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Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has urged judges in Ghana to approach cases involving illegal mining, known in local parlance as galamsey and drug trafficking with a sense of urgency, as a way of combating the growing menace.

According to him, the devastation caused to the environment and the nation are huge and the Judiciary must play its role in eradicating the canker.

‘As members of the Judiciary, we are not policy makers and we do not wield the enforcement powers of the executive. Yet our constitutional role is neither passive nor peripheral. We are the guardians of justice, custodians of the law, and interpreters of the nation’s conscience,’ Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said.

He was speaking at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Association of Magistrates and Judges Association of Ghana yesterday. It was under the theme ‘Leveraging Technology to Enhance Justice Delivery’.

The Acting Chief Justice indicated that the Judiciary’s responsibilities in confronting the challenges of illegal mining and drug trafficking include upholding the law, nothing that ‘we must ensure that prosecutions related to illegal mining and drug trafficking and abuse are handled with seriousness, impartiality, and urgency. And I mean urgency.’

He said where there is evidence, the law must be applied without fear or favour, emphasising that ‘no person, and I mean no person, regardless of their political affiliation or social status, should be immune from justice.’

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also highlighted what he described as ‘a growing public perception’ that sentences for environmental crimes and drug offences are either too lenient or inconsistently applied.

‘We must work towards harmonising sentencing practices to ensure propriety, deterrence, and fairness. We must fiercely guard our independence from external pressures, be they political, commercial, or social,’ he added.

President of the AMJG, Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie, highlighted some of the challenges facing the Judiciary, particularly infrastructural facilities and welfare packages for judges and magistrates.

He pointed out that even when the Judiciary’s budgetary allocation has been approved and allocations made, getting it released then becomes the problem.

‘It suffices to say that facilities for the performance of functions of the Judiciary are released, given to us as if we don’t deserve it,’ he said.

He also stated that compensation packages for judges, including allowances, medical bills, and others are not paid on time, a situation which is affecting judges and magistrates who do not have any other source of income.

He called on the Ministry of Finance to at least expedite action on the financial packages for the Judiciary to address the challenges.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, assured the gathering that he will to work ‘assiduously’ with his deputy to ensure that the challenges confronting the Judiciary are a thing of the past.

He urged judges and magistrates to bear the solemn duty of ensuring that technology supports rather than supplants judicial reasoning.

‘To this end, it is imperative to establish a clear regulatory framework to guide the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our courts, one that safeguards accuracy, integrity, and public trust in the administration of justice,’ he suggested.

Telecel Ghana concluded its annual Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Month celebrations with the Telecel Business Runway, a dynamic event designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical skills and visibility to grow their businesses.

Held at the Labadi Beach Hotel under the theme ‘Gen Z Impact: Skills, Money and Mindset,’ the forum brought together emerging business founders, content creators, industry experts, and youth policymakers for a day of learning, discussions, networking, and product showcases.

Participants also benefited from free on-site services, including business registration by the Registrar General’s Department, tax orientation by the Ghana Revenue Authority, and a vendor market that highlighted innovative small businesses.

Opening the event, Telecel Ghana’s CEO, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, urged young entrepreneurs to embrace skills, money, and mindset as the foundation for sustainable growth.

‘The mission for SME Month is to back young entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, visibility, and digital tools to grow. Skills, money, and mindset are the three essentials for business growth, and today is about giving you these tactics to apply right now,’ she said.

The programme featured insights from leading entrepreneurs and business experts, including Sam Rodgers of Wild Fusion Ghana, who discussed content strategy for growth; content creator Kojo Junior, who spoke on authenticity and digital storytelling; and Jahzara Agyemang, CEO of JTE Business Consult, who guided attendees through grant opportunities.

Others, such as Innohub CEO Nelson Amo and Absa Bank’s Head of SME Banking, Edward Mawudem, focused on funding, investor expectations, and capital access.

Young entrepreneurs, including Baaba Ankrah of GOBA Kente and Joey Lit of Free the Youth, also shared candid stories about overcoming challenges, pivoting careers, and avoiding the pitfalls of comparison in business.

The government signaled its support through Mohammed Saani Adams, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to institutionalising SMEs as a key driver of Ghana’s economy.

Beyond panel discussions, Telecel unveiled three new SME-tailored products – the Boss Plan, One Business Mobile, and an enhanced Your Business Online service – aimed at helping small businesses stay connected, market themselves, and expand digitally.

