Family Of Slain MoMo Vendor Demands Justice

The family of slain mobile money (MoMo) vendor and businessman, Christopher Ahordo, has called on the Ghana Police Service to intensify investigations into his murder, alleging delays, negligence, and possible lapses in the handling of the case.

At a press conference in Aflao, family spokesperson, Edem Viglo Mensah, expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of investigations, saying the killing of Mr. Ahordo, popularly known as Colombo, has left the family and the wider community devastated.

Christopher Ahordo was shot dead during an armed robbery attack on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Gbagblakope, near the Diamond Cement Factory in Aflao, in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.

According to accounts presented by the family, the incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. while the deceased was closing his mobile money shop after reportedly extending his business hours beyond his usual 5:00 p.m. closing time.

Witnesses reportedly indicated that two unidentified men, dressed in long robes and armed with pump-action guns, attacked the businessman and seized a bag believed to contain cash. During their escape, one of the suspects allegedly shot Mr. Ahordo in the chest.

Residents nearby were reportedly unable to intervene immediately as the assailants allegedly fired indiscriminately before fleeing into a nearby bush. The victim was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Mensah described the killing as a tragic incident that had shaken not only relatives of the deceased but also the larger Aflao community.

He stated that the family initially had confidence in the investigative process after learning that several suspects, including a prime suspect identified as Tahidu Ali, had reportedly been arrested and transferred to Ho to assist with investigations.

However, the family now claims their confidence has waned due to what they describe as prolonged delays and a lack of transparency in the case.

Mr. Mensah further alleged that the prime suspect escaped from police custody at Adaklu, while other persons linked to the case were reportedly granted bail under circumstances the family considers questionable.

‘A matter of such gravity, which deserves the highest level of urgency and professionalism, appears to be treated with unacceptable indifference,’ he stated.

Despite their concerns, Mr. Mensah stressed that the family’s demands should not be viewed as a confrontation with the police, but rather a call for justice and accountability.

‘We respect the rule of law and acknowledge the difficult responsibilities carried out daily by law enforcement officers. However, we cannot remain silent when a life has been brutally taken and the response from the authorities appears inadequate and deeply concerning,’ he pointed out.

The family is demanding the immediate re-arrest of the escaped suspect, renewed urgency in investigations, and the arrest and prosecution of all persons connected to the crime.

They are also seeking greater transparency from the Ghana Police Service on the progress of the case and accountability for any police officers whose alleged negligence may have contributed to the suspect’s reported escape.

In a direct appeal, the family called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to personally intervene and engage them, insisting they possess critical information relevant to the case.

Mr. Mensah disclosed that the family had previously petitioned the IGP but were referred to the Volta Regional Police Professional Standards Bureau. He, however, alleged that the process had so far been marked by inaction and delays.

The family also appealed to human rights organisations, civil society groups, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and the international community to monitor developments and ensure justice is served.

Daniel Ahordo, elder brother of the deceased, urged the IGP to visit the family and expedite investigations, noting that frustration was growing among relatives and residents over the perceived slow pace of the probe.

Mr. Mensah further warned of mounting tensions among some sections of the youth and residents in the area, while emphasising that the family does not support violence or reprisals.

‘The blood of Christopher Ahordo cries out not for sympathy, but for justice. We will not remain silent, we will not be intimidated, and we will not rest until justice is served,’ he added.

The Ghana Police Service has yet to publicly respond to the allegations raised by the family regarding the handling of the investigation.

Enzo Maresca To Succeed Guardiola As Man City Boss

Manchester City are preparing for a new era, with Enzo Maresca poised to replace Pep Guardiola as manager ahead of the 2026-27 season.

According to reports, Guardiola is expected to step down after City’s final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, bringing an end to his remarkable spell at the club.

City have reportedly been planning for Guardiola’s departure for more than six months, with discussions already at an advanced stage for Maresca to take over. The 46-year-old Italian is understood to be keen on the role and is expected to be officially unveiled as Guardiola’s successor in the coming weeks.

