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Permia Drives Climate-Smart Agriculture in Ghana’s Coconut and Oil Palm Sector

Ghana’s coconut and oil palm industries are poised for transformative growth, but sustainable scaling requires tackling biotic stress effectively. Daniel Jeddman reports on Permia’s innovative approach in collaboration with local and international research partners.

CEO Insights on Ghana’s Growth Potential

“Ghana has a powerful growth story in coconut and oil palm, but it will only scale sustainably if we get ahead of biotic stress. Working hand-in-hand with CSIR–OPRI, we’re adapting a platform proven under Innovate UK-backed trials to Ghana’s conditions, enabling earlier detection and targeted response that boosts productivity, reduces blanket pesticide use, and supports climate-smart agriculture across West Africa,” said Permia’s CEO.

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Permia collaborates with CSIR–OPRI to boost Ghana’s coconut and oil palm productivity.

Next Steps and Timelines in Ghana

Next steps in Ghana are already underway through Permia’s Innovate UK-funded project with CSIR–OPRI (Kade) and Embrapa, structured to test and scale the early-detection platform in both commercial and smallholder contexts. The initiative aims to provide actionable insights for farmers, reduce crop losses, and support sustainable practices.

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Permia Drives Climate-Smart Agriculture in Ghana’s Coconut and Oil Palm Sector 3

Impact on Climate-Smart Agriculture

By integrating advanced biotic stress detection with local farming knowledge, Permia’s approach promises to reduce unnecessary pesticide use, improve yields, and strengthen Ghana’s role in West Africa’s climate-smart agricultural transition. The platform also creates opportunities for local farmers to adopt technology-driven methods that are both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial.Learn more about Ghana’s oil palm and coconut sectors through related insights: FAO Palm Oil Insights, International Coconut Community, and CSIR–OPRI Ghana Research.

Ghana Pushes Tech-Law Reforms to Support AI, Fintech and Cybersecurity Growth

Ghana is accelerating reforms to its technology and digital governance laws to support the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (fintech), and cybersecurity, as the country positions itself as a leading digital hub in Africa.

Modernising Laws for the Digital Economy

Government authorities say existing legal frameworks must evolve to keep pace with emerging technologies. The reforms are expected to strengthen regulations around data protection, digital payments, online identity, and responsible AI use while encouraging innovation and investment.

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Ghana advances legal reforms to support AI, fintech and cybersecurity

Boost for AI and Emerging Technologies

Policy experts note that clear AI-focused legislation will help Ghana harness machine learning, automation, and data analytics across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and public service delivery, while reducing ethical and security risks.

Fintech Sector to Benefit

Ghana’s thriving fintech ecosystem, driven by mobile money and digital banking, is also set to gain from the reforms. Improved regulatory clarity is expected to enhance consumer protection, attract foreign investors, and support startups building payment, lending, and blockchain solutions.

Cybersecurity Takes Centre Stage

With rising cyber threats, the proposed legal updates aim to strengthen cybersecurity resilience by improving incident reporting, data breach response, and enforcement mechanisms. Authorities say protecting digital infrastructure is critical to sustaining trust in Ghana’s digital economy.

Positioning Ghana as a Regional Tech Hub

Analysts believe the reforms will boost Ghana’s competitiveness in Africa’s tech space, supporting job creation, skills development, and cross-border digital trade while ensuring innovation grows within a secure and well-regulated environment.

Bank of Ghana Warns Public Against Using Cedi Notes as Gifts or Bouquets

The Bank of Ghana has issued a firm warning to the general public against the use of Ghana cedi notes as gifts, souvenirs, or decorative bouquets, stressing that the practice is illegal and punishable under the laws of Ghana.

Misuse of Currency Constitutes an Offence

According to the central bank, activities such as spraying money, stapling, taping, folding excessively, or arranging cedi notes into bouquets amount to mutilation and defacement of legal tender. The Bank of Ghana explained that the national currency must be handled with care and dignity at all times.

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Bank of Ghana warns against misuse of cedi notes at social events

Social Events Not Exempt

The warning targets popular practices at weddings, funerals, birthday celebrations, and graduations where cedi notes are openly displayed or sprayed on individuals. The Bank of Ghana emphasised that cultural or celebratory motives do not exempt offenders from prosecution.

Legal Consequences for Offenders

The central bank cited existing financial and criminal laws which make it an offence to damage or misuse currency. Persons found guilty may face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offence.

BoG Urges Alternative Gift Options

The Bank of Ghana encouraged the public to adopt safer alternatives such as envelopes, bank transfers, mobile money, or digital payments when gifting money, to help preserve the integrity of the Ghana cedi.

Protecting the Ghana Cedi

The Bank of Ghana reiterated that protecting the value and image of the Ghana cedi is a shared national responsibility, urging citizens to support efforts aimed at reducing currency abuse and replacement costs.

