Home Blog Page 2

Digital Innovation Awards Mark 15 Years in Accra

By
Daniella Athena
-
0

The Digital Innovation Awards (DIA) will mark its 15th anniversary in Accra on October 15, 2026, bringing together technology leaders, innovators, policymakers and digital businesses to celebrate achievements shaping Africa’s digital economy.

Digital Innovation Awards marks 15 years as Africa’s technology leaders prepare to converge in Accra.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra, and forms part of the wider programme surrounding the 7th Africa Public Sector Conference & Awards (APSCA 2026), which runs from October 14–16.

From GITTA to the Digital Innovation Awards

The platform began as the Ghana Information Technology & Telecom Awards (GITTA) before evolving into the Digital Innovation Awards.

According to the organisers, the transformation reflects the rapid expansion of Africa’s digital economy and the growing influence of technology across business, government and society.

The 2026 edition is positioned around sectors including telecommunications, fintech, banking, healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, cybersecurity and emerging digital technologies.

The organisers describe DIA as a platform for recognising organisations and individuals developing digital solutions and driving measurable transformation across the continent.

Digital Economy Live to Precede Awards

The celebrations will also include Digital Economy Live (DEL) 2026, a strategic conference focused on Africa’s digital economy.

The official DIA platform describes DEL as a high-level gathering of technology leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors and enterprise decision-makers examining the implementation and scaling of digital transformation.

Topics listed for the programme include digital infrastructure, financial technology, cybersecurity, digital trust, artificial intelligence and the changing relationship between technology, society and business.

Technology Leaders on the Programme

The DIA website lists several technology and public-sector figures among its speakers, including Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology & Innovations; Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Director-General of the National Communications Authority; Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria; and other technology and business executives.

The programme also includes discussions around digital infrastructure, financial-sector technology, cybersecurity and how digitalisation is reshaping social and business life across Africa.

Part of a Wider African Public-Sector Gathering

DIA 2026 is taking place during the same week as APSCA 2026, which will run from October 14–16 at Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

APSCA is expected to bring together senior public-sector leaders, policymakers, CEOs and other decision-makers from across Africa under the theme “Governance 2030: Resilient Institutions for a Digital, Green & Secure Africa.”

Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, is listed by APSCA among its distinguished speakers.

Celebrating Africa’s Digital Transformation

The 15th edition comes as digital technology continues to influence how Africans conduct business, access financial services, interact with government and connect with global markets.

The organisers say DIA seeks to recognise innovations that go beyond ideas to demonstrate practical impact, while creating opportunities for collaboration between businesses, governments, investors and technology leaders.

The Digital Innovation Awards 2026 will take place on October 15 at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, with the wider APSCA programme running from October 14–16.

By GhanaMedia.net | Technology & Digital Economy Desk

Follow @GhanaMedia123 on X for the latest Ghana and African news updates.

Why Ghanaian Banks Struggle to Finance Farmers and Agribusinesses

By
Ghana Media
-
0
Screenshot

Ghana’s agricultural sector plays a major role in the economy, but access to affordable and appropriately structured finance remains a significant challenge for farmers and agribusinesses.

That is the argument advanced by Samuel Oguaa Koomson, also known as Young Agriculturalist, in an analysis submitted to GhanaMedia.

Koomson argues that the problem is not simply that farmers need more loans. Rather, he says financial products must be designed around the realities of agriculture — including weather risks, production cycles, harvest periods, market volatility and the absence of conventional collateral among many smallholder farmers.

Samuel Oguaa Koomson argues that Ghana’s agricultural financing system must better match farming cycles.

Agriculture Contributes Significantly, But Credit Remains Limited

Official Ghanaian government data support part of that argument. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Feed Ghana Programme says agriculture contributes about 22% of Ghana’s GDP, while credit to primary agricultural production represented only 4.7% of total credit in 2024, up from 3.9% in 2023.

The Africa Development Bank has similarly highlighted the financing gap, noting that agriculture in Ghana accounts for a much larger share of economic activity than its share of commercial lending.

Why Agriculture Presents a Different Lending Challenge

Unlike many conventional businesses, agricultural enterprises can have long periods between investment and revenue. A farmer may spend money on land preparation, seeds, fertilizer, labour and other inputs months before receiving revenue from a harvest.

