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Nollywood Actress Faithia Balogun Announces Mother’s Death After Birthday Party

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Nollywood Actress Faithia Balogun Announces Mother’s Death After Birthday Party

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Faithia Balogun has announced the death of her mother, revealing that family members kept the news from her so she could enjoy her 55th birthday celebration on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The actress disclosed on Monday, February 9, 2026, through her Instagram account that her mother passed away on Saturday, February 7, the day before her birthday party held in Lagos. Balogun stated she learned about the death only after the celebration concluded.

The actress, also known as Faithia Williams, turned 55 on Thursday, February 5, but scheduled her birthday party for Sunday. The event attracted several Nollywood personalities including Funke Akindele, singer Pasuma, Kazim Adeoti, Wumi Ajiboye, Regina Chukwu, Fausat Balogun, Shaffy Bello, and MC Oluomo.

Balogun indicated the Williams family has decided to maintain privacy regarding arrangements while they navigate the loss. She requested prayers and support from colleagues and followers during the mourning period. The family plans to announce burial details at a later date.

The actress was previously married to veteran Nollywood actor Saheed Balogun, with whom she has two children. The former couple lost their daughter Zeenat Balogun in October 2024. Faithia also has a son from an earlier relationship.

Faithia Balogun began her acting career in 1999 and has appeared in numerous Yoruba language films. She established herself as both an actress and producer, creating several successful productions throughout her career spanning over two decades.

The actress converted to Islam during her marriage to Saheed Balogun and adopted the name Faithia. She has maintained an active presence in the Nigerian film industry despite personal challenges including the earlier loss of her daughter.

Nigerian entertainment industry figures have expressed condolences following the announcement. The actress maintains significant social media presence with millions of followers across various platforms where she regularly shares updates about her professional and personal life.

Nollywood continues to experience both celebrations and losses within its community. The industry has witnessed several prominent figures dealing with bereavements while maintaining their professional commitments and public engagements.

The Williams family has not released additional information about the deceased or specific circumstances surrounding her death. Family members and close associates are expected to provide further details regarding memorial arrangements once finalized.

Seahawks Claim Second Super Bowl Title with Dominant Victory Over Patriots

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Seahawks Claim Second Super Bowl Title with Dominant Victory Over Patriots

The Seattle Seahawks captured their second Super Bowl championship with a commanding 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The Seahawks dominated from start to finish in Super Bowl 60, building a 12-0 lead through field goals before extending their advantage in the fourth quarter. Their defense forced three turnovers including two interceptions and one fumble, while the Patriots failed to score until the final period.

Running back Kenneth Walker III earned Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors after rushing for 135 yards, becoming the first running back to win the award since Terrell Davis captured it for the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 32 in 1998. Walker’s performance anchored a Seahawks offense that accumulated 335 total yards.

Kicker Jason Myers established a Super Bowl record with five successful field goals, converting attempts from 33, 39, 41, 41, and 26 yards. Myers finished with 17 points, the most by a kicker in championship game history. The previous record stood at four field goals, shared by multiple players.

Seattle’s defense dominated throughout the contest, recording six sacks for 43 yards in losses and limiting New England to 331 total yards. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown with 4:37 remaining in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory. The Seahawks defense also recovered one fumble.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 27 of 43 passes for 295 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Maye faced constant pressure from Seattle’s pass rush and was sacked six times. The Patriots managed just 79 rushing yards on 18 attempts.

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Austin Barner caught the lone receiving touchdown on a 16-yard pass in the fourth quarter. Seattle’s balanced attack included 141 rushing yards on 32 carries.

The Patriots scored their first points with 12:27 remaining when Maye connected with Myles Hollins on a 35-yard touchdown pass. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson added a second touchdown on a seven-yard reception with 2:21 left, but the Patriots failed on a two-point conversion attempt.

Seattle coach Mike Macdonald became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl at 37 years old. The first-year coach guided the Seahawks to a 12-5 regular season record before playoff victories over the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Patriots.

