Isaac Amoah
About Isaac Amoah
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Speaker Bagbin calls for annual leave for MPs… citing strain on family life
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has proposed that Members of Parliament (MPs) be granted official leave periods, highlighting the intense demands of the role and its impact on personal and family life.
Addressing the House in Accra on Tuesday, October 21, Bagbin pointed out that while MPs are often perceived as being on break during recess, they continue to carry out their parliamentary duties in their constituencies, with no real time for rest.
“MPs don’t go on holidays or vacation. They recede to continue to do the work of MP,” he explained. “I think it is something that we have to consider because the Labour Act expects that you should also have some leave. It is done all over the world.”
The Speaker expressed concern over how the demanding nature of parliamentary work affects lawmakers’ relationships and well-being.
“Those of us who have sacrificed all these years, we know how our families have been destroyed because you never have time for your family, you never have time for people dear to your heart — the people that you grew up with — and sometimes they don’t spare you,” he said.
Bagbin encouraged his colleagues to begin discussions, both within Parliament and with stakeholders outside, to explore the possibility of MPs having designated leave days.
“Please, let’s think over it, discuss with our neighbours outside Parliament, and at least get a few days to have some breathing space — if not to rest, but to share love with your immediate family members.”Source:Abigail Arthur
Asanko Gold partners Amansie South District Assembly to rehabilitate roads
Asanko Gold Ghana and the Amansie South District Assembly have entered into a public-private partnership to reshape and improve critical community roads within the catchment communities of the mine.
In alignment with the government’s District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), the partnership aims to deliver lasting, impactful road improvements that will uplift the quality of life for thousands of residents across the district.
Under the partnership, Asanko Gold will leverage its resources to complement the efforts of the Assembly under the DRIP to improve road access in host communities through regular maintenance and reshaping.
The company will supply regular diesel fuel to support the operations of the Assembly’s road maintenance machinery, in addition to providing logistical support where feasible, including transportation of materials and community mobilization efforts.
“We believe good roads help drive development, hence our commitment to invest in this cause,” said Dr. Daniel Twumasi, Environment and Sustainability Manager at Asanko Gold Ghana.
“We acknowledge with deep concern the deteriorated condition of our community roads. It is therefore a privilege to join hands with the government DRIP program through partnership with the District Assembly. Asanko remains committed to being a responsible corporate partner in building the resilience of the communities we operate in,” said Dr. Twumasi.
The Amansie South District is home to a number of rural communities whose socio-economic development is hampered by poor road infrastructure. Most of the feeder and community roads are unpaved, poorly maintained, and become impassable during the rainy season, limiting access to essential services such as health care, education, and markets.
Strengthening the rural infrastructure development will therefore promote sustainable corporate social responsibility initiatives with measurable community impact.
District Chief Executive, Benjamin Marfo, noted the partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage private sector support to enhance public infrastructure.
Chief of Nkran, Nana Danso Poku, who is also the Manso Nkwanta Paramount Chief’s Nkosuhene, commended the Asanko Gold and the local assembly for the initiative.
“We appreciate the developmental projects of Asanko Gold in our communities. The company has already been committing to road improvements and this partnership with the Assembly will go a long way to drive development in the area. I also commend the DCE for the forward thinking,” he said.
A Joint Road Reshaping Committee has been established to oversee the planning, coordination, and monitoring of the partnership.
The pilot project shall remain in force for an initial period of three months from the date of execution.
MTN GHANA FOUNDATION & UDS BREAK GROUND FOR STUDENT RESOURCE CENTRE IN TAMALE
MEDIA RELEASE
Accra, October 20, 2025 – The MTN Ghana Foundation, in partnership with the University for Development Studies (UDS), has officially broken ground for the construction of a modern Student Resource Centre on the Tamale campus.
The initiative marks a major step forward in advancing digital learning, STEM education and artificial intelligence training for students in the Northern Region.
The UDS Student Resource Centre is expected to help bridge the digital gap by equipping students with the technical skills and practical training needed for today’s digital economy, while fostering collaborations between academia and the wider community.
The GHS 9.7 million facility, scheduled for completion in eight months, will provide UDS students and visiting learners from other institutions with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, including:
A fully equipped computer lab with 70 laptops, robotics tools and video conferencing facilities linked to UDS Nyankpala Campus.
Access to courses through the MTN Skills Academy platform.
Modern digital learning spaces designed to foster innovation and collaboration.
Provide opportunities for non-UDS students in the region to register and benefit digital skills training.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of MTN Ghana Foundation, emphasised the significance of the initiative in addressing Ghana’s youth unemployment challenge while harnessing the potential of its youthful population. He said, “With 57% of Ghana’s population under the age of 25, this project directly responds to the urgent need for skills development to prepare young people for opportunities in the digital world. Although Ghana’s internet penetration rate currently stands at 69.8%) and government initiatives such as the “One Million Coders” program (moc.gov.gh) are underway, youth unemployment remains a challenge.