Genevieve Dzifa Akpalu, founder of The AG Shop, said she was able to register her business on-site, gain clarity on tax obligations, and secure new customers from the vendor market.

‘I’m leaving with a registered business, a roadmap to apply for grants, file taxes, and even new customers for my products. This is a great opportunity,’ she said.

Now in its ninth year, SME Month has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, reflecting Telecel Ghana’s broader commitment to empowering small and medium enterprises with digital tools, connectivity, and access to opportunities.

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn into office eleven new Ghanaian envoys to represent the country in missions abroad, as part of his government’s commitment to strengthening international relations and advancing Ghana’s foreign policy agenda.

The swearing-in ceremony, held in Accra yesterday, followed the granting of approval by host nations throughout September 2025. Each envoy received presidential instruments of commission, officially empowering them to assume their duties in their respective posts.

All the appointees are non-career diplomats drawn from varied professional backgrounds. Among those commissioned were Kwesi Ahwoi, named Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia; Kojo Choi, Ambassador to South Korea; Captain (Rtd.) George Kofi Nfojoh, High Commissioner to Togo; Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner to Canada; Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, High Commissioner to Namibia; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Ambassador to Hungary; Benjamin Anani Quashie, High Commissioner to South Africa; Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Ambassador to the Republic of Congo; Benedict Batabe Assorow, Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican); Prof. Esi Awuah, Ambassador to Switzerland; and Mohammed Abubakari Manaf, Ambassador to Benin.

President Mahama charged the diplomats to project Ghana’s image as a stable democracy and a credible partner for trade, investment, and sustainable development.

He emphasised that their work should not only strengthen bilateral relations but also promote the welfare of Ghanaians abroad.

Addressing the envoys before their departure, the President used the platform to caution Ghanaians against overstaying their visas in the United States.

He explained that visa restrictions recently imposed by the Trump administration had stemmed largely from Ghanaian nationals overstaying their permits, particularly students and members of official delegations.

‘Many of you are aware that Ghana became the only country subject to U.S. visa restrictions to secure a complete reversal from the Trump administration. Let me state clearly that this outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest,’ President Mahama said.

He noted that assurances were given to U.S. authorities that Ghana would work to reduce the number of overstayers.

‘I mean, these are people who go and instead of coming back, they decide to stay. And so, they have the record. So, when they draw the threshold and you’re above it, then they cancel your five-year visas and bring you to B-5, B-3. So those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back. Because you affect everybody else,’ he cautioned.

He further explained that there was no financial arrangement as part of Ghana’s negotiations with Washington. Instead, talks are continuing on U.S. trade tariffs and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously provided African nations with tariff-free access to American markets.

Touching on the deportation of some West African nationals to Ghana, the President stressed that the country would not accept individuals who compromise national security. ‘I wish to assure my countrymen and women that our understanding with the U.S. does not undermine our sovereignty, security, or stability. Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds,’ he declared.

Youth leaders from the Ashanti Region, together with youth groups nationwide, have officially declared their support for Dr. Bryan Acheampong in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026.

The youth announced their endorsement yesterday in Kumasi, amidst chants of ‘Bryan delivers’, ‘Unifier’, and ‘Bryan the Joshua’. According to them, they are backing a leader who delivers.

‘Ghana is at a crossroad. We need a statesman, a visionary, a builder. That leader is Bryan Acheampong,’ declared the conveners.

They cited his transformational work in agriculture-especially under Planting for Food and Jobs 2.0, which shifted the country from subsidy dependence to a credit-based value chain.

Also, his expansion of irrigation in Afram Plains and his leadership of the cocoa sector, where he secured fair pricing for cocoa farmers, were hailed as game-changers.

The youth further praised his international role as Chairman of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative during which period he elevated West Africa’s bargaining power as well as his investments in the private sector through Rock City Hotel, which has created hundreds of jobs and empowered farmers, artisans, and the youth.

‘In Abetifi, his legacy includes scholarships, vocational training, health programmes, and infrastructure,’ they said.

The youth emphasised that Dr. Acheampong embodies the traits the NPP needs in its next leader. ‘Bryan Acheampong is not just a candidate, he’s a movement,’ they declared. He has the track record, the temperament, and the tenacity to unify the party and win for Ghana.’

They thus called on delegates, executives, and polling station officers to rally behind him, stating that his leadership offers the clearest path to victory in 2028.

GHANAIAN RAPPER, Medikal, has featured five leading stars in the country for his highly anticipated album ‘Disturbation II,’ set to be released on October 10, 2025.

