Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has hailed the Republic of Niger’s inauguration of its Consultative Council for Rebuilding, describing the move as a landmark step toward inclusive governance and democratic renewal.

Delivering a solidarity message during an official visit to Niamey on Saturday, June 28, Bagbin commended the West African nation for its commitment to engaging citizens in shaping a new national direction.

He called the initiative a “historic and people-centered” milestone that signals a strong desire for peace, justice, and participatory development.

Addressing members of the newly inaugurated Council, Speaker Bagbin urged them to carry out their duties with wisdom, fairness, and unwavering dedication to the public interest.

He extended an invitation to the Council to observe Ghana’s ongoing constitutional review process, underscoring the importance of shared democratic learning and cooperation among West African nations.

Bagbin reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to support Niger’s rebuilding efforts through experience sharing, technical assistance, and sustained diplomatic engagement. He emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in confronting shared challenges and advancing collective progress.

Concluding his address, the Speaker expressed optimism that Niger’s Consultative Council will become a lasting symbol of national unity and a beacon of hope for democratic governance across West Africa.

NIA workers suspend strike; full services resume nationwide June 30

Researchers have called for the integration of science, technology, and innovation into national development policies to close critical gaps in Ghana’s economic and agricultural transformation efforts.  

Professor Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of the Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), expressed concern that Ghana was yet to fully harness the potential of technology to address its food security and economic challenges.  

He said: “We are not getting the full impact of technology in Ghana. If we are still importing over 2 billion worth of food annually, then that is very unacceptable.”  

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Researchers and Investors’ Summit in Kumasi, Prof. Asante highlighted the potential for job creation and improved livelihoods through a science-led transformation of agriculture.  

We must work together to bridge the gap between researchers and investors to make Ghana truly self-sufficient in food and raw material for industry while improving jobs and livelihoods,” he stated.  

The two-day summit was organised by Agri Eye Consult, an agricultural consultancy firm, in partnership with CSIR-CRI, the Faculty of Agriculture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and the Ghana Agricultural and Rural Development Journalists Association (GARDJA).  

The summit was themed: “Bridging Innovation and Investment Gaps for a Resilient Agriculture in Ghana.”  

The event brought together scientists, students, and investors with the objective of stimulating local and international investment in agricultural innovations and revitalising Ghana’s agribusiness sector through data-driven, climate-smart solutions.  

Prof. Fred Nimoh, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at KNUST, said the summit aligned itself with the country’s research and development agenda.   

He noted that while several valuable research findings had been generated, their impact would only be realised through meaningful investment and implementation.  

He said developed countries had made significant progress by linking research to investment.   

This model has helped reduce food insecurity and dependency on imports. Ghana must take a similar path.  

Dr Amos Rutherford Azinu, CEO of Legacy Crop Improvement Centre, urged researchers to maintain a focus on practical applications of their work while continuing to push the boundaries of agricultural science.  

He advocated for stronger collaboration between researchers, industry players, and investors to ensure that innovations are commercialised and scaled for impact.   

He also called on policymakers to create enabling environments through regulatory support, investment in infrastructure, and education policies that prepare for the next generation of modern agriculture.  

Mr Richmond Frimpong, Executive Director of Agri Eye Consult, described Ghana as being at a crucial crossroads, with abundant scientific knowledge and talent but limited synergy between research and capital.  

He said what the nation needed was a deliberate fusion of knowledge and investment in research and risk-taking, adding, “Innovation must not remain locked in laboratories.”  

Mr Frimpong further appealed to the government to consider tax incentives, including tax holidays, for local manufacturing firms within the agricultural value chain to encourage investment and boost productivity.  

Source: GNA  

A photo of the Executive Director CEMS, Ben Nsiah

The Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE), Ben Nsiah, has strongly criticised the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for its decision to increase electricity tariffs by 2.45%, describing the move as unjustified and made in bad faith.

Speaking on UTV’s midnight discussion programme on Friday, June 17, 2025, Nsiah questioned the rationale behind the tariff hike, which is set to take effect from Tuesday, July 1.

According to him, under normal circumstances, PURC should have announced the new rates at least a month in advance and engaged stakeholders prior to implementation — both of which, he claims, did not happen this time.

“This is a clear deviation from the standard regulatory practice,” he stated.

“Stakeholders, including civil society organisations, were not consulted, and we have not been provided with any clear justification for the increment.

That raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.”

Nsiah argued that under PURC’s own tariff adjustment formula, electricity prices should have gone down, not up, particularly at a time when Ghanaians are already burdened with some of the highest electricity bills in the West African sub-region.

“Compared to countries like Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa, Ghanaians are paying significantly more for power.

For PURC to announce an increment — when indicators point to a possible reduction — is not only disappointing, but unfair to consumers,” he added.

CEMSE is calling on PURC to suspend the tariff adjustment, engage stakeholders thoroughly, and provide a clear explanation of the metrics behind the decision.

The Centre warns that failure to do so will erode public trust and worsen the financial strain on households and businesses already grappling with the high cost of living.

Former GIHOC Distilleries Managing Director, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, has been reportedly picked up by national security operatives at his residence in Kumasi.

He was arrested on Sunday, June 29, 2025, after a request to speak with him. He was later transported in a pickup vehicle to the Ashanti Regional Police Command, where he is currently in custody.

This follows an earlier operation on May 15, during which security officials attempted to retrieve state vehicles allegedly in his possession. Kofi Jumah was absent at the time.

Sources indicate he is being investigated for alleged financial misconduct, including the unauthorized sale of assets and questionable vehicle acquisitions during his time at GIHOC.

More soon….

Read also

NIA workers suspend strike; full services resume nationwide June 30

The JoySports Invitational Tournament is set to return on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon.

Following a successful comeback in 2024, this year’s edition promises another thrilling day of corporate sports, networking, and healthy competition.

Companies interested in participating can secure their slots by contacting Sleven on 054 010 6466, either via WhatsApp or direct phone call. Registration forms are also available at the front desk of Joy FM or can be downloaded from myjoyonline.com.

The 2025 edition will begin with an energetic early morning aerobics session. This session will provide the perfect opportunity for participants to warm up and set the tone for the day’s activities, encouraging physical readiness and team spirit among all organisations.

Throughout the day, participating companies will compete in a wide variety of events carefully designed to promote endurance, teamwork, and corporate pride. The CEO’s Penalty Shootout will return as a key attraction, following Divine Teyi’s remarkable win in the 2024 edition.

