Johannesburg, 15 September 2025 – MTN Group, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the African Editors Forum (TAEF), today launched the Pan-African Media Innovation Programme (MIP), a continental initiative to equip journalists with the skills, tools, and networks required to navigate a rapidly changing information environment.
2025 Pan-African Media Innovation Programme (MIP) MTN Group Launch – Nigeria Fellows
The programme builds on the success of the MTN Nigeria MIP, established in 2022, and now extends the model to media practitioners across MTN’s footprint. It offers a certified 12-week curriculum, delivered independently by UJ and TAEF, which combines online academic modules with in-person immersion in Johannesburg. Participants will explore digital transformation, the sustainability of independent media, ethics and law, entrepreneurship, and the impact of platforms and emerging technologies on the information ecosystem. Industry masterclasses, newsroom visits, and innovation projects will connect academic learning to practice.
MTN Group with Partners UJ & TAEF at launch of 2025 Pan-African Media Innovation Programme (MIP)
The launch comes at a time when Africa, like the rest of the world, faces rising levels of fake news, coordinated disinformation, and fragile business models. Strengthening media resilience is critical to advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goal of inclusive, informed, and democratic societies. For MTN, the initiative also aligns with its role as a trusted partner to the countries where it operates, ensuring that connectivity supports not only digital access but also the institutions that safeguard trust.
Speaking at the launch, Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer said, “Africa’s digital future depends on both the infrastructure we build and the strength of the institutions that foster trust and accountability. Through the Pan-African MIP, we are investing in media capacity and innovation alongside respected academic and editorial partners. Together we aim to strengthen the information ecosystems that are essential for resilient democracies and inclusive growth.”
UJ spokesperson added, “Our partnership ensures that the programme is rooted in academic rigour while responsive to the realities of newsrooms. Equipping journalists with the skills to navigate disruption and build sustainable models is critical for the future of the profession.”
African Editors Forum spokesperson said, “Editors across Africa welcome this initiative. Independent media are indispensable to democratic governance, and partnerships such as this provide a pathway to greater resilience, collaboration, and trust.”
The launch, held at MTN’s Innovation Centre in Johannesburg, coincided with a visit from Nigerian journalists representing the MIP Alumni Association, symbolising the transition from a national programme to a Pan-African platform. The first cohort of fellows will begin in 2026.
The Coalition Against illegal Mining has renewed its demand for the government to declare a state of emergency in areas affected by galamsey across the country.
According to the group, illegal mining has become a grave threat to livelihoods, public health, and national security, requiring urgent intervention.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 15, the Convenor of the Coalition, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, urged the government to act decisively.
Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey A file photo of galamsey site
“We are, therefore, making the following demands of the government in response to the president’s statement on deploying a state of emergency as a last resort. One, by Article 31 9A and B, the circumstances under which a state of emergency may be declared include the current galamsey situation in which the actions being taken by the environmental criminals are calculated to deprive large communities of potable water, which is an essential of life,” he said.
The coalition also cited Ghana Water Limited’s recent push for higher tariffs as evidence of the rising cost of water treatment caused by galamsey pollution. It called on the utility provider to regularly publish water turbidity levels nationwide so citizens can know whether treated water meets World Health Organisation standards.
In addition, the group pressed government to prosecute officials complicit in illegal mining, stressing that merely blaming previous administrations is not enough.Source:Samuel Ackom
The local currency – the cedi remains one of the best-performing currencies globally despite seasonal trade pressures and a slowdown in remittance inflows, this is according to the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama.
Speaking at the opening of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on September 15, 2025, he said remittances have not been as strong as in previous periods. However, its impact on the cedi’s performance has been contained.
“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 said.
Dr. Johnson Asiama
The Governor attributed the resilience of the cedi to sound monetary policy, improved foreign-exchange reserves, and tighter regulatory oversight.
“External buffers have strengthened. For the first eight months of the year, Ghana recorded a trade surplus of US$6.2 billion, underpinned by robust gold exports and higher cocoa receipts. Gross international reserves stood at US$10.7 billion in August, covering about 4½ months of imports.”
He added that the cedi is now performing alongside currencies such as the Russian ruble, Swedish krona, Norwegian krone, Swiss franc, euro and the British pound.
The cedi’s strength is supporting lower import costs, easing inflationary pressures and reducing the burden on businesses that rely on foreign inputs.
