Kofi Ahovi

More Ghanaians Expect Job Creation In 2027 Budget -KPMG/UNDP Survey

2026-11-11T11:37:24.435-08:00

Results from survey by Auditing and Advisory Firm KPMG and the United Nations Development Programme reveals that 71 percent of respondents want jobs and youth unemployment as national priority for the 2027 budget. This indicates the country’s priority into the new-year.

54 percent of the respondents identify the cost of living as a key national priority apart from the growing unemployment situation in the country.

71 percent want jobs and youth unemployment as a topmost priority for the government.

The survey highlights issues businesses and citizens want the budget to address.
On the country’s tax regime, 90 percent of respondents want to know about the tax changes in advance to help plan their organization with at least four months’ notice ahead of implementation.

The findings from the surveys and focus groups conducted highlight business optimism alongside continuing constraints involving suitable finance, reliable utilities and market demand.

Respondents expressed conditional interest in the 24-Hour Economy programme and prioritized jobs, youth employment and challenges with cash-flow.

Drawing on these findings, the report sets out four priority areas for policy consideration:
Enabling enterprise growth through affordable finance and predictable taxation.

Turning the 24H+ programme and New Economy agenda into productive investment.
Improving public investment value and strengthening financial discipline, supported by effective coordination through the Value for Money Office.

Safeguarding natural resources and accelerating green investment.

The report offers evidence-informed recommendations to support discussions on the 2027 Budget, with an emphasis on feasible investment, effective implementation and measurable outcomes for businesses and communities.

Tax-related concerns extend beyond statutory rates. Respondents identified complex filing, payments to multiple authorities and short-notice changes as significant impediments. The leading preference for encouraging informal participation was greater education and awareness, followed closely by formalization incentives and alignment of licensing with tax registration” the report stated.

Gambia partners pledge visible waste-management improvements within 100 days

2026-11-11T11:05:48.249-08:00

Residents of the Greater Banjul Area are expected to see improvements in waste collection and sanitation within the next 100 days, following a commitment by government agencies, local councils and private-sector partners implementing The Gambia’s new waste-management concession.

The planned improvements include the clearing of refuse heaps, installation of new communal waste containers and the deployment of uniformed sanitation workers across communities.

The commitment was made at a two-day strategic workshop held at The Kairaba Beach Hotel on November 9 and 10, 2026. The workshop brought together government institutions, the three Greater Banjul councils and the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), through its subsidiaries Zoomlion Gambia and local partner Niro Company Limited.

The concession, which took effect on October 28, 2026, is being implemented in phases, with the first phase covering Banjul, Kanifing and Brikama. Other councils are expected to be incorporated as the project progresses.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Alexander Kumi-Larbi Jnr, International Business Director of JGC, described effective waste management as a national responsibility and a strategic investment rather than an expense.

He said investment in waste management could generate significant economic and social returns, citing estimates that every dollar invested could yield seven dollars in benefits.

No single ministry, council or company can deliver a cleaner Gambia alone. This is a national agenda, and it will succeed only if every partner in this room carries their share of the responsibility,” he said.

Representatives of the three councils outlined some of the operational challenges affecting sanitation services, including ageing workforces, frequent breakdowns of waste collection vehicles and inadequate facilities at major dumpsites such as Mile 2, Bakoteh and Tambana.

Under the concession arrangement, the private operator will be responsible for financing, constructing, equipping and operating the required infrastructure, with payments tied to the availability of the services.

Abdulai Puye of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Directorate explained that a contract management committee, chaired by the Ministry of Finance, would meet quarterly to monitor implementation and ensure that all parties fulfilled their contractual obligations.

Enforcement of sanitation regulations also emerged as a major issue during the discussions, with participants stressing the need to strengthen compliance with existing environmental laws.

Abdou Hydara of the National Environment Agency (NEA) proposed a 100-day programme of joint inspections involving the agency and the councils.

He said enforcement should begin immediately using existing anti-littering laws rather than waiting for new by-laws to be introduced.

We will not wait for new by-laws before acting. The law that exists today is enough to start, and NEA will work side by side with the councils to enforce it,” he said.

The second day of the workshop featured presentations from officials associated with Nairobi City County and Zoomlion Kenya, who shared lessons from Kenya's experience with a similar waste-management partnership.

The Nairobi delegation reported progress in clearing major legacy waste heaps but identified changing public attitudes and improving waste-disposal habits as more demanding and continuous aspects of the exercise.

Clearing the dumpsites was the easy part. Changing how people think about waste is the real work, and it never stops,” the Director of the Environment Department at Nairobi City County said.

George Manu and Henrietta Baiden also presented the integrated waste-management system proposed for The Gambia.

The system will cover waste collection, transfer stations, a material recovery facility at Tambana, composting, recycling and engineered disposal. It is intended to replace the practice of open dumping and burning with a more structured approach to waste management.

Participants further emphasised the importance of integrating existing waste collectors, recyclers and informal waste pickers into the new arrangement to ensure that they were not displaced by the concession.

They also called for local recruitment, skills development and staff retention to build the capacity needed to sustain the system.

At the end of the workshop, each participating institution developed a 100-day action plan outlining its responsibilities towards the implementation of the concession.

The individual plans will be refined with measurable targets and consolidated into a single implementation document to guide the partners.

Lamin Fatty of the PPP Directorate delivered the closing remarks, while Vanessa Katsekpor, Country Representative, expressed appreciation to participants in a vote of thanks.

Ghana calls for Africa-China climate pledges to deliver investment, jobs

2026-11-11T03:53:42.571-08:00

Ghana has urged China and its African partners to move beyond climate finance commitments and accelerate the development of bankable projects capable of driving green industrialisation, creating jobs and strengthening resilience to climate change across the continent.

The call was made by Ghana’s Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability during a high-level discussion at the Ghana Pavilion in the Blue Zone of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Wednesday.

The discussion, held under the theme “Shared Future, Shared Prosperity: Aligning Climate Prosperity Plans with the Green Belt and Road”, examined ways to translate commitments under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) into viable investment opportunities that support Africa’s development priorities.

For Ghana, climate action is not charity; it is a strategic investment in our future,” the Minister said, stressing that climate investments should be viewed as opportunities to accelerate industrialisation, create decent jobs, improve energy security and build a more resilient economy.

He said Ghana was strengthening its climate leadership and coordination through the establishment of a dedicated Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability by President John Dramani Mahama.

The Minister also highlighted Ghana’s position as host of the headquarters of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable Twenty Group (CVF-V20), which advocate for countries particularly exposed to the impacts of climate change.

He said the country was advancing its climate ambitions through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Green Finance Taxonomy and other measures aimed at strengthening institutional coordination and mobilising climate finance.

Ghana’s Climate Prosperity Plan, he added, provides a framework for translating climate priorities into investment opportunities while ensuring that development objectives are aligned with climate resilience.

However, he stressed that access to affordable financing and debt sustainability remained critical to enabling climate-vulnerable countries to pursue their development ambitions without worsening their economic challenges.

Turning commitments into investments

The Minister welcomed China’s commitment under the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan for 2025–2027 to support 30 clean energy and green development projects across Africa, but emphasised the need to ensure that the commitment resulted in tangible investments.

The true measure of our partnership must be our ability to translate these commitments into bankable projects, mobilized finance, and tangible development outcomes,” he said.

With the action plan approaching its final year, he called for accelerated efforts to prepare viable projects, attract investment and move from commitments to implementation.

He identified Country Platforms and Climate Prosperity Plans as important instruments for helping African governments establish national priorities, develop credible investment pipelines and connect projects with financing, technology and implementation partners.

According to him, the Green Belt and Road Initiative could provide an important channel for investments in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation and green technologies.

He, however, emphasised that such investments must reflect the priorities of participating countries, build local capabilities and deliver sustainable benefits to communities.

African ownership central to climate cooperation

The Minister further called for stronger practical cooperation between the CVF-V20 and the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition to ensure that climate partnerships produce measurable development outcomes.

He said the success of the collaboration should not be judged by the volume of commitments announced but by the investments secured, projects delivered, jobs created and communities made more resilient.

Our success should be measured by the projects we developed, the investments we mobilized, the jobs we create, and the resilience we build for our communities,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of African ownership in shaping climate investment priorities, cautioning against development approaches that leave countries on the continent merely receiving externally designed interventions.

Above all, let us ensure that African countries remain at the center of defining and driving their own development pathways,” he added.

Ghana’s intervention reinforces the need for Africa-China climate cooperation to move beyond diplomatic commitments towards practical investment partnerships that support national development priorities, strengthen local economies and improve livelihoods.

Waste Management Can Boost Ghana’s Energy Transition – Jospong Manager

2026-11-10T14:01:02.207-08:00

By Kofi Ahovi, reporting from Antalya, Türkiye

Waste management could play a significant role in Ghana’s transition to cleaner energy through the recovery and conversion of methane generated from waste into usable energy, General Manager of Green Transition at Jospong Group, Dr. Glenn Kwabena Gyimah, has said.

He said the adoption of appropriate technologies to capture methane from waste could provide an alternative energy source for households and industries while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Speaking in an interview after an energy security session at the 4th CEEW Leaders’ Dialogue at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, Gyimah said countries needed to pursue their development priorities while making deliberate efforts to minimise their environmental impact.

Each country’s development needs are different. We must consider those needs and how energy supports them, while making policy choices that minimise our climate footprint,” he said.

He noted that energy remained central to economic growth and industrial development, making the transition to cleaner sources a major policy challenge, particularly for developing countries.

According to him, countries pursuing the energy transition must consider the cost and availability of alternative energy sources, as well as the different stages of economic development.

He observed that developed economies had built much of their industrial capacity using conventional energy systems, making it necessary to recognise the different circumstances confronting developing countries in their transition efforts.

Gyimah identified methane recovery from waste as one of the opportunities Ghana could exploit to diversify its energy sources and support industrial activity.

He said with the right technology and investment, methane generated from waste could be captured and converted into energy for industrial processes, household use and cooking.

He added that Jospong Group’s waste management operations presented an opportunity to link environmental sustainability with energy production, while reducing the volume of emissions associated with waste disposal.

