News Guide Africa

Category: News

  • Ghana plans to link intra-African debit card with mobile money

    Ghana plans to link intra-African debit card with mobile money

    Efforts are intensifying to mainstream the use in Ghana of Africa’s first potentially pan-continental debit payments card – the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) Card. The PAPSS Card is a payment card linked to the PAPSS network, designed to allow individuals and businesses to make cross-border transactions across Africa instantly, without needing to convert into third-party currencies such as the U.S. dollar or euro.

    It functions like a debit or prepaid card but is integrated into PAPSS’s multi-currency clearing system, which settles payments directly between African banks and central banks.

    However one year after the PAPSS Card was piloted in Ghana and the other member countries of the West African Monetary Zone – Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia – uptake has been minimal, largely due to lack of awareness and roll out.

    As a key measure to correct the situation Economy Times has learnt that the Bank of Ghana is engaged in discussions to link the PAPSS Card to MTN MoMo, AT Money, and Telecel Cash platforms to broaden consumer access.

    While several thousand transactions valued at an equivalent of over US$ 200 million have been consummated so far across the WAMZ region since PAPSS itself was piloted from 2022, most of these transactions have entailed corporate and interbank payments, with less than 5% having been consumer transactions using PAPSS Cards.

    Through this process, a user in Ghana can pay with the PAPSS Card for goods or services in Nigeria, for example. The payment is made in Ghanaian cedis, but the seller receives Nigerian naira — both sides transacting in their local currencies. PAPSS handles the instant currency conversion, clearing, and settlement through the participating banks and central banks.

    The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) acts as the guarantor and settlement agent, ensuring liquidity and reliability of payments.

    As one of the countries piloting both PAPSS and the PAPSS Card, the Bank of Ghana is a key participant, and as of 2025, several Ghanaian financial institutions like GCB Bank, Fidelity Bank, and some fintech providers are engaging in limited live transactions. Financial institutions and payment service providers (PSPs) that have joined PAPSS can issue or process PAPSS Cards. Users typically need to have an account with a participating bank or fintech platform integrated with PAPSS.

    BoG officials are optimistic that as awareness of and access to PAPSS Cards spreads in Ghana, individuals and institutions will embrace its usage to consummate their financial transactions in other African countries while accepting it as a means of payment at home from elsewhere in Africa. It offers instant cross-border payments within Africa, lower transaction costs – since it avoids foreign intermediaries – and allows users to pay and receive in local currencies. Foreign exchange rate risks are mitigated by Afreximbank’s guarantees.

    However, the initiative still suffers from limited current coverage since not all African countries are yet connected, early-stage adoption challenges including interoperability and awareness, and dependence on central bank and commercial bank integration, which varies by country.

    It has been introduced by Afreximbank and the AfCFTA Secretariat to boost to intra-African trade and .enhance financial inclusion, connecting local and regional payment systems.

    It is widely expected by stakeholders and financial analysts that the PAPSS Card could become a key tool for small businesses, exporters, and digital traders in Ghana. However broader adoption will depend on commercial bank partnerships, public awareness, and integration with mobile money platforms, which dominate Ghana’s payment landscape.

    Nevertheless, in the medium term (2–5 years), Ghana is expected to be one of the regional leaders in PAPSS usage due to its strong fintech ecosystem and regulatory support

     

    By Toma Imirhe

     

     

     

     

     

  • German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Undertake Three-Day State Visit to Ghana

    German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Undertake Three-Day State Visit to Ghana

    The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will undertake a three-day State Visit to Ghana from Sunday, 2nd November to Tuesday, 4th November 2025.

     

    This was contained in a statement released by the President’s Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who also serves as Minister for Government Communications.

     

    According to the statement, the official programme begins on Monday with President Steinmeier inspecting a full military Guard of Honour at the Forecourt of The Presidency. He will then hold a closed-door meeting with President John Dramani Mahama, after which both leaders will lead their respective delegations in bilateral discussions at the Credentials Room.

     

    The discussions are expected to centre on strengthening cooperation between Ghana and Germany, with particular focus on trade, investment, technology, and development partnerships.

