Leaders in the FinTech space have been urged to move the beyond slow pace growth and focus on building interconnected systems that can scale across Africa.
Speaking on a panel at the 3i Africa Summit 2026 in Accra on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL), Haruna Shaibu, urged industry players to pursue what he described as “digital leapfrogging” built on interoperability, shared infrastructure, and customer-focused innovation.
Speaking on the topic “From platforms to systems: building foundations, scaling Africa’s Digital Finance Economy,” he said Africa’s digital finance future will not be shaped by isolated platforms, but by systems that work together seamlessly across borders and institutions.
“Leapfrogging is very simple, you can look at it as either growing exponentially or growing incrementally. And oftentimes, when a new technology is introduced, everybody jumps on it. We all end up doing the very same things.”
He warned that while digital finance has expanded rapidly across the continent, much of the progress has come through duplication rather than transformation.
According to him, this approach limits impact and slows down real financial inclusion.
He drew a comparison with the early internet era to explain the problem.
“I recall many years ago when the internet explosion came about, everybody suddenly wanted to have an internet café. We built internet café businesses that were cannibalising each other,” he said.
According to him, Africa must now shift from fragmented innovation to deliberate system design that enables scale.
Building “big pipes” for digital finance
He used infrastructure as an analogy to explain how digital finance systems should be built.
“When you are building a road network, you ask yourself: do you build the main artery first, and then connect the feeders into the artery?” he said.
He argued that digital finance requires the same thinking. “We should be deliberate about building the bigger rails and connecting them so that we create a whole ecosystem that supports acceleration,” he said.
He stressed that interoperability remains the foundation of this system, especially in mobile money and payments.
“You want to be able to create that big pipe which connects to another big pipe, which is the interoperable layer,” he said. “So that system to system can connect and seamlessly transact.”
He noted that regulators and industry players have already made progress in building core infrastructure. The next step, he said, is scaling those systems across markets and platforms. “We’ve built those foundational big pipes. Now how do we layer on and scale?” he said.
Shift focus to the customer
Mr Shaibu cautioned against excessive focus on building competing platforms instead of strengthening connectivity.
“Sometimes it almost feels like everybody wants to build one thing, and we end up crowding out in one area. The bigger opportunity is how we connect,” he noted.
He said the true value of digital financial systems is not in the number of platforms created, but in their reliability, cost efficiency and ability to serve users.
“At that level, what matters most is resilience and ensuring that the system is always available, and at a lower cost to the end customer,” he said.
He added that innovation must move closer to the customer experience. “So the focus for us should shift from the big pipes into how we are serving the customer. That is where the biggest innovation should be,” he added.
Data, the new financial currency
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of data in digital finance, describing it as the new driver of competitiveness.
“Data is not far-fetched in terms of its importance. For credit scoring, it is a very powerful tool which helps you underwrite a facility.”
He explained that financial institutions are now competing on how well they can capture and use customer data.
“The next big business is who is able to capture enough data points and build a data footprint of your customer and be able to serve them better,” he said.
He said data is already being used in customer management, fraud detection and building trust in digital ecosystems.
Fraud detection systems
The MMFL CEO said fraud detection is also evolving, moving away from rigid rule-based systems to more advanced behavioural models.
“We are moving from a rule-based fraud detection mechanism to more behavioural-based systems,” he said. “How best you use the data points you have to predict fraud behaviour and prevent it.”
He said this shift allows financial institutions to stop fraud before it happens.
“There is a lot of work we do behind the scenes in stopping fraud from manifesting,” he noted.
AI opportunities
He also pointed to reforms by the Bank of Ghana on open banking as a major step forward for the industry.
“Bank of Ghana has come up with a lot of reforms around open banking. This will present opportunities.”
He urged industry players to embrace openness, even when it creates short-term challenges.
“If you want to build that big pipe, you have to be very open to accommodate and assess. There may be some commercially not too interesting things that may happen to you, but you have to think positively about the broader banking system.”
On artificial intelligence, he said its full potential in financial services is still ahead.
“The best use case for AI is yet to come. We have to adapt to new insights and use it in a safe way.”