The initiative, he said, could contribute to Ghana’s broader climate objectives by turning waste into an economic resource rather than treating it solely as an environmental challenge.

The 4th CEEW Leaders’ Dialogue, held in the Blue Zone at COP31, brought together stakeholders to discuss strategic international partnerships for addressing national energy and development priorities.

Held under the theme, “The New Energy Play: Strategic International Partnerships for National Priorities,” the dialogue examined issues surrounding energy security, water security and the challenges countries face in meeting their development needs amid the global energy transition.

The energy security session challenged participants to identify key energy challenges confronting countries in 2030 and 2050 and propose initial measures for developing common solutions.

Gyimah said Jospong intended to use its participation at COP31 to contribute to discussions on practical climate solutions and demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to addressing climate change.

COP31 Leaders Push Electrification to Tackle Global Energy Crisis

2026-11-10T13:40:13.759-08:00

By Faustina Dagadu

Leaders of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) have called for an accelerated global shift towards electrification and clean energy, describing it as a critical response to rising fossil fuel costs, energy insecurity and the worsening climate crisis.

They said expanding electricity use across transport, buildings and industry would help countries reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy security and lower costs for households and businesses.

Speaking at a joint COP31 Presidency press conference in Antalya, Türkiye, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, said countries faced a choice between embracing electrification and continuing to bear the economic consequences of dependence on fossil fuels.

Nations now face a choice: electric or shock. Rewire the global economy for the electricity age. Or accept ongoing fossil fuel cost pain for families, firms, and national budgets,” he said.

Stiell said clean energy had become increasingly affordable, noting that 90 per cent of large renewable energy projects were now cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

He observed that renewables had overtaken coal in global electricity generation, representing significant progress since the adoption of the Paris Agreement more than a decade ago.

However, he cautioned that the global transition remained uneven, with several countries requiring additional support to participate fully.

Up to 75% of energy demand can already be electrified with existing technologies,” he said, calling for faster deployment of available solutions and expanded electricity access across communities.

Stiell said COP31 should build on previous climate agreements by concentrating on practical solutions that would help countries translate their international commitments and national climate plans into measurable results.

He said the conference was adopting a different approach through two complementary tracks: formal negotiations and the Global Climate Action Agenda.

COP31 President, Murat Kurum, said the conference was determined to become an implementation-focused summit that would produce tangible outcomes rather than rely on declarations.

We want this to be an implementation COP. We want to get results,” he said, adding that the presidency wanted participants to leave Antalya with evidence that concrete progress had been made.

He said the swift adoption of the conference agenda had provided a positive start to negotiations and expressed confidence that parties would maintain the same spirit of cooperation throughout the two-week summit.

Kurum also reaffirmed the importance of keeping the global 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit within reach, warning that even a temporary overshoot could result in irreversible losses and damage.

Our duty is to act swiftly to limit the temperature rise, minimise the extent and duration of any overshoot, and return below that threshold,” he said.

He stressed that adaptation and loss and damage must remain central to the climate agenda, with COP31 expected to address resilience across different sectors, including oceans and cities.

On electrification, Kurum said the conference was promoting the 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge, which seeks to increase electricity's share of global final energy consumption from approximately 23 per cent currently to 35 per cent by 2035.

He said the initiative was particularly important given the vulnerability of countries dependent on imported fuels.

Between March and August this year, fuel-importing countries incurred approximately US$330 billion in additional costs, he said, citing the impact of volatility in international energy markets.

Kurum said Türkiye was also pursuing energy independence through electrification and other measures, adding that the country wanted COP31 to bring political commitment and investment together to accelerate the transition.

COP31 President of Negotiations, Chris Bowen, said the conference was taking place against the backdrop of multiple global crises, including rising living costs, energy insecurity, artificial intelligence-related pressure on electricity grids and worsening climate impacts.

He said the growing cost of fossil fuels and declining reliability of supply had placed additional pressure on households and economies.

Bowen said countries needed to demonstrate that multilateral cooperation remained effective in addressing global challenges.

Countries working together is not only the best way, it is the only way – the only way – of dealing with climate change and the other crises countries are facing,” he said.

He described the 35-by-35 electrification target as ambitious but necessary, explaining that global electrification had increased gradually from 17 per cent in 2005 to 19 per cent in 2015 and approximately 23 per cent currently.

Achieving 35 per cent by 2035, he said, would require more than a fourfold increase in the current rate of electrification.

Bowen said Australia and Türkiye were working closely together to coordinate the conference, describing their partnership as an integrated effort to deliver a successful COP31.

He also disclosed that consultations were ongoing with parties on how electrification could be reflected in the conference's final decision.

The three leaders maintained that the success of COP31 would ultimately be measured by its ability to translate climate commitments into practical improvements in energy access, affordability, resilience and emissions reduction.

Ashigbey: Ghana Must Maximise Returns from Gold Fields Tarkwa Lease Renewal

2026-11-10T12:33:20.564-08:00

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has called on the Government of Ghana to renew Gold Fields’ mining leases for the Tarkwa Mine, but has stressed that the extension must be negotiated on terms that deliver greater benefits to the country.

His position comes amid growing public debate over the value Ghana has received from the mine since Gold Fields took over its operations in 1993, and renewed scrutiny of the financial terms governing the company’s continued presence in the country.

While acknowledging the need for Ghana to secure better returns from its mineral resources, Ing. Ashigbey argues that the country must also recognise the investments made by Gold Fields and the importance of maintaining confidence in long-term mining agreements.

He believes the company’s record of investment and its contribution to transforming the mine provide a basis for considering an extension, provided the negotiations secure terms that are more beneficial to the state.

Ing. Ashigbey’s position is that Ghana should not approach the lease renewal solely as an opportunity to revisit historical payments. Rather, the country must assess what the mine has become, the investments required to sustain it and the value that can be secured for the future.

Gold Fields’s records say it has invested approximately US$5 billion in capital and more than US$50 million in exploration at Tarkwa over the past three decades. The operation has grown from a relatively small underground mine into one of Africa’s major open-pit gold mines.

For the CEO of the industry body, this transformation demonstrates the importance of investment, technology and operational expertise in developing large-scale mineral resources.

However, recognising these contributions should not prevent Ghana from negotiating stronger fiscal returns, increased local participation, skills development, procurement opportunities and greater benefits for host communities.

The challenge is to secure a deal that protects the country’s interests without creating uncertainty for investors who commit substantial capital to projects with long development periods.

Why the Renewal Matters Beyond Gold Fields

Ing. Ashigbey also warns that the way Ghana handles Gold Fields’ lease renewal could have implications beyond the mining industry.

He argues that confidence in the security of mining leases is important not only to international companies but also to Ghanaian-owned businesses and other investors operating in capital-intensive sectors.

Companies such as Adamus Resources, Heath Gold Fields and other local operators also depend on predictable regulatory arrangements to plan investments and sustain operations.

For now, Gold Fields has submitted an application to renew its Tarkwa leases, but the negotiations remain unresolved. Five of its six mining leases are due to expire in April 2027. The company has said it is seeking an agreement that supports further investment and long-term operations.

The renewal, for Ing. Ashigbey, should be an opportunity to negotiate a stronger national value proposition.

This means carefully examining the fiscal terms, royalty arrangements, local procurement commitments, employment and skills transfer, environmental obligations, community development and the mine’s long-term investment plans.

It also means ensuring that the state has the information and technical capacity needed to assess the company’s proposals and negotiate from an informed position.

With all that Gold Fields has done materially meeting the terms of its lease. Ghana should extend their lease at terms beneficial to Ghana,” he concluded his comment.

The government has already indicated that renewal will not be automatic and that Gold Fields’ operational and development plans must be reviewed.

Source: Thehighstreetjournal

Chamber of Mines CEO Rejects Claim Gold Fields Acquired Tarkwa Mine for $30,000

2026-11-10T12:23:47.462-08:00

Kenneth Ashigbey disputes Kofi Bentil’s claim that Gold Fields acquired Tarkwa Mine for just US$30,000, citing additional payments, multiple leases and substantial investments that transformed the formerly loss-making underground operation.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has challenged claims by lawyer Kofi Bentil that Gold Fields acquired the Tarkwa Mine for a mere US$30,000.

The CEO of the Chamber describes the said figure as a misleading representation of the broader financial commitments and investments associated with the mine.

The disagreement follows a social media post by Kofi Bentil, who shared an extract from the mining lease between the Government of Ghana and Gold Fields, drawing attention to Clause 20, which provides for a US$30,000 consideration fee.

Kofi Bentil argued that Ghana e
ffectively handed over a highly valuable mine for a paltry amount, despite the mine’s reported earnings of about US$30 billion over three decades.

He further claimed that the mine’s infrastructure had already been developed under the former State Gold Mining Corporation before Gold Fields took over, and called for the cancellation of the company’s lease.

However, Ing. Ken Ashigbey argues that focusing on the US$30,000 provision without considering the wider transaction, subsequent leases and investment history presents an incomplete picture of the mine’s development.

The US$30,000 Figure and the Wider Payments

According to the CEO of the Chamber of Mines, Ghana has historically used standard mining lease agreements for companies seeking mineral rights, meaning the consideration provision in Gold Fields’ lease was not an exceptional arrangement created specifically for the company.

He argues that the provision should not be interpreted as the total amount paid by a mining company to secure and operate a mineral concession.

Other payments, he explains, include application and processing fees, annual mineral rights fees, ground rent and other statutory charges that may not be captured in the consideration clause.

He therefore disputes the suggestion that the US$30,000 represented the full consideration paid by Gold Fields. He says the company paid US$3 million in 1992 and 1993 to access information relating to the then underground Tarkwa Mine.

He further points out that Gold Fields currently operates under six mining leases, five of which, according to his account, were issued in 1997 rather than in 1993 when the company took over the mine.

From Underground Operations to a Major Open-Pit Mine

Ing Ashigbey further argues that the value of Gold Fields’ contribution should be assessed against the transformation of the operation.

He says the underground mine inherited by the company was loss-making and produced between 12,000 and 24,000 ounces of gold annually. Gold Fields subsequently invested in establishing the mine’s open-pit potential, processing infrastructure and modern production facilities.

