United Nigeria Airlines Launches Operation In Ghanac

United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has officially launched its operation in Ghana, facilitating easy flight travel from Lagos and Abuja to Accra.

Speaking at the inaugural launch of the operation at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, UNA Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the launch of the airline’s operation in Ghana is an affirmation of the long-existing relationship that exists between the two countries.

He also indicated that the aircraft, named after the late former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, is a gesture in honour of his legacy as a Pan-African leader and his lifelong commitment to regional integration and African unity.

Ghana Airport Company Limited Managing Director, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said UNA has become the 25th international airline to operate an International Airport in the country, expressing appreciation to the management team of the airline for its achievement.

She added that the commencement of operations is a clear demonstration of the growing confidence in the country’s aviation industry, emphasising that it reinforces the company’s ongoing efforts to position Ghana as the preferred aviation hub and leader in airport business in West Africa.

‘The new service marks the beginning of a new era of convenience and efficiency for travelers, whether for business or for nature, by offering more options and seamless connectivity between three of the region’s vibrant cities.

I am informed that United Nigeria Airlines will operate daily flights between Abuja and also four times a week between Lagos and Accra,’ she said.

Mrs. Opare reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting all partner airlines to ensure operational excellence.

Former Member of Parliament, Fritz Baffour, who represented the Rawlings Family at the function, applauded the airline for naming an aircraft in honour of the late former President.

He called on United Nigeria Airlines to go the extra mile to deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring that every passenger enjoys a seamless, safe, and pleasant travel experience, as the late former President stood for excellence.

The High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, indicated that UNA’s operation in Ghana has strengthened bilateral relations.

He called on stakeholders to support the airline in realising its collective vision.

Telecel Group, Huawei Sign MoU To Advance Network Modernisation

Telecel Group and Huawei Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on a landmark network modernisation and digital infrastructure project.

The agreement reinforces the two organisation’s shared commitment to accelerating country’s telecom innovation and connectivity.

It also establishes a framework for cooperation on the Telecel Ghana Rollout Project, a multi-phase initiative valued at approximately USD 70 million.

The project aims to enhance network performance and deliver next-generation digital services to consumers and enterprises across the country.

Implementation of the expansion project commenced this month, marking the official start of an ambitious rollout that will see phased network upgrades across key regions of the country.

‘For Telecel Group, this MOU represents a significant step forward in our long-standing collaboration with Huawei, the Group’s strategic partner across its different markets. It aligns with the Group’s mission to advance digital infrastructure and innovative services in Ghana, aligning with broader efforts to expand connectivity and drive sustainable growth’ said Malek Atrissi, Telecel Group, Chief Operating Officer.

‘This partnership marks an important milestone in our mission to deliver world-class digital experiences to our customers,’ said Patricia Obo-Nai, Telecel Ghana CEO, ‘Huawei’s proven expertise and technology leadership will help us enhance capacity, reliability, and innovation within Ghana’s telecom landscape.’

Huawei added, ‘We are proud to strengthen our long-term partnership with Telecel and to contribute to Ghana’s digital transformation. This MOU reflects our shared vision of building an intelligent, inclusive, and connected future.’

The signed MOU underscores both organisations’ strategic intent to advance connectivity and sustainable growth across Africa’ telecom ecosystem.

Palestinian Envoy Commissions Tijaniyya SHS Projects

ACADEMIC WORK is set to massively improve at the Tijaniyya Senior High School (SHS) at Effiduase-Asokore, in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region.

This follows the official commissioning and handing over of a four-unit classroom block, a beautiful new mosque, and a mechanized borehole at the school.

The projects, which are capital intensive, were successfully executed through financial donation, which was provided by a Palestinian businessman, Yussif Sheikh Hasan.

Significantly, the project was executed as part of the ‘Palestinian Community Project,’ which aims to support and provide quality education for communities in the country.

The project was facilitated by the Minister of Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, with the construction work being supervised by the Palestinian Embassy in Ghana.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Ghana, Abdul Fatah Ahmed Khalil Alsattari, speaking at the commissioning ceremony described ‘education as the bedrock of any nation’s progress.’

He stated that, ‘Every country’s future depends on the good education it offers to its children of school-going age,’ adding that the gesture will not be a nine-day wonder.

The Palestinian government, he said, remains ‘committed to providing quality education to needy Ghanaians’, lauding the Interior Minister for his roles in making the project possible.

Ambassador Alsattari expressed concern over the instability in his homeland, stating that, ‘I hope that one day, Palestine will also have the peace it deserves.’

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, who doubles as Asawase MP, advised the students to concentrate on their books and also shun all social vices.

‘Take your books seriously and stay away from drugs and gambling,’ he urged the students, saying, ‘the NDC government is committed to providing quality education across the entire country.’

Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, expressed profound gratitude to the Interior Minister for his ‘selfless gesture’ in facilitating such a significant project within his constituency.

He also admonished the school’s administration, staff, and students, to adopt a strong maintenance culture in order to ensure the new facilities serve future generations as well.

Bawku Peace Mediation Ends In 3 Weeks – Manhyia Palace

THE BAWKU chieftaincy crisis, which has claimed several lives and caused destruction to properties, worth millions of Ghana Cedis, will come to a conclusion in 20 days’ time.

The Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is mediating the crisis, has set November 30 and December 1, 2025 as the days for conclusion of talks between the two parties.

The Asantehene commended the two factions for their understanding, coorperation and commitment for a quick return of peace and normalcy to their community.

The aforementioned statement was contained in a press release, dated November 10, 2025, which was authored and signed by Kofi Badu, the Chief of Staff of Manhyia Palace.

The statement, further stressed on the need for all stakeholders to live upright lifestyles and avoid actions that have the tendency of sparking tension and destroying the gains chalked so far during the mediation process.

‘His Majesty praises both sides for their positive approach to the mediation so far and appeals to all concerned to avoid any actions likely to affect the progress towards a lasting solution to the Bawku conflict,’ it stated.

Sarkodie Announces 2026 Rapperholic In London

Ghanaian Rapper, Sarkodie, has hinted at staging a historic Rapperholic concert next year in London, promising to feature Africa’s A-list musicians for an unforgettable experience.

Sakodie made this revelation after he made a surprise appearance on stage to support Fameye’s concert in London.

He said, ‘We are going to bring rapperholic next year in London.’ He also mentioned the likes of Black Sherif, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, R2bees, Fameye, among others, as major performing acts earmarked to grace the forthcoming concert.

Sarkodie’s recent Rapperholic Homecoming concert in Kumasi was a huge success. The event, held on September 27, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, drew massive crowds despite heavy rains. Fans defied the weather, filling the stadium and making it a memorable night of music and cultural celebrations.

The concert featured an impressive lineup, including Shatta Wale, Efya, Kofi Kinaata, Medikal, and Gyakie, among others. Sarkodie’s commanding stage presence and collaborations with other artists thrilled the audience, making it a night to remember.

The event was more than just a concert; it was a cultural celebration honoring Ghanaian music and Sarkodie’s Ashanti roots. Fans and critics alike praised the concert, calling it ‘historic,’ ’emotional,’ and a true celebration of Ghana’s vibrant music culture.

The success of Rapperholic Homecoming 2025 has cemented Kumasi’s position as a key hub for Ghanaian entertainment, and fans are eager to see what Sarkodie has in store for future events.

Accidental And Strategic Mergers: A Case Of Ghana’s MoCDTI

AirtelTigo has gone through real turbulence in the last few years, but to still hold and serve 3 million customers is an amazing story. What seem to have hit AirtelTigo the hardest is the recent roaming on Telecel cell sites when the towerco vendor, ATC, decided to shut down its cell sites that serve AirtelTigo.

While addressing AirtelTigo staff, the sector minister hailed the staff for the seamless job that was executed in record time to move the affected customers onto the Telecel network.

In the meeting, the Minister accidentally hinted a merger of the two entities as AirtelTigo was already roaming on Telecel. Nonetheless, a subsequent press engagement with the Minister clarified that the said merger was rather a Force Majeure, which does not explicitly make it a merger.

KPMG has since been contracted to review the entire investment and merger opportunities to advise government on the way forward.

The Telecom Industry in Ghana has seen some of the unpredictable happenings over the last 33 years when the first mobile telecommunications network, Mobitel (Now AirtelTigo) was launched.

We’ve seen several transitions of some operations, takeovers of some operations, and even a merger, which was the first of its kind in Africa. All these happenings are in attempts to serve the customer well and make good Return On Investments (ROIs) for shareholders.

We’ve seen global telecom operators like Vodafone, Airtel, and Millicom, who couldn’t survive the unique Ghanaian market, while MTN continues to thrive with a better understanding of Africa’s nuances.

‘My experience in this industry tells me that you can’t just use a global strategy to attain local success. It doesn’t always work,’ a source speaking on condition of anonymity said.

‘For Example, while mobile money presented itself as a solution that Africans were ready to jump on, Millicom Ghana (Tigo) ignored that local nuances and rather channeled its efforts into building a music brand, TigoMusic. This was a typical global strategy that failed to gain local relevance,’ the source continued continued.

The current conversation about the telecom industry is very critical to Ghana and its citizens, especially as telecom serves over 90% of the population with connectivity (calls, Internet, money transfers).

