Caster Semenya’s right to a fair hearing was violated by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court when she lost a 2020 appeal against World Athletics regulations that effectively barred her from competing, Europe’s top court has ruled.

The double 800m Olympic champion won a partial victory at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in her long legal battle over athletics’ sex eligibility rules.

Semenya, 34, was born with differences of sexual development (DSD) and has been unable to compete in the 800m since World Athletics brought in rules in 2019 restricting testosterone levels for track events from 400m up to the mile.

The South African middle-distance runner believes World Athletics has shown discrimination against athletes with DSD by insisting they reduce testosterone levels to be eligible.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the verdict, Semenya said: “This is bigger than we ever thought. I don’t think this is about competition. It’s about human rights. It’s about the protection of the athletes.

“My role is to become a voice for those who cannot speak out.”

Athletics’ governing body insists the rules, which in 2023 were expanded to cover all female track and field events, are needed to ensure fair competition and to protect the female category.

Semenya was the Olympic champion over 800m in 2012 and 2016.

In 2019, she unsuccessfully challenged World Athletics’ rules at the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

In July 2023 the ECHR ruled in favour of Semenya in a case related to testosterone levels in female athletes.

The case at the ECHR was not against sporting bodies or DSD rules, but specifically against Switzerland’s government for not protecting Semenya’s rights and dates back to a Swiss Supreme Court ruling from 2020.

Switzerland’s government requested the matter be referred to the ECHR’s Grand Chamber, which has now found that the Swiss ruling “had not satisfied the requirement of particular rigour” under Article 6 (right to a fair hearing) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The judges said the Swiss court’s review “had fallen short” of that requirement.

However, the Grand Chamber found Semenya’s complaints under Articles 8 (right to respect for private life), 13 (right to an effective remedy) and 14 (prohibition of discrimination) inadmissible as they “did not fall within Switzerland’s jurisdiction”.

As the case concerns the Swiss government and not World Athletics, it will not immediately affect the current restrictions on DSD athletes.

Semenya said the outcome was “overwhelming”, adding: “For someone who has been waiting for over 15 years, to be able to hear that, I mean, you know, you feel heard, it’s a beautiful feeling.

“The past is the past. I mean, we focus on the future. I’ll say at the moment, I’ll say reborn. And, feel fulfilled.”

Decisions made by the ECHR’s Grand Chamber are not open to appeal.

Semenya’s case could now go back to the Swiss federal court in Lausanne.

The athlete’s lawyer, Schona Jolly, said they needed time to process the ruling before deciding on the next move, but told BBC Sport Semenya “has been vindicated”.

“As of today, the governance of international sport needs to sit up and take notice of an athlete’s fundamental rights,” Jolly said.

“It’s not possible to put this aside and say ‘the substantive rights of the athlete don’t matter’. They firmly do.”

South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie welcomed the ruling, saying: “Caster Semenya has become the face of defiance against injustice in global sport, and this victory in court is a victory for every African child.”

World Athletics declined to comment.

Semenya’s legal battle kept alive – Analysis

BBC sports editor Dan Roan

This ruling keeps alive Caster Semenya’s long legal battle against controversial sex eligibility rules that require DSD athletes to reduce their natural testosterone levels to participate in elite female competition.

What it will not do is overturn World Athletics rules that effectively ended Semenya’s career.

Her case was brought against the Swiss government, and officials at track and field’s world governing body believe it could take several years before the case is heard again by the country’s federal supreme court, if indeed it ever is.

This also comes too late for Semenya, who is now coaching, to resume her own career on the track.

World Athletics is confident the scientific research showing that athletes with the same DSD condition as Semenya retain a significant, male-like physiological advantage over non-DSD rivals has become more compelling since they introduced – and then strengthened – the rules.

Indeed, the organisation is planning on bringing in cheek swab DNA tests in the next few weeks to determine if an athlete is biologically female.

The test will look for the SRY gene, which is part of the Y chromosome and causes male characteristics to develop.

It would effectively bar an athlete with the same condition as Semenya from competing in the female category, regardless of any testosterone suppression.

World Boxing is also introducing mandatory chromosomal testing to determine sex at birth after Paris 2024 was overshadowed by a major row over gender eligibility in the women’s boxing competition.

At a time when the International Olympic Committee – under new president Kirsty Coventry – is considering applying such a test across all sports, the ECHR ruling will mean renewed scrutiny on rules that sports insist are needed to protect fairness in the female category, but which critics argue are discriminatory.

