Category: Daily Guide Network

A High Court in Accra has set July 3, 2026 to deliver its judgment in the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), who is accused of facilitating others to mine on his Akonta Mining Company Limited’s concession at Samreboi without ministerial approval.

The court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, has given the prosecution and the defence lawyers up to June 17 to file written addresses if they wish to do so.

Charges

Chairman Wontumi has been charged with one count of assignment of mineral rights without approval, and another count of purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to Section 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by Section 3 of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

His company, Akonta Mining and another person identified as Kwame Antwi, who is on the run, have been charged with the same offences. They have both denied the charges.

Prosecution’s Case

Prosecution’s first witness, Michael Gyedu Ayisi, an artisanal miner, told the court that he worked under Henry Okum on the Samreboi concession and that he got to know that the concession belonged to Wontumi based on information provided by Okum.

While under cross-examination by Andy Appiah-Kubi, he indicated that he had never interacted with Chairman Wontumi on a personal level and had no documentary evidence showing Wontumi had assigned or transferred the concession to anyone.

The second witness, Henry Okum, a small-scale miner, testified that he entered into a verbal arrangement with Chairman Wontumi to undertake land reclamation and mining activities on the Samreboi concession.

However, he confirmed under cross-examination that there was no written agreement, deed of assignment, or ministerial approval validating the alleged arrangement between him and Chairman Wontumi.

Joseph Iroko, a Senior Manager (Legal) at the Minerals Commission, on his part, said a search of the Commission’s records revealed no application, approval, or documentation indicating that Akonta Mining Company Limited had assigned or transferred its concession at Samreboi to Henry Okum, adding that in the absence of ministerial approval, no assignment could be considered formally recognised.

The case investigator, Detective Chief Inspector Sarfo Asiedu Kwasi, testified about police investigations into mining operations at Samreboi and parts of the Tano Nimiri Forest.

He said police arrested 29 suspects and seized excavators, gold, firearms, ammunition, and cash.

During cross-examination, he told the court that Chairman Wontumi was not present at the site during the police operation, and that none of the arrested persons was identified as an employee of Akonta Mining Limited.

Chairman Wontumi’s Defence

Chairman Wontumi’s first witness, Wisdom Edem Gomashie, told the court that the verbal permission granted to Henry Okum, for the purpose of undertaking land reclamation does not constitute assigning mineral rights by Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited.

According to him, he had reviewed the charges levelled against Wontumi and his company, and from his professional background on the back of Act 703 and in line with the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations (L.I. 2176), it explains what it means to assign mineral rights.

Asked under cross-examination by Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai if he had any idea whether Henry Okum had mined on the land, the witness said he had no idea.

The second witness, George Mireku-Duker, former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mining, told the court that Akonta Mining Limited’s concession was invaded by illegal miners and a report of same was forwarded to the ministry during his tenure.

According to him, in response to the said encroachment which was prevalent in the Western Region, he led a team of security officers to the said concession to arrest the ‘recalcitrant’ illegal miners who had encroached on the land.

Chairman Wontumi then mounted the witness box and denied ever permitting any person to undertake mining on his Samreboi concession.

He told the court that the company had acquired a lease but since there was no parliamentary ratification, the company did not undertake any mining operations on the concession.

He also told the court that neither him nor Akonta Mining Limited gave Henry Okum permission to mine on the land.

Former Western Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, also ‘categorically and unequivocally’ rejected the assertion that Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited were engaged in or facilitating illegal mining on the company’s concession at Samreboi.

Under cross-examination, Mr. Darko-Mensah said he has no information on what transpired between Chairman Wontumi and Henry Okum.

Chairman Wontumi’s last witness, Evans Addae, basically testified that as at today, illegal miners were still on the Samreboi concession.

He also indicated that Wontumi never went to the concession, and tendered in evidence a video capturing illegal mining activities on the concession.

Under cross-examination, Addae said he does not know anything about Chairman Wontumi instructing someone to work on his concession.

