Audit Service Board, Auditor General Lock Horns Over Staff Promotion

The Audit Service Board has disputed an internal memo issued by the Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu announcing staff promotions, describing parts of it as inaccurate and directing that the instructions be suspended pending an investigation.

In an internal memo dated May 21, 2026, with the subject ‘Promotion Of Officers,’ the Auditor-General informed all staff that at the 129th Regular Meeting on May 19, 2026, the Audit Service Board had, by majority decision, approved the promotion of Emmanuel Fosu Gyeabour to Deputy Auditor-General.

The promotion was to take effect upon the compulsory retirement of Judith Kwaaku on June 5, 2026.

The same memo stated that the Board had also approved the promotion of two officers who have acted as District Auditors for more than three years to the grade of Director, in line with Article 16(b) of the Management Conditions of Service.

The officers named were Iddrisu Suyihini Osman of Bimbilla District and Fuseini Fatawu Alaru of Bole District.

However, a subsequent memo titled, ‘Re: Promotion Of Officers,’ and signed by the Audit Service Board Chairman, Victor Cudjoe Gborglah, said the promotion of Mr. Gyeabour to Deputy Auditor-General ‘was not discussed nor approved’ at the 129th meeting of the Board held on May 19, 2026, contrary to the Auditor-General’s memo.

On the promotion of District Auditors, the Chairman explained that the matter was raised at the 127th Board meeting on January 27, 2026. At that meeting, the Auditor-General was advised to submit a memo to the Board providing detailed justification for promoting officers to Directors under the Board’s special dispensation.

The Auditor-General later presented a memo at an emergency meeting on April 8, 2026. According to the Chairman, the justification provided was deemed inadequate. As a result, the matter was put on hold pending resolution of broader issues relating to staff promotions and transfers in the Service.

In his capacity as Board Chairman, Mr. Gborglah advised that the instructions in the Auditor-General’s memo be suspended ‘until a thorough investigation is carried out on the whole process of promotions and transfers within the Service, in the interest of fairness, transparency and industrial harmony.’

He further directed that all official communication relating to staff promotions and transfers shall henceforth be issued through the Board Secretariat.

The conflicting memos highlight an apparent rift between the Office of the Auditor-General and the Audit Service Board over promotion procedures and authority. The matter remains unresolved pending the Board’s investigation.

The Programmer’s Paradox: Why AI Can’t Replace Humans, Only The Unwilling

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has provoked widespread debate about its implications for the future of work, creativity, ethics, and humanity itself. However, one irrefutable truth stands tall: AI is the creation of human ingenuity.

This paper argues that AI cannot replace humans, not because of its limitations alone, but because it is fundamentally dependent on the human mind that programs, trains, and governs it. Rather than a wholesale replacement, AI serves as a tool to augment human capability, only replacing those who resist adaptation.

With compelling global examples, expert opinions, and empirical data, this paper defends the irreplaceability of the human element in the age of intelligent machines.

Introduction

The debate over Artificial Intelligence replacing humans has flooded boardrooms, classrooms, and policy arenas alike. With headlines forecasting a technological apocalypse for the job market, many overlook a critical fact: AI is conceived, coded, and curated by humans. As Elon Musk put it, ‘AI doesn’t have a mind of its own-it’s what we feed into it.’ This paper aims to reframe the conversation-not as AI versus humans, but as AI by humans and for humans. I argue that AI will only replace individuals unwilling or unable to evolve with changing technology, not those who actively adapt and lead.

The Human Fingerprint on AI

At its core, Artificial Intelligence is an extension of human logic and language. Every neural network, machine-learning model, and data-processing system is built on frameworks written by programmers, researchers, and engineers. According to Fei-Fei Li, co-director of the Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute, ‘AI reflects the values and data of the people who build it.’

This inherent human authorship is what makes AI a tool rather than a threat. It cannot think or innovate independently beyond the parameters set by its creators. While machine learning allows for pattern recognition and optimization, the ethical judgment, emotional intelligence, and contextual understanding that define humanity are beyond the scope of current AI.

