MTN Ghana Hosts CSO Forum on Connectivity, Sustainability, and Digital Inclusion
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, MTN Ghana hosted selected representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at its Head Office in Accra for a forum focused on connectivity, sustainability, and digital inclusion. The CSO Forum is part of MTN’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiatives aimed at fostering transparency, gathering feedback, and strengthening partnerships that support the company’s ambition to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress. In her opening remarks, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer (CCSSO) of MTN Ghana, underscored the critical role of CSOs as partners in shaping policy and public discourse. She emphasized that as the telecom and digital sector evolves into what she described as the “sector of sectors,” MTN must continue to balance business growth with responsibility. Ms. Wiafe reiterated that sustainability lies at the core of MTN’s strategy, highlighting initiatives such as the ban on plastic bottles in MTN offices to reduce waste and protect the environment. She also noted the company’s progress in renewable energy adoption, pointing out that half of MTN Ghana’s energy needs are now met through green sources. Reuben Opata, Chief Technical Officer of MTN Ghana, delivered a detailed presentation on the evolution of mobile technology and the state of MTN’s network. He stressed the centrality of investment in delivering reliable connectivity. “You cannot deliver quality service without significant investment. MTN has invested over $1 billion in Ghana’s network because that’s what it takes to expand coverage and improve quality,” he said. Mr. Opata further explained that despite these substantial investments, challenges such as frequent fiber cuts continue to disrupt service delivery. “This year alone, MTN has spent about $22 million repairing fiber cuts. Without these repairs, communication simply stops — that’s how critical fiber is to Ghana’s connectivity,” he added. Mrs. Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in advancing Ghana’s digital agenda. She also pledged to sustain open and transparent communication between CSOs and MTN to deepen collaboration and build trust. The discussions at the forum also addressed issues such as accessibility for persons with disabilities, customer experience, and the role of digital technology in driving economic growth. Participants welcomed the open dialogue and raised concerns around Mobile Money fraud, affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and highlighting areas where MTN could improve to better serve communities. Also present at the forum were Mr. Samuel Bartels, Senior Manager for Regulatory and Government Affairs, the Corporate Communications team, and other MTN Ghana staff. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Deal is done to keep TikTok in the US, says Trump
A deal has been made between the US and China to keep TikTok running in the US, according to President Donald Trump. “We have a deal on TikTok, I’ve reached a deal with China, I’m going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a state visit to the UK. The social media platform, which is run by Chinese company ByteDance, was told it had to sell its US operations or risk being shut down. However, Trump has repeatedly delayed the ban since it was first announced in January. Later on Tuesday, he ordered the deadline extended again, until 16 December. The US president said a buyer will be announced soon. The Wall Street Journal reported that under a deal being negotiated between the US and China, TikTok’s U.S. business would be controlled by an investor consortium that would include tech company Oracle, private equity firm Silver Lake, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. In a new US entity created under the deal, US investors would hold a roughly 80% stake and Americans would dominate the board, with one member selected by the US government, according to the Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter. US users, meanwhile, would move to a new app, currently in the testing phase, that will have content-recommendation algorithms using technology licensed from ByteDance. TikTok’s algorithms are a top reason for the app’s success. Earlier, CNBC reported the deal would include a mix of current and new investors, and would be completed in the next 30 to 45 days. It also said Oracle would keep its existing agreement to host TikTok servers inside the US. That had been one of the main concerns of American lawmakers, over worries about data being shared with China. On Monday, a US trade delegation said it had reached a “framework” deal with China amid wider trade negotiations in Madrid. China confirmed a framework agreement but said no deal would be made at the expense of their firms’ interests. After the talks, Wang Jingtao, deputy head of China’s cyberspace administration, suggested in a press conference that the agreement included “licensing the algorithm and other intellectual property rights”. He added: “The Chinese government will, according to law, examine and approve relevant matters involving TikTok, such as the export of technology as well as the license use of intellectual property.” After initially calling for TikTok to be banned during his first term, Trump has reversed his stance on the popular video-sharing platform. In January, the US Supreme Court upheld a law, passed in April 2024, banning the app in the US unless its Chinese parent company ByteDance sold its US arm. The US Justice Department has said that because of its access to data on American users, TikTok poses “a national-security threat of immense depth and scale”. However, ByteDance has resisted a sale, maintaining its US operations are completely separate, and says no information is shared with the Chinese state. TikTok briefly went dark in January, but this lasted for less than a day before the initial ban was delayed. The deadline for a sale has since been extended four times, and the latest delay to the ban is due to end on 16 December. Source: BBC
Legendary actor, director, and producer, Robert Redford has died at the age of 89