Last year, the football tournament produced a thrilling climax as Cosa-Bright Company Limited, a newcomer in civil engineering and electrical works, clinched victory in their debut appearance.

The 2025 tournament will also feature several exciting competitions such as the Women’s Penalty Shootout, the Mixed 4×100m Relay, the Basketball Shooting Contest, Mixed Volleyball, the Women’s 50m Dash, the Men’s 100m Dash, the Mixed Sack Relay, the Lime and Spoon Relay, Scrabble, and a range of board and E- games.

These competitions are expected to draw high participation from corporate teams across the country.

The 2024 edition of the JoySports Invitational produced outstanding moments and fierce competition, setting the tone for an even bigger event this year.

The NPA emerged as the overall champions after a commanding performance, while debutants ARB Apex Bank made a significant impression.

With an impressive national presence of over 147 branches and a customer base of over eight million, ARB Apex Bank secured three gold medals in the women’s Tug of Peace, the women’s 5km walk with a time of fifty minutes and thirty-four seconds, and chess.

They also captured a silver medal in the men’s table tennis and a bronze medal in the men’s race walk, completing their debut with five medals that signal a bright future in the competition.

Sapholda Ventures also delivered a spectacular performance, winning gold in the women’s one hundred metres final, the women’s sack race, and the women’s penalty shootout.

They further claimed silver in the women’s table tennis and bronze in the women’s one hundred metres final with a time of fifteen point two two seconds.

The versatile Belinda Ntiamoah was a standout performer, securing bronze in the women’s one hundred metres and winning the women’s penalty shootout.

Jetlink Flight Support dominated the Scrabble competition, while the Multimedia Group excelled in Armwrestling.

Escort Security showcased their strength in the swimming event, followed closely by Multichoice Ghana, who also demonstrated their competitive edge by winning the E-sports competition.

McDan Group delivered an impressive showing in Volleyball, and Piwak Natural Health claimed victory in the men’s 5 km race walk.

Adansi Travels provided one of the most memorable highlights of the tournament with their infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support throughout the event. Their extraordinary energy earned them the prestigious Team Spirit Award, reaffirming their reputation as one of the most spirited teams.

The Jama contest, a signature attraction of the JoySports Invitational Tournament, will once again feature prominently.

The team that demonstrates the most creativity, coordinated chants, and vibrant display of support will receive special recognition, adding a cultural vibrancy to the competitive environment.

The JoySports Invitational Tournament remains a leading platform for advancing corporate wellness, strengthening workplace relationships, and building lasting professional networks in a friendly but highly competitive atmosphere.

Companies are encouraged to assemble their teams and begin preparations for what promises to be a memorable and impactful event.

The countdown to August 9, 2025, is officially underway. Another thrilling chapter awaits.

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.

By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])

Renowned tax and legal expert Professor Abdallah Ali-Nakyea has called for urgent amendments of Ghana’s anti-corruption laws to close longstanding legal loopholes that continue enabling impunity and eroding national development efforts.

Speaking at a multi-stakeholder forum in Accra organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Prof. Ali-Nakyea emphasised that although Ghana boasts a wide range of anti-corruption institutions and legal frameworks, the fight against graft remains weak due to fragmented implementation, institutional under-resourcing and outdated legislation.

The forum was themed “Hidden Riches, Hollow Laws: Dissecting the Loopholes that Fuel Corruption in Ghana”.

“Corruption undermines democracy, violates human rights, distorts markets and allows organised crime and terrorism to flourish. It is not just a legal issue; it is a developmental crisis,” he stated.

He highlighted alarming statistics, such as Ghana losing approximately GH¢13.8billion (US$3billion) annually to corruption – a figure that, if curbed, could build 12 facilities equivalent to the 430-bed Ridge Hospital in Accra.

He juxtaposed this with the country’s request for a US$3billion IMF loan over three years, underscoring that internal leakages outstrip external aid.

Prof. Ali-Nakyea cited numerous cases, including the GYEEDA and recent National Service Scheme scandals, as evidence for the enduring scale of public sector corruption.

He noted that corruption disproportionately affects the poor by diverting resources meant for development, deepening inequity and poor service delivery.

Failures

The tax and anti-money laundering specialist outlined several deficiencies in the anti-corruption laws, especially the Criminal Offences Act which only addresses bribery when it involves public officers – leaving out private sector actors and indirect benefits.

He also criticised the Public Procurement Act, stating that while it includes provisions on private sector bribery, its scope is limited to procurement processes and does not criminalise broader unethical corporate practices.

“In any procurement, there is both demand and supply. We keep prosecuting the public officers, but the private actors – those who offer the bribes – go untouched. That has to change,” he stressed.

Prof. Ali-Nakyea also decried the misuse of sole-sourcing in public procurement, which he said defeats the very essence of competitive and transparent contracting.

Institutional weaknesses

Despite Ghana having numerous anti-corruption institutions – including the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), EOCO, CHRAJ, Financial Intelligence Centre and Auditor-General – many remain underfunded and understaffed.

“These institutions are always broke,” he remarked. “How are they expected to investigate, prosecute and recover stolen assets without the needed resources?”

He called for enhanced collaboration among these bodies, especially in tracking beneficial ownership under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992).

He also lamented the low compliance with requirement for companies to disclose true, individual owners to prevent politically exposed persons from hiding behind anonymous corporate structures.

He also questioned the capacity and independence of internal audit systems and expressed concern over the safety and protection of whistleblowers, calling for a review of the Whistleblower Act to guarantee confidentiality and relocation support where necessary.

Recommendations

To this end, he recommended: Amendment of anti-corruption and procurement laws to explicitly cover third-party beneficiaries and private sector bribery; Strengthening institutions like the OSP, Auditor-General, and CHRAJ with adequate funding and autonomy; Criminalising conflict of interest and establishing clearer penalties for non-declaration of assets by public officials; Ensuring that findings from the Public Accounts Committee are enforced, including recovery and prosecution.

Enhancing access to public information for journalists and civil society, while protecting whistleblowers more robustly; Blacklisting companies found engaging in unethical practices from public procurement opportunities; Promoting public transparency through technology and reducing manual interference in financial transactions.

He further urged international partners to focus support on institutional capacity building rather than aid handouts.

