Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

GHANA’S MOST Beautiful (GMB), the country’s premier tourism and cultural pageant reality show, is set to host its semi-final show, ‘Justify Your Inclusion,’ this Sunday.

The seven participants will each present their case for inclusion in the finale, showcasing their talents, charisma, and dedication to promoting Ghanaian culture.

The event promises to be an exciting display of Ghana’s rich heritage and the contestants’ passion for tourism and cultural development.

Currently, the seven contestants ready for the finale include Nana (Bono Region), Afedziwaa (Central Region), Asakia (Upper East Region), Yeli (Bono Region), Sika (Ashanti Region), Etornam (Volta Region) and Adjorkor (Greater Accra).

Last Sunday event, themed, ‘One Africa’ saw two of the contestants bow out from the competition, Busi from the Savannah Region and Diyuah representing the Oti Region. Etornam, Sika and Diyuah won the Star Performer, Most Eloquent and Best Costume respectively.

Among the seven, one of the most sought-after contestants in the competition whose jaw-dropping performances have sailed her through is Afedziwaa. Labelled as the ‘Viewer’s Favourite.’

Afedziwaa, representing the Central Region, has been making waves in Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2025. She has on several occasions been saved from eviction. In one of her standout moments, Afedziwaa showcased the cultural significance of the Apatampa dance, a traditional Fante dance, and received accolades from judges and the audience alike.

Her educational performances have been a highlight of the competition, and she’s been praised for her eloquence, outfit, and embodiment of the performances.

Afedziwaa’s journey in GMB 2025 has been notable, and she’s been consistently waving her flag high for the Central Region. With her strong performances and cultural knowledge, she’s a contestant to watch out for in the competition.

Parliament will reconvene on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to begin the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.

In an official notice issued yesterday, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced that the meeting will commence at 2:00 p.m. at Parliament House in Accra.

The upcoming meeting marks the end of a three-month recess, during which Members of Parliament (MPs) were expected to engage with their constituents and undertake committee assignments.

The House is set to return to a packed agenda that will include the consideration of new bills, outstanding government business, and reports from various committees.

Parliament is anticipated to serve once again as a key arena for government accountability and legislative oversight, with debates likely to be heated as both Majority and Minority MPs seek to advance their positions on matters of national importance.

Ghanaian DStv subscribers are set to enjoy greater value for their money from October 1, following a new agreement reached between the government and MultiChoice Africa.

Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, announced the development at a press briefing in Accra yesterday, describing the arrangement as ‘an unprecedented value offer’ available only in Ghana.

He explained that the offer would give customers between 33 and 50 percent more value depending on the bouquet they subscribe to.

Under the new plan, subscribers will be automatically upgraded to higher packages at no additional cost, ensuring that they gain access to more channels and services while continuing to pay the same subscription rates.

Even premium customers, who already receive the full bouquet, will benefit through exclusive incentives, including automatic entry into a competition for an all-expenses-paid trip to watch English Premier League matches.

The Minister stressed that the arrangement means ‘more services for less’ and represents a significant concession from MultiChoice Africa after weeks of negotiations and regulatory scrutiny.

The government has framed the deal as a direct response to concerns expressed by subscribers about affordability and value, pointing out that the package is unique to Ghana and unmatched anywhere else on the continent.

The value upgrade will run for three months beginning October 1. During this period, the stakeholder committee, comprising the Ministry of Communications, the National Communications Authority, MultiChoice Africa, and MultiChoice Ghana, will monitor its implementation and reconvene to assess its impact.

According to George, the development highlights the power of collaboration between regulators and service providers to secure fairer, more beneficial terms for Ghanaian consumers.

Across Africa, women-led businesses face well-documented barriers that hinder their growth and access to finance. Many women cannot use land, property, or significant assets as collateral because they do not own them. Instead, they often rely on informal financial services, such as savings groups. Distrust of banks, sometimes stemming from past experiences or limited financial literacy, further restricts access. Household responsibilities, including childcare and caring for dependents, mean many women have fewer resources to save or reinvest in their businesses.

