Category: Daily Guide Network

The Accra West Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun installing smart prepaid meters for residents of Wiaboman, a coastal community in the Greater Accra Region.

The initiative aims to replace about 4,000 faulty meters and provide new applicants with MMS-compliant smart prepaid meters under the company’s Loss Reduction Programme (LRP).

According to ECG, the exercise will enhance service delivery, improve customer satisfaction and convenience, and help reduce commercial losses in the community.

At a community engagement with residents, the Acting District Manager for Bortianor, John Afanu, explained that the replacement exercise was entirely free for customers.

He added that ECG had been losing significant revenue in the area and hoped to seal the loopholes by replacing defective meters.

‘With the smart prepaid meters, customers can buy power at any time of the day at their convenience. The ECG Power App also allows customers to directly report power outages and challenges,’ Mr. Afanu said.

The Revenue Protection Manager, Dr. Mark Owusu Ansah, expressed concern about the high rate of illegal connections in the area, warning that such activities endanger lives and property.

‘Illegally connecting to the grid without recourse to ECG overloads transformers, leading to damage and costly replacements,’ he cautioned.

He further warned that individuals found engaging in illegal connections would be disconnected, surcharged for the stolen power, and prosecuted for power theft, adding that offenders could also be named publicly in the media.

Dr. Ansah also advised residents against using substandard electrical cables, urging them to hire certified electricians to prevent fire outbreaks.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Assemblyman for Wiaboman, Samuel Mensah, welcomed ECG’s engagement and pledged the community’s support to address the challenges and curb illegal activities.

He said this collaboration would improve customer satisfaction while ensuring ECG receives the needed revenue from the area.

Present at the event were the Chief of Wiaboman, Nii Shantakplebi, local political leaders, traditional authorities, and community elders.

Residents were also educated on ECG’s recent digital innovations, including the ECG Mobile App and the shortcode *226#, which allow customers to check bills, make payments, and report faults conveniently.

THE ICONIC Ismailia-Suez Canal Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 qualifier between Egypt and Ghana’s Black Queens.

The much-anticipated first-leg clash is set for Wednesday, October 23, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 local time.

It promises to be an exciting encounter as both nations battle for an early advantage in their quest to book a place at the continental showpiece in Morocco.

Ghana’s Black Queens, led by Head Coach Kim Lars Björkegren, will aim to build on their impressive resurgence in women’s football following their bronze medal finish at the previous WAFCON.

The team will be eager to make a strong statement on foreign soil before returning home for the second leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.

With both sides determined to secure qualification, fans can look forward to a thrilling night of top-class women’s football at the historic Ismailia-Suez Canal Stadium.

Volta Lake, created in 1965 by the Akosombo Dam, is the world’s largest artificial reservoir, stretching across six regions of Ghana, Oti, Volta, Eastern, Bono East, Savannah, and Northern and serving over 4 million people.

It powers most of the region’s passenger and cargo transport, supporting fishermen harvesting tilapia and farmers moving crops like yam and maize to markets in Tamale and Accra.

For isolated communities like Bovime in the Oti Region, the lake is a vital link to schools, healthcare, and cultural traditions, such as funerals, which hold deep meaning in Ewe and Konkomba communities for strengthening family ties.

Yet, the lake has a grim history, with repeated boat accidents claiming numerous lives due to overloaded vessels, missing lifejackets, untrained operators, and weak oversight.

The story about the Kete Krachi boat capsizing on October 11, 2025, claiming 15 lives, including 11 children aged 2 to 14 and four adults is a stark reminder of these dangers. The wooden canoe, meant for 15 passengers, carried over 20 mourners returning from a funeral in Okuma to Bovime, a short trip across Oti’s waters. Operated by an untrained fisherman, the boat lacked lifejackets and had a damaged hull. Strong winds and currents, worsened by recent dam spills, caused it to overturn in deep waters. Only four adults survived, treated for injuries and trauma at nearby hospitals. Survivors shared heart-wrenching accounts of children clinging to parents, helpless without safety gear as currents swept them away, sparking widespread grief and calls for change.

The Center for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG), stands in deep solidarity with Bovime’s families, offering heartfelt condolences for the lives lost, especially the children whose futures were cut short. We share their sorrow and pledge to honor the victims through advocacy, relief, and practical reforms to prevent such tragedies.