The album comes with 18 songs and features musicians such as Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Olivetheboy, Beeztrap KOTM, and Lalid.

The yet-to-be-released album has songs like ‘I Did It’ featuring Shatta Wale, ‘Too Bad,’ which features Olivetheboy, ‘DND,’ featuring Sarkodie, and ‘Fully Active,’ which features fast-rising artist, Lalid, among other tracks.

The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Atown TSB and Beatz Vampire. The streets and fans have been waiting, ready to jam on it.

Born Samuel Adu Frimpong, Medikal’s music career took off in 2010 when he was signed by Criss Waddle’s Arab Money Gang (AMG) Business record label. He released his first mixtape, ‘MediKatioN,’ in 2013, followed by his debut album ‘Disturbation’ in 2017, which earned him several nominations at the Ghana Music Awards.

Medikal’s breakthrough single ‘Confirm’ featuring Sarkodie in 2016 catapulted him to fame. He went on to release several hit songs, including ‘Omo Ada’, ‘Ayekoo’, ‘How Much’, ‘La Hustle’ and ‘Odo’. His collaborations with prominent artistes like Shatta Wale, King Promise, and Joey B have solidified his position in the Ghanaian music industry.

In 2020, Medikal released his third album, ‘The Truth,’ and his fourth album, ‘Abonten,’ in 2021. He also released the ‘Healing EP’ album in 2024, featuring collaborations with Shatta Wale, Beeztrap KOTM, and Kojo Funds.

The opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) offer African teachers and students are immense; the AI education market in the Middle East and Africa is projected to hit $1.7 billion by 2030. Yet in Sub-Saharan Africa, where student-teacher ratios can reach 50:1 and many children still lack access to quality learning resources, the need for innovative solutions is urgent. What excites me most about AI in African education is the potential to address persistent inequalities in ways that haven’t been possible before.

For too long, students in under-resourced schools have had fewer opportunities simply because their teachers lacked access to support, materials, or professional development. AI can change this dynamic fundamentally, making world-class support accessible even in the most remote classrooms.

Across Africa, AI has the potential to drive change in schools, but only if it is shaped to fit the realities of African classrooms, rather than forcing classrooms to adapt to the technology. The real promise lies in AI’s power to personalise learning at scale, helping teachers meet the needs of every student in classes that are often large and diverse. When AI is guided by local priorities, cultural context and teacher expertise, it stops being a futuristic add-on and becomes a practical ally.

The Challenges

Three obstacles stand out most clearly from our work across the continent.

Connectivity remains a major challenge across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. Teachers want to use AI tools but can’t always access them when they need them most. That means that classroom tools need to have offline capabilities, such as pre-generated material, and tools need to work effectively with intermittent internet connections.

Language barriers present another complexity. While many teachers are comfortable teaching in English, this is not their students’ mother tongue and they often need to explain concepts in local languages. We’re working on multilingual capabilities through researching the African language capabilities of leading AI chatbots, but this remains an ongoing challenge that requires careful cultural and linguistic adaptation.

Perhaps most importantly, we’re hearing that teachers want more time to explore and experiment with AI tools. The demanding nature of teaching, particularly in resource-constrained environments, means that many educators struggle to find space for learning new technologies. If adoption is to succeed, professional development and time allowances must be built into the process from the start.

Making AI Familiar

The beauty of AI integration in education lies not in expensive hardware or complex software, but in leveraging the tools teachers already have access to. Through our work across Sub-Saharan Africa, we’ve discovered that the most practical entry point is often the smartphone in a teacher’s pocket.

Our WhatsApp teacher support AI chatbot project in South Africa demonstrates this perfectly. Teachers are already comfortable with WhatsApp; they understand how to send messages, and they can access support instantly without needing new apps or training on unfamiliar platforms. When a teacher in a rural classroom needs help differentiating a lesson for mixed-ability learners or wants quick feedback on a lesson plan, they can simply message our AI assistant and receive immediate, contextualised support.

This approach works because it builds on existing digital behaviours rather than requiring teachers to learn entirely new systems. We’ve found that teachers who start with familiar interfaces, such as WhatsApp, develop confidence that naturally extends to other AI tools over time.

Empowering Educators As Architects Of Learning

At Cambridge, we believe the power of AI in education lies in a human-centred approach that starts ‘where teachers are,’ respecting their agency and empowering them as architects of learning, not just consumers of technology.

