Category: Daily Guide Network

Social Enterprise Ghana is demanding the immediate passage of key policies and bills needed to strengthen the country’s fast-growing social innovation sector.

Executive Director, Edwin Zu-Cudjoe, speaking at the 2025 Ghana Social Enterprise Forum at the British Council in Accra, said the time for action is now.

He opened the forum by celebrating the work of social entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs with disabilities, refugee entrepreneurs, and young innovators across the country.

He noted that the community gathered to advance a common mission of innovation, impact and national development.

Mr. Zu-Cudjoe explained that this year’s theme, ‘Smart Impact: Leveraging Technology to Accelerate Social Innovation,’ reflects the urgency of using advanced technology to break long-standing barriers.

‘For social entrepreneurs to make an impact and promote shared prosperity, we need to take advantage of the various technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, Quantum Physics, and many more,’ he said.

He stressed that these tools were crucial to ‘advance social innovation and address our teething challenges of poverty, lack, and food insecurity.’

He acknowledged the government efforts through initiatives such as the One Million Coders Programme, Adwumawura, the National Apprenticeship Programme, the 24-Hour Economy, Nkoko Nkitinkiti and the Big Push.

However, he said the sector needs far more inclusive policies tailored to vulnerable groups.

‘We urge the government to develop more inclusive initiatives and policies that support the many social entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, young and female entrepreneurs, and persons who are displaced,’ he said.

Zu-Cudjoe presented a clear set of policy demands.

‘We recommend the Ghana Social Enterprise Policy, the Ghana Social Enterprise Fund, the Start Up and Innovation Bill, Start Up Equipment Financing Policy, Ghana Social Procurement Bill, and the Inclusive Agribusiness Policy,’ he announced.

He stressed that these reforms were essential to unlock growth in the impact sector and expand opportunity across communities.

He used the platform to thank organisations that have supported the ecosystem.

‘Events and platforms like this afford us the stage to say ‘Thank You’ to partners and organisations that have supported us over the years,’ he said.

He recognised WUSC Ghana, GIZ, KfW-African Union Skills Initiative for Africa, Accra Technical University, KPMG, Amahoro Coalition, the European Union, SNV 2SCALE, Star Ghana Foundation and WACSI for their continued technical and financial support.

Mr. Zu-Cudjoe further outlined the key activities of the 2025 forum, including goodwill messages, keynote addresses, panels on transformational technologies, exhibitions and dealrooms.

He emphasised that the moment demanded boldness from the impact community. ‘As social innovators, the time for us to be at the forefront of social innovation, impact, and transformational change is now,’ he said.

He highlighted the scale of problems requiring urgent solutions. The country, he said, needs innovators who can ‘take 20-100 million people out of poverty, address poor road networks, promote good health, develop social housing solutions, and provide decent, dignified, and fulfilling jobs for our young people.’

He saluted pioneers in Ghana’s digital and technology ecosystem, listing leaders whose work continues to expand inclusive access to technology.

He also praised the many social enterprises that are making a difference every day, saying ‘kudos to the many social entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities’ and naming organisations across agriculture, education, health, green energy and innovation.

The women demonstrating during the G20 meeting

Source: Nana Karikari, Senior International Affairs and Political Analyst

The pervasive crisis of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is driving urgent demands for decisive policy changes and legal enforcement globally. Recent high-profile protests and political action in Africa highlight the universal struggle against this scourge. While international bodies recognise the immense scale of the issue, activists worldwide are pushing governments to translate crisis declarations into concrete action to protect women and girls.

Key Data and Statistics on Violence

Data from reputable organisations highlights the severity and universal nature of the crisis. Globally, nearly one in three women-approximately 736 million-have experienced intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that intimate partner violence affects 30% of women worldwide. The UN Women emphasises the global impact, with a spokesperson stating, ‘There can be no higher priority for our support than women.’

In the year 2023, approximately 51,100 women and girls globally were killed by intimate partners or family members, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women. This means an average of 140 women or girls lost their lives every day at the hands of those closest to them. In South Africa, the rate at which women are killed is five times higher than the global average, according to UN Women. Research shows the country recorded an estimated 10,972 femicide cases over the past 20 years. The African Development Bank estimates that for every 1% increase in women subjected to GBV, national economic activities are reduced by up to 8%. In Ghana, studies show that around one in three women are likely to experience domestic violence.