Calls for deeper reforms
Co-panelists also called for deeper reforms to strengthen Africa’s digital finance ecosystem and reduce structural barriers to growth.
Dare Okoudjou said mobile money remains the foundation of financial inclusion, noting that for many Africans, it is their first experience with a financial institution.
“We should be proud of what has been built, but it must now be scaled,” he said, while urging a shift towards a single continental licensing regime to replace fragmented national regulations, warning that duplication raises costs and slows expansion.
On the high cost of credit across the continent, Paul Whelpton and Olugbenga Agboola emphasised persistent inefficiencies in pricing and access, pointing to the need for stronger systems, better risk assessment, and improved use of digital infrastructure to drive down borrowing costs and widen access to finance.
As part of efforts to unlock Ghana’s trade potential and drive inclusive economic growth, the World Bank Group Ghana Country Office, the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), and the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER) have held a high-level Transformation Dialogue seminar focused on strengthening trade reforms, boosting exports, and creating jobs through sustainable economic transformation.
The seminar, themed “Rethinking Trade for Growth and Jobs in Ghana,” brought together policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, academics, and think tanks to explore strategies for leveraging trade to support industrialisation, economic diversification, and employment creation.
Minister For Trade Agribusiness And Industry Hon Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare
Ghana Records Historic Trade Surplus
Ghana recorded a historic trade surplus of US$13.6 billion in 2025, the strongest external trade performance in the country’s history, as government intensifies efforts to drive industrialisation, value addition and export diversification.
Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed this during the third edition of the World Bank–ACET–ISSER Transformation Dialogue seminar.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s gross international reserves climbed to a record US$13.8 billion, while the current account balance rose from US$1.5 billion to over US$9 billion within a year, describing the gains as outcomes of deliberate reforms and disciplined economic management.
She revealed that total export receipts reached US$31.11 billion, driven largely by gold exports, which increased to US$20.98 billion following reforms introduced under the Ghana Gold Board, rising global prices and increased production volumes.
The Minister further announced that Ghana’s non-traditional exports reached a record US$5 billion in 2025, representing a 30.7 per cent increase over the previous year.
She noted that processed and semi-processed exports generated US$3.09 billion, marking a 52.78 per cent increase from 2024 levels, with cocoa derivatives including cocoa paste, butter and powder emerging as the leading earners.
“These are proof that when we add value before we export, the returns follow,” she stated. Despite the gains, the Minister cautioned that Ghana’s export base remains heavily dependent on raw commodities, stressing the need for the country to move beyond exporting unprocessed materials.
She said the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, is pursuing a deliberate strategy to build a self-reliant, import-substituting and export-led economy.
According to her, Ghana has set a target to process at least 50 per cent of its cocoa domestically, backed by installed grinding capacity exceeding 500,000 metric tonnes.
She added that similar reforms are underway in the gold sector to ensure greater value retention within the country.
The Minister explained that the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme remains central to efforts aimed at expanding productivity, deepening industrialisation and creating sustainable jobs.
She also highlighted ongoing engagements with manufacturers, exporters and trade associations to improve quality standards and address operational bottlenecks affecting Ghanaian exports.
According to her, many local processing industries continue to operate below capacity due to inconsistent supply of quality raw materials, prompting interventions to prioritise domestic industrial supply.
She identified the government’s Feed the Industry Programme as a key initiative aimed at ensuring reliable industrial-grade raw materials for local manufacturers.
On regional trade integration, the Minister disclosed that Ghana recently pushed for harmonisation of trade standards during the ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry meeting in Abuja to improve competitiveness under the AfCFTA.
She also revealed that bilateral discussions were held with Côte d’Ivoire on addressing border trade compliance and operational challenges affecting trade flows between the two countries.
Regional Director At The World Bank Group Seynabou Sakho
World Bank: Ghana’s Trade Potential Remains Untapped
The Regional Director at the World Bank Group, Seynabou Sakho, said Ghana’s trade potential remains significant but underutilised despite strong macroeconomic fundamentals.
She noted that Ghana was her first official destination after assuming office, describing the country as strategically important to the region’s development agenda.