Who is Caster Semenya?

Semenya is a two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion over 800m.

Between 2009 and 2019, the South African dominated her sport, sealing a 30th consecutive victory when she won the Doha Diamond League 800m in May 2019.

She was given a hero’s welcome in South Africa after picking up her first World Championship gold in 2009, with thousands of jubilant fans turning out at Johannesburg airport to greet her.

However, her rapid rise from unknown teenager to global star was also accompanied by scrutiny over her gender and possible advantages in her biology.

It was later revealed she was born with DSD, one outcome of which means she has an elevated level of testosterone – a hormone that can increase muscle mass and strength.

It was in the Cas ruling that Semenya’s specific DSD was confirmed as 46 XY 5-ARD (5-alpha-reductase deficiency). People with this particular DSD have the male XY chromosomes. Some are recorded as female or male at birth depending on their external genitalia.

Semenya said in 2023 she was turning her attention to “winning battles against the authorities” rather than collecting medals.

Cas said athletes such as Semenya with 5-ARD have “circulating testosterone at the level of the male 46 XY population and not at the level of the female 46 XX population”, which gives them “a significant sporting advantage over 46 XX female athletes”.

In an interview with BBC Sport in 2023, Semenya said she was “born without a uterus” and born “with internal testicles” and said: “I am a woman and have a vagina.”

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Amid this wave of value-added industrialization, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – will highlight the continent’s downstream mining sector and connect African stakeholders with global investors to unlock new opportunities. Under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, the event will showcase Africa’s commitment to transforming its mineral sector from extraction to industrialization.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

In June 2025, mining firm Buenassa signed an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government to develop the country’s first integrated copper and cobalt refinery. Under the agreement, the DRC government will hold a 10% golden-share in the project. Backed by a $3.5 million grant awarded in 2024, the refinery is expected to commence operations in 2027, with a projected annual output of 30,000 tons of copper cathode and 5,000 tons of cobalt sulfate.

Mali

In Mali – Africa’s second-largest gold producer – construction began in June 2025 on a new gold refinery in Senou, near Bamako. The project – a collaboration between Mali’s government, Russia’s Yadran Group and a Swiss investor – aims to process up to 200 tons of gold annually. The refinery will enhance regional gold processing, reduce smuggling and increase national revenue from value-added gold exports. The Ministerial Forum to be held at AMW will spotlight national policies and incentives accelerating beneficiation across the continent.

Angola

Meanwhile, Angola reached a 70% completion milestone on its first gold refinery in Luanda. The $5 million facility, expected to be operational by the end of 2025, will produce 50 kgs of gold per day. Part of the country’s 2023 – 2027 Sectoral Development Plan, the project reflects Angola’s strategic effort to diversify beyond oil, stimulate job creation and expand value-added exports. AMW’s Invest in Angola session will showcase opportunities within Angola’s growing mining and refining value chain.

Zambia

In Zambia, Canada’s Jubilee Metals is expanding its Sable Copper Refinery by adding a second tank-house to boost monthly processing capacity to between 500 and 550 tons. The upgrade supports Zambia’s broader goal of reaching 3.1 million tons in annual copper output by 2031 while shifting toward value-added production. The project is set to be completed by Q1 2026. AMW will feature this and similar initiatives during a dedicated panel titled Elevating Africa’s Mineral Wealth: Case Studies in Local Beneficiation – Value Addition and Industrialization.

AMW, as the premier platform where Africa’s mining sector opportunities and value addition efforts are discussed and optimized, will showcase these and many more projects driving the region’s beneficiation agenda.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a 35% tariff rate for goods imported from Canada, starting August 1.

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The UK will begin returning migrants arriving in small boats to France within weeks under a new pilot scheme, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

Under the “one in, one out” deal, some arrivals would be returned to France and in exchange, the UK would accept an equivalent number of asylum seekers, subject to security checks.

Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the end of a three-day state visit, the prime minister said the plan would show that attempts to cross the Channel in small boats would “be in vain”.

It had been reported that the scheme would see up to 50 people a week being returned, but Sir Keir did not confirm any figures

He said the “ground-breaking” plan would help “break the model” of the people smugglers, and would be ramped up if it was successful.

Illegal migration was, he said, “a global crisis, an EU crisis and a crisis for our two nations”.

Since 2018, when figures began to be gathered, more than 170,000 people have arrived in the UK in small boats. Numbers this year have reached record levels with nearly 20,000 arriving in the first six months of 2025.

