NaSTAG Launches Year-long Activities to Mark Its 10th Anniversary

The National Seed Traders Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) has launched a year-long series of activities to mark its 10th anniversary celebrations at the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Wenchi in the Bono Region.

Executives of the largest seed association in the country explained that as part of the year-long celebrations, each month would feature specific events, including stakeholder engagements, public awareness campaigns, field days, and an awards ceremony.

The commemorative logo of the anniversary was also unveiled during the AGM.

In a communique issued and signed by President, NaSTAG, Seidu Mubarak Abdulai, at the end of the two-day AGM, said it was fitting to celebrate a decade of dedicated service to Ghana’s seed sector.

“Over the past 10 years, the association has recorded several landmark achievements that have strengthened the industry, including: establishing seed traceability systems, developing a national seed producer catalogue, contributing to the National Seed Plan, launching #SeedLink, a platform amplifying the voice of the seed sector in influencing policy decisions, among others”.

The anniversary serves as both a celebration of a decade of impact and a springboard for future ambitions, the communique added.

A Call for Strengthened Relationships

The NaSTAG reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies and development partners to advance the seed sector.

The members of the association called on key government bodies, particularly the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, to support the association’s contributions to national initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Program.

Furthermore, NaSTAG issued a renewed call for strengthened relationships among all stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and international partners, to jointly develop the seed sector through coordinated policy interventions, resource mobilisation, and technical support.

Only through deeper, more intentional collaboration can Ghana achieve sustainable seed security, improved farmer livelihoods, and resilient agricultural systems, the communique emphasised.

New Members

NaSTAG officially welcomed four new members into the association at the 10th AGM.

The new members received their certificates of membership during the AGM, signifying the continued growth and attractiveness of NaSTAG to seed traders across Ghana.

This expansion demonstrates the association’s strengthening influence and the increasing recognition of collective action as essential for advancing the seed industry, the communique said.

The two-day AGM held from 28th to 29th April 2026 featured deliberations on NaSTAG’s activities and a dedicated session with The African Seed Access Index (TASAI), a key partner, on the Ghana Seed Sector Assessment workshop.

The meeting, which brought together seed producers, traders, researchers, policymakers, and development partners to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Ghana’s seed sector, ensuring industry sustainability, and reinforcing governance structures to drive effective implementation of key initiatives, was held on the theme: “Delivering Quality Seeds: The Anchor for the Prosperity of Feeding Ghana”.

The AGM also allowed government partners to deliver goodwill messages and encouraged NaSTAG to build on its successes.

Lagos, Nigeria, 08 May 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- West Africa’s leading regional telecommunications, technology and business forum, the West Africa Telecommunications Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE), will be looking at the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it impacts not just telecommunications infrastructure management across all types of infrastructure but also how businesses deploy it in their daily operation.

Known as WATISE 4.0 and Awards, the 2026 edition hosted by TechnologMirror, a leading telecoms, technology and business news website, has as its theme: The Resilient AI Fabric: Ensuring Trust, Integrity, and Sustainability in Next-Generation Network Infrastructure will be held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on June 18, with the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, delivering the keynote address.

A statement from TechnologyMirror, the organisers of the regional event, said that the WATISE 4.0 has been endorsed by the notable industry group, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), and with ICTLOCA, Nigeria’s local content advocacy group, as technical partners.

And as such, both the Chairman of ALTON, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and the President of ATCON, Mr Tony Emokpere alongside the Board Secretary of ICTLOCA, Dr Adebunmi Akinbo as well as industry-focused paper presentations from our sponsors and partners.

WATISE has been designed as a regional gathering for telecommunications operators, regulators, industry-based organisations, businesses in technology and startups, policy formulators, government agencies and consumers to discuss infrastructure trends, insights, challenges and provider solutions that will leapfrog the region’s digital economy.

This year, there will be a forward-looking perspective on designing future networks (like those for 6G) that are inherently trustworthy and resilient, considering the foundational role of AI in their operation and potential attack vectors against the AI itself.

The WATISE 4.0 and Awards promised to also provide insights into the transformation impact of AI in the fintech industry, such as fraud detection and security in the areas of AI algorithms, monitor transactions in real-time to identify suspicious activity and strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) processes.

The experts at the event, which will be taking its award series to another, will also examine critical issues such as deploying AI to protect telecoms infrastructure and AI’s innovative impact on the protection of the FinTech industry from cyber-attacks and fraud as well as CX and KYC.

