Imams Urged To Champion Peace, Security

Imams across the Ashanti Region have been urged to take an active role in promoting peace, security, and national development.

The call was made by Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan Kudibawasaba, Peace and Security Analyst and Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Radio, when he delivered the keynote address at a training programme for Municipal and District Imams in the Ashanti Region.

The event, held in Kumasi on Monday, November 3, 2025, was organised by the Office of the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Zakaria Al Shoukry, to equip Islamic clerics with knowledge and strategies for promoting peace and community safety.

Sheikh Kudibawasaba, who also chairs the Zongo Peace and Reconciliation Committee in Kumasi, commended the Regional Chief Imam and his council for their leadership and vision in strengthening the role of Imams in nation-building.

He urged the clerics to bridge the gap between Imams and state security agencies such as the police, military, and local authorities through regular dialogue, trust-building, and intelligence sharing to enhance community vigilance and early warning systems.

‘Imams play a crucial role in fostering collaboration with security actors. Regular engagement promotes mutual trust and ensures early detection and prevention of potential conflicts,’ he said.

Describing Imams as community security actors, Sheikh Kudibawasaba noted that in areas where state security presence is limited, their moral authority positions them as first responders in conflict prevention and resolution.

He encouraged Imams to actively partner government in tackling national challenges such as illegal mining (galamsey), violent conflicts, and the spread of extremist ideologies.

‘Internally, Imams can support campaigns against galamsey and violent disputes, while externally, they can help counter extremist ideologies and jihadist recruitment through civic engagement and education,’ he stressed.

Sheikh Kudibawasaba further reminded the participants that Islam is a religion founded on peace, tolerance, and justice, adding that religious leaders must lead by example by promoting unity, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.

‘Peace and security begin in the minbar (pulpit) and spread to the nation,’ he declared, quoting the Qur’an in Surah An-Nisa verse 165, which highlights the duty of messengers to guide humanity towards truth and righteousness.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen peace and national development, particularly within Zongo communities, and commended the Office of the Regional Chief Imam for its continuous efforts to build a safer and more united society.

Ghana FA to honour iconic Asamoah Gyan with testimonial match celebrating legendary career

The Ghana Football Association has announced plans to organise a testimonial match in honour of legendary Ghanaian striker and former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, in recognition of his outstanding career and immense contributions to Ghanaian football.

The GFA, in collaboration with the former Sunderland star, will reveal full details of the event in due course. The testimonial is expected to serve as a fitting tribute to a player whose name has become inseparable from the history of Ghana’s national team.

Affectionately known as ‘Baby Jet,’ Asamoah Gyan stands as Ghana’s all-time top scorer, with 51 goals in 109 appearances for the Black Stars. His impact extends beyond national borders, Gyan is also Africa’s highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history, having netted six goals across three tournaments: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, and Brazil 2014.

Gyan’s club career was equally illustrious, spanning multiple continents and showcasing his exceptional talent to the world. He began his professional journey with Liberty Professionals in Ghana before moving to Udinese in Italy, and later enjoyed successful spells with Modena (on loan), Rennes in France, and Sunderland in the English Premier League.

His remarkable scoring prowess earned him stardom in Asia and the Middle East, where he became a household name with Al Ain and Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, before later representing Shanghai SIPG in China and Kayserispor in Turkey. Gyan concluded his professional career at Legon Cities FC in Ghana.

Through his dazzling performances, leadership and charisma, Asamoah Gyan has left an indelible mark on Ghanaian and African football.

The upcoming testimonial promises to be a momentous celebration, honouring a career that inspired millions and cemented Gyan’s legacy as one of Africa’s greatest football icons.

I Paid Akufo-Addo Due Compliments – Sam George Tackles Snub Rumours

Tensions flared on social media after a video went viral which appeared to show Communication Minister Sam Nartey George bypassing former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo without exchanging pleasantries.

Over the weekend, notable political figures, both from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of the son of former Interior Minister, Henry Quartey.

The all-white event saw Sam George exchanging pleasantries with members of the New Patriotic Party, which has since become a topic for discussion on the internet.

Nonetheless, Popony_j, an NDC social media commentator, posted a 0.13 seconds video on X of the Minister bypassing the former President under the caption, ‘Sam George and Nana Addo beef be everlasting oo.’ The post has since generated over 440.9k views.

This has generated varied opinions on X. Felix Ayumu, under the post wrote, ‘Post the whole video, I don’t think @samgeorgegh or any of the ministers understand this government will do this to Nana Addo. They may disagree with him but will not do this to him in public.’