“We are not just laying the foundation for a building; we are laying the foundation for a future where Ghana’s youth are equipped with the skills and opportunities to lead in the digital age. By providing access to modern digital tools and training, we are empowering our youth to become creators, innovators, and leaders in the digital economy”, he added.
Professor Muniru Alhassan, Dean at the UDS Nyankpala Campus, expressed his gratitude to MTN Ghana Foundation for coming to the aid of the University with the construction of the facility. He went on to describe the centre as a one-stop hub for nurturing both technical and social intelligence. “The world of work is changing rapidly, and this facility provides our students with the competitive edge needed to blend theory with practice and meet job market demands”, he said.
This project falls under the Education focus area of the MTN Ghana Foundation. The Foundation remains committed to investing in interventions that enhance capacity building and improve learning efficiencies for both teachers and students.
End.
Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com
Efua Falconer
Communications Manager
MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com
CEO of MobileMoney LTD calls for Fintech Industry Players to engage innovators to deepen financial inclusion
MEDIA RELEASE
Accra, Ghana, October 21, 2025 – MobileMoney LTD (MML), has successfully hosted the 2025 Fintech Stakeholder Forum in Accra.
The forum brought together over 200 key stakeholders from the financial, regulatory, and technology sectors to deliberate on the evolving fintech landscape and chart a sustainable path for digital finance growth in Ghana.
Held under the theme “Harnessing Ghana’s Fintech Potential: Regulatory Frameworks for Digital Credit and Digital Assets,” the event explored how policy, regulation, and innovation can align to build an inclusive and resilient digital financial ecosystem.
In setting the tone for the conversation, Mr. Shaibu Haruna, CEO of MobileMoney LTD, emphasized the forum’s core purpose and said, “This gathering is not just about dialogue, but more importantly, about partnership and shared commitment to shaping the future of digital financing in Ghana, and perhaps across Africa.”
He noted that as the fintech economy evolves, there is an urgent need for policymakers, regulators, and industry players to engage innovators to harness the potential of digital credit and digital assets to deepen financial inclusion, empower small businesses, and contribute to national development. Mr. Haruna added that “innovation must continue to serve people and uphold the dignity of society.”
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Matilda Asante-Asiedu, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, said the central bank is focused on defining “the new rules of trust” to balance innovation with financial integrity and consumer protection.
She noted that digital finance has become the “new infrastructure for opportunity” across Africa, with digital credit users in Ghana estimated between 2 and 5 million and crypto adoption steadily rising, making the forum’s theme particularly timely.
Mrs. Asante-Asiedu commended MML for convening the platform, adding, “We are not here merely to discuss innovation; we are here to define the new rules of trust.”
She reaffirmed the Bank of Ghana’s dual mandate to safeguard financial stability while fostering innovation that promotes inclusion.
Providing key regulatory updates, the Deputy Governor announced that the Digital Credit Directive, which enforces clear disclosure and ethical lending practices, came into effect last month. She further disclosed that the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill is in its final drafting stage, and the Bank of Ghana will begin accepting applications for digital credit licenses from November 3, 2025.
She encouraged private sector actors to “innovate boldly, but with integrity,” citing a recent enforcement exercise that uncovered more than 400 illegal digital lending operators.
The forum also featured insightful presentations by Mr. Selorm Branttie of Imani Africa and Prof. Peter Quartey of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), who offered valuable perspectives from policy and academia on the future of fintech in Ghana. Other panelists who contributed to the conversation were Clara Arthur- CEO GhIPSS, Ethel Cofie -CEO Edel Technologies and Sylvia Otuo Acheampong – Chief Products and Services Officer Mobile Money LTD.
MobileMoney LTD expressed optimism that the insights shared and the collaborative spirit fostered at the forum will guide the next phase of digital finance policymaking and ensure that innovation continues to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
-ENDS-
Media Contacts.
Paapa Osei
Head, Legal & Reputation Management
MobileMoney LTD
paapa.osei@mtn.com
Afua Serwaa Asafo- Adjei
Manager- Communications and Stakeholder Management
MobileMoney LTD
MML Communications [ MML Ghana ] MMLCommunications.gh@mtn.com
PRINPAG strengthens partnership with NACOC to support national efforts against drug abuse & illicit trafficking
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has begun a renewed partnership with the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC) to enhance media collaboration in the national campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
On Monday, October 20, 2025, executives of PRINPAG paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, to explore avenues for closer cooperation between the media and the Commission.
Brigadier-General Mantey commended PRINPAG for its readiness to work with the Commission in addressing the growing threat of drug abuse, particularly among Ghanaian youth.