Sakho commended government’s continued engagement on trade and transformation reforms and acknowledged the role of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat as a key pillar of Ghana’s economic programme.
She also recognised partner institutions including ACET and ISSER, alongside stakeholders from the private sector, academia, export promotion agencies, think tanks and the media.
According to her, trade remains a powerful driver of transformation through foreign exchange earnings, productivity growth, investment expansion, technology adoption and job creation.
She stressed that Ghana is well positioned with macroeconomic stability, a dynamic private sector, a growing services sector and its hosting of the AfCFTA Secretariat, but noted that significant export potential remains unrealised.
She cited estimates suggesting Ghana has about US$12 billion in unrealised export potential, indicating the country could potentially double its exports if constraints are addressed.
Senior Economist At The World Bank Group Rami Galal
Economist: Trade Gains Yet to Fully Translate Into Jobs
Senior Economist at the World Bank Group, Rami Galal, said Ghana has not yet fully realised the benefits of trade despite its strong potential.
He explained that the constraints stem from both traditional trade issues such as policy and facilitation gaps, as well as deeper structural production challenges.
According to him, while earlier periods showed positive contributions from net exports to economic growth, recent years indicate a reversal, with net exports negatively affecting GDP growth.
He highlighted limited dynamism in Ghana’s export sector, where a small number of large firms dominate while entry and survival rates for new exporters remain low.
He also cited non-tariff barriers, logistics inefficiencies and border delays as major drivers of trade costs.
Structurally, he noted that Ghana’s export base remains narrow and dominated by gold, oil and cocoa, with limited diversification.
He added that manufacturing remains relatively small, limiting broad-based industrial job creation, while services exports, particularly digital services, are emerging as new opportunities.
Director Of The Institute Of Statistical Social And Economic Research ISSER University Of Ghana Robert Darko Osei
ISSER Calls for Structural Export Reforms
Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Robert Darko Osei, said countries that are more trade-intensive tend to record lower poverty rates when trade is properly structured.
He explained that trade not only drives economic growth but also creates employment and reduces poverty when linked to productive sectors.
However, he noted that Ghana’s export structure has remained largely unchanged over time despite increased trade since the early 2000s.
He said the complexity of exports has not improved significantly, with Ghana still heavily reliant on raw commodities such as cocoa, gold and oil.
He observed that even with oil added to the export basket, the structure remains broadly similar in terms of value addition.
He stressed that attracting the right type of investment is essential to ensuring trade translates into jobs and poverty reduction.
He warned that geopolitical shocks make diversification even more urgent, as over-reliance on a narrow export base increases vulnerability.
He noted that regional trade frameworks such as ECOWAS and AfCFTA have not yet achieved full effectiveness due to implementation gaps.
He also pointed to high effective tax rates, high cost of credit driven by non-performing loans, and persistent non-tariff barriers as key constraints affecting competitiveness.
He identified infrastructure gaps across the region as a major challenge to cross-border trade.
He further noted that energy reliability and cost remain critical issues, forcing many SMEs to rely on generators, thereby increasing production costs.
He added that renewable energy solutions such as solar remain expensive upfront, limiting adoption.
He concluded that fiscal pressures, infrastructure deficits and energy challenges are interconnected structural issues that must be addressed to unlock trade-led job creation.
Deputy Director Of Research At The Ghana Export Promotion Authority Dr Martin Akogti
GEPA Highlights SME Export Challenges
The Deputy Director of Research at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Dr. Martin Akogti, said export data confirms extreme concentration in Ghana’s export sector.
He explained that out of more than 1,200 exporting firms, only 111 companies account for about 80 per cent of export earnings.
He said many SMEs enter the export sector without adequate preparation, often driven by one-off export orders they are unable to sustain.
He stressed that exporting is a complex process requiring proper systems, structure and readiness.
According to him, many SMEs lack internal capacity, planning systems and export knowledge, resulting in high failure rates.
He said GEPA has introduced the Ghana Export School to build exporter capacity and improve readiness for international markets.
He highlighted production constraints, especially the inability of SMEs to aggregate supply and meet large export orders.
He identified financing as a major barrier, noting that export activities are highly capital intensive.
He urged SMEs to collaborate and form partnerships to meet large container orders instead of operating individually.