Country Editor, TechnologyMirror, Mr Isaiah Erhiawarien disclosed that the event already has as sponsors the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), while leading players are set to pick up slots of sponsorship.

He said further that WATISE 4.0 and Awards will feature a keynote presentation from industry stakeholders and sponsors’ presentations, an issue-based paper presentation, one robust panel session, an insightful fireside chat of leading industry experts and a recognitional industry award session.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of TechnologyMirror.

THE ORGANISER
The WATISE is an initiative of TechnologyMirror, a leading technology news and information
website and winner of the Best Startups Supportive Online Media, 2022 and syndicated
across the EMEA by SyndiGate a global media conglomerate based in the USA.

CONTACT:
Victoria Akang-Obong Alfred
[email protected]
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The post WATISE 4.0 & Awards: Experts to Explore AI Impact on Telecoms, Fintech, ERP & HR as 4th Edition is Held in June appeared first on African Media Agency.

COCOBOD Signals New Funding Model for 2026/27 Cocoa Season at 2026 ACFIF Conference

The Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Ransford Abbey, has disclosed that modalities for a new funding model for Ghana’s cocoa sector are nearing completion ahead of its implementation in the 2026/2027 crop season.

He said the new model marks a major shift in Ghana’s cocoa financing strategy and seeks to ensure price stability and sustainable farmer income.

Dr Abbey made this known during a high-level panel discussion on Pre-Export Liquidity & Long-Term Capital at the Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum (ACFIF 2026), held at the London Stock Exchange.

Dr Abbey explained that Ghana’s cocoa sector has, for over three decades, relied on syndicated loans backed by forward cocoa sales to finance annual crop purchases. According to him, although the model ensured access to liquidity, it also required between 70% and 92% of the cocoa crop to be collateralised to offshore financiers, underscoring the urgent need for a paradigm shift in policy.

“The new funding model will come with a new pricing mechanism which will involve periodic reviews, maybe quarterly .. and will be used for the entire crop, ” he said.

According to the Chief Executive, the model focuses on mobilising capital through instruments such as commercial paper and commercial notes, while tapping into domestic liquidity, including institutional investors.

He further explained that the proposed reform would maintain the policy of paying farmers 70 per cent of the Free-On-Board (FOB) price, while introducing periodic price reviews to respond to movements in global cocoa prices and exchange rates. The objective, he said, is to strike a careful balance between income stability for farmers and the financial sustainability of the cocoa sector.

The model is also expected to broaden participation in the cocoa economy by creating greater financing access for local processors and indigenous Ghanaian companies, strengthening value retention within the country.

The COCOBOD CE expressed confidence in the strength of Ghana’s financial ecosystem to support this transition, citing improving macroeconomic conditions and growing investor interest in structured financial instruments.

Dr Abbey further acknowledged the need for clarity among stakeholders, particularly Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), and the investor community regarding the structure and scale of funding support under the new model.

He indicated that a detailed prospectus outlining participation opportunities for financial institutions and investors is being firmed up, adding that its contents will be fully explained to key stakeholders ahead of the opening of the 2026/2027 crop season.

He expressed optimism that the incomes of Ghanaian cocoa farmers would be better protected from global cocoa price volatility in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, the Africa Cocoa Finance and Investment Forum (ACFIF) 2026 was convened by Cocoa Trade and Invest Africa, in partnership with the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) and the United Kingdom office of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC UK) and brought together policymakers, investors and industry stakeholders to advance reforms and unlock investment across Africa’s cocoa sector.

AratheJay’s Debut Album ‘The Odyssey’ Surpasses 55 Million Streams Across Major Platforms

AratheJay’s critically acclaimed project “The Odyssey” has crossed a staggering 55 million cumulative streams across Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Audiomack. This puts the Ghanaian sensation as a formidable force and a sustainable voice in the Ghanaian music landscape.

Spotify has proven to be the artist’s strongest platform, accounting for over 18 million streams (18,071,248), making it the biggest individual platform contribution to the album’s overall tally. The figure ranks “The Odyssey” among the highest-streamed African debut albums on Spotify, a platform whose global reach has become the definitive barometer for breakout success.

YouTube Music trails closely behind with 15.6 million streams, underscoring the album’s strong visual and audio appeal, while Apple Music, typically the domain of markets in North America and Europe, registers an impressive 13.2 million plays, signalling that AratheJay’s sound has resonated well beyond the African continent.