Ghana and Zambia Trade Blows in 12-Goal Futsal Thriller at Cape Coast

The road to the CAF Futsal AFCON kicked off with an absolute rollercoaster as Ghana’s national futsal team played out a high-octane 6–6 draw against Zambia. Hosted at the University of Cape Coast Sports Hall, the match lived up to the hype, leaving fans breathless and the aggregate score perfectly balanced.

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The Ghana National Futsal Team (Black Stars) in high-intensity action against Zambia during the first-leg 6–6 thriller at the University of Cape Coast Sports Hall.

Despite the home advantage, the Black Stars couldn’t pull away from a resilient Zambian side. The encounter was a tactical chess match played at breakneck speed, with both teams showcasing clinical finishing and a few defensive lapses that kept the scoreboard ticking. According to FIFA’s latest futsal insights, the pace of the African game has increased significantly over the last qualification cycle.

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Ghana and Zambia Trade Blows in 12-Goal Futsal Thriller at Cape Coast 9

Ghana will now have to sharpen their edge as they prepare for a daunting trip to Lusaka. With the return leg scheduled for February 8, the stakes couldn’t be higher: a spot in the continental showpiece is effectively down to a “winner-takes-all” showdown in Zambia. Fans can follow live updates on the Ghana FA official channels as the squad departs for the final leg.

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Ghana and Zambia Trade Blows in 12-Goal Futsal Thriller at Cape Coast 10

For more local coverage, visit our Ghana Sports section or check out our futsal archives.


FINALLY: N’Golo Kanté Returns to Europe, Signs with Fenerbahçe Until 2028

The transfer saga that gripped the football world has reached its conclusion. French midfield maestro N’Golo Kanté has officially completed his move to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, marking a sensational return to European football.

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N’Golo Kanté Returns to Europe

After a period of uncertainty following administrative complications at Al Ittihad, Kanté has successfully terminated his contract with the Saudi Pro League side. The 34-year-old World Cup winner has put pen to paper on a long-term deal that will keep him in Istanbul until June 2028.

The Road to Istanbul

The move comes after a dramatic week involving FIFA intervention. A technical error in the Transfer Matching System (TMS) initially delayed the paperwork, leading to reports of Kanté briefly striking to force the move. However, with all legal hurdles now cleared, the “midfield engine” is set to bolster Fenerbahçe’s title ambitions.

This high-profile transfer coincided with Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri moving in the opposite direction, joining Al Ittihad on a four-year contract. The exchange represents one of the most significant pieces of business in the current window, bridging the gap between European and Saudi football elite.

“N’Golo Kanté brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality that will be pivotal for our upcoming campaigns,” a club spokesperson stated during the unveiling.


HISTORY MADE: Kendrick Lamar Dethrones Jay-Z as the Most-Awarded Rapper in Grammy History

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards has witnessed a seismic shift in hip-hop history. American rap titan Kendrick Lamar has officially surpassed Jay-Z’s long-standing record of 25 Grammy awards, solidifying his status as the most-decorated rapper in the history of the Recording Academy with a career total of 27 wins.

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The New King of the Grammys: Kendrick Lamar holds the record for most wins by a rapper after the 2026 ceremony.

Entering the night with nine nominations, the Compton-born lyricist dominated the rap categories with his critically acclaimed 2024 album, GNX. The milestone was reached during the 2026 ceremony held at the Crypto.com Arena, where Kendrick’s haul of five trophies pushed him past both Jay-Z and Kanye West.

A Night of Pure Dominance for GNX

Kendrick’s path to the record began early during the non-televised premiere ceremony, where he picked up three awards: Best Rap Performance for his feature on Clipse’s “Chains & Whips,” Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Luther” (featuring SZA), and Best Rap Song for “TV Off.”

The momentum continued into the live broadcast, where he secured the Best Rap Album trophy for GNX and the prestigious Record of the Year for “Luther.”

“I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. Hip-hop is going to always be right here. We’re going to be having the culture with us,” Lamar stated during his humble acceptance speech.

Surpassing the Throne

For over a decade, Jay-Z held the crown with 25 wins, followed closely by Kanye West with 24. Kendrick’s rapid ascent—achieving 27 wins with only six studio albums—highlights an unprecedented level of critical success. This victory follows his monumental 2025, where his chart-topping hit “Not Like Us” also swept multiple categories.


More Headlines from Ghana Media

Global Music Authority

DRAMA: Showboy in Police Custody After Resisting Arrest During TikTok Live Session

Controversial Ghanaian entertainer and 2Hype Gang leader, Sam Kwabena Sarfo, popularly known as Showboy, has been taken into police custody. The arrest follows a tense standoff with officers from the Ghana Police Service at his residence, an incident that has quickly gone viral across social media platforms.

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Showboy in handcuffs: The controversial entertainer was taken into custody after a viral standoff with police.

Initial reports indicate that Showboy initially resisted the attempt by the police to apprehend him, demanding a formal arrest warrant before cooperating. The entertainer, known for his outspoken nature, went live on TikTok during the encounter, capturing the moment CID officers arrived at his premises.

