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Showing posts from May, 2026

BREAKING: Parliament finally passes controversial anti-Gay bill

  Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely known as the anti-gay bill, after adopting a number of amendments to the proposed legislation. The bill, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ-related activities and advocacy in Ghana, was approved with specific exemptions protecting certain professionals and institutions from prosecution under the law. Under the amended provisions, lawyers providing legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ will not face sanctions. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues as part of their professional duties are also exempted from punishment under the legislation. In addition, healthcare professionals — including doctors, psychologists, counsellors and other medical practitioners offering healthcare services to LGBTQ persons — will not be penalised. The bill now awaits presidential assent before it can become law. Under the previous administration, former President Nana ...

GN Savings and Loans to reopen with 10 branches — Nduom

  Businessman and President of Groupe Nduom, Papa Kwesi Nduom, has disclosed that GN Savings and Loans is preparing to resume operations, beginning with an initial rollout of 10 branches across the country. According to him, rehabilitation works on the company’s first branch in Elmina are currently underway and are expected to be completed within the next three weeks. Dr. Nduom made the announcement during a press conference on Friday, May 29, following the recent Court of Appeal ruling directing the Bank of Ghana to restore the licence of GN Savings and Loans. Ghana cultural insights We have been preparing since 2019. We know the former employees we can rely on, and we have buildings that are ready for use. On the human resource side, which is essential, we are prepared,” he stated. The Court of Appeal on May 21 ordered the Bank of Ghana to restore the licence of GN Savings and Loans, overturning an earlier High Court ruling that had upheld the revocation of the institution’s oper...

Bright Scholarship: MTN Ghana Foundation Urges Students to Apply Before May 31 Deadline

  The MTN Ghana Foundation has reminded prospective applicants that submissions for its 2026 Bright Scholarship programme will close on May 31, 2026. In a statement issued in Accra on Friday, the Foundation urged eligible students to complete and submit their applications through the scholarship portal before the deadline. The scholarship programme is open to continuing students pursuing first degrees at public tertiary institutions, as well as students enrolled in vocational and technical skills training programmes. Teachers pursuing first degrees and postgraduate STEM-related programmes have also been encouraged to apply. Applicants are required to be Ghanaian, demonstrate good conduct and maintain strong academic performance. The MTN Bright Scholarship package covers tuition, accommodation, stipends for books and learning materials, as well as a device for each beneficiary. Commenting on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa ...

Cambodia denies ordering Ghanaians, other Africans to leave

  The General Department of Immigration under Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior has denied reports claiming that Ghanaian nationals and citizens of other African countries with expired immigration waivers have been ordered to leave the country by May 31, 2026. Ghana tourism packages The clarification follows the circulation of a statement on social media purportedly issued by Cambodian authorities, directing some African nationals, including Ghanaians, to leave the country by May 31, 2026, or risk arrest. However, in a statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, the General Department of Immigration described the reports as “completely untrue.” The General Department of Immigration of the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia wishes to clarify that the information published on those websites is completely untrue,” the statement said. The department urged the public to rely on official government communication channels for verified immigration information. “To obtain official ...

Sekondi Central Prison floods, faces risk of jailbreaks — Prisons Director warns

  A Director of Prisons in charge of Operations and Facility Management, Benedict Bob Dery, has warned that continued flooding at the Sekondi Central Prisons could weaken the prison structure and potentially lead to prisoner escapes. Speaking during a briefing with the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, on Friday May 29, he blamed the situation on ongoing road construction works in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. According to him, contractors working on the Takoradi-Sekondi road connected a larger drainage system to a smaller gutter, causing water to overflow into the prison during heavy rains. The prison is old, and as water continues to enter the facility, it weakens the walls of the cells and could lead to escapes. Aside from that, it could also create serious health concerns,” he stated. Dery called for immediate intervention to address the flooding situation and prevent further damage to the prison infrastructure.

Ghanaian Fragrance House Maison Yusif Debuts “The Beast” and New Jersey Boutique

  Ghanaian niche fragrance house Maison Yusif Fragrance has successfully concluded the New Jersey edition of its international “The Beast” World Tour, drawing fragrance enthusiasts, supporters, and members of the local community to experience the brand’s latest fragrance release, The Beast. The event forms part of a broader international tour designed to introduce the new fragrance to audiences across multiple cities in the United States, Europe, and Africa. The New Jersey stop follows the tour’s launch in the DMV area and marks another significant milestone in Maison Yusif’s growing international presence. Founded by master perfumer Yusif Jnr Meizongo, Maison Yusif Fragrance has become known for its artisan approach to perfumery, creating handcrafted fragrances inspired by culture, memories, and African storytelling. The brand has steadily expanded beyond Ghana, attracting customers from around the world who seek unique niche fragrances. In addition to celebrating the launch of Th...