“We don’t need loans. Help us plug the holes and we’ll have enough to develop,” he said, further stressing that the country must make corruption an uncomfortable venture.

For his part, Dr. Kojo Impraim, Programme Director (MFWA), noted that corruption and illicit financial flows are undermining Ghana’s democracy, national security and development financing.

He called for a united front and stronger accountability measures, urging government and stakeholders to allow the law to work without political interference.

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Former Executive Vice President of Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Yaw Nsarkoh, says Africa’s democratic dysfunction is not merely a policy failure.

According to him, it’s a historical inevitability rooted in the continent’s tragic starting point.

In an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express following his provocative lecture “Iniquities of Iniquity in Our Santa Claus Democracy,” he argued that many of Africa’s leaders inherited broken structures, faced uncharted terrain, and became pioneers without predecessors, and it shows.

“You take someone like Nkrumah, who was he learning from?” Yaw Nsarkoh quizzed.

“Whose mistakes could he study? These people were pioneers. They were navigating terrain with no compass, no predecessors, and no playbook. And we’re still paying for that.”

He said the failure of post-colonial democracy in Africa stems from this fundamental void—an elite class forced to construct nations from the ruins of colonialism, while simultaneously battling for survival in a global order already stacked against them.

“Our democratic project started not with the control of sovereign productive forces but with a flag, an anthem, and a dark-skinned president,” he said sharply, referencing Kabral Blay-Amihere. “That is not independence.”

For Yaw Nsarkoh, the rot is systemic and historic. “The colonial hangover is real,” he said.

“The post-colonial elite simply took over the levers of the state and became new colonialists. They built nothing for the people—they just inherited power and used it to look after themselves.”

Yaw Nsarkoh said African democracies were built on “distorted realities.”

Unlike Western democracies that emerged after centuries of capital accumulation and institution building, Africa was asked to adopt a system without the economic and historical foundations to sustain it.

“The West started modern democracy when they already had wealth to distribute. Africa was forced into a democracy while still crawling from under the wreckage of colonialism. It’s not the same conversation.”

He dismissed attempts to compare Ghana with countries like Singapore as disingenuous.

“The starting points were different,” he said. “Singapore didn’t have to carry the same weight of colonial distortion. They weren’t starting with GDPs below $3,000 per capita and broken institutional memory. We were.”

He lamented that local government in Ghana has effectively collapsed, and that what passes for democracy is little more than “a public auction for the highest bidder.”

“What we have is not participation—it is transaction,” Nsarkoh said. “Citizens are no longer participants in democracy. They are ballots, bought and sold.”

At the heart of his critique is a deep disillusionment with the elite consensus and how it perpetuates the illusion of progress.

“We celebrate elections like they are proof of democracy. But what we have is Santa Claus democracy—a system of gifts and giveaways, not accountability,” he said.

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.

A group of Ghanaian professionals affiliated with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is organising a landmark seminar focused on ethical real estate practice and professional transparency.

The seminar, scheduled for Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Dynaspace, The Signature Apartment, East Legon, is themed “Professional Ethics and Transparency in Real Estate.”

The event will bring together RICS members, real estate developers, valuation experts, quantity surveyors, other built environment professionals, and students from top academic institutions for a half-day of thought leadership and networking.

Key speakers include Bonface Waweru, RICS Sub-Saharan Africa Market Development Lead, and Surveyor Rosemagaret Esubonteng, past President of Ghana Institution of Surveyors, who will chair the event.

The seminar will also feature a goodwill message from the GhIS President and several presentations aimed at shaping professional values and mentorship for future practitioners.

Beyond the day’s presentations, the event will provide valuable guidance for professionals and students aspiring to join RICS, the global gold standard for built environment professionals.

Participants will learn about the benefits of membership and how to begin the journey toward internationally recognized qualifications in real estate and surveying.

Lead sponsors include Orient Property Consulting, Broll Ghana, Property Datahub, and Stratigiko—firms committed to raising ethical standards and encouraging youth leadership in the sector.

Organisers say the event is also part of an effort to revitalise the engagement of RICS members in Ghana and increase visibility of the profession locally.

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.

The former Executive Vice President of Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Yaw Nsarkoh, says Ghana’s democracy was never built on genuine independence; it is, instead, a grand illusion rooted in a distorted reality.

“Our democratic project didn’t begin from a position of real sovereignty,” he told JoyNews’ PM Express.

“What we called independence was, at best, symbolic. It wasn’t backed by control over our productive forces. You had a flag, an anthem, and a dark-skinned president, but that doesn’t make you truly independent.”

Drawing from his widely discussed lecture at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences — ‘Iniquities of Iniquity in Our Santa Claus Democracy’ — Yaw Nsarkoh described Ghana’s political space as a dangerous parody of democracy: one that functions more like a “public auction for the highest bidder” than a participatory governance system.

“The electorate,” he said, “has been reduced to ballots. Not citizens. Just ballots.”

He dismissed comparisons with thriving democracies like Singapore as intellectually lazy. “People keep saying, look at Singapore. But Singapore didn’t start modern democracy at GDP per capita levels of $3,000.

“Their context was different. They had centuries-old institutions, strong traditions. We, on the other hand, were dealing with colonial hangovers — no capital accumulation, no institutional depth.”

Quoting political thinkers like Claude Ake and citing texts like Return to the Source by Kabral Blay-Amihere, Yaw Nsarkoh laid bare a searing critique of Ghana’s post-colonial elite.

“They simply replaced the colonialists,” he said. “They took over the state apparatus and looked after themselves. They didn’t liberate us — they inherited the machinery of control and became its new masters.”

His dissection of the failures went beyond philosophy. Yaw Nsarkoh zeroed in on what he called the collapse of Local Government as evidence of a hollow democracy.

“There is no meaningful devolution of power,” he argued. “The institutions closest to the people are broken. You can’t talk about a functioning democracy when Local Government has essentially collapsed.”

According to him, the consequences are now playing out in real time.

“What we’re seeing is the erosion of public trust, the commodification of politics, and a creeping cynicism among the youth. They’re not apathetic because they’re lazy. They’re disillusioned. They know this isn’t what democracy is supposed to be.”

Yaw Nsarkoh didn’t spare Ghana’s intellectual class either.

“We’ve failed to create a truly indigenous intellectual tradition to interrogate our own political evolution. Instead, we copy frameworks that don’t fit and wonder why they break.”