Black Stars defender, Jerome Opoku, has urged supporters to remain patient with the national team following their 1-1 draw against Wales in an international friendly at Cardiff City Stadium.

Ghana delivered an encouraging performance and appeared on course for victory after Caleb Yirenkyi broke the deadlock in the second half. However, Wales salvaged a draw late on through Lewis Koumas, denying the Black Stars a winning start to their final round of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite the late setback, Opoku believes there were plenty of positives to take from the match, particularly considering the limited time head coach Carlos Queiroz has had to work with the squad.

‘I thought it was a performance for us to be proud of,’ the defender said after the game. ‘As the head coach mentioned, we felt we should have won. It’s now about improving the small details and building on what we showed.’

Opoku also pointed to the challenges faced by the team in the lead-up to the fixture, revealing that several players arrived in camp late because of visa-related issues.

‘The key word is time,’ he said. ‘With the short period we’ve had together and new players joining the squad, I was pleased with the performance. It shows that with more time working together, we can become a much stronger team.’

Queiroz confirmed after the match that some members of the squad only arrived from London on the eve of the game after resolving documentation problems, leaving the team with just one full training session before taking on Wales.

The Founder and Leader of Uttermost Church, Ghana, Pastor Solomon Addo, has challenged the youth not to allow excessive television watching and social media to distract them from their academic pursuits.

He explained that instead of concentrating on their studies, the youth prefer spending more time watching television and on social media, which ends up wasting the study time they could have used to promote their academic work.

Mr. Addo was speaking at a one-day sensitisation and moral training session for some selected learners from Junior High Schools in the Ledzokuku Municipality last Thursday.

The event was organised by the Uttermost Campus, a youth wing of the Uttermost Church Ghana, to motivate, coach, and preach the word of God to the learners so that they pay more attention to their academic work than to social media and other time-wasting media.

Pastor Addo stated that spending more time on their books was critical for their academic success, but there was a need for them to spend time praying to their maker for spiritual support and guidance in everything they do.

He appealed to parents and guardians to make it a point to assist their children to be prayerful for their own protection and development.

The Founder of Uttermost Campus praised the government for the huge investment being made in the education sector, and called on all other stakeholders to also complement that effort by helping shape the moral values of the Ghanaian child for the good of the country.

In an address read for her by Madam Eunice Korantemaa Nsowah, the Ledzokuku Municipal Director of Education, Mrs. Theresa Tetteh, eulogised the leadership of the Uttermost Campus for the vision and its investment towards improving the lives of the learners.

She further emphasised that the event by Uttermost Campus was a testament that the holistic education and development of the youth was a shared responsibility, and called on all stakeholders to continue supporting the government towards the provision of quality education and training to the Ghanaian child.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is expected to lend his support to the Black Stars when they begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on June 17.

According to reports, the revered Ashanti monarch will travel to Canada following a recent visit to Poland. While in Canada, Otumfuo is also scheduled to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup Business Summit as the Special Guest of Honour.

The week-long summit, which runs from June 15 to June 21, is being organised by the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with its partners and is expected to bring together business leaders and stakeholders from various sectors.

Otumfuo’s anticipated presence at Ghana’s opening match is expected to serve as a major source of motivation for the national team as they seek a strong start to their World Cup campaign.

The Black Stars will begin their Group L challenge against Panama before travelling to Boston for a highly anticipated clash with England on June 23. They will then round off their group-stage fixtures against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Ahead of the tournament, Ghana will fine-tune preparations with an international friendly against Jamaica on June 10.

Drawn in a challenging group featuring Panama, England and Croatia, the four-time African champions will be aiming to advance beyond the group stage and secure their first appearance in the knockout rounds since their historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Gender advocacy group, ABANTU for Development, has announced plans to empower 30 women to contest the 2027 District Assembly Elections as part of a new two-year project aimed at closing Ghana’s local governance gender gap.