Elephant in the room: Are both Dr. Bawumia and Yayra Koku LIARS or TRUTHFUL?

  By Samuel Dowuona In February 2022, the then Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a man widely designated as Ghana's digitalization champion, made a bold declaration that the Ghana Card is recognized in 44,000 airports across the world as a valid form of ID for Ghanaians traveling into Ghana.  This statement triggered a barrage of attacks on the Vice President. He was called a liar. In fact one of the attacks that easily comes to memory was from one NDC Communicator - Bernard Oduro Takyi during a talk show on Kesben TV. He described the Vice President as a "serial, chronic and supersonic liar." Take note that prior to that, the Vice President had been called a liar for several other statements he made in that past, so much so that even Google searches on "who is the biggest liar in Ghana" always threw up his name. So, the attacks on him with respect to the declaration on Ghana Card being recognized in 44,000 airports globally, perfectly fitted into t...

Elephant in the room: Wallet to account transfer fees, who should pay - consumers or banks?

  By Samuel Dowuona On May 25, 2026, Ghana's mobile money market leader, MobileMoney Fintech Limited (MMFL), popularly known as MTN MoMo, issued a circular informing customers that from June 1, 2026 they will start charging a 0.75% fee capped at GHS5 on all wallet to bank account transfers through its direct push and pull channel. This announcement was made with the blessing of the industry regulator, Bank of Ghana. I personally got the message on my phone at exactly 6.51pm that day. The announcement generated so much public outcry on social media that in less than 24 hours, the Bank of Ghana asked MMFL to suspend the planned application of the fee for further public consultation. The central bank then issued a statement announcing the suspension. In that statement, the Bank of Ghana claimed its decision to order the suspension is a reflection of its " commitment to ensuring that any changes in charges in the mobile financial services ecosystem, are introduced fairly, protect ...

FDI inflows hit US$2.61bn in 2025 – GIPC

  The Chief Executive for Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Simon Madjie has announced that provisional figures indicate that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ghana reached US$2.61 billion in value in 2025. This is more than the US$652 million recorded in 2024. Madjie said the development shows renewed investor interest in the economy, following significant improvements in macro-economic indicators such as inflation, interest rates, and the exchange rate. He added that the situation also gives a positive signal that investors are receiving the call that Ghana is opened for business as mentioned by the President John Mahama. Madjie disclosed this at a retreat by the Board of GIPC to review strategies for the year. According to him, the Ghana Free Zones Authority, recorded the highest new projects of US$1.437 billion from 180 projects. I'm sure in a month or two, we'll release the full report on the FDI inflows which shows some good results for 2025.  But so far, we...

Weija Dam spillage submerges Tetegu, Sampah Valley, and Choice communities

  Residents of Tetegu, Sampah Valley, Choice and other downstream communities around the Weija enclave have been affected by flooding following the opening of the spill gates of the Weija Dam by the Ghana Water Limited (GWL). Several homes, roads and low-lying areas in the affected communities are submerged after excess water was released from the dam as part of measures to protect the facility from structural damage. Some residents were seen salvaging household items, while others moved belongings to safer locations as water levels continued to rise in parts of the affected areas. The development follows an official announcement by the management of Ghana Water Limited that the water level in the dam had risen above the maximum operating level of 48 feet, necessitating the controlled spilling of excess water. In a statement, GWL explained that all spill gates of the dam had been opened to reduce pressure on the facility and ensure its structural integrity and safety. The water lev...

Prudential Bank CIO Backs Sustainable Tech Leadership

  Technology leaders must move beyond “firefighting” and build systems and teams that endure beyond their tenure, Prudential Bank CIO Leopold L. L. Armah has said. Speaking as a panellist at the Global CIO Summit – Ghana Edition 2026, Armah said the 24/7 nature of today’s digital environment is pushing CIOs and CISOs to their limits, and sustainable leadership is the only way to manage the pressure without burning out. Sustainable leadership is building people, systems and purpose that remain effective long after the leader has left the room,” he told delegates. From operations to strategy Armah noted that the CIO role has expanded far beyond managing infrastructure. Today’s technology leaders oversee digital transformation, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, customer experience and emerging technologies like AI. With that expanded remit comes the risk of constant crisis mode. He urged organisations to reward prevention, not just quick fixes. “Successful leadership is not about ...