Yaw Nsarkoh concluded with a warning: “We are not dealing with cosmetic dysfunction. We are dealing with foundational cracks. If we don’t confront this distorted reality, we risk institutional collapse under the weight of our delusions.”

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.

News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, Ike Dzokpo, https://www.newsghana.com.gh/ismart-marks-a-decade-of-digital-impact-in-ghana-and-beyond/

Leading Ghanaian-based value-added services (VAS) and payment solutions provider, iSmart International Ghana Limited is marking a decade of innovation and connectivity with a series of activities designed to honour its dedicated team and also project its brand success and unique impact in Ghana’s telecoms, digital and fintech spaces. 

The anniversary will be marked mainly with a series of exciting and carefully planned staff-focused events between now and the month of August, and it will be climaxed with a massive gala and awards night in the final week of August.

Founded in 2015 in Accra, Ghana, iSmart, an ISO and PCI-DSS certified firm, has for the past ten years been on a mission to “simplify operations and enhance connectivity,” for its clients, and that is how it has built a strong reputation as a trusted technology partner in Ghana’s telecom and financial sectors.

iSmart now serves over 10,000 customers and institutions nationwide. Its services, built on a foundation of reliable SMS, payment solutions, USSD tools, and others, have steadily transformed how companies and communities communicate and transact.

In short, iSmart has spent the last ten years “building smart, accessible and innovative digital communication experiences,” and today celebrates that achievement as it looks forward to the next chapter.

Core Services

iSmart offers a suite of user-friendly digital solutions that help companies engage with customers and process transactions without technical hassles. Its core services include SMS Solutions, USSD Connectivity, Digital Payment Solutions, as well as Custom Application and Website Development.

SMS Solutions: iSmart’s SMS service lets businesses send text messages instantly to thousands of customers at once. As the company explains, SMS is “instant, direct and impossible to ignore” – messages are typically read within seconds. This service is ideal for marketing promotions, alerts, reminders and any communication that needs broad reach and high engagement.

Customer Engagement Solutions (CESI): iSmart offers a suite of platforms designed to empower telecoms, enterprises, and SMEs with tools for managing and engaging over 4.5 million subscribers across Africa. These include Digitalk—a real-time interaction platform; CPaaS—a centralized communications platform that integrates SMS, voice, WhatsApp, and USSD into business workflows; and Grow—a targeted campaign management tool. Together, they create a seamless and scalable customer engagement ecosystem.

USSD Connectivity: Through USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes, iSmart enables simple, menu-driven interactions on any mobile phone – even basic feature phones. Users dial a short code (for example, *389#) to check balances, pay bills or access other services without internet access. This “no internet, no problem” solution brings essential digital functions to millions of people.

Digital Payment Solutions: iSmart provides secure mobile payment platforms and integrations. It’s iSmart Pay platforms connects businesses and individuals to mobile wallets, bank transfers and QR-code payments, enabling cashless transactions anywhere, anytime. Whether a merchant needs to collect mobile money or a customer wants to pay bills by phone, iSmart’s payment APIs and gateways make it fast and flexible.

Custom Application/Website Development: Our custom web and mobile app development services help businesses turn vision into reality. From concept to deployment, we design secure, user-friendly applications and website tailored to your exact needs, whether you’re a startup or scaling enterprise.

Impact and Achievements

Over the last ten years, iSmart has significantly grown its reach and impact. Some highlights include:

Extensive Client Base: The company proudly serves 10,000+ clients across Ghana and beyond, ranging from major banks, telecoms, governments, NGOs to small enterprises. By empowering so many organizations, iSmart has helped improve communication and service delivery throughout the economy.

National Digital Reach: iSmart’s services have a truly nationwide footprint. By leveraging national digital reach, the company has extended connectivity into rural and underserved areas. In practice, millions of Ghanaians can now access essential information and payment services on any mobile phone.

Trusted Partner: In its decade of work, iSmart has earned a reputation as a “trusted partner” in the telecommunications and VAS Industry. Major institutions rely on iSmart to handle critical communication and payment tasks reliably. Indeed, clients report that these solutions have strengthened their customer engagement, service efficiency and overall business growth.

Innovation Milestones: The company itself notes it has spent “10 years building smart, accessible, and innovative digital communication experiences”. Over the years, iSmart has added new offerings – from e-gaming lottery platforms to international airtime top-ups and VoIP calls – all aimed at making digital services easier for African businesses and people.

Continental Ambition: While based in Ghana, iSmart casts a vision across Africa. As the company recently stated, it is celebrating a decade of “transforming communication and fintech solutions across Africa”. In other words, iSmart aims not just to serve Ghana but to be part of the broader African digital transformation, expanding its expertise and footprint on the continent.

10th Anniversary Celebration

The celebration of iSmart’s 10th anniversary focused on people and purpose. As such, during the celebration, iSmart is honouring the dedication of its employees, thanking its partners and appreciating its loyal customers.

The CEO of the company, Robert Oduro emphasized that everyone who contributed – from software developers to client managers – helped build the brand’s success, adding that public events and communications about the celebration will therefore highlight this “shared journey” and reinforce the iSmart identity.

He said the anniversary is also brand-strengthening moment, explaining that by showcasing its decade of achievements, iSmart reminds the market of its experience and reliability.

“In short, the anniversary isn’t just a look back at past work; it’s a launchpad for the future. The tone is inspirational and forward-looking, combining pride in what iSmart has done with confidence in what it will do next,” he said.

Looking Ahead

iSmart has ambitious plans for the future. Per its corporate vision, iSmart aims “to be Africa’s trusted leader in VAS, Enterprise, and Fintech solutions”. This means the company will continue rolling out new digital tools that help businesses connect and grow.

Again, iSmart plans to deepen access, by working to bring its services to even more people. Its goal is to ensure that no segment of society is left behind in the digital economy. The company also intends to strengthen ties with banks, telecoms and governments to push industry-wide innovation.

According to the CEO, iSmart remains “dedicated to leveraging technology to make Africa a better place for businesses,”  and that That underpins everything ahead.

With ten years of experience and learning, Robert Oduro said iSmart is poised to accelerate its impact. As the leadership affirms, the firm is driven by passion to keep “transforming communication and fintech solutions” – convinced that in the next ten years the best is yet to come.

