Four teachers, an invigilator and a community member have been arrested by security agencies for their alleged involvement in examination malpractices during the on-going Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Central Region.
Dr Juliet Dufie Otame, the Regional Director of Education, made this known in an interview in Cape Coast on Thursday.
She did not disclose the examination centres or the names of the suspects or the nature of their offences, but however, confirmed that they had been handed over to the police for further investigations.
She expressed concern that despite intensified supervision and invigilation at examination centres by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and West Africa Examination Council, incidents of malpractices continued unabated.
Dr Otame explained that some teachers who engaged in examination malpractices did so purely by emotional attachment and sympathy towards their students and not for monetary gains.
She warned that the directorate, in collaboration with WAEC, would continue to intensify security surveillance in identified hotspot areas across the region as plainclothes security personnel were deployed to monitor the various examination centres.
Dr Otame, therefore warned those engaged in the nefarious act to stop because anyone found culpable would face the full rigours of the law to help halt the phenomenon and safeguard the integrity of the examination.
Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” — Matthew 16:24
Introduction
We can all become followers of Jesus Christ. This invitation is open to everyone, no matter who we are or where we come from. Today, people who follow Jesus are often called Christians. However, in the beginning, Jesus’ followers simply called themselves disciples. A disciple is a learner, someone who follows, listens, and grows.
The first disciples learned something life changing. They discovered that Jesus was not only a man; He is also the Son of God. They learned that they could come to God through Him. They learned that they could trust Him and commit their whole lives to Him.
They learned that if they believed in Him, He would forgive their sins, guide them through this life, and at the end of life, take them to be with Him in heaven.
Becoming a follower of Jesus is a big step. It is the most important decision we can ever make.
The experience is different for everybody. Some people commit themselves to Jesus publicly, perhaps at a Christian meeting. Others commit themselves to Jesus privately, in a quiet moment. Of course, people who do this will want to join other believers and identify with them in worship and Christian living.
Sometimes people feel joyful, relieved, or full of praise. At other times, some people do not feel anything special, even though they have been honest with God and sincere in their commitment.
However they do it, they all share one thing. They have made the greatest choice of all. They have chosen Jesus. They have chosen eternal life.
The Bible says: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
Assurance in Christ Even When Doubts Come
Once we have accepted Jesus, life can still bring hard questions. The Christian life is not always easy.As time goes by, we may begin to doubt our decision. Many people experience doubts at some point. However, it is not always wise to trust our feelings, because feelings can change.
God’s promises are far more trustworthy and unchanging.
The Bible gives us confidence: “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:12–13).
Also,“He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13–14).
And again,“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16).
These scripture remind us that our salvation does not depend on how we feel, but on what God has promised. His Word is sure. His truth stands forever.
A New Life and New Priorities
As a follower of Jesus, a Christian has a new set of priorities. A person who is in a right relationship with God begins to desire to live the way God wants.
The Bible says:“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This does not mean that life becomes perfect immediately, but it does mean that there is a new direction. There is a new desire to please God, to do what is right, and to walk in His ways.
The things that once seemed normal may begin to change. The heart begins to respond differently. This is the work of God within us.
Living Each Day as a Follower of Jesus
Following Jesus is not just a one time decision. It is a daily walk.
Jesus said:“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).
This means choosing each day to live according to His will. Let us be honest. If living life in Christ’s way is something worth doing, then it requires effort and self discipline. It requires intentional living.The Bible encourages us:“Train yourself toward godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).
Those who have been following Jesus for a long time often discover that one important discipline is to spend time alone with God each day. This is where strength is renewed and faith is built.
Spending Time with God Each Day
There are no strict rules about how to do this, because the Christian life is a relationship, not a set of rigid instructions. However, here are some helpful guidelines:
Plan a definite time
Some people find mornings best when their minds are fresh and rested. Others find time at night or during the day. Choose what works for you.The Bible says:“In the morning… I will direct my prayer to You” (Psalm 5:3).
