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Help transform Ghana’s agriculture sector — Eric Opoku charges Feed Ghana brigades

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:36:54 +0000

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has tasked the newly commissioned brigade under the Feed Ghana Programme to help drive the country’s agricultural transformation by increasing food production and reducing dependence on imports.

A total of 506 brigades, comprising 420 men and 86 women, have been deployed to support farmers with extension services, technical assistance and the implementation of modern farming practices across the country.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, July 8, Mr. Opoku said the success of the programme will depend on the commitment and professionalism of the brigades as they work directly with farmers to improve yields and expand local food production.

“My dear brigadiers, you are stepping into your roles at a defining moment. The country expects much from you and you must therefore serve with humility, discipline, honesty, patriotism and urgency. We are not waiting for the future, we are building it now.

“We are not waiting for others to feed but preparing to feed ourselves. We are creating jobs through production, organising, training and investing to transform agriculture.”

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Kenya’s foreign investment inflows hit a record Sh414bn

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:19:45 +0000

Kenya attracted an estimated $3.2 billion (Sh413.6 billion) in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2025, marking its strongest performance ever as investors poured money into the country’s digital economy and renewable energy amid business-friendly reforms.

Numbers released Tuesday by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) showed FDI inflows rose 37.7 percent, or $876 million (Sh113.22 billion), from revised $2.32 billion (Sh299.9 billion) in 2024.

This helped Kenya cement its position in recent years as East Africa’s fastest-growing investment destination despite a fierce global race for capital.

The report says multinational companies are channelling investment into digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and selected energy projects, creating winners and losers as governments compete for high-value industries instead of traditional manufacturing.

Unctad says global FDI remained resilient in 2025, rising six percent to $1.6 trillion (Sh206.8 trillion), but warns that the recovery disguises a fundamental shift in how companies choose investment destinations.

“However, investment activity became more selective, with growth concentrated in a limited number of host economies and in capital- and technology-intensive sectors,” Unctad wrote in World Investment Report 2026.

Investment flows into 11 East African countries rose 12.1 percent to $14.6 billion (Sh1.89 trillion) during 2025 from $13.02 billion (Sh1.68 trillion) a year earlier. Unctad analysts estimated Kenya contributed $876 million (about Sh113.22 billion) of the region’s $1.57 billion (Sh202.92 billion) increase in FDI.

The country generated more than half of East Africa’s additional foreign investment and increased its regional market share to 21.9 percent, from 17.9 percent in 2024, the highest level recorded in six years.

Kenya’s performance outpaced neighbouring economies, suggesting investors favoured the country despite heightened regional competition and persistent global uncertainty over cross-border investment flows.

Uganda’s inflows rose 7.8 percent to $3.36 billion (Sh434.28 billion), Tanzania recorded 3.7 percent growth to $1.72 billion (Sh222.31 billion), while Ethiopia’s inflows declined 4.7 percent to $3.8 billion (Sh491.2 billion).

Unctad attributes part of Kenya’s performance to policy reforms that strengthened its attractiveness to investors.

“Kenya reduced corporate income tax rates and introduced dividend tax exemptions for companies accredited under the Nairobi International Financial Centre, while also extending investment allowances in telecommunications to spectrum licences,” the report states.

Unctad also identifies Kenya’s clean energy advantage as a key factor behind growing investor confidence, particularly among global technology firms seeking reliable and low-carbon electricity.

The report notes “Kenya has a renewable-heavy electricity system, with nearly 90 percent of generation coming from renewable sources, led by geothermal power”.
This gives Kenya “both a cost and a credibility advantage in attracting digital infrastructure investment”, the report says.

Unctad says Kenya has secured “a $1 billion investment package that includes a geothermal-powered data centre,” highlighting how renewable energy is becoming a competitive investment advantage.

The report also highlights Kenya’s investment in digital innovation infrastructure. It says, “Kenya has focused on digital innovation infrastructure and regulatory experimentation,” with Konza Technopolis being developed into an innovation hub supporting investment in the digital economy.

Unctad also credits Kenya’s use of a regulatory sandbox in the ICT sector, allowing emerging technologies to be tested before entering the wider market.

The report, however, suggests the country’s record inflows do not eliminate bigger questions about its long-term competitiveness.

Unctad says countries attracting the largest investments are increasingly those capable of supporting strategic industries through industrial policy, advanced infrastructure and technological capability, rather than relying mainly on tax incentives or low labour costs.

The report says the 2025 increase was concentrated in economies with stronger capacity to attract large-scale and strategic investment, reflecting the growing importance of technology-intensive industries and industrial policy.

This signals that Kenya is staring at a new phase in the competition for global capital.

The country has for years marketed itself through its strategic location, expanding infrastructure, financial services sector, technology ecosystem and access to regional markets. Those strengths remain important, but may no longer be sufficient.