News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, Ike Dzokpo, https://www.newsghana.com.gh/ismart-marks-a-decade-of-digital-impact-in-ghana-and-beyond/Read More

Boakyewaa Glover, organisational psychologist and author, has quietly launched one of the most authentic and raw YouTube series in Ghana. The Boakyewaa Glover Show focuses on topics related to life, health, and relationships, with a heavy emphasis on mental health. What makes the show different is Boakyewaa’s directness, realness, and vulnerability. She goes there—openly discussing topics that are often unspoken or taboo, candidly and openly.

The show’s first episode is titled Brilliance Interrupted – The Story of James Amoako Glover and sets the tone for everything else that follows on the show. Boakyewaa’s father, James Amoako Glover, was a prominent lawyer who worked with former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

He suffered from schizophrenia and lived on the streets for decades, resisting help until later in life when he finally accepted treatment. Sadly, he passed away less than a year after getting healthy. Boakyewaa shares this story with such strength and resolve, though traces of emotional pain are evident in her voice.

She says she’s sharing her lived experiences to help break the stigma of mental illness, which has pervaded Ghanaian culture for decades. At 46, this is her first time telling her father’s story publicly, and she often wishes she had done so sooner. It is a very poignant and deeply touching episode, showing directly, the impact of mental illness on loved ones.

Boakyewaa has been in consistent therapy for over two years. As an organisational psychologist with a family history of mental illness and a neurodivergent child, the psychological landscape is familiar to her. But in 2023, while juggling a new demanding job, a challenging relationship, and multiple court cases, she reached her limit and sought help for herself.

“When you have a family history of medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, most people get screened early, recognising the risk that family history presents. I decided to take the same approach to my mental health. 2023 was a very difficult year, everything felt heavy. I was afraid that with stress and genetics, schizophrenia could happen to me too. So I got help.”

She was not diagnosed with schizophrenia, but she is in treatment for other equally difficult challenges. During the 2025 Mental Health Forum, she gave a powerful speech on generational mental health, tracing her father’s story, her son’s ADHD and PTSD (from a gas explosion and attempted kidnapping), and then opening up about her own experiences, including a PTSD diagnosis following a helicopter crash (a national incident involving a military helicopter that crashed with the remains of former chief of defense staff, Air Marshall M. A. Otu, her grandfather), persistent depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and a devastating heartbreak that landed her in the ER.

That traumatic heartbreak is a recurring theme on The Boakyewaa Glover show, weaving its way through multiple episodes. It’s the story she shared on both The Super Morning Show and the AM Show on Joy News Network.

In 2024, while still grappling with her diagnoses, her boyfriend left her via text, an incident that torpedoed and deeply destabilized her mental health progress and remains a source of excruciating pain and trauma.

In one episode, she discusses it with her therapist, Dr. Paul Kumi, a trauma specialist. Dr. Kumi notes that heartbreak can be deeply traumatic, akin to the death of a loved one for people who are already vulnerable. Yet in our culture, heartbreak is often seen as a normal rite of passage. Boakyewaa’s episode titled The Trauma of Heartbreak explores just how life-threatening heartbreak can be, backed by research and medical literature, including broken heart syndrome, a form of cardiomyopathy that can lead to death.

“It’s been over 10 months since the breakup, since the text that changed my life dropped onto my phone, and I am still struggling, every single day. Healing isn’t linear and this is a really tough one for me. This breakup has shattered my self-worth and I am trying hard to rebuild. What I ask myself is—how can someone who knows me so well, knows my heart, the depth of my love, my loyalty and commitment, my challenges, including my mental illness and my insecurities, walk away just like that? Because I’m too much? Because I don’t trust easily? I admit that I can be intense and mistrustful, because of my traumas, my sensitivities, my insecurities. But I had hoped to be a problem worth fighting for. It’s still so painful. It will take a very long time to get over.”

One of her most raw episodes is on weight. In The Stigma of Obesity, she opens up about her greatest insecurity—her body. She wonders if that was part of why her ex walked away so easily. She speaks about her weight with startling honesty and bluntness. She admits that she doesn’t like her body, but she respects what it can do, as she constantly strength trains, and has discipline and focus that many people do not have. She is a beast in the gym, but somehow does not love her looks, perhaps due to the many hurtful comments and stigma, some of which she speaks about on the show. They have all taken a toll on her.

Boakyewaa embraces her unconventional looks – natural cornrows, no makeup, and loosely fitted clothes. She’s accepted her nontraditional aesthetic, though this acceptance hasn’t yet extended to her body.

What sets The Boakyewaa Glover Show apart is the raw honesty and vulnerability. Boakyewaa is intense, troubled, and highly self-aware—but also incredibly resilient and hopeful. Her authenticity is refreshing and rare. Her laughter with guests is infectious. She’s giddy in Dating for Love or Provision with Sid, in awe of Agyeiwaa in Strong is the New Skinny, and deeply reflective with Linda in The Strong Woman Burden.

“I am a high functioning person with challenges, and that is exactly why I’m doing the show and my mental health advocacy. I want to show that mental illness is not just about psychosis, delusions and crippling functionality. Most people with mental illness look like me – we go to work, we parent, we socialize, and we function, but inwardly, internally, there is chaos and struggle, and without help, without addressing it, it can bubble over to something worse. It is so important to me to showcase that facet of life – to have someone like me, articulate, successful, a published author, be on screen and admit to my challenges and insecurities, and show that mental illness is not just reserved for those on the streets, or in mental institutions. Mental illness can look like me or you. People really need to understand that, to get help.”

The Boakyewaa Glover Show sets a new standard for honest, necessary conversations. The host bares her soul, bravely and courageously, risking judgment and stigma, all to share and showcase the importance of authentic conversations, and to help others feel seen.

Season One is currently streaming on YouTube, with new episodes released each weekend.

Boakyewaa is also the author of six books: The Anatomy of a Breakup, Commitment, Love You More, The Justice, Tendai, and Circles (available on Amazon).

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.

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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.

In a move to solidify its preparation towards a successful 5th African Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue  slated for 29th July to 1st August 2025 at Accra Ghana, the team of organisers  led by  Nanahemaa Obaapa Awindor met with the Chief Diaspora Office of the President Ghana ,Hon. Kofi Okyere Darko on the 4th of June 2025.