Processor_911 wrote, ‘Massa why? You can’t tell me Sam saw the former president and never greeted him. This must be a coincidence. Or a deliberate cut video. You people should stop this nonsense.’

Sam George reacted to the video, calling it ‘unfortunate’ and urging people to ignore the said post made by Popony_j.

He wrote, ‘This is most unfortunate. I spent over a full minute exchanging pleasantries with the former President. I may have disagreed vehemently with him as President, but even when he was President, I ALWAYS paid him due compliments and respects. My exchange with him yesterday was cordial. Whatever you seek to achieve, I leave you to your conscience and GOD.’

Charlie Dior Hails Obaapa Christy’s Music Artistry

Multiple award-winning fashion critic, Charlie Dior, born Charles Tamakloe, has praised gospel singer Obaapa Christy’s musical presence following her jaw-dropping performance at the just ended ‘Flora Made by Grace’ concert hosted by Piesie Esther.

The concert, which featured an array of selected gospel acts, witnessed Obaapa Christy owing the night as she displayed her stage mastery while singing her popular songs to the amazement of the crowd.

In a video posted by Akwasi_Amoako1 blog page under the caption, ‘E for Energy whaaaaaat, Obaapa for a reason. Solid performance. TGMA gospel artiste of the year 2026 claaaawwk that.’

The video saw Obaapa and Piesie Esther jamming to ‘W´Asue Me’, moving energetically and rhythmically to the tune of the song, as well as receiving applause from the audience.

The post has seen garnered over 50k views, over 4,000 likes and 63 comments. Under the comment section, fashion critic Charlie Dior was among many who hailed Obaapa for her performance on the night.

Charlie wrote, ‘Don’t Play with Obaapa.’ Also, Celebrity Madam commented, ‘Obaapa Christy dieer gospel music Shatta Wale ooo, leave live performance for her.’

Popcaan Denies Claims Of December Performance In Ghana

Jamaican Dancehall star, Popcaan, has refuted reports suggesting that he will be performing in Ghana on December 26.

In a post on X, the ‘Unruly Boss’ clarified that he does not know of any scheduled performance in Ghana this December. He assured his Ghanaian fans that they would be the first to know once any official show is confirmed.

‘To the loyal Unruly fans in Ghana, I have no knowledge of me performing in Ghana on Dec 26,’ Popcaan wrote. ‘Whenever I’m performing, you will all know and it will be a celebration and a lifestyle moment that is long overdue,’ he wrote.

Popcaan, who enjoys some following in Ghana and across Africa, is known for his strong ties to the country, having visited a couple of times. His clarification comes amid growing anticipation for his next visit to Ghana.

CWG Ghana Relaunches Academy To Bridge Tech Skills Gap

CWG Ghana has relaunched its technology training arm, CWG Academy, with a renewed focus on equipping students, professionals, and technical practitioners with practical Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The relaunch, held at its Head Office in Accra, forms part of the company’s broader effort to bridge what it describes as the persistent gap between academic instruction and industry practice in Ghana’s technology sector.

The Academy, first opened in 2015, will now offer structured courses in infrastructure, cloud technologies, and software development, targeting learners across multiple proficiency levels.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the first cohort, Harriet Yartey, Vice President for Regions and Managing Director of CWG Ghana, said the new Academy demonstrates the company’s commitment to nurturing young talent and equipping them with market-relevant skills.

‘Today, when looking for a job, it is not enough to say that you are a graduate of Computer Science or a related discipline. Our academic journey is often very theoretical, so when graduates enter the job market, they struggle to relate what they learned to what employers require. CWG Academy seeks to bridge that gap by providing hands-on experience that makes trainees job-ready,’ she explained.

According to the World Bank’s 2024 Africa Pulse Report, nearly 60 percent of tertiary graduates in Sub-Saharan Africa are unemployed or underemployed within a year of completing their studies, largely due to the mismatch between classroom learning and practical skills.

Locally, the Ghana Statistical Service estimates that youth unemployment stood at 22.5 percent for ages 15 to 35 and 32 percent for ages 15 to 24 in 2024, with ICT among the sectors most affected by talent shortages.

CWG Ghana, a subsidiary of the pan-African ICT firm CWG Plc, said the Academy will provide short professional courses for individuals seeking to upgrade their technical competencies, as well as intensive training modules for students and entry-level professionals.