He added that non-traditional exports remain a strong pathway for inclusive growth, particularly in agro-processing, garments, handicrafts and trading services.
He disclosed that trading services are projected to reach US$10 billion, reflecting the sector’s growth potential.
He concluded that despite the challenges, the non-traditional export sector remains a viable engine for job creation and inclusive development.
Presidential Advisor On The Hour Economy At The Office Of The President Goosie Tanoh
Goosie Tanoh Pushes Structural Reforms
During a panel discussion, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy at the Office of the President, Goosie Tanoh, said Ghana’s export structure remains highly concentrated in a few commodities.
He noted that the economy continues to depend on gold, oil and cocoa, replacing earlier reliance on timber.
He stressed that financing gaps, weak supply chains, low agricultural productivity and institutional inefficiencies remain major barriers to diversification.
He highlighted logistics costs, noting they account for between 40 and 60 per cent of final product prices.
According to him, the 24-Hour Economy programme is designed to modernise production systems, improve logistics, strengthen supply chains and develop human capital.
He emphasised agriculture and manufacturing as key pillars for inflation control, import substitution and export growth.
He also stressed the importance of regional trade under ECOWAS and AfCFTA, while encouraging exploration of new markets in Asia and other regions.
He added that a Presidential Advisory Committee on Accelerated Export Development has been established to coordinate reforms across key institutions.
He concluded that Ghana’s transformation depends on coordinated reforms across infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and skills development.
Executive Officer Of The Business Outsourcing Services Association Ghana Mr Gowu
Digital Economy Sector Targets Massive Job Creation
The Executive Officer of the Business Outsourcing Services Association Ghana, Mr. Gowu, said Ghana’s most valuable export asset is its human capital.
He explained that Ghana has a growing pool of young, educated and tech-skilled graduates, producing over 120,000 graduates annually alongside a talent base of more than 800,000 trained young people seeking opportunities.
He said Ghana is already ahead of many regional peers in digital skills and English proficiency, making the country attractive for digital services outsourcing.
According to him, international companies have already established operations in Ghana, employing thousands of young people to deliver global digital services.
He, however, noted that Ghana is not yet deliberate enough in positioning itself as a global digital services export hub.
He described digital service exports as the ability for companies to outsource work remotely to Ghanaian talent, generating income and foreign exchange.
He added that high real estate costs remain a major barrier for outsourcing firms, with some costs comparable to global cities such as New York.
He disclosed that some global service providers have already employed more than 2,500 young people in Ghana and are planning expansion.
He further revealed that the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat is supporting a programme known as ASPIRE 24, which is conducting feasibility studies aimed at positioning Ghana as a digital services hub.
He said plans are underway to develop large-scale infrastructure hubs with capacities exceeding 3,000 seats near universities to tap into graduate talent.
He added that regulatory reforms are also underway, including the removal of high capital requirements that previously discouraged smaller foreign firms from establishing operations in Ghana.
He stressed that Ghana must deliberately market itself as a digital services destination, just as it promotes sports and other sectors.
He noted that Ghana already has nearly half a million young freelancers working on global platforms such as Upwork, but said the formal digital outsourcing economy must be expanded.
According to him, formalisation would help improve tax revenue mobilisation and strengthen financial tracking of digital income flows.
He set a target for the sector to create more than 100,000 formal jobs within five years if properly structured.
He also called for stronger promotion of Ghana’s innovation hubs, increased inbound investor engagement and participation in global trade fairs.
He concluded that Ghana is well positioned for export growth in both traditional and digital sectors if deliberate policies are implemented.
He further noted that while Ghana faces the challenge of absorbing more than 120,000 graduates annually, institutions such as the interstate employment system currently employ close to 60,000 people, highlighting the scale of the employment gap.
The family of the late Nana Akuoko Sarpong, in accordance with cherished tradition and custom, has formally invited the Old Vandals Association (OVA) and the Management of Commonwealth Hall to the one-week (40-day) observation of the legendary “Showcross,” the First Chief Vandal.
Distinguished Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit
A high-powered delegation from Agogo recently paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Old Vandals Association and the Management of Commonwealth Hall to officially announce the observance and perform the requisite customary rites.