For perennial crops such as mango, cashew and oil palm, the period between investment and meaningful production can be considerably longer.

Koomson argues that conventional repayment structures can therefore place farmers under pressure when monthly repayments begin before their farms generate sufficient cash flow.

Some banks have already developed products that attempt to address this issue. For example, agricultural production loans can be structured around farming seasons, depending on the lender and type of crop.

Weather, Insurance and Market Risks

Agriculture exposes lenders and borrowers to risks that can be less predictable than those associated with many conventional businesses. Drought, excessive rainfall, pests, disease outbreaks and sudden price changes can significantly affect production and farmers’ ability to repay loans.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture identifies low insurance penetration as one of the weaknesses in agricultural finance, reporting that fewer than 5% of Ghanaian farmers had insurance protection in 2024.

Ghana has also been pursuing mechanisms to reduce these risks. The Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) provides credit-risk guarantees to participating financial institutions to encourage agricultural lending.

Collateral Remains Another Obstacle

Many smallholder farmers do not possess the type of conventional collateral traditionally preferred by financial institutions. Land ownership and documentation can also be complicated, particularly where farmers operate under customary or informal arrangements.

Koomson argues that financial institutions should therefore make greater use of alternative financing structures, including credit guarantees, warehouse-receipt financing, contract farming, crop insurance and value-chain financing.

Financing the Entire Value Chain

Another major point in Koomson’s analysis is that financing a farmer without financing the infrastructure around the farmer can limit the impact of credit.

A producer may receive money for inputs but still struggle to transport, store, process or market the resulting harvest.

That is why value-chain financing has increasingly become part of agricultural-finance discussions.

Ghana’s Food-Import Challenge

The financing debate is also connected to Ghana’s continuing reliance on imported food.

Ghana Statistical Service data reported by Citi Newsroom show that Ghana spent more than GH¢36.5 billion on food imports in 2025, with processed cereal grains, frozen chicken and rice among the major import categories.

The World Bank’s 2026 AgriConnect Compact likewise identifies improving productivity, market access, finance and value addition as priorities for Ghana’s agricultural sector, with reducing food imports among its objectives.

What Could Improve Agricultural Lending?

  • Agricultural credit guarantees
  • Crop and weather insurance
  • Longer repayment periods linked to harvest cycles
  • Warehouse-receipt financing
  • Contract farming tied to confirmed buyers
  • Agricultural lending officers with sector-specific knowledge
  • Digital financing for smallholder farmers
  • Financing that covers multiple points in the agricultural value chain

Some of these mechanisms already exist in Ghana in various forms. GIRSAL, for example, provides guarantees to participating financial institutions to help reduce agricultural lending risks.

A Financing System Built Around Agriculture

Koomson’s central argument is that farming cannot always be financed using exactly the same structures used for salaried workers, traders or conventional businesses.

Agriculture has seasonal revenues, weather exposure, production cycles and supply-chain dependencies.

For Ghana to expand domestic food production, the financing system will need to account for those characteristics while also protecting financial institutions against avoidable risks.

As Koomson puts it: “Ghanaian banks want quick, safe, monthly repayment with land title. Ghanaian farming needs long, risky, seasonal repayment with harvest as collateral.”

The debate over agricultural finance therefore extends beyond farmers and banks. It touches food security, imports, employment, rural development and Ghana’s ability to build a stronger domestic food system.

By GhanaMedia.net | Agriculture & Economy Desk

Follow @GhanaMedia123 on X for the latest Ghana and African news updates.

Mercy Kanini Loses All Five Quintuplets at KNH

By
Daniel Jeddman
-
0

VERIFIED — HOSPITAL CONFIRMATION

A devastating tragedy has struck a family in Juja, Kenya, after all five babies born to 28-year-old Mercy Kanini died following their premature birth.

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) confirmed on September 16 that the fifth and final surviving infant had died, one day after the other four newborns. The babies had been transferred from Thika Level Five Hospital to KNH for specialised neonatal care.

Mercy Kanini is mourning the loss of all five newborns after the final surviving quintuplet died at Kenyatta National Hospital.