A Merger

The country saw its first merger with Airtel and Tigo about eight years ago. The ‘strategic’ marriage between Bharti and Millicom, both with remarkable global presence and well-thought through plans and arrangements could not achieve its objectives and had to leave Ghana.

Today, conversations about a second merger is being entertained by the same government that was in power when the first merger conversation started.

Also, a merger brings Ghana to a duo poly which is not an industry best practice even though some countries with strong regulations are entertaining a two-player market.

Commenting on the Airtel and Tigo merger, the gentleman said, ‘I was very close to the first merger and I saw what happened. I can boldly say one plus one without the right investment can actually become less than one.’

‘I’m not sure Telecel has the right investment, and even if they do, they must put that into their own network while AirtelTigo also uses the proposed external investments to turn its operations around,’ the source added.

A New Investor

AirtelTigo has seen bold attempts from two investors who are ready to make it a profitable business, regardless of how deep it has fallen. Hannam Investments signed an agreement with the previous government in 2023, while Rektron signed with the current government this year.

However, Rektron has come out to question the move by government to merge AirtelTigo with Telecel, which shows how committed they are to this agreement. This commitment is entrenched in Rektron’s initial $150m and a proposed $1b in five years, making it the biggest investment AirtelTigo has seen in the last 10 years.

‘Telecom operation is capital intensive. What Ghana needs is not just a merger, but good investments that can revive AirtelTigo to become profitable,’ another gentleman added.

Opportunities and Risks

The biggest opportunity is the quality of employees that sit at AirtelTigo and the work they have done to keep the business alive regardless of all the odds that are against them. From the days of Mobitel, Buzz, Tigo, till today, Ghana has seen some of the brilliant telecom professionals emerging from the first mobile telecommunications company in Ghana, AirtelTigo.

The staff have been very instrumental in various technical telecom deployments even with its end-of-life systems, as the sector Minister puts it.

Rektron’s $1b investment over five years is a rare opportunity that can outrightly stabilise and propel AirtelTigo, considering the highly praised employees.

Even though a merger cannot be totally written off, it poses a bigger risk than the said investment from Rektron.

Telecel Foundation Launches 2025 Patient Freedom Drive

The Telecel Ghana Foundation has launched the 2025 edition of its flagship health relief initiative, Telecel Homecoming, at the Achimota Hospital in Accra, extending a lifeline to patients detained in hospitals over unpaid medical bills.

Now in its fourteenth year, the initiative reflects the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to promoting equitable healthcare access across Ghana.

Implemented in partnership with The Medical Reformist, a non-governmental organisation focused on social development and healthcare justice, the programme facilitates the discharge of insolvent patients from public hospitals nationwide.

This year’s Southern Belt phase, covering the Achimota Hospital in the Greater Accra Region, Gomoa Fetteh Hope Hospital in the Central Region, and the Sogakope District Hospital in the Volta Region, is expected to benefit about 80 patients.

The beneficiaries will be released to reunite with their families in time for the Christmas festivities.

Launched in 2011, Telecel Homecoming was conceived as a national charity initiative to tackle hospital insolvency, a challenge that continues to trap hundreds of patients in medical facilities despite recovery.

The programme settles outstanding medical bills and provides additional support, including maternity aid, laboratory fee coverage, medication, and care packages for discharged patients.

At the launch ceremony, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, said the initiative underscores the company’s belief that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

‘Every year, we see how something as simple as settling a bill can change a life, reunite a family, or restore hope. Homecoming is about giving people back their dignity, because health should never be a privilege but a right for everyone,’ she said.

The event was marked by emotional scenes as staff and patients at Achimota Hospital applauded the release of several beneficiaries.

Salome Tetteh Frimpong, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at the hospital, described the gesture as ‘a timely intervention’ that relieves pressure on both patients and healthcare facilities.

‘Some patients recover medically but are unable to go home because they can’t afford their bills. This gesture will go a long way to put smiles on the faces of discharged patients and their families. We will also ensure the donated medical supplies benefit more people and communities around us,’ she stated.

The Okaikoi North Municipal Director of Health, Dr. Nafisa Maame Alhassan, commended Telecel Ghana for complementing government efforts to strengthen the healthcare system through practical social investment.

‘Through Homecoming, Telecel Ghana is helping us meet one of the six critical components of health system strengthening. It’s an investment in the well-being of people within and beyond Okaikoi North. The payment of bills and donation of medical supplies will go a long way to support vulnerable patients and the hospital,’ she said.

Among the newly discharged patients was Joyce Agorgor, a first-time mother who had remained in the maternity ward after delivery because she could not pay her hospital fees.

‘I am very happy the Telecel Foundation has come to rescue me so I can go back home to my mother and family. I will never forget this day,’ she said.

