Category: Daily Guide Network

Industry leaders in Africa’s financial technology sector have called for a shift from fragmented digital finance platforms to interconnected systems capable of driving large-scale growth and financial inclusion across the continent.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the 3i Africa Summit 2026 in Accra on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Money Fintech Limited, Haruna Shaibu, urged FinTech operators to move beyond slow incremental growth and embrace what he described as ‘digital leapfrogging.’

Addressing the theme, ‘From Platforms to Systems: Building Foundations, Scaling Africa’s Digital Finance Economy,’ Mr. Shaibu said Africa’s digital finance future would depend on systems that work seamlessly across institutions and borders rather than isolated platforms competing within the same space.

‘Leapfrogging is very simple. You can look at it as either growing exponentially or growing incrementally. Oftentimes when a new technology is introduced, everybody jumps on it and we all end up doing the very same things,’ he said.

According to him, although digital finance has expanded rapidly across Africa, much of the growth has been driven by duplication rather than true transformation, which limits the sector’s overall impact.

Drawing comparisons with the early days of the internet boom, Mr. Shaibu noted that many businesses pursued identical models instead of building sustainable systems.

‘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 stated.

He stressed that the continent must deliberately focus on interoperability, shared infrastructure and customer-centred innovation to unlock the full potential of digital finance.

‘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 added.

Mr. Shaibu also highlighted evolving trends in fraud prevention, saying financial institutions are increasingly moving from rigid rule-based systems to behavioural-based fraud detection models powered by data analytics.

‘We are moving from a rule-based fraud detection mechanism to more behavioural-based systems. How best you use the data points you have to predict fraud behaviour and prevent it,’ he explained.

Other panelists also advocated reforms to strengthen Africa’s digital finance ecosystem and reduce barriers to growth.

FinTech executive, Dare Okoudjou, described mobile money as the foundation of financial inclusion across Africa, noting that for many people it represents their first interaction with a financial institution.

‘We should be proud of what has been built, but it must now be scaled,’ he said.

He further called for the adoption of a continental licensing regime to replace fragmented national regulations, arguing that regulatory duplication increases operational costs and slows expansion.

On the issue of expensive credit across the continent, Paul Whelpton and Olugbenga Agboola stressed the need for stronger digital systems, improved risk assessment and better use of technology to reduce borrowing costs and expand access to finance.

As part of sustained efforts to drive digital innovation and strengthen Ghana’s evolving business ecosystem, MTN Ghana has hosted a Digital Transformation Conference aimed at equipping marketers, business leaders and technology professionals with practical strategies for navigating the rapidly changing digital landscape.

The conference, themed, ‘Embracing Digital Transformation for Marketing Excellence,’ brought together chief marketing officers, brand managers, media planners, agency professionals, entrepreneurs and technology experts to explore how emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and data-driven strategies are reshaping customer engagement and business growth.

Speaking at the conference, Chief Digital Officer of MTN Ghana, Ibrahim Misto, said organisations can no longer afford to delay their digital transformation efforts as technology continues to redefine how brands connect with consumers.

According to him, the marketing landscape has changed significantly over the past few years, with brands now operating in an environment where customer attention is increasingly difficult to secure while digital trends evolve almost daily.

‘We’ve all seen what artificial intelligence has done to our world. Technology is evolving very rapidly and those realities are shaping how brands grow or struggle,’ he said.

Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Ghana, Angela Mensah-Poku, also urged organisations to move beyond discussions about digital transformation and begin implementing bold and deliberate changes.

She observed that while many businesses across Africa acknowledge the importance of digital transformation, implementation remains slow despite the availability of tools, data and successful case studies from global markets.

‘The debate about whether digital transformation is real is over. The real question is why change continues to happen so slowly,’ she said.

Ms. Mensah-Poku argued that the challenge facing many organisations is not necessarily financial or technological, but rather the inability to fully reimagine what modern marketing and customer experience can become through digital innovation.

National Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana, Ama Amoah, also highlighted the growing importance of trust in the digital era, warning that technology alone cannot guarantee business success.

According to her, although artificial intelligence, automation and analytics are transforming the marketing industry, businesses must ensure that digital transformation remains human-centered.

She pointed out that Ghana’s rapid adoption of mobile money and digital platforms has brought convenience to millions of people but has also increased cases of digital fraud and mistrust.

‘In Ghana, trust is relational. It is not just about the terms and conditions on a website. It is about the feeling that if something goes wrong, there is a human being behind the screen who cares,’ she said.

