Category: Daily Guide Network

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.

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.

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.

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+.

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.

The vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, in Parliament yesterday was marred by controversy and drama, culminating in a boycott by the Minority Caucus after heated exchanges over their attempt to make preliminary comments.

The session, held by the Appointments Committee, began on a tense note when the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Ranking Member of the Committee, sought to make opening remarks outlining his side’s reservations about the process.

However, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, objected, insisting that the matter had already been dealt with in Parliament through an earlier motion and that the vetting was not a forum for political commentary.

Tensions escalated when Mr. Afenyo-Markin referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a ‘disputed Chief Justice nominee’, a description that immediately drew protests from the Majority side.

Mr. Ayariga challenged the characterisation, arguing that it prejudiced the process and demanded that the Minority Leader withdraw and apologise for the statement. Mr. Afenyo-Markin refused, accusing the Majority Leader of acting in bad faith and seeking to silence dissent.

The confrontation forced the Chairman of the Committee to suspend proceedings for nearly 30 minutes to restore calm.

When the sitting resumed, Mr. Afenyo-Markin announced that the Minority would abstain entirely from the vetting process in protest over what he described as a lack of transparency and fairness in the handling of the nomination and the earlier removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

‘Be it known to you, Chairman, and to the Committee and the country that we, the Minority Caucus, hereby vote en-bloc to reject the nominee,’ Mr. Afenyo-Markin announced.

‘We would want to state on record that the Majority can proceed with the questions. We do not intend to proceed with any question. We are, however, registering in the strongest terms that we reject the nomination, and the records should reflect that the report of this Committee be a majority report,’ the Effutu MP stated before leading his side to walk out.

This left only the Majority members of the Appointments Committee to continue the vetting.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who currently serves as Acting Chief Justice, was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to succeed Justice Torkonoo following her removal from office, a decision the opposition has repeatedly criticised as ‘a travesty of justice.’

Mr. Afenyo-Markin insisted that the committee responsible for her dismissal operated under ‘opaque circumstances’ and accused the government of politicising the judiciary.

Despite the walkout, the Majority proceeded with the vetting, questioning Justice Baffoe-Bonnie on his appointment, custodial sentences, and the need to rebuild public confidence in the judiciary.

NPP’s Concerns

Meanwhile, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed reservations over the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for the office of Chief Justice, warning that proceeding with the vetting amid ongoing legal disputes threatens Ghana’s constitutional order.

In a statement released immediately after the Minority’s boycott of the vetting, the party said its concerns are rooted not in partisan politics but in a commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the preservation of democratic institutions.

‘Our position is rooted in a solemn duty to defend the 1992 Constitution of Ghana from any action that threatens its integrity and the delicate balance of powers,’ the statement, signed by Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the NPP, said.

The party highlighted that the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo is currently the subject of seven substantive legal suits pending before the Supreme Court, the High Court, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

According to the NPP, these cases raise fundamental questions regarding due process, natural justice, and the constitutional protections of judicial officeholders.

‘It is a cardinal principle of constitutional governance that where the legitimacy of a foundational state action is directly challenged before a competent court, the political branches must exercise restraint until the judiciary has discharged its constitutional mandate to interpret the law,’ the statement added.

The NPP also cited potential conflicts of interest concerning Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, noting that he presided over interlocutory proceedings in Assafuah v. Attorney-General, a case central to the legality of the Chief Justice’s office, and was part of the Supreme Court majority that allowed the removal process of Justice Torkornoo to proceed.

‘This situation engages the timeless principle of nemo judex in causa sua, that no person shall be a judge in their own cause. The appearance of a conflict of interest is palpable and undermines public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary and his stewardship,’ the statement said.

The party further criticised the Mahama administration for moving forward with the nomination despite these pending cases, describing it as a pre-emptive assault on the judicial function.

Addressing Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, the NPP said that accepting the nomination under these circumstances represents ‘a gross and detrimental failure of judicial leadership’, emphasising that the judiciary’s independence requires restraint and principle.

The statement also warned the government to exercise its constitutional prerogative in appointments with fidelity to the law rather than political expediency, asserting that ‘political majorities are transient, but constitutional principles are eternal.’

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has reiterated the need for the implementation of decisive policies to curb the growing menace of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey which has escalated over the past months.

In this regard, the Association has urged President John Dramani Mahama to issue a bold and irreversible national policy statement dubbed the ‘Manhyia Declaration’ to tackle the galamsey menace permanently.

GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, made the suggestion during the 29th GJA Media Awards held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi under the patronage of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

According to him, the proposed ‘Manhyia Declaration’ should serve as a turning point and a national commitment that binds every stakeholder, from government to traditional authorities, media, civil society, and ordinary citizens, to eradicate illegal mining and protect the country’s environment.