Maresca arrives with growing credentials after an impressive spell at Chelsea, where he guided the London side to UEFA Champions League qualification while also winning the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League during his first full season in charge.

The Italian is no stranger to City, having previously worked under Guardiola as an assistant coach during the club’s historic treble-winning 2022-23 campaign. Before joining the senior setup, he also held a key role within City’s academy structure.

Prior to his time at Chelsea, Maresca managed Leicester City and led the Foxes back to the Premier League in his only season at the club.

Guardiola has previously praised Maresca’s managerial qualities, describing him as one of the best coaches in world football.

‘One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca,’ Guardiola said. ‘The job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit. Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League and qualifying for the Champions League with such a young team is exceptional.’

Damang Mine Sells Another 121kg Gold To GoldBod

Engineers and Planners (E and P), owners of the Damang Gold Mine, on Monday sold another gold consignment weighing 121 kilogrammes to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

The latest transaction, representing 100 percent of the mine’s total operational output, which is approximately 3,400 ounces, was processed at the GoldBod Assay Laboratory in Accra.

The Technical Director of GoldBod, Michael Arko, who received the mineral for testing and storage during an inspection of the bullion bars, commended the management of Damang Gold Mine and its parent company, Engineers and Planners, for demonstrating confidence in the government’s national gold policy.

‘Today marks a very significant and refreshing moment for us at Ghana GoldBod. This is the second time Damang Gold Mine is delivering 100 percent of its gold production to the Ghana Gold Board, and we highly commend the management for supporting the national policy,’ he said.

Mr. Arko explained that under current state guidelines, large-scale mining firms are encouraged to supply between 20 and 30 percent of their gold production to the state to enable the country retain more value from its mineral resources and strengthen the local currency.

By voluntarily supplying 100 percent of its production, Damang Gold Mine has far exceeded the state’s minimum threshold.

He also used the opportunity to challenge major foreign mining firms operating in Wassa and its environs to realign their export strategies with the national interest.

‘If all the other mining companies follow this good example, it will do well for our economy. Local participation in the gold trade is non-negotiable for post-recovery stability,’ he stated.

The transaction also carried political and corporate significance. Following Damang’s first sale, some critics within the mining sector reportedly dismissed the partnership as a public relations stunt rather than a sustainable commercial arrangement.

However, the legal representative for Damang Gold Mine, Mr. Bobby Banson, dismissed such claims in an interview with journalists at the laboratory.

‘For those who thought what we did last time was a nine-day wonder, this is further evidence of the commitment of the mine, wholly owned by a Ghanaian, to support the Ghanaian economy. The consistency of the mining firm proves its loyalty to national development,’ Mr. Banson stated.

Beyoncé’s Cécred Expands To Africa, Ghana First On List

Beyoncé’s haircare brand, Cécred, has officially entered Africa, with Ghana as the first African market in its latest global rollout.

Cécred announced its Africa expansion in September 2026, launching online and through select beauty retailers in Ghana. It’s the brand’s first step into the continent since launching in the US in February 2024.

The rollout makes Ghana the entry point for West Africa, with plans to expand to other African markets based on demand. Products are available via http://cecred.com and local distributors, with shipping and in-store stock now active in Accra and Kumasi.

Beyoncé’s team said Ghana was chosen because of its strong beauty culture, growing middle class, and demand for premium haircare for natural and textured hair. The brand also cited Ghana’s role as a hub for beauty retail in West Africa.

Prices in Ghana range from GHS300-600 for individual products, in line with the US pricing of $30-$52.

Cécred hasn’t confirmed which countries are next, but Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya are expected, based on market size and existing beauty distribution networks.

CAF Announces Ghana-Liberia U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier Officials

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the match officials for the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Liberia, with a team led by Ivorian referee Akissi Natacha Gerardine Konan set to take charge of the encounter.

