Hajia Charity Rahinatu Asoemah Empowers Bolgatanga Dressmakers with Sewing Machines and Cash Donation
At the 2026 graduation ceremony of the Bolgatanga Central Zone One branch of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), hope and opportunity took center stage. The guest of honor, Hajia Charity Rahinatu Asoemah, Former Upper East Regional Women’s Organizer of the NDC and Deputy Director General of Warehouse of NADMO, made a generous donation of 30 sewing machines and GH₵5,000 cash to the association. Hajia Charity explained that her donation was aimed at supporting the association’s mission to train more young people, particularly young women, in the craft of dressmaking. “As a daughter of this region, I understand the challenges many young ladies face in their daily lives. For some, even having three square meals a day is a struggle. That is why seeing all of you, young graduates, standing before me today is deeply meaningful. I know it has not been easy to get here, and for that, I say a big congratulations to every one of you”. She told the gathering. She commended GNTDA for its steadfast commitment to equipping the youth with valuable, employable skills and encouraged the association to further expand its training programs. Addressing the apprentices, Hajia Charity urged the youth, especially young women, to take their handiwork seriously, emphasizing the potential for vocational training to pave the way for a brighter future. “I want to admonish the youth of this region, especially the ladies, to take their handiwork seriously and become better people in the future,” she advised. Pledging her ongoing support, Hajia Charity promised to assist the association whenever the need arises. The ceremony was also marked by the graduation of 73 apprentices from the Bolgatanga Central Zone One branch. Leaders of the association took the opportunity to call on government authorities to prioritize support for local dressmakers, encouraging efforts to help new graduates establish their own businesses locally rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
BoG and SEC Roll Out Bold Digital Finance Reforms to Position Ghana as Africa’s Fintech Leader
Ghana is taking decisive steps to strengthen its place in Africa’s growing digital economy, as the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unveiled major reforms aimed at transforming the country into a leading digital finance hub on the continent. The announcements were made during the 3i Africa Summit, where policymakers and financial industry leaders outlined plans to improve instant payment systems, regulate virtual assets, and tighten controls within the fintech lending space. Delivering closing remarks at the summit, the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Zakari Mumuni, stressed that Africa’s next financial breakthrough will depend on how effectively countries connect their payment systems across borders. According to him, many African countries have already built successful mobile money and digital payment platforms, but the lack of integration between national systems continues to slow down the continent’s digital trade ambitions. Dr. Mumuni explained that the challenge facing Africa is no longer about creating new financial innovations, but rather scaling existing systems to work seamlessly together. He noted that harmonized standards and interconnected payment infrastructure would make it easier for money to move freely across African borders. He cautioned that without deliberate collaboration among African nations, the dream of a unified digital market could remain unattainable. He further urged leaders and regulators to focus on building interconnected systems instead of isolated financial structures. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission has moved to formalize Ghana’s virtual asset industry with the introduction of a regulatory sandbox framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). The SEC said the initiative, established under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 (Act 1154), will allow companies operating in the virtual asset space to test innovative products and services under regulatory supervision for a period of 12 months. The Commission explained that the sandbox arrangement is intended to promote responsible innovation while ensuring investor protection and maintaining market integrity. Companies that successfully meet the regulatory requirements during the testing phase may eventually receive full operational licenses. In another significant move, the Bank of Ghana also announced plans to strengthen credit risk management within the fintech sector through mandatory data sharing among financial technology companies. The central bank believes the initiative will help reduce the activities of habitual loan defaulters and lower lending risks by incorporating fintech borrowing data into Ghana’s credit reporting system. Dr. Mumuni emphasized the importance of building financial systems that not only expand access to credit but also promote responsible borrowing and lending practices. Participants at the summit agreed that Africa’s digital finance sector has reached a stage where action and implementation must now take precedence over experimentation and pilot projects. Closing the summit, Dr. Mumuni urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and commit to practical execution, insisting that the real success of the 3i Africa Summit would be determined by the concrete actions taken after the event. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Financial Revolution: Making Women’s Ventures ‘Investment-Ready’ for the World