Macron said the scheme would have a “deterrent effect” beyond the numbers returned.

He added that Brexit had made it harder for the UK to tackle illegal migration, arguing that the British people were “sold a lie… which is that the problem was Europe”.

During the press conference, the two leaders also announced that their countries would:

• co-ordinate their nuclear deterrents, meaning they would jointly mobilise their weapons in the event of an attack
• strengthen collaboration on supercomputers and AI
• “speed up and accelerate” co-operation on anti-ship missiles.

Some details of the small boats deal, including how the UK would decide who to send back to France, remain unclear, although it is understood the pilot will start with adults.

Those living in France but wanting to come to the UK would be able to express interest in applying for asylum via an online platform.

Priority would be given to those from countries most prone to people smugglers, as well as to people with links to the UK.

In a statement released after the press conference, the government said the agreement would be signed “subject to completing prior legal scrutiny in full transparency and understanding with the [European] Commission and EU Member states”.

Other EU countries – such as Spain and Italy – may have concerns that returned migrants could then be sent to them. Under EU rules, individuals sent back to France would have to claim asylum in the first European country they arrived in, often places bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

Sir Keir said there was “no silver bullet here, but with a united effort, new tactics and a new level of intent, we can finally turn the tables”.

In addition to the returns pilot, he also promised “a crackdown” on illegal working, which would ensure the jobs promised by traffickers to migrants “would no longer exist”.

The government has said it has plans to bear down on illegal working hot spots, such as deliver riders.

Macron said the two countries would “intensify joint action” in the countries of origin and transit.

Announcing the pilot, Sir Keir said: “I know some people will still ask, why should we take anyone in – so let me address that directly.

“We accept genuine asylum seekers because it is right that we offer a haven to those in most dire need.

“But there is also something else, something more practical which is that we simply cannot solve a challenge like stopping the boats by acting alone and telling our allies that we won’t play ball.”

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the deal would “only return one in every 17 illegal immigrants arriving”.

“Allowing 94% of illegal immigrants to stay will make no difference whatsoever and have no deterrent effect.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the crossings were “a national security emergency”.

“Frankly the French owe us our money back,” he added, in a reference to payments made by the UK to support French policing efforts.

He said he did not believe the pilot would work, saying: “If we even try to deport people across the Channel, we will run straight into the European Convention on Human Rights.”

John Vine, a former chief inspector of immigration and borders, told the BBC’s Newsnight programme that establishing the principle that France should take back some illegal migrants was “a first” and “an achievement in itself”.

However, he said the plan would not reduce crossings unless the numbers being returned were “considerable”.

Imran Hussain from the Refugee Council said it was “right” for the government to look at ways of targeting the smugglers’ business model and the proposal would also provide “a mechanism potentially where families have a safe and legal route to come to the UK from France”.

However, the charity Asylum Matters said: “We don’t need another expensive, ineffective, dangerous Rwanda-style gimmick.

“It’s incredibly simple: the only way to stop people from making dangerous journeys is to give them real safe routes to seek sanctuary.”

Labour and the previous Conservative governments have both struggled to stem the numbers coming to the UK in small boats.

The Conservatives had proposed sending arrivals to Rwanda, but the scheme was delayed by legal challenges. The general election was called before it could be implemented.

One of Sir Keir’s first acts as prime minister was to scrap the plan, calling it a gimmick.

He said his government would focus instead on tackling the smuggling gangs that organise the crossings.

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Businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has renovated the Sawaliga Basic School in the Talensi District.

This was after a rainstorm ripped off its roofing, disrupting teaching and learning and risking students’ lives.

The renovated building was handed over to the school management and the community leadership during a ceremony.

Storm

The devastating rainstorm of May 22, 2025, transformed the once-vibrant learning institution into a scene of utter ruin, with mangled roofing sheets, broken wooden beams and scattered debris replacing classrooms where eager young minds once gathered.

The storm’s fury not only prevented children from accessing education but also created a hazardous environment where debris threatened their safety.

Students preparing for their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) found themselves homeless within their own school, forced to study under trees with water-damaged textbooks while teachers struggled to conduct lessons outdoors.

The Assistant Head teacher, Jonas Mbazoyinbil, said watching his students lose hope daily was devastating.

It was impossible to hold meaningful classes, and the children were loitering about,” he said.

The school’s plight reached Mr Agongo through social media posts by youth leader Solomon Zinekena, indicating: “Our children need your help.”