While the Ghana Maritime Authority responded quickly with inspections and an investigation, gaps in funding, patrols, and rescue efforts persist, leaving communities like Bovime vulnerable. Families received no immediate counseling, relying instead on local churches and chiefs, highlighting the need for better support systems.

This piece examines the Kete Krachi incident, its root causes, and a clear plan for reform. It connects the tragedy to Volta Lake’s history of accidents, like those in Chinekope, Afram Plains, and Senchi, which show recurring issues of overloading and neglect, especially for children. Drawing on successful safety improvements elsewhere, CIMAG proposes practical solutions to make Volta Lake safe for its millions of users.

A Detailed Account of The Kete Krachi Incident

On October 11, 2025, in Oti Region, where few communities have paved roads, a wooden canoe capsized on Volta Lake, killing 15 people. Mourners from Bovime, a small fishing village, had travelled to Okuma for a funeral, a cherished tradition in Ewe and Konkomba culture that brings families together. The group included children and adults, mostly fishers and farmers facing economic hardship, relying on affordable but risky boats due to limited options. By noon, the mourners boarded a canoe built for a small number of passengers but packed with over 20, throwing off its balance. The vessel, made of low-grade wood common across Volta Lake, had visible cracks. The operator, an untrained fisherman, lacked proper skills and carried no lifejackets or safety equipment, a widespread issue. Winds and strong currents, intensified by dam spills, destabilised the boat. Unprepared and without a safety plan, the operator could not respond as the canoe overturned in deep waters around 1:30 PM.

Survivors described a desperate scene: children grasping for parents or seats, with no lifejackets to keep them afloat. Local fishers quickly recovered four adults clinging to debris, but 15 others, including 11 children, were lost. By evening, all bodies were found, and autopsies confirmed drowning, with some children showing injuries from debris. Survivors, treated for trauma and injuries, face lasting emotional scars, with no counselling available in Bovime, where families turned to church prayers for comfort.

The Ghana Maritime Authority acted swiftly, launching inspections and an investigation, but limited resources and delayed rescues by untrained fishers highlight ongoing challenges. CIMAG is supporting the investigation with technical expertise and survivor interviews, ensuring transparency for Bovime’s families, who mourn loved ones like a mother’s young daughter.

A Focused Analysis On Root Causes

The Kete Krachi tragedy stemmed from preventable failures. Overloading, with far too many passengers, made the canoe unstable, a problem in most Volta Lake accidents. Poverty in the Oti Region pushes families to use cheap, unsafe boats for essential trips like funerals or school. The lack of lifejackets left passengers, especially children, defenceless against strong currents.

The untrained operator, one of many without proper skills, could not manage the crisis or navigate safely, relying on local knowledge instead of formal training.

Harsh weather, worsened by dam spills, and underwater hazards like tree stumps added to the risk. Weak oversight, with limited patrols and funding, allows unsafe boats to operate unchecked. Wooden canoes, prone to damage, are common, and repairs are often unaffordable for operators.

Cultural traditions, like large funeral gatherings and school commutes, heighten risks, especially for children. Other regions, like Lake Victoria, have reduced accidents through better safety measures, offering a model for Ghana.

Volta Lake’s history of accidents underscores the urgency of reform. The 2023 Chinekope capsizing killed students due to overloading and no lifejackets. The 2020 Afram Plains disaster claimed lives because of poor boat maintenance and hazards like stumps. The 2019 Senchi incident saw deaths in high winds, with no safety gear. These cases show persistent issues with overloading, fragile boats, and risks to children, with few recommended fixes put into place due to resource constraints.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Partnering for a Safer Volta Lake

The Kete Krachi tragedy reveals the critical need for a unified approach to maritime safety on Volta Lake, as fragmented efforts have failed to prevent recurring accidents. The Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG), recognises that lasting reform demands collaboration with key stakeholders, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Ministry of Transport (MoT), Ghana Navy, and Oti Region chiefs. By leveraging NADMO’s disaster response expertise, GMA’s regulatory authority, MoT’s policy leadership, the Navy’s operational capabilities, and the chiefs’ community influence, CIMAG aims to build a coordinated safety framework.

With NADMO, experienced in coordinating responses to incidents like the 2023 Chinekope capsizing, CIMAG can strengthen emergency preparedness. Jointly, they can organise community drills at landing sites like Bovime, training fishers in rescue techniques and aligning NADMO’s protocols with CIMAG’s safety outreach. Sharing data on high-risk areas, NADMO can help CIMAG prioritise safety efforts, building on NADMO’s role in past recoveries, such as the 2020 Afram Plains disaster, to ensure faster, more effective responses and fewer fatalities.