The participants at the meeting included the executive director of All Africa Media Network (AAMN) Mr. Cookey Iwuoha and Ghana bureau Chief of AAMN Mr.Femi Ijimakinde,  Kim Poole ,the founder of Teaching Artist Institute ,Ruth Afoko of Global Africa Sheroes Union  Ghana Chapter were led by Her Royal Highness Obaapa Adjoa Anyaa (Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor) .

In her capacity as the Chairperson, of the Global Africans Against Slavery ( GLAAS) a multi-sectoral coalition dedicated to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling across Africa which is a project of the African Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue.

The discussion at the meeting hinged on the request for collaboration with Diaspora Office of the President Ghana for the Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue taking place  at the British Council and Africa Trade House Ghana on the theme- Born Free; Exploring the Economic, Cultural, Social and Political Intricacies Sponsoring Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in Today’s Africa.  

 “We express our sincere gratitude to you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet us, and greatly appreciate your office willingness to align with us not just for the Dialogue but also in our on- field engagement against trafficking in persons with Global Africans Against Slavery (GLAAS)  established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, GLAAS aligns with the African Union’s Ten-Year Action Plan (2020–2030) to eradicate child labour, forced labour, human trafficking, and modern slavery ” Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor said.

The Chief Diaspora Office of the President Ghana Honourable Kofi Okyere Darko expressed his pleasure in receiving the 5th AEWID contingent led by Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor and shared his own engagements on issues of human trafficking across the border  of Ghana and its neighbouring nations and  how deeply concerned he is of the issue and assured the organisers of the 5th African Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue of his Office collaboration and commitment to the cause.

GLAAS was inspired by the vision of AAMN and associates which was led by guidance of H.E. Mrs. Fatoumata Tambajang Jallow, former Vice President of The Gambia, who provided foundational insights during the 2nd African Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue held in Abuja on 25th September 2018. Over the past five years, GLAAS has grown into a robust coalition of over 40 member organisations across 15 African countries, as well as partners in the USA.

“ We are elated to know that you share  the same passion with us on the subject of the dialogue which aims at amplifying the challenge, and dangers that human trafficking and migrant smuggling pose to our communities and the African society at large” Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor said.

Globally, 27% of victims are children, 66% of which are young girls and children are more likely to be forced into physical labor exploitation.

While men and boys are victims of human trafficking, women and girls are disproportionately impacted, making up about 70% of all victims. Women and girls are also most likely to be victims of forced marriages, human sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.

United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Ghana, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) African Women Development Fund (AWDF), Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Ghana, UN Women Nigeria, West African Women Association an aegis of (ECOWAS), Woodin, participated and collaborated with AAMN and its associates on the success of the events so far.

Keyime Dam in the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region collapsed on Monday evening, following a downpour at its source.

It is the second time the dam, constructed in 1963, has collapsed. It collapsed in October 1995 under similar circumstances.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) about the incident, Torgbui Satsi III, Chief of Adzonkor, a farming community close to the dam site, told GNA that they detected a defect in the canal and spillage areas some four years ago.

However, they did not have the necessary funds to repair it, as a few individuals had hijacked the dam’s proceeds.

He said rehabilitation work was done in 2016, and expressed doubt if the government would be interested in helping to repair it again.

Mr. Moses Awaga, the Assemblyman for Adzonkor Electoral Area, also confirmed the incident to the GNA.

Mr. Alfred Odikro Klu, the District Chief Executive for Agortime-Ziope District, also confirmed the devastating situation to the GNA, stating, “I am currently at the dam site”, when reached by the GNA at 0700 hours on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Keyime Dam, located in the Ziope Traditional Area, served over 42 towns and villages.

It collapsed in October 1995, but the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) awarded the project for its reconstruction in December 2014, with work starting in January 2015.

The Dam served as the main source of drinking water for the people and promoted economic activities, as the residents engaged in fishing activities, which led to the development of a vibrant fishing industry in the area.

The dam also enhanced farming activities, as the people used it as source of water for irrigation during the off-farm season.

They cultivated lands in the catchment area of the dam, particularly growing vegetables such as tomatoes, okro, and pepper, which are in high demand.

The residents appealed to the government to help rehabilitate the dam.

Yahaya Alhassan, President of the New Ghana Social Justice Forum, has issued a direct appeal to foreign ambassadors in Ghana to visit the nation’s notorious witch camps, calling international attention to the systemic abuse of women accused of witchcraft.

The appeal coincided with Italy’s National Day celebrations at the Italian Ambassador’s residence, where Alhassan denounced the camps as relics of superstition and gender-based persecution.

Targeted diplomatic missions include those of Canada, Switzerland, the U.S., France, the UK, Lebanon, the EU, Italy, and Denmark. Alhassan emphasized that accused individuals—primarily widows, elderly women, and single mothers lacking social protection—face isolation and violence based on false beliefs. “Life’s misfortunes or illnesses are wrongly blamed on witchcraft,” he stated, noting many victims suffer from dementia or mental health conditions requiring care, not condemnation.

Alhassan’s advocacy previously contributed to Ghana’s 2022 Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, which criminalized witchcraft accusations and banned witch doctors. However, he stressed that legislation alone is insufficient, urging Parliament to prioritize closing all camps. He cited the 2020 lynching of 90-year-old Akua Denteh as evidence of deadly consequences when accusations escalate unchecked.

The activist outlined a six-year plan to replace camps with modern housing offering rehabilitation and mental health support. “No greater legacy exists for diplomats than liberating innocent women and children—some as young as seven—from these conditions,” he declared, framing the issue as a humanitarian imperative requiring global solidarity.

Former WBO Africa Featherweight Champion John Abaja Laryea has completed intensive training at California’s renowned Robert Garcia Boxing Gym, sharing insights on Omashi TV’s The Big Fight Night.

The undefeated Ghanaian boxer (14-0-1) described the experience as transformative, thanking manager Samuel Anim Addo, coach Carl Lokko of Accra’s Bronx Boxing Club, and American promoter Peter Khan for facilitating the opportunity.

Laryea emphasized the discipline required for international success, advising Ghanaian prospects: “If you are told to sleep early, you should comply because you need to rest well and train well.” He noted the gym’s culture of “unity, ambition, and perseverance” under Garcia—a former IBF junior lightweight champion and two-time Trainer of the Year awardee. The gym is celebrated for instilling championship mentality through rigorous, respect-driven training regimes.