Konan, from Côte d’Ivoire, will officiate the highly anticipated fixture, which forms part of the qualification campaign for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. She will be supported by compatriot Kossonoux Denise Akoua, who has been appointed Assistant Referee I, while Nafissatou Yekini Shitou of Benin will serve as Assistant Referee II.

Another Ivorian official, Aurore Christelle M. Christelle Ligan, has been named Fourth Official for the match.

CAF has also assigned Ruth David of Nigeria as Match Commissioner, with Fadouma Dia from Senegal taking up the role of Referee Assessor.

The crucial qualifier is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium. Kick-off is set for 15:30 GMT as Ghana’s young female side aims to strengthen its bid for a place at the global tournament.

Minority Declares Readiness For 2028 Comeback

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has declared itself fully prepared to recapture political power in the 2028 general election, insisting that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rebuilt strongly from its electoral defeat and is now better positioned to challenge the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking at a two-day workshop of the Minority Caucus in Accra yesterday, the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, said the caucus had transformed what he described as a period of ‘momentary bleakness’ into renewed strength, resilience and strategic focus.

‘Now I can confidently say that we have bounced back stronger, more agile, well-informed, and indeed ready to take on 2028 with tactics and strategies that would marvel our counterparts,’ he stated.

The workshop, held on the theme ‘The United Front: Forging a Cohesive Parliamentary Strategy Post-Primaries,’ focused on healing divisions within the caucus and building trust ahead of future political contests.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh commended members of the caucus for their unity and commitment since the start of the Ninth Parliament, saying their continuous engagement and strategic coordination had strengthened the Minority’s effectiveness both in Parliament and in their constituencies.

According to him, despite being in the minority, the caucus had succeeded in holding the government accountable and keeping national issues in the public spotlight.

‘Truly, we have distinguished ourselves as a mighty minority, and we need to sustain this momentum and the pressure on government with one voice and one heart,’ he said.

The Minority Chief Whip accused the NDC government of failing to fulfil campaign promises and attempting to mislead Ghanaians on the state of the economy.

He cited recent debates surrounding the Bank of Ghana’s 2025 financial statement as an example of what he described as the government’s desperation to divert attention from weaknesses in governance.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh further claimed that worsening economic hardship among cocoa farmers, teachers, nurses, public servants and market women reflected poor governance under the current administration.

‘The cocoa farmer is wailing, the teachers are crying, nurses are wailing, public servants are crying, market women are crying,’ he declared.

He argued that the NDC government had become unpopular faster than anticipated, and urged members of the caucus to intensify pressure on the administration through effective parliamentary oversight and public engagement.

‘We will be doing ourselves a disservice if we do not intensify the pressure of accountability and strike whenever they are exposed,’ he stressed.

The Minority Chief Whip also revealed that leadership had introduced mentorship arrangements for first-time Members of Parliament to strengthen their parliamentary performance and improve their participation in debates and committee work.

According to him, the strategy had enhanced members’ ability to contribute effectively on the floor of Parliament and improved the caucus’ communication with the public through coordinated press briefings and statements.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh urged party members to remain united and focused on reclaiming power in 2028.

‘Victory is in our hands, and we cannot afford to let 2028 slip by,’ he said, adding that the NPP remained the party best positioned to restore development and economic stability in the country.

BOSAG Pushes For Support To Create 100k Jobs

The Business Outsourcing Services Association Ghana (BOSAG) has intensified calls for stronger government support to accelerate the growth of the country’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Global Business Services (GBS) industry, with industry leaders projecting the sector as a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings for the country.

Stakeholders said the sector has the potential to create at least 100,000 jobs for young Ghanaians if the right policy, infrastructure and investment support systems are put in place.

The call was made at the maiden High-Level Government-Industry Roundtable organised by BOSAG in partnership with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) and hosted by global outsourcing firm Concentrix.