The quintuplets were born extremely prematurely—at about 25 weeks of gestation—and had very low birth weights. KNH said the babies faced significant clinical challenges and received specialised care from a multidisciplinary neonatal team.

From extraordinary joy to devastating loss

Kanini had delivered four girls and one boy at Thika Level Five Hospital in what was described as a rare quintuplet birth. Earlier reports said the babies weighed roughly between 630 and 800 grammes, although reports have differed slightly on the precise figures.

The newborns were transferred to KNH because of their extreme prematurity and need for specialised neonatal intensive care.

Initially, one baby remained alive after the deaths of the other four. That final hope ended on September 16 when KNH confirmed that the fifth infant had also died.

KNH expressed its condolences to Kanini and her family, saying it recognised the profound pain of losing all five newborns.

What caused the deaths?

KNH has attributed the babies’ medical difficulties to their extreme prematurity and very low birth weights. The hospital has not, in the statement reported by Citizen Digital, alleged negligence or identified another specific cause of death.

This distinction is important because some political figures have subsequently questioned whether the initial facility had adequate equipment and medical personnel. Those are claims and criticisms that should not be presented as established causes of the deaths.

A family now mourning five children

The tragedy leaves Kanini and her husband, Evans Nyamhanga, mourning all five newborns only days after their arrival.

Earlier, Nyamhanga had described the birth as a blessing and appealed for support as the family prepared to care for the quintuplets.

The family is now facing an entirely different reality: mourning the loss of all five babies.

GhanaMedia Verdict: VERIFIED — The death of all five quintuplets has been confirmed by Kenyatta National Hospital and independently reported by multiple Kenyan news organisations.

Editorial note: GhanaMedia will not publish identifiable images of the newborns. Any children appearing in related graphics should have their faces fully blurred or otherwise obscured.

Follow GhanaMedia on X: @GhanaMedia123

Florence Obinim Drops Obinim Name, Embraces Akua Lioness

By
Matilda Melbourne
-
0

VERIFIED — ENTERTAINMENT DEVELOPMENT; REBRANDING CORROBORATED

Gospel musician Florence Obinim is reportedly moving away from the “Obinim” identity as she prepares for a return to gospel music, amid the highly publicised marital dispute involving her and Bishop Daniel Obinim.

Florence Obinim reportedly embraces the Lioness identity as she prepares for a gospel music comeback.

Recent reports indicate that Florence’s social-media branding has changed to Lioness Ministries, with promotional appearances also using the “Lioness” identity. YEN reports that the change follows months of marital tension and comes after Florence previously said she would be willing to drop the Obinim surname from her stage identity if her husband requested it.

The circulating report identifies her new stage identity as “Akua Lioness”, while available reporting more directly confirms the broader Lioness Ministries/Lioness rebrand. GhanaMedia therefore treats “Akua Lioness” as the reported branding rather than an independently confirmed formal name change.

Florence is also expected to return to gospel music, with plans reportedly underway for new songs in the coming months.

The development comes amid the Obinim marital saga

The rebranding follows months of public discussion surrounding Florence and Bishop Daniel Obinim’s marriage. Reports in September 2026 said Florence’s family had initiated a traditional divorce process, while Obinim has publicly discussed the breakdown of the relationship.

In a recent audio reported by Pulse Ghana, Obinim claimed that he had relationships with other women during the marriage. Those claims are allegations made by Obinim himself and have not been independently verified.

Three controversies that have shaped Obinim’s public profile

1. The 2016 church flogging case

Obinim and two pastors were prosecuted after footage showed two teenagers being publicly flogged at a church service. In 2018, an Accra Circuit Court fined the three a combined GH¢12,000 over the assault.

2. The 2020 false-news and forgery case

In May 2020, Obinim was arrested and charged with publication of false news and forgery of a document. He was granted GH¢100,000 bail, with police saying investigations were ongoing at the time. The charge should not be presented as a conviction.

3. The strobe-light and siren case

In February 2022, an Akropong Magistrate Court fined Obinim and his driver GH¢1,200 after they were found guilty of illegally using strobe lights and a siren on a vehicle. The court also ordered the unauthorised equipment removed.