Held under the theme, ‘Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security and the Fight Against Galamsey,’ the event brought together the President, John Mahama, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

This is the first time heads of all three arms of government have attended a GJA event simultaneously.

Mr. Dwumfour emphasised that galamsey is no longer an environmental issue but a national security threat, with illegal miners growing bolder, better armed, and increasingly violent.

‘The happenings are chilling. These galamsey criminals are becoming bolder, more brutal, and better organised – operating like gangs of terrorists. We must wake up as a nation before it is too late,’ he warned.

Mr. Dwumfour used the occasion to condemn recent attacks on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) by armed men posing as security officers, describing it as a grave affront to the authority of the state and the rule of law.

‘Anything short of swift and firm justice will embolden lawlessness and erode public confidence in the state’s ability to protect those who serve the national interest,’ he indicated.

The GJA President also used the occasion to sympathise with a group of journalists injured while accompanying Environment Protection Authority (EPA) officers on an anti-galamsey operation.

Mr. Dwumfour praised the Asantehene, describing him as ‘a national moral compass who has defended Asanteman’s lands with honour.’

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has held a day’s sensitisation workshop at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, to educate students from second-cycle and tertiary institutions on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocols and their relevance to regional development.

The event, organised in collaboration with Media Response and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, brought together over 500 students, educators, and policymakers from across the Ho Municipality.

The sensitisation workshop forms part of the Ministry’s broader effort to promote regional awareness, citizenship education, and youth participation in ECOWAS affairs, in line with the country’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, and development across West Africa.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia, Coordinating Director for Multilateral and International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscore the country’s historical role in the formation and sustenance of ECOWAS, stressing the nation’s unwavering commitment to regional unity and prosperity.

‘Ghana was not only a founding member of ECOWAS but has remained a strong pillar in ensuring its growth and stability,’ he said.

Ambassador Kotia said since its establishment in 1975, ECOWAS has been instrumental in advancing economic growth, political stability, and social development across the West African sub-region.

He indicated that the organisation continues to promote regional integration through various initiatives addressing challenges such as political instability and economic inequality.

He also drew attention to ECOWAS’ youth-focused programmes, including educational exchanges, internships, and cross-border collaborations, and encouraged students to take advantage of such opportunities to develop their skills and contribute to regional development.

Ambassador Kotia expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore unity following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in January 2024 to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

He reaffirmed the country’s role as a pillar of stability in the sub-region, noting that Ghana remains committed to the implementation of ECOWAS protocols on free movement, residence, and establishment, which continue to facilitate cross-border trade and cooperation.

‘It is your duty to learn about the ECOWAS protocols and understand how they affect your lives, so that you can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of West Africa,’ he said.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, urged young people to take an active interest in the ideals and objectives of ECOWAS and to become ambassadors of regional integration, peace, and cooperation.

He said the Volta Region’s position as a strategic border area and gateway between Ghana and other ECOWAS member states makes it central to the success of regional cooperation and trade.

‘The protocols and programmes of ECOWAS can only be effective if our citizens, particularly our youth, understand and appreciate their purpose and benefits,’ he said.

‘The Regional Minister further stated that by deepening awareness of protocols such as the Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services, and regional peace and security mechanisms, we are building informed citizens who value unity and cooperation,’ he added.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional cooperation noting that the country’s foreign policy is anchored on economic diplomacy and regional collaboration.

He also encouraged students to seize opportunities presented by ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), especially in trade, education, technology, and cultural exchange.

‘The success of regional integration depends largely on how much the younger generation embraces and lives the ECOWAS dream.

‘You are the innovators, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and leaders of tomorrow. Understanding ECOWAS protocols will empower you to make the most of opportunities within the sub-region,’ he said.

The confidence with which the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Hamid, brushed off the Special Prosecutor’s so-called GHS100 million asset seizure announcement left many Ghanaians puzzled.

According to Dr. Hamid, the much-publicised claim by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng was false, and that none of his assets had been frozen, contrary to what was widely reported.

It was, indeed, unimaginable that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) could make such a serious public announcement only for it to turn out untrue. Who was speaking the truth? Was the Special Prosecutor merely reacting to Dr. Hamid’s earlier dismissal of his case as ‘bogus,’ and thus seeking to save face?

It will be recalled that when a journalist asked Dr. Hamid about the OSP’s case against him, he bluntly described it as bogus. Not long after that, an evidently incensed Special Prosecutor announced the alleged seizure of Dr. Hamid’s assets, which is estimated at GHS100 million.