Speaking on the topic ‘Digital Transformation within the Customer Marketing Space: Adapt Faster, Connect Deeper,’ he stated that while technology is advancing rapidly, businesses must never lose sight of the human beings behind the data.

‘Behind every data point is a human being searching for convenience, connection, trust and value,’ he said.

Mr. Ackah explained that despite rapid technological progress, the fundamental desires of consumers remain unchanged, including the need for belonging, convenience, knowledge, entertainment and opportunity.

Three clubs have officially earned promotion to the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League after emerging winners of their respective zones in the Access Bank Division One League.

Port City sealed qualification after clinching the Zone Three title, while FC AshantiGold 04 finished top of Zone Two to secure a place in Ghana’s topflight competition.

Debibi United completed the list of promoted clubs following an impressive 3-1 playoff victory over Tamale City on Wednesday to confirm their qualification.

The achievement marks a historic milestone for all three clubs, as each side will compete in the Ghana Premier League for the first time in their history.

Port City and FC AshantiGold 04 secured automatic promotion through consistent performances across the season, while Debibi United battled through the playoffs to book their place among Ghana’s elite clubs.

Their qualification signals the beginning of a new chapter as the trio prepares for the challenge of competing in the country’s highest football division next season.

The Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has disclosed that the arrest warrant leading to the detention of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, was issued by authorities in the United States on April 26, 2026.

According to Mr. Dafeamekpor, information available to the MP’s legal team indicates that the warrant was linked to an investigation involving the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), although Ghanaian authorities are yet to receive any official communication detailing the alleged offence.

‘The FBI has not communicated officially to us yet on his offence. But his lawyers said the warrant was issued on the 26th of April,’ the Majority Chief Whip stated in an interview with TV3.

He explained that the detained legislator was intercepted by Dutch security officials at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on Sunday morning while transiting to the United Kingdom on a KLM flight from Accra.

Mr. Dafeamekpor dismissed reports suggesting that the MP was travelling to the United States on a Delta Airlines flight, describing such claims as inaccurate.

‘The Honourable Member was not travelling to the US on Delta Airlines on Friday. He was on a private visit to the United Kingdom. His wife and children live in London, so he frequently travels there,’ he clarified.

He recounted that the MP departed Accra on Saturday evening aboard a KLM flight and arrived at Schiphol Airport around 5:00 a.m. on Sunday. During transit procedures, he was reportedly stopped, questioned and later detained by security operatives around 6:30 a.m.

The Majority Chief Whip said Parliament had since moved swiftly to secure legal representation for the detained lawmaker.

He revealed that a Ghanaian lawyer based in The Hague, Joe Appiah, had been engaged in consultation with Ghana’s Ambassador to the Netherlands to handle the matter.

‘A private lawyer has been procured for him in the person of Joe Appiah. And he has told us the MP hasn’t been harmed, and he is doing well,’ Mr. Dafeamekpor stated.

He further disclosed that he had personally asked the MP whether he had engaged in any activity that could have attracted the FBI’s attention, to which the legislator reportedly responded in the negative.

‘I asked him whether he had done anything to warrant the FBI’s attention, and he said no,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Parliament on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, officially confirmed the detention in a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror.

The statement indicated that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, had been briefed on the development and that the leadership of the House was working closely with Ghana’s Mission in the Netherlands to obtain full details surrounding the incident.

A candidate of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Senior High School (KNUST SHS) has died after a short illness, throwing the school into a state of grief.

School authorities disclosed that the student passed away on the second day of the examination after battling an illness and undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Management of the school said counselling and emotional support are being offered to students as examinations continue.

The school also revealed that another registered candidate has failed to report for the examination after allegedly abandoning school months ago.

Despite the unfortunate incidents, a pregnant candidate successfully took part in the English Language oral examination together with her colleagues.

A total of 1,022 candidates are sitting for this year’s WASSCE at the school.

Assistant Headmaster in charge of Academics and Assistant Examination Supervisor, Agyekum Kweku, said the examination process has so far been smooth.

According to him, the school has maintained a strict zero tolerance policy against examination malpractice.

‘The only unfortunate incident we have experienced is the death of one of the students. On the day he was expected to write one of the papers, we were informed by the parents that he had passed away. He had been sick and was admitted at the hospital,’ he explained.

He added that apart from the deceased student and the absentee candidate, the examination has been incident-free.

Ghana international, Antoine Semenyo, has earned a place among the Premier League’s elite after being nominated for the 2025/26 EA SPORTS Player of the Season award following a sensational campaign for Bournemouth and Manchester City.