Hollywood lost one of its brightest stars. Robert Redford, legendary actor, director, producer, and champion of independent cinema, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his beloved home in Utah. He was 89 years old. News of Redford’s death was confirmed by his longtime publicist, Cindi Berger, who shared that the icon was surrounded by loved ones at his Sundance residence. “He will be missed greatly,” Berger said in her statement, also requesting privacy for the grieving family. Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford’s journey from a California boyhood to global stardom was the stuff of Hollywood legend. His breakthrough came in 1969, when he starred alongside Paul Newman in the Western classic ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’. The role catapulted him to international fame, setting the stage for a career that would span more than six decades. Redford’s talents extended far beyond acting. In the 1980s, he moved behind the camera, winning an Academy Award for Best Director. His passion for storytelling and nurturing new voices led him to co-found the Sundance Film Festival, now revered worldwide as a launchpad for independent filmmakers. Yet, Redford’s legacy is not confined to film. A fervent environmental activist, he dedicated much of his life to preserving Utah’s breathtaking landscapes and championing conservation efforts across the United States. With a career defined by artistry, advocacy, and an unyielding commitment to craft, Robert Redford leaves behind an indelible mark on Hollywood and on the world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Unveils Ambitious Road Project for 166 Constituencies
President John Dramani Mahama has launched a bold new initiative aimed at transforming some of Ghana’s most neglected roads. In a major announcement during the sod-cutting ceremony for the Dawhenya-Afienya-Dodowa Road Project in Accra on Tuesday, September 16, the President revealed that 166 constituencies identified as having the worst roads across the country will each receive 40 kilometres of new roads over the next four years. Under the plan, every constituency on the list will benefit from 10 kilometres of roads, including drains and pavements, every year. “We’ve selected 166 constituencies with the worst roads in Ghana, and we are going to give them 10 kilometres of roads, drains, and pavements a year for four years. So they will get 40 kilometres of roads,” President Mahama explained to an enthusiastic audience. The President emphasized that the government’s road agenda goes beyond new construction. Maintaining Ghana’s growing road network is also a top priority. To that end, the Ghana Road Fund will dedicate about GHS5 billion each year exclusively for road maintenance. “We are also going to maintain the roads, and every year, the Ghana Road Fund is going to set aside about GHS5 billion for road maintenance alone. This will cover pothole patching, desilting, grass cutting, and everything needed to keep the roads in good shape,” he noted. The ambitious project is expected to significantly improve transportation links, create jobs, and boost economic activities in the selected constituencies, marking a pivotal step forward in Ghana’s infrastructure development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Dismisses NPP’s Harassment Claims Ahead of Planned Protest
The ongoing political friction between Ghana’s ruling party and the opposition intensified this week as Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, firmly dismissed allegations of harassment leveled by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His remarks came in response to the NPP’s determination to proceed with its planned demonstration on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, undeterred by the recent release of its Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe (popularly known as Abronye DC). The NPP insists that the protest is not solely about Abronye’s detention, but part of a broader pattern of what it describes as political harassment by the state. Appearing on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu described the NPP’s claims as baseless and without merit. “You know that these claims must be dismissed, you know that they are unfounded, they have no basis,” he stated. He questioned the opposition’s position, referencing actions taken by the NPP when it was in power: “Exactly what is the NPP complaining about, really? Between 2017 and 2024, when they were in power, did they not put people before the court to prosecute them? So why would they have a problem? Before they took people to court, did they not arrest them?” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu further explained that the recent arrests were consistent with the government’s campaign promise to ensure accountability under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, emphasizing, “There’s no problem taking past government officials through accountability.” As tensions mount ahead of the demonstration, the government maintains that its actions are guided by the law and its commitment to transparency. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Cedi’s Soaring Rally Cools as Market Pressures Weigh
After a stellar run earlier in the year, the Ghanaian cedi’s rise against the U.S. dollar has slowed dramatically, as fresh market pressures weigh on the local currency. According to the Bank of Ghana, the cedi had gained a remarkable 42.6% by June 2025, but by September, its year-to-date appreciation had halved to 21%. On the interbank market, the cedi traded at GH¢12.15 per dollar in September, a retreat from the currency’s strongest levels seen earlier in the year. The three months between June and September saw the cedi lose nearly 20% of its value, erasing much of the momentum that had briefly lifted it to the top of global currency charts. Performance against other major currencies was mixed. In September, the cedi strengthened 6.9% against the Euro, settling at GH¢14.23, and gained 11.8% against the British pound, trading at GH¢16.45. These gains, however, were less robust than June’s, when the cedi had surged 30.3% against the pound and 25.6% against the Euro. Looking ahead to the final quarter of the year, analysts point to import demand, remittance flows, and monetary policy moves as key factors in shaping the cedi’s future performance. Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama attributed the recent slowdown to seasonal trade pressures and weaker remittance inflows, but noted that the cedi remains among the world’s strongest currencies. “Despite the seasonal pressures and a slowdown in remittance inflows in recent weeks, the cedi remains one of the strongest currencies globally. Year-to-date, it has appreciated by about 21% as of September 12,” Dr. Asiama told reporters at the opening of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on September 15. He added that the cedi’s performance is comparable to currencies like the Russian ruble, Swedish krona, Norwegian krone, Swiss franc, euro, and British pound. The Governor pledged that the central bank would continue to monitor the situation and intervene as needed to maintain currency stability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Signs $1.5 Billion Deal to Boost Oil and Gas Sector