CIMAG can partner with the GMA, which regulates inland waterways under the Ghana Shipping Act, to enhance enforcement against overloading and poor vessel maintenance, central to the Kete Krachi incident.

By combining CIMAG’s technical knowledge of boat stability with GMA’s inspection efforts, they can target unsafe operators at sites like Kete Krachi, ensuring compliance with lifejacket and load limit rules. This collaboration extends GMA’s recent enforcement actions, with CIMAG’s policy recommendations amplifying their reach for sustained impact.

The Ministry of Transport, guiding national transport policy, offers CIMAG a platform to shape a proposed safety bill. By co-hosting workshops to gather stakeholder input, CIMAG and MoT can advocate for operator training and vessel tracking, ensuring reforms reach communities like Bovime. This builds on MoT’s coordination in past investigations, fostering multi-agency efforts for consistent policy enforcement.

With the Ghana Navy, responsible for lake patrols and rescues, CIMAG can improve operational readiness. Joint training exercises can prepare operators for emergencies, teaching distress signalling while the Navy ensures rapid response, addressing delays seen in Kete Krachi. CIMAG’s safety expertise complements the Navy’s logistics, strengthening rescue operations across Volta Lake. Collaborating with Oti Region chiefs ensures community trust and cultural alignment. Chiefs, influential in traditions like funerals that drive overloading, can partner with CIMAG to promote safety messages during village gatherings, encouraging compliance with passenger limits. CIMAG can support chief-led initiatives to monitor landing sites, leveraging their authority to reinforce safety where formal oversight is limited.

THERE WERE wild jubilations in the streets of Asante Mampong when the newly selected Mamponghene and occupant of the Silver Stool of Asanteman, was officially outdoored on Monday afternoon.

Known in private life as Leslie Nkansah Osei-Bonsu, the 51-year-old Asante Mampong royal and Software Engineer, was introduced to his people by Nana Agyakoma Difie, the Asante Mamponghemaa.

The excited people then started singing victory songs, amid shouts.

Viral Video

In a video circulating on social media platforms, the elders of Asante Mampong were seen coming out from a room, perhaps after a crunch meeting over the selection of the new chief.

Significantly, all the attendants of the meeting were partly smeared with white powder, which in Asante tradition indicates good news or an important achievement.

Nana Agyakoma Difie, who presided over the closed-door meeting, also came out from the room and lifted the hands of the newly selected traditional leader, sparking jubilations.

Leslie Nkansah Osei-Bonsu was then carried through some principal streets of Asante Mampong for his people to know that the vacant Mampong stool has been successfully filled.

Oath of Service

According to reports reaching the DAILY GUIDE, the new chief, will at a date yet to be announced, swear the oath of service to his people during a colourful durbar.

This important traditional programme is expected to take place in Asante Mampong, where he would officially be introduced to his people as their new traditional leader.

Oath of Allegiance

After the Asante Mampong ceremony, the new chief would proceed to the Manhyia Palace at a different date to swear the oath of allegiance to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The ceremony at the Manhyia Palace would officially legitimise his status as the Asante Mamponghene and the occupant of the Silver Stool of the Asante Kingdom.

Educational Background

Born on March 14, 1974, Leslie Nkansah Osei-Bonsu attended the City of Kumasi School. He proceeded to Prempeh College and then to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he studied Geometric Engineering.

He had his first Master’s degree in Geo-Information and Earth Observation at the University of Twente, Netherlands, and his second Master’s in Computational Science and Engineering at the University of Munich, Germany.

Work Experience

According to information making the rounds, the new chief also has two decades experience as Senior Software and Geospatial Systems Strategist. He is also a Product and Service Group Manager at GAF AG, Germany.

Predecessor

The new chief would succeed the immediate past Asante Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, who joined his ancestors few months ago after short illness.

President John Dramani Mahama has secured a trade agreement with China that will grant over 98 percent of Ghanaian exports tariff-free access to the Chinese market by the end of October 2025.

The zero-tariff deal, once finalised, is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s export earnings and position the country as a key trading hub in West Africa.

The breakthrough came during President Mahama’s participation in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, held in Beijing from October 13 to 14, 2025.

The summit, co-chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping and UN Women, focused on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to gender equality, pledging $10 million to UN Women to support global initiatives.

