Former First Lady Nana Konadu Is Gone

News about the death of former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, wife of late former President Flt. Jerry John Rawlings, made the rounds yesterday morning as a rumour.

Many were hesitant in spreading the rumour of the former First Lady’s passing as they were not trusting social media when it comes to such matters.

But when they eventually received confirmation, it spread like wildfire in a scorched forest.

Information gathered so far indicates that she passed on at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge, aged 76.

She joins her husband who died on November 12, 2020, 20 days away from the anniversary of his transition.

She carved an image of a strong woman during the revolution led by her husband and when he metamorphosed into a civilian president.

In the course of her husband’s new role as leader of a military junta, she made herself relevant through assortment of feminine empowerment engagements such as the 31st December Women’s Movement et al.

Political History

Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings was born on November 17, 1948 and became the First Lady from June 4, 1979 to September 24, 1979 and from December 31, 1981 to January 7, 2001.

Her political ambition drove her to become the first female to vie for the position of President in 2016, when she formed a political party – the National Democratic Party (NDP). She won 0.16% of the votes cast in the 2020 general election.

She had fallen out with the political party her husband founded, the NDC, not enthused with the management of the party when her husband took leave of its activities.

Her book, ‘It Takes A Woman,’ published in 2018, added to her growing political stature in the affairs of politics in Ghana.

She was elected First Vice Chairperson of the NDC in 2009 and later in 2011.

Her attempt at becoming the flagbearer of the NDC in 2012 against Prof. JEA Mills failed.

Her no-love-lost relationship with the NDC until she took her last breath is household knowledge in the political space of the country.

‘My desire is to see the emancipation of women at every level of development to enable them to contribute and benefit from the socio-economic and political progress of the country.Women’s vital role of promoting peace in the family, the country and the world at large must be acknowledged. And to do this, they must be empowered politically to equip them adequately for the challenges of critically identifying and assessing solutions for the betterment of society,’ a release from her during her heydays sums up the goal of the 31st December Women’s Movement of which she was president.

Her movement is credited with setting up more than 870 pre-schools in Ghana, besides giving impetus to early child development.

Her work in women’s development and empowerment, she is reported to have said, would not end even with the exit of her husband from the presidency.

Her role in the adoption of an ‘Intestate Succession Law,’ which is applicable to the survivors of anyone dying without a will, is widely acknowledged in the country.

Biography

She was born in Cape Coast, Central Region of Ghana to J. O. T. Agyeman and his wife, having attended the prestigious Ghana International School from where she proceeded to Achimota School where as fate would have it, she met her future spouse.

At the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, she studied Art and Textiles.

She is credited with designing the NDC logo of an eagle sitting on an umbrella.

The political activism in her was manifest when she became a student leader of her hall of residence, Africa Hall, at the university.

She pursued various courses after her university education, one of them being a diploma course in Interior Design at the London College of Arts, the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration and the John Hopkins University in the US.

Nana Konadu married the Ghana Air Force officer Jerry John Rawlings in 1977, a union which was blessed with their first child, Zanetor in 1978. She also bore Yaa Asantewaa, Amina and Kimathi.

She would be remembered by her unique headgear style and the signature beret of the 31st December Women’s Movement.

Tributes Pour In

Several high-profile figures have expressed condolences to the family of the late Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings following her passing.

President John Mahama, following the departure of Nana Konadu, paid a solemn tribute before the swearing-in ceremony of 37 newly appointed High Court judges at the Jubilee House yesterday.

The President stated, ‘This afternoon, I received a delegation of the children of our late mother, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, to inform me about her untimely and unfortunate passing. As we rise and pay a moment of silence to her memory, may the Almighty God grant her a peaceful rest in His bosom. Thank you. Amen.’

Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, paid tribute on social media, saying, ‘Deeply saddened by the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings. A woman I’ve admired for her determination and dedication to women’s rights. A trailblazer, an inspiration, and a person I’ve been honoured to call a friend. My thoughts are with her family.’

