GCB Launches ‘Pa to Pa’ Promo To Reward Loyal customers

GCB Bank has launched a new customer reward campaign, dubbed ‘GCB Pa to Pa Promo Save and Win,’ aimed at offering customers the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to watch the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking at the launch at the GCB Headquarters in Accra, the Executive Head of Retail Banking, Sina Kamagate, said the initiative forms part of the bank’s appreciation to customers who have sustained its operations for seventy-two years.

‘This is GCB’s own small way of saying thank you to our customers. We have been sustained for decades by customers who bring in deposits, knowing that deposits are the lifeblood of banking,’ he said.

In Ghana, you know football is one thing that unites all of us. This is our small way of saying thank you to our customers who give us deposits all the time. We are rewarding them to go and enjoy at the world cup next year,’ he further noted.

Mr. Kamagate explained that the promo which starts from December 1 and will last for 5 months, offers customers the opportunity to deposits GHS300 to earn a point, increasing their chances to win monthly prizes at the end of every month and the ultimate prize to watch the world cup in US next year.

According to him, customers who have dormant accounts could also participate and win exciting prizes for being customers with the bank over the years.

He said the top 10 participants will be rewarded with household appliances such as televisions, freezers, cookers, among several others.

‘Pa to Pa Promo ultimately reinforces the bank’s dedication to customer satisfaction. Our customers love to play, and when they play, they play hard. We are sponsoring them to go and enjoy our favorite national game and all the goodies that come with it,’ he added.

DCE Announces Full Absorption Of Wioso SHS

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South-West, Abubakar Sedik, has emphasised the need for immediate government intervention to address persistent infrastructure challenges facing Wioso Senior High School, as the institution commemorates its 10th anniversary.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Sedik highlighted the recent approval by the Ministry of Education for the absorption of Wioso SHS into the public school system. This follows an official visit by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, on May 29, 2025.

He disclosed that once the final paperwork is completed, 49 teaching and non-teaching staff of the school will be placed on the government payroll- a move he says will significantly boost the school’s operations and ensure long-term sustainability.

The DCE also revealed that he had appealed to the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, for additional support, including a school bus and teachers’ quarters, to improve mobility and staff welfare. He encouraged students to remain disciplined and take full advantage of the new opportunities the absorption presents.

Wioso Senior High School, established by the Alma Mater Charity Foundation a decade ago, continues to grapple with limited facilities such as inadequate classrooms, the absence of a science laboratory, insufficient teaching resources, and lack of teachers’ accommodation. According to school authorities, these deficits have hindered the delivery of effective teaching and practical learning.

Mr. Dennis Oduro Akomeah, Director of External Relations and Special Projects, expressed concern about the slow pace of infrastructural development but commended the government for initiating steps toward integrating the school into the public education system. He stressed that improving the school’s facilities is crucial to achieving stronger academic outcomes.

The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South-West, Mr. Elvis Dapaah, also joined the celebration and donated 10 laptops to support the establishment of a science laboratory. He praised the founders, particularly the expatriate philanthropists behind the Alma Mater Charity Foundation, for their vision in bringing secondary education to the rural community. He called on residents to continue supporting the school and refrain from politicising development projects.

The 10th anniversary ceremony brought together chiefs, parents, former students, and development partners, all reaffirming their commitment to the school’s progress.

As Wioso Senior High School marks a decade of service, stakeholders say they remain hopeful that the next phase will bring improved infrastructure, stronger partnerships, and broader opportunities for the youth of Ahafo Ano South-West District.

FIFA To Announce Updated 2026 World Cup Match Schedule Dec. 6

FIFA IS set to unveil the updated match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026S during a live global broadcast on Saturday, 6 December, at 12:00 EST (18:00 CET) from Washington, D.C.

The announcement comes nearly 24 hours after the highly anticipated Final Draw, which will reveal the tournament’s 12 groundbreaking groups of four.