In the bustling markets and roadside stalls across Ghana, millions of women work tirelessly, yet most remain invisible to the formal banking system. But a shift is coming. “Our goal is to ensure these ventures are ‘investment-ready’ for the global stage,” a spokesperson for Chartered recently declared, capturing a growing consensus among financial leaders. Still, the reality of the “unbanked” female entrepreneur is stark. Despite national economic gains, countless women in the informal sector find themselves locked out of traditional loans. Experts argue that until Ghana dismantles its deeply rooted “collateral culture”, which demands physical assets most women don’t possess, many will remain trapped, relying on high-interest informal lenders who circle like vultures. Enter Dr. Elizabeth Zormelo, a fierce advocate for female financial literacy. She doesn’t mince words. “Credit is the fuel, but financial literacy and market access are the engine,” Dr. Zormelo explains, her voice carrying the urgency of someone who has watched too many small businesses flicker and die. “The Women’s Development Bank must be paired with aggressive training to ensure these businesses don’t just survive, but dominate.” Her message arrives at a pivotal moment. The Bank of Ghana is preparing to release new guidelines on gender-disaggregated data reporting,a tool that will finally reveal, in stark numbers, who gets loans and who doesn’t. The message to the financial sector is unmistakable: the future of Ghana’s economic growth is female, and the cost of exclusion is a price this nation can no longer afford to pay. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Governor Asiama Calls for Stronger Digital Finance Ecosystem at 3i Africa Summit
Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, has urged African fintech institutions to move beyond simply increasing access to digital financial services and focus on delivering real value and measurable impact across the continent. Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 3i Africa Summit held at the Destiny Arena in Accra on May 6, 2026, Dr. Asiama said digital finance is becoming increasingly important in building a resilient and inclusive fintech ecosystem in Africa. According to the Governor, nearly 49 per cent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa now own digital financial accounts, a sign of significant progress in financial inclusion. However, he stressed that the next stage of growth should concentrate on scalability, efficiency, and the meaningful use of financial services rather than just access. Dr. Asiama explained that the future of digital finance would go beyond basic payment systems to include digital credit, embedded finance, supply chain finance, and cross-border financial services. He noted that these innovations must particularly support women, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and players within the informal sector. He also highlighted several challenges affecting the growth of Africa’s fintech space, including fragmented markets, high transaction costs, and weak regulatory coordination. To address these issues, the Governor called for stronger collaboration among institutions and improved connectivity across financial systems and markets. The Bank of Ghana Governor further outlined measures being implemented by the central bank to strengthen digital finance in the country. These include the development of a regulatory framework for virtual assets, the issuance of digital credit guidelines, progress toward open banking, and efforts to promote cross-border fintech operations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MobileMoney Fintech LTD, MTN Ghana to Lead Fintech Conversations at 3i Africa Summit 2026
MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL) and MTN Ghana will play leading roles at the 2026 edition of the 3i Africa Summit, one of the continent’s foremost gatherings of fintech innovators, policymakers, regulators, and institutional investors. The summit will be held from May 6 to May 8, 2026, at the Destiny Arena in Accra, Ghana, under the theme “The Next Frontier: Shaping Africa’s Integrated FinTech Future.” At the opening of the summit, MTN Group President & CEO Ralph Mupita will take part in a fireside chat on “The Future of Digital Finance in Emerging Markets,” as African economies accelerate investment in digital financial infrastructure. Senior Vice President, MTN Group—WECA, Ebenezer Twum Asante, will also contribute to discussions on how mobile money, embedded finance, and telecom-led ecosystems are expanding access to financial services across Africa and beyond. Shaibu Haruna, CEO of MobileMoney Fintech LTD, will deliver a keynote on “Strengthening Consumer Protection in High-Velocity Credit & Banking Markets,” examining the growing need for robust safeguards as digital credit and mobile banking services scale rapidly across Africa’s emerging markets. Adoma Owusu, General Manager, Fintech Business Development & Expansion, MTN Group Fintech, will join a panel