The viral photos profoundly moved Alhaji Agongo, who said that “Those were not just pictures” and that “Those were my own children, Ghana’s future, sitting and loitering around in the dirt and scattered nails.”

Images

Within hours of viewing the images, Alhaji Agongo began mobilising contractors.

“I watched my students lose hope every day,” Mbazoyinbil said, describing the period before Alhaji Agongo’s intervention.

Within three weeks, the damaged school building had been fully rebuilt into a modern, attractive structure.

The new roof shone under the sun, fresh paint brightened the walls and solid floors replaced the debris-littered ground.

Students who had been studying under trees now walked through corridors that gleamed with hope.

The sparkling classrooms with their fresh paint made the learning environment even more comfortable than before.

“Education is the foundation of our nation’s future, and if we can intervene to help, it helps,” Agongo explained, emphasising his commitment to educational development.

The community’s gratitude was overwhelming. 

At a traditional ceremony, elders enskinned Alhaji Agongo as their development chief, presenting him with a citation, a sheep and a smock – symbols of their most profound respect and appreciation.

A US judge has once again blocked President Donald Trump from implementing an executive order ending birthright citizenship for some US residents as a legal challenge moves forward.

A New Hampshire judge approved a class action lawsuit against Trump’s executive order and temporarily stopped the president’s order from taking effect.

The class action lawsuit was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of immigrant parents and their infants.

The decision comes weeks after the Supreme Court introduced limits on how and when universal injunctions are issued by federal courts. However, the decision still allows them through certain legal avenues.

The class action suit was introduced after the Supreme Court decision, in keeping with the new standards set by the court.

Still, the White House challenged the validity of the judge’s ruling.

“Today’s decision is an obvious and unlawful attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court’s clear order against universal relief. This judge’s decision disregards the rule of law by abusing class action certification procedures,” spokesman Harrison Fields said in a statement Thursday. “The Trump Administration will be fighting vigorously against the attempts of these rogue district court judges to impede the policies President Trump was elected to implement.”

The US Constitution guarantees citizenship to all born on US soil, but Trump has sought to revoke that right for babies born to undocumented immigrants and foreign visitors, as part of his crackdown on immigration.

The class-action lawsuit seeks to challenge the order as harmful and unconstitutional, and the judge ruled that it can proceed on behalf of the babies who would be affected by the restrictions.

The ruling also once again pauses an order that was a priority for Trump. The judge has given the government seven days to appeal.

Restricting birthright citizenship was one of his first actions in office.

Multiple courts across the US issued nationwide injunctions as they considered legal challenges to the order.

The Trump administration appealed those temporary holds to the highest US court, arguing judges did not have the authority to block a presidential order nationally while the courts considered the cases.

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority sided with Trump in a 6-3 ruling that broadly curtailed judicial power, though the justices did not address the constitutionality of Trump’s birthright citizenship order.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump’s order had been set to take effect on 27 July.

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against hosts Ghana’s Black Satellites in their opening match of the 2025 WAFU B U20 Boys Championship on Thursday at the Ghana Football Association’s Technical Centre in Prampram.

Ghana struck first in the 26th minute through captain Musbau Azeez, who slotted home following a well-worked move. The hosts continued to press and forced Nigeria into tough defensive work, with Flying Eagles skipper Daniel Bameyi picking up a yellow card in the 33rd minute for a crunching tackle.

Despite a late push in the first half by Nigeria, the Black Satellites held on to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The second half saw the Flying Eagles ramp up their intensity. They had a penalty appeal waved away in the 66th minute and came close through defender Odinaka Okoro, whose powerful 76th-minute free-kick whistled just over the crossbar.

The equaliser finally arrived in the 84th minute, when Mohammed Abdulahi powered home a header from a corner, ensuring Nigeria claimed a point in a tense and physical contest.

Nigeria will face Benin Republic’s Young Cheetahs in their second Group A match on Sunday, as they continue their bid to reach the semifinals and qualify for the 2025 U20 AFCON.

Published:
Friday, 11 July 2025

A West African derby between Ghana and Mali draped in a must-win matchup coating will kickstart the Group C second round games at the ongoing TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 on Friday, July 11 at 5pm (local time) at the Berkane Stadium in Morocco. 

The Black Queens of Ghana find themselves between a rock and a hard place after losing their opener 0-2 against the defending champions South Africa on Monday. “We have the same mentality coming into the game against Mali. We want to win every single game that we play. We have watched a lot of film, and we know that we are playing against a tough team so it will not be easy.” 