The event will be led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who will be joined on stage by several FIFA Legends. Representatives of all 42 qualified nations, along with teams still vying for a place at the tournament, will also be in attendance.

The reveal show is expected to be one of the most significant milestones on the road to the first 48-team World Cup.

Throughout the broadcast, experts will provide live analysis of the draw outcomes, break down key matchups, and offer insights into the host venues set to welcome the world in June and July next year. FIFA will also confirm the venues and kick-off times for all 104 matches.

Fans across the globe will be able to watch the announcement live on FIFA’s digital platforms, including FIFA.com and the federation’s official YouTube channel. A global feed will also be made available to broadcasters worldwide.

The match allocation process, which takes place after the draw, is designed to provide optimal conditions for teams and supporters while accommodating fans across various time zones.

A final version of the complete match schedule is expected in March, following the conclusion of the FIFA and European play-offs that will determine the last six qualifying teams.

With excitement rapidly building across the three host nations and 16 vibrant Host Cities-and with nearly two million tickets already sold-the release of the match schedule represents another major step toward what is expected to be a historic and transformative World Cup.

Further updates will be communicated through the FIFA Media Hub in the coming weeks.

Why Wait Until December To Book Artistes? – Nana Kojo Mula

Entertainment pundit, Nana Kojo Mula, has expressed concern over the trend of event organisers waiting until December to host events, arguing that this practice hinders the progress of the entertainment industry.

Speaking on the ‘Entertainment Guide’ segment of DGN Television, hosted by Prudent, Nana Kojo Mula tackled the question: ‘Are Ghanaian artistes hosting their own December events helping the industry or pushing event organisers to look outside for talent?’

He questioned the rationale behind organisers postponing events until December, stating, ‘I don’t think event organisers are fading out. The real question is, why are they waiting until December to organise an event before booking artistes? There are 12 months in a year!’

Nana Kojo Mula emphasised that the desire to host major shows in December is detrimental to artistes. ‘If I’m an artiste and I’ve had a successful year, I wouldn’t wait until December to host my own event. Instead, I would perform at my friends’ events and plan my own for January or February. Imagine if Medikal filled a stadium in January; the buzz would carry right into the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA),’ he said.

He further pointed out that the rush to host shows in December is largely due to the event calendar, where artistes feel pressured to have a significant show before being considered for the Artiste of the Year category, saying, ‘This cycle of waiting only contributes to stagnation in the industry.’

Advans Ghana Launches New Overdraft Facility

Advans Ghana Savings and Loans has officially launched a new overdraft facility designed to provide Micro, Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with rapid access to short-term working capital.

The facility, unveiled at a ceremony in Accra, addresses the longstanding challenge of timely liquidity faced by thousands of small businesses across the country.

The overdraft pilot is running in four branches-Okaishie, Kaneshie, Koforidua, and Romanhill (Kumasi)-and is open to current clients, new customers, and businesses banking elsewhere who can provide verifiable financial documentation.

The initiative forms part of Advans Ghana’s broader strategy to expand flexible credit solutions that enable businesses to respond quickly to urgent operational demands, seasonal pressures, and emerging opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director, Advans Ghana, Guillaume Valence, said the new facility was developed after extensive engagement with the company’s nationwide client base.

‘Our clients consistently told us that while long-term loans support expansion, they often face immediate cashflow needs that cannot wait. This overdraft is designed to give MSMEs the agility to act in the moment without eroding their working capital. Whether it is clearing a container, securing discounted stock, or meeting a sudden obligation, timely credit can make the difference between lost opportunity and business continuity,’ Mr. Valence said.

He added that Advans’ people-centred model, with more than 700 staff, including over 300 relationship officers, enables close understanding of client operations and the financial pressures that confront MSMEs daily.

‘We built this product responsibly. Overdrafts must be used wisely, which is why we have strong monitoring mechanisms and a clear return-to-zero policy to prevent long-term indebtedness. Responsible finance is central to what we do,’ he noted.

