Deal Just For You

The Persistent Challenge of Sanitation in Ghana As you drive through major cities like Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale, as well as smaller towns across the country, one common sight is hard to ignore: filth. Piles of garbage lining the roadsides, clogged gutters spilling into streets, and plastic bags swirling in the wind like restless spirits. This has become an unflattering image of the nation, despite its natural beauty, hardworking people, and rich cultural heritage. This issue is not just about aesthetics; it has far-reaching consequences. The accumulation of waste leads to serious health problems, such as malaria and cholera, which thrive in unsanitary conditions. Flooding, often worsened by blocked drains, can destroy lives and livelihoods. Businesses suffer when workers fall ill or when customers avoid unsanitary areas. The cost of poor sanitation affects not only individuals but also the economy as a whole. Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope. Government i...

Addressing the Gender Gap in Ride-Hailing Despite a growing interest in ride-hailing as a source of income, there remains a noticeable lack of female drivers on Yango’s platform in Ghana. According to Bennet Otoo, the Public Relations Manager for Yango Africa, the company currently has “just over ten women drivers.” This number highlights a significant gender gap in an industry that is traditionally male-dominated. Otoo spoke about this issue during a media stakeholder engagement in Accra, acknowledging the challenges women face in entering the driving profession. He noted that driving and delivery services are often seen as male roles, which can make it difficult for women to believe they have the capability to take on such jobs. However, he emphasized that Yango is actively working to address this imbalance. To encourage more women to join, Yango has launched initiatives like the SHE Conference, which focuses on empowering women in the transport sector. The goal of this event is t...

Kenpong Football Academy’s European Tour Highlights Growth and Ambition Kenpong Football Academy has firmly established itself as one of Ghana’s leading institutions for developing young football talent. This reputation was further reinforced during a recent training tour in Europe, where the Academy’s Under-18 team showcased its capabilities on an international stage. The squad faced off against some of Belgium’s top youth teams in a series of friendly matches. They secured a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge’s U-18 team, earned a 1-1 draw with KV Mechelen, and narrowly lost to KRC Genk with a score of 3-1. These results not only demonstrated the players’ technical skills but also their resilience and adaptability under pressure. For the Academy’s founder and benefactor, Kennedy Agyapong, known as Kenpong, these outcomes were more than just wins and losses. They represented the Academy’s growing influence and its ability to compete with some of Europe’s most respected youth programs. In...

Preparing for the Spotlight: How to Handle Tough Questions on Live TV Imagine being seated under bright studio lights in a bustling city like Accra, Nairobi, or Lagos. The host, with a warm smile, leans in and asks, “So, sir, how exactly did your company lose $5 million last quarter?” Suddenly, your mouth feels dry, your suit seems too tight, and you can almost hear your ancestors whispering, “Don’t disgrace us on DSTV.” But don’t panic. Tough questions on live TV are not the end of the world. In fact, if handled well, they can become the highlight of your career. Here’s how to answer without looking like you just ran the Comrades Marathon in a three-piece suit. Breathe Before You Speak When a tricky question lands, many executives rush to answer as if there’s a countdown clock over their heads. That’s how mistakes happen. Take a breath. A pause shows you are thoughtful, not clueless. Even two seconds of silence can make you look like a strategist, not a deer caught in the CNN head...

Addressing Ghana’s Infrastructure Financing Gap Ghana is facing a significant challenge in meeting its infrastructure needs, with an estimated annual requirement of US$37 billion over the next 30 years. This demand far exceeds the country’s current fiscal capacity, highlighting a growing gap between available resources and the urgent need for development. According to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, transport and energy alone account for more than 30 percent of this investment, underscoring the scale of the challenge. In addition to the initial capital required, an extra US$8 billion per year is needed for maintenance. Traditional financing sources such as loans, donor funds, and domestic revenue have proven insufficient in meeting these demands. As a result, the government has turned to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a central strategy for bridging the gap and attracting sustainable investment into critical infrastructure sectors. The Deputy Minister hig...

The Evolving Role of Human Resources in Modern Business In today's business landscape, where strategy, finance, and marketing often take center stage, the role of Human Resources (HR) has traditionally been seen as a supporting function. It is viewed as the behind-the-scenes team ensuring that operations run smoothly. However, this perception is outdated and misleading. In the current knowledge-driven, hyper-regulated, and socially transparent economy, the people within an organization are not just its most valuable asset—they are also the source of some of its most complex and potentially damaging risks. Effective human resource risk management is no longer a passive administrative task confined to HR departments. Instead, it has become a strategic priority that demands the attention of the C-suite and boardroom. This is because managing people-related risks is foundational to achieving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and maintaining corporate integrity. The scope of ...

Edo Police Detains Operatives for Alleged Extortion The Edo Police Command has taken decisive action against some of its operatives following allegations of extortion. The officers, who are stationed at the Oba Market Area Command in Benin City, Edo State, were detained for allegedly demanding over ₦300,000 from a furniture maker. This incident has sparked concern and calls for accountability within the police force. CSP Moses Yamu, the Spokesman for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the detentions in a statement released on Monday. He emphasized that the command had successfully recovered the full amount of ₦300,000 that was extorted from the victim. The recovery came after a video surfaced on social media, which was shared by an influencer alleging the misconduct. According to the statement, the officers involved have been identified, and the money has been returned to the affected individual. They are now under detention and will face disciplinary procedures as per the regu...