However, there are concerns that sustaining this momentum will depend on strong export performance, stable remittance flows and managing exposure to volatile commodity markets.
The Governor pledged that the central bank will remain vigilant and intervene when necessary to preserve currency stability.Source:Nii Larte Lartey
George Akom, a Governance Analyst, has expressed concern about the recent political turmoil in Ghana which is spreading fast in our national and party politics.
He indicated that apart from political violence which has become a canker, the recent political character assassination is eroding the trust in democracy.
In very democracy, disagreement is natural. Citizens expect politicians to argue about ideas, policies, and priorities.
George Akom
Yet, more often than not, the battlefield shifts from issues to individuals. Instead of debating solutions, political actors invest energy in destroying reputations. This tactic — known as character destruction or character assassination — is as old as politics itself, but in today’s media environment it has become sharper, faster, and more damaging.
Character destruction goes beyond criticism. It is a calculated attempt to damage a leader’s credibility and moral standing by focusing on private behaviour, personal traits, or identity. It is not about policies or performance but about framing the person as unfit to serve. These attacks may come in the form of smear campaigns, rumors, manipulated scandals, or even targeted social media harassment.
The method is effective because human beings are more likely to remember negative stories than positive ones. A short allegation such as “he is corrupt” or “she is untrustworthy” often sticks longer than any complex rebuttal. The modern media cycle — fueled by viral social media posts — amplifies these attacks at lightning speed. Even when false, they leave a stain that is difficult to erase.
Research shows that survival often depends on context. If the attack comes from a powerful rival and is widely amplified in the press, the damage is greater. If the politician responds quickly and credibly, or if the media exercises restraint, the target stands a better chance of recovery.
Not all politicians face these attacks equally. Women and minority leaders are more likely to be hit with gendered or identity-based insults, which exploit existing social stereotypes. Reformers and outsiders also tend to be vulnerable because they threaten established interests.
Meanwhile, incumbents with strong party backing and loyal media allies sometimes weather even the harshest accusations.
The real victim of character destruction is not only the politician but the democratic system itself. When smear campaigns dominate headlines, citizens lose trust in politics. Policy issues such as jobs, education, and healthcare are overshadowed by scandal. Polarization deepens as voters are encouraged to see opponents not as rivals but as enemies. Worst of all, honest voices may be silenced because they fear being personally attacked.
The answer is not to shield leaders from accountability. Politicians must face legitimate scrutiny for their actions in office. But societies need guardrails to separate fair criticism from reputational warfare.
He enumerated that the under-listed measures must be adopted to solve the menace of character assassination in politic;
Politicians should invest in rapid-response strategies, offering timely, evidence-based replies instead of trading insults
Journalists must verify allegations before publication and avoid sensationalizing unverified claims.
Citizens have a role too — by questioning sources, resisting the urge to spread rumors, and focusing on issues over personalities.
Platforms can reduce the damage by labeling or slowing the spread of unverified content.
Conclusion
Character destruction in politics is not new, but its impact today is more corrosive. Democracies thrive when debates focus on ideas, not insults. As voters, journalists, and leaders, the responsibility is shared: to ensure that political competition remains robust, honest, and issue-driven. Only then can citizens trust that their leaders are chosen for their vision and competence, not for their skill in surviving smear campaigns.
The Manhyia Palace has directed that all schools, banks, shops, markets, and commercial centers in the Kumasi Metropolis remain closed on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
This, according to the seat of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is in observance of the final funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The announcement was made during a press briefing on Friday, September 12, 2025, by Nana Effah Apenteng, Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee and Paramount Chief of the Bompata Traditional Area.
He explained that the closure is meant to honor the memory of the late queen mother and allow residents to participate fully in the solemn rites.
Nana Effah Apenteng further stated that the Manhyia Palace has also directed the suspension of all commercial activities on that day.
He urged the public to strictly adhere to the directives, stressing the cultural significance of the funeral and the need to uphold Ashanti traditions with dignity and reverence.
The final rites will span four days, from Monday, September 15, to Thursday, September 18, 2025.
On the final day, the body of the late Asantehemaa will be moved from the Manhyia Palace’s Dwabirem to the Bantama Royal Mausoleum for ceremonial rites, and later to the Breman Royal Mausoleum for burial.