The new facility was developed in collaboration with GIZ, the German development agency, which has been working closely with Advans Ghana and other financial institutions since 2024 to design SME-focused financial solutions.

Component Manager at GIZ Ghana, Cynthia Odonkor, said the overdraft directly responds to one of the most critical challenges facing Ghanaian businesses.

‘Timely working capital is one of the biggest obstacles for MSMEs. A delayed payment or sudden expense can destabilise even a promising business,’ she said.

‘This overdraft offers flexible short-term liquidity and fast access to funds, but it also incorporates responsible lending practices that protect customers while supporting business continuity. Our partnership with Advans shows what is possible when development partners and financial institutions work together with a shared purpose,’ she added.

Chief Sales and Development Officer at Advans Ghana, Barbara Odei, highlighted the institution’s growing footprint and longstanding commitment to SME development.

‘Advans Ghana now serves more than 146,000 customers through 21 branches and digital channels, with a lending portfolio of over GHS540 million,’ she said.

She also noted, ‘Sixty-one percent of our loans go to women, and this overdraft will expand opportunities for even more entrepreneurs across Ghana. We see this as another step forward in our mission to be a reliable partner to small businesses.’

People Knew My Songs Before Me – OliveTheBoy

Ghanaian Afrobeat sensation, OliveTheBoy, has disclosed that his fanbase keeps increasing because of his good music productions.

According to him, before gaining opportunities to perform at big events after hitting the limelight, many of his fans had not seen him in person but had heard his songs, jamming to the vibes they exude.

‘People knew my songs before they even knew my face, and it showed me that when you put in the work, you don’t need to force anything,’ he told Prudent on EGuide show on Guide Radio.

OliveTheBoy, real name Joel Ofori Bonsu, made waves at Tidal Rave 2025 with his bold performance. He sang on a rotating bed with a scantily clad dancer, sparking a mix of shock, praise, and playful jokes on social media.

Many called it ‘wild energy,’ while others wondered if the rave turned into a ‘strippers’ party’. Either way, OliveTheBoy stole the show alongside other big names like Ayra Starr and Black Sherif.

OliveTheBoy shot to fame in May 2023 with his hit single ‘Goodsin’ from the Avana EP, which went viral on TikTok and became the most Shazamed song in Nigeria and Ghana.

OliveTheBoy is signed to Loop Music and has collaborated with big names like King Promise, Reekado Banks, and Sarkodie. His music blends Afrobeats, Afropop, Soul, and RandB, drawing comparisons to artistes like Wizkid and Fireboy DML.

Bawku Factions Hate War – Otumfuo

THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has finally broken his silence over the ongoing Bawku mediation process, stating categorically that the two factions have made it known to him that they abhor war and bloodshed.

According to him, both the Mamprusis and Kusasis, during the final meeting for the Bawku chieftaincy mediation process on Monday, assured him that they are one people so there was no need for them to be at each other’s throats.

‘The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere with both sides emphasising the fact that they are one people who have no reason to be at war with each other,’ the Asantehene openly declared with approval.

Otumfuo, who is the main mediator for restoring lasting peace in Bawku, made the statement in a press release, which was authored and released on the evening of Monday, December 1, 2025.

Significantly, the Asantehene has not made any public comment about the Bawku chieftaincy crisis since the peace talks started, but he eventually decided to finally speak as the mediation process has officially come to a close.

He highly lauded the two feuding factions for their commitment, maturity and willingness to work together for lasting peace to return to Bawku, which has been a scene of chieftaincy clashes for some time now.

According to him, it’s important that the determination and maturity that both parties have displayed during the mediation process so far, would be sustained even after the final verdict had been announced.

‘His Majesty thanked both sides for their civility and maturity and urged them to remember that whatever the outcome of the mediation, they would have to live together as brothers and sisters.

‘He urged the leaders to start preparing the minds of their supporters to be prepared to put an end permanently to violence and disorder in their communities,’ the release admonished.