The Seahawks previously won Super Bowl 48 on February 2, 2014, defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. That championship came under coach Pete Carroll, who departed after the 2023 season following 14 years with the franchise.

The Patriots reached Super Bowl 60 after playoff wins over the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos. New England finished the regular season with a 10-7 record under second-year coach Jerod Mayo.

Sunday’s game attracted a sellout crowd of 70,971 spectators at Levi’s Stadium. The National Football League (NFL) awarded the Super Bowl to the San Francisco Bay Area for the second time, following Super Bowl 50 in February 2016 at the same venue.

The victory represents Seattle’s second championship in franchise history dating to 1976 when the team joined the NFL as an expansion club. The Seahawks compete in the National Football Conference (NFC) West Division alongside the 49ers, Rams and Arizona Cardinals.

Actress Peggy Ovire Sparks Marriage Speculation with Infidelity Question

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Actress Peggy Ovire Sparks Marriage Speculation with Infidelity Question

Nollywood actress and producer Peggy Ovire has sparked fresh speculation about her marriage after posting a question on Instagram on Sunday, February 8, 2026, asking followers what they would do if they discovered their husband was having an affair with a married woman.

The actress shared a lengthy post describing a scenario where a woman dated and eventually married a man who was allegedly sleeping with a married woman with children. According to the post, when the woman confronted the man about the affair before marriage, he denied it and claimed they were just friends. The post stated the woman later discovered evidence confirming the affair continued after marriage.

Ovire added that the man in the scenario condemns single women who engage in relationships with married men. The post drew mixed reactions from followers, with some suggesting it could be a storyline for an upcoming movie project while others interpreted it as personal.

A check of Ovire’s Instagram profile shows she has removed her husband’s name from her bio. The actress, who married fellow actor Frederick Leonard in November 2022, previously displayed his surname on her social media accounts.

Speculation about the couple’s marriage has circulated since December 2024 when Ovire shared solo Christmas photos without Leonard. The actress also posted a video in May 2025 showing her at a wedding without wearing her wedding ring, prompting questions from followers.

Frederick Leonard addressed the rumours in December 2024 through an Instagram post stating that he and his wife owe no explanations about their marriage. The actor emphasized that decisions about wearing wedding rings or taking solo vacations constitute personal choices within their relationship.

Neither Peggy Ovire nor Frederick Leonard has issued official statements addressing the latest social media developments or confirming separation. The couple married during a ceremony held in Asaba, Delta State, attended by several Nollywood personalities and industry stakeholders.

The marriage has faced periodic scrutiny on social media platforms, with Leonard previously warning bloggers against spreading false information about their relationship. The actor stated in his December 2024 post that marriage does not equal slavery and that couples maintain autonomy over how they manage their unions.

Social media speculation about celebrity relationships has intensified in recent years as Nigerian entertainment personalities navigate public interest in their private lives. Several Nollywood couples have faced similar scrutiny, with some addressing rumours publicly while others maintain silence.

Ovire has built a career as an actress and producer in the Nigerian film industry, appearing in numerous productions across various platforms. Leonard similarly maintains an active presence in Nollywood, known for roles in romantic dramas and action films.

The Instagram post generated thousands of comments within hours, with followers divided between those expressing concern for the actress and others suggesting she focus on addressing issues privately. Some entertainment industry observers noted that social media posts often serve multiple purposes including publicity for upcoming projects.

Nigeria’s entertainment industry continues to attract significant public attention, with celebrity relationships frequently becoming subjects of intense media coverage and social media discourse. The phenomenon reflects broader patterns of audience engagement with public figures across various sectors.

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COCOBOD Faces Payment Crisis as Global Cocoa Prices Collapse

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COCOBOD Faces Payment Crisis as Global Cocoa Prices Collapse

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) faces mounting financial pressure as high producer prices, legacy forward sales contracts and retreating international buyers leave cocoa beans unsold and some farmers unpaid, Chief Executive Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey has disclosed.