Historical Evidence: Disruption, Not Replacement

Technological revolutions are not new. The Industrial Revolution replaced some jobs but gave rise to entirely new industries. The internet did not wipe out jobs, it transformed them. In fact, a World Economic Forum (WEF) report in 2020 forecasted that while 85 million jobs may be displaced by AI by 2025, 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms.

The same WEF report emphasized that skills like creativity, resilience, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, deeply human traits, will only grow in demand. The evolution is thus not about AI replacing humans, but about humans evolving into new roles that leverage AI as a tool.

Real-World Examples: People Who Adapt Win

Healthcare Sector

In radiology, AI now assists with reading X-rays faster and sometimes more accurately than humans. However, radiologists who integrate AI into their diagnostics improve patient outcomes significantly. As Dr. Eric Topol, author of ‘Deep Medicine’ notes, ‘AI won’t replace doctors, but doctors who use AI will replace those who don’t.’

Journalism

OpenAI’s GPT systems can write articles, but seasoned journalists who use these tools are able to draft content faster, improve headlines, and reach wider audiences. The Washington Post, for example, uses AI to automate earnings reports, freeing journalists to focus on deeper investigations.

iii. Education

Platforms like Khan Academy are using AI to personalize learning paths. Yet, teachers who adapt and integrate these technologies become more effective, offering individualized attention with the help of data-driven insights. It is those who refuse to adapt that risk becoming obsolete.

The Cognitive Gap: Human Versus Machine

AI lacks key attributes such as consciousness, morality, empathy, and creativity in the fullest sense. According to the late Stephen Hawking, ‘Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history… but it might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks.’ The point here is control, humans are not only creators but also regulators of AI.

Moreover, AI systems remain prone to bias, hallucinations, and data contamination, all of which require human oversight. The infamous case of Microsoft’s Tay chatbot turning racist within 24 hours online serves as a clear warning: AI is only as ethical and intelligent as the data and guidance it receives from humans.

Who Gets Replaced? The Choice Factor

The harsh truth is not that AI will replace humans, but that it will replace roles, not souls. Those who choose not to learn new skills, stay rigid in outdated methods, or ignore emerging tools will find themselves replaced, not by AI per se, but by humans who use AI better.

The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that up to 375 million workers (14% of the global workforce) may need to switch occupations by 2030 due to automation and AI, but those transitions are made possible through reskilling and lifelong learning.

In the words of Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, ‘We should teach our kids to be creative and independent thinkers… machines are better at remembering, but humans are better at dreaming.’

Conclusion: Programmers Cannot Be Replaced by Their Code

AI is a mirror, not a mind. It reflects the intelligence and limitations of its programmers. As long as humans are the creators, curators, and conscience of AI, they remain irreplaceable. The real threat is not AI itself, but apathy towards progress. This paper affirms that AI won’t replace humans, but it will replace those who refuse to work with it.The future belongs to the human-AI hybrid workforce, where the machine enhances human potential rather than competes with it. As we navigate the AI era, adaptation, not replacement, is the key.

World Bank Approves $500m For Rural Roads, Market Access

The World Bank has approved $500 million in financing for the Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project (GMACP), a major initiative aimed at improving rural road connectivity, strengthening agricultural value chains, expanding economic opportunities, and creating short-term jobs in rural communities across the country.

Poor road conditions and inadequate maintenance have long constrained rural livelihoods in the country, limiting market access, increasing transport costs, and contributing to significant post-harvest losses.

The project seeks to address these challenges by rehabilitating and maintaining critical feeder roads in selected regions, improving all-season connectivity between rural production areas and key markets, and enabling farmers to reach buyers more efficiently.

It is also expected to support farmers in transitioning into higher-value agricultural activities while creating employment and income-generating opportunities along agricultural value chains.

‘This project will improve access to markets and opportunities for rural communities while strengthening Ghana’s agricultural competitiveness and resilience,’ said Robert Taliercio, World Bank Division Director for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

‘It will directly benefit more than 550,000 people, including approximately 350,000 farmers, 250,000 women and 310,000 youth. It is also expected to generate more than 5,000 direct jobs and over 25,000 indirect jobs through civil works and road maintenance activities,’ he added.