The delegation was led by Nana Bediako Brogya Sarpong, Dompiahene of the Agogo Asante Akyem Traditional Area and Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee. He was accompanied by Afua Adoma Sarpong Barfie, second daughter of Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, and Nana Osei Bonsu, both members of the Funeral Planning Committee.
The meeting was honored by the presence of His Royal Majesty Nana Osompa Nyamekye II Omanhene of Gomoa Otapirow and nsafuoahene of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Council, himself a proud Old Vandal.
Also in attendance were Prof. Harry Akussah, former Hall Master and member of the Council of Elders, as well as Prof. Simpson, Acting Hall Master of Commonwealth Hall, together with members of the Hall’s management team.
Honouring an Extraordinary Legacy
As tradition demands, the delegation officially announced that the 40-day observation will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Asante Akyem Agogo.
The late Nana Akuoko Sarpong, affectionately known as “Showcross,” remained a towering figure within the Commonwealth Hall fraternity throughout his lifetime. Until his passing, he served diligently as a member of the Council of Elders and was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to the growth and advancement of Commonwealth Hall.
His remarkable contributions included championing the acquisition of a dedicated bus for the Hall, supporting beautification initiatives within Commonwealth Hall, assisting Vandals with national service placements and employment opportunities at strategic institutions, among many other impactful interventions.
His dedication was once again demonstrated during the sod-cutting ceremony for the Commonwealth Hall Annex Project, where he passionately rallied alumni support toward addressing accommodation challenges facing students of the University of Ghana.
“Vandals will always stand behind the family. We will be present in our numbers to honour a man who was truly dedicated to the cause of Commonwealth Hall.”
— Mr. Isaac Nketiah Sarpong, President, Old Vandals Association
A Celebration of Heritage, Brotherhood, and Tradition
The engagement concluded with the pouring of libation, symbolizing reverence for the ancestors and honouring the legendary personalities whose sacrifices and leadership have shaped the proud legacy of Commonwealth Hall.
In a profound display of Vandal tradition and symbolism, Hermes, the Messenger of Bacchus, was clothed in red to formally convey the message across the Vandal fraternity, a significant cultural gesture reflecting mourning, unity, honour and the enduring spirit of brotherhood within Commonwealth Hall.
As a further mark of respect and mourning for the late Nana Akuoko Sarpong, all Vandal flags are to fly at half-mast in honour of the First Chief Vandal and his immense contributions to Commonwealth Hall and the wider Vandal fraternity.
The ceremony served as a powerful reflection of African heritage, Vandal unity and the unbreakable bond between Commonwealth Hall and its distinguished sons.
The Old Vandals Association is therefore urging all alumni and members of the Vandal fraternity to join in paying their final respects to the First Chief Vandal as the community celebrates a life defined by leadership, service, culture, and an unwavering Vandal spirit.
Workers of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have announced plans to embark on a nationwide strike beginning May 13, 2026, over what they describe as prolonged government inaction on their conditions of service.
The notice, issued by the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) in a letter dated May 6, 2026, was addressed to the Executive Secretaries of both the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the NIA. It follows nearly two years of delays in implementing a staff migration exercise that was expected to improve salaries, placements, and career progression.
According to the union, the Scheme of Service for NIA staff was approved as far back as July 2024, with the migration process commencing in December 2024. However, 22 months later, workers say the process has stalled, leaving many without proper placement, corresponding salaries, or due promotions.
“Twenty-two months since the approval of the Scheme of Service, and despite the completion of the process and submission of reports, follow-ups by both the Union and Management, the Ministry of Finance is yet to grant approval for payment of staff,” portions of the letter stated.
The union argues that the delay has created frustration among workers and undermined morale within the Authority. It warned that the situation is beginning to threaten what it described as a “relatively peaceful industrial atmosphere.”
Despite several engagements with management and other stakeholders, the PSWU says efforts to secure the necessary approvals have not yielded results. While acknowledging assurances from NIA management that discussions are ongoing, the union insists patience among its members has run out.