As part of the traditions, residents of Kumasi are expected to observe an indoor curfew beginning at 7 PM on Thursday evening, which will last until 4 AM the following day.
This, according to the palace, is a sacred period to ensure a peaceful transition for the revered queen mother.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III served as Asantehemaa from 2017 until her passing in 2025 at age 98.
She was the biological sister of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and succeeded their mother, Nana Afia Serwaa Kobi Ampem II.Source : Ghanaweb.com
The Ministry of Finance, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson on 11th March, 2025, presented a 2025 Budget on behalf of President John Mahama in alignment with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, and it is important that as citizens we evaluate the content of budget against the prevailing performance of the government.
We are in September, and hopefully in November the 2026 Budget will be presented to Parliament in fulfillment of Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution.
However, below are some of the failures of President John Mahama’s government in relation to the implementation of the 2025 Budget:
FAILED to “Resetting the Economy for the Ghana we want”, as captured under Section 19(page 5&6 of 2025 Budget Speech).
Majority of Ghanaians are still not impressed with the management of the exchange rate, security, and galamsey activities recklessly ongoing across the Country.
FAILED to address the government arrears/payables captured under Section 56(page 13 of 2025 Budget Speech) such as:
(a). $1.73 billion owed to Independent Power Producers.
(b). GHS 68 billion owed by the Electricity. Company of Ghana
(c). GHS 32 billion owed by the Ghana Cocoa Board.
(d) GHS 5.75 billion owed by Road Fund.
Ghanaians want to know if Mahama’s government has been able to pay the aforementioned debts or increased the aforementioned debts within 9 months in government?
FAILED to achieve anchors of the resetting agenda captured under Section 120(page 28 of 2025 Budget Speech) especially the massive failure to implement:
(a). “Restoring hope in our democracy, renewing trust in public officials, and helping every Ghanaian attain full potential”.
How can every Ghanaian attain full potential when John Mahama’s government deliberately sacked some public sector workers who were duly employed under the previous government?
(b). “Stimulating demand by patronizing made-in-Ghana goods under the 24-hour Economy Policy.”
9 months in government yet the NDC has FAILED to implement the 24-hour Economy Policy.
FAILED to achieve or even get closer to achieving the macroeconomic targets captured under Section 130(page 32 of 2025 Budget Speech) as follows:
(a). Overall Real GDP growth of at least 4.0 percent.
(b). Non-Oil Real GDP growth of at least 4.8 percent.
(c). Primary balance on commitment basis at a surplus of 1.5 percent of GDP.
(d). Gross International Reserves(including oil funds and encumbered/pledged assets) to cover not less than 3 months of imports.
FAILED to abolish the COVID-19 levy, as captured under Section 172(page 48 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to implement 24-hour Economy, as captured under Section 191(page 54 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to implement the $10 billion “BIG PUSH Policy, as captured under Section 191(page 54 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to “implement an Economic Transformation Agenda underpinned by structural reforms anchored on promoting modernized agriculture Agro-business, and value addition for import substitution, exports and job creation”, as captured under page 55 of the 2025 Budget Speech.
FAILED to stay within the budget of providing a Cedi equivalent of $279 million as a revolving fund for the Ghana Gold Board(GOLDBOD), as captured under Section 194(page 57 of 2025 Budget Speech).
Mahama’s government has exceeded the budgetary allocation of $279 million to the GoldBod.
FAILED to allocate the GHS 13.85 billion for the Big Push Programme, as captured under Section 195(page 57 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to fully achieve the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, as captured under Section 217(page 63 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to fully roll out the National Apprenticeship Programme, as captured under Section 218(page 63 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to fully roll out of the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme, as captured under Section 219(page 63 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to fully roll out of the National Coders Programme, as captured under Section 220(page 63 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to fully roll out the “Nkokor Nketenkete” component of the Economic Transformation Agenda(AETA) across the country , as captured under Section 216(page 62 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to fully roll out the “Feed Ghana Programme” component of the Economic Transformation Agenda(AETA), as captured under Section 216(page 62 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to fully roll out the “Ghana Grains Development Project” component of the Economic Transformation Agenda(AETA), as captured under Section 216(page 62 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to fully roll out the “Vegetable Development Project” component of the Economic Transformation Agenda(AETA), as captured under Section 216(page 62 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to implement the proposal of sending a minimum of 80% of funds directly to the District Assemblies to spur economic growth at the district level and deepen decentralization, as captured under Section 214(page 62 of 2025 Budget Speech).
