News Guide Africa

Category: News

  • The Best Inheritance You Can Give Your Children Is Education – Mama Avenor Beauty Pageant Contestant Appeals to Parents

    The Best Inheritance You Can Give Your Children Is Education – Mama Avenor Beauty Pageant Contestant Appeals to Parents

    Madam Delali Stephanie Gorni, a contestant in the Mama Avenor Beauty Pageant in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, has made a heartfelt appeal to parents to make education the top priority in the upbringing of their children.

     

    Speaking at a quiz competition organized for schools in the Gornikorpe Circuit in Sremanu in the Wuxor , Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area on Thursday, Madam Gorni emphasized that the most valuable inheritance any parent can leave behind for their children is quality education, not material possessions.

     

    She commended the organizers of the quiz for their vision in promoting academic excellence among pupils, noting that such initiatives help to build the confidence and intellectual capacity of young learners, especially those in rural communities.

     

    Madam Gorni encouraged the students to “marry their books” and remain focused on their studies, reminding them that education is the surest key to breaking the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment in their communities.

     

    She further appealed to parents to redirect resources often spent on lavish funerals, clothing, and social events into their children’s education, stressing that such investments will yield long-term benefits for families and the entire community.

     

    “The best gift or inheritance you can ever give to your child is education. When you educate a child, you build a future. Let’s all support our children to stay in school and aim higher,” she said.

    The quiz competition, which brought together pupils from several basic schools in the circuit, aimed at encouraging healthy academic competition and nurturing future leaders from the area.

     

    Madam Gorni also expressed her commitment to continue advocating for educational development within the Avenor area as part of her vision in the ongoing Mama Avenor contest.

     

    She vowed to promote girls child education if given the nod to be the Mama Avenor of the area.

  • Russia and Ghana Strengthen Educational Ties

    Russia and Ghana Strengthen Educational Ties

    A delegation of leading Russian universities has arrived in Ghana to expand academic and cultural partnerships between Russia and Ghana.

     

    The visit, organized by the Center for Public Diplomacy (CPD), aims to establish direct academic ties, promote Russian language studies, and explore student and faculty exchange opportunities.

     

    The delegation, comprising representatives from Novosibirsk State Technical University, Saint Petersburg State University, and Russian University of Transport, will meet with Ghanaian universities, including the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

    This visit marks a new stage in Russian-Ghanaian academic cooperation, focusing on joint educational programs, dual-degree programs, and distance learning courses in Russian.

    The CPD also plans to open new Russian Houses in Ghana, Libya, and Mali in 2025 to promote Russian language, culture, and education

    The visit is part of the CPD’s broader initiative to strengthen humanitarian relations between Russia and African nations.

    The “Partner Russian Houses of the Center for Public Diplomacy” project aims to promote a positive image of Russia, support the spread of the Russian language, and encourage educational and cultural exchange, Micah Zing, Director of International Communications and Co-Founder of the Representative Office of the Center for Public Diplomacy in the Republic of Ghana told journalists during a briefing session in Accra today.

     

    Also, Dr. Natalia Krasovskaya, Executive Director of the Center for Public Diplomacy, emphasized the importance of building long-term partnerships between Russian and Ghanaian universities.

     

    “Our goal is to create a platform for sustainable cooperation, innovation, and knowledge exchange between Russia and Ghana,” she said.

     

    The delegation’s meetings with Ghanaian universities and institutions are expected to yield fruitful outcomes, including the launch of joint educational programs and student exchange initiatives.

     

    The CPD’s Representative Office in Ghana is optimistic that the visit will mark a significant milestone in Russian-Ghanaian academic cooperation.

     

    The Russian universities will also participate in cultural events and meet with local students to promote Russian language and culture. The visit is expected to further strengthen the ties between Russia and Ghana, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation in education, culture, and beyond.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

  • Gov’t urged to pursue inflation targeting without hurting economy …amid BoG confidence of further fall in inflation

    Gov’t urged to pursue inflation targeting without hurting economy …amid BoG confidence of further fall in inflation

    The former Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Professor Peter Quartey, is urging the government to strike a careful balance between reducing inflation and sustaining economic growth.

    Speaking at the launch of the State of the Ghanaian Economy Report in Accra, Professor Quartey cautioned that while efforts to bring down inflation are crucial for macroeconomic stability, an overly aggressive monetary tightening could have unintended consequences for job creation and business expansion.

    “We must be careful not to pursue lower inflation at the expense of growth and employment. Policies should support price stability, but also create space for businesses to thrive and for the economy to grow sustainably”, he said.

    His comments come after the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, said inflation is expected to further drop by year end.