Global Reach of Gender-Based Violence

Gender-Based Violence is a universal human rights violation, affecting women regardless of region or economic status, though its forms and severity vary. In the Americas and Europe, the OECD reports that almost a quarter (23%) of women across its member countries have experienced intimate partner physical or sexual violence. In the United States, an estimated 10 million people experience domestic violence every year. In Europe and the Americas, intimate partners are the primary perpetrators of family-related femicides. In Asia and the Middle East, while the relative rate of intimate partner violence in these regions can vary, violence against women remains pervasive. A regional study in the Arab States found that 60% of women internet users had been exposed to online violence. Asia is the region with the largest absolute number of female homicides. ‘Honor killings’ and dowry-related violence remain critical issues in parts of the Middle East and South Asia.

South Africa’s Policy Shift Following the ‘G20 Women’s Shutdown’

In South Africa, the prevalence of attacks on women has led to the issue being officially described as a ‘national crisis.’ This sentiment was amplified by a nationwide ‘purple protest’ demanding GBV be classified as a national disaster. The campaign, organised by the non-profit group Women for Change, saw women urged to ‘withdraw from the economy for one day.’ They were asked to lie down for 15 minutes in honor of the 15 women reportedly murdered daily. Allies in Eswatini, Kenya, and Namibia also expressed solidarity.

Following the pressure, an important policy shift was announced. President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the G20 Social Summit on November 20, 2025, confirmed that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) will be classified as a National Disaster. This followed his earlier statement to the G20 Social Summit that South Africa had ‘declared gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis’ in 2019. The official declaration was expected to be signed the following day, November 21, 2025.

Activists stress a lack of tangible progress since the 2019 declaration. South African Actress Mayuri Naidu told Joy News that ‘sadly, our justice system has failed victims of abuse in every way possible. Unless a case draws national attention, it’s most likely to get ignored, due to the sheer volume of similar cases.’ Women for Change spokesperson Cameron Kasambala ‘lamented the enactment of ‘so many beautiful acts and legislations’ over the years.’

She cited a ‘lack of implementation and transparency’ from the government. Ms. Kasambala said, ‘Once the government truly reacts to this issue, I feel like we’ll already be able to see a reaction on the ground. Because they set the precedent and the tone for how the country responds.’ The organisation also noted, ‘We’ve integrated violence. into our culture [and] into our social norms.’

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Ms. Bridget Masango, welcomed the declaration. Ms. Masango, speaking on behalf of the Parliament of South Africa, viewed it as ‘an urgent reminder that the country must take bolder and more decisive steps.’ Ms. Masango concluded, ‘The President’s recognition of GBVF as a national crisis must be a catalyst for real action. We need full and urgent implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.’

Ghana’s Enforcement Response to Domestic Abuse

The urgent nature of Gender-Based Violence is also evident in West Africa. In Ghana, a prompt law enforcement response followed a case of domestic violence that went viral on social media. The Ghana Police Service arrested John Odartey Lamptey, who was captured on video physically assaulting a woman in Ofankor, Ga East.

The arrest followed ‘widespread public outrage over the assault.’ The Ghana Police Service, in a statement by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), emphasised its commitment: ‘The Ghana Police Service remains committed to protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring that perpetrators face the full rigour of the law.’ This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in Ghana, where cultural acceptance of violence persists, contributing to the fact that around one in three women are likely to experience domestic violence.

Status of the African Union Legal Framework

The African Union (AU) is strengthening its legal instruments. The AU reached a historic milestone with the adoption of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG) in February 2025. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights welcomed the adoption as a ‘historic milestone in our collective fight for gender equality and human dignity.’ Currently, the Convention has proceeded to the ratification and domestication stages. As of mid-2025, only a handful of countries have signed the Convention.

Experts suggest systemic change requires efforts beyond mere legislation. Frankie Picasso, Co-Founder and Vice President of G-Woman Media, added that ‘what is REALLY NEEDED so women report are lobbyists and lawyers and judges in courts who are ready and willing to put these men away or charge them for their crimes. ONLY then can women feel really safe.’ She emphasised the need for a multi-faceted approach: ‘We need Men to say this isn’t OK, men to teach young boys to respect women. It is systemic, but I believe this is a HYDRA situation, and we need all heads and access points to work in conjunction.’ Activists insist that legal instruments alone are not enough. The global response signals a mounting demand to close the gap between policy and real-world impact.