The report notes that announced greenfield investment remained near record levels globally, driven largely by mega projects in data centres, semiconductors, oil and gas, and strategic infrastructure.

That shift presents both opportunities and challenges.

Kenya’s expanding fibre-optic network, digital economy, renewable energy resources and ambitions for Konza Technopolis position it to compete for data centres and artificial intelligence investment. Its critical mineral deposits such as rare earth minerals, niobium, coltan and copper could also become valuable.

Competition for capital is, nonetheless, widening beyond East Africa as countries invest aggressively in semiconductor manufacturing, battery supply chains, clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing ecosystems.

Unctad says the world’s top 20 investment destinations attracted more than 80 percent of global FDI in 2025, illustrating how difficult it has become for developing economies to secure major international projects.

The report says although inflows into Africa fell to $69.5 billion (about Sh8.98 trillion) from an exceptional $94.3 billion (Sh12.19 trillion) in 2024, this still represented the continent’s third-highest FDI performance in 25 years after excluding one-off mega projects.

“Downside risks are mounting. Real investment activity is likely to remain subdued, weighed down by geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainty and economic fragmentation,” the report states.

Ghana secures US$28m South Korean support to expand STEM education – 3News

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:12:43 +0000

Ghana secures US$28m South Korean support to expand STEM education 3News

Inusah Mahama congratulates Salaga South Feed Ghana Brigade graduates

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:05:45 +0000

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA) and Savannah Regional Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Inusah Mahama, has congratulated beneficiaries from the Salaga South Constituency who successfully graduated from the Feed Ghana Brigade programme at the Police Training School in Accra.

The graduates, whose participation in the programme was facilitated through the efforts of Alhaji Inusah Mahama, are Alhassan Abdul Razak (Lamisa), Awudua Abdul Rashid (Jemtito), Iddisah Abubakari (Kigbatito), Yakubu Abdul Majeed (Salaga) and Adam Sulemana (Kitoe).

They were commended for completing the programme, which is aimed at equipping young people with skills to contribute to Ghana’s agricultural development and national growth.

Alhaji Inusah Mahama praised the graduates for their commitment and encouraged them to make good use of the opportunity by contributing meaningfully to the country’s agricultural transformation.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to creating more opportunities for young people in Salaga South, noting that youth empowerment remains one of his key priorities.

He further expressed appreciation to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, for leading the implementation of the Feed Ghana Programme, and to President John Dramani Mahama for providing the leadership behind the initiative.

He said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to job creation, skills development and empowering the youth to contribute to national development.

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South Africa Fintech Bridgement Raises $20 Million as Banks Back AI-Powered Business Lending – nextbillion.net

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:54:45 +0000

South Africa Fintech Bridgement Raises $20 Million as Banks Back AI-Powered Business Lending nextbillion.net

Kenya Airways deploys its largest passenger jet on Nairobi–Mombasa route, cuts fares by 50%

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:49:06 +0000

Wednesday 08th July, 2026 10:57 PM|
By Martin Oduor

Kenya Airways Boeing 777-300ER lands at JKIA on July 7, 2026 after a 10-year sublease to Turkish Airlines. PHOTO/@KenyaAirways/X

In a bold bid to stimulate domestic tourism and celebrate a major operational milestone, Kenya Airways announced that it will temporarily deploy its largest passenger aircraft on the short hop between Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa, accompanied by a staggering 50 per cent slash in return ticket prices.

The national carrier’s massive Boeing 777-300ER, boasting a 400-seat capacity, officially touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

The wide-body jet arrived from Istanbul, marking the conclusion of a decade-long sublease to Turkish Airlines that originally commenced in May 2016.

Its repatriation is being hailed by aviation analysts as a pivotal moment for the airline, colloquially known as “KQ,” as it aggressively seeks to rebuild its post-pandemic capacity and network infrastructure.

To commemorate the aircraft’s return and hand domestic travellers an unprecedented sneak preview of its flagship long-haul product, Kenya Airways is cutting standard return fares strictly in half.

“Up to 50% OFF return fares! Fly the icon @KenyaAirways Boeing 777 between Nairobi & Mombasa from 12th-16th July 2026,” a Kenya Airways promotional post seen on X on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, reads.

A post by Kenya Airways on X. PHOTO/Screengrab

Typically, a round-trip nonstop flight on the heavily trafficked 1-hour route between Nairobi and Moi International Airport (Mombasa) commands between Ksh13,190 and Ksh27,910, highly subject to seasonal demand and booking windows.

Under the new promotional banner, promotional one-way economy tickets would start at a remarkably low Ksh6,600 – down from the usual Ksh13,245 – while a premium seat in business class has been lowered to Ksh12,335 from its standard Ksh24,585 rate.

The deployment represents a rare novelty in regional African aviation, where short-haul domestic corridors are almost exclusively serviced by single-aisle regional jets or turboprops.

The triple-seven is scheduled to operate four daily round-trip flights between the capital and the coast during a strictly limited, five-day window stretching from July 12 to July 16, 2026.

The domestic blitz, however, serves a dual logistical purpose.

Kenya Airways Boeing 777-300ER touches down at JKIA on July 7, 2026. PHOTO/@KenyaAirways/X

Beyond the promotional fanfare, the short-haul rotations will act as crucial crew-familiarisation flights before the twin-engine giant transitions to its primary, high-yield long-haul assignment.

Starting July 17, 2026, the aircraft will be permanently deployed on the prestigious Nairobi–London Heathrow (LHR) route, operating four weekly flights and substantially expanding the airline’s passenger and belly-hold cargo capacity into Europe.

For ordinary Kenyans, the five-day window offers a rare, heavily discounted chance to experience international-grade wide-body comfort on a routine commute.

For Kenya Airways, it is a loud declaration that its flagship capacity is officially back home.

Ghana’s 5G race heats up: MTN and Telecel prepare bids as auction looms

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:35:10 +0000

Ghana’s 5G race heats up: MTN and Telecel prepare bids as auction looms

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Jul – 08 – 2026 , 21:15

MTN Ghana and Telecel Group are preparing to bid for 5G licenses in Ghana following the government’s decision to revoke the exclusive rights of wholesale provider Next Gen Infraco (NGIC).

The two mobile network operators plan to participate in a 5G license auction expected to begin within weeks, MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett and Telecel Group CEO Moh Damush told Bloomberg.

The auction follows the government’s decision to terminate NGIC’s exclusive concession, which had been scheduled to run until 2034.

NGIC, which was intended to serve as a wholesale provider of 5G infrastructure, has struggled to meet its rollout targets. As of March, the company had only 49 operational sites, falling well short of the government’s target of 1,200 sites by 2027.

Communications Minister Sam George, who took office in 2025, had previously signalled the government’s intention to open the 5G market to greater competition.

Ghana now aims to expand 5G coverage to 70% of the population by March 2027 through a combination of wholesale and operator-led networks, as it seeks to catch up with regional peers.

The mobile market in Ghana is currently dominated by MTN, which accounts for approximately 80% of data subscribers, while Telecel—which acquired Vodafone Group’s local operations—serves as the other major operator.

Telecel’s Damush emphasised the importance of conducting the auction in a manner that fosters competition. “It’s critical for the government to ensure that the auction is not conducted on the basis of the highest bidder.

That will exacerbate the advantages of significant market power and will not foster a proper competitive environment,” he said.

The 5G auction is expected to proceed within weeks, with both operators expressing readiness to participate.

Osun AAC guber candidate calls for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s political system

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:32:42 +0000

The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, Olajide Esan, has called for sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s political system, saying the current structure discourages competent citizens from seeking public office.

Esan made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Guest Platform, where he outlined his vision for governance, economic development, and social welfare in Osun State.

According to him, the existing political system requires major adjustments because it has failed to produce the desired level of development.

He argued that the structure favours individuals who regard politics and governance as a business rather than public service.

“The system doesn’t allow people with ideas, but those who see politics and governance as a business to run for office. It is not sustainable, and this is one of the reasons why I decided to run for office,” Esan said.

The AAC candidate stated that his administration would promote participatory governance by giving residents greater involvement in decision-making processes.

He said governance should be people-centred and designed to reflect the aspirations of citizens across the state.

He also criticised the country’s political leadership since 1999, alleging that Nigeria has continued to recycle political leaders while nepotism has become increasingly entrenched.

“Leadership should be based on service and not imposition. Nigeria has too many politicians but not leaders,” he said.

Esan argued that poverty and ignorance had been used to manipulate citizens, adding that his administration would encourage stronger interfaith relationships to promote unity and discourage divisions among communities.

On social welfare, the governorship hopeful pledged to devote his entire salary to the welfare of senior citizens if elected.

He also proposed the creation of a comprehensive Osun residents’ database to improve planning and service delivery across the state.

The AAC candidate unveiled a proposal for an Osun Child Trust Fund, explaining that every child born in the state would have a dedicated investment account until the age of 18 to support higher education or provide start-up capital for a business.

Speaking on traditional institutions, Esan said a defined percentage of local government revenue should be allocated to traditional rulers to strengthen their roles in community development while ensuring they remain outside partisan politics.

On agriculture, he advocated an agro-based economy and stressed the need for policies that protect local agricultural practices. He expressed concern over the adoption of genetically modified organisms, saying Africa should carefully assess such technologies before their widespread implementation.

Addressing the mining sector, Esan alleged that the benefits of illegal mining were being enjoyed by a few individuals instead of the people.