    Speaking at the launch of the Cedi@60 celebrations in Accra, he said headline inflation has dropped sharply to 9.4% as of September 2025, down from 23.5% at the start of the year — marking the first return to the central bank’s medium-term target band of 8±2 percent in four years.

    “Headline inflation has dropped sharply to 9.4% as of September 2025, returning to the target range for the first time in four years — and we expect it to end the year even lower,” Dr. Asiama noted.

    He attributed the decline to tight monetary policy, fiscal consolidation, and the cedi’s strong performance, which has appreciated by over 37% against the U.S. dollar this year — making it the best-performing currency in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Bank.

    Dr. Asiama noted that Ghana’s current trajectory reflects a decisive turnaround from late 2022, when inflation surged to over 54%, one of the highest globally at the time.

    “We have turned the corner, but sustaining this progress will require continued discipline and policy coordination. We must protect the gains we have made,” he added.

    The central bank reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a stable exchange rate, anchoring inflation expectations, and supporting Ghana’s broader economic recovery.

    Professor Quartey acknowledged the central bank’s progress in stabilising prices but emphasised the need for a coordinated fiscal and monetary approach that supports productive sectors of the economy.

    “Inflation management should go hand-in-hand with measures that stimulate investment, enhance productivity, and promote job creation,” he added.

    The State of the Ghanaian Economy Report, an annual publication by ISSER provides comprehensive analysis of key economic indicators, policy developments, and sectoral performance.

    This year’s report highlights Ghana’s steady progress in restoring macroeconomic stability while underscoring the challenges of sustaining inclusive growth amid global and domestic pressures.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Fuel prices drop may be short-lived – Kwadwo Poku

    Fuel prices drop may be short-lived – Kwadwo Poku

    Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Policies and Research (INSTEPR), Kwadwo Poku, has accused the Bank of Ghana (BoG) of artificially maintaining the cedi’s exchange rate to create the impression of currency stability and temporarily lower fuel prices.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Mr Poku argued that the recent reduction in petroleum product prices is not the result of improved market fundamentals but rather a deliberate intervention by the central bank and the Ministry of Finance.

    “It has never been the case where the Bank of Ghana is doing the semantics they are doing to forcefully keep the dollar at a certain price when in reality we know they are using a lot of resources to do that,” he said.

    The latest petroleum pricing window, which takes effect from November 1, is expected to see petrol prices fall by about 5.2% and diesel by between 6% and 8%, according to a report by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COoMAC).

    Mr. Poku, however, believes the drop is temporary. He warned that maintaining the exchange rate below its realistic market value around GH¢12.40 to GH¢12.50 per dollar is unsustainable and could worsen the country’s fiscal deficit.

    “For me, the cost of what the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance are incurring is huge because already we have a US$21 billion hole in the budget due to this currency situation,” he explained.

    He noted that pegging the cedi artificially low also affects government revenue collection, especially at the ports, since import duties are computed based on foreign exchange values.

    According to him, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been struggling to meet its revenue targets as a result of the government’s approach to managing the exchange rate.

    “Since the FX value has been made low, it’s also affecting GRA’s receivables from the ports,” he said.

    Mr. Poku further cautioned that with winter approaching, international fuel prices could rise again, putting more pressure on the cedi and potentially reversing the current price gains at the pump.

    The energy analyst urged the government to adopt a more transparent approach to managing the exchange rate and fuel pricing system to avoid future fiscal shocks.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • GRA pilots online system to tax digital and e-commerce businesses

    GRA pilots online system to tax digital and e-commerce businesses

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that it is piloting an online and e-commerce revenue mobilisation system as part of efforts to expand the country’s tax net.

    According to the Authority, the growing digital economy has created a surge in online businesses and startups, making it necessary to develop new mechanisms for tracking and collecting taxes from such platforms.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Minister of State in charge of Public Sector Reforms, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Sarpong, said the new system will enable the Authority to identify and monitor online business activities for effective revenue collection.

    “We are also looking at the digital economy side because the businesses and individuals are moving online… So we are at the moment piloting an online technology that will help us to identify e-commerce and other emerging online businesses,” Mr. Sarpong explained.

    He added that the GRA is preparing to launch a modified taxation model by November 5, aimed at enhancing revenue generation from the informal sector.

    Under the new model, informal sector businesses with annual earnings of up to GH¢500,000 will be required to pay a 3% tax rate.

    The GRA believes this initiative will help capture more businesses within the tax net and boost domestic revenue mobilisation.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Sudan gov’t condemns RSF ethic cleansing acts in Al-Fashir  …AU to collaborate with UN, ICGLR for immediate action

    Sudan gov’t condemns RSF ethic cleansing acts in Al-Fashir  …AU to collaborate with UN, ICGLR for immediate action

    The Sudanese government has strongly condemned what it described as an act of ethnic cleansing killings, cumulating into acts of terrorism and genocide, being committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in the city of Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State.