These episodes are part of the documented public controversies surrounding Obinim, but they are separate from Florence’s current musical rebranding and should not be used to imply anything about her own conduct.

A new chapter for Florence?

For Florence, the reported rebrand could represent a significant shift in how she presents herself publicly after years of being strongly associated with the Obinim name.

Her existing biography has long identified her as a gospel musician and preacher, while her music career predates the current marital crisis.

With the Lioness identity now appearing across her promotional presence, attention will turn toward the music itself and whether her planned comeback marks a new chapter in her career.

GhanaMedia Verdict: PARTLY VERIFIED — Lioness rebrand corroborated; “Akua Lioness” and specific comeback-release details require further confirmation.

Follow GhanaMedia on X: @GhanaMedia123

Veteran Nigerian Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

By
Calvin Eli
-
0

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84, with his family announcing his passing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death on Instagram on behalf of the family. The family identified the actor by his full name, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR), and gave his dates as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026.

The family described him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” It also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during the mourning period.

A Career Spanning More Than Five Decades

Olu Jacobs was one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian theatre, television and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building a career that included British television, international productions and Nigerian cinema. He subsequently became one of the veteran figures associated with the development of Nollywood.

His career earned him several major honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and Nigeria’s national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, were also closely associated with the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Family Confirms Death After Previous False Reports

The confirmation comes after years in which false reports about Jacobs’ death circulated on social media.

In 2024, his family publicly rejected another death rumour, with his son Olusoji confirming that the actor was alive.

This time, however, the announcement has come directly from his family and has been independently reported by multiple Nigerian and international media organisations.

No cause of death was provided in the family’s announcement, and GhanaMedia will not speculate about the circumstances of his passing.

GhanaMedia Verification

VERDICT: VERIFIED — DEATH CONFIRMED BY FAMILY AND MULTIPLE CREDIBLE NEWS OUTLETS.

The supplied TRT Afrika report is consistent with the family’s announcement and multiple independent reports published on September 16, 2026. The actor died at 84, and the death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.

Olu Jacobs leaves behind a legacy spanning theatre, television and film and several generations of African audiences.

Follow GhanaMedia on X: @GhanaMedia123

Ghana News | Ghana News Live | Top Stories | Policy & Law Hub

Emma Watson Explains Why She Stepped Away From Acting

By
Daniella Athena
-
0

Emma Watson’s decision to step away from acting was not prompted by a failed film or a Hollywood scandal. In a 2025 interview, the former Harry Potter star explained that years of intense work, public scrutiny and the promotional demands of filmmaking had left her needing to rebuild her life away from the spotlight.

Watson, who became internationally famous as Hermione Granger, has not appeared in a feature film since Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, released in 2019. She has repeatedly described the break as a period of personal rebuilding rather than a permanent retirement from acting.

From Hermione to Hollywood’s Highest-Profile Stars

Watson was cast as Hermione while still a child and went on to appear in all eight Harry Potter films.

Her later career included films such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, The Circle and Beauty and the Beast.

The 2017 Disney blockbuster became one of the biggest commercial successes of her career. Contemporary reports said Watson received about $3 million upfront, with box-office incentives potentially taking her total compensation to approximately $15 million.

Beauty and the Beast ultimately surpassed $1.2 billion worldwide, making the reported $15 million potential compensation figure possible under the reported bonus arrangement.

Then She Stepped Away

Watson’s final feature-film role to date was Meg March in Little Women.

In her 2025 interview with Hollywood Authentic, she explained that the problem was not simply acting itself. She said she profoundly misses the creative side of acting but does not miss the pressure surrounding the promotion and sale of films.

Watson described that promotional side as “soul-destroying”, while saying that performing itself could feel almost meditative.

She also explained that she had worked extremely hard for a long time and eventually felt that her personal life had “bottomed out.” Her response was to step away and rebuild what she described as the foundations of her life before deciding what would come next.

“Maybe the Happiest and Healthiest I’ve Ever Been”

The break has now lasted several years, but Watson has resisted describing herself as permanently retired.

In 2025, she said she still misses acting and the creative experience of being on set. At the same time, she said she is “maybe the happiest and healthiest” she has ever been after shedding some of the pressures associated with her public persona.