     

    A State Luncheon will be held at the Presidential Banquet Hall in honour of President Steinmeier and his delegation later in the afternoon.

     

    The statement further indicated that the German leader will tour the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where he will lay a wreath at the tomb of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He will also interact with young Ghanaian IT specialists before attending a reception at the German Ambassador’s Residence.

     

    On Tuesday, President Steinmeier will travel to Kumasi to perform a sod-cutting ceremony at the Kumasi Technical Institute. He will also engage with the Vice Chancellor, staff, and alumni of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

     

    Additionally, he will visit the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research and later pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace.

     

    President Steinmeier is expected to depart Ghana on Tuesday evening.

  • ADB Holds Branch Managers Strategy Session for Service Excellence and Sustainable Growth

    ADB Holds Branch Managers Strategy Session for Service Excellence and Sustainable Growth

    The Agricultural Development Bank PLC (ADB) has held a two-day strategic session for its branch managers, aimed at driving service excellence and setting the tone for a stronger performance going forward.

    The session, which took place on October 23 and 24, 2025, brought together Branch Managers, Executive Committee Members, and senior management to review the Bank’s performance, share insights, realign strategies for the last quarter of this year as well as expectations for 2026.

    Opening the session, the Managing Director of ADB, Mr. Edward Ato Sarpong, set the tone by sharing inspiring success stories from leading multinational companies, urging participants to adopt bold and innovative thinking in their operations.

    “The global business environment is evolving rapidly, and so must we. We cannot continue to do things the same way and expect different results. The time has come to think differently, act decisively, and lead with creativity,” Mr. Ato Sarpong charged.

    He further reiterated management’s resolve to strengthen ADB’s leadership in agribusiness financing, digital transformation, and customer service excellence, noting that the Bank’s 60th Anniversary milestone should mark a new era of growth and innovation.

    On his part, Deputy Managing Director (Operations), Professor Ferdinand Ahiakpor, encouraged branch leaders to demonstrate ownership and accountability in driving results. He described the strategy session as a “crucial bridge between vision and execution,” urging managers to deepen customer relationships and embrace technology as a growth enabler.

    “The branch network is ADB’s frontline strength. As we prepare for 2026, we must shift from transactional thinking to strategic engagement, understanding customer needs, leveraging data, and offering tailored financial solutions that reinforce trust in the ADB brand,” Prof. Ahiakpor said.

    The general manager in charge of retail banking, Frank Okyere-Adarkwa, re-echoed the purpose-driven agenda of the bank. He reiterated the need for proactiveness in ensuring service experience that delivers value and convenience for our customers. “We must live by our corporate social architecture of delivering exceptional service experience that creates positive top-of-mind customer recall and leads to repeat patronage and referrals by our customers and stakeholders,” Mr. Okyere-Adarkwa stated.

    The Head of Marketing and Communications, Mohammed Ali, underscored the importance of consistent brand communication and customer engagement in achieving the Bank’s strategic goals.

    “Our marketing efforts must speak the same language as our strategy, one of relevance, visibility, and impact. As we move into the next phase of the Bank’s growth journey, every branch is a brand touchpoint, and every staff member a brand ambassador,” Mr. Ali remarked.

    The Branch Managers’ Strategy Session forms part of the Bank’s broader effort to ensure alignment between management and field operations.

    Discussions centered on consolidating gains in 2025 and exploring new business frontiers under ADB’s Beyond Banking brand direction.

  • Mahama and Macron strengthen Ghana-France ties at Paris Peace Forum

    Mahama and Macron strengthen Ghana-France ties at Paris Peace Forum

    President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and French President Emmanuel Macron held extensive bilateral talks at the Élysée Palace on Thursday, discussing security cooperation, economic development, and regional stability on the sidelines of the 2025 Paris Peace Forum.

    The meeting opened on a solemn note, with President Macron offering condolences for the recent passing of Ghana’s former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

    Both leaders praised the Paris Peace Initiative and the strengthening of relations between Ghana and France. A key focus of the talks was Ghana’s request for French assistance in combating piracy in its territorial waters. President Mahama sought support to protect Ghana’s maritime integrity from increasing piratical threats in the Gulf of Guinea.