51km of Accra-Kumasi Expressway corridor cleared; compensation plans underway – Finance Minister

  Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced significant progress on the government’s flagship Accra-Kumasi Expressway project, revealing that approximately 51 kilometres of the corridor have so far been cleared by the Ghana Armed Forces. In a Facebook post on Thursday, May 28, the minister praised the military for what he described as the “phenomenal work” being undertaken on President John Mahama’s transformational infrastructure project. According to him, compensation payments to affected residents along the stretch are expected to commence in June after the completion of assessments by the relevant state agencies. Dr Forson noted that the project is being executed steadily and professionally, adding that the expressway would become one of Ghana’s most strategic and economically transformative road corridors upon completion. The progress made so far is truly impressive,” he stated. The proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected to improve transportation between the t...

Ghanaian Pregnant Woman and Child Detained at Dulles Airport, ACLU Raises Concern

  Immigration authorities have detained a pregnant woman and her 4-year-old son at Washington Dulles International Airport for over a week, after the pair arrived from Ghana on a tourist visa seeking medical treatment and were then taken into custody, their lawyers allege in a court filing. Anabella Gyasi, 38, arrived in the United States on May 19 after securing a visa and an appointment for her son at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio, where she hoped her son would get care for a physical abnormality affecting his hands, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers asked her if she feared persecution in her home country, said Eden Heilman, the legal director of the organization’s Virginia branch. Gyasi answered that she did because of her son’s disability. CBP then classified her as an asylum applicant and moved to nullify her tourist visa, Heilman said. If she hadn’t answered that question honestly, she would have been well on her ...

Volta Region Receives 180,000 Chicks as Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme Takes Off

  The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has launched the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme in the Volta Region under the Government of Ghana’s Feed Ghana Programme, describing it as a major intervention aimed at reducing poverty, creating jobs, improving household incomes and strengthening food security. Speaking at the launch, the Regional Minister said the initiative goes beyond poultry farming and represents a practical economic empowerment tool for households, youth and aspiring agribusiness entrepreneurs across the region. According to him, the programme is expected to stimulate local economic activity by creating opportunities across the poultry value chain, increasing domestic food production, and encouraging self-sufficiency among communities. As part of the rollout, the Volta Region has been allocated 180,000 day-old chicks to support beneficiaries, particularly households and young entrepreneurs seeking sustainable livelihoods through poultry farming. Gunu expressed confidenc...

Ashanti region: Mining pit collapse kills 4 illegal miners at Bepotenten Sukuumu

  Four illegal miners have died in a devastating mining pit collapse incident at Bepotenten Sukuum, a farming community in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti region. A mining pit caved in on a group of illegal miners at Bepotenten Sukuum at approximately 16:00 hours on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The four miners working at the site died on the spot. Three of the deceased persons have been identified as Nartey Solomon (30), Ezekiel (22), Awudu (27), and Yaro (26), all of whom were residents of Bepotenten Sukuum. Police from Jacobu received information of the tragedy at about 17:30 following a call by the assemblyman of the area, Samuel Ekwam Ananse, and immediately proceeded to the scene. Preliminary police investigations revealed the victims, along with one survivor, were engaging in the mining activities at an abandoned mine site when the pit unexpectedly caved in. Portions of that land is being reclaimed by a private firm. Accompanied by community members, the police office...

MTN Ghana Employee Volunteers To Equip Health Centers As Part Of Its 2026 21 Days Of Y’ello Care Campaign

 MTN Ghana will officially launch the 2026 edition of 21 Days of Y’ello Care, its flagship employee volunteerism campaign, from June 1 to 21, 2026. This year’s campaign aims to equip various health centres with hospital beds to help address critical healthcare challenges in Ghana. Now in its 19th year, Y’ello Care continues to demonstrate the impact of employee-led action in driving meaningful and sustainable change across the communities we serve. Since its inception, the campaign has mobilised thousands of MTN employees to support initiatives spanning education, healthcare, youth development, and economic empowerment. Over the past six years, the campaign has reached more people through the efforts of MTN employee volunteers, contributing significant hours to community engagement, evolving each year to respond to the most pressing needs in our communities, guided by MTN’s purpose of leading digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress. This year’s theme, “Expand Equitable Healt...

Maison Yusif’s THE BEAST Roars to Life, Marking the Start of a World Tour

  History was made in Alexandria, Virginia, as Maison Yusif Fragrance officially launched THE BEAST — the fragrance that has already begun shaking the foundations of modern artisan perfumery. What took place was more than a fragrance launch. It was the birth of a movement. A statement. A moment where Ghanaian artistry, luxury, power, and storytelling stood boldly before the world. Guests from different backgrounds gathered in Virginia to witness the very first chapter of The Beast World Tour — an unforgettable night filled with scent, emotion, elegance, culture, and raw presence. From the very first spray, THE BEAST commanded attention with its dark oud richness, spicy intensity, leather depth, and magnetic aura designed for leaders, visionaries, and those born to dominate every room they enter. Crafted by Ghanaian master perfumer Yusif Jnr Meizongo, THE BEAST represents fearless luxury from Africa to the world. Handcrafted with Maison Yusif’s signature artisan approach, every bott...