Channeling positives to results

They say one needs luck in football. Alice Kusi and Evelyn Badu hit the crossbar and yet had these opportunities been converted, the Black Queens would be singing a different song now. 

Kim Lars Björkegren, the Ghana head coach said in the pre-match press conference on Thursday, “We were the better team for most of the game against South Africa, but we did not find the back of the net. We would have preferred to come into this game with Mali with three points, but it does not matter now. Our goal has not changed. We want to win.”

The Black Queens had 13 shots at goal, two more than South Africa and had four corners, three more than the Banyana Banyana. It is these statistics that are helping Ghana keep their heads up despite sitting bottom of a very tricky Group C. 

“We are focusing on ourselves. Our fitness is where we want it to be. We believe in our abilities, in our style but we must stay cleaner in the box,” Björkegren added emphatically. 

Ghana conceded a penalty converted by Linda Motlhalo in the 28^th minute, that changed the rhythm of the game. South Africa scored six minutes later and that lapse in concentration is what the Swedish tactician wants his side to address on Friday evening. 

Björkegren will welcome into the fold assistant captain Jennifer Cudjoe who was suspended for the opener. Her presence means that she brings midfield excellence, tactical acumen and the hunger to deliver. Watching from the stands was not easy for her on Monday. “We must do this for the fans back home and across the world,” Cudjoe said with a calm around her. 

Against Mali, they face a team that is efficient even when they do not have more ball possession. With the experience of the forward quartet China-based Saratou Traore who scored the lone goal against Tanzania on Monday, Kadidiatou Diabate, Aissata Traore and Aguiessa Diarra upfront, the Ghanaian defense have their work cut out on Friday in a must-win encounter for both sides. 

More work to do

Les Aigles Dames are riding the dark horse wave, and it is working for them so far. Based in Berkane in the Oriental Province in the northeastern part of Morocco, the 2018 semifinalists are quietly getting the real work done. Away from capital limelight of Group A and B in Rabat and Casablanca – very robust cities, the Malians are keeping a low profile in Berkane. 

“Winning our first game means that we have a mental edge going into the game against Ghana. We know our potential and quality within the squad. It is indeed a West African derby, but all the teams are physical, and we expect Ghana to be physical. We are prepared,” Houssein Salloum Mohamed, the Mali head coach said in a very laid-back tone. 

This will be the fifth time that the two teams are meeting at the WAFCON with Ghana walking away with three victories: 2-0 in 2022, 1-0 in 2006 and 3-1 in 2016. However, at home in 2018, the Black Queens lost to Mali for the first time ever in this competition and it is that result that Mohamed who has coached this team since 2017 wants to replicate. 

“I have been in charge of this team for eight years now. I understand the players and we continue to grow every other day. We want to achieve the same feat – reach the semifinals like we did in 2018 and why not go to the final? This is our objective. We want to do this for our fans, our families back home and across the world,” Mohamed added. 

Coming off their first ever opening game win at the WAFCON and first ever clean sheet at the continental showpiece, Mohamed believes that Mali can engage another gear. Four of Mali’s six all-time WAFCON wins have come in second group games. 

Winning against Ghana will also have a dimension to improve this record but more importantly booking a place to the quarterfinals. 

Finance expert, Professor Godfred Bopkin

Finance expert, Professor Godfred Bopkin, has backed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recommendation that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) reduce its interventions in the foreign exchange market, warning that excessive control by the central bank is distorting pricing and creating inefficiencies.

His comments follow the IMF Executive Board’s latest review of Ghana’s bailout programme, which unlocked a $367 million disbursement and advised Ghana to allow the forex market to function more freely.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on July 9, 2025, he explained that the central bank’s active role in setting exchange rates is preventing the market from determining the true value of the Ghanaian cedi through normal supply and demand forces, a process known as price discovery.

“In a functioning market, price should be determined by the interaction between demand and supply. But when the central bank becomes a dominant player, price signals come from the Bank of Ghana instead of the market itself,” he said.

He pointed to the widening gap between official exchange rates and those seen at forex bureaus and on the black market.

While some banks are selling the U.S. dollar at around GH¢10.10, forex bureaus are charging nearly 20% more, and black market traders up to 35% above the official rate.

This, according to Professor Bopkin, reflects a loss of confidence in the official exchange rate, as market participants increasingly believe it does not reflect real conditions.