    The two leaders also discussed a French concessionary loan for Ghana’s health sector that is awaiting parliamentary approval. President Mahama asked his French counterpart to use his influence with the International Monetary Fund to secure Ghana’s access to the facility from the French Development Bank, noting Ghana’s improved debt-to-GDP ratio.

    President Mahama, in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion of African Financial Institutions, advocated for collaboration to renegotiate loan agreements with lower interest rates for infrastructure projects.

    He emphasised Ghana’s role as home to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat and the need for enhanced road infrastructure to facilitate intra-African trade.

    The Mahama highlighted Ghana’s ambitious one-million-coders programme, which has already registered 200,000 students. He requested French support to train additional French language teachers to improve language education in Ghanaian schools.

    President Macron noted several upcoming opportunities for collaboration, including the VivaTech Summit in Nairobi in May 2026, where Ghana could showcase its digital innovation capabilities, the African Union-European Union summit in Angola, and the June 2026 G7 summit, where France would advocate for increased support for Ghana.

    President Mahama raised the subject of reparations for slavery, which Ghana is currently championing. President Macron pledged support for the initiative, noting that France had criminalised slavery, while cautioning that the reparations discussion should acknowledge the involvement of various actors beyond Western powers.

    The leaders discussed the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region, particularly terrorist incursions in Mali and other countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

     

    President Macron commended President Mahama’s leadership in the subregion, and Ghana’s economic reforms, pledging continued French support for Ghana’s development agenda.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • ISD Report Exposes Lapses in $100 Million LHIMS Contract Performance

    ISD Report Exposes Lapses in $100 Million LHIMS Contract Performance

    The Information Services Department (ISD) has released a detailed update on the Legacy Health Information Management System (LHIMS) contract, revealing serious concerns about the contractor’s performance and payment irregularities.

     

    According to the ISD, the $100 million contract was awarded for the implementation of the LHIMS project across 950 health facilities nationwide. However, as of the latest assessment, the contractor has completed work in only 450 facilities, leaving 500 more yet to be covered. Despite this, the contractor has already received $77 million in payments.

     

    The report further disclosed several issues identified during a recent audit and review of the project. Among them, it noted that the LHIMS contract officially expired on December 31, 2024. Additionally, the contractor failed to grant the Ministry of Health access to critical patient records, forcing the Ministry to reconstruct the data independently.

     

    The audit findings also revealed that the contractor was overpaid by approximately $30 million for work that was either incomplete or for hardware that could not be verified.

     

    The ISD, which is responsible for ensuring transparency in government communications, has made these details publicly available on its official website, isd.gov.gh.

     

    The publication of the LHIMS contract breakdown has sparked renewed scrutiny of how public funds are managed within the health sector, particularly in relation to major digital infrastructure projects aimed at improving healthcare delivery across Ghana.

  • OSP conducts searches in ongoing MIIF Gold Trade investigation

    OSP conducts searches in ongoing MIIF Gold Trade investigation

    As part of ongoing investigations, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) today conducted searches at the Trassaco residence of Nana Yaw Duodu, also known as Dr. Sledge, and at the East Legon offices of Goldridge Company Limited.

    The searches were carried out under warrants issued by the High Court in Accra.

     

    Nana Yaw Duodu is under investigation for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences linked to the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) gold trade programme, which allegedly caused a loss of US$94 million to the State.

     

    The OSP’s Asset Recovery and Management Team seized several items, including luxury vehicles, jewellery, weapons, and documents relating to landed properties.

  • OSP deepens engagement with journalists …collaborate with GIZ on IFFs capacity building

    OSP deepens engagement with journalists …collaborate with GIZ on IFFs capacity building

    The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) recently trained journalists on investigating and reporting illicit financial flows (IFFs) in Ghana.

     

    The three-day workshop, held in Accra, aimed to equip journalists with the necessary tools and techniques to help fight IFFs and corruption.