The GMACP, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Roads and Highways, will support the rehabilitation and maintenance of more than 1,000 kilometres of rural roads across four clusters covering the Upper West, Northern, Savannah, Oti, Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono and Western regions.

These areas are major producers of key food crops, including maize, rice, yam and cassava, which are critical to the nation’s food security but are often hindered by poor transport links and limited market access.

Improved all-season road access is expected to reduce transport costs, shorten travel times, improve supply reliability and open larger markets to smallholder farmers.

This, in turn, is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen agricultural value chains, contribute to lower food prices and enhance food security.

The project also incorporates climate-resilient infrastructure designs to ensure that roads and drainage systems can withstand climate-related risks over the long term.

Sustainability remains a central component of the initiative. The project will support the operationalisation of the Road Maintenance Trust Fund (RMTF) and introduce performance-based contracts for road maintenance.

It will also provide technical assistance to strengthen institutional capacity and help ensure that rehabilitated roads remain functional and well-maintained long after project completion.

Black Stars Touch Down In USA Ahead Of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, have arrived in the United States to continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The team departed Cardiff on Wednesday afternoon following their international friendly against Wales and landed in Washington, D.C., at approximately 9 p.m. local time.

Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly received by officials from Ghana’s High Commission in Washington.

The Black Stars are now entering the final phase of their build-up to the global showpiece, with focus shifting towards fine-tuning tactics and ensuring the squad is fully prepared for the tournament.

Ghana heads into the World Cup on the back of a 1-1 draw with Wales on Tuesday, a performance that offered several positives for head coach Carlos Queiroz and his technical team.

The result is expected to provide confidence and momentum as the team gears up for the challenges ahead.

Training sessions resumed on Thursday, with Queiroz expected to intensify preparations and sharpen his side’s strategies before the tournament gets underway on June 11.

The Black Stars will be aiming to make a strong impression on football’s biggest stage as they seek to represent Ghana with distinction in the United States.

Hajia4Reall Appears On US ‘Worst of the Worst’ Criminals List

Socialite and musician, Mona Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4Reall, has appeared on a list published by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) highlighting individuals described as the ‘worst of the worst’ criminals facing deportation or already deported.

The list, released by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), features 355 West African immigrants, including 30 Ghanaians. It contains the names, photographs and crimes associated with the individuals listed.

According to DHS, the publication forms part of efforts to showcase individuals targeted under ongoing deportation exercises.

‘The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),’ a statement accompanying the list said.

Hajia4Reall was included on the list for her involvement in fraud-related offences. The details published by ICE indicate that she was arrested in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before being deported to Ghana.

Her appearance on the list follows her conviction in the United States over a romance fraud scheme that targeted victims for financial gain.

Music Industry Needs No Unity – M.anifest

Rapper, M.anifest, has stated that unity is not what the music and creative industry needs to thrive.

According to the rapper, the idea of unity is often unrealistic and is sometimes used by individuals who want others in the industry to support their personal interests.

In a post shared on X on June 3, 2026, M.anifest said cooperation, ethical behaviour and the application of sound business practices are more important than calls for unity.

‘We don’t need unity in our music/creative scene. Unity is a myth and a banner often waved by selfish people when they want everyone to rally behind them. What we need is cooperation, a modicum of ethical behaviour, quality control, ball knowledge, as well as application of best practices creatively and in business,’ he wrote.

Fidelity Bank Posts GHS1.46bn Profit

Fidelity Bank Ghana has recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of GHS1.46 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, as the institution strengthened its position as the largest privately owned Ghanaian bank.

This was announced at the Bank’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The Board Chairman, James Reynolds Baiden, described the results as an outstanding achievement, noting that the bank successfully navigated market challenges while maintaining a strong focus on revenue growth, profitability and innovation.

According to the Bank, PBT increased by 21 percent from GHS1.21 billion in 2024 to GHS1.46 billion in 2025.

Operating income also rose by 14 percent, growing from GHS2.34 billion to GHS2.68 billion, supported by improvements in both funded and non-funded income streams.

