News Guide Africa

Category: Technology

  • Cabinet orders “Complete Reset” of SIM registration; greenlights competitive 5G auction

    Cabinet orders “Complete Reset” of SIM registration; greenlights competitive 5G auction

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    In a major overhaul of Ghana’s digital landscape, the Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that Cabinet has approved a brand-new national SIM registration exercise.

    The move, described as a “complete reset” rather than a continuation of previous efforts, aims to address deep-seated vulnerabilities in the country’s telecommunications security framework.

    A Shift from the 2021 Framework

    The Minister disclosed the decision during high-level consultations with the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.

    According to Mr. George, an extensive review of the 2021 registration drive revealed critical failures that necessitated a fresh start. These challenges included:

    ● Weak Biometric Enforcement: Loopholes that allowed for non-compliant registrations.

    ● Data Inconsistencies: Discrepancies between telco databases and national identification records.

    ● Registration Fraud: Rise in pre-registered SIM cards used for criminal activities.

    “The new approach will not be a continuation of the previous system but a complete reset aimed at restoring credibility and strengthening security,” the Minister emphasized.

    The New Security Architecture

    To prevent a recurrence of past issues, the government is introducing several robust technical measures:

    ● Centralized Data Repository: The NCA will now serve as the primary host for all SIM registration data.

    ● Mandatory Biometrics: Strict biometric verification will be the cornerstone of the new framework.

    ● CEIR Implementation: A Central Equipment Identity Register will be established to allow authorities to block stolen or fraud-linked devices across all networks simultaneously.

    ● New Legislation: A revised Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is currently being drafted to provide a solid legal backing for the exercise.

    5G Deployment: Exclusivity Scrapped

    Beyond SIM cards, the meeting marked a pivotal shift in Ghana’s high-speed internet strategy. Cabinet has officially approved the removal of the exclusivity clause from the previous wholesale 5G framework.

    This decision paves the way for a competitive spectrum auction, allowing multiple operators to vie for the rights to deploy 5G technology. While the wholesale model remains an option, the revised policy encourages a network-based rollout to ensure universal coverage across the country.

    Industry Response and Next Steps

    While telecom operators welcomed the clarity on 5G, they raised concerns regarding the capital-intensive nature of the technology. Industry leaders called for:

    1. Reasonable Spectrum Pricing: To ensure the auction is accessible.

    2. Infrastructure Support: Streamlined regulatory approvals for cell site expansion.

    3. Predictable Policy: Ensuring long-term investment security.

    The Ministry and the Telecoms Chamber have agreed to immediate technical engagements to refine the rollout roadmap. The next major milestones will be the publication of the 5G auction documentation and the finalization of the new SIM registration L.I.

    Comparison: Ghana’s SIM Registration Frameworks (2021 vs. 2026)

    Below is a detailed breakdown comparing the 2021 nationwide SIM registration exercise with the newly approved 2026 framework announced by Communication Minister Samuel Nartey George.

    Feature 2021 Registration Exercise 2026 Registration Framework (Proposed)

    Status/Classification The previous administration’s model; now described by the current government as “plagued by challenges.” “A Complete Reset” approved by Cabinet; a completely new nationwide exercise.

    Data Repository Individual telecommunication operators (Telcos) maintained separate customer databases. Centralized Database: The National Communications Authority (NCA) will serve as the single central repository.

    Biometric Verification Weak Enforcement: Data inconsistencies and non-compliant biometric capture were common. Mandatory Enforcement: Rigid biometric verification will be required for every registration.

    Anti-Fraud Tools Limited ability to block fraudulent devices across different operator networks. CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): Implementation enabling cross-network blocking of stolen or fraud-linked devices.

    Legal Basis Based on the existing 2011 Subscriber Identity Module Registration Regulations (L.I. 2006). Revised Legislation: A new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is being drafted specifically to regulate this reset.

    Key Issues Addressed Aimed to link all SIM cards to the Ghana Card, but suffered from implementation flaws. Credibility and Security: Designed specifically to fix weak biometric enforcement and stop data-driven fraud.