Equally notable is the album’s performance on Audiomack, which recorded 10.28 million streams. Audiomack’s dominance as the go-to streaming platform across West Africa makes this figure a reliable gauge of the album’s grassroots traction on home soil, an audience that often serves as the launchpad before global crossover.

The Odyssey, as its title suggests, reads as a journey: an artistic expedition that draws on Afrobeats, highlife influences, and contemporary production to craft a sound that is both rooted in African musical tradition and vibrant in modern global pop. The project’s multi-platform performance reflects that duality, pulling in listeners across very different streaming demographics and geographies simultaneously.

The album’s cross-platform success is also a reflection of a broader shift in how African artists are consuming and being consumed in the digital era. Where earlier generations of African artists relied almost entirely on physical sales and radio play, a new generation, with AratheJay firmly among them, is leveraging streaming data as proof of cultural relevance and commercial viability in one.

As “The Odyssey” continues to rack up streams, all eyes in the African music industry will be fixed on what AratheJay does next. Whether there is a follow-up project, international collaborations, or a headline tour. One thing is already certain: with 57 million cumulative streams from a debut, the journey has only just begun.

E.L sets The Camden Assembly ablaze with hit-filled performance

A packed auditorium with fans still gathered outside, hoping to get in, is no easy feat. Yet for E.L, it was a moment that felt both earned and unforgettable.

Last Saturday, the multi-talented Ghanaian artist delivered an electrifying performance at The Camden Assembly in London, leaving fans with an experience that will linger long after the final note.

From the very start, E.L commanded the stage with confidence and precision, performing fan favorites such as ‘Kaa Bu Ame’, ‘Strawberry Ginger’, ‘Shelele’, ‘Obuu Mo’, ‘Kaalu’, ‘Mi Na Bo Po’, and ‘Lalafalama’. Each song carried its own energy, yet together they created a seamless and dynamic set that kept the audience fully engaged. The connection between artist and crowd was unmatched, as every lyric was echoed back with enthusiasm and every beat was met with movement. The night was further elevated by appearances from guest performers, adding variety and depth to an already vibrant show. It was not just a concert, but a shared celebration of Ghanaian music and culture on an international stage.

According to Afromoon Official, a platform dedicated to promoting Ghanaian music within the diaspora, the event stood out as one of the most impressive they have witnessed. They noted that the energy in the room remained high from beginning to end, with the audience completely immersed in the performance. In their words, it was a different kind of atmosphere, one that felt both intense and genuine.

Following the show, E.L took a moment to express his appreciation to fans, both those who made it inside and those who were unable to gain entry. His message reflected both gratitude and a promise: “London, words cannot fully express what I felt. You showed me genuine love. We will definitely do this again. And to everyone who could not get into the venue, give me a moment.”

The Camden performance has since sparked conversations about E.L’s artistry and stage presence. Many have described him as a complete performer, one who understands how to translate music into a live experience through strong stage control, thoughtful delivery, and an undeniable connection with his audience.

With a career that has spanned over a decade, E.L continues to demonstrate growth, versatility, and consistency. His London performance did more than meet expectations. It exceeded them, leaving a lasting impression on fans and reinforcing his place as one of Ghana’s most compelling musical voices on the global stage.

Zambia Reiterates Support for Morocco’s Territorial Integrity, Welcomes UN Resolution 2797

The Republic of Zambia reiterated on Thursday its firm and steadfast stance in favor of the territorial integrity and Moroccanness of the Sahara.

It also welcomed the historic adoption on October 31, 2025, by the UN Security Council of Resolution 2797, which enshrines, within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, the autonomy plan proposed by the Kingdom of Morocco as the only serious, credible, and lasting basis for reaching a political solution to the artificial dispute over the Sahara.

This stance was conveyed in a joint Communiqué issued in Rabat following talks between Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia Mulambo Haimbe, currently on a working visit to Morocco.

Haimbe also expressed his country’s support for the United Nations’ efforts to reach a solution to this regional dispute, as well as for the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco, deeming it the only credible, serious, and realistic solution for resolving this issue.

He further emphasized that this initiative provides a pragmatic and constructive basis for reaching a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.

For his part, Bourita welcomed the positive development of ties between the two brotherly countries in recent years, facilitated in particular by the opening, in October 2020, of the Zambian Embassy in Rabat and its Consulate General in Laayoune.