Additionally, gender norms and restrictions on decision-making and mobility create further obstacles. In Northern and Western Africa, especially in Tunisia, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, Advans is exploring ways to bridge these gaps. By using tailored product design, forming partnerships with trusted local networks, and conducting rigorous testing, Advans is learning how to make financial services both accessible and user-friendly for women.

Entrepreneurs need financing to grow, and most of these businesses are viable but remain vulnerable without formal financial systems in place. The risks are even greater in agriculture, where climate shocks and market volatility disproportionately impact women. According to CGAP, women farmers have less access to finance, adaptation tools, and risk management resources than men.

In Tunisia, Advans Tunisie introduced El Beya, a loan designed specifically for women. Ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 TND (about pound 300-pound 3,000), the loans feature lower fees and more flexible collateral requirements. After two loan cycles, women can borrow larger amounts without providing collateral. A follow-up study in June 2025 showed that 82% of female clients increased their income, 39% spent more on education, and 13% created jobs.

In Ghana, the AdvansHer programme offers women entrepreneurs personalised coaching in social media promotion, practical bookkeeping, and business structuring. Over 100 women-led SMEs have participated since its launch, supported by the Development Bank of Ghana. The institution also launched a school-fee savings feature called EduSave specifically targeted at women.

Vicentia Ananepia, a fashion entrepreneur in Ghana, recalls the moment she nearly lost a shipment. In her early days, her husband helped her with the capital to start her business. But when serious obstacles arose, she had to find her own solution. ‘One day, my goods arrived from China, and I had no money to go and claim them,’ she explains in her testimonial. ‘So, I went through Advans. They lent me money to pay my bills, and I brought the goods to market.’ That shipment supported her business and helped it grow. Today, she owns three shops. ‘As a woman, I’m proud of myself because it’s not easy for a woman to work as a trader.’

Advans’ models are not driven by lending; they are enabling businesses, which include providing financing. Côte d’Ivoire serves as another example: Advans has developed savings and lending products for rural women through Village Savings And Loan Associations (VSLAs) and cooperatives, especially in cocoa-growing areas.

Beyond Côte d’Ivoire, the results across the Advans group are tangible: the network now serves over 240,000 women, including more than 26,000 female borrowers. Women account for 35% of all depositors across its network.

Kenya illustrates what inclusive finance can achieve at scale. By 2024, widespread mobile money adoption had narrowed the gender gap in financial access to just 1.6%, compared to persistent gaps of 12 percentage points in Sub-Saharan Africa and 15 in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the World Bank’s 2025 Global Findex.

The lesson is clear: inclusion isn’t about simplifying mainstream products but about rethinking design. Financial tools must reflect how women live, earn, and plan. A 2023 IMF gender note highlighted that when women access well-designed financial services, the benefits spread outward, supporting family welfare, boosting economic resilience, and building human capital.

At Advans, we observe this firsthand. Whether through El Beya in Tunisia, AdvansHer in Ghana, or VSLA-linked savings and lending in Côte d’Ivoire, women adopt services more quickly and report stronger outcomes when products are designed with their realities in mind. It’s not a matter of lowering barriers, but of tailoring solutions to women’s realities.

THE ASSISTANT Headmaster of KNUST Senior High School (SHS) in Kumasi, Charles Akwasi Aidoo, has been sacked from office with immediate effect, following a viral video where he was surprisingly seen fondling the breast of a female student of the school on campus.

The Ghana Education Service (GES), in a statement, has expressed gross concern over the video, stating that the content in the video called for the removal of the assistant headmaster to pave way for thorough investigations to be carried out.

‘The attention of the Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) was drawn to a viral video circulating on social media allegedly involving Mr. Charles Akwasi Aidoo, the Assistant Headmaster (Academic) of the KNUST Senior High School, in a compromised position with a female student.

‘Management views this matter with utmost seriousness. In line with our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the teaching profession and ensuring the safety and welfare of students under our care, Mr. Aidoo has already been removed from the office, and prohibited from going to school while thorough investigations are being carried out,’ the GES statement said.

Viral Video

In the viral video which lasted few seconds, the female student in question, who was dressed in her school uniform, was seen comfortably sitting on the lap of the assistant headmaster as they were caressing each other in a romantic manner.