He cautioned that while the BoG’s actions may provide temporary relief, they risk long-term instability if market fundamentals are continually ignored.

The IMF’s position, he explained, is aimed at restoring market credibility and reducing the presence of multiple exchange rates, which hurt transparency and discourage formal economic activity.

DR/MA

Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, on Thursday, July 10, stormed the Ablekuma North constituency to rally support for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, ahead of the parliamentary rerun scheduled for Friday, July 11.

His visit comes despite the NPP’s official decision to withdraw from the rerun, describing the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to conduct fresh voting in 19 polling stations as “unjust.” Legal and administrative attempts by the party to halt the process were ultimately unsuccessful.

In defiance of the party’s directive, Akua Afriyie has chosen to contest the rerun—a move that has drawn backing from several high-profile NPP figures.

Agyapong was seen engaging directly with supporters on the ground, including joining a card game, as enthusiastic crowds cheered him on, underscoring his grassroots appeal and firm support for Afriyie’s candidacy.

He was joined by other NPP lawmakers—including Vincent Ekow Assafuah, MP for Tafo; Davis Opoku Ansah, MP for Mpraeso; and Stephen Amoah, MP for Nhyiaeso— who were seen in the constituency, in what appeared to be a coordinated show of support for Nana Akua Afriyie.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has reiterated that the rerun is being conducted independently and is free from political interference, in response to allegations that it is favouring the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Commission has maintained that the rerun is a response to disputes in the earlier results and is intended to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

Ablekuma North rerun not politically influenced – EC

…..

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Financial expert, Kenneth Kwamina Thompson is Board Chair of ADB PLC

Renowned financial expert, Kenneth Kwamina Thompson has been appointed as the new Board Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), following an official inauguration by the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

At the swearing-in ceremony in Accra in July 9, 2025, Dr Forson charged the newly constituted board to stay true to the bank’s founding vision of driving Ghana’s agricultural transformation.

“The Agricultural Development Bank was established to support Ghana’s farmers and agribusinesses. I have therefore tasked the new board to remain focused and guided by their primary mandate, serving Ghana’s agricultural sector,” the finance minister emphasised.

He reiterated the vital role of agriculture in the nation’s economy, adding that sustainable national growth is impossible without a resilient and well-financed agricultural sector.

Dr Forson also announced government plans to recapitalise ADB in 2026. He explained that the move would position the bank to better serve the needs of farmers, agribusinesses, and the broader agricultural value chain.

“ADB must be financially strong and operationally sound to drive Ghana’s agricultural revolution. That is why government is committed to recapitalizing the bank next year,” he stated.

Ken Thompson, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to government for the confidence reposed in him and promised to work diligently with his fellow board members to reposition ADB as a true partner to Ghana’s farmers.

“I am honoured to serve in this capacity at such a critical time. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and ADB must become the go-to bank for every farmer and agribusiness in Ghana,” Ken Thompson said.

Ken Thompson is the former CEO of Dalex Finance. He is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He is also a graduate of the University of Ghana Business School and has over 17 years of experience in senior executive roles in finance and risk management.

The newly inaugurated board also includes:

Edward Ato Sarpong – Managing Director

Hon. Andrew Dari Chiwitey

Siisi Essuman-Ocran

Hon. Dr. E. Prince Arhin

Hon. Misbahu Mahama Adams

Wing Commander Samuel J.A. Allotey

Courage Akanwunge Asabagna

Abdul Nasir M. Saani

The board is expected to bring renewed direction to the bank, with a strategic focus on boosting lending to agriculture and aligning ADB with the country’s long-term food security and agro-industrialiSation targets.

Inauguration of the board of directors of the Agricultural development Bank! pic.twitter.com/MTCTYTaaZf

— Cassiel Ato Forson (PhD) (@Cassielforson) July 10, 2025

MA

From 22nd to 28th June 2025, the vibrant city of Singapore played host to the first-ever International Cybersecurity Olympiad (ICO)—a groundbreaking global competition held at the National University of Singapore (NUS), bringing together some of the world’s brightest young minds in cybersecurity.

Among the 28 countries represented at this prestigious event, Ghana proudly flew its flag high, with a strong contingent of students and coaches from Ghana International School (GIS) and Ghana Christian International High School (GCIHS).