She has also explored other areas of creative and academic life, including writing and directing, while continuing her studies.

What the Viral Story Gets Wrong

Some versions of the circulating story overstate or simplify Watson’s financial history.

The frequently repeated claim that the Harry Potter films alone earned her $70 million is not consistently supported by major contemporary reporting; figures around $60 million have also been reported for the eight-film franchise.

Likewise, estimates of an $85 million net worth are third-party estimates rather than an officially disclosed figure and should not be presented as an established fact.

Most importantly, Watson has not announced that she has permanently quit acting. Her own comments indicate that she misses acting and remains open to creative work, while prioritising a healthier balance in her life.

GhanaMedia Verification

VERDICT: VERIFIED — CORE STORY CONFIRMED; SOME VIRAL FINANCIAL FIGURES REQUIRE CAUTION.

The central story is supported: Watson’s last feature film was Little Women in 2019, she subsequently took an extended break from acting, and in 2025 she publicly explained that the pressures surrounding the profession contributed to her decision to step back.

The financial figures and the claim that she permanently “walked away” from acting should be treated more cautiously.

Follow GhanaMedia on X: @GhanaMedia123

Ghana News | Ghana News Live | Top Stories | Policy & Law Hub

Mahama Says New Accra–Kumasi Expressway Could Cut Journey to Two Hours

By
Ghana Media
-
0

President John Dramani Mahama has said the proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway could reduce travel time between Ghana’s two largest cities to about two hours once completed.

Speaking at Kwaso in the Ashanti Region on September 14, 2026, during the handover of 175.6 kilometres of cleared right-of-way for the project, President Mahama used a practical example to illustrate the potential impact of the planned expressway.

“When this Expressway is finished, you can leave Kumasi at 6am and you’ll be in Accra by 8am.”

The proposed expressway is expected to cover approximately 198.7 kilometres and have six lanes, with three lanes in each direction. It is planned along a different alignment from the existing approximately 270-kilometre Accra–Kumasi Highway.

President Mahama said the recommended speed on the completed expressway would be 120 km/h and explained that travelling at around 100 km/h could allow motorists to make the journey in approximately two hours.

The project forms part of the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme. The Ghana Armed Forces completed the right-of-way clearing exercise over 19 weeks, one week ahead of the original 20-week schedule.

President Mahama said government had set aside US$2 billion to finance the project through locally generated funds, with the money reportedly held in a special account at the Bank of Ghana. He also indicated that government intends to begin the main construction phase before the end of 2026.

The Value for Money Office is expected to scrutinise the project as part of efforts to monitor the use of public funds.

GhanaMedia Verification

VERDICT: VERIFIED — THE QUOTE AND PROJECT DETAILS ARE CORROBORATED.

The viral graphic’s central quote, “Leave Kumasi at 6am, reach Accra by 8am,” accurately reflects remarks attributed to President Mahama at the September 14 ceremony.

However, the two-hour journey is a projected travel time for the completed expressway, not the current travel time between Accra and Kumasi. The expressway is not yet complete.

The graphic’s wording that Mahama “unveils” the project is also somewhat imprecise. The Accra–Kumasi Expressway had previously been announced as part of the government’s infrastructure programme, while the September 14 event marked a major preparatory milestone involving the handover of the cleared right-of-way.

Follow GhanaMedia on X: @GhanaMedia123

Ghana News | Ghana News Live | Top Stories | Policy & Law Hub

Memmingen 14-Year-Old Killed as Rejected Asylum Seeker Dies After Police Shooting

By
Matilda Melbourne
-
0

German authorities have confirmed that a 14-year-old boy from Memmingen, Bavaria, was found dead in a vacant building on May 4, 2026, after being reported missing. An autopsy confirmed that the teenager died as a result of violence.

Authorities investigate the death of a 14-year-old in Memmingen after a suspect died following a police shooting.

A 37-year-old man who was treated as the main suspect was subsequently confronted by police and died in hospital after officers shot him when, according to police and prosecutors, he approached them with a knife.

What Authorities Have Confirmed

Police searching the vacant building where the teenager was found reportedly discovered a man hiding inside a cupboard. Authorities said the man acted aggressively, approached officers with a knife and then fled.