“By a copy of this letter, and without further recourse, we will accordingly proceed on the planned industrial action if we do not receive the necessary approvals for implementation of the migration reports for staff of the NIA by 13th May 2026,” the statement added.
If carried out, the strike is expected to disrupt operations at the NIA, the state agency responsible for issuing Ghana Cards and managing the national identification system—a critical service for banking, telecommunications, and access to public services.
As the deadline approaches, attention now turns to the Ministry of Finance and other relevant authorities to determine whether last-minute interventions can avert the looming industrial action.
Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Boakye Agyarko, has intensified his campaign for the party’s top executive position with a strong call for unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation within the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
During a series of meetings held on May 7, 2026, with constituency executives across the Ashanti Region, Hon. Agyarko stressed that the NPP could only reclaim power in 2028 if members closed ranks and worked together as one united family.
The meetings involved executives from Offinso North and South, Afigya Kwabre North and South, Suame, Tafo Pankrono, Manhyia North and South, Asawase, Oforikrom, Ahafo Ano North, South-East and South-West, Atwima Nwabiagya North and South, Atwima Kwanwoma, Atwima Mponua, Bantama, Kwadaso, Subin, Nhyiaeso, and Asokwa constituencies.
According to Hon. Agyarko, the strength of the NPP has always been rooted in unity, mutual respect, inclusiveness, and loyalty to the party’s ideals. He warned that divisions, neglect, and internal bitterness could weaken the party’s chances in the next electoral cycle.
He assured party executives that under his leadership as National Chairman, the NPP would adopt an open-door policy aimed at healing wounds, restoring trust, and reconnecting with aggrieved members across the country.
“Anybody who has been treated unfairly by the NPP, anybody who feels disappointed, marginalized or hurt, should use me as a bridge to come back home,” Hon. Agyarko stated.
The former Energy Minister further pledged to strengthen party structures at all levels, improve the welfare of party members, and deepen grassroots mobilization to reposition the NPP for victory in 2028.
He also reaffirmed his readiness to work closely with Mahamudu Bawumia in promoting policies and programmes that would energize and empower the party’s grassroots base.
Hon. Agyarko expressed profound appreciation to the constituency executives for what he described as the overwhelming reception and growing endorsement of his vision for a more united and formidable NPP.
Accompanying him on the tour was Campaign Manager, Henry Quartey, together with a strong delegation of campaign team members and party loyalists.
The Domeabra Stool has called for a full-scale investigation into what it describes as an unlawful demolition exercise carried out on its lands , following violent clashes that later resulted in a police shooting incident involving a 19-year-old student.
In a strongly worded petition, the Stool accused F K A Company Ltd, led by businessman Frederick Kweku Asare, of using police protection to undertake demolitions on disputed lands despite an ongoing court case between the parties.
According to the petition, the demolition exercise took place on May 6, 2026, with the support of police officers, even though lawyers for the Domeabra Stool had earlier informed the Police about pending litigation concerning the ownership and control of the land.
The Stool expressed its frustration on why police failed to crossed check his judgment if Domeabra was part of it or not before providing security.
The Stool stated that the dispute dates back to early 2025 when Mr. Asare allegedly attempted a similar demolition exercise on the same land, prompting legal action against him and his company.
The case, the petition noted, remains before the court and is currently at the directions stage.
Traditional leaders further claimed that police authorities had previously invited both parties to meetings over the matter, during which all relevant court documents were submitted to the Police. Despite this, the Stool alleged that security protection was still provided for the demolition operation.
The petition also questioned the legality of the judgment being relied upon by F K A Company Ltd, arguing that the cited case — Nii Lantey Lamptey vrs R.O. Lamptey & 2 Others, Suit Number BL/486/2007 — did not involve the Domeabra Stool.
According to the Stool, elders advised local youth not to interfere with the demolition because they believed the matter was still before the court and expected the police to act lawfully.
However, several structures belonging to residents were reportedly demolished during the operation.
The tensions surrounding the disputed 700-acre land later escalated into unrest, leading to confrontations between residents and security personnel.
During efforts by police to restore calm after angry residents reportedly protested the demolitions, a 19-year-old Senior High School student identified as Nii Seth Lamptey was struck by a stray bullet.