Be still and aware of God’s presence
Take a moment to relax and recognize that God is with you, in your heart and in your mind.“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Read a portion of the Bible
Begin with a passage and allow God to speak to you through His Word.“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Reflect on what you read
Think carefully about the message. Is there a warning? Is there encouragement? Is there something God wants you to do?“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
Spend time in prayer
Thank God for loving you and calling you to belong to Him. Talk to Him about your day. Ask for help where you need it. Tell Him about the people you are concerned for. Bring your worries to Him.“Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Growing in Your Walk with Christ
Spiritual growth takes time. It is a journey, not a moment.As we continue to walk with God, we begin to grow in understanding, in faith, and in character.The Bible says:“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
God is at work in us, shaping us day by day into the image of Christ.
Conclusion
Following Jesus is the greatest decision anyone can make. It brings new life, new hope, and a lasting relationship with God.
There may be challenges along the way. There may be questions, struggles, and moments of doubt. But God remains faithful.
His promises are sure.His love is constant.His grace is sufficient.
The Bible reminds us:“Whoever follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Stay close to Him.
Trust His Word.
Walk with Him daily.
And you will experience the fullness of life that comes from following Jesus.
Stay blessed!
Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.
As the Ghana Premier League enters its final stretch, the competition is increasingly being defined by fine margins and mounting pressure across all sections of the table. The title race remains fiercely contested, the battle for the top four is intensifying and the relegation fight continues to expose the gap between consistency and struggle.
With only a few matches remaining, every point now carries enormous significance for clubs chasing glory, continental qualification, or survival.
Bibiani Gold Stars will not be in action this weekend after their scheduled fixture against Hohoe United was cancelled following Hohoe United’s withdrawal from the league. As a result, Gold Stars are expected to be awarded the points without kicking a ball, a development that could strengthen their position in the title race.
Hearts, Aduana clash in Top-Four Battle
Hearts of Oak will look to strengthen their push for a top-three finish when they host Aduana FC in one of the standout fixtures of the weekend.
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi
The Phobians head into the encounter sitting third on the league table with 50 points from 31 matches, six points behind leaders Medeama. Hearts have quietly built momentum in recent weeks, losing just once in their last five league matches, while keeping three clean sheets during that period.
Their latest outing ended in a goalless draw against Karela United, but earlier victories over Nations FC and Young Apostles highlighted a side that has become increasingly difficult to break down. Hearts have also conceded only 12 goals all season the best defensive record in the division, a statistic that continues to fuel their ambitions.
Aduana, meanwhile, arrive in Accra under pressure after a difficult run of results. The Dormaa-based side sits sixth with 46 points and remains mathematically in contention for a top-four finish. However, inconsistency has threatened to derail their campaign.
The Fire Club has managed just one win in its last five matches across all competitions, suffering defeats to Holy Stars, Berekum Chelsea, and Nations FC in the FA Cup. Their most recent league fixture ended in defeat to Holy Stars, while a goalless draw against Heart of Lions further exposed their attacking struggles.
Despite their recent dip in form, Aduana remain one of the league’s most disciplined defensive sides, conceding only 20 goals in 31 matches.
However, scoring goals has been a major problem, with the two-time champions finding the net just 26 times this season.
History also favours Aduana in this fixture. Hearts have failed to beat them in their last five meetings, losing three and drawing two. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 0-0 in Dormaa, while Aduana also won the corresponding fixture last season.
For Hearts, victory would strengthen their hold on a continental qualification spot, while Aduana need all three points to keep their fading top-four hopes alive.
Kotoko seek revival against Eleven Wonders
Asante Kotoko will be desperate to halt their alarming slump when they welcome bottom-placed Eleven Wonders in a crucial league encounter.
Asante Kotoko captain Samba O’niel
Kotoko’s season has taken a worrying turn in recent weeks. The Porcupine Warriors have lost three consecutive league matches, conceding eight goals in defeats to Dreams FC, Medeama, and Samartex. Their heavy 4-0 loss to Medeama particularly exposed defensive frailties rarely associated with the Kumasi giants.
Currently ninth on the table with 43 points from 30 matches, Kotoko have seen their hopes of a late top-four push fade significantly. However, facing a struggling Eleven Wonders side could offer the perfect opportunity to steady themselves and restore confidence among supporters.