The bank’s balance sheet expanded during the period, with total assets increasing by 17 percent to GHS25.98 billion.

Wholesale and customer funding liabilities also grew by 13 percent to GHS21.68 billion, which reflects increased customer confidence and a stronger presence in both the corporate and retail banking segments.

A major highlight of the bank’s performance was its lending activity. Gross loans and advances surged by 51 percent from GHS3.14 billion in 2024 to GHS4.74 billion in 2025. The growth underscores Fidelity Bank’s commitment to financing businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), households and emerging sectors of the economy.

Managing Director Julian Opuni attributed the strong results to disciplined execution, strategic expansion and sustained investments in innovation and technology.

‘The year demanded discipline, resilience and clarity of execution, all of which were evident in the way our people responded,’ he said.

He noted that Fidelity Bank continued to deepen its digital transformation agenda through investments in automation, analytics and customer-focused digital platforms aimed at delivering seamless and reliable banking services.

The Bank also maintained one of the strongest loan portfolios in the industry. Its Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio improved significantly to 7.09 percent, well below the industry average of 18.9 percent. Management attributed the achievement to proactive risk management and prudent lending practices.

Following regulatory approval from the Bank of Ghana, shareholders approved a dividend of GHS11.20 per share.

Beyond its financial performance, Fidelity Bank strengthened its sustainability agenda by deploying more than GHS170 million to support green businesses and climate-smart initiatives.

Its social intervention programmes impacted over 40,000 people across 10 regions, while several local and international awards recognised the bank’s leadership in banking, SME financing and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

With continued investments in innovation, customer service and sustainable growth, Fidelity Bank says it remains well positioned to support Ghana’s economic transformation while delivering value to shareholders and customers alike.

Accra Floods Again: Questions Posed About Anti-Flood Taskforce

Scores of Ghanaians are questioning the effectiveness of President John Mahama’s Anti-Flood Taskforce following widespread flooding across several parts of Accra on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Reports indicate that the downpour, which started at about 6: 30 p.m., displaced residents, caused havoc to buildings, resulting in one fatality; houses were submerged and required the intervention of personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), who rescued trapped persons.

Some areas affected by the heavy rains on Wednesday included Ashongman Old Town, Adabraka Sahara, Darkuman Junction, Adentan, Madina, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and Adenta New Site, where the Ghana National Fire Service team had to rescue some residents reportedly trapped in a collapsed building.

The floods have therefore renewed public concerns about the progress made by the Anti-Flood Taskforce, which was inaugurated by President Mahama in March 2025 shortly after assuming office as President, to tackle the country’s perennial floods.

The seven-member body was tasked with coordinating efforts to address flooding nationwide, particularly within the Greater Accra Region.

The taskforce is chaired by Mr. Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations at the Presidency. Other members include Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing; Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Abdul Osman Razak, National Security Coordinator.

The rest are Mr. Teddy Addi, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO); and Madam Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Legal Counsel to the President and Secretary to the taskforce.

The taskforce, as part of its activities, conducted aerial reconnaissance missions over flood-prone areas, including Weija, the Sakumo Ramsar Site, and the Tema Fishing Harbour, to assess drainage challenges and gather data for flood prevention measures.

Speaking to the media on March 12, 2025, chairman for the Anti-Flood Taskforce, Mr. Dogbe, announced that the taskforce would implement strict measures to curb flooding, adding that the Ministry of Local Government, in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces, would immediately begin desilting major drains across the capital.

It is however unclear the Anti-Flood Taskforce’s recommendations to tackle the perennial flooding, as a number of people took to social media following Wednesday’s floods to demand answers over the work undertaken by the taskforce.

MCL Ghana Launches Grand Panache – Appoints Michael Blackson As Ambassador

Leading real estate and construction firm, MCL Ghana, has unveiled its flagship luxury apartment development, Grand Panache, and named comedian and actor, Michael Blackson as its brand ambassador.

The launch marks MCL Ghana’s latest push into the luxury lifestyle market, with company executives saying the Grand Panache represents elegance, quality, and a bold new direction for the brand.