These included heap-leach plants and a Carbon-in-Leach processing plant, which Mr Ashigbey describes as among the most efficient globally, with gold recovery rates exceeding 97 to 98 per cent.

The company’s own profile says it has invested approximately US$5 billion in capital and more than US$50 million in exploration at Tarkwa over three decades, transforming production from about 12,000 ounces annually to an estimated 500,000 ounces.

The Bigger Question for Ghana

The CEO further indicates that the mine’s development has supported Ghanaian employment, technical expertise and local businesses, including companies that have emerged around the mining ecosystem.

He was, however quick to add that this stance does not mean Ghana should ignore the need to secure better terms from the operation.

He believes that the debate should rather focus on how can the country obtain greater value from its mineral resources while recognising the capital, technology and expertise required to develop large-scale mines.

Source: Thehighstreetjournal

Stanbic-Asantehene Invitational Golf Tournament strengthens relationships and excellence through sport

2026-11-10T10:53:13.569-08:00

His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II (Center) with Kwamina Asomaning, Chief Executive, Stanbic Bank and Executives of the Bank

The 2026 Stanbic-Asantehene Invitational Golf Tournament brought together golfers, business leaders and distinguished guests at the Kumasi Royal Golf Club for two days of sporting excellence, networking and relationship-building.

Held under the patronage of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the tournament reaffirmed the power of sport in fostering connections, promoting excellence and creating opportunities for engagement among stakeholders from diverse sectors.

Addressing the leadership of Stanbic and golfers, the Asantehene underscored the importance of golf as a discipline that promotes integrity, patience, focus and respect, values that are equally important in leadership, business and community development. He commended the continued partnership between traditional institutions and the private sector in advancing initiatives that unite people and contribute to national development.

The Asantehene also noted that platforms such as the Stanbic-Asantehene Invitational Golf Tournament provide a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to build lasting relationships while supporting the growth of sport in Ghana.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Kwamina Asomaning, said the tournament reflects the Bank's commitment to fostering meaningful connections among its clients, partners and stakeholders.

At Stanbic, we believe strong relationships are fundamental to progress. This tournament provides an excellent platform for bringing together business leaders, professionals and golf enthusiasts in an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, shared learning and lasting partnerships," he said.

Asomaning added that the Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that create value beyond banking by promoting platforms that contribute to personal development, business growth and community engagement.

For her part, Head of Brand and Marketing at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Chidinma Braye-Yankee, highlighted the role of sport as a powerful connector across industries and communities.

Golf provides a unique opportunity for people from different backgrounds and industries to connect, build relationships and share experiences. Through the Stanbic-Asantehene Invitational, we are proud to support an initiative that brings together the values of excellence, integrity and community," she said.

She explained that the Bank's partnership with the Asantehene reflects its appreciation of institutions and traditional leadership that continue to play an important role in community development and national progress.

According to Braye-Yankee, the tournament forms part of Stanbic Bank's broader strategy of creating meaningful experiences that deepen relationships with clients and stakeholders while supporting the growth of sporting excellence in Ghana.

The two-day competition featured golfers from across the country and provided opportunities for friendly competition, networking and camaraderie, further cementing the tournament's reputation as one of Ghana's premier golfing events.

Through the Stanbic-Asantehene Invitational Golf Tournament, Stanbic Bank Ghana and the Asantehene continue to demonstrate the value of partnership in promoting sport, strengthening relationships and advancing a culture of excellence.

Caption: His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II (Center) with Kwamina Asomaning, Chief Executive, Stanbic Bank and Executives of the Bank.

Ghana Chamber of Mines Urges Caution in Mining Sector Reforms to Protect Jobs and Investment

2026-11-06T10:58:33.032-08:00

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called for sustained dialogue and careful consideration of the economic implications of ongoing mining sector reforms, stressing that efforts to deepen Ghanaian participation must also safeguard employment, investment and the industry’s long-term competitiveness.

The Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, said recent concerns expressed by mineworkers and host communities highlighted the importance of consultation and a balanced approach to mining policy and regulatory decisions.

His comments follow protests by mineworkers at Akyem Abirem over the directive to transition certain mining operations from owner mining to contract mining. The workers have raised concerns about potential implications for job security, wages, benefits and existing conditions of service.

Nantogmah acknowledged government’s commitment to strengthening local participation in the mining industry, describing it as an important national objective that the Chamber supports.

Greater Ghanaian participation in mining is an objective we all share. However, the approach must protect existing jobs, maintain safety and operational efficiency, and ensure that the industry remains competitive enough to sustain investment and create new opportunities,” he said.

He emphasised that significant changes to established mining operating models require meaningful consultation among regulators, mining companies, employees and other stakeholders to ensure that policy objectives are achieved without unintended economic consequences.

Commenting on the ongoing discussions surrounding the renewal of Gold Fields Ghana’s Tarkwa mining leases, Mr. Nantogmah acknowledged the expectations of host communities for greater and more visible benefits from mineral development.

Mining communities must see tangible improvements in their livelihoods. Equally, investors must have confidence that their rights and obligations will be administered fairly and consistently. These objectives are not mutually exclusive,” he stated.

He stressed the importance of constructive engagement with traditional authorities and other stakeholders, while ensuring that decisions concerning mineral rights are guided by transparent, predictable and lawful procedures.

Nantogmah also noted the recent regulatory developments involving Adamus Resources and Northern Ashanti Mines, emphasising the importance of continued engagement in addressing such matters.

He acknowledged the responsibility of the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to ensure compliance with mining laws, while encouraging dialogue, due process and mutual understanding in resolving regulatory concerns in the interest of sustaining investor confidence and protecting Ghana’s mining industry.

The COO further pointed to recent operational and financial results announced by Galiano Gold and AngloGold Ashanti as indications of the industry’s capacity to sustain production and pursue further investment opportunities.

He noted that realising this potential requires a stable operating environment, access to capital and a competitive fiscal and regulatory framework.

Our collective objective should be to develop mining policies that secure fair revenues for the State, expand opportunities for Ghanaian businesses, protect jobs and deliver lasting benefits to communities, while encouraging the investments needed to sustain future mineral production,” he said.

Nantogmah reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to working constructively with government, regulators, organised labour, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive and responsible mining investment destination.

MoMo Hackathon Heats Up: 5 Southern Finalists Join Race For GH¢100,000 Grand Prize

2026-11-06T10:32:43.585-08:00

By Majid Diallo

Five innovators from the Southern Zone have booked their place in the grand finale of the Mobile Money FinTech Limited (MMFL) Fintech Lab Hackathon, after an exciting zonal competition in Accra.

The Chief Products and Services Officer of Mobile Money Limited, Sylvia Otuo Acheampong, made the announcement at the just-ended MMFL Fintech Lab Hackathon - Accra.

She said the hackathon is a tech-based competition for developers, entrepreneurs and startups to share ideas, and this year it was enlarged into an ecosystem platform involving partners, banks, fintechs and the Bank of Ghana.

We started this journey a few weeks back when we wanted to enlarge our hackathon competition," Acheampong said. "We created this platform as an ecosystem platform. So all partners, banks, fintechs, the central bank were all involved in the launch, and the journey started from there."

The competition started with zonal contests across the country.

In Tamale, in the Northern Zone, 12 participants presented, and five emerged as finalists.

In Kumasi, in the Central Belt, 19 ideas were presented, with another top five qualifying.

The Southern Zone competition was held in Accra, where 10 ideas were presented covering SME savings, credit, waste management and other solutions using the Mobile Money platform as the payment rail.

Five top winners were selected from Accra, bringing the total to 15 finalists for the grand finale.

In the grand finale, it will then be the 15 — five from Tamale, five from the Central Belt, and five from the Southern Belt — who will compete for the grand prize of GH¢100,000," Acheampong said.

The 10 teams that contested in Accra, in order of ranking, were:

1. Gbe la — 1st
2. Autosave — 2nd
3. Frictionless Tolling — 3rd
4. Eco trust — 4th
5. Adawise — 5th
6. Recyclink — 6th
7. Lebe Finance — 7th
8. ESOG — 8th
9. Connect App — 9th
10. Finora cash — 10th

The top five — Gbe la, Autosave, Frictionless Tolling, Eco trust and Adawise — will represent the Southern Zone at the grand finale.

Each of the five winners received a cash amount of GH¢5,000 instantly, while the other contestants received goodies for their efforts.

Acheampong, who served as a judge and also delivered the keynote address on behalf of CEO Shaibu Haruna, said the ideas presented in Accra were mind-blowing.

We've seen a lot of interesting ideas today," she said. "They are solving critical problems."

She highlighted the first winner, Gbe la, which is solving the challenge of illiteracy in using text-based apps, by building a model where users can use voice in multiple languages to still transact business.

It's at its infant stage," she said, adding that participants received coaching from dedicated partners across the ecosystem to guide them to the zonal stage.

Acheampong stressed that the hackathon is not just about winning money, but about building viable businesses.

These ideas we will also harness them and really see how we can expand on them to become viable businesses. It's really giving them a platform," she said.

"We are hoping that there will be startups that will be born out of these ideas that can be expanded, so it's a full ecosystem backing, and we will support them through and through."

Participants are being supported with technical and business acumen, and encouraged to test their ideas with customers to get feedback.

We are hoping that all 15 contestants will show up at the grand finale with maybe a more enhanced product and solutions to win," she said

The competition attracted 1,791 applicants nationwide — the largest since the competition started.

We got 1,791 applicants, which is very impressive. Very, very. It's the largest we've seen since we started running such competition," Acheampong said.

She also revealed that at the launch, the Minister charged the organisers to expand the hackathon beyond a one-off event into an annual exercise.

The concept has to be expanded. We need to give more people opportunity to come. And this is how we build small businesses and startups," she said. "Definitely, we will be looking at expanding this, making it more open. Now you've gone nationwide, so getting more people to build the confidence to really participate."

She thanked media partners who have followed the competition from the north to Accra, and urged them to see it through to the grand finale.

So the battle is really sitting within the 15," she said.