It is this human-centred approach that is key to helping students navigate change and use technology effectively. A recent Cambridge report, ‘Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world’, which captures the views of nearly 7,000 teachers and students across 150 countries, shows that while technology is widely embraced to support teaching and learning, over a third of teachers surveyed (34%) selected over-reliance on technology as the greatest challenge that technology might pose in preparing students for the future. In this age of AI, we believe that it is essential for students to develop a solid foundation of subject knowledge to help them interpret information critically and effectively.

This insight is one reason we are especially focused on helping African education systems avoid the challenges other regions have faced with technology adoption. Our approach emphasises teacher training, infrastructure readiness, and gradual implementation, rather than rapid, large-scale deployments that too often fail to deliver their intended outcomes.

We’ve structured our Getting Started with AI in the Classroom guide around practical scenarios that teachers encounter daily and our professional development programme for STEM teachers exemplifies this philosophy too.

Rather than starting with ‘here’s how to use this AI tool’, we begin with ‘here’s how AI can solve real problems you face in your classroom’. Teachers learn to evaluate AI outputs critically, asking questions like: Does this explanation match my students’ cultural context? Are there biases in the examples provided? How can I adapt this suggestion to fit my teaching style?

A Future Built For Teachers

Teachers in Africa are incredibly creative and adaptable, and we’re starting to see them use AI in ways that we never anticipated. They’re adapting tools to local languages, incorporating traditional knowledge systems, and developing approaches that reflect their deep understanding of their communities. This innovation from the ground up suggests that AI integration in African classrooms will look quite different from implementations in other parts of the world, and that’s exactly as it should be.

Our vision is AI that helps preserve what’s best about African education while addressing its most persistent challenges. This means supporting the strong relationships between teachers and students, the collaborative learning approaches, and the community connections that characterise many African classrooms, while using AI to reduce administrative burden, enhance personalisation and provide teachers with better support.

To make this vision real, three things are essential: deeper investment in teacher training, stronger collaboration with ministries and local tech innovators, and sustained infrastructure development to bridge connectivity gaps.

Ultimately, I’m excited about a future where every African student has access to excellent education, supported by teachers who feel confident, well-resourced and professionally fulfilled. AI won’t create this future by itself, but it can be a powerful tool in the hands of dedicated educators working toward that goal.

The Accra High Court has granted a temporary injunction in favour of Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni, and her mother, Cecilia Minta, restraining Oheneba Media and two of its presenters from making further publications about them.

Justice Forson Agyapong Baah delivered the ruling on September 26, 2025, following an application filed earlier on September 15. The order, which surfaced online via Ayisha Modi’s Instagram page, specifically bars Oheneba Media, Oheneba Agyei Nimako, and Oheneba Serwaa Bonsu from continuing their commentary on Odo Broni.

The legal action comes after several weeks of heated criticism against Odo Broni since the passing of her partner, Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, on July 26, 2025. In a series of broadcasts, Oheneba Media presenters challenged her legitimacy as Lumba’s wife, insisting that his first wife, Akosua Serwaa, based in Germany, remains the only lawful spouse.

Presenter Oheneba Serwaa repeatedly referred to Odo Broni as merely a ‘baby mama’ and dismissed claims by Lumba’s family head that both women should be allowed to perform widowhood rites. The attacks extended to her mother, who was accused of pushing her daughter to replace Akosua Serwaa in the late musician’s family.

Prudential Bank Limited (PBL) has donated a Nissan Navara 4×4 pickup truck for the sixth consecutive year to support the Ghana Teacher Prize.

The vehicle will be presented to the first runner-up at the upcoming awards ceremony, scheduled for October 5, 2025, at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Cedi Auditorium in Ho.

At a brief ceremony in Accra, the Executive Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking at PBL, Edward Commey, handed over the vehicle to the National Teaching Council (NTC) on behalf of the Bank.

He expressed pride in the partnership with the Ministry of Education, the NTC, and the Ghana Teacher Prize, saying the initiative continues to inspire teachers nationwide.

‘Quality education is fundamental to societal advancement. Education equips individuals, fuels economic progress, and strengthens community bonds,’ Mr. Commey noted.

He was accompanied by the Bank’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Akosua A. Boahen.

Receiving the vehicle, NTC Registrar Dr. Christian Addai-Poku commended Prudential Bank for its sustained contribution toward improving teacher motivation and performance.