The project, with support from Plan International Ghana, titled, ‘Strengthening Women’s Capacities for Effective Participation and Representation in Ghana’s Local Governance System,’ will be implemented from April 2026 to March 2028 across three municipalities: West Akim Municipal in the Eastern Region, Adansi Asokwa District in the Ashanti Region, and Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal in the Greater Accra Region.

Executive Director of ABANTU for Development, Rose Mensah-Kutin, said it would pursue two central objectives: First, strengthen the capacities of 30 prospective women candidates, including young women and women with disabilities, to run effective campaigns; Second, drive advocacy and public awareness for the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.

‘As part of the effort, the organisation will engage duty bearers, particularly the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, to push for increased participation and representation of women in local governance structures.

‘The under-representation of women in local governance is not a women’s problem alone; it is a democratic deficit that concerns us all,’ she stated.

Madam Mensah-Kutin called on government institutions, district assemblies, political parties, traditional and religious authorities, the media, civil society organisations, and citizens to join in dismantling barriers that keep women out of decision-making.

‘The 30 percent threshold is the baseline of a fair and inclusive democracy. As Ghana looks toward the 2027 District Assembly Elections, let us work together to make certain that women are not only on the ballot, but in the rooms where decisions are made, in keeping with the central and transformative promise of leaving no one behind,’ she added.

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, pledged continuous efforts to champion policies, programmes and legal reforms aimed at promoting gender equality and increasing women’s participation and leadership in governance.

A major milestone in this regard is the passage of the Affirmative Action Act, which represents a historic achievement in Ghana’s pursuit of gender equality and inclusive governance.

‘I am pleased to inform you that since the passage of the Act, the Ministry has undertaken several measures to facilitate its implementation. These include the establishment of a Gender Equity Committee to guide and oversee implementation processes, the development and submission of the Legislative Instrument to Parliament, nationwide stakeholder sensitisation and awareness creation programmes, and the establishment of a functional secretariat to support implementation effort,’ she disclosed.

The minister further stated that the implementation of the National Gender Policy 2025-2034, which remains Ghana’s principal policy framework for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, is underway.

Delta is helping SkyMiles Members and customers stay ahead at every stage of the journey. Whether you’re new to Delta or a Million Miler read on for how to get the most from your Delta journey this summer – from app features that simplify the day-of experience to onboard entertainment through Delta Sync and smart tools that have your back when plans change.

If you’re not already a SkyMiles Member, consider joining for free before your next trip – it’s the easiest way to access tools and benefits designed to make your day-of travel easier.

What to know before you go

It starts with the app: The Delta app streamlines your day-of travel, from check-in to real-time updates, so you can move through your journey with confidence and manage it all in one place. Last year, more than 97% of Delta’s most loyal customers-Platinum Medallions and higher- used the app when traveling, and feedback shows that customers who use the app consistently report higher satisfaction than those who don’t.

Complete travel requirements ahead of time

Traveling internationally? You can scan and save your passport and upload US/CAN residency cards directly in the app before check-in, saving you time and hassle at the airport.

Plus, see personalized travel requirements for your destination (e.g., visas or new entry requirements) right in the app-so there’s less guesswork for international itineraries.

Opt in to TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID

Now live at more than 60 airports, Touchless ID lets eligible SkyMiles Members move through bag drop and security without showing a physical ID, saving time pre-security. With your passport scanned and saved to your profile, you can also add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your SkyMiles profile in the Delta app, which allows you to opt in to Touchless ID for your current and future trips.

Delta Concierge, currently in Beta, supports you with every use, surfacing quick answers to questions about your trip, SkyMiles status and more. Recent updates allow you to cancel your flight with ease, should your plans change. Plus, if your flight is impacted by weather or other operational changes, Delta Concierge will serve up alternative options and help you easily select a different flight.

Time out: Managing your travel when unexpected delays occur

More options when plans change: When travel doesn’t go as planned, the app keeps you in the driver’s seat. Customers can rebook eligible flights directly through the app, including nearby airports, and list themselves standby for earlier flights. Coming later this summer, expanded standby options will be available for customers with flexibility to travel to select nearby locations (e.g., JFK instead of EWR). Customers who take advantage of the standby option in the app will be assigned as soon as a seat opens up, confirming their travel plans that much sooner.

Coming later this summer, Delta will notify customers sooner when weather forecasts show potential to disrupt itineraries, helping them understand their options and change or cancel flights, when eligible.

Need assistance at the airport? Delta continues making it easier to access support. In our domestic hubs, customers visiting an airport ‘Need Help’ Center can scan a single QR code to join a virtual queue, choosing the concourse or service desk where they’d like assistance – all from their phone. Once scanned, customers wait their turn, without having to stand in a physical line. When an agent is available, customers will be notified to proceed to the counter.

Digital support options to quickly resolve questions or travel needs include using the app to rebook as well as guidance from Delta Concierge. Plus, when needed, Delta’s Reservations and Care team is only a message or call away.

In the air: Personalized entertainment offers, treats and more onboard

Once onboard, Delta’s industry-leading connectivity and signature customer service take center stage.

SkyMiles Members can access fast, free Wi Fi presented by T Mobile on more than 1,200 aircraft-more than any other U.S. airline. That connectivity powers Delta Sync, the onboard digital experience where customers can browse, watch and stream while in flight.

Think of it as Delta’s onboard portal-your gateway to personalized entertainment offers and more. You can access Delta Sync in two ways: through Delta Sync Wi Fi on your phone, tablet or laptop, or on the Delta Sync seatback screen in front of you (now on 475 aircraft). Delta Sync seatback makes your seatback screen feel more like your smart TV – log on to get tailored entertainment recommendations, persistent content preferences and favorites, real-time trip updates like connecting gate information, and more.

Delta Sync offers a world partner offers and experiences to explore – including its newest addition, FOX One, the official English streaming platform of FIFA World Cup 2026, where fans can experience all 104 matches in 4K throughout the tournament. Discover new favorites (or settle in with comforting classics) through Delta Sync partners and curated onboard content. Plus, partnerships don’t expire when you land: Enjoy 24-hour access to platforms like FOX One, Paramount+, Crunchyroll and The New York Times to keep watching, playing, reading and discovering when you reach your destination.

Big flavor, bigger reach: Expanded snack service on more flights

Sweet or salty? Whatever your preference, Delta’s onboard snack selection is available to satisfy your in-flight cravings. As of May 19, more flights than ever offer full snack and beverage service- including fan-favorites like Cheez-It® Original Baked Snack Crackers, MadeGood® Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars, SunChips® Garden Salsa Flavored Whole Grain Snacks and the ever-popular Lotus Biscoff® Cookies, paired with a full range of Coca-Cola products or premium options like Tito’s ® Handmade Vodka – bringing an upgraded experience to about 600 daily flights across Delta’s network. That means more customers traveling in Delta Comfort and Delta Main on flights 350 miles and above can expect the full-service experience.

Touchdown: navigating arrival and connections

Grab your bags: If you checked a bag, you can track its location through the app for easy pick-up.

Did you know? More than 99% of Delta customers arrive with their bag. When bags are delayed, they typically arrive on the very next flight.

Catch a ride: SkyMiles Members can visit delta.com/uber to link their SkyMiles and Uber accounts and automatically earn miles on eligible rides and orders, including: 3 miles per eligible dollar spent on Uber Reserve trips, 2 miles per eligible dollar spent on premium rides such as Uber Comfort and Uber Black and 1 mile per eligible dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports).

Tap into more SkyMiles benefits: Even after you land, your SkyMiles Membership continues to deliver value – supporting you across your journey and helping you earn toward future trips.

From planning in the Delta app to staying flexible when the unexpected pops up, Delta is continuing to invest in tools that help customers feel more prepared and more in control-on the ground and in the air.

Lower Pra Community Bank PLC in the Western Region recorded strong growth across key performance indicators in 2025, driven by prudent management decisions and strategic reforms.

The bank’s profit before tax rose to more than GHS35.1 million, representing a 61.14 percent increase over the previous year.

Total assets also expanded by nearly 30 percent, increasing from GHS379 million in 2024 to GHS491.7 million in 2025. The bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 22.17 percent, well above the Bank of Ghana’s regulatory benchmark of 13 percent.

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Felicia Aba Dawood, disclosed this at the bank’s 38th Annual General Meeting held at Shama in the Western Region on Saturday.

She noted that the achievements were clear evidence of the bank’s strong recovery, prudent management practices and strategic repositioning.

According to her, the bank successfully repositioned itself to improve loan accessibility, increase operational efficiency and expand digital income streams in order to protect profitability and shareholder value.

‘While we celebrate these successes, we remain vigilant. Our Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio stands at 3.29 percent, reflecting prudent credit administration and effective loan recovery efforts,’ she said.

Madam Aba Dawood further disclosed that during the year under review, the bank invested GHS457,000 in various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, particularly in the areas of education, sanitation, community development and social support.

She said the bank’s operational performance earned it several awards, including the Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Africa Leadership Award.

Madam Aba Dawood explained that following the transition of the institution from a rural bank to a community bank, Lower Pra is now required under the Bank of Ghana’s revised Microfinance Sector Framework to maintain enhanced minimum capital requirements applicable to community banks.

To support this objective, she said, the Board is proposing the conversion of dividend payments into shares to strengthen the bank’s shareholders’ funds.

‘This will assist the bank in attaining and sustaining the prescribed minimum share capital requirement as directed by the Bank of Ghana,’ she noted.

The Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Ernest Nii Tackie-Otoo, said that when he assumed office in September 2024, the banking industry was under pressure and expectations were high.

‘Today, through the support of our stakeholders and customers, Lower Pra has recorded one of the transformations in recent times,’ he stated.

The Head of the Human Capital Department at ARB Apex Bank PLC, Francisca Dedei Afutu, commended the Board, Management and Staff of the bank for their strong financial performance during the year under review.

Access Bank (Ghana) PLC has announced the appointment of two accomplished banking executives to its senior leadership team following regulatory approval from the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

Eugene Ocansey joins the Bank as Executive Director for Retail and SME Banking, while Nana Kwabena Afoom has been appointed Executive Director for Wholesale Banking.

The appointments underscore the Bank’s commitment to attracting exceptional talent in support of its strategic agenda to grow, transform, and protect the franchise. Together, Eugene Ocansey and Nana Kwabena Afoom bring more than four decades of combined experience spanning retail banking, SME development, corporate and institutional banking, digital transformation, business growth, and risk management.

The bank said their expertise is expected to strengthen the Bank’s leadership capacity as it seeks to build a future-ready institution and deliver sustainable value to customers, shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves.

The Bank’s growth agenda is focused on deepening customer relationships, expanding market share across retail, SME, commercial, and corporate banking, and strengthening its position as a leading financial institution in Ghana.

Its transformation agenda is centred on digitisation, innovation, operational excellence, and delivering a simpler, faster, and more seamless banking experience for customers.

Equally important is the Bank’s commitment to protecting the franchise through strong governance, prudent risk management, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity resilience, and the preservation of stakeholder trust.

Commenting on the appointments, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Access Bank (Ghana) PLC, Ama Sarpong Barwuah said, ‘These appointments reflect our commitment to building a world-class leadership team. Eugene and Nana bring the experience, character, and execution capability required to help us grow sustainably, transform for the future, and protect the trust that our customers and stakeholders place in us.’

The Managing Director of Access Bank (Ghana) PLC, Pearl Nkrumah, also welcomed the appointments and said, ‘Both executives bring proven leadership, extensive industry experience, and a strong track record of delivering results.’