With his WBO Africa title now contested by Nigerian boxers following his US bout, Laryea revealed his team is planning his next championship campaign. The California training aimed to refine his skills for higher-level competition, leveraging Garcia’s expertise in developing multi-division champions like his brother Mikey Garcia. Laryea recounted being welcomed into the gym’s professional family with the affirmation: “You belong here.”

Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus has indicated that he is satisfied that the basic football needs of neighbourhoods in Nima-suburb of Ghana’s capital, Accra, have been catered for.

He said this in an interview after overseeing the distribution of footballs, football boots and bibs to teams that participated in the Bazaki Football Tournament.

Kudus is an ambassador of sports apparel company Skechers and partnered with the firm to host the tournament that featured several young talented players drawn from the neighbourhood the West Ham United player comes from.

“I will have a very big satisfaction because that is the point of this tournament; trying to provide for the basic needs they need to play.

Mohammed Kudus sharing boots,bibs and other gifts for teams that played in the Bazaki Football tournament #CitiSports pic.twitter.com/PcUunucSeU

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) June 29, 2025

“I have no doubt there will definitely be some of them that will make it to the top level even higher than what I have done and that is what I aspire for them” Kudus said.

Jubilant scenes as Academy Level Football Club celebrate winning the #KudusDream Bazaki Football Tournament#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/v9D6KECpwd

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) June 29, 2025

24 year old Kudus has been at the heart of several transfer reports linking him to a move from West Ham United. The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have been named as possible destinations.

Scroll down to watch interview

“That is the point of the tournament, trying to provide for the basic needs they need to play”

Black Stars forward, Mohammed Kudus on how far the players participating in the Bazaki Football tournament can go if given the right support#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/i0ypDVoZnk

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) June 29, 2025

Leading Ghanaian-based value-added services (VAS) and payment solutions provider, iSmart International Ghana Limited is marking a decade of innovation and connectivity with a series of activities designed to honour its dedicated team and also project its brand success and unique impact in Ghana’s telecoms, digital and fintech spaces. 

The anniversary will be marked mainly with a series of exciting and carefully planned staff-focused events between now and the month of August, and it will be climaxed with a massive gala and awards night in the final week of August.

Founded in 2015 in Accra, Ghana, iSmart, an ISO and PCI-DSS certified firm, has for the past ten years been on a mission to “simplify operations and enhance connectivity,” for its clients, and that is how it has built a strong reputation as a trusted technology partner in Ghana’s telecom and financial sectors.

iSmart now serves over 10,000 customers and institutions nationwide. Its services, built on a foundation of reliable SMS, payment solutions, USSD tools, and others, have steadily transformed how companies and communities communicate and transact.

In short, iSmart has spent the last ten years “building smart, accessible and innovative digital communication experiences,” and today celebrates that achievement as it looks forward to the next chapter.

Core Services

iSmart offers a suite of user-friendly digital solutions that help companies engage with customers and process transactions without technical hassles. Its core services include SMS Solutions, USSD Connectivity, Digital Payment Solutions, as well as Custom Application and Website Development.

SMS Solutions: iSmart’s SMS service lets businesses send text messages instantly to thousands of customers at once. As the company explains, SMS is “instant, direct and impossible to ignore” – messages are typically read within seconds. This service is ideal for marketing promotions, alerts, reminders and any communication that needs broad reach and high engagement.

Customer Engagement Solutions (CESI): iSmart offers a suite of platforms designed to empower telecoms, enterprises, and SMEs with tools for managing and engaging over 4.5 million subscribers across Africa. These include Digitalk—a real-time interaction platform; CPaaS—a centralized communications platform that integrates SMS, voice, WhatsApp, and USSD into business workflows; and Grow—a targeted campaign management tool. Together, they create a seamless and scalable customer engagement ecosystem.

USSD Connectivity: Through USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes, iSmart enables simple, menu-driven interactions on any mobile phone – even basic feature phones. Users dial a short code (for example, *389#) to check balances, pay bills or access other services without internet access. This “no internet, no problem” solution brings essential digital functions to millions of people.

Digital Payment Solutions: iSmart provides secure mobile payment platforms and integrations. It’s iSmart Pay platforms connects businesses and individuals to mobile wallets, bank transfers and QR-code payments, enabling cashless transactions anywhere, anytime. Whether a merchant needs to collect mobile money or a customer wants to pay bills by phone, iSmart’s payment APIs and gateways make it fast and flexible.

Custom Application/Website Development: Our custom web and mobile app development services help businesses turn vision into reality. From concept to deployment, we design secure, user-friendly applications and website tailored to your exact needs, whether you’re a startup or scaling enterprise.

Impact and Achievements

Over the last ten years, iSmart has significantly grown its reach and impact. Some highlights include:

Extensive Client Base: The company proudly serves 10,000+ clients across Ghana and beyond, ranging from major banks, telecoms, governments, NGOs to small enterprises. By empowering so many organizations, iSmart has helped improve communication and service delivery throughout the economy.

National Digital Reach: iSmart’s services have a truly nationwide footprint. By leveraging national digital reach, the company has extended connectivity into rural and underserved areas. In practice, millions of Ghanaians can now access essential information and payment services on any mobile phone.

Trusted Partner: In its decade of work, iSmart has earned a reputation as a “trusted partner” in the telecommunications and VAS Industry. Major institutions rely on iSmart to handle critical communication and payment tasks reliably. Indeed, clients report that these solutions have strengthened their customer engagement, service efficiency and overall business growth.

Innovation Milestones: The company itself notes it has spent “10 years building smart, accessible, and innovative digital communication experiences”. Over the years, iSmart has added new offerings – from e-gaming lottery platforms to international airtime top-ups and VoIP calls – all aimed at making digital services easier for African businesses and people.

Continental Ambition: While based in Ghana, iSmart casts a vision across Africa. As the company recently stated, it is celebrating a decade of “transforming communication and fintech solutions across Africa”. In other words, iSmart aims not just to serve Ghana but to be part of the broader African digital transformation, expanding its expertise and footprint on the continent.

10th Anniversary Celebration

The celebration of iSmart’s 10th anniversary focused on people and purpose. As such, during the celebration, iSmart is honouring the dedication of its employees, thanking its partners and appreciating its loyal customers.

The CEO of the company, Robert Oduro emphasized that everyone who contributed – from software developers to client managers – helped build the brand’s success, adding that public events and communications about the celebration will therefore highlight this “shared journey” and reinforce the iSmart identity.