The 26-year-old forward has enjoyed the finest season of his career, scoring 16 league goals and providing four assists in a breakthrough year that has elevated his status among the Premier League’s most influential attackers.

Semenyo, who began the season at Bournemouth before completing a January move to Manchester City, has emerged as one of the division’s standout performers and currently sits third in the Premier League scoring chart.

The Ghanaian attacker is shortlisted alongside some of the biggest names in English football, including Manchester City teammate, Erling Haaland, Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel and David Raya, Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, Brentford striker, Igor Thiago, and Nottingham Forest midfielder, Morgan Gibbs-White.

Premier League organisers highlighted Semenyo’s seamless transition following his move to the Etihad Stadium, noting that he made an immediate impact under Pep Guardiola.

‘Ghana international Semenyo played a starring role for two clubs this season, joining Man City in the January transfer window after a stunning start to 2025/26 at AFC Bournemouth,’ the Premier League said in its citation.

The statement added that the Black Stars forward adapted quickly to Guardiola’s tactical demands and delivered consistently across multiple attacking positions.

Semenyo’s nomination marks another major milestone for Ghanaian football on the international stage and places him among a select group of African players competing for one of English football’s most prestigious individual honours.

The forward’s explosive pace, physical presence and versatility have made him a key figure for both club and country this season, with his performances also strengthening his reputation ahead of Ghana’s upcoming international assignments.

A major show of generosity and commitment to community development unfolded at Agric Nsima when the chief, Nana Nkansah Boadu Ayeboafo, donated 13 vehicles to traditional authorities in celebration of the 75th birthday of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The presentation, which formed part of activities marking the Asantehene’s milestone anniversary, included eleven tipper trucks for sub-chiefs and two buses for the Nsima Traditional Council. The gesture has since attracted admiration from residents and opinion leaders, who described it as one of the most remarkable contributions to traditional leadership in the area in recent years.

Addressing guests at the ceremony, Nana Nkansah Boadu Ayeboafo explained that the donation was aimed at strengthening local governance structures while honouring the Asantehene for his years of distinguished leadership, peacebuilding and national service.

According to him, the vehicles would help empower sub-chiefs to effectively undertake developmental projects and support economic activities within their respective communities, while the buses would improve the operations and transportation needs of the Traditional Council.

The Queen Mother of Agric Nsima, Nana Adwoa Takyiwaa, expressed appreciation to the chief for what she described as a visionary and selfless gesture. She commended his dedication to the welfare of the people and his continuous support for traditional leadership and community progress.

She added that the provision of the vehicles would greatly enhance the capacity of traditional leaders to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Nsima enclave.

As celebrations continue for the 75th birthday of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, many residents believe the donation reflects the spirit of unity, leadership and development that continues to define the Asante Kingdom.

Kumasi-based singer, songwriter, and producer, Asiama, won ‘Best Male Vocal Performance’ at the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

He was also nominated for the Record of the Year with ‘Akoma’.

For many listeners hearing his name for the first time, the immediate response was simple:

‘Who is he?’

There is a stillness in Asiama’s vocals that allows listeners to feel every lyric deeply. His voice carries emotional honesty, vulnerability, restraint, and spiritual depth in a way that feels increasingly rare within contemporary music.

Many also remember his appearance at age 12 on X Factor (Glo), where his performance deeply moved judges including Reggie Rockstone, M.I Abaga, and the late Mrs. Onyeka Onwenu.

The world surrounding Asiama has also been shaped by the broader creative direction and artistic vision of Be.love, with emotionally immersive and symbolically driven storytelling led by Tina, ‘Belove’ Atiemo.

At its core, ‘Akoma’ explores the emotional and spiritual conflict between desire and conscious pleas for divine strength to overcome the temptations of the heart and mind.

For many listeners, Asiama’s breakthrough feels less like the arrival of a new artiste and more like the emergence of a voice people were waiting to hear.

Together, the achievement marked a remarkable trifecta of firsts: a debut single, first nomination, and first major TGMA win. The song was produced by musical prodigy Kwame Yeboah.

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has opposed Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s request for a 20-year extension of its mining lease for the Tarkwa Mine, describing the move as contrary to Ghana’s long-term economic and strategic interests.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, former Chief Justice and IEA Fellow, Sophia Abena Boafoa Akuffo, called on the government to reject the application and instead pursue a framework that guarantees meaningful Ghanaian ownership and control of the Tarkwa mines.