Dr Abbey stated at a press briefing on Friday, February 7, 2026, that the cocoa crop in the 2024-25 season was not financed through the traditional syndicated loan structure but directly by international buyers. The arrangement emerged after COCOBOD failed in 2022 to fully service interest and principal on its cocoa bills, weakening lender confidence.

The current strain intensified due to forward sales contracts signed at historically low prices. COCOBOD committed to supply approximately 333,767 tonnes of cocoa at roughly 41,600 cedis per tonne, reflecting market conditions when contracts were executed. When global prices surged afterward, buyers holding those contracts opted to finance the crop directly to protect their positions.

Market conditions have since reversed sharply. Global cocoa prices fell to around 4,200 United States dollars per tonne on February 6, 2026, down 57 percent compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Ghana’s farmgate price remains elevated at the equivalent of about 80,640 cedis per tonne, based on pricing decisions taken when exchange rates and global prices stood significantly higher.

The mismatch between domestic producer prices and international trading levels has left Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) holding beans without off-takers, while others have delivered cocoa but await payment. Dr Abbey indicated that COCOBOD has sold cocoa worth more than 8.5 billion cedis so far, with a smaller portion still seeking buyers after some traders shifted purchases to cheaper origins including Ivory Coast.

The Minority Caucus in Parliament called on February 5, 2026, for immediate settlement of outstanding payments exceeding 10 billion cedis owed to cocoa farmers and LBCs. Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, warned that delays have worsened farmers’ living conditions and threaten industry stability.

Jerome Kwaku Sam, Head of Corporate Communications at COCOBOD, stated the board has made substantial payments in recent months including over 6 billion cedis in November 2025, over 5 billion cedis in December, 6 billion cedis in January 2026, and over 620 million cedis in early February. The payments enable LBCs to settle outstanding amounts with farmers.

Dr Abbey dismissed social media claims that funds meant for farmers had been diverted to vehicle purchases. While acknowledging that pickup trucks and other vehicles had been ordered, the chief executive stated the acquisitions were funded from internally generated revenues to address operational gaps across cocoa-growing districts.

Beyond immediate challenges, Dr Abbey indicated these difficulties highlight structural weaknesses in the cocoa financing system. For more than three decades, syndicated loans required COCOBOD to pledge large volumes of raw cocoa as collateral, limiting Ghana’s ability to expand local processing and value addition.

The government and Ministry of Finance are developing a new funding model aimed at reducing reliance on raw bean exports. The structure is expected to take effect from the 2026-27 season. Dr Abbey appealed for patience from farmers while COCOBOD works to settle all payments.

International cocoa prices settled sharply higher on Thursday, February 6, 2026, after chocolate maker Hershey forecast better-than-expected outlook for 2026. The development eased concerns about cocoa demand and fueled short covering in cocoa futures markets.

Consulting firm StoneX forecasted a global cocoa surplus of 287,000 metric tonnes in the 2025-26 season and 267,000 metric tonnes for 2026-27. The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) reported on January 23, 2026, that global cocoa stocks rose 4.2 percent year on year to 1.1 million metric tonnes.

The Parliamentary Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs met COCOBOD officials on February 6, 2026, to discuss operational challenges and proposed reforms. The reforms include a new cocoa pricing mechanism, revised funding model and stronger value-addition strategy targeting enhanced farmer incomes and elimination of persistent under-recoveries.

Baba Jamal Case Tests Ghana’s Resolve to Confront Vote Buying

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Baba Jamal Case Tests Ghana’s Resolve to Confront Vote Buying

Ghana faces critical questions about electoral integrity following allegations of vote buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in Ayawaso East, as investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and party probes examine whether enforcement will extend beyond symbolic sanctions.

Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed won the February 7, 2026 primary with 431 votes but was recalled from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria after allegations emerged that he distributed 32-inch television sets and other items to delegates. The OSP launched investigations into vote buying and alleged assault of an officer attempting to serve Jamal with an investigative directive during the primary.

President John Dramani Mahama directed the recall on February 8, 2026, while the NDC constituted a three-member committee chaired by Kofi Totobi Quakyi to investigate the allegations. The committee includes Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and lawyer Emefa Fugah, with a report expected on February 10, 2026.