     

     

     

     

  • Energy Commission gets new boss …as Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie assume office ​

    Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie, Acting Executive Secretary of Energy Commission

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    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    The President of the Republic of Ghana has appointed Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie as the Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission. The appointment, which takes effect immediately, marks a significant leadership transition for the nation’s energy regulator.

    ​Until her elevation to this role, Ms. Bondzie served as the Acting Deputy Managing Director of the Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Limited (BOST), where she played a pivotal role in downstream energy management.

    ​Official Transition

    ​The formal announcement was communicated to the management and staff of the Energy Commission by the Board Secretary on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Following the directive, Ms. Bondzie has officially assumed her duties, stepping into the role at a critical juncture for Ghana’s energy sector.

    ​A Warm Welcome Amidst Reforms

    ​The Board, management, and staff have reportedly extended a warm welcome to the new Acting Executive Secretary. Her arrival coincides with a period of intensive administrative and regulatory reforms aimed at modernizing the Commission’s operations.

    ​Sources within the Commission indicate that the current Board has been providing rigorous oversight to ensure:

    ​Regulatory Effectiveness: Streamlining policies to meet international energy standards.

    Fair Administrative Practices: Enhancing transparency in internal and external dealings.

    ​Human Resource Strengthening: Building the technical and professional capacity of the Commission’s workforce.

    ​Strategic Outlook

    ​With her background at BOST, Ms. Bondzie is expected to bring a wealth of operational experience to the Energy Commission. Her leadership will be vital as the Commission navigates the complexities of Ghana’s evolving energy landscape, focusing on both traditional power regulation and the shift toward sustainable energy solutions.

     

  • Julius Neequaye  empowers NDC grassroots with over 1,000 jobs at DVLA ​

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    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    In fulfillment of his commitment to empower the rank and file of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has empowered over a thousand grassroots with jobs.

    ​Popularly known as “Logas” and affectionately dubbed the “Grassroots Chief of Staff,” is being celebrated for overseeing the recruitment of over 1,000 contract staff to man newly established DVLA stations across the country.

    The move has sent ripples of excitement throughout the country has been hailed by the party leadership and grassroots for such direct intervention in youth unemployment.

    ​Action Over Excuses

    ​Political observers and party loyalists have noted that while many officials often cite economic constraints as reasons for slow progress, Kotey has taken a proactive approach.

    “I’m not one to make excuses for people, but we must speak the truth when we see it, one supporter noted” a member of the ruling party praised Julius Neequaye Kotey, saying he has proven his worth. “He has directly empowered our people with real opportunities instead of just promises.”

    ​The recruitment drive is seen as a strategic move to not only improve the service delivery of the DVLA by expanding its footprint but to also ensure that the “footsoldiers” who represent the backbone of the party are not left behind.

    ​A Wave of Appreciation

    ​The news has sparked a wave of prayers and gratitude from party footsoldiers, many of whom have struggled to find stable employment.

    ​”God bless him for looking out for the grassroots,” a beneficiary shared. “While others complain, he is delivering results. These are the kind of leaders who deserve our appreciation and prayers.”

     

    ​Setting a Standard for Leadership

    ​By filling these roles with local talent to manage the new stations, Kotey is being credited with bridging the gap between administrative leadership and the party’s grassroots base. This move is expected to boost morale within the NDC as the party looks toward future organizational goals.

    ​As the new recruits begin their training and deployment, the consensus among the grassroots remains clear: Julius Neequaye Kotey is a leader who understands that the strength of a movement lies in the empowerment of its people.

     

  • ‘Galamsey’ at Sea: ‘power’ robbing local fishers of their subsistence

     

     

    Excerpt of an investigative story by Adnan Adams Mohammed.

    Full investigation video to be released soon…

     

    For decades, the Ghanaian fisheries sector has been inundated with many allegations of fisheries crime related activities, which affects many fisher-folks who depend on the sea for their livelihood and the Ghanaian economy.