The event, held under the theme ‘Positioning Ghana as a Competitive Global BPO/GBS Destination: From Strategy to Execution,’ brought together government officials, industry players and development partners to discuss strategies for positioning Ghana as a preferred outsourcing hub in Africa.

The Board Chair of BOSAG and Founder of eSAL, Kojo Hayford, stressed the need for deliberate government intervention to unlock the sector’s full potential.

According to him, investor confidence in the outsourcing industry depends heavily on stable policies, improved infrastructure and a skilled workforce capable of meeting global standards.

He said government coordination and leadership were essential to scaling up sustainable job creation and attracting more international firms to Ghana.

The Country Manager of Concentrix Ghana and Senior Operations Director, Ryan Keilloh, revealed that the company, which operates in more than 70 countries, has already employed over 1,200 young Ghanaians.

He added that more than 130 employees had been promoted into leadership positions this year alone, demonstrating the industry’s capacity to provide long-term career growth for young professionals.

Mr. Keilloh noted that Concentrix intends to expand its operations in Ghana as demand for outsourcing services continues to grow globally.

Officials from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, including Nana Aba Edzie and Senior Advisor for Digital and Technology Transformation, Mr. Daniel Busscher, stated that discussions at the roundtable highlighted the importance of strong government backing in building a globally competitive outsourcing ecosystem.

They identified five major priority areas requiring urgent attention, namely investor confidence and political advocacy, skills development, demand generation, infrastructure and real estate repurposing, as well as market access and regulatory reforms.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the sector.

He described BOSAG as a critical partner in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda and disclosed that the Ministry would collaborate with agencies such as the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen investor attraction efforts.

The Chief Executive Officer of BOSAG, David Gowu, noted that although the global outsourcing industry is valued at about US$1.5 trillion, Africa currently accounts for only 2.8 percent of the market.

He argued that Ghana could significantly increase its share by leveraging its youthful population, English-speaking workforce and growing digital infrastructure.

‘We are producing more graduates than the economy can absorb. We want companies to come to Ghana, set up here, employ our people here, and allow them to build careers while contributing meaningfully to the economy,’ he said.

Glasgow Commonwealth Games: Ghana To Compete In 7 Disciplines

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has confirmed that the country will participate in seven disciplines at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The announcement was made by GOC President, Richard Akpokavie, during the committee’s Annual General Meeting held on Saturday.

According to Akpokavie, Ghana’s athletes will compete in athletics, boxing, judo, para athletics, para powerlifting, para swimming, and weightlifting at the multi-sport event.

He also revealed that the country plans to send a 40-member contingent to the games, including athletes, coaches, medical personnel, safeguarding officers, and officials led by the Chef de Mission.

The figure marks a significant reduction from Ghana’s delegation at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where the nation was represented by 100 athletes made up of 60 men and 40 women.

The reduced number follows sweeping changes made by the Commonwealth Games Federation in October 2024, when the sporting programme for the 2026 edition was cut from 19 sports to just 10.

Sports including cricket, field hockey, rugby sevens, squash, and wrestling were removed as part of emergency cost-saving measures after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew from hosting duties due to rising financial demands.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2, 2026, bringing together athletes from Commonwealth nations and territories across the world.

The Hidden Cost of Waste Valorization

In recent years, sustainability and circular economy conversations have gained significant attention across Africa and the world. More businesses are now exploring innovative ways to convert waste into valuable products, reduce environmental pollution, and promote responsible consumption.

This shift is important and necessary.

From agricultural waste processing to recycling initiatives and eco-friendly manufacturing, many entrepreneurs are working hard to build businesses that create both economic and environmental impact. However, as we celebrate these innovations, there is an important conversation sustainable businesses must not ignore:

Creating value from waste should not come at the cost of harming the environment in the production process itself.

Sometimes, in our attempt to solve one environmental problem, we unintentionally create another.

For example, a business may transform agricultural waste into useful products, but if the production process releases excessive smoke, harmful chemicals, polluted water, or unsafe waste disposal into the environment, then sustainability becomes incomplete.