Dr. Hamid promptly denied the claim, insisting that no such action had been taken. The spectacle soon resembled a game of ping-pong, each side contradicting the other.

Known for his quick and often spirited responses to criticism, the Special Prosecutor, curiously, maintained an uncharacteristic silence this time. His delayed reaction heightened public curiosity, especially among Ghanaians who now view his media interactions as a mix of legal drama and entertainment.

Here was a Special Prosecutor whose integrity was being publicly questioned by a former public official. Naturally, Ghanaians were left wondering: who was lying? Were the assets truly frozen or not? And if not, why did the announcement follow so swiftly after Dr. Hamid’s ‘bogus’ remark?

Was this a case of failed emotional intelligence on the part of the Special Prosecutor?

As it turned out yesterday, no assets belonging to Dr. Hamid had been frozen, as initially announced. The revelation left the former NPA boss vindicated, and laughing last.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor must be spared such image-denting blunders. Its mandate places it in a unique and highly scrutinised position, requiring restraint, accuracy, and credibility at all times.

We are compelled to ask: what motivated the Special Prosecutor to be economical with the truth when he made the announcement? This mendacious claim has severely dented the image of the OSP and cast doubts on its operational integrity.

Our Special Prosecutor has shown a tendency to become personally entangled in the cases he handles, an approach that undermines the objectivity needed for successful prosecutions.

A consummate lawyer of his standing should demonstrate better judgment. Rash, ill-considered public statements do not enhance his reputation; they only debase the Office he leads.

The people of Ghana deserve to know what truly led to this blunder – the assets freezing which never was.

Fidelity Bank Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation and entrepreneurship through technology with the hosting of its annual Orange Summit, themed ‘Smart Business, Smarter Future.’

Held at The Palms by Eagles, the event marked a strategic shift in the bank’s agenda, focusing on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart systems can strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and future-proof young businesses.

The summit forms part of Fidelity’s broader Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (FYEI), which includes the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Fund (FYEF) and the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF).

Organised in partnership with development agencies, investors, and policymakers, this year’s edition brought together more than 100 participants to share insights on innovation, governance, and resilience in a rapidly digitising economy.

Speaking at the event, Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility at Fidelity Bank, said the Orange Summit and its related interventions have been instrumental in transforming Ghana’s start-up landscape.

‘OCIF is first a funding programme, but more importantly, it’s a catalyst for transformation,’ she said.

‘Since its launch in 2021, at the height of the pandemic, the initiative has supported over 112 entrepreneurs across agribusiness, fashion, technology, and the creative industries. With a total fund size of GHS 14.3 million, the programme has disbursed GHS 22.3 million through its revolving mechanism, with GHSS7.1 million still actively working in the economy. Collectively, our entrepreneurs have created over 1,000 jobs, expanded production, and built sustainable businesses with visible results,’ she stated.

Mrs. Ofori-Koree added that Fidelity remains committed to expanding the FYEI and scaling the OCIF’s impact beyond 2030. She also pointed to the bank’s women-focused entrepreneurship programmes implemented in partnership with ACCION, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Dutch Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jeroen Verheul, whose government supports the OCIF through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), lauded the partnership’s progress and long-term potential.

‘Our partnership with Fidelity Bank has grown into something deeply rooted in Ghanaian soil,’ he said and added, ‘We see ourselves as planting a seed that is cared for by Ghanaian institutions and people, and that will grow into a strong Ghanaian tree.’

Ambassador Verheul stressed the importance of private sector involvement in addressing global challenges, noting that governments alone cannot provide all the solutions.

‘That is why capacity building, training, and access to finance remain critical for entrepreneurs,’ he added.

The 2025 Orange Summit also honoured 10 outstanding entrepreneurs within the FYEI ecosystem for excellence, innovation, and resilience.

Among them was Gideon Dendzo, Founder and Team Lead of Giddins Ghana Limited, who recounted how the OCIF transformed his business.

‘OCIF believed in us, and that belief became the seed of transformation. We have created jobs, trained young women, expanded production, and taken Ghanaian-made products to the global market. This recognition reminds us that the model works, and with greater support, we can do even more,’ he stated.

Discussions at the summit centred on how AI and smart technologies can enhance innovation, improve governance, and promote financial literacy.

Edna Engmann, Head of Transformation Programs at Fidelity Bank, said the bank sees digital transformation as essential to the sustainability of modern enterprises.

Participants also benefited from a presentation by Mr. Dominic Naab of the Ghana Revenue Authority, who offered insights on Ghana’s tax framework and how start-ups can structure their operations for long-term financial health.