It also intends to use the platform as part of its corporate social responsibility by hosting national service personnel for a year-long, skills-based internship aimed at improving employability outcomes.

Mrs. Yartey recounted how many Computer Science graduates leave university without ever having interacted with live systems or hardware. ‘Some students see a server for the first time only when they start work,’ she said. ‘Our goal is to ensure that when they enter the workforce, they bring added value, not just credentials,’ she added.

CWG Ghana’s Head of Projects and Technology Services, Oluwaseun Layade, said the relaunch is evidence of the company’s belief that exposure and opportunity are critical to professional growth. ‘Everything you have learned only becomes meaningful when the opportunity to apply it presents itself,’ he said, following the handing out of certificates to the first cohort of participants.

One trainee, Raphael Amegashitsi, a Computer Science student from Central University, described the programme as a turning point in his understanding of technology. ‘The Academy has made theoretical concepts more real by showing us how systems operate in practice. I have been able to conceptualise different topics faster and more effectively,’ he said.

CWG Academy’s return coincides with increased interest in digital skills training across Africa. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) projects that by 2030, over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital competencies, creating an annual demand for nearly nine million new tech-skilled workers.

The company said it plans to expand the Academy’s partnerships with universities and industry players to keep the curriculum aligned with global standards.

Germany Supports Ghana With pound 65m

Germany will commit over pound 65 million (approximately GHS820 million) in new development assistance to Ghana pending approval by the German Bundestag.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who announced this during a three-day state visit to Ghana, said the financial commitment underscores its longstanding partnership with Ghana for over fifty years since independence.

According to the German leader, the details of the package which will be finalised by the end of this month will focus on education, renewable energy, youth employment and technical skills training.

‘We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of development cooperation between Ghana and Germany. Together, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic development that will benefit both countries,’ he stated.

‘Our trade volume has grown by more than a quarter to pound 626 million last year,’ he said. ‘But there is much more potential that remains untapped,’ he added.

He also mentioned Germany’s growing interest in supporting Ghana’s energy transition, especially in enhancing energy efficiency and expanding renewable power sources to drive sustainable growth.

The German President commended Ghanaians for their skills, workforce and political stability as key advantages that make the country an ideal partner for trade and investment.

President John Dramani Mahama also reiterated his call for Africa to be granted permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, describing the current situation as a ‘historical injustice’ that must be corrected.

‘This injustice must be corrected, Africa demands at least two permanent seats with veto power and additional non-permanent seats, as stated in the Ezulwini Consensus,’ he stressed.

While commending Germany for supporting UN Security Council reform and for advocating Africa’s rightful place in global governance, President Mahama also cautioned against the rise of economic nationalism which, in his view, threatens global progress under the rules-based multilateral order.

‘The dismantling of established multilateral frameworks and the rise of protectionism could plunge the world into instability and inequality. We must resist these tendencies and reform, we need not to abandon the institutions that unite us. The challenges of our era require collective action, dialogue, and compromise,’ President Mahama said.

The German President also supported President Mahama’s demand for two permanent seat at the UN and non-permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council,

‘This position was reaffirmed by the foreign ministers of Germany, Brazil, India, and Japan at the UN General Assembly this year,’ Steinmeier said.

‘We both agree that cross-border challenges such as terrorism, organised crime, and climate change require cross-border solutions, Germany, together with the European Union, continues to support Ghana’s efforts to create long-term stability and development, particularly in its northern border regions,’ he added.

President Mahama also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to multilateralism, peace, and sustainable global partnerships to tackle terrorism, migration, and poverty among others, while thanking Germany for its continuous support to Ghana over the years.

President Mahama further lauded ongoing cooperation between Ghana’s Ministry of Labour and leading German firms to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He said an upcoming labour mobility agreement would allow young Ghanaians to take up structured employment in Germany to help create opportunities for the youth, while helping Germany meet its skilled labour.

‘We are making tangible progress on our agenda,’ he said. ‘Ghana remains committed to creating an enabling environment to attract German private sector investment, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).’

Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in a statement, said the three-day visit by the German President, which started on Sunday, November 2 will end today, Tuesday, November 4.

He said discussions between the two have focused on Ghana-Germany relations, particularly areas of trade, investment, technology and development cooperation.