     

    Despite generating over GHC 235 million in revenue in 2023 and 2024, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture data shared with this team through a Right To Information (RTI) request, the sector is plagued by allegations of fisheries crime, including overfishing and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.

     

    While the sector provides jobs for about 10% of Ghana’s population, it is faced with the double agony of thwarting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) efforts while risking the European Union (EU) market ban for Ghana’s seafood and products.

    Canoe fishers at work

    In the face of ‘unwatched’ fishing in Ghana’s sea which has contributed to the second yellow card (warning) by the European Union, yet, almost five years after, the country has done nothing much to reverse the trend, despite the previous Fisheries Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson’s assurances.

     

    It has been eight months, the current Fisheries Minister, Hon Emelia Arthur assumed office as the substantive minister, but she still catalogues the same challenges Ghanaian fisheries industry faces.

    Emelia Arthur, Fisheries Minister

    “The Yellow Card affects especially the industrial fishers who catch and export tuna, which brings in a lot of money, nearly $400 million to Ghana. So, we have to do the right things so that the trade will go on for the foreign exchange to come,” Emelia Arthur told the Parliamentary Appointment Committee in January this year, during her ministerial appointment.

     

    The Human Cost of Unregulated Fishing

     

    Local fishers, who depend on the sea for their livelihood, are bearing the brunt of these activities. Many have shared harrowing experiences of poor working conditions, low wages, and physical assault on industrial trawlers. Kwesi Odaadi, a former worker on a Chinese-owned trawler, revealed, “We Ghanaians working on the foreign vessels face poor conditions in our work onboard the vessels. We are paid not more than GH¢400 for periods between 30 to 45 days we spend at sea.”

    Ebenezer Yorke, President of Western Region CaFGOAG

    “They sometimes physically assault us, especially when they give instructions and we do not understand due to language barrier.

     

    “But, no one cautions them or intervenes for us. We reported these to the Fisheries Commission several times. This pushed us to contact the Trade Union Congress (TUC) some years ago with our grievances and upon their advice tried to form an industrial trawlers worker’s union but it could not materialize due to intimidation and victimization against some of our colleagues by the vessel owners”, Kwesi Odaadi added.

     

    Work in Fishing Convention (C188)

     

    These treatments are against the ‘Work in Fishing Convention (C188)’, developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), adopted in 2007 but entered into force in November 2017 and can be described as fisheries-related crimes.

     

    The C188 outlines a minimum standard for the employment of workers on fishing vessels, including minimum age, conditions of service, safety of workers, payments, repatriation, accommodations and other matters.

    The aim was to help “tackle crimes that are associated with the fisheries sector”. But, it seems law enforcers in Ghana careless about laws the nation has adopted.

     

    However, a local fisher at Tema fishing harbor, Adjety told us, “no laws work on Ghana waters we are left with our own destinies in the hands of the Chinese sophisticated foreign fishing vessels, which violate, intimidate the local canoes and trawlers at sea.”

     

    Environmental Consequences

     

    The environmental impact of unregulated fishing is equally alarming. Industrial trawlers are catching unwanted fish species, including fingerlings, and dumping them back into the sea, causing contamination and depleting fish stocks.

     

    According to the Ministry of Fisheries, in a response to a question asked by our team through the RTI; industrial trawlers (foreign vessels) are supposed to catch “demersal fish species, which are typically found near the seabed.”

     

    However, according to the Canoe and Fishing Gears Owners Association of Ghana the industrial trawlers are doing surface fishing, thereby catching fingerlings which are ‘unwanted fishes’ to them.

    This has pushed local canoes and trawlers away from their traditional fishing grounds, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians.

     

    Weak Oversight and Corruption

     

    “The government is aware of the illegal activities of the foreign vessels. But, the excuse they give us is that, they pay license”, Ebenezer Yorke, Western regional chairman of the local canoes owners association (CaFGOAG).

     

    Although the Fisheries Commission months ago suspended the licenses of four industrial trawl vessels for repeated violations, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

     

    Fisheries Observers, who are crucial to monitoring and enforcing regulations, are highly vulnerable to corruption and intimidation. Three observers have lost their lives while on duty, and many more are reluctant to board vessels due to safety concerns.