Janashakthi Finance leads way in Islamic Finance excellence at IFFSA Awards

Marking a powerful moment of recognition on the regional stage, Janashakthi Finance PLC, formerly known as Orient Finance PLC and a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group), has secured a Merit Award at the 10th International Islamic Finance Forum South Asia (IFFSA) Awards 2025. The accolade, awarded in the highly competitive category of ‘Islamic NBFI Window/Unit of the Year 2024/2025’, positions Janashakthi’s Alternative Finance Business Unit (AFBU) as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking Islamic finance divisions in South Asia. More than just an industry nod, this achievement highlights Janashakthi Finance’s emergence as a purpose-led force in ethical and inclusive financial innovation.

The AFBU was established in 2021 with a bold vision to deliver Shariah-compliant financial services that go beyond compliance and genuinely serve communities across all backgrounds. The unit was built to bridge the gap between faith-based finance and real-world financial empowerment. Since its inception, it has carved out a unique identity in Sri Lanka’s financial sector by staying true to Islamic finance principles while responding to modern financial needs with agility, compassion and innovation.

Winning at IFFSA, the region’s most respected platform for excellence in Islamic finance, marks a strategic milestone for the company. Competing against established players from across South Asia, Janashakthi Finance’s recognition endorses its credibility and elevates its reputation on a regional scale. It is a clear signal that Sri Lanka is not just participating in the Islamic finance movement, it is helping lead it.

At the heart of this success is a suite of products that reflect both commercial acumen and social responsibility. Among them, the Wakalah Term Investment stands out as a non-interest-based investment offering that combines ethical principles with attractive returns. In the vehicle leasing space, Janashakthi Ijarah delivers a Shariah-compliant leasing model with customised rental plans and seamless service. Meanwhile, Janashakthi Ijarah Tuk Leasing-a pioneering solution and the first of its kind in Sri Lanka brings accessible, flexible and ethical vehicle financing to three-wheeler drivers, enabling livelihoods and dignity through financial inclusion.

Janashakthi Finance PLC Acting Chief Executive Officer Sithambaram Sri Ganendran, described the award as a validation of the company’s deep commitment to purpose-driven finance. ‘This isn’t just a win for Janashakthi,’ he said. ‘It’s a win for every entrepreneur, small business owner and community member who believes in finance as a force for good. It reflects our belief that innovation and ethics can and must go hand in hand.’

‘Being recognised at the 10th IFFSA Awards 2025 truly highlights our leadership within the Islamic finance industry. Competing alongside peers from across South Asia not only validates our credibility but also positions Janashakthi Finance as a benchmark for innovation and trust in this evolving sector’, said Janashakthi Finance PLC Head of Channels Saminda Ratnayake.

Janashakthi Finance PLC Head of Alternative Finance Business Unit M. Jowfer Farook commented, ‘Receiving the Merit Award for the Islamic NBFI Window/Unit of the Year 2024/2025 is a proud reflection of our commitment to delivering tailored financial solutions that meet the diverse needs of our communities.’

The recognition also strengthens JXG’s (Janashakthi Group’s) brand as a trusted partner for investors and stakeholders who value governance, transparency and long-term impact. It highlights the power of a team that has not only executed a bold transformation following the rebranding from Orient Finance PLC, but has also defined a distinctive value proposition in a fast-evolving sector. The award from IFFSA is more than a trophy, it’s a statement. It tells the story of a company that has strategically repositioned itself in line with the future of finance, without compromising the integrity of its roots.

Cherise Wins Gold @ Miss Earth Darling Press

Cherise Asher Ayisi, Ghana’s representative for the Miss Earth 2025 pageant, has received her first gold medal after earning the top position during the Darling of the Press session of the competition.

She was keenly followed by Miss Belize, who occupied the second position, earning a silver medal, while Miss Australia earned bronze at the end of the segment.

Following Cherise’s win, many Ghanaians have taken to social media to commend her for stealing the show with her elegance and eloquence.

Cherise is competing with over 70 contestants for the Miss Earth title. The pageant, which advocates for environmental awareness, conservation, and social responsibility, will take place on November 5, 2025, at the Okada Manila in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.

This year’s event, themed ‘Silver Linings,’ marks the 25th edition as well as silver anniversary of the Miss Earth pageant.