He said the anniversary is also brand-strengthening moment, explaining that by showcasing its decade of achievements, iSmart reminds the market of its experience and reliability.

“In short, the anniversary isn’t just a look back at past work; it’s a launchpad for the future. The tone is inspirational and forward-looking, combining pride in what iSmart has done with confidence in what it will do next,” he said.

Looking Ahead

iSmart has ambitious plans for the future. Per its corporate vision, iSmart aims “to be Africa’s trusted leader in VAS, Enterprise, and Fintech solutions”. This means the company will continue rolling out new digital tools that help businesses connect and grow.

Again, iSmart plans to deepen access, by working to bring its services to even more people. Its goal is to ensure that no segment of society is left behind in the digital economy. The company also intends to strengthen ties with banks, telecoms and governments to push industry-wide innovation.

According to the CEO, iSmart remains “dedicated to leveraging technology to make Africa a better place for businesses,”  and that That underpins everything ahead.

With ten years of experience and learning, Robert Oduro said iSmart is poised to accelerate its impact. As the leadership affirms, the firm is driven by passion to keep “transforming communication and fintech solutions” – convinced that in the next ten years the best is yet to come.

LeBron James is set to play in a record 23rd NBA season after his agent said the 40-year-old has exercised an option to extend his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Rich Paul said James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, was targeting a fifth Championship after activating a $53m (£41m) player option for the 2025-26 season.

“He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all,” he told ESPN.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

James currently shares the NBA season record with eight-time All-Star Vince Carter. His tally of 1,562 regular-season appearances is just 50 short of breaking former Boston Celtics star Robert Parish’s NBA record.

In 2023 he broke Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing points record of 38,387 to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. His current tally stands at 42,184.

James’ NBA career began in 2003 when he was drafted first overall by hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The forward joined the Miami Heat in 2010, winning two titles, before returning to lead Cleveland to their only NBA title with a 2016 success.

He has been with the Lakers since 2018 and helped them win the 2020 title, which was also the fourth time James was named NBA finals MVP.

His 20-year-old son Bronny was drafted by the Lakers in the summer of 2024 and they became the first father-son duo to share the court in an NBA game in October.

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.

A heatwave continues to grip large parts of Europe, with authorities in many countries issuing health warnings amid searing temperatures.

Southern Spain is the worst-affected region, with temperatures in the mid-40s Celsius recorded in Seville and neighbouring areas.

A new heat record for June of 46C was set on Saturday in the town of El Granado, according to Spain’s national weather service, which also said this month is on track to be the hottest June on record.

Red heat warnings are in force in parts of Portugal, Italy and Croatia, with numerous amber warnings covering areas of Spain, France, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia and Switzerland.

In Barcelona, a woman died after completing a shift as a road sweeper on Saturday, when temperatures were very high. Local authorities are investigating her death.

In Italy, emergency departments across the country have reported an uptick in heatstroke cases, mainly affecting “elderly people, cancer patients, or homeless people”, Mario Guarino, vice president of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine, told the AFP news agency.

Hospitals such as the Ospedale dei Colli in Naples have set up dedicated heatstroke pathways to speed up access to vital treatments such as cold water immersion.

The city of Bologna, further north, has set up seven climate shelters with air conditioning and drinking water, while Rome has offered free access to city swimming pools for those over 70.

A pharmacist in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, told Reuters news agency that, despite telling people “not to go out” during the hottest hours of the day, “we have already had some cases of heat strokes and burns”.

The severe heat has also affected countries across the western Balkans, where temperatures have reached over 40°C.

Serbia registered its highest-ever temperature since it began recording them in the 19th century. In Slovenia, the hottest-ever June temperature was recorded on Saturday.

North Macedonia is also sweltering as temperatures reached 42°C on Friday.

More hot weather to come

Some areas will continue to get hotter until the middle of the week, with temperatures rising across France, Germany, Italy and the UK over the next few days.

Yellow and amber alerts are in place for parts of England this weekend, and temperatures in London may reach 35C on Monday.

The heat has been building under a big area of high pressure, with dry air descending and warming.

As that process has continued over a number of days, temperatures have climbed. The area of high pressure will move eastwards over the next few days, taking the high temperatures northwards and eastwards with it.

While it is hard to link individual extreme weather events to climate change, heat waves are becoming more common and more intense due to climate change.

Scientists at World Weather Attribution, who analyse the influence of climate change on extreme weather events, say June heatwaves with three consecutive days above 28 °C are about 10 times more likely to occur now compared to pre-industrial times.

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.

Four teams have secured early qualification to the quarterfinal stage of the 2025 Bankers League Gala following a competitive opening round of group matches at the Legon Stadium on Saturday, June 28.

Zenith Bank delivered a dominant display in Group A, sealing back-to-back victories against National Investment Bank (NIB) and Ecobank to secure their place in the last eight with a game in hand. Their clinical performance left little doubt about their intent to challenge for this year’s title.

In Group B, Stanbic Bank and Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) confirmed their progression after both sides recorded opening-day wins, ensuring safe passage into the knockout rounds ahead of the final group matches.

CalBank were equally impressive in Group C, dispatching ABSA and GT Bank with confident performances to top the group outright and book their quarterfinal ticket.

Group D remains the only undecided group. Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) and Republic Bank are currently joint leaders with four points each, having recorded a win and a draw. Standard Chartered Bank and Omnibsic, on one point apiece, still have a mathematical chance to qualify depending on the results in the final round of group matches.

The remaining group fixtures are scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at the same venue, with the quarterfinals to follow shortly after. The one-day Gala serves as a curtain-raiser to the 2025 Bankers Football League, which is set to kick off on July 12. League fixtures will be played at the McDan Astroturf and St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School pitch.

Despite their early elimination, NIB striker Kweku Ghansah remained upbeat. Speaking after his side’s loss, he acknowledged their lack of preparation but set sights firmly on the league campaign.

“Well, the game didn’t go well, but we are hoping to win our next game. Actually, we didn’t really prepare, but we’ll come back stronger,” he said. “Our main target is the league. You know, we’ve won the league three times consecutively. I’ve taken the Goal King twice. When I say we’ll come back stronger, we know what we are talking about.”

Reflecting on the tournament’s broader purpose, Ghansah praised the level of football on display and the camaraderie it fosters. “It’s a fun game, but you can see some talent in there. It’s just for exercise, networking, and fun. That’s what we’re out for.”