     

    “When you have these people on a vessel and they are not properly compensated you make them susceptible to all manner of influences”, the late former Board Secretary of the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA), E.K. Ofori-Ani, told the team in an off-camera interview at his office in Tema earlier this year.

     

    “If I go to sea a month and come back and you are going to give me about GH¢1000 and I can report an infraction on a vessel that will lead to a fine of about GH¢500,000 that the Fisheries Commission take, why wouldn’t I collude with the vessel operators or owner and take some money and fishes and kill the case? Mr Ofori-Ani quizzed rhetorically.

     

     

    Politically-Motivated Corruption

     

    Our investigations reveal that many Ghanaian-owned trawlers are linked to politicians, who have allegedly flouted regulations with impunity. The Beneficial Ownership (BO) data of these companies is mysteriously non-existent, raising questions about accountability and transparency in the sector.

     

    The team specifically subjected two companies (suspected to be owned by some politicians) to BO verification from a source at ORC, but we were told they do not exist.

     

    In a previous interview, the Deputy Company Inspector at the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), Yayra Banini, indicated that the fisheries sector has not been on the radar at the moment with regards to BO disclosures because the sector is considered ‘not a high-risk’ area and so there will be the need for some amendments to the law.

     

    “The fisheries sector is not really part of the high risk areas, so growing up we still do amendments to our regulations and add more to the list’’ Mrs Banini said.

     

     

    Call to Action

     

    The Ghanaian government must take immediate action to address these issues and protect the country’s fisheries sector. This includes strengthening regulations, improving working conditions for local fishers, and ensuring accountability for those responsible for these crimes.

     

    The future of Ghana’s fisheries sector hangs in the balance.

     

    Watch out for the video soon..

     

  • “Communication Is Policy”: PRINPAG and BoG partner to combat economic misinformation

    Dignitaries at the PRINPAG and BoG training workshop

     

     

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    In a strategic move to safeguard Ghana’s financial stability, the Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) have forged a new partnership to prioritize accuracy and ethical standards in economic reporting.

     

    The initiative was solidified during a specialized training workshop held at the Peace Holiday Resort, Ada, on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The event, themed “Resetting the Economy: The Role of Journalists, News Publishers and Media Owners,” featured high-level contributions from the central bank aimed at aligning media narratives with national economic recovery efforts.

     

    A “Launchpad” for Stability

     

    Delivering an address on behalf of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, the Advisor to the Governor, Dr. Francis Yao Kumah, underscored the progress made over the past year. He noted that Ghana enters 2026 on a stronger footing, with inflation plummeting from 23.8% in December 2024 to 5.4% in December 2025.

     

    Furthermore, gross international reserves have strengthened to over US$13.9 billion, providing approximately 5.7 months of import cover. However, Dr. Kumah warned that these gains are merely a “launchpad”.

     

    “Resetting the economy requires resetting expectations from short-termism to patience, and resetting behaviors across the information ecosystem that shapes public understanding,” he stated.

     

    The Media as an Economic Anchor

     

    The workshop highlighted the delicate nature of financial journalism, with the BoG emphasizing that “economic information carries weight”. Dr. Kumah argued that a well-informed media acts as an anchor for confidence by contextualizing data and countering misinformation that can trigger market volatility.

     

    “Our expectation is not compliance but responsibility,” the Governor’s address noted, underscoring the need for accuracy, balance, and appropriateness of context. The Bank cautioned that incomplete or de-contextualized reporting—particularly regarding foreign exchange (FX) markets—can amplify uncertainty.

     

    New Incentives for Excellence

     

    To foster this “New Partnership for a New Phase,” the Bank of Ghana announced several proactive measures to support newsrooms:

     

    Expanded Training: Scaling up specialized sessions on monetary policy, FX operations, and financial stability.

     

    Editors’ & Producers’ Forum: Establishing a regular forum to provide media gatekeepers with the context needed to guide coverage before major policy cycles.