According to him, as part of the visit, the German President will be conducted on a guided tour of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where he will lay a wreath at the tomb of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The German President will also engage young Ghanaian IT specialists before attending a reception at the German Ambassador’s residence. Mr. Steinmeier will later travel to Kumasi on the third day of his visit, where he will perform a sod-cutting ceremony at the Kumasi Technical Institute, visit and interact with the Vice-Chancellor, staff and alumni of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

My Admiration For Shatta Wale Dropped After Media Insults – Ken Addy

Broadcaster, Ken Addy, has disclosed that his admiration for Dancehall star Shatta Wale declined when the musician began verbally attacking members of the media.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Addy explained that there was a point in Shatta Wale’s career when his harsh remarks about journalists made it difficult for him to continue supporting the artiste.

‘I was so into Nii Armah until he started insulting the media. Then I resigned. He insulted the media at a point in his lifetime – and the words he used, I won’t repeat on this show,’ Addy recounted.

The veteran broadcaster said he later discussed the issue with Michy, Shatta Wale’s former partner, and made it known that he had forgiven the musician.

‘If you remember when his ex-wife, Michy, came here as a guest on our show, I told her this story. I told Michy to tell him that once he got enskinned in the North as a chief, I had forgiven him his sins and was welcoming back the prodigal son,’ he said.

Addy explained that Shatta Wale’s enskinnment as Dancehall Naa in the Northern Region in 2019 marked a symbolic point of reconciliation for him.

Although he was disappointed by Shatta Wale’s past conduct, Addy maintained that his respect for the artiste remains, even if he disapproves of certain behaviours.

‘I have always loved Shatta, but I do not, and will not, condone certain acts that I find demeaning to his position as an artiste,’ he stated.

Also, appearing on the show, Sammy Flex, Public Relations Officer for the Shatta Movement, disagreed with Addy’s remarks, arguing that the artist was only reacting to how the media treated him.

‘Whatever they were saying to him, he was giving them the same energy. So sometimes I wish we wouldn’t say ‘he insulted the media.’ Maybe Shatta was just reacting to their energy,’ Sammy Flex noted.

’I’m Proud To Be Nigerian But Wish The Country Was Better’

Nigerian Afrobeats star, Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has shared her deep affection for her country while expressing disappointment over its current state.

Speaking on a recent episode of the 90s Baby Show, the Joromi hitmaker said that although she takes great pride in being Nigerian, she wishes the nation was in a better condition. According to her, if Nigeria was functioning as it should, many citizens would not feel compelled to migrate in search of better opportunities.

‘My favourite thing about Nigeria is just the spirit of Nigerians. You can’t replicate it,’ Simi said. ‘Nobody else can be a Nigerian other than a Nigerian. Even when people fake African accents in Hollywood movies, they never try to fake a Nigerian accent. They usually go for East or South African ones. Being Nigerian is just unique-it feels like home.’

She added, ‘That’s why I wish the country was better, because I feel like no one would want to leave if things worked.’

Carbon Credits Within The Ghanaian Business Landscape and The Laws That Govern It (1)

This article examines the concept of Carbon Credits within the Ghanaian business landscape and the laws that govern it. As the Environmental, Social, and Governance principles increasingly influence sustainable business and investment decisions, it has become essential for organizations globally to assess their sustainability and ethical impact.

And Carbon Credits play a critical role in that assessment. They fall under the Environmental (‘E’) principle and are particularly relevant in Ghana, where our natural ecosystems present significant opportunities for reducing emissions.

What are carbon credits?

Carbon credits are licences that allow the owner to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide (‘CO2’) or other greenhouse gases (‘GHGs’). One credit allows the emission of one ton of CO2 or its equivalent in other GHGs. Carbon credits are also known as carbon allowances. The ultimate goal of the carbon credit system is to reduce the emission of GHGs into the atmosphere.

Why does Ghana sell its carbon credits?

As a Member of the United Nations, Ghana is allocated a specific number of carbon credits and is responsible for issuing, monitoring, and reporting its carbon credit status annually.

The Government of Ghana has therefore set limits on the amount of GHGs that companies operating in the country can emit without needing to purchase additional credits from another country.

However, if Ghana has excess carbon credits, we can sell the excess on a carbon exchange or marketplace. This system is commonly known as a cap-and-trade program.

How do carbon credits work?

Traditionally, carbon credits have been used for carbon offsetting, which means compensating for GHG emissions by either:

Avoiding emissions – preventing emissions from being released in the first place (e.g., replacing a coal power plant with solar energy), or

Enhancing removals – actively pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere and storing it safely, such as in trees, soil, or with carbon capture technology.