Eleven Wonders travel to Kumasi enduring a miserable campaign that has left them rooted to the bottom of the table with only 10 points from 30 matches. Their defensive problems remain the worst in the division, having conceded 61 goals while scoring just 20.
Micheal Nkoah, Bibiani Gold Stars
The visitors are also without a win in their last five league matches, recording four defeats and one draw. Heavy losses to Dreams FC, Swedru All Blacks, and Medeama have further highlighted the gulf in quality between Wonders and the rest of the league.
Despite Kotoko’s poor recent form, history strongly favors the hosts. The Porcupine Warriors are unbeaten in their last five meetings against Eleven Wonders, winning two and drawing three. Kotoko also secured victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
For Kotoko, this fixture represents more than just three points. After weeks of criticism and disappointing performances, the pressure is mounting on the players to deliver a convincing response. Another setback against the league’s bottom side would only deepen concerns surrounding the club.
Holy Stars, Medeama faceoffin a tricky tie
Medeama will look to maintain pressure at the top of the table when they travel to face Holy Stars in a potentially tricky away fixture.
The Tarkwa-based side sits first with 56 points from 31 matches and remains firmly in contention in the title race. Although Medeama’s recent form has been mixed, the club has shown enough consistency and attacking quality to remain one of the strongest teams in the division. Their latest outing ended in defeat to Berekum Chelsea. However, that setback followed impressive victories over Bibiani Gold Stars and Asante Kotoko, results that demonstrated Medeama’s ability to respond strongly after setbacks.
Holy Stars, meanwhile, enter the contest with renewed confidence following a morale-boosting victory over Aduana FC. That result helped steady a patchy run that previously included defeats to Samartex and Nations FC.
Augustine Okrah, Bechem United
Currently in mid-table, Holy Stars have alternated between moments of resilience and costly defensive lapses, scoring 26 goals while conceding 34 this season. Their home form has also been inconsistent.
Historically, Medeama hold the upper hand in this fixture. The two sides have met three times in recent seasons, with Medeama winning twice and drawing once. Their most recent meeting ended 1-1.
For Medeama, this game presents an opportunity to quickly bounce back from defeat and maintain pressure on the league leaders. However, Holy Stars have already shown they are capable of troubling stronger opposition, especially at home, and will hope to produce another statement performance.
The Bank of Ghana, the National Identification Authority and global fintech industry players have called for stronger integration of digital identity, payment systems and financial infrastructure to accelerate Ghana’s transition into a fully connected digital economy.
The call was made during a high-level panel discussion at the 2026 3i Africa Summit in Accra under the session theme “One Nation, One ID, Infinite Possibilities: Leveraging National Digital ID for a Connected Digital Economy.”
The session examined some of the toughest governance questions surrounding digital public infrastructure (DPI), including ownership, interoperability, regulation, access and the role of governments and private firms in shaping the future digital economy.
Moderating the discussion, Lorita Akuetteh of the Bank of Ghana said recent public excitement over false reports claiming the Ghana Card had been linked directly to payment systems showed that citizens increasingly desire seamless digital services.
“It tells us that citizens are ready and imagining a future where identity, payments and services can all merge,” she stated.
Dr. Fred Bedzrah, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority, described the Ghana Card as more than a physical identification card, insisting that it should be viewed as foundational economic infrastructure. “We should look at the Ghana Card beyond the plastic card we hold,” he said.
According to him, the Ghana Card provides the trusted identity layer needed for secure transactions and service delivery across the digital economy. “It answers the question: Are you who you claim to be?” he explained.
Dr. Bedzrah noted that once a strong digital identity framework is established, opportunities emerge for integrated payments, digital commerce, stronger anti-money laundering systems and broader financial inclusion. “Once identity is established strongly, the possibilities are infinite,” he stressed.
He further disclosed that the Ghana Card already possesses an e-money capability that could potentially support payment transactions in future. “The Ghana Card has an e-money profile, which can be activated at any time,” he revealed.
However, he cautioned that integrating identity and payment systems into one platform must be approached carefully to avoid creating systemic risks. “We have to balance risk, confidence and innovation,” he added.
Dominic Owusu, Director of Currency Management at the Bank of Ghana, stressed that despite the rapid evolution of digital public infrastructure, central banks must remain at the core of currency issuance and settlement systems.
According to him, while governments should provide trusted public infrastructure and regulation, private firms should continue leading innovation and customer-facing services. “The public infrastructure brings trust and the private sector brings innovation,” he stated.
Mr. Owusu maintained that the responsibility for issuing and redeeming currency must remain with the central bank regardless of future digital finance developments. “The central bank must always remain at the core,” he stressed.
He also argued that digital infrastructure systems must remain open and interoperable to prevent monopolistic control and encourage innovation across the ecosystem.
According to him, settlement systems must also remain properly regulated to preserve public confidence and financial stability as digital transactions expand.
Karim Dia, Senior Mobile Money Regulatory Specialist at the GSMA, also stressed the importance of collaboration between governments and private sector operators.
Mr. Dia noted that governments should focus on trusted infrastructure and regulation while private companies drive innovation, customer reach and service delivery.
Michael Wallis-Brown, Vice President for Payments and Banking at FIS Global, highlighted the growing global convergence between digital identity and financial services.
Drawing examples from Singapore, Estonia and Scandinavian countries, he said digital identity systems are increasingly becoming central to banking, payments and online commerce.
He further described Africa as uniquely positioned to leapfrog traditional financial systems because of its highly mobile and digitally connected population.
“Africa is positioned perfectly to leapfrog into the next generation of digital commerce,” he said.
Mr. Wallis-Brown, however, warned that technology alone would not guarantee success without the right policy environment. “Technology is the easy part. Policy is the hard part,” he stressed.
“Here I stand accused. I cannot do otherwise… If I am not allowed to laugh in heaven, I don’t want to go there My warrant is the word of God – Naught else is worth believing… where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel”. – Martin Luther (1517)
Tithe, which is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:7-8 is said to be a tenth of voluntary and generous proportional offer by the offeror. There is no command and it is not a legalistic requirement. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says; “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, (so let him give) not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Maame Frema’s action in confronting Reverend Solomon Bruce at the Methodist Wesley Cathedral, Sunyani and the fallouts seem to be telling some of us a whole lot. The woman was expressing her feeling about the pastor’s charge against those refusing to pay tithe and calling those people armed robbers. She reacted appropriately; “…if it comes to armed robbery (with respect to non-payment of tithe) then it is you, the Bishops, church elders… who are armed robbers.”
And how did the Methodist Church react to this? “The Methodist Church in Ghana through its appropriate agents has extended love and compassion to a member seen in a viral video. We thank God for the maturity demonstrated by the minister in not continuing the exchange and we are grateful to the member for her apology…” Good for the maturity of the Methodist Church.
But what are the other syncretic churches saying? Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah shocked the Christian Community with his “curse” on the woman; “The woman has brought a curse upon herself and her children.” We do not believe it was Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah of the Royal Chapel who was saying this?
A curse on the woman and her children? What have the children done? What would he say if he learnt that some of the woman’s children did not support their mother’s “confrontational position”? Sam Korankye Ankrah may be using some of the tithe to buy air-conditioners, support hospitals, … Do the members attend the hospitals free? And when they leave the airconditioned church and go to their “homes” are their homes also air-conditioned?
The congregants at the Royal Chapel would nod sheepishly, grin shamefacedly and clap timorously. You will ask whether he has read this quotation from Socrates: “Don’t force children into your own ways, as they were created for a time different from your own”.
Eastwood Anaba, born in 1961 and graduated at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as a pharmacist left the profession and entered into full-time ministry in 1988 with his wife Rosemond, a biological science graduate giving him support in his Fountain Gate Chapel Ministry. Tragedy befell the couple in 2009 when two of their children died in a fatal accident in Tamale on their way to attend an Easter Convention in Bolgatanga.
This priest, a prolific writer and powerful orator does not see anything wrong in tithe-paying. Why should he? See his church in Bolgatanga; see the enormity of the structures he has built in Bolgatanga including hotels; Akayet… where or to whom does he report to? Pharmacy versus Christian evangelism; which one is more profitable? Who owns the Church? Who will inherit the Church? Go on, preach on, Pastor Eastwood.
Evangelist Asiedu admits the Methodist Bishop did not speak well… “whether you pay tithe or not, we (the Church) will come to your aid when you are in trouble… But the woman has insulted Jesus Christ… you are an agent of the devil if you support the woman… who has spoken against a “son” of God” Outspoken Prophet Oduro: “Wo tithe kakra a woatua nti, woredi yɛn atɛm… why are you speaking such nonsense” (Because of the mere tithe you have paid you insult us, men of God.”) And Dr Bempah will say; “…if you are dying, I won’t give you any support — for refusing to pay your tithe; most of the poor people remain poor…
We found in the Bible Matthew 7:1-3. “Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye.” Who are we to charge at the pastors and damn them as “fake” pastors, preachers evangelists.
Our research into the relationship of Ghana and South Africa revealed South African firms/entities in Ghana: MTN, DSTV, Stanbic Bank, Absa, Shoprite, Goldfields, Protea Hotels, Broli, Lancet. Ghanaian firms/entities in South Africa: Action Chapel, ICGC, Royal House Chapel. No comment.
Syncretic churches, being those which blend elements from two or more distinct belief systems including Christianity with (African) indigenous pagan or cultural practices, thus creating a new distinct faith abound in Africa, more especially, Ghana. The so-called “men of God” use fear, intimidation, to woo congregants to their churches… “In my prayer, I was carried into heaven and God spoke to me…” (then the revelations will flow; you will die tomorrow; your business will succeed; you will win the election…).
It is surprising whether many of our “men of God” have read the church history… The early followers (Peter, Paul, John…) were not called Christians till after the death of Jesus, at Antioch. Jesus challenged the existing rites of the Jews… he drove money changers and merchants from the Temple in Jerusalem who had turned the Temple into a den of robbers” (Matthew 21).
The first Church was Catholic, and in 1054 broke up by the East-West Schism resulting in Eastern Orthodoxy under Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael Cerularius who excommunicated each other in 1054…
The Protestant Churches emerged when Martin Luther published his 95 Theses pasted these on the door of Wittenberg challenging Catholic practices like the sale of indulgences, giving birth to Lutheranism in 1517. Thanks to the Gutenberg printing press which provided the means for the rapid dissemination of religious scripts in the local languages (not only Latin).
Anglicanism, otherwise known as Episcopalianism, emerged as a “via media” (middle way). King Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church after the Pope in Rome refused the King’s divorce of Catherine of Aragon and his clandestine marriage to Anne Boleyn. The King got the Act of Supremacy passed, declaring King Henry VIII as head of the Church in England, giving him the avenue to annul the marriage with Catherine of Aragon and the marriage of Anne Boleyn in 1527.
The emergence of Methodism is traced to John Wesley and Charles Wesley (with the support of George Whitefield) in the 18th Century. The members believe in these principles establishing it; people are all, by nature, “dead in sin”; They are justified by faith alone; It was started as a movement at Oxford University, a small group (Holy Club) was said to be “methodical” in their approach to Christian observance.
If you follow Matthew 6:19-21 and you plan to store up your treasures in heaven, some people including the “men of God” will exploit your ignorance and naivety to enrich themselves on earth, just as the European explorers came with Christianity and Christian teachings… where is Heaven? Up there? What has the Artemis II found “up there”? The moon — with its own “force of attraction” And why should anybody including Osofo Roja take credit for “revealing” a world crisis in “Hantavirus” pulmonary syndrome.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspect identified as Opoku Emmanuel for allegedly inciting violence and threatening Police and Military personnel in a viral video circulating on social media.
A statement issued by the Police said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, May 7, 2026 by the Inspector-General of Police’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team (CVET), in collaboration with personnel at Jacobu in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.
According to the Police, the suspect, who appeared masked in the video, allegedly warned Police officers against attempting to arrest armed robbers and threatened to kill any security officer who confronted him.
The statement indicated that investigations later identified the masked individual as Opoku Emmanuel.
Police disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody assisting with investigations and will be put before court.
The Police statement did not indicate whether any weapons were retrieved during the arrest or whether additional suspects are being pursued.
The Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team (CVET) of the Ghana Police Service has arrested 11 persons, including five Nigerians, for allegedly using deepfake artificial intelligence (AI)-generated videos to impersonate President John Dramani Mahama in online fraud schemes.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated cyber operations carried out between May 1 and May 4, 2026, across Sogakope, Dabala, Tongu, Akatsi and Aflao in the Volta Region.
According to the police, the first operation conducted between May 1 and May 3 led to the arrest of Raphael Ablordeppey, 32; Anipah Jonathan, 23; Dzamesi Bright Kofi, 35; Thomas Ayoyo, 17; and Louis Segbawu, 18, following intelligence on a syndicate allegedly involved in the creation and circulation of AI-generated videos impersonating the President.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly used the fake videos to deceive unsuspecting members of the public into sending money and disclosing sensitive personal information through online platforms.
A second cyber field tracking operation on May 4 resulted in the arrest of five Nigerians and one Ghanaian in Aflao for allegedly engaging in similar fraudulent online activities.
The second group of suspects were identified as Bishop Esiri, 46; Wisdom James, 25; Ali Lucky, 23; Edwin Edos, 22; John Kofi Darlington, 20; and Danu Peter, 19, the only Ghanaian among them.
During the operations, the police retrieved several items believed to have been used in the alleged criminal activities.
The exhibits included laptop computers, mobile phones, internet routers, 120 pre-registered SIM cards and a Nigerian-registered Mercedes Benz ML 350 with registration number LSR 138HR.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspects are part of a wider criminal network involved in the production and dissemination of fraudulent digital content aimed at impersonating high-profile personalities for financial gain.
The suspects were arraigned before court on May 6, 2026. Nine of them were remanded into police custody to reappear on May 25, 2026, while Thomas Ayoyo and Louis Segbawu were granted bail with two justified sureties each.
First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Zakari Mumuni, has called for urgent action to build inclusive and interoperable instant payment systems across Africa, insisting that such systems are now critical economic infrastructure for the continent’s digital future.
Speaking at the 2026 3i Africa Summit in Accra, Dr. Mumuni warned that fragmented payment systems, high transaction costs and weak interoperability continue to undermine Africa’s digital economic ambitions. 
“Inclusive instant payments are therefore not optional — they are essential infrastructure,” he stressed while delivering a keynote address on the theme “Inclusive Instant Payments as Economic Infrastructure.” 
According to him, Africa has made significant progress over the past two decades through mobile money, fintech innovation, agency banking and digital wallets, but seamless usability across systems remains a major challenge. 
“Africa stands at a decisive moment,” he stated.
“We have achieved remarkable progress in expanding access to financial services, yet the foundations of our payment systems remain fragmented, costly and insufficiently interconnected,” he added. 
Dr. Mumuni explained that properly designed instant payment systems would enable real-time, low-cost transactions across interoperable networks linking banks, fintech firms and consumers into a unified ecosystem. 
“In doing so, they convert fragmented access into meaningful economic participation,” he said. 
The First Deputy Governor noted that inclusive payment systems could improve business cash cycles, strengthen liquidity management and provide underserved communities with reliable and affordable financial services. 
He added that governments would also benefit through improved revenue mobilisation, enhanced transparency and more efficient delivery of public interventions. 
For financial institutions, he said instant payment systems would create valuable transaction data capable of driving innovation in credit, savings and risk management products. 
Despite recent progress on the continent, Dr. Mumuni acknowledged that no instant payment system in Africa has yet achieved inclusivity at scale. 
“This underscores a central reality: building infrastructure is not enough — we must ensure that it works universally and equitably,” he stated. 
He argued that while central banks have already established strong regulatory foundations, regulation alone cannot deliver full integration.