     

    Annual Awards: Launching the Governor’s “Economic and Financial Story of the Year” Award. The winner will receive sponsorship to attend the IMF/World Bank Meetings, a move designed to encourage depth of analysis and clarity in reporting.

     

    Strengthening the Bridge

     

    PRINPAG leadership and workshop participants welcomed the central bank’s commitment to openness. The Bank’s communications team pledged to maintain open lines for timely clarifications and access to subject-matter experts to ensure every story is well-sourced and confidently delivered.

     

    “Communication Is Policy”

     

    Echoing these sentiments, the President of PRINPAG, Mr. David Tamakloe, delivered a powerful message centered on the mantra: “Communication Is Policy.”

     

    He argued that for any economic policy to succeed, it must be communicated effectively and accurately to the citizenry. “The way we report economic issues can either build investor confidence or destroy it. As journalists, we are partners in national development, and our pens must be guided by the national interest,” Mr. Tamakloe said.

     

    He noted that the workshop was part of PRINPAG’s broader agenda to build the capacity of its members, ensuring that private media outlets remain competitive and credible in an increasingly volatile information landscape.

     

    Tackling Misinformation

     

    The training session comes at a time when Ghana’s economic climate is under intense international and local scrutiny. Speakers at the event noted that “fake news” regarding exchange rates, inflation, and the banking sector often spreads faster than official rebuttals, creating a “perception-led” volatility in the markets.

     

    Participants were taken through modules on interpreting financial statements, understanding Central Bank operations, and the ethics of financial gatekeeping.

     

    Speaking to the participants, Dr. Bernard Ato Otabil, Director of Communications at the Bank of Ghana, underscored the delicate nature of financial journalism. He warned that in the modern era of rapid digital dissemination, irresponsible reporting could trigger unnecessary panic and destabilize the national economy.

     

    “Economic reporting is not just about the numbers; it is about the impact those numbers have on lives and markets,” Dr. Otabil stated. He urged media practitioners to move away from sensationalism and instead focus on evidence-based analysis to help the public make informed decisions.

     

    Dr. Otabil further highlighted that rising cases of misinformation—often fueled by social media—pose a significant threat to monetary policy. He challenged journalists to verify complex data with official sources before publication, noting that the BoG remains committed to transparency.

     

    Participants see the workshop as a timely intervention to strengthen the bridge between policy-makers and the Fourth Estate, ensuring that the “Policy of Communication” serves as a tool for economic growth rather than a source of confusion.

     

    As Ghana navigates a period of economic consolidation in 2026, the consensus from Ada was clear: when the media succeeds in its role, the public understands, and the economy functions better.

     

  • The Digital Architect: How Julius Neequaye Kotey is Reimagining Ghana’s DVLA

     

    Julius Neequaye Kotey, DVLA CEO

     

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    For decades, the mention of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana conjured images of endless queues, sweltering heat, and the omnipresent “goro boys” lurking in the shadows of the yard.

    It was a bureaucratic fortress that many citizens approached with a sense of dread.

    Fast forward to 2026, and a quiet but radical revolution has taken hold at the Authority’s Weija headquarters and beyond. At the center of this transformation is Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive Officer whose leadership has turned a “bureaucratic dinosaur” into a modern, tech-driven powerhouse.

    From Debt to Digital Dominance

    When Mr. Kotey took the helm in January 2025, he didn’t inherit a polished machine. Instead, he met a staggering financial crisis—a debt totaling over $200 million in foreign currency and GH¢300 million locally. His first order of business wasn’t just survival; it was a total “review, reset, and restore.”

    Within just one year, the results are undeniable:

    Revenue Growth: A massive 37% increase in revenue by the end of 2025 alone.

    Efficiency: The clearance of a 440,000-backlog of driver’s licenses that had frustrated Ghanaians for years.

    Modernization: The replacement of chaotic aluminum “Drive From Port” (DP) plates with secure, digital DP Stickers featuring embedded QR codes.