Chamber Of Mines Backs GAF Accommodation Project With US$400,000

2026-11-06T09:52:22.051-08:00

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has donated US$400,000 to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to support the construction of accommodation for military officers and their families.

The donation, presented on Friday, November 6, 2026, is aimed at improving the living conditions of officers and providing a conducive environment for their families while they serve the country at home and abroad.

Presenting the cheque, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr. Ken Ashigbe, said the donation reflected the Chamber’s recognition of the Armed Forces’ contribution to national peace, security and stability.

He said the mining industry acknowledged the sacrifices and commitment of military personnel in safeguarding the country, particularly in areas where mining companies operate.

The Chamber acknowledges the service, stability and partnership that the officers provide to keep our nation safe. We value your service, sacrifice and partnership,” he said.

Dr. Ashigbe said peace and security were essential foundations for economic growth and prosperity, adding that the Ghana Armed Forces had played a pivotal role in maintaining Ghana’s stability.

He explained that the Chamber's corporate responsibility extended beyond the payment of taxes to supporting institutions and initiatives that contributed to national development.

We operate with the understanding that our contributions must go beyond taxes. We must also support the peace and stability that Ghana enjoys,” he stated.

He said the US$400,000 would contribute towards the construction of accommodation for officers and their families, noting that the Chamber had supported the Armed Forces on previous occasions, including a US$300,000 contribution to the Ghana Air Force to help repair and refurbish faulty aircraft for security operations.

The Chamber also proposed that the accommodation facility, or a section of it, be named after the Ghana Chamber of Mines in recognition of its contribution.

Receiving the donation, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, expressed appreciation to the Chamber, describing the support as an important contribution towards addressing the accommodation needs of military personnel.

He recalled his earlier encounter with Dr. Ashigbe during Operation Vanguard, when the latter was Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group.

According to him, Dr. Ashigbe played an important role in publicising the operations of Operation Vanguard and highlighting the efforts of the security personnel working to combat illegal mining.

He said the operation also benefited from positive collaboration with mining companies, demonstrating the importance of cooperation between the military and the private sector in addressing national challenges.

Lieutenant General Agyapong stressed that providing decent accommodation for officers was important to their welfare and operational effectiveness.

He said officers deployed on assignments across the country and abroad needed the assurance that their families were safe and comfortable while they carried out their duties.

We need to provide proper accommodation for our officers so that when they are on duty, both at home and abroad, they will have peace of mind knowing that their families are safe,” he said.

The Chief of the Defence Staff called on other corporate organisations and individuals committed to national development to support the Armed Forces' efforts to provide decent accommodation for personnel.

He noted that some corporate entities had already responded to the call but urged more organisations to join the initiative.

Other corporate entities have come on board, but we are calling on others to also join us so that we can provide conducive accommodation for our officers. They should do the needful and support us,” he appealed.

He assured the Chamber that the funds would be put to good use and applied exclusively to the intended purpose.

He also indicated that the Armed Forces would consider the proposal to name the facility, or part of it, after the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

MMFL Reaffirms Commitment to Financial Inclusion Through Digital Infrastructure Investment

2026-11-06T05:04:20.037-08:00

By: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo

MobileMoney Fintech Ltd (MMFL) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding financial inclusion in Ghana through investments in digital infrastructure, secure payment platforms, and strategic technology partnerships.

The company aims to improve access to financial services, particularly in underserved communities, while strengthening transaction security, promoting innovation and supporting the country’s growing digital economy.

The Chief Technology and Service Delivery Officer of MMFL, Charles Asamoah Assah, outlined these priorities during a panel discussion at the Ghana–Korea Business Forum, held under the theme “Business • Innovation • Partnership.”

Strengthening Digital Financial Services

Assah said the expansion of financial services depended on resilient telecommunications infrastructure and secure digital platforms capable of supporting increasing transaction volumes.

If we are talking about financial inclusion, we must have the right connectivity to support that growth,” he stated.

He explained that the growing adoption of mobile money and electronic payment services required continuous investment in technology to ensure efficient, reliable and secure transactions.

People must feel confident that their transactions are safe and that their money will reach the intended recipient,” he added.

Expanding Financial Access to Underserved Communities

Assah stressed the need to bridge the digital divide by extending essential telecommunications services to rural and underserved communities.

He cited the commissioning of telecommunications towers in previously unconnected areas as an example of how improved network access could stimulate commercial activity and create opportunities for local businesses.

According to him, access to digital financial services enables traders, small businesses and rural residents to conduct transactions, access financial products and participate more actively in the formal economy.

Promoting Technology Transfer and Local Innovation

Assah called for stronger collaboration between Ghanaian and Korean technology companies to promote skills development, knowledge exchange and innovation.

He proposed establishing a regional knowledge-sharing hub where Ghanaian engineers, students and young entrepreneurs could receive practical training and benefit from Korean technological expertise.

He said such partnerships would strengthen local capacity to develop solutions tailored to Ghana’s needs, reduce dependence on imported technologies and create employment opportunities.

He also advocated extending technical training and innovation programmes beyond major cities to nurture talent across the country.

Strengthening Digital Security and Consumer Confidence

Touching on cybersecurity, Assah emphasised the importance of protecting customer transactions and maintaining public confidence in digital financial services.

He said financial technology providers must continuously upgrade their systems to safeguard customer funds, minimise service disruptions and maintain operational efficiency.

He stressed that investments in digital infrastructure must be accompanied by stronger security measures and reliable payment systems to encourage wider adoption of financial technology services.

Ghana–Korea Partnership Offers New Opportunities

Assah encouraged Korean technology firms to develop solutions that respond to Ghana’s market needs and regulatory requirements to ensure sustainable investment partnerships.

He identified green technologies, infrastructure management and digital innovation as potential areas for cooperation between businesses in the two countries.

From there, we can develop and scale solutions that support new industries, strengthen our infrastructure, and create opportunities for our people,” he remarked.

The forum brought together government officials, Korean investors, technology executives and business leaders to explore investment opportunities, technology transfer and partnerships to advance Ghana’s industrial and digital transformation.

10 Young Fintech Innovators to Battle for National Finalist Spots at MoMo Fintech Lab Accra Hackathon

2026-11-06T04:56:05.055-08:00

Ten innovators from the Southern Zone of the 2026 MoMo Fintech Lab will pitch their solutions to a panel of industry experts on Friday, November 6, 2026, competing for five places in the National Mentorship Programme. Hosted by MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL), the Accra Zonal Hackathon Pitch competition will take place at 9:00 a.m. at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra.

Selected from 19 ideas presented at the Accra Bootcamp, the 10 teams have completed three days of intensive training, pitching sessions and mentorship to refine their ideas, develop prototypes and strengthen their business models. Their solutions address everyday financial needs, including security, savings, payments and payment solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Accra event ends the zonal competitions, following bootcamps and hackathon competitions in Tamale and Kumasi. Five teams will be selected to join their counterparts from the Northern and Middle Zones for the National Mentorship Programme, where they will receive further guidance to strengthen their solutions ahead of National Demo Day.

Commenting on the programme, Shaibu Haruna, Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Fintech LTD, said, “Through the zonal bootcamps and hackathons, we have seen promising ideas addressing challenges across different sectors of the economy. Participants have focused on specific needs in their communities, including agricultural support, security for traders and merchant solutions. Our focus is to help these innovators strengthen their solutions, build commercially viable business models and prepare for the next stage of the programme. We remain committed to supporting innovation that creates meaningful impact and contributes to Ghana’s digital economy.”

The MoMo Fintech Lab identifies, mentors and supports emerging innovators to develop practical, commercially viable fintech solutions that address everyday challenges, expand financial access and strengthen Ghana’s digital economy.

Beyond the competition, the programme equips participants with technical, leadership and commercialisation skills and connects them with experienced mentors and industry players. The aim is to help innovators turn promising ideas into sustainable, scalable solutions that respond to the needs of individuals, businesses and communities.
The programme will culminate in a National Demo Day on December 3, 2026, at the UPSA Auditorium. Six finalists will showcase their solutions and compete for cash awards of up to GHS 100,000, digital devices and other support to advance their innovations.

The MoMo Fintech Lab is organised in partnership with the Bank of Ghana, with support from ecosystem partners including GCB Bank, Hubtel, appsNmobile, Zenith Bank, First National Bank, Blue Penguin, Korba, Fidelity Bank, Afrifanom (VaMiJo) and JUMO

MMFL’s Shaibu Haruna Named Fintech CEO of the Year for Second Consecutive Year

2026-11-05T05:46:04.167-08:00

Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL), Shaibu Haruna, has been named CEO of the Year – Fintech, at the Ghana CEO Vision & Awards 2026, securing the honour for the second consecutive year.

The award follows a year of milestones spanning MMFL’s transition to a dedicated fintech business, industry collaboration on trusted digital finance and opportunities for emerging innovators. Haruna’s work across these areas has brought together business development, ecosystem partnerships and investment in future talent.

Earlier in 2026, Haruna was also named Fintech CEO of the Year at the MTN Group Global Leadership Gathering.

A key milestone in 2026 was the structural separation of Scancom PLC’s mobile money business, effective March 31, with Haruna overseeing MMFL’s transition as Chief Executive Officer. The statutory merger of MobileMoney Ltd. into MobileMoney Fintech LTD supported focused fintech growth and compliance with localisation requirements under the Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 (Act 987).

The business also continued to grow. MoMo revenue rose by 35.7 per cent in 2025, while active users reached 19.3 million. Revenue growth continued in the first half of 2026, supported by basic services, digital payments and lending.

Beyond the business transition, his industry contributions have addressed the conditions needed for sustainable fintech growth. At the 3i Africa Summit, Haruna advocated stronger consumer protection in digital lending, interoperability and shared financial infrastructure. His recorded contribution to the Future of Finance Dialogues explored how regulation, trust and technology can support digital finance.

Collaboration has been a recurring theme. Through the Fintech Partner Exchange, he supported a collective response to digital fraud and the sharing of forum outcomes with stakeholders. On digital assets, virtual assets and tokenisation, he called for banks and fintechs to build new services on Ghana’s existing mobile money infrastructure.