“We acknowledge your work as the media and your contributions to the fight against drug use in Ghana. We appreciate your readiness to collaborate with us. Drug use among the youth is eroding the country’s future, and we must work together to tackle this challenge head-on.”
He expressed concern over the increasing use of synthetic drugs and highlighted the role of irresponsible parenting and social media influence in worsening the problem. The Director-General assured that under his leadership, NACOC would continue to enforce the law strictly, regardless of social status, and called for strong media participation in public education campaigns.
Mr. David Tamakloe & Brigadier-General Mantey
Brig Gen Mantey also announced that NACOC, in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority, will soon roll out training and public education sessions for journalists on the new cannabis regulations currently before Parliament. These sessions will help enhance the media’s understanding of the legal framework and promote accurate, responsible reporting on narcotics-related matters.
Speaking on behalf of PRINPAG, President Mr. David Tamakloe reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting NACOC through impactful journalism and nationwide sensitization.
“As editors and news publishers, we are the eyes and ears of the public. We see what is happening on the streets regarding drug use and trade, and we are equally concerned. We believe this collaboration will help us better understand the issues and report more effectively on them,” Mr. Tamakloe stated.
He further noted that PRINPAG members would benefit from capacity-building programmes to strengthen their knowledge of narcotics and public health issues, adding that support from NACOC in this regard would be highly valuable.
The Public Affairs Officer of NACOC, Nana Osei Nkwantabisa I, assured PRINPAG of the Commission’s commitment to building a stronger and more structured working relationship with the media to ensure smooth collaboration on future initiatives.
Both PRINPAG and NACOC agreed to deepen engagement and explore practical ways to promote national awareness, transparency, and responsible journalism in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
About PRINPAG
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is a professional body of journalists, editors, and publishers from private newspapers and online media platforms. The Association is dedicated to promoting press freedom, ethical journalism, and national development through responsible reporting and advocacy.
PRINPAG National Secretariat
0244822034
October 21, 2025
Speaker Bagbin elected Chairman of Inter-Parliamentary Union, Africa group
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been elected Chairperson of the 52-member Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
His unanimous election, which took place on October 19th 2025 at the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, elevates Ghana to a pivotal position in global international relations, parliamentary diplomacy and leadership.
The prestigious role also reaffirms Rt. Hon. Bagbin’s stature as a global parliamentary colossus with enormous respect and influence on international parliamentary affairs and diplomacy. Aside his chairmanship of IPU,
Speaker Bagbin is the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) and the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association [CPA] International.
In his new capacity as Chairperson of the Africa Group, Rt. Hon. Bagbin is responsible for coordinating and harmonizing the continent’s common positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the primary representative for African parliamentary interests, championing the continent’s priorities on critical issues of governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
In his inaugural remarks following his election, Speaker Bagbin pledged his unwavering commitment to fostering deeper collaboration and unity among African parliaments.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to all the members of the delegations from Africa for attending the 150th IPU Conference and singled out the Nigerian delegation for special mention for seconding his nomination.
Inspired by his unanimous endorsement by delegates, Rt. Hon. Bagbin applauded the Senegalese delegation for magnanimously withdrawing their nominee in the spirit of African unity and consensus building.
He outlined his vision of championing the core principles of transparency, consolidation of democratic governance, and the pursuit of sustainable development across the continent through the strengthening of legislative institutions.
The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament takes over from Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, the Speaker of the South African National Assembly who has left an excellent record of performance.
The Africa Geopolitical Group was established at the beginning of the 1950s as a geopolitical continental branch of the IPU, with the aim of ensuring a fair geographical distribution of seats on IPU’s Executive Committee, sub-committees, and other bodies of the IPU.
The Group also prepares and coordinates positions on key issues on the agenda of IPU General Assembly Meetings and conferences, reviews vacancies within committees and groups of Inter-Parliamentary Union, and proposes candidates to fill such vacancies.
A COMMITTED 2025 SOMMET, ALREADY LOOKING TOWARDS 2026
Show Report Press Release ,Friday 10 October 2025 – Clermont-Ferrand, France
At the time of wrapping up this 34th edition of the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE (LIVESTOCK SUMMIT), the show’s organisers’ thoughts were very much with the farmers of all the cattle breeds and especially with Charolais farmers as it was their breed that was supposed to have been in the 2025 SOMMET spotlight with their National Championships. Against the backdrop of the exceptional circumstances that hit this year’s event, it still managed to welcome a staggering 104,000 visitors during the four days of the show, a 13% drop compared to 2024.
In Clermont-Ferrand, the world’s #1 sustainable livestock farming show stayed on course by bringing together farmers and organisations from across the whole agricultural industry. The absence of all cattle at the show meant that horses, sheep and goat breeds, were at the centre of visitors’ focus, attracting some very large crowds.