‘Their appointments will accelerate our growth agenda, deepen customer engagement, and strengthen our governance and risk culture as we continue to build a future-ready institution. Their experience and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the next chapter of Access Bank Ghana’s success,’ he stated.

President John Mahama has ruled out attempt to seek a possible third term bid in office, following speculation within the leadership of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a section of the public.

DAILY GUIDE learnt that the President, who made his intentions known during a meeting with the party’s Council of Elders last Friday at the Flagstaff House, said he is committed to the two term presidential limit stipulated in the constitution.

According to sources, the Council of Elders meeting, chaired by Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, used the opportunity to address growing concerns over some individuals serving in government but are said to be covertly campaigning to succeed President Mahama after his tenure.

Many members of the NDC and some political analysts have since last year discussed if it is possible for President Mahama to explore avenues in the constitution to bid for a third term in office, in spite of the constitutional limit which stipulates that a President cannot serve more than two elected terms under Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution.

Sources also revealed that, President Mahama firmly reiterated that he would not seek another presidential mandate beyond his current term, reinforcing remarks he first made during a state visit to Singapore last year.

Information gathered by DAILY GUIDE indicates that some top executives of the NDC, including its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, and National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who have publicly opposed calls for President Mahama’s bid for a third term in office, were absent at the meeting.

Fifi Kwetey had condemned individuals who advocated for a third term agenda bid for President Mahama when he addressed members of the party at the 31st December Revolution anniversary last year.

Mr. Kwetey, who described individuals advocating for President Mahama to run for a third term as ‘sycophants’ and ‘bootlickers’, said they were interested in securing their personal interests rather than expressing love for the country and the party.

Mr. Kwetey, therefore, supported President Mahama when he declared his intention not to seek for a third term, stressing that the NDC would not use its parliamentary majority to change constitutional term limits of the country, while urging members of the party to collectively adhere to the values of the NDC and work towards retaining power in the 2028 elections.

Information available also indicates that some senior officials within the NDC maintain that the party remains fully committed to Ghana’s constitutional order and would not support any legislative efforts to extend presidential term limits.

In the landscape of rural development, the transition from subsistence to sustainability is often cited as a goal; however, it is rarely measured with the precision of a fintech operation. Reflecting on the insights shared during the inaugural Financial Inclusion for Last Mile Actors (FILMA) Learning Event at the Accra Marriott Hotel, which hosted over 230 stakeholders, it is clear that the ‘last mile’ is no longer the end of the road, but rather the starting point for systemic economic transformation.

Program Context: A Multi-Partner Vision For Rural Ghana

Implemented by Temple Investments in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, FILMA is a four-year, multi-partner initiative (2024-2028) designed to empower 100,000 young Ghanaians. The program specifically targets young women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) by providing access to affordable credit, inclusive financial services, and market opportunities.

Central to this mission is the Last Mile Actor (LMA), defined as the essential yet often overlooked players at the end of the agricultural value chain. This demographic primarily comprises young women, youth, and PWDs serving as smallholder farmers, processors, and traders. These actors have historically been excluded from formal financial systems due to systemic barriers: a lack of traditional collateral, limited financial footprints, and the high perceived risk of rural enterprises.

The program operates with a precise mandate: ensuring that 70% of LMAs are women and 5% are persons with disabilities, focusing its efforts across 18 districts in the Volta, Oti, Bono East, and Northern Regions. To achieve this scale, the program is driven by a strategic consortium led by Temple Investments, providing strategic leadership and managing the Catalytic Facility for Inclusive Finance (CFIF). This ecosystem is fortified by the specialized expertise of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), AV Ventures, SEND Ghana, and Enterprise Life, which provides tailored insurance solutions to de-risk the financial landscape for rural actors.

More than just an intervention, FILMA serves as a critical test case for a high-impact sustainability model. It marks a definitive departure from traditional grant-based modules, aiming instead to transform agricultural and agri-adjacent value chains, including production and the introduction of emerging technology, into self-sustaining hubs of economic resilience.