He also contributed to the MTN Group Fintech Summit’s “Africa’s Velocity Index” CEO panel on financial health, resilience and market maturity. Through the Fintech Media Development Series, he engaged journalists on fintech strategy, financial inclusion, cybersecurity and consumer protection, strengthening their capacity to report accurately on the fintech industry and deepen public trust.

The emphasis throughout has been on what digital finance enables people and businesses to do. At the Ghana CEO Vision & Awards High-Level Dialogue, he called for digital financial records to help expand access to credit, savings and investment.

Haruna advocates collaboration across the fintech ecosystem to deliver value to customers and promote financial health. Nurturing the people who will build the next generation of financial services is another part of this agenda. His commitment to identifying and developing talent is reflected in the MoMo Fintech Lab, convened by MMFL in partnership with the Bank of Ghana and fintech ecosystem players. The nationwide programme supports students, developers, entrepreneurs, startups and innovators to turn ideas into practical financial solutions.

Commenting on the recognition, Haruna thanked the organisers and acknowledged the contribution of his team and partners: “I am honored to receive this award for the second consecutive year. I share this recognition with the MMFL team and our partners across the fintech ecosystem. We remain committed to building trusted financial services, strengthening collaboration and nurturing the talent that will shape the future of fintech in Ghana.”

A team from MobileMoney Fintech LTD received the award on Mr. Haruna’s behalf at the ceremony.

Prudential Bank Charts New Path for Growth at Post-Recapitalisation Town Hall

2026-11-05T05:35:49.869-08:00

The halls of Prudential Bank LTD came alive last Friday as staff gathered for a highly anticipated Staff Durbar and Town Hall meeting following the successful GHS 1.13 billion recapitalisation, which was recently announced.

The engagement formed part of the Bank‘s internal communication efforts to keep employees informed about significant corporate developments, address questions, and promote a shared understanding of the Bank’s priorities.

The atmosphere was one of unity and pride, with the Bank’s Head Office Annex premises flooded by high-spirited staff.

Leading the main activity on the night, the Group Board Chairman of Bloom Africa Holding Ghana Limited and the Shareholders’ Representative, Gabriel Edgal delivered a powerful message of confidence, strategic vision, and unwavering support from the Board.

He commended the management team and the entire workforce for steering the Bank through the recapitalisation phase, reminding everyone that the Board remains fully committed to PBL’s long-term growth and market dominance.

His words served as an undeniable focal point, providing a profound sense of direction and reassurance, which served as the emotional and strategic anchor of the entire event.

Earlier in a presentation, the Acting Managing Director, Ebow Quayson, expressed profound gratitude to the staff for their resilience and hard work throughout the challenging recapitalisation process.

The recapitalisation marks an essential step in strengthening Prudential Bank’s capacity to pursue its strategic ambitions, invest in technology, and enhance the experience we deliver to our customers. As we move forward, the commitment, collaboration, and professionalism of our staff will be essential in translating this strengthened foundation into sustainable growth and long-term value for our customers and stakeholders,” he said.

The Town Hall also served as the platform for the formal introduction of the newly appointed members of the Board and the Bank’s Executive Committee (EXCO).

The tone of the evening shifted seamlessly from the speeches to celebration as the Town Hall transitioned into a massive TGIF event. Across all branches nationwide, staff let their hair down, enjoying good food, great music, and well-deserved relaxation.

Staff considered the activities of the evening a resounding success, proving that when PBL is aligned, transparent, and united, there is no limit to what can be achieved.

Chamber pushes local manufacturing to retain mining wealth in Ghana

2026-11-04T10:11:30.386-08:00

The Ghana Chamber of Mines is advocating stronger local manufacturing capacity and partnerships between domestic businesses and international suppliers to ensure that more of the value generated by the mining industry remains in the country.

The Chamber says Ghana must move beyond relying on local companies as importers and distributors of mining supplies to building their capacity to manufacture equipment, inputs and other products required by mining operations.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr. Ken Ashigbe, said procurement accounted for more than 60 per cent of the value generated in the mining industry, making it a critical area for Ghana to improve its economic returns from mineral extraction.

He said the country stood to gain more if a greater proportion of mining companies' procurement expenditure was channelled into locally manufactured goods and services rather than imported products.

Majority, over 60 per cent of that goes into procurement. And so how do we ensure that we are not exporting the value out, but we are retaining that particular value?” he said.

Dr. Ashigbe made the remarks in an interview on the sidelines of a civil society dialogue on Ghana's mining resources organised by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines in Accra.

The dialogue, held under the theme, “Ghana's Mining Fiscal and Revenue Governance Architecture: Is Ghana Maximising Value from its Mineral Wealth?”, brought together industry players and civil society organisations to examine how Ghana could derive greater economic benefits from its mineral resources.

Dr. Ashigbe said the Chamber was considering ways to bring international suppliers and Ghanaian companies together to establish joint ventures that would facilitate technology transfer, local production and skills development.

Under the proposed arrangement, foreign suppliers could provide the technology and technical expertise while local companies and communities contribute resources and business capacity to support manufacturing activities in Ghana.

He said such partnerships would allow Ghanaian businesses to participate in higher-value activities instead of limiting their involvement to importing products and reselling them to mining companies.

He explained that the Chamber was incorporating discussions on value retention into its strategy for the coming years, with particular attention to procurement practices and opportunities for local businesses.

Fiscal policy and investment

On the fiscal framework governing the mining industry, Dr. Ashigbe said Ghana needed to maintain a balance between maximising government revenue and creating an attractive investment environment.

He noted that international benchmarks, including the International Monetary Fund's average effective tax rate assessments, placed Ghana towards the upper end of the relevant threshold for government revenue from mining.

He said the issue was therefore not simply about increasing taxes but also ensuring consistency and predictability in the country's fiscal policies to encourage sustained investment.

The challenge even around the fiscal is not just the high levels, but the issues around consistency and predictability,” he said.

He maintained that discussions on the mining sector's contribution to national development should consider the entire value chain, including procurement, local employment, manufacturing and the utilisation of revenues received by government.

Dr. Ashigbe disclosed that members of the Chamber's large-scale mining sector contributed more than GH¢24 billion to government in taxes in 2025.

He said it was important for the country to ensure that such revenues were managed effectively and invested to provide lasting benefits.

Call for long-term mineral revenue planning

Dr. Ashigbe also called for the introduction of a Minerals Revenue Management Act to provide a framework for managing revenues from the exploitation of the country's mineral resources.

He said the proposed legislation could draw lessons from the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, particularly in establishing mechanisms to save revenues during periods of high commodity prices.

He proposed the establishment of stabilisation and heritage funds to protect government finances against fluctuations in international mineral prices while preserving part of the country's mineral wealth for future generations.

He said the finite nature of mineral resources made it necessary for Ghana to invest the proceeds from extraction in sustainable economic activities.

Every ounce of gold you take out of the ground, every ton of manganese you take out of the ground, took some millions and millions of years to produce. And so that is lost forever for the next millions of years,” he emphasized.

He argued that the proposed legislation could also provide an opportunity to establish a dedicated fund to support indigenous mining companies and develop their operational capacities.

According to him, strengthening Ghanaian-owned mining businesses would enable them to expand their operations, attract investment and compete more effectively in the industry.

He cited companies such as Adamus Resources, Asante Gold and Engineers and Planners as examples of indigenous businesses whose capacities could be developed alongside emerging medium-scale mining enterprises.

Dr. Ashigbe said combining support for local businesses with foreign direct investment would help build a stronger domestic mining industry and improve the country's ability to retain value from its mineral resources.

He reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to working with government, regulators and civil society organisations to develop policies that would strengthen the mining industry's contribution to Ghana's long-term economic development.

Stanbic Bank Internal Control Unit supports Weep Not Child Foundation

2026-11-04T09:18:37.179-08:00

The Internal Control unit of Stanbic Bank Ghana has supported the Weep Not Child Foundation at Ahwerease-Darmang, near Nsawam, with equipment and financial assistance to help improve the Foundation’s operations and support for children in its care.

The donation, led by the Head of Internal Control, Paa Kwesi Simpson, was made under the team’s Employee Community Initiative, through which employees contribute to community development efforts.

The Foundation received a grinding mill and accessories, a 508-litre freezer and GH¢5,000 in cash to support its immediate needs.

Simpson said the initiative was driven by the team’s desire to contribute to communities beyond its regular professional responsibilities.

He said while the Internal Control team’s core mandate centered on risk management and controls, its members also recognised the importance of responding to social needs within communities.

This initiative reflects our shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve and contributing positively beyond our ‘risk & control’ responsibilities,” he said.

Simpson explained that the team chose to support the Foundation after considering some of the practical needs that could make a difference to its operations and the welfare of the children.

He highlighted that, the items were intended to provide useful, lasting support rather than serve as a one-off gesture, adding that the team was pleased to contribute in an area where its assistance could be put to immediate use.

Receiving the donation, the Founder of the Weep Not Child Foundation, Nana Ama Benewaa I, expressed appreciation to the Stanbic Bank team for the support.

She said the donation had come at an important time for the Foundation, which continues to cater for the needs of children under its care.

Nana Ama Benewaa said the grinding mill, freezer and cash support would help address some of the Foundation’s immediate requirements and ease aspects of its day-to-day operations.

This support has come at a good time for us. The items will be put to good use and will help us respond to some of the needs of the children and the Foundation,” she said.

She thanked the Internal Control team for identifying the Foundation as a beneficiary and for taking steps to provide practical assistance.

She also encouraged the team to sustain its community-focused initiatives, saying continued support from individuals and organizations could help institutions such as the Foundation provide better care for vulnerable children.

Paa Kwesi Simpson, Head, Internal Control (middle) Stanbic Bank and Team, handing over Cheque to Nana Ama Benewaa I, founder Weep Not Child Foundation

Businesses must demand more value from banking relationships – Kwamina Asomaning

2026-11-04T09:14:11.772-08:00

The Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank, Kwamina Asomaning, has asked businesses to push their banks to contribute more to their growth, resilience and decision-making as economic pressures and increasingly complex supply chains reshape the corporate landscape.