FAILED to increase the number of LEAP beneficiaries from 350,000 to 400,000, as promised under Section 210(page 61 of 2025 Budget Speech).
Let me also state that, an audit of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Mahama’s government shows that, the government has been able to achieve only 28-30% of the policies and programmes as outlined in the 2025 Budget.
There are other several policies and programmes in the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy that the government has FAILED to deliver but not listed in this Article.
…. Signed….
Razak Kojo Opoku
Founding President of UP Tradition Institute
Religious tension, much like ethnic and tribal conflict, poses a significant threat to national unity and security. The silent but deeply felt leadership vacuum and potential succession crisis within the Islamic religious community in Ghana demand urgent national attention.
This open petition respectfully seeks your intervention, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, in addressing the following pressing concerns related to the Islamic faith in Ghana:
Establishment of an official succession plan for the Office of the National Chief Imam
Proper and accurate representation of Muslim leadership on the Board of the National Peace Council
Amendment to the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818) to reflect the realities of religious pluralism within Islam and Christianity in Ghana
Muslim Sects/Denominations in Ghana
The Muslim population in Ghana is far from monolithic. It comprises a diverse set of Sects and Denominations, each with its own leadership, constitution, and administrative structure. These include:
President John Mahama
Tijaniyya Muslim Community
Ahlussunna Wal-Jama’a (Sunni Muslim Community)
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Shia Muslim Community
Qadiriyya Muslim Community
Salafi Muslim Community (Salafi Movement)
Wahhabi Movement
Society of the Muslim Brothers (Muslim Brotherhood)
Non-Aligned Muslims
Other Sufi Orders not listed above
Each of these groups operates autonomously and has distinct theological and administrative identities. Any national-level religious decision or representation, therefore, must reflect this diversity.
Razak Kojo Opoku
However, currently, in accordance with the National Peace Council Act, 2011(Act 818), only the representatives of Ahlussunna Wal-jama’a(Sunni Muslim Community), Tijaniyya Muslim Community, and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are members of the Governing Board of National Peace Council.
Lack of an Official Succession Plan for the Office of the National Chief Imam
Ghana is on the brink of a potentially destabilizing national Muslim leadership crisis following the eventual exit of His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the current National Chief Imam.
The Office of the National Chief Imam was politically created by former President Jerry John Rawlings without comprehensive consultations or consensus among all Muslim denominations/sects in Ghana. Though the office is widely recognized by political actors and institutions, it lacks a formal legal framework, constitutional mandate, or succession plan accepted by the full spectrum of Muslim sects/denominations in Ghana.
Notably, His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu is a member of the Tijaniyya Muslim Community, yet he is NOT the Supreme Leader or President of the Tijaniyya Muslim Council of Ghana. That title currently belongs to His Eminence Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Abul-Faidi Maikano Jallo, the President and Spiritual Leader of the largest Tijaniyya population in the country.
Given this background, we strongly urge H.E. John Mahama, Ministry of Interior, and the National Peace Council to initiate inclusive consultations with all key leaders of the various Islamic sects in Ghana, including:
1. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu
Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Abul-Faidi Maikano Jallo (Tijaniyya)
Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih (Ahmadiyya)
Sheikh Salman Mohammed Alhassan (Ahlussunna Wal-Jama’a)
Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Kamaludeen (Shia)
Leaders of other recognized Sufi Orders and Islamic Movements/Sects/Denominations in Ghana.
The aim of this dialogue must be to either:
1. Establish a broadly accepted succession framework for the Office of the National Chief Imam, or
Dissolve the “concept of National Chief Imam of Ghana” in favor of recognizing each sect/denomination’s leadership independently—similar to the recognition model used for Christian denominations in Ghana.
Misrepresentation on the Board of the National Peace Council
Section 4(Vii) of the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818) provides for Tijaniyya Muslim representation on the governing board of the National Peace Council.
However, there is a serious and unacceptable anomaly in the current implementation. That is,
Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, currently occupies the Tijaniyya seat, despite not being a member of the Tijaniyya sect, but allegedly affiliated with Ahlussunna Wal-Jama’a (Sunni Muslim Community).