Dreams FC, Nations FC Chase Glory in High-Stakes MTN FA Cup Final

 The stage is set for a thrilling climax to Ghana’s domestic football season as Dreams FC face Nations FC in the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup final at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra on Sunday. Beyond the glittering trophy and prestige associated with Ghana’s oldest football competition, the final presents both clubs with an opportunity to define their seasons in contrasting but equally significant ways. For Nations FC, the FA Cup journey has become a remarkable story of resilience, redemption and hope. The Abrankese-based club suffered the disappointment of relegation from the Ghana Premier League after a difficult campaign that ended with 44 points. However, while their league season concluded in heartbreak, their impressive FA Cup run has reignited belief among the club and its supporters. Now just one victory away from history, Nations FC have the chance to transform a painful campaign into one of the most memorable seasons in the club’s history. A win on Sunday would hand Natio...

Zoomlion Rejects Auditor-General’s Findings on African Games Sanitation Contracts

  ZOOMLION LOGO Zoomlion Ghana Limited has strongly rejected findings by the Auditor-General alleging duplication of labour charges and inconsistencies in invoices submitted for cleaning and vector control services during the 13th African Games. In a press statement issued on May 27, the waste management company described the allegations as “untrue,” insisting that the Auditor-General’s report misinterpreted the scope of work carried out under separate contracts for janitorial and vector control services. According to the company, the two services were distinct operations involving different teams, schedules and specialised equipment. Zoomlion explained that vector control services included mosquito fogging and pest management targeting rodents, reptiles and cockroaches, while janitorial services covered daily cleaning, waste evacuation, washroom maintenance and sanitation of event venues. The report wrongly mixes vector control services with janitorial services,” the company state...

Mining Firms Honoured at 2025 Mine Performance Awards

  Leading mining companies in Ghana have been recognised for outstanding safety performance and operational excellence at the 2025 Mine Performance Awards organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines. The awards ceremony, held alongside the launch of the 2026 Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition, celebrated companies and individuals who demonstrated exceptional commitment to workplace safety, environmental standards and emergency preparedness within the mining industry. Asante Gold Bibiani Ltd emerged as the winner in the “Best Mine Based on Occupational Injury Statistics” category, with Asanko Gold Mine Ltd placing second and Ghana Manganese Company Ltd taking third position. In the “Best Improved Mine” category, Ghana Manganese Company Ltd secured first place, followed by Asante Gold Bibiani Ltd in second position, while AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine placed third. For the “Best Safe Mine Based on Mine Safety, Health and Environmental Audit” category, Abosso Goldfields Limited ...

Bank of Ghana Suspends Proposed MoMo Wallet-to-Bank Transfer Fee

  The Bank of Ghana has directed Mobile Money Fintech Limited to suspend the implementation of its proposed 0.75 percent fee on wallet-to-bank transfers pending further stakeholder consultations. The proposed fee, which was scheduled to take effect from June 1, 2026, would have applied to transfers from mobile money wallets to bank accounts and was capped at GH¢5 per transaction. In an earlier message to customers, Mobile Money Fintech Limited had announced: “From 1 June 2026, transfers from your MoMo Wallet to bank accounts will attract a fee of 0.75% per transaction, capped at GHS 5. This will help us continue to serve you better.” However, in a statement issued subsequently, the central bank said the fee implementation had been put on hold to allow for further engagement and consultation. The Bank of Ghana informs the public that Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL) has been directed to pause the implementation of its proposed 0.75 percent fee on direct wallet-to-bank transfers,”...

MTN Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Digital Future on Africa Day

  MTN Group has reaffirmed its commitment to driving Africa’s digital transformation and economic growth, describing the continent’s youthful population and expanding digital infrastructure as critical to unlocking future prosperity. In a statement to mark Africa Day 2026, the telecoms giant said its pan-African identity remains central to its operations and long-term vision of supporting development across the continent. The company quoted Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me,” to reaffirm its position. MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, said the company remains committed to using technology and digital platforms to unlock opportunities for millions of Africans. Our Pan-African roots run deep, and today we are humbled and proud to acknowledge these,” he said. “Our continent has enormous potential, and we are committed to helping unlock this through our networks and pla...