     

    The training covered topics such as investigating financial crimes, tracking illicit financial flows, fact-checking and storytelling. This effort is part of a broader initiative to promote transparency and accountability in Ghana’s financial systems.

     

     

    Mr. Emmanuel K. Dogbevi, the training facilitator and investigative journalist of international repute, told the participants that investigating illicit financial flows and financial crimes was not simple, but complicated.

     

    “The subject matter isn’t on the surface. It’s not easy to just look at information and conclude that a certain conduct or an act has led or is leading to illicit financial flows,” he explained.

     

    He, however, encouraged the journalists to join forces with other stakeholders to fight it, saying, “we owe it to ourselves and the stability of this country to ensure that the fight to stem illicit financial flows and financial crimes succeeds.”

     

    Mr. Dogbevi who is also the Managing Editor of Ghana Business News and Executive Director of the media training organisation, NewsBridge Africa, called for intensified efforts to capacity building for journalists, and providing reporting grants, to fund investigations – an endeavour that sometimes could take 12 months or more to complete.

     

    Mr. Kweku Obeng, Component Manager of the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme at GIZ, speaking at the programme, explained that a collaboration between journalists and the OSP – an anti-corruption agency, was critical in Ghana’s fight against IFFs and corruption.

     

    “When these two work hand in hand, truth gains a voice, justice gains traction, and citizens gain confidence in the systems that serve them,” Mr. Obeng stated, adding that the training was to also build trust and mutual understanding.

     

    The programme’s collaboration with the OSP is founded on the conviction that corruption must not only be punished but prevented, and that public confidence must be earned through professionalism and transparency, he said.

     

    He said: “Investing in journalists’ capacity is essential to the fight against corruption, as journalists serve as the eyes, ears and conscience of society. When empowered with the right knowledge and ethical tools, they become agents of accountability who inspire public demand for integrity in governance.”

     

    Mr. Samuel Appiah Darko, Director of the Strategy, Research and Communication Division at the OSP, described the participating journalists as “not just reporters but reformers, not just storytellers but nation-builders,” urging them to support the country’s corruption fight.

     

    He stated that the establishment of the OSP was in fulfilment of international, regional and national strategies, serving as a body, independent of the political class, and ‘disruptors’ in Ghana’s corruption fight.

     

    He noted that informed journalists, who understand the institution’s mandate, methods and constraints were better equipped to report accurately and fairly, building public trust and reinforcing support for anti-corruption efforts.

     

    “When journalists and anti-corruption institutions engage constructively, wet create an ecosystem of accountability, one that protects the public purse, strengthens institutions, and uplifts national confidence,” Mr. Darko said.

     

    The OSP and GIZ are working together to strengthen governance systems through enhanced accountability, integrity and citizen participation. This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between anti-corruption institutions and the media in Ghana’s fight against corruption.

     

    The training was funded through the PAIReD programme, aimed at strengthening governance systems through enhanced accountability, integrity, and citizen participation.

     

    PAIReD is a four-year initiative commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, co-financed by the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, and implemented by GIZ in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

  • Council of State Member, Volta Regional Minister, Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Others to Grace Sremanu Tutu Do Festival – Assemblymember Assures

    Council of State Member, Volta Regional Minister, Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Others to Grace Sremanu Tutu Do Festival – Assemblymember Assures

    The Assemblymember for Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has announced that this year’s Sremanu Tutu Do Festival will be graced by a host of distinguished dignitaries, signaling one of the most anticipated celebrations in recent years.

     

    According to the Assemblymember, the lineup of guests expected to attend includes H.E. Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple Adovoe, Member of the Council of State; Hon. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister; and H.E. Alhaji Said Sinare, Ghana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Several other high-profile personalities from government, traditional authorities, and the private sector are also expected to join the festivities.

     

    Speaking to the media ahead of the celebration, the Assemblymember assured residents and visitors that all arrangements are well underway to ensure a colorful and incident-free festival.

