News Guide Africa

Category: Lifestyle

  • PAOG Warns Against Unapproved Hajj Routes and Payments for Banned Individuals

    PAOG Warns Against Unapproved Hajj Routes and Payments for Banned Individuals

    The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) is reminding prospective pilgrims and accredited Hajj agents to adhere to official channels for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

     

    The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has strictly enforced permit regulations, and individuals without valid permits risk being banned from entering Mecca.

     

    A press statement issued by PAOG highlighted the following key points:

    – Strict Enforcement: Saudi authorities suspended and banned over 269,000 unregistered pilgrims in 2025, including some Ghanaians, who are now barred from entering Saudi Arabia for approximately five years.

    – Valid Permits Required: Accommodation facilities in Mecca will only host individuals with valid Hajj permits or work/residency permits during the Hajj season.

    – No Refunds for Banned Individuals: PAOG will not issue refunds to banned individuals attempting to pay for Hajj 2026, and the Saudi government will not issue visas to such persons.

    – Accredited Agents Only: Prospective pilgrims are advised to use accredited Hajj agents or pay directly to the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) to avoid complications and losses.

     

    PAOG emphasizes the importance of following official procedures to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.

     

    For more information, please contact PAOG or visit their official website.

  • MUYAD Social Services Petitions Attorney General on Wesley Girls Court Case

    Adnan Adams Mohammed, Executive Director of MUYAD Social Services

     

     

    Accra, Ghana – MUYAD Social Services has petitioned the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, calling on him to reconsider his position on the Wesley Girls SHS religious discrimination court case.

    In a statement issued on November 25, 2025, the Executive Council of MUYAD Social Services expressed concern over the Attorney General’s argument that Wesley Girls SHS has the right to practice its Methodist Christian faith and prevent other religious practices.

    MUYAD Social Services logo

    The organization believes that the Attorney General’s stance could undermine the principles of equality and freedom of religion enshrined in Ghana’s constitution. MUYAD Social Services is urging the Attorney General to prioritize dialogue, inclusivity, and respect for diverse beliefs, ensuring that everyone can practice their faith freely without infringing on others’ rights.

    “We believe that, as a democrat, you should be championing social cohesion where every individual has the right to freedom of religion and practice their faith without restriction or coercion,” the statement read.

    The petition also highlighted the potential consequences of restricting religious practices, warning that it could lead to a polarized society.

    MUYAD Social Services is calling for an out-of-court settlement and a swift retraction of the Attorney General’s stance, emphasizing the need to protect national interest and cohesion.

    The petition has been copied to the Office of the President, the Chief Justice, the National Democratic Congress, the National Chief Imam, and the National Peace Council, among others.

  • 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.

  • Ghana’s AMG Global Travel Receives Prestigious Green Category Award at Hajj and Umrah Conference in Saudi Arabia

    Ghana’s AMG Global Travel Receives Prestigious Green Category Award at Hajj and Umrah Conference in Saudi Arabia

    Ghanaian-owned AMG Global Travel has once again lifted the flag of Ghana high on the international stage, receiving the prestigious Green Category Award for excellence in service delivery at the 2025 International Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

    The event ran from 9th to 12th November 2025.

     

    The award, presented under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, recognises AMG Global Travel’s outstanding performance and commitment to quality service.

    During the 2025 Umrah season, the company was commended by its Saudi partners, including Mohammed Hijazi Company and Ta’if Umrah Company, for its professionalism, efficiency, and dedication to ensuring smooth and fulfilling pilgrimages for its clients.

     

    “This award underscores AMG Global Travel’s readiness to continue providing excellent services to Ghanaian pilgrims, while expanding its operations to include some foreign residents with valid residence permits who wish to perform Umrah in the coming Ramadan,” the company noted.

     

    In a related development, the Chief Executive Officer, Hajj Abdel-Manan Abdel-Rahman, has signed new partnership agreements for hotel accommodations in Makkah and Madinah ahead of the 2026 Ramadan Umrah season.

    This move reaffirms AMG Global Travel’s commitment to continuous improvement and growth in the Umrah sector.

  • Ghana Signs 2026 Hajj Agreement with Saudi Arabia

    Ghana Signs 2026 Hajj Agreement with Saudi Arabia

    Ghana has officially secured its participation in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

     

    The agreement was signed in Jeddah last Sunday by the Chairman of PAOG, Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, on behalf of the Government of Ghana.

    The signing ceremony affirmed Ghana’s readiness to take part in the upcoming pilgrimage.

     

    During the event, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reviewed Ghana’s past performance, identified challenges, and discussed strategies to improve the welfare and overall experience of Ghanaian pilgrims while safeguarding the sanctity of the Hajj.