Asomaning made this call at Stanbic Bank’s Transaction Banking Client Engagement Forum in Accra, held on the theme “Creating Value Beyond Transaction.” He said companies should expect their financial partners to bring expertise, market insight and practical solutions to the relationship, rather than simply provide routine banking services.

He said the demands facing businesses had changed significantly, requiring banking relationships to evolve with them. “There was a time when banking relationships were defined primarily by transactions. Payments were processed, accounts were maintained, and trade instruments were issued. Necessary functions, certainly, but no longer sufficient in an environment marked by complex supply chains,” he said.

Asomaning said banks could play a more meaningful role by helping companies manage liquidity, improve efficiency, strengthen risk management and identify opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. “The most valuable banking partner is not simply the institution that processes transactions efficiently. It is the institution that helps clients make better decisions.”

He said businesses needed to combine operational discipline with strategic choices that could protect their competitiveness and create sustainable value, particularly in an environment where market conditions could change quickly.

According to him, this approach should influence how companies assess the value of their relationships with financial institutions. Quoting investor Warren Buffett, Asomaning said, “price is what you pay, value is what you get.”

He explained that the real value of a banking relationship should be reflected in the expertise, connectivity and measurable outcomes that a financial institution brings to its clients.

The true measure of a banking relationship is therefore not the volume of transactions processed, but the value generated through expertise, partnership, and tangible outcomes.”

Asomaning also highlighted the importance of regional connectivity as Ghanaian companies explore opportunities across Africa and beyond.

As a member of Standard Bank Group, Asomaning said Stanbic Bank operates within a network spanning 21 African markets. This footprint, he noted “gives us a unique perspective on the forces shaping trade, investment, and business growth across Africa. It allows us to identify opportunities, anticipate risks, and understand emerging trends, not in isolation, but as part of an increasingly interconnected commercial ecosystem.”

He said the regional network, combined with local market knowledge and cross-border relationships, could help businesses navigate unfamiliar markets and make more informed expansion decisions.

The forum brought together Stanbic Bank clients and business stakeholders to examine changing expectations in Trade finance, Payments, Custody Services, channel solutions and how financial institutions can support companies as they pursue growth in a more interconnected economy.

Kwamina Asomaning, Chief Executive, Stanbic Bank Ghana

Trade readiness key to helping Ghanaian businesses access global markets – Stanbic

2026-11-04T09:07:37.717-08:00

Ghanaian businesses seeking to expand beyond the domestic market need more than access to finance; they require the knowledge, networks and market connections to compete effectively in international trade, Stanbic Bank Ghana has said.

The Head of Business Products Solutioning at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Benedict Kwasi Obeng, said businesses must be adequately prepared to understand target markets, identify viable opportunities and meet the requirements of international buyers before attempting to scale across borders.

He was speaking at the Internationalization and Market Access Dialogue 2026, held under the theme, “International Trade: Its Contributions to Accessing Target Markets.”

According to Obeng, the ability of local businesses to participate meaningfully in international trade depends on addressing several challenges simultaneously, including market knowledge, financing, business capability and access to credible buyers.

He said this was the rationale behind the establishment of Trade Connect, Stanbic Bank Ghana’s export and import readiness programme designed to help businesses build the capacity required to trade internationally.

Trade Connect was built to empower businesses to capitalize on new opportunities and, ultimately, to facilitate businesses to trade with the world,” Obeng said.

He explained that the programme goes beyond conventional training by combining practical learning with market access opportunities, financial solutions and business advisory support.

Through the programme, participating businesses receive support around financial instruments, market access and tailored propositions, while businesses can also access advisory services through the Stanbic Incubator.

Obeng said the approach was intended to address some of the practical barrier’s businesses encounter when they seek to move from serving the local market to engaging customers and partners across borders.

For a business to successfully enter an international market, it must first be export ready. That means understanding the market, knowing what buyers require, having the right systems in place and being able to identify and respond to opportunities,” he said.

The programme, he added, provides participating businesses with a pathway to strengthen their operations while gaining exposure to digital markets, peer networks and potential buyers.

He noted that such connections could be particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises, which often have viable products and services but lack the networks and market intelligence needed to access international opportunities.

Obeng also pointed to Stanbic Bank’s presence across 21 countries as an important resource for businesses seeking to expand their trading relationships across the continent.

We have a presence in 21 countries, and we leverage that network to help our clients navigate opportunities in those markets and make it easier for them to trade across borders,” he said.

He said stronger links between Ghanaian businesses and international markets could create opportunities for companies to diversify their customer base, increase revenues and build more resilient businesses.

However, he stressed that internationalization should be approached as a growth process rather than a one-off transaction.

“Supporting businesses to trade internationally is not only about providing financing. It is about helping them understand the market, build the right capabilities, connect with buyers and have access to the appropriate financial and advisory support,” Obeng said.

He reaffirmed Stanbic Bank Ghana’s commitment to supporting businesses as they pursue opportunities beyond Ghana, adding that building a stronger pipeline of internationally competitive enterprises would require collaboration among financial institutions, businesses and other stakeholders in the trade ecosystem.

Benedict Kwasi Obeng, Head, Business Products Solutioning, Stanbic Bank Ghana

Ghana risks fiscal crisis if gold prices collapse without revenue buffers – NRGI

2026-11-04T09:03:44.711-08:00

Ghana risks serious fiscal pressure if international gold prices fall sharply, as the country lacks a dedicated stabilisation mechanism to cushion government revenue from fluctuations in mineral prices, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) has warned.

The Country Director of NRGI, Patrick Stephenson, said unlike the petroleum sector, which has a revenue management framework with stabilisation and heritage funds, Ghana had not established a similar arrangement for its mineral revenues.

He warned that a significant decline in gold prices could undermine government revenue projections, disrupt planned public expenditure and force the country to borrow to finance budget shortfalls.

If the prices collapse today, we don't have any buffers. What that means is that if the revenues we're looking for are not realised, you have serious pressures on our hands. If you ask me what will happen if the prices collapse, we're in serious trouble,” he said.

Stephenson made the remarks in an interview on the sidelines of a civil society dialogue on Ghana's mining resources organised by NRGI in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines in Accra.

The dialogue, held under the theme, “Ghana's Mining Fiscal and Revenue Governance Architecture: Is Ghana Maximising Value from its Mineral Wealth?”, examined how the country could improve revenue management and secure greater economic benefits from its mineral resources.

Stephenson said Ghana's Petroleum Revenue Management Law provided a useful model for managing commodity price volatility, with provisions for allocating petroleum revenues to the annual budget funding, stabilisation and heritage funds.

He said the arrangement allowed the country to save some revenues when commodity prices were high and draw on the stabilisation fund when prices declined.

However, he regretted that the country had not replicated the framework in the minerals sector, despite the importance of gold to government revenue and the wider economy.

He noted that the recent surge in international gold prices had supported Ghana's fiscal position and helped cushion the economy against some external shocks.

But he cautioned that relying on favourable market conditions without building adequate financial buffers could expose the country to significant economic difficulties when prices declined.

He said NRGI was considering proposals for a mineral revenue management framework similar to the petroleum revenue management system and would engage the Ministry of Finance, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders on how such an arrangement could work.

Value addition must translate into local economic benefits

On the need for Ghana to derive greater value from its mineral resources, Stephenson said the country must look beyond value addition and pay greater attention to value retention.

He explained that while value addition involved processing minerals into higher-value products, value retention focused on how much of the economic value generated remained within the country.

Using the bauxite-to-aluminium production chain as an example, he said processing bauxite into alumina and subsequently aluminium increased the value of the mineral.

However, he said Ghana also needed to determine how much of the additional value was retained locally through domestic businesses, employment, skills development and the production of goods and services required by mining companies.

Value addition and value retention are completely different. Value addition asks how much more value you have created, while value retention asks how much of that value you actually keep in the country,” he said.

Stephenson cited evidence suggesting that between 60 and 70 per cent of the value generated in Ghana's gold value chain went outside the country because mining operations relied heavily on imported inputs.

He added that the situation required deliberate industrial policies to encourage local production of mining inputs and strengthen Ghanaian businesses to participate more effectively in the mining supply chain.

How do you balance policymaking such that two-thirds of the dollar that is generated in revenue in the gold value chain actually sits in the country?” he asked.

He said opportunities existed for Ghanaian companies to manufacture and supply goods currently imported by mining firms, adding that developing the necessary skills and industrial capacity would help retain more economic value locally.

He also pointed to the potential of linking different mineral value chains, explaining that developing a domestic lithium battery industry, for instance, would require a broader industrial strategy that considered other minerals, including manganese.

Stephenson stressed that value retention should be pursued without necessarily placing additional tax burdens on the mining sector.

Small-scale miners must contribute more to national revenue

On the fiscal contribution of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), Stephenson called for a review of policies to ensure that the sector contributed more adequately to government revenue.

He said local ownership of mining companies should not be confused with small-scale mining, explaining that domestic investors could own and operate large-scale mining companies.

He noted that the more important question was whether the substantial volume of gold produced by small-scale miners translated into corresponding tax revenues for the state.

According to him, evidence suggested that the fiscal contributions of small-scale mining were relatively low compared with those of established large-scale mining companies.

He said the amended Minerals and Mining legislation had introduced a two per cent royalty rate for small-scale miners under the new sliding-scale royalty regime, but questioned whether the rate was sufficient.

If they're producing 53 per cent of the volume of the minerals we have in the gold value chain, then there has to be a calibration of policy on fiscal such that they contribute a bit more,” he said.

He, however, cautioned against imposing excessive taxes that could push small-scale operators out of the formal regulatory system and potentially encourage illegal mining activities.

He argued that government needed to strike a balance between increasing revenue mobilisation and maintaining a fiscal regime that encouraged compliance and formal participation in the sector.

He urged policymakers to examine the opportunities within the mining value chain to improve domestic revenue mobilisation and retain a greater proportion of the wealth generated from Ghana's mineral resources.

MTN CEO Urges 2026 Bright Scholarship Beneficiaries To Solve Problems And Help Others Progress

2026-11-04T08:15:23.676-08:00

MTN Ghana Foundation has awarded the second batch of 500 Bright Scholarships to 300 academically talented university students and 200 teachers pursuing further studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), vocational and technical education.