Led by Mr. Abel Ohene Acquaye (Executive Director, Ghana Olympiad Academy) and Mr. Kwesi Osborne-Morson (Teacher/Coach, GIS), the Ghanaian delegation showed great courage, curiosity, and technical grit in tackling one of the most rapidly evolving and complex fields in tech today: cybersecurity.

Cracking Codes, Defending Networks, and Building Friendships

The competition was no walk in the park. Over several days, students were tested in areas such as:

• Cryptography
• Digital Forensics
• Web Exploitation
• Red Teaming

Day 2’s practice round was especially intense, designed as a full-blown Capture The Flag (CTF) session that pushed students through challenges in binary exploitation, network vulnerabilities, and malware analysis. “It was exhilarating… and exhausting,” one student admitted with a proud smile. But even through the pressure, the team kept their focus—and their sense of humor.

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Connecting Beyond Firewalls

Quiet Wins: Recognition Beyond Medals

A Foundation for the Future

The United States government has restricted most non-immigrant visas issued to Ghanaian nationals to a three-month validity period with a single-entry limit.

The new rules affect business, tourism, and student visa categories, dramatically reducing their validity and entry privileges. A circular from the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs, which was shared with selected media outlets in Ghana, outlined the sweeping changes.

Under the new terms, Ghanaians applying for B-category visas, typically issued for business and tourism, will now receive visas valid for just three months and only usable for a single entry into the United States. Student visa holders, particularly those under the F1 category, are also subject to the revised restrictions.

However, diplomatic visa categories remain exempt from these restrictions. Applicants for A-class visas, reserved for government officials and diplomats, will continue to enjoy multiple-entry status with validity periods ranging from 24 to 60 months.

The circular also noted variations for family-based visas: whilst the K1 and K2 visa classes face reductions, the K3 and K4 categories retain a multiple-entry validity of up to 24 months.

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This development mirrors the US government’s decision earlier in the week to impose similar restrictions on Nigerian nationals. On Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria announced a sweeping change to its visa issuance framework, limiting most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to a maximum of three months with single-entry permissions.

The embassy in Nigeria clarified that the new rule applies only to visas issued on or after July 8, noting that all previously issued visas would remain valid under their original terms.

The US embassy attributed the changes to a global review of visa reciprocity — a policy principle that requires the US to align visa rules with those of the countries whose nationals it admits.

Though the US has described the measure as part of a broader effort to enforce visa reciprocity globally, the decision is already generating concern in West Africa’s diplomatic circles, especially as it affects frequent travellers, students, and multinational business operators.

In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s administration refuted claims that it had altered visa conditions for US citizens, insisting that the country continues to issue five-year multiple-entry visas to Americans. Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Nigeria remains committed to bilateral agreements and will take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Ghana Chapter has officially launched its Student Chapter at Sunyani Technical University (STU), alongside the inauguration of the university’s newly established Department of Architecture and Real Estate.

The landmark event marked a significant stride in bridging academic instruction with industry practice, while also deepening the role of professional facility management education in Ghana.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of STU, Professor Ing. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, described the occasion as a first in the institution’s history.

“This is the first time a department has been inaugurated like this,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of the moment.

He welcomed the collaboration between the university and IFMA Ghana, describing it as a progressive model that aligns academic programmes with the practical demands of the industry.

“I believe we are going to see the department grow greater than it is now,” he added.

The launch event was also an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity, innovation, and applied knowledge through an exhibition of their works.

Projects on display reflected a broad spectrum of architectural and real estate design solutions, offering attendees a glimpse into the quality of talent being nurtured within the university.

The exhibition attracted significant attention from industry professionals and faculty alike, reinforcing the potential of students when given platforms to engage meaningfully with real-world applications.

Delivering the keynote address, the President of IFMA Ghana Chapter underscored the importance of facility management in promoting sustainability, functionality, and operational efficiency in the built environment.

He called the launch of the student chapter a timely intervention aimed at shaping the next generation of professionals.

“This event marks a significant milestone not only for this university but for the broader development of facility management in Ghana,” he said.

As part of its commitment to student development, IFMA Ghana announced a sponsorship package of GHS 12,000 to cover membership registration fees for 20 students.

The initiative is designed to eliminate financial barriers to professional association, providing access to training, mentorship, and global industry networks.

In a further show of support, the association is sponsoring Mr. Samuel Nyametiase, a student of STU, to represent the university at the upcoming IFMA Global Conference in Nigeria.

The comprehensive sponsorship covers travel, accommodation, and conference participation.