     

    The atrocities, which followed a long siege of the city, have drawn widespread regional and continental condemnation, prompting urgent calls for intervention, accountability, and renewed peace efforts across Sudan.

     

    In a statement released on October 27, 2025, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Sudanese Government denounced the RSF for carrying out ethnically motivated killings and acts of systematic terror against unarmed civilians including women, children, and the elderly.

     

    The government described the massacre in Al-Fashir as the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year siege imposed by the RSF on the city’s residents, designed to starve and isolate the population before unleashing an all-out assault. The statement further accused the militia, referred to as the Dagalo terrorist group, of deliberately filming and broadcasting their crimes “in shocking scenes proudly and shamelessly documented by the perpetrators themselves,” as proof of their “criminal nature that thrives on bloodshed and terrorism.”

     

    The Foreign Ministry asserted that the RSF’s actions represent a grave precedent in the history of global genocides, calling the militia a “symbol of ethnic cleansing and mass extermination of innocent civilians.”

     

    “Wherever this militia sets foot, killing, destruction, and terror follow,” the statement read.

     

    The Sudanese government criticized what it termed the international community’s silence and lack of political will, despite repeated warnings from Khartoum. The Ministry recalled its appeals for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2736 (2024), which called for accountability, humanitarian access, and cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

     

    The statement accused some foreign governments of politicizing the Sudanese crisis and pursuing selfish political and economic interests, thereby emboldening the RSF to continue its campaign of terror.

    “The innocent residents of Al-Fashir have become victims of the failure of international will and of the double standards that deny Sudanese citizens justice and human rights,” the statement lamented.

     

    The government vowed that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and other regular forces, backed by the Sudanese people, would continue to fulfil their constitutional duty to defend the nation, protect civilians, and restore peace and stability throughout the country.

     

    In a separate statement issued on October 29, 2025, the Secretariat of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), headquartered in Bujumbura, Burundi, expressed “deep concern and condemnation” of the large-scale violence and atrocities in El-Fashir.

     

    The ICGLR denounced the ethnically based killings, the use of mercenaries, and the deliberate targeting of civilians and aid workers by the RSF, describing such acts as “abhorrent and unacceptable.” The organization warned that the violence poses a significant threat to regional peace and security.

     

    Reaffirming the principles adopted during the 10th Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in June 2023, the ICGLR stressed that the Sudanese crisis cannot be solved through military means but requires an inclusive political dialogue involving all national stakeholders.

     

    “We urgently call for cessation of hostilities, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and a return to credible, inclusive dialogue without delay,” the statement urged.

     

    The ICGLR further called on the international community to provide humanitarian and diplomatic support to Sudan and reiterated its readiness to work alongside the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and other partners toward a negotiated and peaceful settlement.

     

    Meanwhile, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union convened an emergency session on October 28, 2025, in Addis Ababa, to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, particularly the atrocities committed in El-Fashir.

     

    In its official communiqué (PSC/PR/COMM.2.1308 (2025)), the AU Council expressed alarm over the escalating violence and grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by the RSF. It called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and accountability for perpetrators of the atrocities.

     

    The PSC reaffirmed the AU’s respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while expressing solidarity with the people of El-Fashir who have suffered under siege since May 2024. It also condemned all forms of external interference that fuel the conflict, warning that states or entities supporting the warring parties would be held accountable.

     

    Furthermore, the AU Council directed the Chairperson of the AU Commission to coordinate with the UN, IGAD, and other partners to ensure a unified response and to develop a civilian protection plan within three weeks. It also tasked the AU Sanctions Subcommittee, in collaboration with CISSA and AFRIPOL, to identify external actors backing the RSF and recommend appropriate measures.

     

    The PSC underscored that there is no military solution to Sudan’s conflict and urged all sides to commit to a peaceful, inclusive political process that restores a democratically elected civilian-led government.

    “The AU remains fully committed to accompanying the people of Sudan in their quest for sustainable peace, stability, and democratic governance,” the communiqué concluded.

     

    The statements from Khartoum, Bujumbura, and Addis Ababa reflect a growing consensus across Africa that the RSF’s campaign of violence constitutes a threat to peace, stability, and humanity itself.

     

    While the Sudanese Government prepares to confront the militia militarily, both the ICGLR and the AU emphasize the urgent need for dialogue, humanitarian access, and accountability mechanisms.