This contradicts the stipulation of the Act and represents an injustice to the Tijaniyya Muslim Council of Ghana and its members across the country.
As such, we call on H.E. John Mahama, the National Peace Council, and the Ministry of Interior to urgently correct this misrepresentation by replacing Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu with a legitimate representative nominated by the Tijaniyya Muslim Council of Ghana, led by His Eminence Sheikh Khalifa Ahmed Abul-Faidi Maikano Jallo.
Amendment to the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818)
The current framework of Act 818 does not reflect the full diversity of the Islamic or Christian faith communities in Ghana. We respectfully recommend the following amendments:
1. Expand representation on the Board of the National Peace Council to include all major Islamic sects and denominations.
Formally recognize registered Christian associations and councils not currently captured under the Act.
Such changes will enhance the legitimacy, inclusivity, and national relevance of the National Peace Council.
Inaction by Past Muslim Vice Presidents
Ghana has had two Muslim Vice Presidents under the 4th Republic namely:
1. H.E. Alhaji Aliu Mahama
2. H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Regrettably, neither was able to take concrete steps to resolve the Islamic leadership issues and potential succession crisis. Their failures to act has left a dangerous vacuum in the Islamic governance structure in Ghana, a vacuum that could escalate into division and unrest in the future.
A Humble but Urgent Appeal to H.E. John Mahama
Your Excellency, as a former President and a statesman respected across the religious spectrum, we humbly and urgently call upon you to help reset and resolve the looming leadership crisis confronting the Islamic community in Ghana.
We also respectfully urge that immediate steps be taken to replace Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu on the National Peace Council Board to uphold the legal provisions of Act 818 and respect the integrity of the Tijaniyya Muslim Council of Ghana.
Conclusion
This petition is not driven by sectarian interest, but by a commitment to justice, fairness, and peace in our beloved country. Ghana’s strength lies in its religious and ethnic diversity, and this diversity must be properly acknowledged and respected in national policy and governance.
The leadership of the Church of Pentecost has joined Asanteman in mourning its Queen, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed away peacefully on August 7.
A delegation led by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, visited the Manhyia Palace on Friday.
In his remarks, the televangelist underscored the significance of their presence to show solidarity with the King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who stands as the chief mourner.
Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and his entourage at the Manhyia palace
“The whole church is here to comfort the Otumfuo. We can’t stay in Accra and send representatives. We knew even our presence would encourage Otumfuo.”
Apostle Nyamekye used the occasion to express his profound gratitude to the King for his generosity, which has made the Church widely visible across Asanteman.
He also singled out the King’s benevolence that saw the lease of the Asokwa Church renewed for free.
“We thank Otumfuo for all he has done for the church. We would reach the extent if not for him. We are visible in every corner. Particularly what he did for us at Asokwa. I want to use this occasion to thank Otumfuo.”
The delegation prayed for the King, committing the upcoming burial rites of the Asantehemaa into the care of God.
A multitude of sympathisers trooped to the Manhyia Palace on September 12, 2025, to show solidarity with the Asantehene, ahead of the burial rites of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa.
The occasion was particularly used to donate and extend condolence messages.
Among them were Nananom, Accra Brewery PLC, Wesley College of Education, Anglican Diocese of Kumasi, Kasapreko Company Limited, BBC Industrial Company, Kumasi Mall, Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Poultry Farmers Association, Mfum Farms, Bank of Ghana and Prudential Bank.
The burial rites of Her Majesty will begin on September 15 and end on September 18.
The Campaign Team of the former Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, wishes to express its profound gratitude to all individuals and groups who contributed to the immense success of his recent three-day tour of the Ashanti Region.
We are deeply grateful to the following for their invaluable support and dedication; Regional and Constituency Executives, Members of Parliament, Council of Elders, Patrons, and Founding Members (Alive), former Members of Parliament (MPs) and former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), former Party Executives, identifiable Groups and all Party Faithful in the region whose efforts made the visit of the former Vice President a memorable one.
The Campaign Team is very much grateful to each and every one of you for your roles in ensuring a successful and impactful tour. Your collective efforts have demonstrated the unity and strength of our party in the Ashanti Region.
We look forward to your continued support as we work together towards our shared goals.
Statement Issued by:
Hon. Collins Ntim
Regional Campaign Coordinator
On behalf of the Liason Officer and the Regional Chairman of the party in the Ashanti Region