“This is a powerful example of what academia-industry partnerships can achieve when there is shared vision,” the President added.

Dean of the Faculty, Prof Zoya Kpamma, expressed his satisfaction with the realization of the initiative, noting that it had long been in the pipeline.

He commended IFMA Ghana for its leadership and urged that the momentum be sustained.

“This is a proud moment. Industry support like this is critical to moving academic institutions forward,” he said.

The Head of the newly inaugurated department encouraged students to fully leverage the opportunities presented through the student chapter.

He noted that the integration of professional engagement, such as the IFMA platform, would equip students with essential skills and exposure beyond the classroom.

The launch and inauguration collectively signaled a turning point in how built environment education is structured at Sunyani Technical University.

With the added dimension of student exhibitions, the event showcased not only a new chapter in academic and industry collaboration but also the raw potential and creativity of Ghana’s future facility and real estate professionals.

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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.

A group of students during the training

The USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, in collaboration with U.S. Soy, has trained over 90 students from nine technical universities across the country.

The three-day event held in Accra from June 16 to 18, 2025, was aimed to educate and empower the next generation of culinary professionals in Ghana on the versatility and quality of American poultry and egg products.

The national training program and chicken cooking competition featured intensive hands-on training led by acclaimed chefs, including New York-based Chef David Bonom and Ghana’s Chef Ines.

Students explored the versatility of American poultry and egg products, including practical sessions on poultry deboning and innovative recipe creation.

A highlight was the cooking showdown on the final day, where student chefs crafted exquisite meals using U.S. chicken leg quarters and surprise ingredients from a mystery box.

This experience offered a unique opportunity for students to observe the complex processes involved in large-scale food preparation and delivery within a specialised culinary environment.

The winners, Salifu Anyogbire Sherifatu and Addoh King Jones from Ho Technical University, impressed judges with their white wine chicken terrine with mango chutney and stir-fried vegetables.

Their victory earned them a three-month internship at the prestigious Labadi Beach Hotel, personal trophies, and cash prizes.

As part of USAPEEC’s social responsibility efforts, some poultry products were donated to the Osu Children’s Home in Accra on the second day of the program.

USAPEEC’s Anglophone and Lusophone Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Rose Queiroz, praised the creativity displayed, saying the program proves the promise of Ghana’s rising culinary talent.

“I was incredibly impressed with the creativity and skills the students displayed. This program truly highlights the potential of these future culinary leaders,” she stated.

Speaking in the same vein, Chef David Bonom encouraged aspiring chefs to continue honing their skills and always experiment with recipes.

Chef Akwetey also urged students to pursue their dreams with determination and hard work, stating that they have the potential even to surpass his achievements.

The students were from Accra Technical University, Tamale Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, Ho Technical University, Sunyani Technical University, Bolgatanga Technical University, Kumasi Technical University, Koforidua Technical University, and Dr Hilla Liman Technical University.

By Hafsa Obeng

Accra, July 10, GNA – Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee currently underway in Paris. 

The ten-day meeting, which began on 7 July and ends on 17 July 2025, highlights Ghana’s growing leadership in heritage protection and cultural policymaking across Africa and internationally. 

In her address, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, outlined Ghana’s collaboration with global heritage bodies and emphasised efforts to safeguard national heritage assets. 

She commended UNESCO and its partner agencies for their continued support in protecting Ghana’s World Heritage Sites, notably the historic forts and castles. 

The Minister acknowledged a recent monitoring mission to those sites and pledged the government’s commitment to implementing previous recommendations.  

“We are committed to ensuring that the forts and castles and world heritage properties are properly conserved and protected,” she said. 

She reiterated Ghana’s support for integrating tangible and intangible heritage and welcomed alignment with international frameworks.  

“We are currently implementing the 2030 indicators for culture as part of our national development framework,” she added. 

Madam Gomashie also highlighted the Black Star Experience; a cultural initiative aimed at positioning Ghana as a leader in Africa’s creative industries. 

She praised developments under the Strategy for World Heritage in Africa, particularly efforts to promote a holistic conservation approach through Output 4 of the capacity-building programme. 

The Minister referenced Ghana’s participation in the Second Naples Conference on Cultural Heritage, positioning it as a key precursor to MONDIACULT 2025. 

“We are especially looking forward to MONDIACULT 2025, which we believe will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global cultural agenda,” she said. 

The Minister later endorsed Kenya’s amendment to the ongoing draft decision, affirming the Africa Group’s united stance on heritage policy. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey