Monday, September 16

Author: Mensah David

Bawumia Leads Commissioning of 124 Housing Units for Appiatse Disaster Victims
News

Bawumia Leads Commissioning of 124 Housing Units for Appiatse Disaster Victims

In a solemn ceremony marked by reflection and resilience, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia officiated the commissioning of 124 housing units for victims of the Appiatse disaster, emphasizing the nation's collective duty in times of adversity. Addressing the gathering during the official inauguration and handover of the new community to its residents on Thursday, May 2, Vice President Bawumia underscored the profound impact of the tragic explosion on the Appiatse community and the entire nation. “The sudden explosion shook our foundation, leaving Appiatse and indeed the entire country in deep sorrow and distress. I saw firsthand the devastating effect of the explosion on the community, with some of our people, unfortunately losing their lives and others suffering various injuries a...
Finance Minister Reveals Progress in Ghana’s Debt Restructuring Talks
Business

Finance Minister Reveals Progress in Ghana’s Debt Restructuring Talks

Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has disclosed that bilateral creditors, through the Official Creditor Committee, have distributed a draft document on Ghana's debt restructuring to members for consideration. This development, he stated, could pave the way for an agreement on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the near future once the draft is accepted by the creditors. Speaking at a press conference in Washington DC, USA, on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, Dr Amin Adam expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations. "The Official Creditor Committee has shared the draft document with their members, and as soon as they share the document with us and we are okay with that, then we have an agreement," he explained. Regarding the IMF's role in...
Israel Asserts Independence in Response to Iranian Attack
World

Israel Asserts Independence in Response to Iranian Attack

In a high-stakes diplomatic meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed a clear message to UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron: Israel would “make its own decisions” regarding how to respond to the recent Iranian missile and drone assault. The unprecedented attack over the weekend had left the region on edge, prompting international concern and calls for restraint. Lord Cameron, representing the British government, emphasized the need for a “smart” and limited response. Speaking to reporters in Jerusalem after the meeting, he underscored the importance of avoiding escalation. “It’s in no one’s interest to see further tensions,” Lord Cameron stated firmly. His visit aimed to demonstrate solidarity with Israel in the aftermath of Iran’s “appalling” actions. Prime Minister...
Asamoah Gyan Open to Serving as Running Mate to NPP Flagbearer
Politics

Asamoah Gyan Open to Serving as Running Mate to NPP Flagbearer

Accra, Ghana - Former Black Stars Captain, Asamoah Gyan, has expressed his readiness to serve as running mate to NPP flagbearer Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia if given the opportunity. In a television interview, Gyan stated that he would not reject the offer if it was ever made, describing it as an honor. "Honour is something everybody likes. I won't reject it, but I know that's big," the former Rennes and Sunderland forward said, clearly amused by the question. Although Gyan acknowledged that the question of being an NPP running mate was hypothetical, he emphasized his commitment to leveraging his experience and knowledge gathered over the years in football for the betterment of Ghana’s sports sector. Currently serving as the chairman of the Sports Sub-Committee of the Vice ...
Democracy Scholar Prof Larry Diamond Criticizes Ghana’s Anti-Gay Bill
News

Democracy Scholar Prof Larry Diamond Criticizes Ghana’s Anti-Gay Bill

Prof. Larry Diamond, a Democracy Scholar at the Hoover Institute and Stanford University, has expressed grave concerns regarding the recent controversy surrounding Ghana's anti-gay bill, which was recently passed by Parliament. In an interview on The Point of View on Citi TV, Prof. Diamond argued that the anti-gay bill serves as a distraction from the country's governance challenges. He questioned the rationale behind the support for the bill by a segment of the population. Prof. Diamond also questioned the country's focus on prosecuting a small minority of individuals who are born with traits beyond their control. "One concern, to put it bluntly, is the bill that parliament has adopted, although it has not yet been transmitted, which I believe is a diversion from the real issues ...
NDC Cries Foul Over Supreme Court Schedule
Politics

NDC Cries Foul Over Supreme Court Schedule

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns over what it perceives as "palpable bias" in the scheduling of cases with political implications by the Supreme Court. The party alleges that the highest court in the land has shown favoritism in arranging and adjudicating "political cases." The NDC's immediate critique stems from the hearings of an injunction filed by Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, against newly nominated ministers and reshuffled ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo. The lawsuit, filed against the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General, was initiated on March 18. However, the NDC points out that preceding this case was one brought by private legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky, who sought a declarat...
Alan Kyerematen Criticizes Vice President Bawumia’s Role in Economic Crises
Politics

Alan Kyerematen Criticizes Vice President Bawumia’s Role in Economic Crises

Independent presidential hopeful, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has expressed skepticism regarding Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's ability to distance himself from Ghana's current economic challenges. Kyerematen, founder and leader of the Movement for Change, contends that Dr. Bawumia, as a key figure in the cabinet, cannot evade responsibility for the nation's struggles. In an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Citi TV, Kyerematen drew parallels between past administrations, highlighting former President J.E. Atta-Mills' delegation of responsibilities to then-Vice President John Dramani Mahama and President Akufo-Addo's similar approach with Dr. Bawumia. Kyerematen acknowledged his own involvement in economic management during his tenure as Trade Minister but asserted hi...
Students with Disabilities Protest Over Delayed Scholarships in Accra
News

Students with Disabilities Protest Over Delayed Scholarships in Accra

Students with disabilities from the University of Education, Winneba, and Cape Coast University staged a protest outside the Scholarship Secretariat in Accra, demanding the release of long-overdue scholarship funds promised by the government. The aggrieved students, represented by the Association of Students with Disabilities, expressed frustration over the delay, stating that it jeopardizes their education. Aminu Mahama, the leader of the group, conveyed their grievances to Citi News, stating, "We were told last year that we would be paid…We were more patient with them and most of us did not pay our school fees because we had it in mind that with the scholarship, we would be paid but that did not happen." The students emphasized that the lack of funds has put their academic pursuits at r...
Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Burkina Faso Considers Consultation with Mali and Niger on Trade Decisions
World

Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Burkina Faso Considers Consultation with Mali and Niger on Trade Decisions

In a move that has potential diplomatic ramifications, Burkina Faso's Military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, has announced that his country will engage in consultations with Mali and Niger to make a final decision on whether to permit Ghanaian traders and other West African nationals to conduct business within their borders. Traoré affirmed Burkina Faso's commitment to pan-Africanism, expressing openness to Africans wishing to visit the country. However, he stated that a conclusive determination on trade matters, particularly involving Ghana, Nigeria, and other West African countries, would be reached after consultations among the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. "We remain pan-African. Anyone in Africa or an African who wants to come to Burkina is welcomed. We will decide what measur...
Beyond payments, what opportunities lie in Nigeria’s fintech sector?
Technology

Beyond payments, what opportunities lie in Nigeria’s fintech sector?

Since 2015, African fintech startups have raised over $3 billion across 722 rounds. During this time, Nigeria has often raised the most capital and, in 2022, was responsible for 46.1% of the continent’s fintech funding. Digging further into the numbers shows that most of the country’s fintech startups play in the payments space, with the most valuable expectedly in that space. One reason for the rise of payments startups is the economy’s informal nature, which has spurred payment innovations. Recently, however, there have been calls by users and investors for entrepreneurs to focus on other fintech verticals. Mayowa Kuyoro, Partner and Head of West Africa Financial Services at McKinsey & Company is one such individual. The growth of payments startups, she says, has been driven by...