Jospong Group, VYNCKE Forge Landmark Waste-to-Energy Partnership for Africa at IFAT, Germany

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The Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Belgian clean energy technology firm VYNCKE to jointly promote scalable waste-to-energy solutions across Africa. The alliance aims to accelerate sustainable energy transition, modern waste management, and green industrialization on the continent.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 6, 2026, by the Executive Director for the Waste Processing Division of the Jospong Group, Mr. Haidar Said, on behalf of JGC and Jef Mestdagh, Business Development Manager, witnessed by CEO Mr. Peter Vyncke at IFAT in Munich. The deal combines African operational expertise in waste management with advanced European waste-to-energy technology to support cleaner cities, renewable energy generation, and sustainable industrial development.

The agreement outlines a framework for both companies to explore, assess, and develop waste-to-energy projects tailored to African waste streams, regulatory environments, and market realities. Industry observers call this one of the most significant recent collaborations in Africa’s environmental services and renewable energy sector.

Under the agreement, JGC, one of Ghana’s largest indigenous conglomerates, will leverage its experience in sanitation, waste collection, landfill management, and environmental services to facilitate project development across Africa. VYNCKE, a globally recognized Belgian engineering company, will provide technical expertise in combustion systems, thermal energy solutions, and industrial energy infrastructure.

The collaboration aims to convert municipal, industrial, and organic waste into usable energy while reducing pressure on landfills and improving environmental outcomes in rapidly urbanizing African cities. The two companies intend to jointly identify waste-to-energy opportunities, conduct feasibility studies, engage regulators and investors, and support deployment of sustainable energy infrastructure adapted to African conditions.

This landmark intervention opens a new market in Africa by undertaking landfill gas extraction to capture methane emissions from existing dumpsites and convert them into usable energy for Africa’s growing demand for electricity. The agreement also includes Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to reduce industrial emissions and support long-term climate goals, alongside thermal and biomass technologies for efficient waste conversion.

The agreement reflects a shift toward strategic industrial partnerships that recognize Africa as an emerging hub for sustainable innovation. For many African countries, waste accumulation, unreliable energy supply, and rapid urban growth continue to create serious pressures. Experts say waste-to-energy systems reduce landfill dependency, generate cleaner energy, create jobs, and support industrial productivity. This partnership is therefore viewed as a practical response to the continent’s most pressing challenges.

The MoU highlights the increasing role of African indigenous companies in driving sustainability initiatives. JGC has expanded across sanitation and environmental management in Ghana and other African countries, including operations in Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe through Zoomlion. By partnering with VYNCKE, the group is accelerating Africa’s transition toward cleaner industrial energy systems. The partnership also supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The agreement sends a strong signal to African governments, policymakers, and investors about the viability of large-scale environmental infrastructure projects led by African enterprises. Successful implementation will require supportive regulations, investment-friendly policies, and public-private collaboration. The partnership reinforces the importance of cross-border knowledge transfer to help Africa meet its energy and waste management demands. As African cities expand, the need for innovative, scalable solutions becomes urgent. This collaboration may represent the beginning of a broader movement toward African-led sustainability solutions. For many stakeholders, the message is clear: Africa’s next phase of industrial growth must be green, innovative, collaborative, and designed for African realities.

Weija Hospital Row: Awerco Rejects Procurement Claims, Warns of Lawsuit

Awerco Construction Limited, the contractor working on the Weija-Gbawe Children’s Hospital project, has rejected claims made by the Ministry of Health over delays in the operationalisation of the facility, describing the statements as inaccurate and damaging to its reputation.

The dispute follows a press release issued by the Ministry of Health on May 5, 2026, which reportedly attributed delays in the commissioning of the hospital to a range of issues, including concerns over procurement processes and project execution.

In response, Awerco has issued a formal legal notice through its lawyers, dated May 8, 2026, demanding an immediate retraction of portions of the ministry’s statement. The company argues that the allegations unfairly suggest it is responsible for the delays and operational challenges facing the project.

According to Awerco, it has fulfilled all contractual obligations and has not been provided with any evidence supporting claims of procurement irregularities, including allegations that medical equipment was overpriced. The company insists that such assertions are unfounded and were never formally communicated to it during the course of the project.

The contractor also disputed suggestions that it halted the commissioning process of the hospital. It explained that its communications with the ministry were focused on procedural handover issues and the need for essential protective systems such as uninterrupted power supply units and voltage regulators to safeguard sensitive medical equipment.

Awerco further stated that delays in settling outstanding payments have affected mandatory end-user training required for the proper operation of medical equipment at the facility. It warned that proceeding without such training could pose risks to both equipment and patient safety.