The latest awards follow a similar batch of 500 scholarships presented last year, bringing the total number awarded across the two years to 1,000.

The student beneficiaries will receive support covering tuition, accommodation, a laptop and a stipend.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, urged them to apply their knowledge to solve problems and create opportunities for others.

Your talent belongs to you, scholars. That’s what got you here. So will the achievements that you will accomplish,” he said. “Apply your knowledge to solving problems and helping others progress whenever you can.”

He encouraged the students to remain focused, uphold integrity and use technology responsibly. He also urged the teacher beneficiaries to apply the knowledge and skills gained through further training to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

The Bright Scholarship Programme supports students in public universities and teachers seeking to upgrade their professional skills. More than 200 past beneficiaries have graduated with first-class honours.

The scholarship jury urged the awardees to avoid social vices and take responsibility for their academic, emotional and social wellbeing.

Please take care of yourselves holistically, academically, emotionally, socially. Be a complete awardee so that as you do well, we will be happy to celebrate you as well,” the jury said.

Deputy Minister of Education Dr Abas Apaak commended MTN Ghana and its Foundation for complementing government efforts to improve access to quality and inclusive education.

Every scholarship awarded is not only to support one student. It is an investment in the workforce, the leadership and the development our nation needs for tomorrow,” he said.

For some beneficiaries, the scholarship comes after years of personal and financial challenges.

Freeman Agbejenu, a Computer Science student at Ghana Communications Technology University specialising in cybersecurity, said a serious accident in 2020 had challenged him, but he returned to school determined to build a future for himself and his daughter.

I didn’t choose this accident, but I have chosen not to give up on my future,” he said.

Salomey Eze, a Level 300 Health Services Administration student at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, said the scholarship arrived at a critical point in her education after she spent nine years saving towards university while working as a private school teacher.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Nancy Brew, a Level 200 student at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), thanked MTN Ghana for the support and pledged that the recipients would work hard to justify the investment.

We assure MTN Ghana that we will do what is expected of us and make the company proud,” she said.

The Bright Scholarship Programme forms part of MTN Ghana’s corporate social responsibility commitments in health, education and economic empowerment.

African philanthropy must drive continent’s development agenda – APN

2026-11-04T08:08:11.013-08:00

African philanthropy must play a leading role in financing the continent’s development priorities rather than relying heavily on foreign aid, the African Philanthropy Network (APN) has said.

The network is calling for stronger collaboration among African foundations, civil society organisations, governments, businesses and communities to mobilise local resources and build a self-reliant development ecosystem.

The call was made at the opening of the 2026 APN Assembly in Accra, which has brought together participants from more than 34 countries to discuss ways of strengthening African philanthropy and reclaiming the continent's narratives of giving.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Executive Director of APN, Stigmata Tenga, said the gathering, held under the theme “African Philanthropy in Action”, was an opportunity for stakeholders to move beyond discussions and translate commitments into practical action.

She said the network, established to provide a platform for African-led institutions to examine power relations in resource mobilisation and distribution, had grown to bring together knowledge and experience from more than 275 African-led and African-founded institutions and foundations.

According to her, APN's mission is to elevate indigenous African philanthropy practices by promoting local agency, collaboration and an ecosystem approach to development.

She noted that the Network also sought to reshape the global philanthropy landscape by providing a collective African voice against historical colonial legacies that continued to influence financial flows and development priorities.

This year's Assembly is structured around three central pillars: adopt, advance and amplify, with participants expected to engage in discussions on resource mobilisation, distribution, utilisation and systemic change.

Tenga said the ultimate objective was to develop a roadmap for philanthropic action that would inform future development strategies and strengthen an inclusive, self-reliant ecosystem capable of driving transformative change across Africa.

She noted that the Assembly would provide an opportunity for participants to move away from fragmented interventions and explore collaborative solutions to the complex challenges facing communities across the continent.

African development must be collectively financed

In his address, the Board Chair of APN, Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, said Africa's development could not be achieved through isolated interventions or continued dependence on external funding but required collective action and the mobilisation of indigenous resources.

Drawing parallels with Africa's independence struggles, he cited Ghana's independence as an example of how solidarity and collective effort could produce significant continental change.

He recalled that the struggle for independence was not financed solely by foreign donors but was supported by ordinary citizens, including market women and farmers, who contributed towards the common cause.

He said the same spirit of collective responsibility should guide African philanthropy and the continent's approach to development financing.

Amidu challenged participants to reconsider the ownership and direction of development on the continent, asking: “Who owns African development? Who pays for it? And who decides its direction?”

He said the questions had become increasingly important at a time when multilateral cooperations were facing challenges, requiring African countries to rethink how they collaborated across borders and determined their development priorities.

He also linked the Assembly to the broader Shift the Power movement, which advocates a redistribution of power in development and philanthropy to enable communities and local institutions to determine their own priorities.

He said social justice philanthropy was closely connected to the need for Africans to design and control their own development structures rather than merely seeking representation in externally established systems.

“No single foundation, organisation, or expert can transform the continent alone,” Amidu stressed.

He said addressing Africa's development challenges required meaningful partnerships between civil society, governments, businesses and communities, guided by equality, inclusiveness and integrity.

He urged participants to use the Assembly to challenge existing approaches, relationships and ambitions while building diverse partnerships capable of advancing self-determined development and social justice.

From Nairobi to Accra

The APN Assembly began in November 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Building African Philanthropy in the 21st Century.”

Subsequent assemblies were held in Johannesburg in 2012, Arusha in 2014, Mauritius in 2018, Entebbe in 2022 and Victoria Falls in 2024.

The Accra Assembly was proposed by Dr. Nana Afadzinu of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu of the STAR-Ghana Foundation.

Its organisation was coordinated by an international planning team led by a representative from the STAR-Ghana Foundation, with contributions from organisations including the African Women's Development Fund, Southern Africa Trust, Kenya Community Development Foundation and Ghana Philanthropy Forum.

Participants are drawn from more than 34 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, including India, Nepal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

The three-day gathering is expected to strengthen regional and international partnerships and develop practical strategies for positioning African philanthropy as a major driver of the continent's development.

Zoomlion Lands In Guinea: Conakry’s Waste Revolution Begins

2026-11-04T02:48:26.872-08:00

The Prime Minister of Guinea, H. E. Amadou Oury Bah, has described the new waste management partnership between Ghana's Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), through its environmental services subsidiary, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and Guinea as a continuation of the "historic brotherhood" between the two countries.

The relationship between Ghana and Guinea has been historic, dating back to the days of independence. Our two countries have been friends since then, and this partnership is a continuation of that brotherhood," he said.

The Prime Minister spoke when JGC leadership, led by Executive Chairman Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, paid a courtesy call on him on Tuesday, November 3, after signing a landmark public-private partnership agreement with the Government of Guinea Conakry.

The agreement aims to establish an integrated, modern municipal waste management system for Conakry, moving the city from an unsustainable linear disposal model toward a circular sanitation economy prioritising waste recovery, recycling and resource utilisation.

Operating locally through Zoomlion Guinea Integrated Waste Solutions Limited (ZGIWSL), the company will work closely with the Ministry of Sanitation, Hydraulics and Hydrocarbons (MAHH) and the National Agency for Sanitation and Public Health (ANASP). Its responsibilities include managing and operating key Zone de Tri et de Transit (ZTT) transfer stations, organising waste collection in major public markets, and overseeing transportation to the Baritodé landfill and future resource-recovery facilities.

Minister Outlines Challenges

Earlier, Guinea's Minister of Sanitation, Hydraulics and Hydrocarbons, Aboubacar Camara, said Conakry's sanitation sector had reached a major turning point with the signing of the contract, which he said aligned with the vision of President Mamadi Doumbouya and the orientations of the Prime Minister.

For years, he said, Conakry was cleaned, but waste from Manéah and elsewhere was transported and dumped again in the heart of the city. "We cleaned the city, but afterwards we would gather these piles of trash again in the middle of the city. And that is what motivated the President of the Republic to ask us to close Dar-es-Salam in the first place."

He explained that the second phase, coordinated by the Prime Minister, was to find solutions to definitively end catastrophic waste management. He said Guinea had worked with Jospong for years, describing the group as operating in 29 countries with enormous experience in waste management, recovery and transformation.

After initial due diligence, Guinean teams travelled to Ghana several times, he said. A month ago, negotiations intensified and after a three-day visit, the parties finalised the contracts binding the Ministry and the communes of Conakry.

Today, we can announce that the question of sanitation at the level of Conakry is meeting a major turning point in a decisive stage, namely the modernisation, the transformation, but also the industrialisation of our waste," he noted.

For about thirty years, he said, Guinea had not been able to find a definitive solution "and I think that this time, we are on the right track. And it is thanks to the vision of a man but also the coordination and accompaniment of the Prime Minister."

2,000 to 3,000 Jobs, New Image for Sanitation Work

The Minister thanked Dr. Agyepong, who he said was ready to commit funds for the early establishment of a waste processing and recovery plant. He said the plant will create at least 2,000 to 3,000 jobs and give sanitation a new image.

He noted that most young people currently working in the sector are foreigners, and that society's view of the profession still leaves much to be desired. "With professionalisation and the valuing of this profession, it will allow many young people who are currently unemployed to say: 'Thank God, at last we will participate in the construction of our lives and of our country,'" he expressed.

He linked the project to the Simandou 2040 programme initiated by the President, saying its vision is to make the capital clean. "If we have companies capable of providing solutions, but also employing young Guineans, I think that is an opportunity that we must seize and we will seize it," he noted.

He emphasised that success would depend not only on equipment and technical capacity but also on active community participation, indicating ZGIWSL would work with municipal authorities and the Office of the Prime Minister to implement extensive public education and environmental awareness campaigns, extending to schools, local communes, traditional leadership structures and youth organisations.

African Solution" for African Cities

Dr. Agyepong conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of Ghana and commended President Doumbouya for his vision and commitment to transforming Guinea's development landscape. He stressed the need for African countries to move beyond traditional financing and operational arrangements that have often failed to deliver sustainable solutions.