Later that evening, five plainclothes officers located the 37-year-old near a swimming pool in Memmingen. Police said he initially attempted to flee before turning toward officers while holding a knife.

According to the joint statement from police and the Memmingen Public Prosecutor’s Office, officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon. When he continued approaching them, they fired, striking him several times. He was eventually disarmed with assistance from another officer carrying a shield and taken for medical treatment, but died in hospital despite resuscitation efforts.

The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office is separately investigating the use of firearms by the officers.

Rejected Asylum Application and Duldung Confirmed

The Bavarian authorities also confirmed that the 37-year-old was a rejected asylum applicant.

According to Bayerischer Rundfunk, the man had been legally required to leave Germany since September 2023, but authorities were unable to execute the removal because his identity and nationality had not been conclusively established. Attempts to obtain substitute travel documents reportedly involved contacts with the Palestinian territories and Jordan but were unsuccessful.

He therefore remained in Germany under a Duldung, a tolerated-stay status.

Authorities said his suspected place of birth was in the West Bank, while his exact nationality remained unresolved. He had also previously received financial penalties for property damage in 2021 and for unlawful residence without a passport in 2026.

Investigation Into the Teenager’s Death

Although the 37-year-old was the main suspect, the investigation into the teenager’s death was still ongoing. Prosecutors said investigators were examining forensic evidence and mobile-phone data to establish what happened and whether anyone else may have been present.

Because the suspect died before any trial, he was never convicted in court of killing the teenager. GhanaMedia therefore will not describe him as a convicted murderer.

The case has nevertheless raised questions in Germany about deportation procedures, identity documentation and the circumstances under which people subject to removal orders can remain under tolerated status.

GhanaMedia verification: The core claims in the supplied material — the death of the 14-year-old, the 37-year-old suspect’s confrontation with police, his death following police gunfire, his rejected asylum application and his Duldung because of unresolved identity and travel-document issues — are supported by German authorities and reputable German reporting.

Follow GhanaMedia on X: @GhanaMedia123

DORiSA Consult Holds 2nd Business Advocacy Forum on Building Teams That Last

By
Matilda Melbourne
-
0

DORiSA Consult has successfully hosted the second edition of its Business Advocacy Forum under the theme “Building Teams That Last: HR, Systems & Delegation for Sustainable Growth.”

Held online via Google Meet on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the forum brought together business owners, managers, professionals and students to examine how SMEs can move from founder-dependent operations toward sustainable, systems-driven growth.

Leadership Must Empower Through Delegation

Dr. Samuel Kodzo Senyoh, a Certified Leadership Coach and Management Consultant, addressed leadership and effective delegation.

He stressed that delegation should go beyond simply assigning tasks. Leaders, he explained, must understand their employees’ skills, empower them and create an environment where team members feel respected and valued.

He linked leadership to vision, strategic direction, values and culture, while describing delegation as the mechanism through which responsibility and organisational capability are distributed.

Aligning People With the Market

Dr. Nancy Erskine-Sackey, Lecturer in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at KAAF University, focused on People and Market Alignment.

She challenged business owners to consider whether their internal teams are prepared to support growth when customer demand increases.

She encouraged SMEs to recruit the right people, give them responsibility and make employees feel genuinely connected to the business and its objectives.

Sustainability Requires Strong Systems

On Institutional Leadership and Sustainability, Dr. Cynthia Sena Kpeglo-Freiku, Executive Secretary of Vice Chancellors Ghana, highlighted risk management, ethical conduct, administrative excellence, accountability and innovation.

She emphasised the importance of building HR capacity and creating systems that allow excellence to be repeated rather than depending solely on individual leaders.

Her central message was that sustainability should become a way of operating, with institutions deliberately developing people and systems capable of functioning beyond the founder or current leadership.

Governance Builds Business Confidence

The final technical presentation came from Mr. Benjamin Akyena Brantuo, Government Relations Specialist at International Justice Mission.

He discussed government relations, SME governance and stakeholder relations, explaining that businesses need more than a good idea to achieve sustainable growth.