‘The IEA considers the requested lease renewal, or extension as we choose to call it, to be deeply inimical to Ghana’s long-term economic and strategic interests, and therefore calls on the government to reject it decisively,’ she stated.

Her comments come after the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Fields Limited, Mike Fraser, disclosed that the company had formally applied for a 20-year extension of the lease, which expires in April 2027.

Madam Akuffo noted that Gold Fields acquired the Tarkwa Mine in 1993 and that the operation remains the largest open-pit gold mine in Africa.

According to her, the mine produces about 500,000 ounces of gold annually, valued at more than US$2.3 billion at current global prices.

She added that Gold Fields’ Ghanaian operations contribute nearly 25 percent of the company’s global gold production, which underscores the strategic importance of the Tarkwa concession to the multinational firm.

‘It is therefore not surprising that the company should be deploying every available avenue, including high-level lobbying, to preserve its hold on this concession,’ she said.

Madam Akuffo argued that despite more than a century of foreign exploitation of Ghana’s mineral resources under concessionary arrangements rooted in the colonial era, the country has little transformative development to show for its mineral wealth.

She said mining communities continue to suffer from poor roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, limited educational infrastructure and high youth unemployment, while the bulk of the economic benefits are transferred abroad.

‘The operations of Gold Fields in Tarkwa exemplify the enduring consequences of extractive concession arrangements that overwhelmingly favour foreign investor corporations at the expense of host communities and the national economy,’ she stressed.

The IEA further maintained that the impending expiration of the lease in 2027 presents Ghana with a historic opportunity to reclaim effective ownership and strategic control of the Tarkwa Mine at a time of high global gold prices.

According to the Institute, Ghana should adopt a mining model based on national ownership, responsible extraction, local value addition and the export of finished or semi-finished mineral products to maximise revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

The IEA also noted that many large-scale mining operations in Ghana are already managed by indigenous firms, including Engineers and Planners, Heath Goldfields Limited and Rockshore International Limited, proving that Ghanaian companies have the capacity to lead mining operations.

‘No more concessions,’ the former Chief Justice declared.

Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, also called on the government not to renew mining leases that fail to make national ownership a priority.

According to him the country is in a strong position to take control over key national assets once existing agreements expire.

‘In many countries in the world, governments are renegotiating contracts that are still valid. Even there, people succeed in doing so.’

‘In our case, we are even in a better position. There will be no renegotiation. The lease, the contract, will expire in April of next year, just a few months to go,’ he stated.

The former Speaker also said that the country has failed to maximise the benefits of its Gold, Bauxite, Manganese, Diamond, Lithium, and oil resources, though the country is a major player in the mining industry.

‘What we have is our Gold, Bauxite, Manganese, Diamond, Lithium among others. The way we have dealt with these natural resources determined the situation we are in today. Should we continue? he asked.

He, therefore, urged the government to prioritise local participation and national interest in managing the country’s mine for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, has reportedly been extradited to the United States over his alleged involvement in a multi-million-dollar international fraud and money laundering scheme linked to romance scams and business email compromise operations.

Reports indicate that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had pursued investigations into the lawmaker’s activities for more than a year before his arrest in the Netherlands.

The MP was reportedly detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam during an official government trip after Dutch authorities acted on an international request connected to the FBI investigation.

According to information circulating within diplomatic and security circles, investigators suspect that the MP played a role in receiving and transferring funds to Ghana on behalf of members of an international cybercrime syndicate between 2022 and 2026.

The alleged fraudulent scheme is said to involve approximately US$30 million to US$32 million generated through romance scams and business email compromise operations targeting victims mainly in the United States and Europe.

Business email compromise schemes typically involve cybercriminals impersonating company executives or trusted business contacts to trick victims into transferring funds into fraudulent accounts.

Parliament, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, confirmed that the MP had indeed been detained in the Netherlands.

In a statement issued to the public, Parliament disclosed that the Speaker, Alban S.K. Bagbin and leadership of the House were in contact with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague to obtain detailed information regarding the matter.

The statement noted that the public would be appropriately informed as further details emerge.

‘The Rt. Hon Speaker and the Leadership of the House are in touch with Ghana’s Mission in The Hague for detailed information on the matter,’ the statement said.

Sources familiar with the case claim the investigation forms part of a broader international law enforcement operation involving several agencies across multiple jurisdictions.

Authorities in both the United States and the Netherlands are yet to publicly announce formal charges against the MP, while his lawyers and representatives have so far remained silent on the allegations.