Discussion of the event will be centred on issues and policies concerning the environment. The delegates will be showcasing unique skills and abilities as well as their fashion sense.

There will be the anticipated National Costume display to celebrate cultural heritage, and interacting with the online community.

The pageant features contestants from various countries, including new debutants like Uzbekistan. Some contestants have already begun their journey, participating in activities like a symbolic tree planting ceremony and a presentation of delegates in Filipiniana-inspired ensembles.

63 NPP MPs Endorse Bawumia For Flagbearer

Sixty-three Members of Parliament (MPs) of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have officially declared their unwavering support for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to become the party’s next flagbearer, describing him as the embodiment of the NPP’s enduring values of vision, unity, and service.

Addressing the media in Parliament yesterday, the lawmakers said their declaration was rooted in conviction rather than sentiment, emphasising Dr. Bawumia’s record of discipline, humility, and delivery.

‘From his days as a brilliant economist at the Bank of Ghana to his service as Vice President, Dr. Bawumia has proven that leadership is not about words but work, not about entitlement but excellence and delivery,’ the MP for Mampong, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, who serves as the Coordinator of the DMB MPs in Parliament, read the statement.

The MPs lauded Dr. Bawumia’s leadership qualities, citing his role in driving Ghana’s digital transformation, promoting financial inclusion, and modernising public service delivery.

According to them, his work reflects the legacy of the NPP’s founding fathers – Danquah, Busia, and Dombo – whose principles of freedom, democracy, and development through enterprise continue to guide the party.

‘He represents the enduring spirit of our Party: visionary, resilient, diligent, and pragmatic. Dr. Bawumia has brought clarity to governance, inspired innovation, and built systems that work,’ the group stated.

For the MPs, the Vice President is best positioned to lead the NPP into the 2028 general election and secure the trust of Ghanaians.

‘We believe that Dr. Bawumia embodies the next chapter of the NPP’s vision, a future built on competence, innovation, unity, and hope,’ the MPs added.

The MPs also appealed to NPP delegates across the country to rally behind Dr. Bawumia, arguing that he represents both continuity and renewal within the party.

‘Let us reward loyalty, humility, and hard work with trust. Let us renew the NPP tradition with a leader who has walked the path, carried the burden, and delivered results,’ they urged.

They described the former Vice President as the candidate capable of uniting the NPP, winning the confidence of the electorate, and leading Ghana into a new era of progress and opportunity.

‘Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is our choice, the people’s choice, the Party’s strength, and Ghana’s future. He carries Danquah’s courage, Busia’s intellect, and Dombo’s humility and unifying heart,’ they said.

The MPs called for unity and faith in the Vice President’s leadership, noting, ‘The torch has been lit and the vision is clear. For God and Country, for Party and Progress, we stand with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.’

Among the MPs who endorsed Dr. Bawumia are Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong (Mampong), Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie (Effiduase-Asokore), Kofi Amankwa-Manu (Atwima Kwanwoma), Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi (Asante Akyem Central), Francis Asenso-Boakye (Bantama), Vincent Ekow Assafuah (Old Tafo), Yaw Frimpong Addo (Manso Adubia), Mavis Nkansah-Boadu (Afigya Sekyere East), Collins Adomako Mensah (Afigya Kwabre North), Dr. Patrick Boakye-Yiadom (Obuasi East), Akwasi Konadu (Manhyia North), Prof. Kingsley Nyarko (Kwadaso), Ernest Yaw Anim (Kumawu), Damata Appianimaa Salam (Afigya Kwabre South), and Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah (Offinso North).

Others are Francis Owusu-Akyaw (Juaben), John Darko (Suame), Kofi Obiri Yeboah (Subin), Michael Aidoo (Oforikrom), Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah (Manhyia South), Nana Eric Agyeman-Prempeh (Ahafo Ano North), Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh (Bosome Freho), Anthony Mmieh (Odotobri), Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo (Manso Nkwanta), Frank Yeboah (Atwima Nwabiagya North), Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah (Ahafo Ano South-West), Ralph Poku-Adusei (Bekwai), Seth Osei-Akoto (Atwima Mponua), Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong (Afigya Kwabre East), Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), and Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo (Achiase).