Edo Police Detains Operatives for Alleged Extortion The Edo Police Command has taken decisive action against some of its operatives following allegations of extortion. The officers, who are stationed at the Oba Market Area Command in Benin City, Edo State, were detained for allegedly demanding over ₦300,000 from a furniture maker. This incident has sparked concern and calls for accountability within the police force. CSP Moses Yamu, the Spokesman for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the detentions in a statement released on Monday. He emphasized that the command had successfully recovered the full amount of ₦300,000 that was extorted from the victim. The recovery came after a video surfaced on social media, which was shared by an influencer alleging the misconduct. According to the statement, the officers involved have been identified, and the money has been returned to the affected individual. They are now under detention and will face disciplinary procedures as per the regu...

Vietnam's High Individual Income Tax Rate Sparks Debate Vietnam ’s individual income tax rate of 35% is among the highest in Southeast Asia , according to a report by Deloitte Vietnam . The company has urged for changes to the current system, highlighting concerns about its impact on economic growth and talent attraction. Comparatively, countries like Thailand and the Philippines also have similar top rates, while Singapore maintains a lower rate of 24%, and Malaysia and Myanmar have rates of 30%. This disparity has raised questions about Vietnam’s position in the region and its alignment with international standards. The Ministry of Finance recently proposed amendments to the Personal Income Tax Law , aiming to reduce the number of tax brackets from seven to five. However, the maximum marginal rate of 35% would remain unchanged, albeit with an increase in the income threshold from VND80 million per month to VND100 million. The ministry argues that this rate aligns with gl...

The 9th Edition of the Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo (GPLE) Unveils Its 2025 Global Series The Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo (GPLE) is set to return for its ninth year with an exciting new chapter in 2025. This year’s event, titled “Resolving Obstacles in the Ghanaian Property Market,” will take place across three major cities: Washington DC, London, and Accra. The GPLE has evolved into a key platform that connects the global diaspora and international investors with Ghana’s real estate, tourism, and lifestyle sectors. A Visionary Leader: AJ Akua Johnson One of the highlights of this year’s expo is the involvement of AJ Akua Johnson, a celebrated actress, wellness coach, and humanitarian. Her journey of reconnecting with her Ghanaian roots has inspired millions around the world. As a Ghanaian citizen for the past three years, she leads THE BRIDGE TO BETTER, an organization that collaborates with institutions such as the US Embassy in Ghana, Diaspora Affairs, and Ghana To...

U.S. Dollar Weakens Against Vietnamese Dong on Black Market On Monday morning, the U.S. dollar experienced a decline against the Vietnamese dong in the black market, while it remained stable against major global currencies. At unofficial exchange points, the greenback fell by 1.48% to reach VND26,550. In contrast, Vietcombank maintained its exchange rate unchanged over the weekend at VND26,476. The State Bank of Vietnam also kept its reference rate steady at VND25,216. Globally, the U.S. dollar remained relatively stable on Monday as markets anticipated a crucial week filled with central bank decisions, particularly those from the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, the euro showed minimal reaction to Fitch's recent downgrade of France's credit rating, which marked the country's lowest level on record. The euro was last trading 0.09% lower against the U.S. dollar at $1.1724. Investors largely ignored the impact of Fitch's announcement, focusing instead on other economic indi...

The Hidden Economy of Incarceration The global prison system is a multi-billion-dollar industry that generates significant profits for various actors, including private contractors, organized crime groups, and even inmates themselves. Despite the staggering financial investment in incarceration, the outcomes often fall short of expectations, with high rates of recidivism and ongoing challenges like overcrowding and poor rehabilitation. Governments around the world spend hundreds of billions annually to maintain prisons, with over 11.5 million people incarcerated globally. The United States, the largest jailer, spends $80.7 billion per year on its prison system, while Brazil spends approximately $4 billion and India, which has the fourth-largest prison population, spends nearly $1 billion. These figures highlight the immense scale of the prison economy and the complex web of interests that sustain it. Private Prisons and the Profit Motive Private corporations have increasingly becom...

A Rising Star in Ghanaian Cuisine Lawrence Cofie, better known as Chef Kwamz, has made a name for himself in the culinary world. He gained recognition as the winner of Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel’s first-ever Master Chef competition in 2018. At that time, he was a 'commis chef' – a junior cook – at Kempinski, having recently completed his diploma in the art and culture at Flair Catering Institute in Cantonments, Accra. Since then, Chef Kwamz has worked at various prestigious establishments, including Tang Palace Hotel. However, his passion for reimagining traditional Ghanaian flavors led him to take a bold step: launching his own culinary venture. He now offers bespoke dining experiences tailored to individuals who wish to enjoy gourmet meals in the comfort of their homes. Known affectionately as Chef K, he has developed a unique approach to cooking by blending local ingredients with creative techniques. His dishes often carry an unmistakable “Je ne sais quoi,” transform...

A Rising Star in Ghanaian Cuisine Lawrence Cofie, better known as Chef Kwamz, has made a name for himself in the culinary world. He gained recognition as the winner of Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel’s first-ever Master Chef competition in 2018. At that time, he was a 'commis chef' – a junior cook – at Kempinski, having recently completed his diploma in the art and culture at Flair Catering Institute in Cantonments, Accra. Since then, Chef Kwamz has worked at various prestigious establishments, including Tang Palace Hotel. However, his passion for reimagining traditional Ghanaian flavors led him to take a bold step: launching his own culinary venture. He now offers bespoke dining experiences tailored to individuals who wish to enjoy gourmet meals in the comfort of their homes. Known affectionately as Chef K, he has developed a unique approach to cooking by blending local ingredients with creative techniques. His dishes often carry an unmistakable “Je ne sais quoi,” transform...