President Mahama, in his address, highlighted Ghana’s progress in women’s leadership, citing the election of the country’s first female vice president as a milestone achievement.

He also called for bold, transformative actions to promote inclusion and equality across the world.

In bilateral discussions marking 65 years of diplomatic relations between Ghana and China, both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, green technology, and sustainable development.

‘Today, China is Ghana’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $11.8 billion in 2024. Ghana and China are bound by a common conviction that progress is most meaningful when it uplifts all our people,’ President Mahama said.

He also outlined Ghana’s vision to become a global leader in green industrialisation, announcing plans to partner with Chinese investors in responsible extraction and local processing of key minerals such as lithium, bauxite, manganese, and graphite.

These partnerships, he said, would support the global clean energy transition while ensuring that value is retained within Ghana.

As part of this agenda, he revealed plans to establish a ‘Green Digital City’ spanning the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta regions.

‘This city will showcase cutting-edge technology in urban design, planning, and innovation,’ he stated, adding that an inter-ministerial committee and a transaction advisor will soon be appointed to oversee the project’s design and feasibility study.

In a follow-up post on Facebook, President Mahama described his meeting with China’s Premier, Li Qiang, as ‘fruitful and forward-looking.’

He said discussions centred on strengthening economic and infrastructure partnerships and supporting Ghana’s 24-hour economy initiative, particularly in agriculture, agro-processing, and value addition.

The two countries also agreed to enhance collaboration to curb illegal small-scale mining by implementing preventive policies and regulatory frameworks.

‘China’s collaboration has already strengthened Ghana’s energy and industrial capacity,’ President Mahama noted, inviting Chinese investors to explore opportunities in smart cities, renewable energy, road infrastructure, and digital connectivity.

President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to its strategic partnership with China, describing Ghana as ‘the gateway to Africa,’ and extending an open invitation to Chinese investors and tourists to explore the country’s growing opportunities.

The 2025 edition of the LCB Corporate Games came to an exciting close on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Nii Adjei Krakue II Sports Complex in Tema New Town, with thrilling football action that crowned new champions in both the Accra and Tema zones.

In the Accra Zone, the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) emerged victorious after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Unique FC from the Regional Maritime University.

Over in the Tema Zone, Ezzylinks Logistics Company lifted the trophy after edging out Wilmar Africa Ghana Ltd. in a tense penalty shootout.

Korr Bridge finished third in the Accra Zone, while the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) secured third place in the Tema Zone.

The zonal winners walked away with trophies, medals, and cash prizes. The overall champions received GH?20,000 and a trophy, while the first and second runners-up earned GH?10,000 and GH?5,000, respectively.

Individual awards were also presented to the tournament’s top goalscorer and best goalkeeper.

Organised LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited, a leading crisis management and public health solutions company, the 10-week tournament has become one of the most anticipated sporting events within Ghana’s maritime and logistics sector.

This year’s edition brought together 16 corporate teams across two zones, promoting teamwork, collaboration, and wellness among professionals in the industry.

Speaking to the media after the finals, Felix Segbaya, Operations Officer at LCB Worldwide Ghana, expressed his delight at the success of the competition and praised the commitment of participating companies.

‘We are proud as a company that our goals have been achieved. It’s good to see that players who took part in this tournament are now excelling with other teams. In the end, we’re happy and proud of what we’ve accomplished,’ he said.

Representatives of the four finalist teams commended LCB Worldwide Ghana for sustaining an event that brings together stakeholders from ports, shipping, logistics, and allied sectors beyond the workplace, reinforcing unity and corporate engagement.

Beyond the competition, the games also featured team-building activities, corporate networking sessions, and award presentations, further enhancing camaraderie and brand visibility among participants.

As the 2025 LCB Corporate Games concluded, participants and organisers alike celebrated not just the victories on the field but also the shared spirit of unity and excellence driving Ghana’s maritime and logistics industry forward.

Daniel Owusu Koranteng, a former employee of Tiger Eye P.I. accused of playing a part in the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, has been discharged by a District Court in Madina.

This followed the advice of the Attorney General, Dr. Dominc Ayine, asking prosecutors to drop the charges against the businessman who had been facing legal proceedings over the death a man whom the police said was his close friend.

Daniel Owusu Koranteng was accused of abetting two other suspects who are currently on the run to murder Ahmed Suale at his home on January 16, 2019.