     

    “This year’s Sremanu Tutu Do Festival will be a memorable one. I am working extremely closely with the Central Planning Committee, the chiefs, and opinion leaders to make sure our guests and the people of Sremanu enjoy a rich cultural experience,” he said.

     

     

     

    He added that the festival will not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of Sremanu but also serve as a rallying point for development and community unity, particularly as efforts continue toward the completion of the KVIP project and the construction of a six-unit classroom block for the Sremanu M/A Basic School.

     

    “This festival is not just about drumming and dancing. It’s about development. We have already started the projects through small community contributions, and we are hopeful that the presence of these dignitaries will inspire more support,” he emphasized.

     

     

     

    The Sremanu Tutu Do Festival, which has been revived after years of dormancy, seeks to bring together citizens both home and abroad to renew their commitment to community growth, cultural preservation, and unity.

     

    The event is scheduled to take place in December 2025, with several activities lined up, including a fundraising durbar, health screening, traditional displays, and youth empowerment programs.

     

    Residents and visitors are being encouraged to come in their numbers to experience the warmth, culture, and developmental spirit of Sremanu as the town positions itself as a beacon of unity and headquarters of development in the Akatsi South.

  • ECOWAS Commission President meets delegation from  The Gambia’s Ministry of Justice on Transitional Justice implementation

    ECOWAS Commission President meets delegation from  The Gambia’s Ministry of Justice on Transitional Justice implementation

    The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, has received a delegation from The Gambia’s Ministry of Justice to discuss ongoing efforts and planned activities for the implementation of Transitional Justice in the country. The three-member delegation comprised Ms. Ide PERSSON, Special Adviser to The Gambia’s Minister of Justice on Transitional Justice; Mr. Abdoulie HYDARA, Deputy High Commissioner and Head of Chancery at The Gambia High Commission in Nigeria; and Mr. Abdurrahman Maitama YUSUF, Director of Public Prosecutions of The Gambia.

     

    Speaking during the meeting, Ms. PERSSON highlighted that the purpose of the visit was to seek the support and collaboration of the ECOWAS Commission towards ensuring an efficient, effective, and successful implementation of Transitional Justice in The Gambia. In his remarks, H.E. Dr. TOURAY assured the Gambian delegation of ECOWAS’ continued commitment and support for the timely and successful implementation of the Transitional Justice process and the recommendations of the Special Tribunal in The Gambia.

  • GoldBod Jewellery appoints Bola Ray and Jocelyn Dumas as brand ambassadors

    GoldBod Jewellery appoints Bola Ray and Jocelyn Dumas as brand ambassadors

    GoldBod Jewellery, a subsidiary of the Ghana Gold Board, has announced the appointment of media personality, Kwabena Anokye Disi, popularly known as Bola Ray and renowned actress, Jocelyn Dumas as its Brand Ambassadors.

     

    This strategic move aims to promote Ghana’s rich gold heritage and highlight the country’s expertise in crafting authentic and exquisite gold jewellery through world-class artistry and ethical sourcing.

     

    With Bola Ray’s charisma and Jocelyn Dumas’s elegance, GoldBod Jewellery is poised to reach new heights, showcasing the beauty of Ghana’s gold ornaments to the world.

     

    Speaking at the unveiling event held at the GoldBod Head Office in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi Esq., expressed his excitement about the partnership, describing it as a strategic move to project Ghanaian craftsmanship in jewellery fabrication for both the domestic and international markets.

     

    “Bola Ray and Joselyn Dumas represent excellence and authenticity the very values that define the Goldbod Jewellery brand. Their appointment as brand ambassadors of GoldBod Jewellery marks a major milestone in GoldBod’s mission to promote local value addition to the country’s gold resources.”

     

    Mr. Sammy Gyamfi further noted, that the collaboration marks the first step towards the actualization of President Mahama’s vision of making Ghana a leading hub of authentic gold jewellery and ornaments in Africa.

     

    As part of their ambassadorial roles, the two icons will spearhead brand campaigns, media engagements, and public outreach initiatives that showcase GoldBod’s latest collections of fine gold and diamond jewellery, bespoke ornaments and refined luxury accessories.