The Southern Belt phase marks the first leg of the 2025 Homecoming initiative, with subsequent discharges planned for hospitals across the Middle and Northern belts in the coming weeks.

Over the years, Telecel Homecoming has become one of Ghana’s longest-running health relief programmes within the telecommunications sector.

Kotoko Urges Hearts In First Super Clash Narrow Win

ASANTE KOTOKO earned early bragging rights in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League after edging rivals Hearts of Oak 1-0 in a tense Super Clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The match’s turning point arrived midway through the second half when referee Collins Amoah pointed to the spot after Hearts defender Amankwah Baafi carelessly brought down Peter Amidu Acquah in the penalty area.

Morifing Donzo made no mistake with the resulting kick, calmly converting to hand Kotoko the decisive goal.

Kotoko started the game with greater intent, threatening through Saaka Dauda and Hubert Gyau as they applied pressure on the Phobians. Though Hearts eventually settled and tried to push forward, their frontline lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble the Kotoko defence.

By the numbers, Kotoko created the clearer chances, recording six shots with three on target, while Hearts managed five attempts and only one effort that tested the goalkeeper.

The win strengthens Kotoko’s recent superiority in the rivalry, giving them their fourth victory in the last five league meetings with Hearts.

Sunday’s result also lifts the Porcupine Warriors to seventh on the table with 13 points, placing them five points behind the league leaders Aduana Stars, with three outstanding matches still to play.

I Don’t Care About Awards – Omah Lay On First Grammy Nomination

Nigerian Afro-fusion star, Omah Lay, has finally broken his silence after earning his first-ever Grammy nomination, and his reaction has left fans both surprised and impressed.

The ‘Understand’ hitmaker was nominated alongside Davido for their collaborative track ‘With You’ in the Best African Music Performance category at the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

While the nomination marks a major career milestone for Omah Lay, the singer made it clear he’s not obsessed with awards.

Taking to his Instagram page, Omah Lay wrote, ‘I’m excited about this Grammy nomination haha but I don’t give a . about awards. Yeah, but I really want it for OBO! He is the realest friend I’ve had in a while; he stood by me during my hardest times.’

The nomination adds another highlight to Davido’s storied career, as the superstar continues his quest for a Grammy win.

Despite four previous nominations, including repeated nods in the Best African Music Performance category since its introduction in 2023, the ‘Timeless’ crooner has yet to clinch the coveted trophy.

Music critics have hailed ‘With You’ as one of the standout Afrobeats collaborations of the year, blending Omah Lay’s soulful vulnerability with Davido’s charismatic energy. The song’s success has cemented both artists’ reputations as global ambassadors of African music.

The 2026 Grammy Awards are set to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony will air globally on CBS and stream live on Paramount+.

Lebanese Ambassador Bids Farewell

The Ambassador of Lebanon to Ghana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Maher Kheir, has paid a farewell visit to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), marking the completion of his diplomatic mission after more than seven years of service in the country.

During the meeting, Ambassador Kheir expressed his deep appreciation to the government and people of Ghana for their unwavering support, friendship, and hospitality extended to him and to the Lebanese community throughout his tenure.

He highlighted the historic bonds of friendship between Lebanon and Ghana, strengthened by more than a century of Lebanese presence and Ghana’s continuous participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1978 – a symbol of the two nations’ shared commitment to peace and international cooperation.

Ambassador Kheir also reviewed major milestones of bilateral cooperation achieved in recent years, including the Lebanese Scholarship Programme, supporting Ghanaian students in higher education; Francophonie cultural initiatives promoting dialogue and diversity; Memoranda of Understanding with the Ministries of Education and of Tourism, Arts and Culture; The establishment of the Lebanon-Ghana Parliamentary Friendship Association; and the strengthening of economic and cultural cooperation through the Chambers of Commerce and the Francophone Ambassadors’ Group.

Reflecting on his role as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Chair of the Francophone Ambassadors’ Group, Ambassador Kheir said he was honoured to have served the broader diplomatic community in Ghana and to have fostered constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Ablakwa commended Ambassador Kheir for his exemplary service and impactful leadership as Lebanon’s envoy and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

He praised the Ambassador’s contributions to education, health, and intercultural exchange, noting that the scholarships offered to Ghanaian students stand as a testament to his commitment to human development.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to further strengthen the cordial ties between the country and Lebanon.

Ambassador Kheir concluded by expressing his profound gratitude and affection for Ghana and its people, saying he leaves with cherished memories and deep admiration for the nation’s spirit of peace, coexistence, and democracy.

‘I am confident that the friendship between Lebanon and Ghana will continue to flourish in the years ahead,’ he stated.