He was also facing a substantive charge of murder contrary to Section 46 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Chief Inspector Nana Afua Bamfoa Bamfo told the court yesterday that the Attorney General had advised that the case be discontinued.

The court therefore, struck out the case and discharged the accused.

Daniel Owusu Koranteng had always insisted on his innocence, and the decision to discontinue the case against him now puts further pressure on the police to identify and arrest the two persons who allegedly killed Suale and are said to be on the run.

Prior to this, the court had ordered the police to file a Bill of Indictment on the accused.

The Bill of Indictment includes the charges levelled against the accused person, the summary of the prosecution’s evidence, and the exhibits that would be tendered at trial should the District Court commit him to stand trial at the High Court.

Charges

Daniel Owusu Koranteng was initially charged with one count of murder, but an amended charge sheet includes a charge of abetment of crime contrary to Section 2-(1) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

He was also facing a substantive charge of murder contrary to Section 46 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Court documents indicate that the accused had sent pictures of the deceased to Kennedy Agyapong who displayed them on Net2 TV and called for ‘retribution’ against him.

‘Accused person having known the deceased’s place of abode and possible hideouts; led two other culprits currently at large to the house of the deceased where he was shot and killed,’ the documents alleged.

Fidelity Bank Ghana has identified the structural challenges facing the country’s energy sector as a critical national imperative that demands immediate, sustained reform and disciplined capital investment.

Speaking at the BandFT Thought Leadership Series Energy Roundtable, Atta Yeboah Gyan, Deputy Managing Director for Operations and Support Functions at Fidelity Bank, emphasised that fixing the energy sector is ‘not a matter of choice, but a necessity for Ghana’s destiny.’

The event, themed ‘Powering Ghana Forward: Strategising for a Self-Sustaining and Resilient Power Sector in 10 Years,’ provided a platform for Mr. Gyan to offer a candid assessment of a power sector currently weighed down by over US$3 billion in legacy debt and liquidity challenges.

‘If we are to be honest with ourselves, Ghana’s power sector stands today as both an emblem of progress and a mirror of strain,’ Mr. Gyan stated.

He attributed the strain to a vicious cycle of inefficiencies, including delayed tariff adjustments, non-payment by public entities, and a weakened cedi that inflates energy costs.

‘What Ghana’s power ecosystem needs today is not more temporary fixes, but sustainable financing structures underpinned by transparency, innovation, and collaboration,’ he asserted, noting that the financial sector’s involvement is as much about capital discipline and governance as it is about generation capacity.

Drawing from the Bank’s extensive experience in corporate and project finance, Mr. Gyan stated that the energy challenge is not solely about increasing capacity but also about ensuring fiscal responsibility and institutional transparency.

He referenced the role financial institutions such as Fidelity Bank have played through initiatives like the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) bonds, which provided temporary relief to liquidity pressures.

However, he stressed the need for more sustainable financing models rooted in data-driven decision-making and accountability.

Mr. Gyan called for deeper collaboration between the financial sector, policymakers, and energy operators to deliver a power system that works for both consumers and investors.

He outlined several priority areas for action, from smart investments in renewable and hybrid systems to the digitisation of collections and the expansion of smart metering to plug revenue leakages.

‘Digitisation and data transparency must be prioritised to build trust across the value chain,’ he added.

‘Equally important is the establishment of clear, cost-reflective pricing frameworks that give investors and financiers the confidence to commit long-term capital,’ he intimated.

Reaffirming Fidelity Bank’s position as a leader in sustainable finance, Mr. Gyan announced that the Bank is aligning its financing framework to actively support the nation’s clean energy transition.

He noted that Fidelity has already introduced renewable asset financing products to empower individuals and businesses to adopt cleaner energy solutions.

The Bank is also exploring innovative tools such as green financing, blended capital, and ESG-linked instruments to scale up investment in renewable energy and strengthen local energy enterprises.

Mr. Gyan urged greater alignment among policy, finance, and purpose to transform Ghana’s energy sector into one defined by resilience, efficiency, and inclusivity.

‘The challenges before us are complex, but not insurmountable. At Fidelity Bank, we remain committed to walking this journey with Ghana, to power homes and industries, but more importantly, to power confidence, productivity, and growth. Together, we can build an energy sector that is not just functional, but future-ready,’ he said.

British American Tobacco (BAT) Ghana has officially announced the appointment of Salia Okasha as its new Managing Director, marking a significant milestone for the company’s operations in the country and across the West and Central Africa (WCA) region.