The company added that it had repeatedly written to the ministry over the past year seeking payment of outstanding obligations but had not received any response.

In its legal notice, Awerco described the ministry’s claims as misleading and warned that it would pursue legal action if the statement is not corrected within 24 hours.

The Ministry of Health is yet to publicly respond to the latest demands from the contractor.

Fidelity Bank Ghana Disowns “Fidelity Capital Investment Group” as Fraud Concerns Mount

Fidelity Bank Ghana has issued a public clarification disassociating itself from an entity operating under the name “Fidelity Capital Investment Group,” amid growing regulatory concerns and warnings about the firm’s activities.

In a statement, the bank stressed that neither it nor its investment subsidiary, Fidelity Securities Limited, has any affiliation, association, or connection with the entity in question. The clarification follows media reports and public discussions suggesting a possible link due to the shared use of the “Fidelity” name.

The bank emphasized that Fidelity Securities Limited is a duly licensed and regulated investment and asset management firm under the Securities and Exchange Commission Ghana, operating in full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements in Ghana’s financial sector.

“We wish to clarify that Fidelity Bank Ghana and its subsidiary, Fidelity Securities Limited, are in no way affiliated, associated, or connected with the said entity or its activities,” the statement noted.

The bank also expressed concern about the potential for public confusion arising from the use of its brand name. According to the statement, such usage could mislead investors into assuming a relationship that does not exist.

“We are concerned by any use of the ‘Fidelity’ name in a manner that may create confusion or mislead the public into assuming an association with our brand,” the bank said, urging the public to exercise caution when dealing with investment firms.

The clarification comes as the Securities and Exchange Commission Ghana has cautioned the public against engaging with “Fidelity Capital Investment Group,” describing the entity as unlicensed and raising red flags about its operations.

Deputy Director-General of the Commission, Mensah Thompson, in an interview indicated that the company is not authorized to operate in Ghana’s capital market. He warned that the entity appears to be using tactics similar to Ponzi schemes, including promises of unusually high returns, particularly through messaging platforms such as Telegram.

He advised investors to avoid committing funds to unregulated schemes, noting that such offers often carry significant risks and could lead to loss of capital.

Fidelity Bank Ghana reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and customer protection. The bank also encouraged the public to independently verify the legitimacy and regulatory status of any investment institution directly with the Securities and Exchange Commission Ghana before making financial decisions.

The development highlights ongoing concerns within Ghana’s financial sector about fraudulent investment schemes exploiting trusted brand names to gain credibility and attract unsuspecting investors.

Story by: Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah
Popularly Known As: Attractive Mustapha
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 00233244 259 564

Police Shooting of SHS Student Sparks Fresh Questions Over Domeabra Land Dispute

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A police shooting incident involving a 19-year-old Senior High School student has triggered renewed public scrutiny over a controversial demolition exercise on disputed lands at Domeabra in the Greater Accra Region.

The student, identified as Nii Seth Lamptey, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during clashes between residents and security personnel after tensions flared over the demolition of structures on a 700-acre parcel of land. Reports indicate the teenager had returned home briefly to pick up some belongings and was expected to resume school the following week before the incident occurred.

The unrest followed a demolition operation allegedly carried out by F K A Company Ltd, a firm linked to businessman Frederick Kweku Asare, under police protection on May 6, 2026.

In a petition demanding an independent investigation, the Domeabra Stool accused the company and police of proceeding with the exercise despite an ongoing court case over ownership of the land.

According to the Stool, lawyers had already notified the police about the pending litigation and submitted all relevant court documents during earlier meetings involving both parties. Traditional leaders say they were therefore shocked that security personnel still provided protection for the demolition exercise.

The Stool also questioned the legal basis for the operation, arguing that the judgment being relied upon by the company — Nii Lantey Lamptey vrs R.O. Lamptey & 2 Others, Suit Number BL/486/2007 — does not involve the Domeabra Stool.

Chiefs and elders claimed they advised local youth not to interfere with the demolitions because they believed the matter was still before the court and expected lawful conduct from the police.

However, the destruction of several structures reportedly heightened anger among residents, eventually leading to confrontations with security officers.

The incident has since intensified calls for accountability, with residents and traditional authorities demanding answers over both the demolition exercise and the circumstances that led to the shooting of the student.

The Domeabra Stool is now urging state authorities to launch a full-scale independent investigation into the police role in the operation and determine whether due legal processes were followed before the demolitions were carried out.