Reports indicate that the student had home for some few items and was expected to return the following week before the incident occurred.
The incident has intensified public concern over the handling of the land dispute, with residents demanding accountability over both the demolition exercise and the police response that resulted in the shooting.
The Domeabra Stool is now urging authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances under which police protection was granted for the demolition and the events that led to the shooting incident.
If Damang fails, it will reinforce a long-held belief that Ghanaian firms cannot manage large-scale mining. If it succeeds-hopefully, it could fundamentally redefine who benefits from Ghana’s gold.
The assumption of the Damang concession on April 18, 2026, by Engineers & Planners (E&P) is more than a transfer of ownership—it is Ghana’s most consequential test of indigenous mining capacity in a generation. Yet the real prize is not the gold beneath the ground. It is the opportunity to forge a new compact between mining companies and the host communities that bear the greatest cost of extraction.
For decades, Ghana’s mining industry has generated significant national revenue and profit for foreign investors, but the prosperity has not been evenly shared. In many host communities, expectations remain unmet, and resentments linger. Tensions over land use, environmental degradation, employment, and local development have repeatedly undermined trust and, ultimately, the social license to operate.
This is the context in which E&P’s takeover must be judged—not merely as a commercial success, but as a test of whether mining in Ghana can finally work for the Ghanaian people.
In this regard, early signals from E&P’s leadership are promising. Specifically, commitments to infrastructure development, including road networks and an airport, alongside investments in education, healthcare, social amenities and local economic development, suggest an integrated vision of mining-led development. But Ghana has heard promises before and as such declaration of good intentions and ambitions will not necessarily close the trust gap. The real test lies in execution.
If E&P is to succeed where many others have struggled, it must move beyond treating host communities as passive beneficiaries of corporate social responsibility (CSR). CSR as usual will not be enough because host communities do not just need charity projects—they need a stake. This means embedding structured and meaningful dialogue, expanding local content, investing in skills, and ensuring fair and transparent benefit-sharing with host communities.
The point to be made is that Damang is no longer just a mine—it is a national test case. One where Ghanaian ownership aligns with genuine community inclusion, and where economic value translates into visible, meaningful and lasting improvements in people’s lives and national development.
Finally, the question is no longer whether Ghanaian firms can own large scale mines but rather whether large- scale mining itself can finally work for Ghanaians.
Robert Obenyah is the Managing Partner of Drona Development Solutions, a Ghanaian advisory firm that works with mining companies, communities, and policymakers on sustainable development and social performance.
The Bank of Ghana has urged African regulators, banks, fintech firms and payment system operators to coordinate more effectively to accelerate interoperable instant payment systems across the continent.
Speaking at the 3i Africa Summit 2026, First Deputy Governor Dr. Zakari Mumuni said inclusive instant payment systems must be treated as critical economic infrastructure rather than optional technology upgrades. He described the continent as standing at a decisive moment in its digital finance journey.
Dr. Mumuni acknowledged that mobile money, digital wallets and fintech innovation have significantly expanded financial access over the past two decades. He warned, however, that high transaction costs, siloed platforms and weak interoperability continue to restrict the efficient movement of money across systems and borders, slowing the development of a fully connected digital economy.
He argued that properly designed instant payment systems could enable real time, low cost transactions across banks, fintech platforms and consumer accounts while improving liquidity management, business cash cycles and overall productivity. Governments, he added, stand to benefit through stronger revenue mobilisation, improved transparency and more efficient delivery of public interventions.
Ghana has made notable progress on this front, expanding mobile money interoperability and introducing multiple instant payment platforms through reforms led by the central bank and Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems. Even so, Dr. Mumuni was direct in his assessment: infrastructure deployment alone will not guarantee inclusion.
“The task before us is not invention but scale,” he said, calling for national payment systems to be connected, standards harmonised and value enabled to move freely across borders.
He outlined the next phase of reform as requiring harmonised electronic know your customer (eKYC) frameworks, aligned licensing regimes and stronger cross border cooperation between jurisdictions. He stressed that central banks cannot deliver integration without active collaboration from financial institutions, fintech firms and payment service providers.