on “Beyond Trading: Creating Real Utility in Africa,” exploring how virtual assets are being applied to address real-world challenges across payments, financing, and service delivery. Beyond the keynotes, Sylvia Otuo Acheampong, Chief Products & Services Officer of MMFL, and Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Ghana, will add further executive leadership to the summit, moderating panel sessions across the three-day programme. Commenting on the summit, Shaibu Haruna, CEO, MobileMoney Fintech LTD, said the event reflects both the continent’s momentum and MMFL’s commitment to responsible, people-centred financial innovation. “Africa is no longer waiting for the world to define its financial future; we are actively building it. At MobileMoney Fintech LTD, we understand that speed and scale in digital finance must always be matched by responsibility. The 3i Africa Summit is exactly the kind of platform where those conversations must happen, and we are proud to be part of shaping that dialogue,” he said. Now in its third year, the 3i Africa Summit has established itself as a premier continental platform anchored in Innovation, Investment, and Impact. The 2026 edition signals Africa’s shift from observation to structured implementation—integrating virtual assets, tokenisation, artificial intelligence, open banking, and digital public infrastructure to build more resilient financial systems. MMFL and MTN Ghana’s participation underscores the companies’ commitment to responsible financial innovation and to ensuring that Africa’s rapid fintech growth translates into lasting, inclusive economic impact for consumers across the continent. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN GHANA BRIDGES ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY WITH HANDS-ON TECH EXPERIENCE FOR 200+ STUDENTS
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fuelling interest in STEM and digital innovation. Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda. They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment, and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres. Students gained firsthand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily, offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience. Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.” Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning. ‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.” For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.” As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Defends Financial Health Amid Scrutiny Over 2025 Losses
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has moved to reassure the public and policymakers about its financial strength following heightened scrutiny of its 2025 accounts, which revealed a significant GH¢15.6 billion loss. Addressing concerns on Channel One TV’s “Face to Face” on Tuesday, May 5, BoG’s Head of Communications, Bernard Otabil, maintained that the central bank remains fully capable of fulfilling its mandate despite the reported losses. Otabil explained that the institution’s financial position should be understood within the unique context of central banking, where policy effectiveness is prioritized over profitability. “We are policy solvent,” he stated. “If in doubt, you always have to look at the cash flow position. The accounts presented came with other supporting documents, all laid out transparently. There’s nothing to suggest the Central Bank cannot continue its business as usual, nor will any significant part of its operations be curtailed in the foreseeable future.” He pointed to the BoG’s “policy solvency” figure, approximately 5.5 billion, as evidence of the bank’s resilience. According to Otabil, policy solvency demonstrates the Bank’s capacity to fund and sustain its monetary policy operations, including managing liquidity and maintaining price stability across the economy. The BoG’s 2025 financial results have sparked public and political debate, with critics raising concerns about the scale of the central bank’s losses and its negative equity position. However, Otabil urged commentators to interpret these numbers in context, noting that central bank balance sheets often reflect the costs involved in stabilizing economies during turbulent times. He stressed that the central bank’s ability to operate effectively remains unaffected, dismissing suggestions that its financial standing could undermine its core mandate. “If you look at what has been put there, it gives you a strong sense that the Central Bank is still functioning as expected,” he assured. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Majority in Parliament Criticises Akufo-Addo Government Over Failure to Achieve Macroeconomic Stability Amid BoG Losses