It said Monday was the first time that the two feuding factions met face-to-face to state their cases since the peace talks started, noting that they both behaved extremely well to the admiration of Otumfuo.

Otumfuo Meets Mahama

Authored by Kofi Badu, the Chief of Staff at the Manhyia Palace, the report also said Otumfuo would submit his final report on returning peace to Bawku to President John Mahama soon.

‘His Majesty announced that he would submit his report with his proposals to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama in the coming days,’ the statement announced.

The report said it’s the hope of Otumfuo that ‘the president would act expeditiously and convene a formal meeting of all interested parties to announce the outcome of the mediation mission.’

Meeting Attendants

Those who attended the last session of the peace talks in the Manhyia Palace included Chief Tarana John Wuni Grumah, Paramount Chief of Tarana Traditional Area and spokesperson of the Nayiri.

He led a 30-member delegation to represent His Majesty Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, the Nayiri and overlord of the Mamprugu and the Mamprusis.

Also present was Naba Tambis Baalug, Paramount Chief of Pusiga, who led a delegation to represent the Bawku Naaba Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and the Kusasi People.

The report also said, ‘Hon. Cletus Avoka acted as the spokesperson for the Kusasi delegation, with Dr. Issah as spokesperson for the Nayiri and Mamprusis. Both delegations comprised of chiefs, lawyers, academics, opinion and youth leaders.’

Prayer Didn’t Save My Marriage- Empress Gifty’s Ex-Husband

Prophet Prince Osei, the former husband of celebrated Ghanaian gospel singer, Empress Gifty, has revealed the real reason behind the collapse of their marriage, attributing the split to a persistent breakdown in communication.

In a video shared on Instagram on December 2, 2025, the prophet reflected on the challenges that ultimately led to their separation, admitting that despite their efforts to make the marriage work, poor communication created an insurmountable divide.

According to him, he now recognises that the marriage might have survived had he understood the importance of communicating effectively with his then-wife.

‘I have come to realise that prayer alone cannot keep a marriage going. Communication is everything,’ he said.

‘If I had known how to communicate well with her at the time, maybe things would have turned out differently.’

Prophet Osei stressed that even faithfulness-though important-is not enough to hold a relationship together without open and honest dialogue.

‘Faithfulness by itself will not sustain a marriage. Even affection, attention, and intimacy all come down to how you communicate,’ he added.

The former couple’s relationship, he disclosed, started long before Empress Gifty became a household name.

‘When I met her, she was a designer. But I knew music would open many doors for her because she had a powerful voice,’ he recounted.

‘Her brother brought her to my church. She wasn’t even a member, but he encouraged her to come.’

Prophet Osei, who now focuses on personal development and improving communication in relationships, said the experience has reshaped his understanding of what it truly takes to sustain a marriage.

Oye, Nasira Champion African Women’s Rights

Two Ghanaian female political figures, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo and Member of Parliament for Sekyere Afram Plains, Hajia Nasira Afrah have called for the creation of an avenue that would champion African women’s right to dignity, and equal opportunity.

Speaking at the seventh edition of the Women’s Choice Awards Africa in Accra, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo stated that over the years, across the continent, women have spent generations pushing against social, cultural, political, and economic barriers.

She indicated that as the former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, and ECOWAS Chair for West African Ministers of Gender and Social Development, she led reforms that strengthened human rights protection, advanced women’s empowerment, improved governance systems, and expanded inclusion for vulnerable groups across the sub-region.

Emphasising that African women are entitled to dignity, autonomy, and equal opportunity, she advised women in positions of influence to keep the doors open for the young ones.

‘We must continue the many mentorship programmes and sessions, but to ensure sustainability we should be able to teach these young ones how to become better and more impactful than our forebears. This is how to bridge the gap,’ she added.

Addressing the theme, ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps, Building Legacies,’ Hajia Nasira Afrah said that progress in Africa – real, lasting, inclusive progress – has never been accidental.