The Confrontation and Resisting Arrest

In the video footage seen by Ghana Media, Showboy appeared agitated as he questioned the authority of the officers. Despite his initial defiance and refusal to follow the officers, the police managed to maintain control of the situation. After a period of back-and-forth, the entertainer was eventually subdued and transported to the station.

“He initially refused to go with the team, insisting on legal documentation, but the Ghana Police Service successfully executed the arrest after the brief resistance.”

Legal Troubles Continue for the Entertainer

While the specific charges leading to this recent arrest have not been fully disclosed by the police hierarchy, sources suggest it may be linked to ongoing investigations involving public conduct or previous legal petitions. Showboy, who recently returned to Ghana after serving time in a US prison, has remained a polarizing figure in the entertainment industry.

He is currently being held for questioning as his legal team prepares to address the allegations. This development has sparked a massive debate online, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the “38” hitmaker’s latest run-in with the law.


Trending on Ghana Media

National Security & Legal Resources

“I Am Ready to Convince My Sons to Play for Ghana” – Former Black Stars Coach CK Akonnor Hints

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CK Akonnor with his son: The former Black Stars coach is ready to bring his European-based sons home to represent Ghana. 

Akonnor’s two sons, Charles Jesaja Herrmann (25) and Charles Kwablan Herrmann (20), were both born and raised in Germany. Having represented German youth teams at various levels, including the U17 and U20 squads, the duo remains highly sought-after talents. The younger son, Charles Kwablan Herrmann, notably played a pivotal role in Germany’s 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph.

The Challenge of Dual Nationality

Speaking in a recent interview with Graphic Sports, Akonnor acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead. “It’s difficult to convince them to come to Ghana because they grew up in Germany,” Akonnor admitted. “But of course, if the need be or if the opportunity arises, we will be able to make that decision.”

“As a father who represented Ghana at the highest level, I would not hesitate to guide them toward the Black Stars jersey if the timing is right.”

Currently, the elder son, Jesaja Herrmann, is plying his trade with German side FC Bocholt, while Charles Kwablan Herrmann has recently secured a high-profile move to Belgian Pro League outfit Cercle Brugge. The move to Belgium is seen as a major stepping stone that could bring the young winger closer to a senior international call-up.


Related News on Ghana Media

International Sports Coverage

TRAGIC: Massive Tears Flow as Soldier Beats Popular Gym Instructor to Death Over Alleged Infidelity

A somber cloud has fallen over the community as news breaks of a fatal confrontation between a military officer and a well-known local gym instructor. The incident, which has left family members in “massive tears,” reportedly stems from allegations of infidelity while the soldier was serving on a foreign deployment.

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Tragic scene: The moment a soldier confronted a popular gym instructor over alleged infidelity, leading to a fatal outcome.

According to reports, the soldier returned to the country only to be met with rumors that the gym instructor had been “chewing” his wife—a local slang term for a sexual affair—during his long absence. The pained soldier allegedly tracked the instructor down to seek a violent “settlement.”

CCTV Footage Captures the Moment

Disturbing CCTV footage from a nearby liquor joint shows the gym instructor seated peacefully before the encounter. The soldier is seen approaching the victim, and though they appeared to exchange words briefly, the situation escalated into a brutal physical assault within seconds.

“The soldier calmly walked away after the attack, leaving the victim helpless and writhing in pain on the ground.”

Family members who arrived at the scene rushed the instructor to the emergency ward. However, the damage was catastrophic. Medical professionals confirmed that the victim suffered fractured ribs, a broken leg, and severe chest trauma. Despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries.


Related News on Ghana Media

This tragedy follows another shocking report recently covered on our platform. In a separate incident, the entertainment industry is mourning after Abuja singer Nanyah tragically died following a snake bite.

Further Reading & Global Trends

Bobi Wine Condemns Military Raid on Magere Home in Uganda

Bobi Wine Condemns Military Raid on Magere Home in Uganda

Ugandan opposition leader and NUP Party head, Bobi Wine, has accused the military of forcefully entering his home in Magere once again, fully occupying the residence and restricting his family’s access.

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Bobi Wine outside his home in Magere, Uganda

Military Occupation of Bobi Wine’s Residence

Bobi Wine stated that the military returned to his home last night, occupying it inside, outside, and around the property. His family has still not been able to assess the damage or recover items and documents allegedly seized during the first break-in on 23 January 2026.

“These actions raise serious concerns about the rule of law, human rights, and political freedoms in Uganda,” Bobi Wine said.

Political Tensions and Human Rights Concerns

The repeated military presence at the residence of a prominent opposition leader has sparked alarm among human rights organizations and international observers. Many view these actions as intimidation tactics targeting political dissent ahead of upcoming political events in Uganda.

Calls for Investigation

The National Unity Platform (NUP) is calling for independent investigations into the military raids and alleged seizure of property. Human rights advocates argue that unrestricted military occupation of a private residence violates constitutional protections and undermines democratic governance.

Further Reading