     

    The MoU sets out the operational framework for Ghana’s participation, covering key areas such as pilgrim slot allocations, service contracts, accommodation and transportation arrangements, camp bookings, visa procedures, and welfare and health standards.

    Both parties agreed on timelines for operational readiness, with camp and transport arrangements as well as accommodation bookings to be managed through the Musuk Masar digital platform.

     

    The agreement formally includes Ghana in the 2026 Hajj exercise, subject to any unforeseen circumstances, and establishes clear expectations for service quality, health compliance, and timely coordination.

     

    Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim extended warm greetings to Ghanaian Muslims and Hajj stakeholders, urging prospective pilgrims to pay their Hajj fare of GHS 60,000 promptly to ensure smooth planning and effective coordination.

  • CCL Africa Leads Advocacy for Shura-Based Leadership Framework for Districts in Ashanti Region

    CCL Africa Leads Advocacy for Shura-Based Leadership Framework for Districts in Ashanti Region

    The Executive Director of the Center for Creative Leadership, Africa, Hajj Abdel-Manan Abdel-Rahman, has called for the adoption of a unified leadership framework based on the Islamic principle of Shura (consultation) to strengthen Muslim unity and development in Ghana.

     

    Speaking at the Ashanti Municipal and District Imams Conference held in Kumasi, Hajj Abdel-Manan delivered a presentation on the theme “Imamship and Muslim Leadership Framework in Ghana.” His address centered on the introduction of the Umma Constitution, a proposed governance document derived from the Shura system that seeks to promote participatory and consultative leadership among Ghanaian Muslims.

    Hajj Abdel-Manan explained that the Umma Constitution was designed from the historical foundations of the Shura system in Islam, a principle that encourages collective decision-making and accountability among leaders. He emphasized that this system aligns closely with the leadership style of His Eminence, the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, whose exemplary consultative and unifying approach has inspired Muslim leadership across the country.

     

    He recalled that the 2020 National Muslim Representative Conference in Accra also endorsed the concept of Shura as a viable framework for organizing the affairs of the Muslim Ummah in Ghana.

     

    Highlighting the benefits of the proposed system, the COMOG President noted that the adoption of the Shura-based Umma Constitution will foster peaceful coexistence within the Muslim community, promote intra-sectoral harmony among various Islamic groups and organizations, and drive economic development through structured collaboration and empowerment programs.

    Hajj Abdel-Manan explained that the framework will create opportunities for shared decision-making and cooperation among Muslim organizations at the district, regional, and national levels. Each level, he said, will have a representative forum to deliberate on issues relevant to its jurisdiction, effectively serving as a “parliament for the Muslim Ummah.”

     

    He further outlined how the system, once implemented, will provide mechanisms for economic empowerment, particularly by coordinating Muslim-led initiatives and institutions to support education, business development, and youth employment.

     

    The presentation received broad support from the municipal and district Imams in attendance, who commended the initiative and agreed to organize a follow-up forum in 2026 to plan its implementation within the Ashanti Region.

     

    Hajj Abdel-Manan concluded by emphasizing that the future of Muslim leadership in Ghana depends on cooperation, knowledge, and a shared sense of responsibility. He urged Muslim leaders to embrace the Shura-based model as a unifying force that can transform leadership culture, strengthen institutions, and advance the collective welfare of the Ghanaian Ummah.

     

    In his opening remarks, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Ashanti Regional Office of the Regional Chief Imam, welcomed the concept, describing it as a timely step toward strengthening the capacity of Imams and ensuring that the benefits of leadership training reach the grassroots.

     

    The Regional Chief Imam of Ashanti, in his welcome address, praised the capacity programme initiative and recalled that it was first introduced by his predecessor. He expressed optimism that its continuation will serve as a platform for capacity building, collaboration, and refresher training for all Imams across the region.

  • ADB Promotes Joseph Abakah Major Market Account Executive Role

    Joseph Mensah Abakah, Head of Operations MSMEs and Retail Banking Central Zone

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) has promoted Joseph Mensah Abakah the position of Major Market Account Executive for the Central Zone. In this new role, will oversee retail banking activities in the region, in addition to his existing responsibilities in MSMEs banking.

     

    Abakah Mensah’s promotion is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the banking industry. With a background in business accounting and human resources management, he has demonstrated a commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) during his tenure at ADB.

     

    Prior to joining ADB, Abakah Mensah worked as a professional teacher and later served as the Municipal Director for the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly under the Youth Employment Agency. He holds a Post-Diploma (Bachelor’s Degree) in Psychological Foundation of Education from the University of Cape Coast and currently pursuing MA in HRM at University of Cape Coast

     

    Abakah Mensah’s career trajectory is an inspiring example of how education and determination can lead to success.