The rest are Michael Okyere Baafi (New Juaben South), Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (Ofoase-Ayirebi), Sammy Awuku (Akwapim South), Charles Owiredu (Abirem), Dr. Kingsley Agyeman (Abuakwa South), Duke Ofori-Atta (Fanteakwa South), Ida Adjoa Asiedu (Ayensuano), Alexander Akwasi Acquah (Akyem Oda), Laurette Korkor Asante (Atiwa West), Kwame Appiah Kodua (Fanteakwa North), Frank Asiedu Bekoe (Suhum), Alex Agyare (Kade), Nana Ampaw Addo Frempong (Abuakwa North), Gideon Boako (Tano North), Kwabena Okyere Mensah-Darko (Takoradi), Isaac Yaw Boamah Nyarko (Effia), Rev. John Ntim Fordjour (Assin South), Rudolf Amoako-Gyampah (Upper Denkyira West).

Also part of the list are Col. (Rtd) Kwadwo Damoah (Jaman South), Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah (Techiman South), Dr. Adam Mohammed Amin (Karaga), Dominic Nitiwul (Bimbila), Iddrisu Habib (Tolon), Sulemana Alhassan Tampuli (Gushegu), Matthew Nyindam (Kpandai), Hajia Abdul Aziz Fatahiya (Savelugu), Mustapha Ussif (Yagba-Kubori), Mahama Tia Abdul Kabiru (Walewale), Mumuni Muhammed Nurideen (Nalerigu-Gambaga), Samuel Abu Jinapor (Damongo), Gloria Owusu (Trobu), and Emmanuel Tobbin (Anyaa-Sowutuom).

The tea that spilled over: How a message of empathy became a target of political manipulation

It began as a tender message about love, parenting, and understanding.

A series of three short films – each rooted in Sri Lankan family life – told simple but profound stories: a father learning to appreciate his son’s individuality, a mother balancing care and ambition, and a household bridging generations with mutual respect.

The idea was clear – don’t box people in. Let children dream, let families evolve, and let tradition and modernity coexist.

But within days, this message of acceptance was hijacked, twisted, and turned into one of the most vicious online controversies of the year. The speed of the outrage, the language used, and the synchronised timing of the posts suggest something far more deliberate – a planned, politically motivated attack disguised as public backlash.

Act One: The calm before the chaos

The campaign launched quietly.

On the first two days, engagement was minimal but overwhelmingly positive. Comments praised the storytelling and authenticity – ‘heartwarming,’ ‘inspiring,’ ‘finally a local brand talking about real family values.’

This was exactly what the creative team intended – emotional resonance with modern Sri Lankan families navigating change.

But beneath the calm surface, something was shifting. By the third day, a handful of unfamiliar profiles began commenting with subtle disapproval. They didn’t follow the brand, they had almost no posting history, and their accounts had been created or reactivated within the same week.

At first glance, it looked like harmless opinion. But soon, a pattern began to emerge.

Act Two: The sudden eruption

Within 24 hours, the tone online changed dramatically.

From fewer than 10 comments a day, the discussion ballooned to hundreds. Then, overnight, to nearly a thousand. The words were eerily identical – accusations of ‘destroying culture,’ ‘promoting an agenda,’ ‘corrupting children.’

Tracing these posts revealed multiple politically themed pages sharing the same screenshots, the same hashtags, and the same captions – sometimes even the same spelling mistakes. Several of these pages were openly affiliated with political movements on both sides of Sri Lanka’s spectrum.

It wasn’t a coincidence. It was coordination.

The strategy was textbook digital manipulation: hijack a popular piece of content, inject a moral panic, and drive engagement through anger. It was the same playbook used in global disinformation wars – repackaged for local politics.

Act Three: When morality meets politics

Once the fake outrage gained traction, political opportunists joined the chorus. Influencers and activists began reframing the conversation – from a parenting story to a moral debate about ‘foreign influence’ and ‘liberal corruption.’

Suddenly, a tea commercial became a cultural battlefield.