He said tackling illegal mining forms part of the AAC manifesto, adding, “Leaders are the ones benefitting from the proceeds of illegal mining. Curtailing illegal mining is part of our manifesto because the proceeds of mining are meant for the people of Osun State.”

Air Peace flight deployed for evacuation in South Africa delayed as windshield shatters

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:23:43 +0000

An Air Peace aircraft scheduled to evacuate stranded Nigerians from South Africa was unable to operate after its windshield reportedly shattered in Johannesburg, forcing the airline to deploy a replacement, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

Sources familiar with the evacuation operation told PREMIUM TIMES that the incident occurred on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the aircraft had been scheduled to pick up about 270 Nigerians.

The sources said the aircraft, operating Flight P47668, could not continue with the evacuation after its windshield shattered before the evacuation began.

Air Peace subsequently dispatched another aircraft to complete the evacuation.

A source familiar with the operation also told PREMIUM TIMES that the Federal Government pays between $350,000 to $450,000 per evacuation flight, although the newspaper has not independently verified the figure.

Responding to PREMIUM TIMES’ enquiries, Air Peace spokesperson, Osifo Whiskey-Efe, confirmed that the aircraft scheduled to operate its fourth evacuation flight from Johannesburg to Lagos developed “a technical issue” after arriving at OR Tambo International Airport.

The airline’s spokesperson said a routine post-flight inspection identified a crack on the co-pilot’s side windshield, prompting the immediate withdrawal of the aircraft from service in line with the airline’s safety procedures.

According to him, Air Peace informed the relevant government authorities and the affected passengers of the development, provided hotel accommodation and refreshments for the passengers, and dispatched a replacement Boeing 777 from Lagos to complete the evacuation.

“The replacement Boeing 777 has since departed Lagos for Johannesburg and is expected to return the evacuees to Nigeria tomorrow,” the spokesperson said, adding that the airline would never compromise operational safety for flight schedules.

Background

The Federal Government approved the evacuation of Nigerians stranded in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

READ ALSO: Xenophobia: Two more Nigerians killed in South Africa

Initially, the government announced that Nigerians interested in returning home would pay for their flights. However, it later reversed the decision after President Bola Tinubu approved funding for the evacuation, making the exercise free for registered returnees.

The screening of prospective evacuees commenced on 4 June through a joint exercise involving the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police and immigration authorities.

According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), more than 1,000 Nigerians registered for the voluntary repatriation. The commission said the Federal Government planned to deploy five Air Peace flights for the operation, with the first batch of evacuees expected to return to Nigeria as arrangements were finalised.

The latest development comes as aviation stakeholders continue to stress the importance of ensuring that aircraft deployed for special evacuation operations meet all prescribed safety and operational requirements.

MTN, Telecel prepare to battle for Ghana’s 5G licences after billionaire Ambani deal ends

Ghana News — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:10:47 +0000

Ghana is preparing to open its 5G market to competition, with MTN Group and Telecel Group set to bid for new licences after the government moved to end the exclusive rights previously granted to a state-backed wholesale provider.

The planned auction, expected to begin within weeks, follows the government’s decision to revoke the exclusive concession awarded to Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), which had partnered with Radisys Corp., a subsidiary of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, to build Ghana’s 5G infrastructure, according to Bloomberg.

Government ends exclusive model

The exclusive licence, originally scheduled to run until 2034, has come under scrutiny after NGIC struggled to meet rollout targets.

As of March, the company had deployed just 49 operational 5G sites, far below the government’s target of 1,200 sites by 2027.

Communications Minister Sam George has argued that opening the market to competition will accelerate deployment and improve digital connectivity. Ghana now aims to expand 5G coverage to 70% of the population by March 2027 through a combination of wholesale and operator-led networks.

The previous administration had hoped NGIC would replicate the success of Jio Platforms, Reliance’s telecom arm, which transformed India’s mobile data market by dramatically lowering costs and expanding internet access.

Ghana seeks to catch regional rivals

Ghana’s renewed 5G push comes as several African markets move ahead with commercial deployments.

According to GSMA Intelligence, Ghana could achieve 7% population coverage by the end of the year if commercial services launch soon. That compares with 22% in Nigeria, 38% in Kenya, and more than 60% in South Africa, highlighting how far the country trails regional leaders.

The rollout is expected to support digital services, fintech, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and enterprise connectivity as demand for faster mobile broadband continues to grow across Africa.

Competition takes centre stage

For operators, the auction represents more than access to new spectrum—it could reshape Ghana’s telecom market.

MTN currently dominates the country’s mobile data market, accounting for roughly 80% of subscribers, while Telecel, which acquired Vodafone Ghana, is seeking to strengthen its position.

Telecel Group CEO Moh Damush urged the government to prioritise competition over revenue generation.

“The government must ensure that the auction is not conducted on the basis of the highest bidder,” he said, warning that doing so could reinforce MTN’s market dominance instead of creating a more competitive telecom sector.