Mr. Aidoo, whose face depicted a person who was in an enjoyable mood, was captured fondling the small breast of the student (name withheld for obvious reasons) in a place that looks like the assistant headmaster’s office.

Interestingly, the female student seemed to be enjoying how the assistant headmaster was fondling her breast. She even kissed the forehead of Mr. Aidoo, in a clear approval of how he had fondled her breast.

Information making the rounds indicated that the female student recorded the video on her mobile phone and it somehow leaked on social media, sparking public outrage and debate about the safety of students in schools.

GES Reaction

Meanwhile, the GES, in its statement, assured the public that they would not sweep the sensitive issue under the carpet, saying that they would thoroughly investigate the matter and apply the appropriate sanctions if it becomes necessary.

‘Management assures the general public, stakeholders, parents and students that due process will be followed, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the code of conduct of the Ghana Education Service.

‘The GES remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and child protection in all our schools. We strongly condemn any acts that compromise the safety, dignity and wellbeing of students,’ the statement added.

Veteran music producer and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has revealed why he remains unmarried at 42.

Speaking on the Echo Podcast, the hitmaker admitted that his journey to the top of Nigeria’s entertainment industry came with sacrifices, one of which may have been marriage. ‘I never thought I’d be in my 40s and not married. Maybe that’s the one I lost along the way. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, I’m totally fine,’ he said.

Don Jazzy, who played a role in the shaping of the careers of stars like Tiwa Savage, Rema, and Ayra Starr, explained that his life has always revolved around music, and even if he wasn’t a record label boss, he would still be deeply involved in the industry.

Despite the trade-offs, the Mavin Records founder made it clear he has no regrets, saying he feels deeply fulfilled with all he has achieved in the music scene.

Controversial Kumawood actor, Oboy Siki. has stunned his fans with an interesting revelation about his past love life.

The outspoken actor disclosed that he dated the late legendary actress Araba Stamp for more than 15 years.

Speaking on the Rash Hour show with Rashad and King Asu B, Oboy Siki took listeners down memory lane, recounting his youthful escapades when he was popularly known as ‘Boys Boys.’

‘Did you hear about Araba Stamp? She was my girlfriend. It’s been a long time-I was very young then. My relationship with Araba Stamp lasted over 15 years,’ he boldly declared.

According to him, their romance began long before the actress was featured in the Ghanaian classic; ‘I Told You So.’ He added that she was just one of the many women he dated during his youthful days, stressing that Araba Stamp held a special place in his life.

The revelation has sparked conversations among movie lovers and fans of the late actress, who is remembered as one of the most iconic faces in Ghanaian cinema.

KUMASI, THE capital of Ashanti Region, was made lit as ‘Rapperholic Homecoming’ and MoMoFest organisers created a brand new experience for patrons who witnessed Sarkodie and other artistes perform last Saturday.

The Garden City was buzzing with excitement as fans gathered at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, dressed in Rapperholic gear, glowing wristbands, and MTN-branded face caps. They were eager to dance, shop, and be part of an unforgettable weekend of entertainment.

The event kicked off with rising stars Hindu and Kweku Bany, followed by crowd favourites like Efya, Kweku Smoke, Kweku Flick, and Oseikrom Sikani. Each act built anticipation for the main headline, Sarkodie, who took the stage amidst a blaze of lights and pyrotechnics, electrifying the stadium.

Shatta Wale surprised Sarkodie on stage, sending the crowd into frenzy. Their unexpected collaboration dominated social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X, with clips spreading like wildfire.

The collaboration between Sarkodie and Shatta Wale was a highlight of the night, with their chemistry on stage electrifying the audience.

The Garden City was also transformed into a hive of activity on Saturday, as MoMoFest 2025 brought together business, technology, and entertainment at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The festival opened with a Cashless Market and Fair featuring more than 50 vendors, including food sellers, clothing retailers, and artisans. All transactions were carried out through mobile money, giving many small traders their first taste of a fully digital marketplace.