CWG Ghana Limited, a leading provider of information and communication technology (ICT) services, has officially attained the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, a globally recognised standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).

The achievement demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to data protection, operational resilience, and international best practices in cybersecurity.

The certification, which was awarded following a rigorous independent audit, covers key areas of CWG Ghana’s operations, including sales, finance, project management, technical operations, data centres, and disaster recovery sites.

‘This certification is a major milestone for CWG Ghana and reaffirms our dedication to building robust, secure systems that inspire confidence among our clients and partners.

It is not only a reflection of our internal controls, but also our strategic vision to exceed industry standards in information security,’ Harriet Yartey, Managing Director of CWG Ghana and Vice President for Regions at CWG PLC explained.

With cyber threats increasing in scale and sophistication across Africa, the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 framework provides CWG Ghana with a structured approach to managing information security risks.

The upgraded system includes 24/7 incident monitoring, a documented incident response plan, severity-based classification protocols, root cause analysis, and integration with business continuity planning.

‘Our incident response capabilities have been significantly enhanced and aligned with global standards. We are now better equipped to detect, respond to, and recover from potential breaches with speed and precision,’ Mrs. Yartey noted.

CWG Ghana’s certification also sets the stage for further investments in advanced security initiatives. The company plans to implement a Zero Trust Architecture, strengthen third-party risk management, and adopt security automation tools to improve efficiency and reduce operational risk.

‘This certification is not the endpoint, but the foundation for continuous improvement. We are committed to evolving alongside the threat landscape and maintaining the trust of our stakeholders,’ Mrs. Yartey said.

Beyond its internal systems, CWG Ghana is advocating for wider industry collaboration to raise cybersecurity standards across Ghana and the West African sub-region. ‘Security is ultimately not a one-organisation task,’ Mrs. Yartey stated.

‘We are ready to work closely with regulators, partners, and the wider business community to promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience. Our achievement shows that this level of compliance is possible-and necessary-regardless of organisational size,’ she added.

Nigerian music star, Rema, has stirred social media buzz after appearing to throw subtle shade at fellow artist and close associate, Ayra Starr, following reports that she has relocated to New York.

Ayra Starr recently confirmed in an interview that she has moved abroad, a revelation that quickly attracted public attention. Not long after, Rema took to social media with a cryptic message many believe was directed at her.

Quoting a Bible-inspired reflection on community and wealth, Rema wrote:

‘Love ur neighbour as yourself but once money lands you change neighbourhood. No wam.’

The comment, hinting at how financial success can strain old relationships or shift social ties, immediately ignited speculation online about tension between the two Mavin Records stars.

Ayra Starr quickly responded in the comment section with a playful but pointed message:

The Attorney General (AG) has been given two more weeks to file all the disclosures and statements of the witnesses for the trial of former Chief Executive Officer of National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, who are accused of stealing GHS78 million from the state.

This was after the prosecution failed to meet the November 27, 2025 deadline set by the court for them to file the disclosures and serve same on the defence.

Esi Dentaa Yankah, a Principal State Attorney, told the court yesterday that a bulk of the disclosures have been filed, but asked the court for some more time to file the remaining documents.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, the trial judge, subsequently adjourned the case to December 16, 2025, to enable the prosecution to file the disclosures to make way for case management.

Hanan Abdul-Wahab, Faiza Seidu Wuni, together with Richard Sam-Asante who is said to be on run; the Ludiba Foundation and Energy Partners Limited, two companies related to the couple, have been charged by the Attorney General for allegedly stealing money from the state through a criminal enterprise.

The five are facing 24 counts of charges of stealing, fraudulently causing financial loss to the state, abetment of stealing, money laundering, defrauding by false pretences, intentional dissipation of public funds, using public office for profit, dishonestly receiving and intentionally causing financial loss to the state.

According to the charge sheet, Mr. Abdul-Wahab allegedly stole GHS50.879 million from NAFCO by transferring it to James Tieku-Apawu, operating under the name Sawtina Enterprise, between February 2017 and February 2025.

Faiza Seidu Wuni allegedly laundered a total of GHS34,608,834.62 knowing at the time of taking the money that it was acquired through a criminal enterprise.

She is also accused of dishonestly receiving GHS4,401,831.58 from NAFCO between 2018 and 2023, knowing very well that the money was appropriated through stealing.

Richard Sam-Asante, on the other hand, has been charged for conspiring to steal GHS5,495.748.36 from the National Food and Buffer Stock Company Limited between February 2017 and February 2019.