According to her, ‘it has always been forged by courageous women like you and me, who stepped into spaces where doors had not yet been built, who rose against the odds and lifted others with them, and who understood that true influence is measured not only by personal success, but by the opportunities we create for many.’

Hajia Afrah urged women to remember that every barrier a woman breaks clears the path for another, saying, ‘Every gap we bridge strengthens the fabric of our societies. And every legacy built is a lighthouse – guiding our daughters, our nieces, our students, our communities – toward a future where they can rise even higher.’

41st National Farmers’ Day Opens In Ho

The 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration officially opened on Monday at the Ho Sports Stadium with the launch of the 2025 National Agricultural Fair, drawing thousands of farmers, agripreneurs, policymakers, investors and exhibitors from across the country.

Held under the theme ‘Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,’ the ceremony set the stage for a week-long showcase of innovation, technology and partnerships aimed at reinforcing Ghana’s food systems and agricultural resilience.

Council of State Representative for the Volta Region, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah Atople, who was the keynote speaker, underscored the critical interdependence that holds Ghana’s agricultural value chain together, cautioning that the absence of even a single actor can trigger widespread disruption.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Atople emphasised that farming is not an isolated practice but a network of interconnected roles from producers and processors to traders and consumers. He noted that when any link within this system fails, the impact extends far beyond the farm gate.

Mr. Atople said the loss of one player, whether a farmer, a processor, or a market intermediary, can destabilise livelihoods, break supply chains, and ultimately affect food availability and economic stability.

He reiterated the need for stronger collaboration, support systems, and policies that protect all actors within the agricultural ecosystem, stressing that safeguarding each link is essential to sustaining national food security and rural prosperity.

‘Agriculture is not a competition, it is a collaboration that determines the wellbeing of our society,’ he stated. ‘Food security is national security. A nation that cannot feed itself risks instability and dependence.’

Mr. Atople lauded the Volta Region for its strategic contribution to national food production, pointing to the region’s fertile lands, expanding ecological zones and growing youth participation in agribusiness. He emphasised the region’s increasing influence in rice cultivation, and urged stronger investments in irrigation, mechanisation, improved seeds, storage and branding for locally produced rice.

He further called on government and stakeholders to confront persistent challenges including rising input costs, inadequate machinery, poor roads, post-harvest losses, climate variability and fluctuating market prices.

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, commended the fair as a practical platform for learning, research exchange and agribusiness advancement. He applauded exhibitors for showcasing improved seed varieties, livestock breeds, mechanisation technologies, digital advisory tools and agro-processing equipment that support the modernisation of Ghana’s food ecosystem.

Representing the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Chief Director Miriam Kpakpa reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and the expansion of aquaculture. She noted that the fisheries sector remains central to national nutrition, accounting for nearly 60 percent of Ghana’s animal protein intake and supporting the livelihoods of about three million citizens.

She outlined recent government interventions, including improved fisheries governance under the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, protection of artisanal fishing zones, expanded hatchery capacity and investment in modern landing sites across coastal and inland communities.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, emphasised the region’s continued readiness to contribute substantially to Ghana’s food security agenda. He highlighted significant progress in rice production, cassava processing, aquaculture, vegetable farming and livestock development, and praised President John Dramani Mahama for selecting the Volta Region as host of the national celebration.

‘Our farmers, fishers and processors remain the backbone of our economy, and the Volta Region salutes every one of them,’ he stated, urging participants to embrace innovation, forge partnerships and explore market opportunities available at the fair.

The opening ceremony brought together traditional leaders, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), development partners, agribusinesses, university researchers, youth farmers, and students from tertiary and second-cycle institutions.

This year’s week-long Farmers’ Day observance will feature exhibitions, business networking, market linkages and expert-led knowledge-sharing sessions. The celebrations will climax with a grand national awards ceremony to honour outstanding farmers and fishers for their exceptional contributions to Ghana’s food security and socio-economic development.