Fans in large numbers, eager not only for the music but also for MoMo-linked giveaways, VIP packages for the Rapperholic Concert, and interactive games, gathered at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Pioneer Network Ghana on Saturday, September 27, 2025, convened a Regional Missions and Church Planting Conference at Fire Trinity Ministry International, located at Atwima Aburaso in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region.

Themed ‘From Vision to Mission: Leading the Church into New Frontiers,’ the conference brought together pastors, missionaries, and church members from across the region to deliberate on practical approaches for advancing the gospel and sustaining church growth.

Speaking in an interview after the programme, Pastor Andrew F. Lendor, Regional Leader of the School of Ministry and Pioneer Network for West Africa, underscored the need for church leaders to translate spiritual vision into concrete mission strategies.

According to him, the central goal of the church must remain the fulfillment of the Great Commission. ‘The church was established for missions. Any church that fails to prioritise evangelism and discipleship has lost its divine purpose,’ Pastor Lendor stated. He pointed out that inadequate mission-focused leadership and scarce resources continue to hinder the spread of the gospel, urging congregations to refocus on their mandate.

The conference featured teachings on topics including The Call and Urgency of Missions, Planting and Multiplying Churches, and The Holy Spirit: Power for New Frontiers, with scriptural emphasis on Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8.

Pioneer Network, which originated in the United Kingdom, has since expanded into a global body of churches spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, the United States, and Australia. The network seeks to connect independent churches under one fellowship, offering mutual accountability and support to strengthen kingdom work.

Addressing the gathering, Apostle Dr. George Amoako Alhassan, President of Pioneer Network Ghana, expressed gratitude to participants and encouraged Christians to embrace evangelism as a lifestyle. Citing Proverbs 11:30, he reminded them that winning souls is a mark of wisdom, and urged believers to engage their communities through personal outreach and innovative ministry efforts.

Organisers described the event as timely, stressing that it aimed to equip churches with the tools and strategies necessary to reach new frontiers with the gospel while ensuring sustainable growth.

THE HUMAN Rights Situational Analysis Report of Persons with Albinism in Ghana has revealed that women with albinism often face challenges while accessing sexual and reproductive health services, as many healthcare professionals, especially nurses and midwives in rural areas, generally believe the myths and misconceptions about albinism.

These professionals, according to the report, are often overly aggressive during the process of seeking reproductive healthcare.

It further stated that women with albinism get ridiculed by nurses and midwives while in labour, often suggesting that they should be asexual or refrain from having children because of their condition.

‘I faced challenges on my visit to the clinic while pregnant because a nurse made a comment when the doctor asked me to do a stool test, and the nurse was wondering if I would be able to bring a stool for testing or if I would go and collect someone else’s stool because she had learned that persons with albinism could not pass stool on Fridays,’ one interlocutor shared in the report.

The report also indicated that persons with albinism face other healthcare challenges, notably, the risk of skin cancer, which is one of the most common causes of death, as well as significant challenges with eyesight, which may worsen as they age.

With inadequate licensed dermatologists, mostly stationed in teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi, rural and deprived communities across the country face extreme deprivation of dermatological services. There are fewer than 40 certified dermatologists in Ghana, serving a population of over 32 million people. The Eastern Region, with a population of nearly 3 million, has no dermatologist, highlighting the need for specialised care to combat skin diseases.

Presenting the report, Michael Gyan Nyarko, a Human Rights Consultant, stated that persons with albinism often do not receive adequate diagnosis early enough due to limited knowledge among healthcare professionals about albinism.

He highlighted that by the time persons with albinism are correctly diagnosed, often the disease would have been quite advanced. This typically necessitates treatments like surgeries, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, which are not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and are often entirely unaffordable for most persons with albinism.

The report recommended access to healthcare services which is sensitive to the needs of persons with albinism. This includes training for healthcare professionals on the specific health risks faced by persons with albinism, provision of affordable sunscreen and skin cancer screening and treatment, as well as ensuring that persons with albinism have access to visual aids and other assistive devices, which the NHIS should ideally cover.

It further advocated for frequent and regular access to dermatologists for skin cancer prevention, ophthalmologists for low vision consultations, and oncologists for skin cancer management, should be ensured in health facilities across Ghana.