sinner currently has 11,830 points in the ATP rankings, a lead of more than 3,000 over Germany’s world number two Alexander Zverev (8,135), with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz third (7,510).

The Italian’s ban means he will not be able to defend points gained at tournaments last year and will lose ranking points.

For example, he will miss out on defending his title at the Miami Open which is held from 19-30 March and is worth 1,000 points.

Indian Wells, the Monte Carlo Masters and the Madrid Open are the other 1,000-point tournaments he will miss. The rest of the tournaments are worth either 250 or 500 points.

Losing his top ranking would also rely on his rivals winning multiple tournaments.

What have other players and pundits said?

Former British number one Tim Henman says the ban is “too convenient” and believes it will leave tennis fans with a “pretty sour taste”, while Australia’s former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios called it a “sad day for tennis”.

“Obviously having just won the Australian Open, to miss three months of the Tour and therefore to be eligible to play at Roland Garros, the timing couldn’t have been any better for Sinner, but I still think it leaves a pretty sour taste for the sport,” Henman told Sky Sports.

“When you’re dealing with drugs in sport it very much has to be black and white, it’s binary, it’s positive or negative, you’re banned or you’re not banned.

“When you start reading words like settlement or agreement, it feels like there’s been a negotiation and I don’t think that will sit well with the player cohort and the fans of the sport.”

In a post on X, Kyrgios wrote: “So Wada come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban. Obviously Sinner’s team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a three month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost. Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.”

Sinner’s lawyer Jamie Singer said on Saturday: “Wada has confirmed the facts determined by the Independent Tribunal. It is clear that Jannik had no intent, no knowledge, and gained no competitive advantage. Regrettably, errors made by members of his team led to this situation.”

Accusations that Sinner has received preferential treatment, because of his status, were disputed by the ITIA.

Karen Moorhouse, chief executive of the ITIA, said: “The way we manage cases does not change, irrespective of the profile of the player involved.”

World number four Novak Djokovic said in October that Sinner’s doping case was “not helping tennis at all”, while Australia’s Kyrgios previously said: “Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look.”

British player Tara Moore, who was provisionally banned for two years while challenging a doping charge of which she was eventually cleared, suggested top players were “treated differently”.

But two-time major finalist Casper Ruud concluded there was “no discrimination” in favour of Sinner if “you have read the documents”.

What has Sinner said about the case?

Sinner has always maintained he had done nothing wrong but said it created a “difficult” build-up to his US Open victory last September.

After the win in Melbourne, Sinner said he has always maintained that he has a “clear mind”.

But he has accepted responsibility for the actions of his team and in the lawyers’ statement on Saturday, it said he was “acknowledging his partial responsibility for the errors made by his team”.

The ITIA’s investigation found that Sinner – who said in September he was “surprised” and “disappointed” that Wada had appealed – had been inadvertently contaminated with the anabolic steroid by his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi.

Naldi was treating a cut on his hand using an over-the-counter spray, which had been provided by Sinner’s fitness trainer Umberto Ferrara.

Three days after the doping case emerged last August, Sinner parted ways with Naldi and Ferrara.

Sinner was allowed to continue playing after testing positive because his legal team successfully appealed against the provisional suspensions that were automatically imposed after each of his failed tests.

After his first positive test, the ban was lifted after one day, and after the second test, it was lifted after three days. Those four days count towards the three-month ban he has now accepted.

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Kwaku Manu, a renowned Ghanaian actor and comedian, has shared valuable advice on relationships.

In a recent interview, Kwaku Manu emphasized the importance of honesty and trust in romantic relationships.

He cautioned against deceitful behavior, stressing that honesty is essential for building a strong and healthy relationship.

Kwaku Manu advised individuals to prioritize communication and transparency in their relationships.

He encouraged couples to be open with each other, sharing their thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Kwaku Manu also warned against the dangers of jealousy and possessiveness in relationships.