He stressed that recognising excellence in education aligns with national development goals and urged other corporate institutions to emulate PBL’s commitment.

The 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize, now in its seventh year since its rebranding from the Best Teacher Awards, marks 31 years of celebrating exceptional educators.

Since 1994, teachers have been honoured with houses, vehicles, and monetary awards to motivate excellence and dedication to service.

This year’s celebrations will kick off with a two-day symposium and exhibition at the Volta Serene Hotel from October 3 to 4, before culminating in the grand ceremony on World Teachers’ Day, October 5.

President John Dramani Mahama will grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.

The hassle associated with this year’s school placement has been nightmarish.

Although the picture of a smooth exercise is being painted, we can simply conclude that it is just part of a choreographed propaganda.

Indeed, the best persons to give a true picture of the situation on the ground are parents.

Parents who do not have the means to influence those in charge of the placement centres have to cope with the complaints of their wards at home, especially those who did so well and are expecting to be placed in schools of their choices. Some of such students, and they are many, have ended up being placed outside their places of residence and as day students.

Boarding status has been denied many prospective students, a situation which has led to speculations that it is part of a deliberate scheme to reduce the number of boarders in public schools. If you do not want to be openly scrapping the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme and earn the wrath of the people, simply reduce the numbers going to the boarding schools. That is what government is subtly doing, according to political gossips.

As usual when people are pressed, they fall victims to corrupt officers in charge of the school placement activities.

Some parents are paying good money for their kids to have their schools changed, and it is happening. The more popular the school is, the more parents have to pay to have admissions for their wards. The amount being paid of course without receipts vary between two thousand and fifteen thousand Ghana Cedis. That is the story, and those who dispute this can go to the field for verification.

There is no convincing explanation about students gaining aggregate 9 being denied their first choices.

A young girl who did very well, aggregate 9, was given O’Reilly Senior High School and as day student. The father of the young girl was so incensed that he simply did not know what to do. He ruled out bribing to have his daughter gain admission to Achimota or Accra Girls’ Senior High School.

His last resort – seeking the intervention of politically connected persons some of whom might not pick his calls. What if he does not have such links?

Perhaps it is time to rethink the system, especially given the rising number of pupils qualifying to proceed to SHS across the country.

We progressed from the initial first and second school choices and a region for the third to the current computer placement, which over time has posted challenges as being witnessed in this year’s chapter.

Parents and pupils too should be blamed for some of the challenges being witnessed. With schools categorised and for that matter having varying grades for admissions, yet some pupils who do not meet the grades insist on being posted to such schools.

This is where the corruption sets in, and those who benefit from it are exploiting the once-in-a-year opportunity to the detriment of financially stressed parents.

We are looking at a future where challenges as aforementioned do not feature in the school placement system. It can be done when stakeholders brainstorm on the subject so they can come out with effective interventions.

CEO of Popout / Esports Academy, Maximus Ametorgoh, has called on the investment community to support Electronic Sports as it presents huge prospects for economic development.

Speaking during a panel discussion at MTN DigiFest 2025 Gaming Focused Group and Closing ceremony in Accra, Maximus labeled Saudi Arabia as the country investing heavily in the global gaming and esports industry, through strategic acquisitions and initiatives like the Savvy Games Group and the Esports World Cup, which offers record prize pools.

These investments by the Saudi government, according to him, aim to establish the Kingdom as a major global gaming hub by 2030, stating that with the right investment and policy from the government of Ghana, the country will lead the sector.

He added that with the right investment, organisations can train and tool gamers, develop video games, create job opportunities, organise Esports events, and promote responsible gaming and skill development in Ghana.

Maximus added that investing in Esports is a smart move for businesses, offering a unique opportunity to tap into a young, engaged, and tech-savvy audience.

Speaking about government engagement in boosting Esports in the country, he mentioned that the National Sport Authority, in consultation with stakeholders, is working on developing esports policies.

Manager, Video and Gaming at MTN Ghana, Yaw Antwi Boadu, said the telecommunication company is supporting the industry in various areas to promote its activities in the country.

He said MTN is committed to supporting the gaming society, saying,’ MTN is looking to the future. We see the value that we can generate and also the value we will generate for the community, and we are willing to step out and work with the esports community to ensure that this is achieved.’

When asked about the need for MTN to curate a data package for gamers, Antwi Boadu said, ‘Without internet, customers will not be able to take advantage of these sports, so the next level is to design a data package for the gaming society to take advantage of.’