Okasha, a seasoned executive with over 18 years of experience within BAT, assumes the role with a wealth of expertise gained across various markets in the region. His appointment signals BAT Ghana’s renewed commitment to local leadership, innovation, and socio-economic development.

According to BAT, his appointment is particularly noteworthy as Okasha becomes the first Ghanaian to hold the role of Managing Director at BAT Ghana in over two decades reflecting BAT’s strategic emphasis on empowering local talent and integrating regional perspectives into its global transformation journey.

Okasha’s leadership comes at a time when BAT is undergoing a major transformation transitioning from a traditional tobacco business to a multi-category company focused on reduced-risk alternatives for adult consumers, in line with its global objective

Despite the closure of BAT Ghana’s factory in 2006, the company has continued to invest in the country through its trade ecosystem, partnerships with retailers and distributors, and consistent delivery of innovative, high-quality products.

‘BAT Ghana remains a resilient business with deep roots in the national economy. Our transformation journey places sustainability at the core of everything we do focusing on tobacco harm reduction, climate action, nature preservation, circularity, and community investment,’ Okasha noted.

He emphasized that BAT Ghana will remain an active contributor to Ghana’s economy, not only through tax compliance and job creation, but also by supporting local enterprise and fostering leadership development.

A key area of focus under Okasha’s leadership will be engaging stakeholders on critical national issues such as illicit trade, which continues to undermine legitimate businesses and national revenue.

‘We want BAT Ghana to be known for innovation, talent leadership, and integrity. Our focus is not only on commercial success, but on driving long-term socio-economic impact. We’re committed to being a trusted partner in national development,’ he said.

With a presence in Ghana for over 70 years, BAT Ghana is now positioning itself as a modern, sustainable business, fully aligned with the country’s evolving needs and global sustainability priorities.

In his remarks, the incoming Managing Director said ‘I am, first and foremost, a proud Ghanaian. It is a privilege to return home in this role to help drive BAT’s transformation agenda, My journey with BAT began as a management trainee, and over the years, I have served in both commercial and corporate affairs roles, including leading multi-country operations. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing businesses in our region.’

Beyond business transformation, Okasha stated that BAT’s commitment to national development, noting the company’s consistent contribution through excise duties, corporate taxes, and job creation across its supply chain.

‘We are deeply embedded in a value chain that supports thousands of livelihoods from retailers and distributors to service providers. One of my top priorities is to create a legacy of local leadership. At BAT Ghana, we are intentional about developing Ghanaian talent through graduate and national service programmes, mentorship platforms, and leadership development initiatives. ‘he added

The Catholic Bishop of Ho Diocese and Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, has launched the Integrated Sustainability Solutions (ISS) initiative as part of activities marking his 10th anniversary of episcopal ordination.

Addressing the durbar at the Ola Senior High School Assembly Hall, Bishop Fianu described the milestone as a moment for reflection and renewal, emphasising the importance of evaluating achievements and shortcomings over the past ten years.

‘For me, what is important is evaluating the 10 years, doing the necessary introspections, and highlighting our shortcomings, where we have not been able to perform as expected or as we planned.

Bishop Fianu encouraged the clergy, religious, and laity to read his ten-point vision outlined in the anniversary brochure and identify areas where they could collaborate to advance the work of God in the Diocese.

He announced the establishment of the Integrated Sustainability Solutions (ISS) as a strategic measure to support the Diocese’s socio-economic development agenda.

The initiative will enable the church to access funding and assistance from partners and agencies that do not ordinarily support diocesan projects directly.

‘The purpose is to help us source necessary funding or assistance from those areas or agencies that will not give money to us because we are a diocese.

‘We are trying to use this ISS to focus more on social impact projects in the whole Diocese, to improve the socio-economic conditions of the faithful,’ he disclosed.

Bishop Fianu stated that empowering parishioners economically and socially would, in turn, strengthen the church’s mission and sustainability.

The 10th anniversary durbar brought together clergy, religious, lay faithful, and well-wishers from across the Diocese and beyond.

Distinguished guests included Presidential Envoy on Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, who represented the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and Richmond Edem Kpotosu, Member of Parliament for Ho Central, joined in thanksgiving for Bishop Fianu’s dedicated service and visionary leadership over the past decade.

The anniversary was on the theme ‘A Decade of Shepherding God’s Flock: Looking into the Future as Pilgrims of Hope.’