Comment threads turned into ideological wars. People who hadn’t even seen the video began sharing opinions based on doctored screenshots and cropped edits.

The brand’s inclusive message – about empathy and individuality – was now being portrayed as a threat to national values.

The orchestrators had achieved their goal: they had successfully weaponised emotion.

Act Four: The engineered amplification

Data patterns from independent tracking confirm the unnatural growth curve.

Mentions spiked exponentially in a matter of hours, not days. The accounts that initiated the attack often posted across multiple political discussions simultaneously, switching between unrelated topics but using the same tone and structure.

This kind of velocity is not achievable through organic conversation.

It requires planning – content scheduling, page coordination, and sometimes even paid distribution.

By this point, the issue had escaped the brand’s control. What began as digital vandalism turned into media amplification. Some mainstream outlets, unaware of the origins, began reporting on the ‘public backlash,’ unintentionally legitimising the false narrative.

Act Five: The retreat

Under pressure, the brand eventually took down the main post – a move that erased the original context and left behind only fragments of negativity. The deletion was likely meant to stop the bleeding, but it also played into the attackers’ hands.

By removing the asset, the brand inadvertently silenced the authentic voices that were defending it. It became a case study in how retreating under pressure can amplify misinformation rather than contain it.

Meanwhile, the orchestrated outrage had already achieved its true purpose – not to challenge the ad’s content, but to showcase political influence and digital muscle.

Anatomy of a digital ambush

Disinformation researchers identify four recurring stages in such online operations: In this case, every stage was executed with precision.

The moral outrage served as camouflage – beneath it lay a coordinated attempt to manipulate public sentiment and project political narratives through the vehicle of a commercial brand.

Beyond Watawala: A broader warning

The incident raises urgent questions about the state of digital ethics and freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.

If a brand promoting kindness can be dragged through political mud overnight, what does that mean for the next campaign that dares to speak about inclusion, empathy, or diversity?

Social media has become the new public square – but also the new battleground. The algorithms reward outrage, not understanding. The more divisive a post, the wider it spreads. And that’s exactly what political strategists exploit: emotional manipulation at scale.

Brands now find themselves on the frontlines of ideological wars they never volunteered for.

The real lesson

The lesson from this episode is not about whether a tea ad should show a boy who likes dance over cricket.

The lesson is that manufactured outrage has become a political tool – and the line between social conversation and social engineering is vanishing.

Marketers must learn to see disinformation not as a PR crisis, but as a deliberate tactic. They need to anticipate not just consumer reactions, but politically motivated distortions.

And audiences, too, must ask: Who benefits from my outrage?

Because the truth is – what happened to one tea brand could happen to any business, any individual, any idea that dares to preach empathy in a divided digital world.

In the end, the campaign’s message stands taller than the noise it provoked:

Don’t box people in – not your children, not your beliefs, not even your brands.

What Sri Lanka witnessed wasn’t a storm in a teacup.

It was a storm that was brewed – deliberately, politically, and with purpose.

Africa Must Refine Its Digital Identity – Ibrahim Misto

Chief Digital Officer of MTN Ghana, Ibrahim Misto, has stressed the need for Africa to reclaim its digital destiny by redefining its digital identity and breaking free from decades of dependence on external technological systems and frameworks.

Speaking at the Mobex Africa Tech Innovation Conference and Awards 2025, he urged African nations to take decisive control of their digital infrastructure, data, and innovation, insisting that the continent’s future prosperity hinges on building a self-reliant, secure, and authentically African digital ecosystem.

‘Africa’s digital identity must be authentic, secure, and sovereign. The time has come for us to reshape our digital future-one that is entirely African in character, secure in its foundation, and sovereign in its ownership,’ he stated.

Ibrahim Misto revealed that MTN Ghana has already invested over $1 billion into the country’s digital infrastructure over the past five years, with an additional $214 million slated for 2025 to expand its 4G and 5G networks.

He emphasised that these investments are not just about improving connectivity but about laying the groundwork for a secure, inclusive, and prosperous digital economy for the entire continent.

Mr. Misto stressed that Africa’s digital solutions must be homegrown, reflecting the continent’s unique cultures, languages, and aspirations.