Jamal denied the allegations in a statement issued on February 8, stating he had not engaged in vote buying or electoral malpractices. He pledged cooperation with party investigations and thanked delegates for selecting him to represent the party in the March 3, 2026 by-election for the seat left vacant by the death of Member of Parliament Naser Toure.

The incident highlights the evolution of vote buying in Ghanaian elections from discreet exchanges to more visible practices. Research by civil society organizations including the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development documents the exchange of cash, goods and development project promises in election periods since 2008.

A Global InfoAnalytics post-election survey following the 2023 Assin North by-election found that 96 percent of voters witnessed vote buying, while 92 percent confirmed receiving inducements such as cash, farm tools, motorbikes or bicycles. However, financial inducements do not guarantee votes, with 29 percent of those receiving NDC inducements voting against the party candidate.

Vote buying affects both major political parties during internal primaries and national elections. The OSP announced investigations into alleged vote buying during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary held on January 31, 2026, alongside the NDC Ayawso East probe.

The NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament called for immediate annulment of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary and disqualification of candidates found engaging in vote buying. The response reflects growing pressure on political parties to address electoral malpractices within their internal selection processes.

Electoral experts warn that vote buying undermines democratic accountability by transforming elections into short-term transactions rather than assessments of policy performance. Research published in the International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science indicates that first-time voters often prove more receptive to inducements due to limited political socialization.

Ghana’s competitive multi-party environment coupled with socioeconomic disparities creates conditions conducive to electoral inducements. The Center for Democratic Development Ghana estimated in 2023 that presidential campaigns require at least 100 million United States dollars, incentivizing candidates to seek returns on political investments through various means.

The constitution and electoral laws prohibit vote buying, with penalties including disqualification and criminal prosecution. However, enforcement remains inconsistent across electoral cycles, with few prosecutions reaching successful conclusion in the courts.

The Ayawaso East incident coincides with the 60th anniversary of the February 24, 1966 coup that brought Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka to power. The historical resonance adds complexity to ongoing debates about national symbols and democratic values in Ghana’s political development.

Civil society organizations maintain that sustainable reform requires consistent prosecution across party lines, stronger monitoring of internal party elections, and political education programs that reframe voting as civic power rather than commodity exchange. Without comprehensive approaches, Ghana risks repeating cycles of outrage and amnesia following each electoral controversy.

KSM Backs Kotoka Airport Renaming as National Symbols Debate

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KSM Backs Kotoka Airport Renaming as National Symbols Debate

Veteran radio and television personality Kwaku Sintim Misa (KSM) has expressed support for renaming Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport, arguing that national symbols must reflect values that unite citizens.

The satirist and anti-corruption campaigner stated he finds the proposed change acceptable and reasonable if the goal aligns national symbols with unity and pride. KSM maintained that disagreements over the decision represent a natural part of democratic discourse and should not divide the country.

The government announced plans on February 3, 2026, to rename Ghana’s main airport through legislation expected from the Transport Minister. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga confirmed that Parliament will consider the Accra International Airport Bill to facilitate the change.

KSM argued that the name at the entrance of a republic must represent what the country proudly presents to the world. He emphasized that national symbols should carry meaning that uplifts citizens and connects with Ghana’s international identity.

The media personality noted that Ghana attracts many visitors from the African diaspora and said national facilities should reflect figures and stories that resonate with that history. He expressed concern that Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka is not associated with major developmental projects in Ghana.

Kotoka International Airport was named in 1969 after the military officer who participated in the February 24, 1966 coup that overthrew Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Kotoka died on April 17, 1967, during a failed counter-coup attempt at the airport facility.

The airport originally operated as Accra International Airport when it transitioned to civilian use in 1958 after serving as a British Royal Air Force facility during World War II. Dr Nkrumah upgraded the facility to international standards but chose not to name it after himself.