     

    Bringing the DVLA to Your Doorstep

    Perhaps the most “compelling” aspect of Kotey’s tenure is the decentralization of services. Under his leadership, the DVLA has moved from the gated offices of Accra to the hearts of local communities.

    The 24-Hour Economy in Action: Aligning with national goals, Kotey launched Ghana’s first 24-hour public service centers, starting in Adenta. Citizens can now renew licenses or register vehicles at 2:00 AM, making the “come tomorrow” excuse a thing of the past.

    Going Global: Recognizing the Ghanaian diaspora, the DVLA has expanded its reach with international offices in London, Hamburg, Dubai, Toronto, and Washington. This ensures that Ghanaians abroad can renew their documentation without the “trauma” of long-distance middlemen.

    Community Outreach: From lorry terminal engagements to new offices in places like Mankessim and Bawjiase, the goal is clear: eliminate the “goro boys” by making the official service more accessible than the illegal alternative.

    The 2026 Vision: Smart Plates and Birthday Licenses

    Never one to rest on past laurels, Kotey recently announced a suite of forward-thinking reforms that are set to redefine road safety and compliance in Ghana.

    “My driving philosophy has always been that the day you recognize there is something wrong is the day of ratification,” Kotey noted during a recent stakeholder engagement.

    In January 2026, the Authority began rolling out RFID-embedded number plates. These “detective” plates are not just for identification; they enable real-time verification, help track stolen vehicles, and support the national toll system. Furthermore, in a move praised for its simplicity, driver’s licenses will now expire on the holder’s birthday, supported by an automated SMS notification system to remind motorists before their credentials lapse.

     

    A Leadership Built on Empathy

    Beyond the software and the security chips, Julius Neequaye Kotey’s leadership is defined by a commitment to the human element. Whether it’s pledging better healthcare and promotion structures for his staff or his “National Service to CEO” journey, he leads with the perspective of someone who has seen the system from every angle.

    As the DVLA continues its evolution into a world-class institution, one thing is certain: under Julius Neequaye Kotey, the “license to believe” in efficient public service has finally been issued to all Ghanaians.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Kesarev Akademia Offers Free Online Courses with Global Opportunities

    Natasha Sheiko, Partner at Kesarev

     

    Ghanaian students and young professionals can now access free online courses on public administration, Russian law, public policy, Russian language, and history through Kesarev Akademia, an online educational platform developed by experts at Kesarev.

    The courses provide a systematic understanding of how public decisions are made, how key institutions operate, and what factors shape political and legal processes.

    Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate of completion from Kesarev Academy and may be eligible for internships at Kesarev and partner organizations in Russia and globally.

    Kesarev Akademia’s 5 Learning Platforms offer amazing benefits, including scholarships to study in prestigious Russian universities, paid internships across 40 international offices in Russia, and patent right to work in Russia.

    This is a unique chance to develop skills, expand networks, and open doors to new academic and professional possibilities.

    Registration link https://akademia-kesarev.com/en/register

    Contact: Micah Y.B Zing,
    Key Representative of Kesarev in West Africa
    +233544576100 / +79251665235 for further details

  • All you need to know: The Republic V Kenneth Ofori-Atta and 7 others in the ‘smelly’ SML contract

     

    The Office of Special Prosecutor has charged all eight accused persons at the Criminal Division of the High Court.

     

    Accused Persons 

     

    Kenneth Ofori-Atta (A1) was the Minister of Finance at all material times in relation to him.

     

    Ernest Darko Akore (A2) was the Chef de Cabinet of Kenneth Ofori-Atta (A1) in his capacity as the Minister of Finance at all material times in relation to him.

     

    Emmanuel Kofi Nti (A3) was the Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority at all material times in relation to him.

     

    Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (A4) was the Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority at all material times in relation to him. Isaac Crentsil (A5) was the Commissioner of the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority at all material times in relation to him.

     

    Kwadwo Damoah (A6) was the Commissioner of the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority at all material times in relation to him. Evans Adusei (A7) is the Chief Executive, beneficial owner, and controlling mind of SML (A8).