True sustainability goes beyond the final product.

It includes: sourcing processes, production methods, energy use, waste management systems, supplier practices, packaging, environmental education etc.

As entrepreneurs, we must begin to ask ourselves deeper questions:

Are our production systems environmentally responsible?

Are we reducing pollution during processing?

Are our suppliers practicing sustainable handling methods?

Are we educating farmers and raw material suppliers on responsible waste management?

Are we building systems that protect both people and the environment?

Sustainability must be intentional and holistic.

In many developing economies, businesses are increasingly embracing waste valorization, converting waste into valuable products. While this is commendable, there is a need for stronger attention toward cleaner production systems and environmentally conscious operational practices.

At SkinVive, one lesson we continue to learn is that sustainable innovation should not only focus on the product, but also on the process behind the product. This understanding has encouraged us to rethink aspects of our production system, including how agricultural waste is sourced and how smoke generated during soap production can be controlled to reduce environmental pollution.

Responsible production is not perfection.

It is continuous improvement, awareness, and accountability.

As Africa continues to grow its green entrepreneurship ecosystem, we must encourage businesses to see sustainability not as a marketing label, but as a long-term responsibility toward communities, ecosystems, and future generations.

The future of circular economy businesses will not only depend on innovative ideas, but also on how responsibly those ideas are implemented.

Because sustainability is not just about what we produce.

It is also about how we produce it.

Financial Stress Levels Drop Among Workers – Report

Working Ghanaians are emerging from a period of deep financial strain with increasing optimism, improved financial discipline, and reduced stress levels, supported by a stabilising macroeconomic environment, the latest round of the Old Mutual Financial Wellness Monitor (OMFWM) has revealed.

However, the research cautioned that long-term financial vulnerability remains widespread, driven by short-term savings behaviour, low retirement preparedness, and limited access to professional financial advice.

The survey, which focused on urban and peri-urban working Ghanaians aged 20 to 59 earning GHS1,200 or more, provided insight into financial attitudes, behaviours, and resilience across both the formal and informal sectors.

The report said confidence in the economy had more than doubled, rising from 22 percent to 48 percent, with seven in ten working Ghanaians believing the economy would improve over the next year.

As economic pressures eased, financial stress levels halved, dropping from 60 percent to 30 percent, the lowest level recorded in three years of tracking, the report said.

‘After several years of sustained financial pressure, working Ghanaians are finally beginning to experience some much-needed financial breathing room,’ said Roy Punungwe, CEO of Old Mutual Group Ghana.

‘In a more stable macroeconomic environment, people are becoming more intentional, managing debt prudently, exercising greater control over spending, and actively rebuilding their savings,’ he added.

The report, however, noted that more than a third (37 percent) of respondents reported earning more than they did a year ago.

‘Despite this, vulnerability remains pronounced, with 39 percent fear losing their income, and nearly half would run out of money within three months if that income stopped.

‘To mitigate risk, many Ghanaians are diversifying income streams. More than one in four (27 percent) are ‘poly-jobbing’, combining formal employment with side hustles, freelancing, or after-hours work. Younger Ghanaians are especially affected, reflecting limited job security and employment opportunities,’ the report added.

‘What the data shows very clearly is that resilience is being built, but it is fragile. Income may be improving, yet too many households remain just one shock away from financial distress,’ Punungwe stated.

The Old Mutual Financial Wellness Monitor concluded that Ghana was transitioning from survival to recovery, but noted that sustainable financial wellness would require greater engagement with formal financial solutions, improved financial literacy, and stronger trust in the financial system.

‘This research reinforces why Old Mutual exists,’ Punungwe said, and added, ‘Our role is not just to provide financial products, but to build trust, offer guidance, and help working Ghanaians move from short-term resilience to long-term financial security. The optimism is there, with the right support, it can be transformed into lasting wellbeing.’