Ghana took a bold step toward securing its energy future this week, as the government signed a Memorandum of Intent with ENI, Vitol, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) for an ambitious $1.5 billion integrated strategic investment plan. The announcement, made during Africa Oil Week, signaled renewed confidence in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector and the nation’s broader economic prospects. The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, highlighted that the new investment would do more than just increase oil and gas production. “This is not just a figure on paper; it is a commitment to job creation, infrastructure development, and the long-term stability of our energy sector,” he said, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the deal. President John Dramani Mahama has long championed policies that foster an investment-friendly business climate while ensuring Ghana’s interests are protected. In line with this vision, the government recently introduced the Gas-to-Power Policy, a strategic initiative to harness Ghana’s abundant natural gas resources for electricity generation. This policy aims to boost energy security, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and pave the way for sustainable development. Minister Jinapor further stressed the government’s determination to “reset” the upstream petroleum sector, addressing the decline in oil production recorded in recent years. The $1.5 billion agreement is expected to drive infrastructure growth and serve as a catalyst for Ghana’s energy transition and industrialisation agenda. As the ink dries on this landmark deal, optimism runs high that Ghana’s energy sector is poised for a new era of growth and innovation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Thomas Partey pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court. The 32-year-old is accused of raping two women, as well as sexually assaulting a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player. Partey spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and his not guilty pleas during a 14-minute hearing on Wednesday. The Ghanaian midfielder, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, faces trial under a High Court judge at the same court on November 2 next year. Partey was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing before his contract expired at the end of June. Days later, he was charged on July 4. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta said in July he was “100 per cent” sure the club had followed all the correct processes around the arrest and investigation. Partey’s latest court appearance comes the day after he came on as a substitute in Villarreal’s Champions League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur in London. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Christopher Hehir told Partey: “Your trial will take place at this court on November 2 of next year, 2026. “I appreciate that it is quite a long way in advance. As you may appreciate, the crown courts have a huge backlog of work, which means that trials do take a long time to come on. “Because you have bail, effectively you are sitting behind a queue of people in prison who are waiting to be tried.” The judge granted bail on the same conditions as Partey was placed under at a previous hearing – that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. Source: skysports.com
GES Set to Release SHS Placements Today
The excitement was palpable across Ghana as the Ghana Education Service (GES) prepared to release the Senior High School (SHS) placements for candidates who sat for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Today, September 17, 2025, marked a significant day for thousands of students and families. For the past week, candidates had anxiously verified their details on the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) portal, ensuring everything was in order before the big announcement. As the sun rose, parents and guardians logged onto cssps.gov.gh, eager to check their wards’ placements. The GES had reassured everyone that any issues could be resolved right on the portal, ensuring a smoother process for all. Last month, Professor Ernest Davis, the Director-General of GES, spoke about the importance of the verification process. “In order to reduce errors associated with school placement, candidates had the opportunity to review the entries they made online,” he explained, adding that this step would help minimize mistakes and disappointments. To make things even easier, the Ministry of Education had released a helpful two-minute instructional video just a week before. Parents and candidates can now follow simple steps to confirm their choices, Check Placement, or Self-Place, using their BECE index numbers and dates of birth to log in. But as anticipation grew, so did warnings. Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, reminded everyone to beware of fraudsters. “Placement is free. Do not pay money to anyone who claims he or she can help you with placement. Anyone demanding money in exchange for placement is a fraudster and should be reported to the police immediately,” Dr. Apaak cautioned. With these safeguards and guidance in place, candidates and their families waited, hopeful and prepared, for the next chapter of their educational journey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com