     

    The tragedy in Al-Fashir stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of war — and the pressing need for the international community to move beyond rhetoric toward concrete, coordinated action to end Sudan’s suffering.

  • Ghana’s fiscal gains reflect discipline, not miracles — Vice President

    Ghana’s fiscal gains reflect discipline, not miracles — Vice President

    Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang says Ghana’s economic recovery is not a miracle but the result of deliberate policy actions aimed at restoring stability and rebuilding confidence.

    She explained that the country’s recent gains are the outcome of fiscal prudence, tighter expenditure controls, and disciplined financial management, which continue to anchor Ghana’s path to recovery.

    Speaking at the 14th Ghana Economic Forum organised by the Business and Financial Times in Accra, the Vice President cautioned against short-term policies that undermine long-term growth, stressing the need to consolidate recent progress.

    “Short-term comfort should never come at the cost of long-term stability. The same lesson applies to our currency and our economy. It is the very reason that we are resetting our economy,” she said.

    Professor Opoku-Agyemang underscored the importance of macroeconomic stability, warning that the effects of a weak cedi extend far beyond the financial sector.

    “When the cedi weakens, it is not only economists who feel the pain. Every household suffers the consequences. This is why macroeconomic stability must not be dismissed as a simple abstract achievement,” she stated.

    She added that Ghana’s fiscal reforms are now beginning to deliver results, but urged caution against complacency.

    “The fiscal reforms are beginning to bear fruit. These are not miracles. However, ladies and gentlemen, this is not the time for complacency. It is a time for consolidation.”

    The 2025 Ghana Economic Forum was themed: “ Currency stability- A reset for sustainable economic growth.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Anti-money laundering and terrorism financing: BoG rolls out tougher measures

    Anti-money laundering and terrorism financing: BoG rolls out tougher measures

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has rolled out new Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/PF) Guidelines aimed at tightening oversight and ensuring stronger compliance across the financial sector.

    The move, according to the central bank, forms part of ongoing efforts to fortify Ghana’s financial system against illicit financial flows and align the country’s practices with international standards.

    The revised September 2025 guideline published by the Central Bank introduces enhanced due diligence procedures for banks, specialized deposit-taking institutions, and other regulated financial entities.

    Institutions are now required to identify and verify the identities of their customers more rigorously, assess risk exposure, and report suspicious transactions promptly to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

    It also places greater accountability on boards and senior management to oversee compliance frameworks and ensure continuous staff training on anti-money laundering practices.

    The BoG emphasizes that the guideline seeks to deepen risk-based supervision and prevent financial institutions from being used as conduits for money laundering, terrorism financing, or proliferation-related activities.

    It also incorporates new provisions on politically exposed persons, beneficial ownership transparency, and the use of technology in monitoring financial transactions.

    By strengthening Ghana’s AML/CFT regime, the Bank of Ghana hopes to enhance financial stability, investor confidence, and the country’s global reputation as a safe and transparent financial hub.

    The central bank says the new guideline aligns with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and supports national efforts to meet international compliance benchmarks, particularly ahead of upcoming peer evaluations.

    The Bank has urged all financial institutions to familiarize themselves with the new framework and ensure full compliance, warning that non-adherence will attract regulatory sanctions.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Banks profit jumps near 50% amidst all-time low private sector credit-to-GDP gap

    Banks profit jumps near 50% amidst all-time low private sector credit-to-GDP gap

    As commercial banks posted a profit-after-tax of about GH¢9.7 billion, a 46.1% jump compared to GH¢6.7 billion recorded during the same period in 2024, private sector credit-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) gap remained negative at all-time in the first eight months of 2025.

    According to the September 2025 Monetary Policy Report, the sector posted gains across all income lines, with other income surging 47.3% in August 2025, reversing a 2.9% contraction recorded a year earlier.

    Other indicators, such as net interest income rose 21.8% to GH¢19.2 billion, up from GH¢16.9 billion in August 2024, driven by a slowdown in interest expenses due to lower interbank lending rates. On a year-on-year basis, interest income increased 21.5% to GH¢29.3 billion, while interest expenses climbed to GH¢10.2 billion from GH¢8.4 billion, representing 20.9% growth — slightly below the 22.1% growth in August 2024.

    Overall, profitability indicators strengthened, with return-on-equity (ROE) increasing from 31.4% in August 2024 to 32.2% in August 2025, and return-on-assets (ROA) improving from 4.9% to 5.6% over the same period — underscoring the industry’s robust recovery and stronger balance sheet performance.

    Private sector credit-to-GDP gap at all time low

    Although, the Banking Sector Soundness Index was significantly above the long-term trend, nearing the pre-DDEP level, reflecting an improving solvency positions, adequate liquidity and strong earnings performance. However, the private sector credit-to-GDP gap is at an all-time low.