The couple have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have been granted a total of GHS150 million bail by the court.

Court documents indicate the Economic and Organised Crime Office’s (EOCO) preliminary investigations revealed that almost GHS78 million had moved from the bank accounts of NAFCO to Sawtina, and that these funds were transferred in a series of 86 transactions between October 2019 and September 2023.

They further indicate that the transfers were made from NAFCO into Sawtina’s bank account with the Republic Bank, Labone branch, where Abdul-Wahab maintains several bank accounts, with the same bank relationship officer managing all the accounts.

The Attorney General says the relationship officer will testify for the prosecution in the course of the trial.

Subsequent investigations revealed that somewhere 2018, James Tieku-Apawu, the then Regional Manager at NAFCO, approached Abdul-Wahab and informed him of his desire to buy and supply foodstuff to NAFCO, and he agreed.

Abdul-Wahab allegedly had James Tieku-Apawu’s business – Sawtina – quickly approved as a licensed buying company and immediately started trading with NAFCO.

Under interrogation, Tieku-Apawu allegedly admitted receiving a total of GHS69,616,226.29 from NAFCO into Sawtina’s bank account, court documents point out.

He, however, explained that only about 20% of that amount was for genuine supplies he made to NAFCO, while EOCO’s investigations reveal that the remaining 80% of the bank transfers was for no supplies.

Investigations have established that more than GHS50 million was transferred from Sawtina’s bank account back to Abdul-Wahab directly, to his other businesses, to his wife’s businesses, and for the acquisition of landed properties in prime areas in Accra.

The document further indicate that Abdul-Wahab allegedly caused GHS4,401,831.58 to be paid from NAFCO’s funds to Alqarni Enterprise, although the company which is the personal trading name of his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, never supplied foodstuff to NAFCO.

Traditional leaders of Ewoyaa, Krampakrom, and neighbouring communities in the Central Region have rejected government’s decision to drastically reduce the nation’s lithium royalty rate from 10% to 5%.

According to the traditional leaders, the decision to slash the royalty rate without consulting them prior to its approval by Parliament was inappropriate, describing the scenario as shortchange to affected communities.

The leaders have listed among other things, the impact of the reduction on the economic development of the affected area and the toll it will have on their livelihood as well as its impact on their livelihoods.

They allege that although full-scale mining is yet to begin, the project has already disrupted crop cultivation in the communities which predominantly depend on farming.

Some of the residents further allege that they have been deprived of building on their lands, denied the chance to farm, and doing many other things as a result of the project.

The traditional leaders note that they only got to know about the decision to reduce the royalty rate following a request from mining firm Barari Ghana Limited, during the consultation process when a call for stakeholder inputs was published in newspapers, which coincided with a Resource Index Dashboard training workshop held on Wednesday, November 26, by Friends of the Nation, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), and the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP).

Addressing the press yesterday, Charles Paa Grant, Secretary to the Chief of Krampakrom, called on government to halt implementation of the reduced 5% rate and thoroughly engage stakeholders.

‘To cut to the chase, I think we should stick to the 10% because they haven’t specified whether it will be by next year or within a few years. If prices increase, they may reverse it or raise it to any amount. But they are insisting on 5%, which is short-changing,’ he indicated.

World Vision Ghana (WVG), a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation, has launched their Wash Business Plan and Universal Wash Service Coverage in Accra.

The Universal Wash Business Plan aims to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene across the country from 2026 to 2030.

Explaining the outlook for the plan, Associate Director for WVG, Robel Wamisho, said the organisation hopes to deliver transformative and sustainable wash services to children and communities in 23 targeted districts, spread across 11 regions.

‘We want to deliver transformative and sustainable wash services to children and communities in the targeted 23 districts, spread across the Upper West Region, Upper East Region, Savannah Region, Northern Region, Ahafo Region, Oti Region, Eastern Region, Ashanti Region, Central Region, Volta Region, and Western North Region,’ he explained.

The Minister of Works and Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, intimated that the theme for the launch, ‘Mapping the Blue Thread’, is not a mere slogan, but a vision that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6), clean water and sanitation for all, and the developmental aspirations of the government.

Mr. Adjei added that the plan goes beyond providing safe water for all, and is a guiding vision to ensure that water is woven into health, education and livelihoods, serving as a reminder that water is a connecting force and so by strengthening water systems, the foundation for transformation throughout our communities is laid.