He also shared the success of MTN’s AI and UI electronics hackathons, which have provided young developers and students with a platform to co-create the digital future of Africa.

He indicated that security must not be an afterthought but a critical, foundational aspect of Africa’s digital future, requiring local expertise and robust national awareness campaigns to safeguard the continent’s digital infrastructure.

In support of the call for digital self-determination, Chief Executive Officer of MOBEX Africa, George Spencer Quaye, emphasised that real transformation lies not just in technological advancement but in solving African problems in African ways.

He stressed the importance of ensuring no one is left behind and measuring success by the lives changed.

Celebrating a decade of achievements, he noted that MOBEX Africa has connected thousands of young Africans to opportunities, bridged innovators with investors, and supported policy reforms such as mobile money interoperability.

However, he cautioned that the next decade demands acceleration, not celebration.

CBSL Governor hails rare fiscal discipline; Govt. to beat targets for first time

Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe yesterday gave a strong signal about the Government’s improving fiscal performance with key indicators expected to exceed expectations as never before.

‘The Government’s fiscal performance is exceeding expectations, with stronger revenue and tighter spending producing a lower deficit, marking the first time in decades that fiscal targets have been surpassed,’ Dr. Weerasinghe said. He said the outcome reflects a rare display of discipline that has strengthened debt dynamics.

Speaking at a presentation on the CBSL’s Financial Stability Review 2025 Dr. Weerasinghe said the Government’s fiscal performance this year is more positive than projected, noting that the primary surplus and revenue ratios are expected to surpass budget targets.

‘Revenue targets of 15.3% of GDP will be exceeded and the primary surplus, estimated at 2.3%, will also be higher than expected,’ he said.

Expenditure is broadly in line with projections, leading to a lower-than-anticipated fiscal deficit. ‘This means debt dynamics are now better than what was expected earlier,’ he added, describing it as the first time in decades that actual fiscal results may outperform budget forecasts.

On credit conditions, the Governor said financial intermediation and private sector credit remain below pre-crisis levels but are gradually strengthening in line with the ongoing economic recovery. He said the shift in lending from the public to the private sector was a positive development.

‘The share of public sector credit is coming down, creating more space for private credit growth. Private sector credit is still below pre-pandemic levels, but this is consistent with a recovery that is steady rather than overheated,’ he said.

Dr. Weerasinghe dismissed concerns about systemic risks in the credit market, explaining that the widening credit gap reflected a rebalancing of credit flows rather than instability.

‘Financial intermediation remains below previous levels, but the ongoing shift is part of a sustainable credit recovery,’ he said, adding that the Central Bank continues to monitor sectoral exposure closely.

He said inflation is expected to stabilise at the 5% target by next year and that financial stability indicators have improved considerably. ‘The economy is now growing around 5%, a healthy pace following the contraction in 2022 and 2023, and we project 4% to 5% growth next year,’ he said.

Dr. Weerasinghe also noted that the Government’s strong revenue collection this year was partly due to a temporary surge in vehicle imports following the easing of restrictions (see box story).

Commenting on financial system developments, he said banks’ margin trading exposure remains small, with total margin loans increasing from Rs. 14 billion in January to Rs. 60 billion by end-August. He also said that most finance company lending continues to be concentrated in vehicle leasing, while mortgage-backed lending remains limited.

Dr. Weerasinghe said the Central Bank continues to work with banks to reduce intermediation costs and interest margins through transparency, competition, and improved asset quality. ‘Net interest margins are still above 4% but are expected to narrow as the financial sector stabilises,’ he said.

The Governor concluded that overall macroeconomic and financial conditions are improving steadily. ‘We see stability returning across the fiscal, monetary, and financial fronts. The key task now is to sustain these gains through disciplined fiscal management and continued confidence in the financial system,’ he said.

Black Princesses Open Camp In Accra Ahead Of WAFU B U20 Title Defense

HEAD COACH Charles Sampson has named a 26-member squad to begin camping in Accra on today, October 24, 2025, as Ghana’s Black Princesses step up preparations for the upcoming WAFU B U20 Girls’ Cup in Benin.