Ghana Chamber of Mines Launches 2026 Safety Competition, Pushes for Zero Fatalities

  The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Kenneth Ashigbey, has reaffirmed the mining industry’s commitment to achieving zero fatalities and strengthening safety standards across mining operations in Ghana. Speaking at the 2025 Mine Performance Awards and the launch of the 2026 Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition in Accra, Dr. Ashigbey said safety remains the foundation of responsible and sustainable mining. Safety remains the foundation of responsible mining. Without safety, there can be no sustainable productivity, no operational excellence, and no social licence to operate,” he stated. He stressed that no operational target should come at the expense of human lives. No production target, operational milestone, or business objective is worth the loss of a single life,” he said. “Every worker who leaves home for work must return safely to their family at the end of the day.” According to Dr. Ashigbey, the mining industry recorded improved safety perform...

MTN Ghana Partners With Pilgrims Affairs Office To Support 2026 Hajj Pilgrimage

  Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board and Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG), Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, has commended MTN Ghana for its longstanding support for the Hajj pilgrimage through the provision of communication services. He noted that MTN has remained a dependable partner, helping to ensure seamless connectivity for pilgrims over the years. He also expressed appreciation to MTN for its continued support of Muslims during important religious events and gatherings, noting that partnerships with organisations such as MTN play an important role in supporting communities and providing essential services that make it easier for travellers to stay connected and navigate their journeys. Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim made these remarks when MTN visited the Hajj Village to present its support package for this year’s pilgrimage to the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana in support of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sponsorship package, valued at G...

MTN Ghana Celebrates 30 Years Of Connecting People, Powering Progress And Building Ghana’s Digital Future

 MTN Ghana is marking thirty years of operations with a renewed pledge to serve as a strategic partner in Ghana's national development, announcing major investments in fibre infrastructure, network modernisation and sustainable digital platforms to carry the country confidently into its next chapter of digital transformation. The milestone was officially launched on May 14, 2026, at MTN House in Accra, under the theme “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” at an event attended by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, and a cross-section of the media. Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, described the anniversary as more than a corporate celebration, calling it a uniquely Ghanaian story shaped by connection, inclusion and shared progress over three decades. “This is not just about towers and cables. It is about people, farmers, traders, students, nurses and entrepreneurs whose lives hav...

Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Investor-Friendly Mining Sector

 The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured stakeholders in the mining industry that government remains committed to maintaining a predictable, transparent and investor-friendly mining environment, dismissing suggestions of any blanket policy to nationalise mining assets. Speaking after a breakfast meeting with stakeholders in the mining industry, the Minister said government’s focus is to create a “win-win” partnership with investors while ensuring Ghana derives maximum value from its mineral resources. They're committed to an industry that is predictable, an industry that is transparent, an industry that is renewed-based, and we are committed to working with investors that come to Ghana with a win-win mindset,” he stated.  He further noted that the government of Ghana has not fashioned out a blanket policy of nationalizing State resources, but what it has rather sought to do is to deal with issues on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is ...

Court of Appeal restores license of GN Savings and Loans

  The Court of Appeal has by a unanimous decision restored the license of GN Savings and Loans Company Limited.  That was after a three-member panel of the second-highest court quashed the decision of the High Court, which upheld the revocation of the license on the grounds that the decision to revoke the license was unfair and unreasonable. By the judgment, both the decision to revoke the license and the High Court decision to uphold same has been quashed. The court ordered the receiver should also hand over possession, management and control of the assets and other activities to shareholders of the company. Background  On January 4, 2019, GN Bank Limited was reclassified as a savings and loans company and consequently renamed GN Savings and Loans Company Limited. Seven months later, on August 16, 2019, the BoG, then under the leadership of Dr Ernest Addison, revoked the operating licence of GN Savings and Loans Company Limited and appointed Eric Nana Nipah as Receiver a...

Charles Amissah’s family sues 3 hospitals, doctors and AG, seeks GH¢20m compensation

  A medical doctor and the sister of the late engineer Charles Henry Amissah has initiated legal action against three major hospitals, several health professionals, and the Attorney General. She is alleging a series of negligent acts that she says led to her brother’s death following a road traffic accident in Accra. Dr. Matilda Amissah, acting as administratrix of her brother’s estate, is seeking GH¢20 million in general damages at the High Court in Accra. The case concerns a February 2026 incident that reignited public concern about Ghana’s recurring “No Bed Syndrome” in emergency healthcare delivery. The writ names the Ghana Police Hospital, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, some doctors and nurses, and the Attorney General’s Department. According to court documents, the deceased, a 29-year-old Electronic and Automation Engineer with Promasidor Ghana Limited, was involved in a hit-and-run accident on the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Overpass on Februar...