     

    In his new role, Abakah Mensah is expected to leverage his skills and experience to drive growth in the Central Zone, supporting both MSMEs and retail banking activities.

  • 42 Accredited Agents Named for 2026 Hajj Pilgrimage – PAOG Cautions Public Against Fraudsters

    42 Accredited Agents Named for 2026 Hajj Pilgrimage – PAOG Cautions Public Against Fraudsters

    The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has confirmed the accreditation of 42 agents to assist in organizing a credible and well-coordinated 2026 Hajj pilgrimage for the Muslim Ummah in Ghana.

     

    According to PAOG, the list of accredited agents has been duly endorsed by the Hajj Agents Association of Ghana in collaboration with the office for the smooth execution of next year’s Hajj arrangements.

     

    In a statement issued and signed in Accra by the Director of Communications of PAOG, Alhaji Mohammed Amin Lamprey, he appealed to the general public to avoid dealing with unaccredited individuals posing as Hajj agents.

     

    “The general public is advised to desist from dealing with unaccredited agents,” the statement emphasized.

    The PAOG further cautioned that it “would deal with any unaccredited agents receiving money on behalf of PAOG and taking advantage of prospective pilgrims.”

    Alhaji Lamprey encouraged all interested pilgrims to verify any unclear information directly with their accredited agents or the Pilgrims Affairs Office to prevent any inconvenience.

    He concluded by reminding the public that only agents officially recognized by PAOG are authorized to conduct Hajj-related transactions for the 2026 pilgrimage.

  • Farmers Group Condemn False Allegations Against NPA CEO …Disown “Pseudo Farmer”  

    Lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe, NPA CEO, and Ibn Lukman Yameen, Executive Farmer Group CEO.

     

     

    The Farmer Cooperative Group of Ghana has strongly disassociated itself from a social media user known as “Farmer Wadwen” following what it describes as false and malicious allegations made against the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Edudzi K. Tamakloe.

     

    The individual, identified as Raymond Asare Addo, alleged in a Facebook post that the NPA CEO was employing his “girlfriends” at the Authority. The post, which quickly attracted public attention, read: “Your girlfriends you’re employing at NPA make them polling agents next time.”

     

    In response, Mr. Tamakloe issued a statement on his verified Facebook page firmly denying the claims and expressing disappointment in the actions of the individual. The CEO explained that he had never had any prior interaction with the man except for a message he received from him earlier that morning.

     

     

    “The occupational hazards associated with the work we do are grave and dangerous,” Mr. Tamakloe wrote. “My attention was drawn to these and many lies spewed out by Raymond Asare Addo, known by the pseudo account name ‘Farmer Wadwen’ on Facebook. I have never interacted with the said person. The only time he reached out to me is this morning. His reason for the lies against me is that he lost his job in 2024 and therefore is in need of a job.”

     

    Mr. Tamakloe went on to describe the behavior as an act of treachery and urged Ghanaians to be cautious of individuals who resort to lies and defamation for personal gain.

     

    “If you are in need of a job, you just decide to peddle falsehoods about me? The level of treachery is beyond my grasp,” he said. “May the good Lord protect us from seen and unseen threats. I pray he gets the job.”

     

    Following the CEO’s post, farmer groups across the country released a joint statement condemning the false accusations and reaffirming their support for Mr. Tamakloe. “We stand firmly behind Lawyer Edudzi K. Tamakloe,” the statement said. “The individual in question does not speak for farmers in Ghana. He is a pseudo farmer and an ingrate who acted on his own. We completely distance ourselves from his baseless allegations.” Speaking on behalf of the national farmer cooperative group, Farmer Yameen, the CEO of The Executive Farmer, also vehemently condemned the actions of the individual, describing them as disgraceful and a betrayal of the values of genuine farmers.

     

    “We, the real farmers, know and appreciate what Lawyer Edudzi K. Tamakloe has done quietly for many people,” Farmer Yameen said. “We urge him to remain unfazed and to continue his good work for the benefit of the nation.”

     

    The Farmer Cooperative Group praised the NPA CEO for his humility, fairness, and integrity in leadership, adding that the false allegations have only served to highlight his long record of service and compassion.

     

    “This unfortunate episode has become a springboard for your good works and silent service to be recognized,” the statement added. “Many of us continue to draw inspiration from your leadership and generosity.” Mr. Tamakloe’s calm and dignified handling of the matter has since earned him widespread commendation from the public, with many describing him as a model of integrity and restraint in public service.

  • 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.