The one-week regional championship, scheduled for November 3-10, will bring together some of West Africa’s brightest young female football talents.

The Black Princesses, who lifted the maiden title in Kumasi two years ago, will be seeking to defend their crown after a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the 2023 final.

Coach Sampson’s squad will use the Accra camp to sharpen tactics, build match fitness, and strengthen team cohesion before departing for Cotonou.

All invited players are expected to report to camp by 4:00 p.m. on today, as preparations officially get underway.

Chocoholics announces first international expansion with entry into Saudi Arabia

From left: Bayt Altawabel CEO – New Concepts Rizni Faizer, Founder and Chairman Prince Waleed bin Nasser Al-Saud, Chocoholics Co-Founders and Directors Wazni Wazeer and Fayaz Nizam, following the signing of expansion agreement

Chocoholics, dessert café brand renowned for its Belgian chocolate creations, yesterday announced its first international expansion with plans to open outlets in Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of a broader global journey.

The announcement follows the visit of Bayt Altawabel Founder and Chairman Prince Waleed bin Nasser Al-Saud, and CEO – New Concepts Rizni Faizer to the Chocoholics’ Colombo outlets.

His recognition of the brand underscores the growing interest in lifestyle and hospitality ventures that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

‘Experiencing Chocoholics in Colombo gave me a strong sense of the brand’s potential to succeed in Saudi Arabia, where café culture continues to evolve in exciting ways,’ said Prince Waleed bin Nasser Al-Saud. ‘Their dedication to quality and innovation reflects the type of international partnerships that complement Vision 2030. This collaboration is about more than business, it is about introducing new experiences that enrich lifestyle, hospitality, and cultural exchange in the Kingdom and beyond.’

‘Our journey has always been about passion, innovation, and delivering unforgettable experiences,’ said Chocoholics Co-Founder and Director Wazni Wazeer. ‘Launching in Saudi Arabia is just the start. This partnership represents the foundation of Chocoholics’ global expansion, taking our culture of chocolate-inspired experiences to audiences worldwide.’

Chocoholics Co-Founder and Director Fayaz Nizam said: ‘Welcoming Prince Waleed was a meaningful milestone for us and a sign that Sri Lankan entrepreneurship can be recognised on a global scale. His support underscores our readiness to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s vibrant café culture while preparing to extend Chocoholics’ footprint across the Middle East and further afield.’ Since opening in Colombo seven years ago, Chocoholics has grown to four outlets across the city, becoming a beloved destination for café-goers who value the blend of authentic Belgian chocolate with innovative creations. With its expansion into Saudi Arabia, Chocoholics is setting the stage for a new wave of Sri Lankan born brands making their mark on the world.

GFA, FIFA Complete Referee Capacity Building Course Phase 2

THE GHANA Football Association (GFA), in collaboration with FIFA, has successfully concluded the second phase of the Referee Capacity Building Course under FIFA Women’s Development Programme: League Development.

The four-day training, held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) in Prampram from Tuesday, October 14 to Friday, October 17, 2025, focused on enhancing the skills and professionalism of young female referees selected through the Catch Them Young (CTY) initiative.

The CTY Female Referee project is one of the GFA’s flagship programmes aimed at identifying, nurturing, and developing young refereeing talent across Ghana.

Participants were taken through intensive theoretical and practical sessions to strengthen their understanding of the laws of the game, improve decision-making, and prepare them for higher levels of officiating.

A key highlight of the course was the inspiring story of Referee Emmanuella Aglago, one of the outstanding products of the Catch Them Young programme.

She shared her personal journey and experiences, encouraging participants to remain focused, disciplined, and passionate about their dreams. Her success served as a powerful motivation for the young officials.

The training also underscored the growing impact of the Catch Them Young initiative, which has significantly boosted the involvement of girls and women in football – not only as players but also as referees, coaches, and administrators.

This capacity-building course forms part of ongoing efforts by FIFA and the GFA to promote the sustainable growth of women’s football in Ghana.

It aligns with FIFA’s broader vision of achieving 60 million female participants worldwide by 2027, through improved technical development, infrastructure support, and expanded opportunities for women and girls in the game.