He described governance as providing the structure through which a business is managed and argued that effective governance can help an organisation continue operating even when its founder is absent.

A Focus on Sustainable SME Growth

The forum concluded with a panel discussion and live business counselling session moderated by Dr. Doris Aryee. A vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Elizabeth Nartey, followed by a closing prayer from Mrs. Doreen Ada Adzewoda.

DORiSA Consult said the second edition reinforced its focus on Strategy, Systems and Growth, with emphasis on People, Process and Performance.

The organisation also announced the third edition of the Business Advocacy Forum for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM, under the theme “From Visibility to Sales: Digital Positioning Strategies for SMEs in 2026.” The session is expected to focus on helping SMEs convert online visibility into measurable sales growth.

For more information, visit DORiSA Consult.

Follow GhanaMedia on X: @GhanaMedia123

Telecel CEO Patricia Obo-Nai Champions Integrity in Leadership

By
Matilda Melbourne
-
0

Telecel Ghana CEO urges graduates to combine competence with ethics, courage and responsibility

EDITORIAL VERDICT: VERIFIED — CORPORATE EVENT REPORT CORROBORATED

Telecel Ghana Chief Executive Officer Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai has called for a stronger culture of integrity, ethical leadership and social responsibility, saying technical competence alone is not enough to build lasting trust and value.

Obo-Nai made the remarks while speaking at the 2026 Commencement Ceremony of Palm University College at Manya Jorpanya, Shai Hills. Palm University confirms the ceremony took place on September 12, 2026, with Obo-Nai serving as the guest speaker.

“Technical Expertise May Open the Door”

Addressing graduates under the theme “The Quest to Educate Ethical and Excellent Leaders in Ghana,” Obo-Nai emphasised the responsibility of educational institutions to develop graduates who can make ethical decisions and understand the impact of their actions.

“Technical expertise may open the door, but integrity is what sustains trust, builds brands and creates lasting value,” she said.

She argued that investors want people who can be trusted with their resources, while employers increasingly require not only technical ability but also sound judgement, discipline and character.

Obo-Nai further said ethics should be intentionally incorporated into education, reinforced through leadership examples and reflected in everyday decision-making.

Palm University Emphasises Ethical Leadership

Palm University College Founder and President Dr. Peter Carlos Okantey said the institution was established around the belief that Ghana’s development challenges extend beyond skills shortages to include ethical leadership.

He urged graduates to apply the integrity, leadership and excellence developed during their academic journey as they enter professional and public life.

Palm University College says its mission is to produce ethical and excellent leaders with integrity for corporate, national and continental creativity, innovation, service and sustainability.

The university also highlighted initiatives including its Centre for Ethical Leadership, Palm Corporate Mentoring Programme and Palm GreenLab Innovation and Incubation Lab as mechanisms for connecting classroom learning with real-world impact.

Telecel Introduces Ethical Leadership Award

During the ceremony, Obo-Nai announced the Telecel Award for Excellence and Ethical Leadership.

Sponsored by Telecel Ghana, the annual award will recognise a graduating student who combines strong academic performance with sound judgement, integrity, responsibility and service.

Telecel Ghana separately confirmed that Obo-Nai announced an annual award for the best student in ethical leadership as part of the company’s support for developing the next generation of leaders.

Valedictorian Calls for Accountability

One of the ceremony’s two valedictorians, Dr Alex Osei, who graduated with an MSc in Services Management and Leadership, also reflected on the importance of ethical decision-making.

He described ethical leadership as making the right choice even when there is no external pressure to do so, while emphasising transparency, equity and accountability.

The ceremony brought together university leadership, faculty, students, parents, traditional leaders, industry partners and other members of the Palm University community.

The event marked the graduation of Palm University College’s Class of 2026, including the institution’s first graduating cohort from its School of Graduate Studies.

Leadership Beyond the Classroom

The message from the ceremony centred on the idea that professional success should be accompanied by character and responsibility.

For Obo-Nai, the challenge is not simply to produce graduates who can perform their jobs, but leaders whose decisions can strengthen organisations and contribute positively to society.

Follow GhanaMedia on X: @GhanaMedia123 for more verified business, education and leadership stories.

123...291Page 2 of 291