A positive economic context
With an economy looking particularly good for investments, livestock breeders and other farmers and growers were present in their numbers in the exhibition halls.
“The SOMMET remains an unmissable trade event for livestock farmers and its associated trades. Proof of this is that some exhibitors have already said that they require more stand space in 2026! The relative drop in visitor numbers was largely offset by a favourable business climate,” as Benoît Delaloy, the SOMMET’s Show Director, conceded.
Strong international presence
A true global hub for livestock farming, the number of foreign visitors was stable compared to previous years, with 6,000 foreign visitors from 104 countries, eight more countries than last year. “Among the highlights were the Farm Tours, and other trade-related site visits, that attracted nearly 1,000 people, that represents an attendance rate of almost 100%!”, a smiling Benoît Delaloy went on to add.
Pastoralists, on track for 2026!
The presence of Jean-Marc Jancovici, the presentation of the sustainable herbivore farming fresco, packed conferences at the Pasto Meet events, the promotion of a grass-fed farming model and the new commitment to raising awareness of tomorrow’s major agricultural challenges is clear, with 2026 declared the International Year of Pastoralists and Rangelands.
“For his first appearance at an agricultural show, Jean-Marc Jancovici drew a full house in the conference centre’s amphitheatre. It sent out a promising signal to the SOMMET’s organisers with its determination to bring together and unite the various parties involved in both agriculture and the environment,” as Bruno Dufayet, President of the Association for the Promotion of Agriculture in the Massif Central (APRAMAC), indicated.
Charolais farmers attract international visitors
In a complicated and challenging cattle-free context, the Herd Book Charolais (this year’s featured breed) organised five farm visits for twenty European delegations from nearly 15 countries, attracting nearly 100 people. It was the opportunity to maintain the economic ties forged in anticipation of this 34th edition of the show.
“90% of the foreign delegations previously announced for this year’s show kept their appointment with the Herd Book Charolais. Feedback from these visits has been extremely positive. When we participate at the SOMMET, everything is in place to facilitate the foreign delegations’ on-farm visits. It’s because of these visits that the breed’s fundamental qualities are presented in context, showcasing the breed’s docility as well as its diversity. With the Grand Charolais Banquet and the festive atmosphere found at the SOMMET, our foreign guests discovered French-style rib of beef, a culinary tradition not necessarily found in their countries!” suggested Denis Brugière, Herd Book Charolais Director.
Media coverage at the SOMMET
This edition brought together close on 240 French journalists, representing around 100 media companies, and 70 international journalists from 30 countries to cover the highlights. The SOMMET can also be found online at the Comptoir des Éleveurs digital platform. TV sets, podcasts, video clips, etc. the 4 days of the show allowed to record, produce and broadcast a wide range of content.
“The use of digital communication has never been so effective as this year at the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE. With nearly 150 programmes produced, doubling that of last year, we covered the event like a true media outlet. We were able to create content that will allow us to extend the SOMMET experience all year round on all social networks to our target audience, via the Comptoir des Éleveurs,” as Victor Berthon, SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE Deputy Show Director told us.
Festivity and fun at the heart of the event
Whether during the day or in the evening, the SOMMET retains its festive DNA! With notably 6 fun evenings, including the unmissable Aftercow party organised by the Young Farmers on the Thursday evening. This 34th edition enabled all visitors to get together, exchange ideas and enjoy the world of farming together.
Relive the 2025 SOMMET in photos: https://www.sommet-elevage.fr/fr/content/galerie-photos
Galamsey fueling rise in kidney & liver diseases- GHOSPA raises red flag
The Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of kidney and liver diseases in communities affected by illegal mining activities.
The association said the surge in renal and hepatic complications is directly linked to the high levels of mercury and other toxic metals contaminating water sources used by households in mining areas.
Dr Emmanuel Owiafe, National Chairman of GHOSPA, made these remarks on the sidelines of Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana’s (PTAC) 16th Annual General Conference, under the theme “Transforming Pharmacy Technicians Education and Practice in Ghana, 50 years of Innovation, Excellence and Impact” on October 17 in Kumasi.
He said the situation poses a major public health threat and requires urgent government intervention.“A number of patients are now being reported with increased issues related to their kidneys and livers, and it is becoming a menace to the entire population. That is why we, as the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana and the GHOSPA alike, are calling for swift and decisive action from the government,” he stated.
Dr. Owiafe added that the association has long discussed the health implications of galamsey and believes it is time for authorities to move beyond dialogue and take concrete steps to curb the practice. “We have examined several aspects of the health effects of galamsey. The decision now must be something decisive that the government can take,” he emphasised.S:ammi Wiafe