‘I view this plan as more than a provision of safe water for all. It is a guiding vision to ensure that water, is woven into the very fabric of health, education, and livelihoods. It serves as a powerful reminder that water is a connecting force, and by strengthening an integrated water system, we lay the foundation for transformation throughout our communities,’ he remarked.

The Minister reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to secure safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for every community. He reminded the public that water is essential for life, and that access to clean water promotes health, dignity, and hope.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, has referred the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities following a petition alleging contempt of Parliament and breach of parliamentary privilege.

The referral stems from a formal complaint presented to the House on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, by the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga.

The petition invokes Orders 6 and 33 of Parliament’s Standing Orders and alleges that Mr. Afenyo-Markin engaged in conduct which, if established, may amount to contempt of Parliament under Orders 30 and 31.

According to the complaint, the Minority Leader allegedly attended a session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in Nigeria, held between September 25 and 28, 2025, despite a duly adopted resolution of the House that excluded his name from Ghana’s delegation to the regional body.

The Majority Leader contends that this alleged action constituted a direct disregard for an official resolution of Parliament and an affront to its authority and dignity.

Delivering his deferred ruling to the House, Speaker Bagbin explained that the Standing Orders vest in the Speaker the initial responsibility to determine whether allegations of contempt disclose a prima facie case warranting referral to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities.

Though he was originally scheduled to rule on the matter on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the Speaker cited pressure of parliamentary business as the reason for the delay.

In his detailed ruling, the Speaker first addressed the nature and legal effect of a parliamentary resolution.

He stressed that a resolution is a formal expression of the collective will of the House on a matter properly before it and, once adopted, becomes binding on all members until it is rescinded, varied, or suspended in accordance with the Standing Orders.

He emphasised that such resolutions have continuing legal effect and must be obeyed by all Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation or leadership status.

Quoting established parliamentary authorities, Speaker Bagbin, noted that, ‘the dignity of Parliament depends upon the observance of its rules and the authority of Parliament depends upon their enforcement,’ underscoring the doctrine of collective responsibility that binds all members to decisions of the House.

The Speaker further explained that the contempt jurisdiction of Parliament is not restricted to actions that occur within the Chamber.

He stated that any act or omission that obstructs, undermines, or brings Parliament into disrepute, whether directly or indirectly and whether inside or outside the House, may fall within the scope of contempt.

He acknowledged that while the Standing Orders do not expressly list the non-compliance with a resolution as a standalone category of contempt, they also make it clear that the enumeration of contemptuous acts is not exhaustive.

Parliament, he said, retains the inherent constitutional authority to treat as contempt any conduct that undermines its institutional dignity, authority, unity, or public credibility.

Applying these principles to the present complaint, Speaker Bagbin concluded that the allegation against the Minority Leader raises serious questions touching on the institutional integrity and dignity of the House.

He was therefore satisfied that a prima facie case had been established under Order 34(1) of the Standing Orders.

Accordingly, the Speaker formally referred the complaint laid by the Majority Leader against Mr. Afenyo-Markin to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities for full inquiry and report to the House.

The Committee has been mandated to, first, ascertain all relevant facts giving rise to the complaint, including the actions taken by the House and the conduct of the Member concerned.

Second, it is to examine the actions within the framework of the Standing Orders of Parliament and the applicable protocols of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Third, it is to determine whether the conduct, if established, constitutes contempt of Parliament or a breach of privilege under Orders 30 and 31. Finally, the Committee is to make appropriate recommendations to the House for consideration.

In his concluding remarks, Speaker Bagbin reminded Members that beyond partisan divides, the authority of Parliament rests on the collective commitment of all Members to respect its decisions and uphold the integrity of its processes.

He cautioned that any allegation suggesting that a Member has disregarded a valid resolution of the House must be examined with fairness, constitutional fidelity, and a firm regard for the independence of Parliament as an institution.

He urged the Committee on Privileges and Immunities to discharge its mandate with diligence, impartiality, and decorum, while ensuring that all parties involved are given a fair hearing in line with the principles of natural justice.

He further advised Members of Parliament to refrain from public commentary on the matter while the Committee’s inquiry is ongoing, in order to preserve the dignity, unity, and credibility of the House.

With West Africa experiencing its latest coup d’etat in Guinea Bissau, the sub-region has failed to wean herself from military takeovers.