Public opinion remains divided on the proposed renaming. Supporters include Samia Nkrumah, daughter of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Junior, anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia. They argue the facility should honor figures associated with Ghana’s independence rather than military intervention.

Opposition voices include legal scholar Professor Kwaku Asare, who warned the move risks erasing historical lessons. Minority Ranking Member Kennedy Osei Nyarko has challenged the fiscal prudence, noting that rebranding costs could reach between 2 million and 5 million United States dollars for signage, documentation and digital updates.

The debate unfolds during the 60th anniversary month of the 1966 coup, adding historical resonance to the proposed change. The facility serves as Ghana’s primary international gateway, handling over 1.5 million passengers annually and connecting the country to global air travel networks.

KSM emphasized that discussions should focus on how Ghana chooses to present its identity internationally rather than becoming a source of national division. He maintained that such decisions form part of broader efforts to shape the country’s global representation.

Government Records 11th Consecutive Treasury Bills Oversubscription as Rates Fall

Roger A. Agana
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Government Records 11th Consecutive Treasury Bills Oversubscription as Rates Fall

The government recorded an 11th consecutive oversubscription in the Treasury bills market with investor demand surging to nearly three and a half times its target, even as interest rates fell sharply across all tenors.

At the auction held on Friday, February 7, 2026, the government set out to raise 5.0 billion Ghana cedis but investors submitted bids worth 17.2 billion cedis, producing a 246 percent oversubscription. The government accepted 5.8 billion cedis, taking in 900 million cedis more than planned while rejecting bids amounting to 11.4 billion cedis.

This marks the 11th week in succession that demand has exceeded the government’s target, reinforcing evidence of deep liquidity in the market and sustained appetite for short-term government securities. The pattern reflects renewed investor confidence following the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) 250 basis point reduction in the policy rate to 15.50 percent.

Demand remained strong across all instruments. The 91-day bill attracted 6.6 billion cedis, the 182-day bill recorded 3.7 billion cedis, while the 364-day bill drew 6.9 billion cedis in bids. The one-year paper emerged as a preferred option for investors seeking to lock in returns amid expectations of further monetary policy adjustments.

The auction delivered further relief on interest rates. Yields declined significantly across the curve, reducing the cost of new borrowing for the government. The 91-day rate fell from 10.83 percent to 9.97 percent, the 182-day rate eased from 12.38 percent to 11.82 percent, while the 364-day rate dropped from 12.82 percent to 12.06 percent.

Lower yields translate to cheaper rollover of maturing bills and reduced interest costs on new issuance, offering breathing space at a time when borrowing needs remain elevated. Ghana’s domestic debt stood at 201.6 billion cedis as of December 2025, representing 45.7 percent of gross domestic product.

The sustained oversubscriptions and declining rates point to improved market conditions following the completion of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) in 2023. The government restructured approximately 137 billion cedis in domestic bonds through the exchange, which restored confidence in debt sustainability.

While the pattern demonstrates renewed investor confidence, the scale of demand and repeated acceptance above target highlight the government’s continued reliance on the short-term domestic market to manage cash flow needs. The Treasury regularly uses bill auctions to finance budget deficits and refinance maturing obligations.

The government plans to raise a target of 6.4 billion cedis in its upcoming auction this week. Market analysts expect strong demand to continue given current liquidity conditions and the alignment of Treasury bill rates with the central bank’s policy stance.

Ghana’s Treasury bill market serves as a critical barometer of investor sentiment toward government fiscal management and economic stability. The instruments provide short-term financing for government operations while offering investors relatively safe returns backed by the full faith and credit of the state.

The Bank of Ghana conducts weekly auctions for 91-day, 182-day and 364-day Treasury bills through authorized primary dealers. The instruments remain accessible to individual and institutional investors through financial institutions with minimum purchase amounts starting from 100 cedis.

Appolonia City Begins Major Road Infrastructure Phase with Core Construction

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Appolonia City Begins Major Road Infrastructure Phase with Core Construction

Appolonia City has commenced a major infrastructure development phase following a groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday, February 7, 2026, marking the start of 25 kilometers of road construction across Ghana’s largest master-planned urban development.