     

    SML (A8) is a company registered in Ghana (formerly known as Strategic Mobilisation Enhancement Limited).

     

    Details of the case

     

    The Accused Persons conspired to set up and did perform acts in furtherance of the conspiracy to set up a criminal enterprise of directly and indirectly influencing the procurement process to obtain unfair advantage for SML (A8) in the award of procurement contracts for transaction audit services, external price verification services, measurement audit of downstream petroleum products, upstream petroleum audit services, and minerals audit services purportedly by the Government of Ghana, acting through the Ministry of Finance and Ghana Revenue Authority.

     

    The criminal enterprise was commenced in 2017 by Kenneth Ofori-Atta (A1), Emmanuel Kofi Nti (A3), Evans Adusei (A7), and SML (A8), with the other Accused Persons joining the adventure at various times. The criminal enterprise was characterised by no genuine need for contracting SML (A8) for the obligations it purported to perform, and the contracts were secured for SML (A8) through self-serving patronage, sponsorship, and promotion by the Kenneth Ofori-Atta (A1), Ernest Darko Akore (A2), Emmanuel Kofi Nti (A3), Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (A4), Isaac Crentsil (A5), and Kwadwo Damoah (A6) based on false and unverified claims.

     

    Also, the contracts were attended by the commission of egregious prohibited acts as mandatory statutory prior approvals by Parliament, and the Procurement Authority were wantonly disregarded by Kenneth Ofori-Atta (A1), Emmanuel Kofi Nti (A3), Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (A4), Isaac Crentsil (A5), and Kwadwo Damoah (A6) who acted with increased emboldened impunity as they freely abused their public offices by using the offices for private benefit.

     

    Further, Kenneth Ofori-Atta (A1), Emmanuel Kofi Nti (A3), Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (A4), Isaac Crentsil (A5), and Kwadwo Damoah (A6) ensured that there was no established financial management system of monitoring and verification to assure that the Republic was obtaining the value for the money it was paying to SML (8), and the channels of payments of public funds to SML (8) were set on automatic mode by Kenneth Ofori-Atta (A1), Emmanuel Kofi Nti (A3), Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (A4), Isaac Crentsil (A5), and Kwadwo Damoah (A6) detached from actual performance and based on false and unverified claims in wilful oppressive injury to the public.

     

    The actions of Kenneth Ofori-Atta (A1), Emmanuel Kofi Nti (A3), Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (A4), Isaac Crentsil (A5), and Kwadwo Damoah (A6) created the opportunity for SML (A8) to largely pretend to perform the services under the various contracts – leading to immense financial loss to the Republic of about One Billion Four Hundred and Thirty-Six Million Two Hundred and Forty-Nine Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-Eight Cedis Fifty-Three Pesewas (GHC1,436,249,828.53).

     

    And had they not been halted by the actions of three petitioners who lodged a complaint with the Office of the Special Prosecutor in December 2023 against the criminal enterprise; corruption and corruption-related investigations conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor between 20 December 2023 and 3 October 2025; Government intervention of temporarily suspending performance of the purported services in early January 2024; and a directive by the President of the Republic on 31 October 2025 for the termination of all the public contracts awarded to SML (A8) by the Ministry of Finance and Ghana Revenue Authority – the Accused Persons also intended that a further estimated Two Billion Seven Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million Six Hundred and Four Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-Four United States Dollars Seventy-One Cents (US$2,799,604,864.71) be paid to SML (A8) for a period of five(5) years without the mandatory statutory prior authorisation by Parliament.

     

    The Accused Persons based their actions on their false claims that SML (A8) possessed technical expertise and capability in revenue assurance, and that the technical expertise and capability of SML (A8) had greatly increased revenue for the Republic; and further that  SML (A8) exclusively possessed the only patented and proven technology systems in the world for value chain transaction audits, external price verification, and measurement audit services in the downstream petroleum, upstream petroleum, and minerals sectors.

     

    Based on the above, the Accused Persons have been charged before the Criminal Division of the High Court.