He emphasized that trust is essential for a successful relationship, urging couples to avoid unnecessary suspicion and accusations.

Kwaku Manu’s advice was inspired by his own experiences and observations of relationships.

As a seasoned actor, Kwaku Manu has had the opportunity to explore various themes and storylines related to relationships.

He has used his platform to share his insights and advice, hoping to inspire positive change in his audience.

Kwaku Manu’s words of wisdom have resonated with many, particularly young people navigating the complexities of romantic relationships.

His emphasis on honesty, trust, and communication has encouraged individuals to reevaluate their own relationships.

Kwaku Manu’s advice has also sparked a wider conversation about the importance of healthy relationships.

He has been praised for his candor and willingness to share his expertise.

Kwaku Manu’s commitment to promoting positive relationships has earned him a reputation as a respected and influential figure.

His advice has been shared widely on social media, inspiring a new wave of discussions and reflections on relationships.

Kwaku Manu’s words of wisdom serve as a timely reminder of the importance of nurturing healthy and fulfilling relationships.

As a celebrated actor and comedian, Kwaku Manu continues to inspire and educate his audience.

His advice on relationships has been particularly impactful, offering valuable insights and guidance.

Kwaku Manu’s commitment to promoting positive values and relationships has made him a beloved and respected figure in Ghanaian entertainment.

Berla Mundi, a popular Ghanaian media personality, has spoken out about a pressing issue affecting her community.

She expressed frustration over noise pollution in Ghana, calling for stricter regulations on vendors and trucks selling goods in residential areas.

Berla Mundi took to social media to share her concerns, stating that the constant noise is disrupting her peace and affecting her mental health.

She explained that the noise pollution is not only a nuisance but also a health hazard, citing studies that link prolonged exposure to noise pollution with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease.

Berla Mundi’s post sparked a lively debate, with many of her followers sharing their own experiences with noise pollution.

Some commenters suggested that the government should establish quiet zones in residential areas, while others proposed stricter penalties for vendors and truck drivers who exceed acceptable noise levels.

Berla Mundi’s advocacy has brought attention to a critical issue that affects many Ghanaians.

She emphasized that everyone deserves the right to peaceful living and that it’s time for the government to take action.

Berla Mundi’s call to action has resonated with many, inspiring a renewed sense of community and civic engagement.

As a respected media personality, Berla Mundi’s voice carries significant weight, and her advocacy has the potential to drive meaningful change.

Noise pollution is a pervasive issue in Ghana, with many residents complaining about the constant noise from vendors, trucks, and construction sites.

The problem is exacerbated by inadequate regulations and lack of enforcement, allowing noise pollution to continue unchecked.

Berla Mundi’s advocacy highlights the need for greater awareness and action on noise pollution.

She emphasized that addressing noise pollution requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and the government.

Berla Mundi’s call to action has inspired many to take action, from reporting noise pollution incidents to advocating for policy changes.

As the conversation around noise pollution continues to grow, it’s clear that Berla Mundi’s advocacy has sparked a critical movement.

Her dedication to creating positive change has earned her widespread respect and admiration.

Berla Mundi’s advocacy serves as a powerful reminder that individual voices can drive meaningful change.

Through her platform, Berla Mundi continues to inspire and empower others to speak out against noise pollution.

As the movement gains momentum, it’s clear that Berla Mundi’s advocacy will have a lasting impact on Ghanaian communities.

Berla Mundi’s commitment to addressing noise pollution has sparked a renewed sense of hope and possibility.

Her advocacy serves as a testament to the power of individual action and collective advocacy.

As Ghana continues to navigate the complexities of noise pollution, Berla Mundi’s voice remains a vital part of the conversation.

Her dedication to creating positive change has inspired countless individuals to join the fight against noise pollution.

Berla Mundi’s advocacy has left an indelible mark on Ghanaian society, inspiring a new wave of community-led initiatives and advocacy efforts.