The Majority in Parliament has publicly criticised the Akufo-Addo administration for what it describes as a failure to achieve macroeconomic stability, pointing to the Bank of Ghana’s cumulative losses of over GH₵80 billion between 2022 and 2024 as evidence of persistent economic challenges. Addressing journalists, Eric Afful, Chairman of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee and Member of Parliament for Amenfi West, outlined a series of economic hurdles that, in his view, have contributed to the central bank’s reported loss of GH₵15.6 billion in 2025. He argued that despite these significant operational losses, the country’s economic fundamentals remain weak. “Inflation surged to a peak of 54.13% in 2022 before easing to 23.84% by the end of 2024. The Ghana cedi continued to depreciate, reaching approximately GH₵14 to a dollar by December 2024, a depreciation of about 19.7%,” Afful stated. He further noted that gross international reserves were only sufficient to cover around four months of imports, standing at $9.3 billion in 2024. Afful also highlighted the central bank’s deteriorating equity position, revealing that negative equity stood at GH₵64.34 billion in 2023, improving only marginally to negative GH₵61 billion in 2024. “Despite all these losses, we have not seen a corresponding improvement in the economy’s fundamentals,” he remarked. He argued that the losses recorded in 2025 should not be viewed in isolation but rather as part of ongoing policy interventions intended to stabilise the economy. “Given these considerations, the 2025 outcomes must be understood as the continuation of a deliberate and necessary policy intervention,” Afful explained. The Majority’s critique comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over the government’s economic management, with many stakeholders calling for renewed efforts to address inflation, currency depreciation, and the central bank’s financial health. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bank of Ghana Slashes Currency Issuance Costs Amid Rising Cash Demand in 2025
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has achieved a significant reduction in the cost of issuing currency in 2025, even as the volume of cash circulating in the economy reached new highs. According to the central bank’s latest financial statements, the total cost of currency issuance dropped sharply from over GH¢1 billion in 2024 to GH¢471.4 million in 2025, a noteworthy operational shift for the institution. The decline was largely fueled by a dramatic 72% fall in direct production expenses, with the cost of printing banknotes and minting coins plummeting from GH¢986 million to GH¢277 million year-on-year. This points to a deliberate strategy by the BoG to scale back physical currency production, likely through better inventory management, reduced replacement needs, or targeted cost-optimisation measures. However, the overall picture of currency management remains complex. While the central bank succeeded in slashing production costs, several other operational expenses saw increases. Agency fees inched up to GH¢10.6 million, foreign currency import costs rose from GH¢14.4 million to GH¢16.5 million, and miscellaneous currency-related expenses surged to GH¢183 million from GH¢14.6 million. This sharp rise in ancillary costs partially offset the savings made in printing and minting, highlighting continuing logistical and management pressures. Despite the cost-cutting measures, Ghanaians’ appetite for cash showed no sign of waning. Currency in circulation, defined by the BoG as the total face value of banknotes and coins held by the public and financial institutions, net of cash in the central bank’s vaults, increased by about 17%, rising from GH¢71.6 billion in 2024 to GH¢83.8 billion in 2025. The latest data underscores the BoG’s evolving approach to operational efficiency in currency management, even as demand for physical cash continues to grow across the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Sam George Announces Ghana’s Ambitious Drive to Become Africa’s Leading AI Hub
Ghana has set its sights on becoming Africa’s foremost hub for Artificial Intelligence, according to Sam Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation. The minister made this declaration at the official launch of Ghana’s National AI Strategy on Friday, April 24, a landmark initiative designed to provide a comprehensive framework for the development, deployment, and regulation of AI systems across the nation’s key economic sectors. The National AI Strategy is poised to drive innovation in Ghana while upholding ethical standards, ensuring data protection, and making technology accessible to all. Minister George, addressing a gathering of stakeholders, underscored the vital importance of collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, academia, and citizens. Such partnerships, he asserted, are essential to realizing the nation’s bold ambitions in the digital age. Highlighting the transformative power of artificial intelligence, Sam George noted that AI is already reshaping industries such as healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and governance. He expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to lead the continent, stating, “Ghana stands capable and ready to lead and become Africa’s AI hub by strengthening collaboration between government, industry, academia and citizens. We will build a Ghana that owns its future in the age of intelligence.” The new strategy is expected to prioritize capacity building by promoting STEM education, supporting research institutions, and encouraging the growth of local innovation hubs. As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize economies worldwide, Ghana’s proactive approach aims to secure its place at the forefront of Africa’s technological transformation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com