The ceremony at the Appolonia City site brought together senior government officials, local authorities, development partners and community representatives to launch the project executed in partnership with Core Construction Limited. The infrastructure works will deliver asphalt roads incorporating pedestrian walkways, cycling paths, kerbs, lane markings, utility crossings, landscaping and comprehensive stormwater drainage systems.

Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, described the project as a model for infrastructure-led urban development in Ghana. The government official emphasized that the initiative demonstrates how disciplined planning and strategic infrastructure investment can reshape housing and economic development across the country.

Joseph Tettey, Member of Parliament for Kpone-Katamanso, attended the ceremony alongside Daniel Tetteh, Board Chairman of Appolonia City, Yomi Ademola, Chairman for West Africa at Rendeavour, and Kevin Lartey, Director of Operations at Core Construction Limited.

Appolonia City represents a 2,325-acre master-planned development designed to address unplanned urban growth in the Greater Accra Region. The city integrates residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, a 200-acre light industrial park, social infrastructure and recreational facilities within a governed urban environment.

Rendeavour has invested over 250 million United States dollars in critical infrastructure at Appolonia City, including a 75MVA primary substation, more than 50 kilometers of utility networks covering power, water and telecommunications, and internal road systems. The investments have enabled private sector development and job creation across the site located between Oyibi and Afienya.

Perminas Marisi, Rendeavour Ghana’s Country Head and Managing Director of Appolonia City, stated the infrastructure works reflect a long-term commitment to planned urban development. The executive noted that road networks serve as critical arteries supporting the city’s growth potential across Greater Accra.

Core Construction Limited, founded in 1995, operates as a wholly Ghanaian-owned civil engineering firm with extensive experience delivering infrastructure projects nationwide. The company maintains modern quarry facilities at Shai Hills supporting quality control and project timelines.

Kevin Lartey confirmed Core Construction’s commitment to delivering roads meeting technical standards while maintaining safety and reliability protocols. The company has completed numerous government and private sector projects across Ghana’s transportation and infrastructure sectors.

Morgan Oriahi, Rendeavour’s Project Director for West Africa, emphasized coordination and technical integrity in project delivery. The infrastructure phase supports the broader vision for Appolonia City through environmental responsibility and integration with existing utility networks.

The partnership between Appolonia City and Core Construction Limited advances infrastructure-first development strategies in West Africa. The road network will improve accessibility, support commercial activity and establish foundations for future development phases across the master-planned community.

Ghana faces significant urbanization pressures as population growth concentrates in metropolitan areas. The Greater Accra Region continues to experience rapid expansion, creating demand for planned developments that deliver infrastructure ahead of residential and commercial construction.

Appolonia City was conceived and launched in 2012, with initial infrastructure completed in 2015. The development targets housing for approximately 100,000 residents and facilities for 30,000 daily visitors across residential, commercial, retail and light industrial sectors.

CIMG Launches Fast-Track Marketing Programme for Senior Executives

Roger A. Agana
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CIMG Launches Fast-Track Marketing Programme for Senior Executives

The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) has launched an executive marketing qualification designed to provide senior leaders, faculty members and entrepreneurs with advanced marketing credentials without requiring years of traditional study.

The CIMG Accelerator Marketing Programme was officially introduced on February 6, 2026, targeting decision-makers operating at senior management levels who seek professional marketing qualifications but face time constraints. The initiative responds directly to feedback from business leaders requesting faster pathways to formal certification.

Michael Abbiw, National President of CIMG, said the programme builds on participants’ existing professional experience while delivering practical, strategic capabilities needed to navigate complex market environments. The qualification carries legal recognition under the CIMG Act 2020 (Act 1021) and holds international standing through partnerships with the African Marketing Confederation and the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK.

Major corporations have already enrolled executives in the inaugural cohort, including Vanguard Assurance Company Limited, Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited, National Investment Bank PLC, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, FirstBank Ghana, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited, Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, and Priority Insurance. The diverse participation spans finance, energy, manufacturing, hospitality, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods sectors.