It brought together stakeholders from Ghana’s real estate sector to witness what company executives described as a landmark moment in the evolution of Ghanaian property development.

Chief Executive Officer of MCL Ghana, Richard M. Donkor, reflected on the company’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the country’s emerging real estate brand.

According to him, MCL Ghana was established a decade ago in a modest three-bedroom bungalow with limited resources but a strong vision to create world-class developments capable of competing on the global stage.

‘We did not start with capital. We started with conviction. And conviction, when it refuses to sit down, eventually builds skyscrapers,’ he told guests.

Mr. Donkor recounted the numerous challenges the company faced during its formative years, including skepticism from potential investors and industry players who doubted the viability of its ambitions.

Despite those obstacles, he said the company remained focused on its vision, gradually progressing from small residential projects to gated communities and premium developments in prime locations.

The CEO described Grand Panache as the culmination of years of determination and innovation, noting that the development represents far more than a luxury apartment complex.

‘Grand Panache is not just where you live. It is where you finally arrive,’ he stated.

Designed to international standards and tailored to modern lifestyles, the development will feature smart-home technology, wellness facilities, concierge services, sky lounges, and luxury residences aimed at meeting the expectations of both local and international investors.

Mr. Donkor said the project reflects Ghana’s growing capacity to deliver world-class infrastructure and premium housing solutions without relying solely on foreign expertise.

He emphasised that every aspect of the development has been driven by Ghanaian talent, from architecture and engineering to construction and project management.

‘We are not just building apartments. We are building proof that Ghana is no longer the future. Ghana is the now,’ he declared.

Explaining the choice of Michael Blackson as the brand ambassador, Mr. Donkor said the company sought an individual whose personal story mirrored MCL Ghana’s own journey of resilience, determination, and global success.

‘We chose Michael Blackson not because he is famous, but because he is faithful to where he came from,’ he said.

The CEO praised Blackson for maintaining strong ties to Ghana despite achieving international recognition in entertainment and philanthropy.

He noted that the comedian’s rise from humble beginnings to Hollywood success serves as an inspiration to young Ghanaians pursuing ambitious dreams.

According to Mr. Donkor, the partnership between MCL Ghana and Michael Blackson represents a shared commitment to promoting Ghanaian excellence and showcasing the country’s potential on the global stage.

He stressed that Grand Panache marks only the beginning of the company’s long-term vision to transform urban living and contribute to national development through strategic investments in housing and infrastructure.

‘MCL Ghana started in a bungalow. Today we touch the sky. Tomorrow, we own the horizon,’ Mr. Donkor said.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mr. Blackson expressed excitement about the partnership, noting his commitment to promoting Ghanaian excellence on the global stage.

Chelsea Legend Bobby Tambling Dies Aged 84

Chelsea Football Club is mourning the loss of former record goalscorer Bobby Tambling, who has passed away at the age of 84.

Tambling remains one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history, having scored 202 goals in 370 appearances between 1959 and 1970.

His long-standing scoring record stood for more than four decades before being surpassed by Frank Lampard in 2013.

The striker announced himself in style by scoring on his debut as a 17-year-old and went on to play a key role in Chelsea’s success during the 1960s. He helped the Blues lift the League Cup in 1965, scoring against Leicester City in the final.

Tambling also found the net in the 1967 FA Cup final, although Chelsea suffered defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

A three-time England international, Tambling left Chelsea for Crystal Palace in 1970 before finishing his playing career in Ireland. He later settled in Cork, where he managed several clubs, including Cork Celtic, Cork City and Crosshaven.

In a statement, Chelsea described Tambling as ‘one of our most legendary players’ and extended condolences to his family and friends.

Crosshaven also paid tribute to the former striker, remembering him as ‘a true Chelsea legend and an even more wonderful human being.’ The club praised his warmth, humour and love for Chelsea, noting the pride he took in seeing his famous ‘Tambling 202’ banner displayed at Stamford Bridge.

Tambling had been living with dementia in recent years. His legacy remains firmly etched in Chelsea’s history.