In carbon markets, organizations can buy and retire carbon credits instead of reducing all their own emissions directly. Each credit represents one ton of CO2 that was either avoided or removed elsewhere.

This approach is effective because, in terms of climate impact, it does not matter where in the world the emission is reduced or removed; the positive effect on the atmosphere is the same. Therefore, a company can either: reduce its own emissions directly, or pay for a project elsewhere to achieve the same effect.

Carbon credits are not always used to compensate for or to offset emissions. In recent years, some parties have begun using carbon credits to contribute to climate change mitigation without making any explicit compensation or offsetting claim.

What laws govern the sale and use of carbon credits in Ghana?

The Environmental Protection Agency Act 2025 (Act 1124)

The Environmental Protection Agency Act 2025 (Act 1124) regulates carbon credits in Ghana. It introduces specific regulations and guidelines for project approval, monitoring, and verification of carbon credits to ensure transparency and alignment with international standards.

These efforts support initiatives such as reforestation, sustainable land use, and clean cooking technologies that help reduce emissions while benefiting local communities.

Through the EPA and the passage of the new Environmental Protection Act, 2025, Act 1124 (‘EPA Act’), which repealed the EPA 1994, Act 490, Ghana has established the Carbon Markets Office (‘CMO’) within the Climate Change Unit of the EPA.

The CMO serves as the secretariat, providing administrative and technical services to the public and supporting the implementation of Ghana’s International Carbon Market and non-market approaches framework.

The CMO is responsible for implementing policies, rules, and guidance on carbon credit transactions, providing targeted support for:

Mitigation activity sourcing and matchmaking;

Activity development services;

Monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems;

Registry operations;

Creation and transfer of ITMOs; and

Reporting and corresponding adjustments

The EPA Act also establishes the Ghana Carbon Registry (‘GCR’), an online database system designed for carbon market project activities within Ghana and internationally.

The GCR collects and tracks the transfer and use of ITMOs, facilitating the listing and registration of mitigation activities and voluntary carbon market projects.

This GCR, introduced in the new EPA Act, is managed by a secretariat under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It is operated by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation in collaboration with the EPA.

The GCR adheres to high-quality standards and protocols for quantifying and verifying greenhouse gas emissions reductions, issuing carbon credits, and tracking these credits transparently. This infrastructure supports Ghana’s participation in various carbon market mechanisms.

The Paris Agreement – An international treaty on climate change.

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty focused on combating climate change. It was adopted by 195 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on December 12, 2015, and officially came into force on November 4, 2016.

The treaty is legally binding and aims to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to restrict the temperature rise to 1.5°C.

Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Ghana and Switzerland signed a bilateral agreement in 2020 that facilitates the international transfer of carbon credits between member states.

This agreement allows Ghana to sell units of carbon credits, known as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), to Switzerland.

In exchange, Switzerland provides investments, supports capacity building, and grants access to technologies that are not readily available through domestic resources. Switzerland purchases these units to help meet its own climate goals.

This bilateral agreement marks the first instance of ITMOs being issued for Nationally Determined Contribution (‘NDC’) purposes for a mitigation activity implemented in Africa.

Some key initiatives under this agreement include:

The Ghana Climate-Smart Rice Project: This project aims to reduce methane emissions from rice farming and enhance water use efficiency.

The Transformative Cookstove Activity in Rural Ghana: This initiative seeks to replace traditional, inefficient stoves with improved cookstoves (‘ICS’) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve household air quality.

Integrated waste recycling and composting for methane reduction in Ghana: This strategy is processing this waste into compost, the initiative not only cuts greenhouse gas emissions but also produces valuable fertilizer for agriculture.

It is important to note that Ghana stands out as one of the few African countries proactively structuring its carbon market ecosystem.

Through legislative, policy, and institutional reforms, Ghana aims to become a hub for credible and high-integrity carbon credit generation, especially through nature-based and community-driven projects.

Why do companies buy carbon credits?

Companies purchase carbon credits to legally emit more GHGs. They also acquire carbon offsets, which help them to achieve a ‘net-zero carbon emission’ status, which means that the amount of carbon a company or country adds to the air is the same as the amount it takes out. In other words, the goal is not to increase the total carbon in the atmosphere.

As public and institutional pressure grows, many companies are making these net-zero commitments in response to the urgency of the climate crisis. These pledges are designed to reduce or offset the amount of carbon emitted through their operations.

While some companies can alter their business practices to reduce emissions, the complete elimination of emissions is not feasible for many firms.