For over 30 years in Africa, governments have depended almost exclusively on World Bank and IMF frameworks to solve urban sanitation problems, which has repeatedly proven unsustainable over time," he said. "What we are bringing to Guinea is a self-sustaining, circular industrial model built on localised African capacity. We are proud to buy into President Doumbouya's Simandou 2040 vision, turning urban environmental challenges into drivers of economic growth, public safety and job creation."

He outlined the group's capacity — operations in 29 countries, an asset base exceeding $2.4 billion, approximately 10,000 employees globally, and a research and technical pool of more than 200 PhD holders specialising in waste engineering and related fields (figures provided by the company). He assured that machinery and equipment deployed in Conakry would be purpose-built to meet local operational requirements rather than standard imports — a principle he described as "exactement à nos propres besoins" ("exactly tailored to our own needs"). He also cited the group's experience in Ghana and its reported $180 million infrastructure investments in Lagos State, Nigeria, as evidence of its capacity to deliver large-scale environmental infrastructure projects across Africa.

Dar-es-Salam Tragedy Underscores Urgency

The weaknesses in the city's existing system were brought into sharp focus in August 2025 when torrential rainfall triggered the catastrophic collapse of the main Dar-es-Salam landfill at Gbessia, claiming at least 30 lives. The subsequent closure forced municipal authorities to redirect collected waste to distant disposal sites outside the urban centre, placing additional pressure on transportation and transfer infrastructure and reinforcing the need for a comprehensive intervention capable of restructuring Conakry's waste management value chain.

Aligning with Simandou 2040

The agreement aligns with Simandou 2040, Guinea's 15-year national socio-economic development framework championed by President Doumbouya. Anchored on five strategic pillars, the vision prioritises sustainable development, infrastructure modernisation and social inclusion, recognising that the country's natural resources must be supported by functional, clean and climate-resilient urban infrastructure. Its water and sanitation objectives include expanding sanitation coverage, modernising waste collection systems and improving living conditions across the country's communes.

Recovering Economic Value

The partnership comes at a critical time for Conakry, one of West Africa's rapidly expanding capitals. Located on a narrow coastal peninsula along the Atlantic Ocean, the city's population growth has significantly outpaced municipal sanitation infrastructure.

A major component of the partnership is recovering economic value from Conakry's waste stream. Characterisation studies indicate household waste contains approximately 46 per cent organic matter, 18 per cent plastics, seven per cent metals, six per cent glass, and six per cent paper and cardboard. Through ZGIWSL's circular approach, these materials will be systematically separated and recovered for productive use rather than sent directly to landfills, creating opportunities for local industries while reducing waste requiring final disposal.

Under the agricultural component, organic waste will be processed into quality compost for Guinean farmers, expected to improve soil fertility, support agricultural productivity and contribute to food security and agribusiness ambitions under Simandou 2040. Recovered plastics, paper, glass and metals will provide raw materials for domestic recycling facilities and manufacturing enterprises, creating green employment and expanding local SME participation in the sanitation value chain.

In addition to daily collection, transportation and processing, the partnership is expected to address longstanding environmental challenges associated with abandoned and poorly managed dumpsites. Drawing on Zoomlion's experience rehabilitating degraded sites and converting them into productive public spaces and recreational facilities, the initiative could pave the way for eventual ecological restoration of former disposal locations, including the Gbessia site.

With administrative arrangements, land allocation and legal frameworks being advanced under the supervision of the Prime Minister and the MAHH, the establishment of Zoomlion Guinea Integrated Waste Solutions Limited represents a significant step toward restructuring Conakry's sanitation system.

With more than 2,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste generated daily, Conakry has historically collected only about 44 to 55 per cent, contributing to refuse accumulation in communities and markets, blocked drainage systems, coastal plastic pollution and open-air burning, with serious public health and environmental implications.

ECOWAS seeks regional framework for private copying remuneration – Kouakou

2026-11-04T02:40:33.533-08:00

By Faustina Dagau

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is working towards establishing a regional framework for private copying remuneration to ensure that creative professionals across member states benefit from the reproduction of their copyrighted works.

The initiative is expected to draw on existing practices in Francophone countries and extend the experience to Anglophone and Portuguese-speaking member states to promote a more harmonised approach to compensating creators.

Dr. Roland Kouakou, Director of Education, Science and Culture at the ECOWAS Commission, said a study on private copying remuneration had examined existing legislation and practices in Francophone countries to identify approaches that could be adopted across the region.

ECOWAS has 12 member states now. When you take all the Francophone countries, they already have guidelines on the remuneration of private copying. So this study is also to share the best practices ongoing in Francophone countries with other countries, like the Anglophone and Portuguese-speaking countries,” he said.

Dr. Kouakou made the remarks in an interview on the sidelines of a technical meeting on the validation of the study on private copying remuneration in ECOWAS member states and a regional committee meeting on the return of cultural property to their countries of origin in Accra.

He explained that the study had examined the relevant legislation and existing practices in Francophone countries, with the aim of identifying ways to share and implement those approaches across the ECOWAS region.

The study was funded by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), with support from the relevant regional and member-state institutions.

Roadmap for cultural artefacts restitution

On the recovery of African cultural artefacts taken from their countries of origin, Dr. Kouakou said the regional committee was working towards developing a practical roadmap to accelerate their return.

He explained that the committee regularly reviews progress and updates information on the number of artefacts returned to their countries of origin.

At our meeting last year, the number was around 455 artefacts that had been repatriated. At this moment, I think that after the meeting, we can establish the number of artefacts that have been repatriated since last year,” he said.

According to him, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers had also given the committee a mandate to implement a new action plan to advance the restitution process.

He said the current meeting was expected to produce a comprehensive roadmap with short-term actions that member states could implement to accelerate the recovery of cultural property.

Dr. Kouakou, however, acknowledged that the restitution process involved more than technical considerations, as diplomatic relations, international cooperation and political issues also played important roles.

Repatriation has many aspects. It is not only technical, but there is also a diplomatic aspect. There is also cooperation, and we have political issues,” he said.

He explained that these considerations informed the nomination of President Patrick Stallone as a champion for the restitution initiative.

Dr. Kouakou said the regional committee was expected to engage the champion next year to present recommendations emerging from its deliberations and explore ways of advancing the process.

He expressed optimism about the progress made so far but stressed the need for sustained regional and international cooperation to ensure that more African cultural artefacts were returned to their rightful countries.

Gomashie pushes for fair remuneration for African creatives, return of looted artefacts

2026-11-04T02:24:01.252-08:00

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called for stronger intellectual property protection and fair remuneration for African creatives, while urging countries holding looted African cultural artefacts to return them to their countries of origin.

She said African musicians, writers, filmmakers, performers and other creative professionals deserved appropriate compensation for their intellectual contributions, just as African countries deserved the restoration of cultural treasures taken from their communities.

If I had the opportunity to be paid for the work that I have done, I am sure I would be in a much better position by now,” she said, drawing on her personal experience in the creative industry, which she entered at the age of 17.

Gomashie made the remarks in Accra on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, when she officially opened a technical meeting on the validation of a study on private copying remuneration in ECOWAS member states, alongside a regional committee meeting on the return of cultural property to their countries of origin.

The meetings, which run from November 3 to 5, 2026, have brought together policymakers, intellectual property experts, copyright administrators and other stakeholders to discuss mechanisms for protecting creative works and advancing the restitution of African cultural heritage.

On private copying remuneration, the Minister said technological advancement had made it increasingly easy for people to reproduce and share copyrighted materials without necessarily compensating the creators.

Although digital technology had expanded access to information, knowledge and entertainment, she said it had also created challenges for artists and other rights holders whose works were frequently reproduced without direct financial returns.

Private copying remuneration is an important instrument in addressing the challenges that arise from the reproduction of copyrighted works for private and personal use,” she said.

She called for transparent and sustainable frameworks to ensure that authors, performers, producers and other rights holders received fair compensation for the private reproduction of their works.

According to her, the validation of the study should not be treated as an end in itself but should lead to the development and implementation of appropriate policies and mechanisms across the ECOWAS region.

Gomashie also urged member states to deepen their engagement with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and take advantage of its technical expertise and international best practices to strengthen their intellectual property systems.

She raised concerns about the unauthorised use of African cultural symbols and folklore in creative productions, particularly by foreign entities, and called for stronger enforcement of Ghana's folklore and copyright regulations.

Call for return of African artefacts

Turning to the restitution of cultural property, the Minister said the recovery of African artefacts was essential to restoring the continent's history, cultural identity and heritage.

She rejected suggestions that the campaign to recover looted artefacts was a pursuit of outdated objects, arguing that cultural heritage was central to the identity of African people.

If I sit here and I have one leg in another country, I am not complete. All the patterns must be in their rightful place. And that is what I am doing — chasing what belongs to Africa,” she said.

She called on countries and institutions holding African cultural treasures to return them to their rightful owners and communities, insisting that restitution was a matter of justice rather than a favour to the continent.

This is not simply about reclaiming objects. It is about restoring our history, reclaiming our identity and ensuring that future generations have access to the cultural heritage that defines them,” she said.

The Minister commended President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership in advancing the campaign for reparatory justice and the restitution of African cultural artefacts.

She said the President's efforts, including the establishment of an expert panel on the restitution of cultural artefacts, had helped move the discussion beyond historical advocacy towards concrete international action.

Gomashie also urged countries currently unable to return artefacts because of restrictions in their domestic laws to review those legal provisions.

She cited commitments by Germany and other international partners towards the return of African cultural objects as important opportunities for cooperation.

She further encouraged ECOWAS member states to harmonise their policies, strengthen legal and institutional frameworks and support one another in negotiations with countries and institutions holding African cultural treasures.

The Minister urged representatives from countries that had made progress in recovering their artefacts, particularly Nigeria, to share their experiences to help other countries accelerate their restitution efforts.

She expressed confidence that regional solidarity and sustained international cooperation would help secure meaningful progress in protecting Africa's cultural heritage and advancing reparatory justice.

Gomashie subsequently declared both the technical meeting on private copying remuneration and the regional committee meeting on the return of cultural property to their countries of origin officially open.