  • Hon. Japhet Gbede Appeals to Government and Telecom Providers to End Wute Zone’s Digital Isolation

    Hon. Japhet Gbede Appeals to Government and Telecom Providers to End Wute Zone’s Digital Isolation

    The Assembly Member for the Wuxor-Have-Sremanu Electoral Area in the Akatsi South Municipality, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has made a passionate appeal to the government, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, and key telecommunication providers to urgently address the long-standing challenge of poor mobile network connectivity in Wute Zone.

    In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Hon. Gbede revealed that he had received “countless messages and social media appeals” from residents across Wute Zone; a community of more than 10,000 people lamenting how the persistent lack of reliable network access continues to affect their daily lives and hinder development.

     

    According to him, the absence of connectivity has far-reaching consequences on education, healthcare, trade, and social life in the area. Students are unable to participate in online learning, businesses struggle to access digital platforms, healthcare workers face challenges coordinating emergency services, and families remain cut off from timely communication.

     

    “In a digital age where communication drives progress, the people of Wute Zone deserve to be part of Ghana’s technological advancement,” he stated, describing the situation as a “developmental injustice” that must be urgently addressed.

     

    Hon. Gbede therefore appealed to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Sam Nartey George, as well as MTN Ghana and other service providers, including Tanko Rashid-Computer, to make the extension of network infrastructure to Wute Zone a national priority.

     

    “This connectivity cannot be considered a luxury, it is a necessity for learning, trade, emergency response, and inclusive development,” he emphasised.

     

    Expressing optimism, the Assembly Member noted that with President Mahama’s renewed vision for inclusive digital transformation, the longstanding connectivity challenges in Wute Zone could soon be resolved.

     

    “I am confident that under President Mahama’s leadership, this long-standing challenge will soon become a success story,” he concluded.

  • ADB Renews Commitment to Enhance Service Experience …As It Marks Customer Service Week

     

     

    The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC celebrates this year’s Customer Service Week by reaffirming its commitment to delivering enhanced customer-centric solutions and service experience to empower individuals and support businesses.

    This year’s celebration, under the theme, “Mission: Possible,” underscores ADB’s preparedness to create sustainable value through enhanced customer experience.

    Speaking on the significance of the week, the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, emphasized that the Bank’s renewed focus on service excellence is deeply rooted in its strategic direction to build a resilient, forward-looking, and future-ready institution driven by innovation and customer-centricity.

    ADB MD in a photo with customers

    “Our strategic direction focuses on innovation, service excellence, and distinctive financial solutions which align with our core values of responsibility, entrepreneurship, integrity, service excellence, and purpose-driven,” he stated.

    Mr. Sarpong expressed profound gratitude to ADB’s customers for their loyalty and trust in the Bank over the past six decades. He noted that the Bank’s longevity and success have been made possible by customers who continue to believe in its purpose and mission.

    “As we celebrate Customer Service Week, we want to thank every customer who has journeyed with us. Your confidence and trust in ADB inspire us to continuously improve and serve you better,” he said.

    “Every interaction with our customers is an opportunity to make a positive difference,” Mr. Sarpong stated. “At ADB, we are not just providing financial services; we are building relationships, enabling growth, and contributing to Ghana’s social and economic development,” he added.

    The Managing Director further stated that the Bank’s mission to create sustainable banking for everyone remains a guiding principle shaping how ADB serves its customers, from personalized in-branch experiences to digital innovations that make access to finance simpler, safer, and more inclusive.

    He also reiterated that ADB’s new brand or corporate tagline, “Beyond Banking…,” embodies the enduring promise to redefine banking in Ghana. He indicated that Beyond Banking is more than a tagline, it is a commitment to empowering businesses, building futures, driving prosperity, and nurturing communities.

    As part of this year’s celebrations, management and other officials will visit selected branches to interact with customers and also take feedback as input for continuous improvement of service delivery and service experience. Other customer-centric activities are also being rolled out as part of the celebrations.

    The Customer Service Week, celebrated annually all over the world, recognizes the importance of customer service, and ADB always leverages this important week to show appreciation to its customers for their invaluable trust in the brand.