Solid Evidence: Operational Milestones and Alternative Livelihoods

Two years into the four-year program, FILMA’s data reflects deep structural changes. The program has enrolled 77,868 LMAs; representing 78% of the total life-of-project target, and successfully transitioned 44,476 youth into dignified and fulfilling work, with young women making up 90% (40,028) of this total. Additionally, 2,151 persons with disabilities are actively participating in the program’s pathways.

The average monthly income of an LMA has more than doubled, rising from a baseline of GHS1,334 to GHS2,793, while the portion of LMAs able to self-secure a financial product has jumped from 3% to 38%. Crucially, the program is de-risking rural life by introducing microinsurance and promoting diversified, non-traditional income streams to hedge against agricultural volatility. To date, this includes specialized training and equipment distribution for 1,099 individuals in beekeeping, 500 in mushroom production, and 2,661 in dry-season vegetable production.

Voices from the Last Mile: The LMA Youth Panel

A powerful session at the forum brought five last-mile actors to the stage to share their real-world transformations. Sakina, a young participant, described how saving was once a distant dream, as she struggled to manage the small allowances provided by her parents. Following the financial literacy and saving guides provided by the program, she began consistently saving 30% of her funds, turning a dream into an active, empowering daily practice.

Gifty, a university graduate, shared how she turned to mushroom farming in the Oti Region due to the scarcity of formal employment. Although she managed to build a basic farming structure using her national service allowance, she lacked the capital to purchase compost and spawn. Initially dismissing Voluntary Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) as groups meant only for older community members, Gifty joined the program, mobilized other young people, and formed a VSLA. The collective savings from this group provided the critical capital needed to purchase compost and launch her commercial operations, highlighting how local, structured savings can bypass traditional borrowing barriers.

Redefining the Ecosystem: Systemic Debates and Institutional Commitments

The final stakeholder panel confronted the harsh economic realities facing rural and local producers. Caleb Edwards, Managing Director of WAMI AGRO, offered a sobering view on the impact of import liberalization, pointing out that local producers struggle to compete with importers backed by cheaper foreign capital, subsidies, and tax exemptions. He shared that local companies have faced six-figure impairments due to these policies, forcing a local rice farm to let go of 18 workers, and emphasized that credit access will fail without corresponding market protection and hedging strategies.

Addressing lending risks, panel representatives from Absa and Maroon Capital discussed the necessity of digital lending to offset last-mile delivery costs, but warned of a culture of default that led to a bank taking a 32 million GHS impairment. They called for a unified shift in borrower mindset toward ‘contractual faithfulness’ and robust data literacy.

These provocations led to critical institutional commitments. The Central Bank representative pledged to move beyond simple gender-balance metrics to develop and launch an active, value-chain-wide inclusive policy specifically for women by mid-2027. The Ministry of Finance committed to crafting highly actionable, solution-oriented policies within the upcoming National Financial Inclusion and Development Strategy (NFIDS). Concurrently, disability advocates and WAMI Agro announced a collaborative framework with international disability facilitators to train financial institutions on accessible services, ensuring local PWD structures are intentionally integrated into future outreach.

The Women Behind the Work: From Survival to Destiny

‘For us at Temple, these women are not a video. They are the reason we are here. They are not characters in a story; they are the story,’ noted Cecilia Hesse, Managing Director of Temple Investments, during her opening address. Her words underscored a fundamental shift in how development is measured: moving away from distant spreadsheets toward the lived realities of the women who are the bedrock of the nation.

She also shared a proverb that captures the resilience of the program’s target demographic: ‘Even if the housefly has nothing, it rubs its hands together in anticipation.’ This spirit of preparation and work is what FILMA seeks to harness. By recognizing the brilliance and drive of these women, the program ensures they no longer have to struggle just to survive, but are instead empowered to build a lasting destiny for their families and communities.