The programme delivers content through three intensive modules covering Marketing Risk Management, Marketing Execution Management, and Integrated Sustainability Marketing. The first module equips participants to manage marketing risks from strategic planning through implementation. The second focuses on market creation and security while integrating legal and financial perspectives into marketing decisions.

The third module addresses Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations within marketing strategy, preparing participants to lead sustainability initiatives. The curriculum emphasizes the transition from conventional marketing approaches to environmentally responsible practices.

CIMG operates as a professional regulatory body established in July 1981 under the Professional Bodies Registration Act 1973. The institute received Presidential Charter status in 2020 through Act 1021, which mandates it to set standards for marketing practice and regulate the profession across Ghana. The CIMG Regulations 2023 (L.I. 2479) further empowers the institute to enforce professional standards and continuing development requirements.

The Accelerator Programme represents one component of CIMG’s broader professional qualification structure, which includes seven specialized pathways delivered in partnership with traditional and technical universities. The Professional Marketing Qualifications programme recently achieved a 77.7 percent pass rate among 248 candidates.

Ghana’s business environment increasingly emphasizes professional development and competitiveness as companies navigate digital transformation and regional trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The programme launch coincides with growing government recognition of marketing’s role in national development and brand positioning.

CIMG maintains partnerships with international bodies including the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK, ensuring qualifications meet global standards. The institute has undertaken 178 major projects since establishing its foundation in November 2007, focusing on health, education and economic empowerment initiatives.

MTN Ghana Targets 7,000 Blood Units in Friday Nationwide Drive

Roger A. Agana
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MTN Ghana Targets 7,000 Blood Units in Friday Nationwide Drive

MTN Ghana Foundation and Cal Bank will lead a nationwide blood donation campaign on Friday, February 13, 2026, targeting 7,000 units of blood to support the National Blood Service and regional hospitals across Ghana.

The initiative marks the latest edition of the annual Save A Life campaign, which has collected over 35,000 units of blood since its launch in 2011. Donation centers will operate from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM across all 16 regions, with major collection points at MTN Ghana Head Office, MobileMoney Limited office at the Stanchart Building, and Cal Bank Head Office at Ridge in Accra.

Samuel Bartels, Acting Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, emphasized the critical need for voluntary blood donations to address ongoing shortages in healthcare facilities. Ghana faces persistent blood supply challenges, with collection rates falling below World Health Organization recommendations.

The Save A Life campaign operates 44 designated centers nationwide to maximize public participation. Members of the public can access the complete list of donation sites on MTN Ghana’s website and official social media platforms.

Blood donations serve critical healthcare needs including supporting women experiencing childbirth complications, children with sickle cell disease and malaria, accident victims, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and patients requiring emergency surgeries. The National Blood Service requires steady voluntary contributions to maintain adequate reserves for hospitals throughout the country.

The 2026 edition represents a significant increase from previous campaigns, which targeted between 6,000 and 6,600 units in recent years. The 2025 campaign collected 5,901 units across 42 bleeding centers, while earlier editions mobilized substantial volumes to help save thousands of lives.

Cal Bank joins MTN Ghana Foundation as a partner in the 2026 drive, expanding corporate participation in the annual initiative. The partnership reflects growing recognition among major institutions of the importance of voluntary blood donation to national healthcare delivery.

The MTN Ghana Foundation operates under three focus areas encompassing health, education, and economic empowerment. Since its establishment in November 2007, the foundation has undertaken 178 major projects across Ghana, with the Save A Life campaign serving as one of its flagship health initiatives.

Ghana’s blood collection index remains at 5.8 units per 1,000 people, significantly below the WHO recommended minimum of 10 units per 1,000 population. Voluntary donations accounted for only 45,463 units in 2022, representing 25 percent of national requirements.

The campaign coincides with Valentine’s Day on Friday, traditionally associated with the annual blood drive since its inception. Organizers encourage eligible donors to demonstrate care for their communities by participating at any designated center during operating hours.

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