    The ratio is another measure of macro-financial risk. A positive credit-to-GDP gap indicates that total private sector credit extension relative to the size of the economy is above its long-term trend and vice versa.

    “Ghana’s credit-to-GDP remains negative and declining, suggesting the need for measures to promote credit delivery to support the real economy”, the central bank disclosed in its September 2025 Monetary Policy Report.

    NPLs ratio expected to improve

    The Bank reported that the non-performing loans ratio, though marginally improved, remained elevated.

    That notwithstanding, the report said the ongoing macroeconomic recovery, supported by the implementation by banks on how to reduce Non-Performing Loans (NPLs), should help moderate the build-up of new non-performing loans and improve overall asset quality.

    However, provisions for depreciation, bad debts, and impairment losses contracted sharply by 46%, against a 19.2% contraction in 2024, on account of higher recoveries and write-offs.

    The report further noted that net fees and commissions grew 13.1% by August 2025, down from 22.9% a year earlier, while overall net operating income expanded by 28%, compared to 10.9% growth in 2024.

    Operating expenses also increased moderately, rising 19.5% compared to 18.9% in the previous year, reflecting marginal growth in staff and administrative costs.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ghana is first African nation to contribute to IFPIM … Mahama promises local Media Fund

    Ghana is first African nation to contribute to IFPIM … Mahama promises local Media Fund

    As media practitioners locally and globally push for governmental support for an independent press, through financial and capacity building support to embolden press freedom and professionalism, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, has set the pace.

    He led Ghana to become the first African nation to make a financial contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM). Many journalists and press freedom advocates have described this as a demonstration of his strong belief in the vital role of independent journalism for credible information.

    Speaking at the High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media held last week, in Paris, France, President Mahama announced Ghana’s decision to become a full member of the Partnership for Information and Democracy, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and open governance.

    “The time has come for all of us to translate our shared ideals into tangible action — to demonstrate genuine commitment to supporting public interest media and safeguarding the integrity of information”, he posited. “Together, we must win and we will win the global war against misinformation and disinformation.”

    Consequently he indicated that “This decision has been officially communicated through the appropriate diplomatic channels, affirming Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and open governance. Our landmark decision sends a clear message to the international community that Ghana remains steadfast in advancing the frontiers of freedom, upholding the rule of law, and serving as a model nation in promoting democracy and good governance.”

    Outcomes of the conference

    Showing his satisfaction with the outcomes of the conference, he highlighted several key achievements, including: The endorsement of the Paris Declaration on Multilateral Action for Information Integrity and Independent Media, reaffirming global commitment to free, independent, and pluralistic information ecosystems; Renewed political and financial pledges to replenish the International Fund for Public Interest Media, with a goal of raising €130 million between 2026 and 2028 to support independent journalism worldwide; The establishment of a Consultative Committee to strengthen coordination among states, civil society, and the Forum for Information and Democracy; and a shared global understanding that defending truth must be a sustained, collective effort that transcends national and institutional boundaries.

    Local media support

    On the local front, President Mahama recently assured the Ghanaian media of a relaunch of the Media Development Fund to aid and equip Ghana’s media personnel with requisite funding for enhancing their efficiency.

    While speaking at an engagement with Ghana’s media stakeholders at the Presidency, he revealed that the previous Media Development Fund initiated under his first term, was plagued with many discrepancies and lacked proper structure. “It was something that we initiated early and then there was confusion about how the Fund was administered and then it died a premature death.”

    He noted that engagements with stakeholders for a more structured mode of delivery are underway and will be relaunched with the necessary provision made under next year’s budget, promising transparent management through a joint Government–Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) board.

    “We are all more mature now and we will put in a mechanism that will make it more transparent and easier for journalists to benefit from the fund. I think that under next year’s budget under the Government Communications department the Fund will be activated and some money will be put in it.”

    Apparently, expressing concern over Ghana’s drop in the international press freedom rankings, President Mahama cited harassment of journalists and the murder of investigative reporter Ahmed Suale as contributing factors. “Journalists are not enemies; they are performing a legitimate role of informing the public,” he said, calling for structured dialogue between security agencies and the GJA to end intimidation.

    On the future of state-owned media, Mahama encouraged modernisation and the adoption of digital subscription models similar to the New York Times but rejected full privatisation. “No private station will prioritise local language education and adult literacy. That is why public broadcasting remains important,” he stressed.

    President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to media freedom, declaring: “We must reclaim our pride of place as the beacon of media freedom, not only in West Africa but across Africa.”