Democracy in Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea and Mali has been lost to soldiers who are yet to achieve the lofty dreams they promised upon stealing power from the people.

Our hopes of reaping the dividends of our economic bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have never been so threatened.

The loss of the former Portuguese colony which gained independence in 1974 is a big blow to ECOWAS and by extension the African Union (AU).

The leadership of the foregone and others with passion for the progress of an impoverished continent should start scratching their heads for answers as to what is happening. When at all shall such interventions end?

The leadership of the Francophone West African countries which took over power have considered creating their own union. They have effectively called the bluff of ECOWAS, making a question about the future of the economic bloc relevant.

Losing four appendages of a fifteen-member economic bloc points at a listing ECOWAS.

Mali, Niger, Guinea, Burkina Faso and now Guinea Bissau have effectively extricated themselves from democracy and, for that matter ECOWAS, and with ease. The ineffectiveness of ECOWAS sanctions shows how vulnerable the economic bloc is.

Our leaders often engage in discourses on how to make the economic bloc strong and to carry out its mandate. With the coup mentality lingering over us like a curse, the journey to the achievement of our dream is still far; perhaps for now a pipedream.

It is regrettable that the coup in Guinea Bissau took place on the eve of the announcement of the election results.

With the presence of a strong ECOWAS observer team among them former President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan and our own Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas during the electoral process, we expect to read a comprehensive report about what really happened.

The former Portuguese colony has gone through many coups since its attainment of independence, and we cannot vouch that this is going to be the last intervention.

Of course the two main contestants in the polls, the incumbent president Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Fernando Dias each claimed victory, the usual flashpoints in African elections. We do not think the military had any reason to intervene.

ECOWAS and indeed the AU are in place to manage such challenges, and until we allow them to function in consonance with their mandate, we shall remain democratically impoverished; an ingredient for socio-economic decay.

The leadership of the remaining portions of a dismembered ECOWAS should engage themselves with a view to salvaging the economic bloc from imminent extermination.

A situation where soldiers can easily take up arms and overthrow elected governments should not be entertained.

Countries in the West African sub-region where soldiers stole power were not challenged militarily by both AU and ECOWAS because the two are not primed for such interventions. Until effective counter measures such as immediate intervention or biting sanctions are put in place when soldiers steal power, the cycle of coups will persist.

Action Chapel International (ACI) has officially launched IMPACT 2025, marking the 45th edition of its annual global gathering of prayer, worship, and spiritual transformation.

The week-long event will take place from November 30 to December 7, 2025 at the Prayer Cathedral, Spintex Road, Accra.

This year’s theme, ‘Let There Be a Performance’, drawn from Luke 1:45, signals a prophetic call for divine fulfilment across the lives of believers in the coming year.

Speaking at the media launch, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Founder and General Overseer of ACI and the United Denominations of Action Churches Worldwide (UDAC), explained that IMPACT was birthed nearly five decades ago from his own spiritual journey.

He recounted how, as a young man newly transformed by an encounter with Christ, he felt compelled to share his testimony with other young people at a time when many were far from the church.

He explained that the power of IMPACT lies in the life-changing experiences that attendees carry with them long after the gathering ends.

‘Impact is about giving people an experience; an encounter that stays with you long after the event. People may forget your words, but they never forget how you made them feel. Every year, we gather to create a divine atmosphere where lives are changed, destinies are shaped, and people discover what God has deposited in them,’ he stated.

This year’s IMPACT will feature a strong lineup of speakers including Apostle Joshua Selman, Rev. Eastwood Anaba, Bishop Bernard Ogyiri-Asare, Rev. Dr. Robert Ampiah-Kwofi, Apostle Isi Igenegba, and Rev. Dr. David Antwi.

According to Archbishop Duncan-Williams, these speakers have been carefully selected for their demonstrated ability to minister with depth, relevance, and prophetic insight. He noted that the conference is not designed to rotate speakers for novelty, but rather to bring ministers whose experiences and testimonies carry divine weight and transformative power.

Preparations for IMPACT 2025 include extensive logistical and security arrangements. The event will be hosted at the expansive Impact Arena, a combined indoor-outdoor facility designed to safely accommodate large volumes of attendees.

Organizers have confirmed the presence of scanners, ambulances, military and police personnel, crowd management teams, and overflow holding areas to ensure a safe and well-coordinated experience.

Over the years, previous editions of IMPACT have drawn more than 30,000 attendees, and similar measures are being reinforced for 2025.