Dr. Mumuni also sounded a clear caution. Rapid digital financial expansion, he warned, risks exposing African markets to cybersecurity threats, data misuse, irresponsible lending and excessive market concentration. Regulators would need to balance innovation with financial stability and consumer protection.
His remarks reflect a broader shift among African central banks toward digital public infrastructure and regional payment connectivity, as governments seek to deepen financial inclusion and support intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. He closed by making clear that the measure of success will not be the quality of summit discussions but the actions that follow them.
Sjoerd Grueter claimed the overall top prize at the 2026 3i Africa Summit Invitational Golf Tournament, which concluded at Achimota Golf Club in Accra with more than 120 golfers competing across multiple categories.
The tournament served as the official curtain raiser for the 3i Africa Summit and attracted a field of financial leaders, investors, policymakers and corporate executives, creating an early platform for networking and partnership building ahead of the main conference.
Before competition began, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, joined the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, along with Ghana Golf Association officials and Achimota Golf Club executives for the ceremonial tee-off.
In the ladies’ main category, Vastie Amoafo-Yeboah secured top honours with 34 points on the 18 hole course. Princess Nkansah Boadu and Emma Bulley finished second and third respectively. Anita Ohene Mantey won the Ladies’ Group B division, with Akua Tamakloe in second and Christine Fuler third on 38 points.
The men’s main competition produced a tightly contested finish. Solomon Oko Allotey and Isaac Aninakwah both posted 38 points, with Aninakwah taking second on countback. Grueter matched the same score to claim the overall prize. In Men’s Group B, Charles Ofori, Max Ernst Heinrich and Moses Kanduri took the top positions in their respective divisions.
Special awards rounded out the evening. Helen Appau and Fred Buta won the Ladies’ and Men’s Closest to the Pin prizes, while Leticia Amponsah Mensah and Yaw Afriyie claimed the Longest Drive honours. Visitor Best Performance awards went to Madam Inshooto and Joe Muchero.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Asiama praised the tournament’s success and its contribution to building professional relationships before the summit. Achimota Golf Club President Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah thanked the organisers and reaffirmed the club’s commitment to hosting events of this standard.
The tournament was organised by the Head of State Golf Tournament Inc. with support from the Bank of Ghana, Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems, Global Finance and Technology Network and the 3i Africa Summit.
Ghana’s Black Bombers claimed five of six bouts against Nigerian opponents in an international boxing friendly at Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), supported by the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the National Sports Authority (NSA), organised the evening as a structured training exercise for both squads. Nigeria’s female squad, however, swept both women’s bouts, leaving Ghana’s Black Hitters with sharper work to do before the tournament.
In the men’s divisions, Amadu Mohammed opened proceedings with authority, beating Michael Ogunremi 5-0 at Bantamweight (55kg). Ebenezer Ankrah followed with an equally commanding 5-0 win over Sodiq Oduniyi at Lightweight (60kg), and veteran Abdul Wahid Omar edged a tighter contest 3-2 against Abdul Rahman Abdul Wahab at Light Welterweight (65kg). Desmond Pappoe was the standout performer of the night, winning the Light Heavyweight (80kg) bout 4-1 against Daniel Joshua. Ghana’s sole defeat in the men’s draw came at Light Middleweight (70kg), where Khalid Abdul fell 2-3 to Folly Hassan. Nigeria’s African champion Orakwe Blessing went uncontested at 75kg after no opponent was available.
In the women’s bouts, Ramatu Quaye lost 0-5 to Kadijat Ajisola at Bantamweight (54kg), while Nancy Bamfo was beaten 2-3 by Aishat Gbadamosi at Featherweight (57kg).
Senior coaches Dr. Ofori Asare and Charles Quartey, who handled both squads during the event, commended the quality of the Nigerian boxers throughout the night.
GBF President Dauda Fuseni described the pre tournament fixture as a positive step in solidifying ties between the two nations. GOC President Richard Akpokavie congratulated the organisers and the boxers and expressed hope for more gold medals from West Africa at the Games. NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah praised the collaboration and noted the encouraging fan turnout given the short notice at which the event was announced.
Both national teams now return to camp as preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games intensify.