“What is required now is coordinated execution across the ecosystem,” he stressed. 
According to him, regulators, payment system operators, financial institutions and fintech firms must collaborate to build interoperable systems that eliminate friction and expand financial access. 
Dr. Mumuni further called for reforms including harmonised electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) frameworks, aligned licensing regimes and stronger cross-border cooperation to deepen interoperability across African payment systems. 
“In Ghana, we have made tangible progress, including the deployment of multiple instant payment platforms and ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-scheme interoperability,” he disclosed. 
However, he stressed that Ghana’s ambition goes beyond merely building payment systems.
“The objective is not simply to build systems, but to ensure that they are accessible, affordable and trusted by every segment of society,” he added. 
He therefore urged African governments and financial institutions to move beyond fragmented systems toward full interoperability and integrated payment infrastructure across the continent.
“The path is clear, the technology is available and the benefits are substantial. What is needed now is commitment and execution,” he said. 
Rwanda’s Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Hon. Nick Barigye, has cautioned African countries against relying solely on technology to drive digital transformation, insisting that governance and policy coordination remain the real engines of progress.
Speaking during a fireside chat at the 2026 3i Africa Summit in Accra on Thursday, May 7, 2026, he said many governments wrongly assume technology by itself can solve economic and social challenges.
“At times, it is tempting to think technology is the answer to society’s issues. It is not,” he stressed.
The fireside chat, held under the sub-theme “DPI Success Stories: Lessons from Building and Scaling DPI Ecosystems,” examined how countries are using digital public infrastructure systems to transform payments, identity management and financial inclusion at scale.
The discussion also explored lessons from successful digital infrastructure models such as India’s UPI, Ghana’s Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems and Nigeria’s BVN system.
Mr. Barigye explained that Rwanda’s progress in digital infrastructure was achieved through strong governance, institutional coordination and a clear national vision.
“Governance provides clarity. Governance provides vision. Governance provides coordination and the ability to execute very fast,” he stated.
He highlighted Rwanda’s digital platform, “Irembo,” which currently delivers more than 240 services across over 40 institutions through a single integrated system.
According to him, the platform was designed around a government objective of “zero trip, zero error,” allowing citizens to access services digitally without physically moving between offices.
He explained that services such as criminal record checks can now be completed online within hours.
The Deputy Governor also stressed the importance of shared infrastructure, warning that fragmented systems operated independently by institutions increase costs and weaken efficiency.
“Shared infrastructure reduces cost and improves efficiency,” he said.
Mr. Barigye further argued that sustainability in digital public infrastructure should not be measured by who funds it initially, but by whether it solves real societal problems.
“The first question should not be who pays for it. The first question should be what societal problem are we solving?” he stated.
He noted that once citizens and businesses see value in digital systems, large-scale adoption naturally follows, creating long-term sustainability.
The fireside chat was moderated by Matteo Rizzi, Founder of Timepledge and Senior Advisor at the Global Finance and Technology Network.
The summit has brought together regulators, central bank officials, fintech companies and investors to discuss Africa’s digital finance future and cross-border integration.
Six men who disguised themselves as military and immigration officers to terrorise Chinese workers at a manufacturing company in the Central Region have been arrested by police, the Ghana Police Service has announced.
The police, in a statement issued through their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, said the incident happened on Tuesday, May 6, 2026, around noon, at S.I. Jun Manufacturing Company Limited at Agona Akwakwa near Mankrong Nkwanta. According to the statement, the suspects arrived in a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number GW 8887-V, claiming to be National Security operatives.
The police said three of them wore Ghana Immigration Service camouflage uniforms, one wore a military uniform, and two others were in plain clothes. Once inside the company, they assaulted and harassed three Chinese nationals — Man Guan, Chin Min, and MA Kaixiang — and handcuffed all three.
The Agona Swedru District Police Command, the statement noted, received a distress call and quickly deployed officers to the scene. They found the vehicle parked at the location and the three Chinese nationals still in handcuffs.
All six suspects were arrested immediately.
The police identified the suspects as Agyemang Benjamin, 32; Mahama Iddrisu Dawuda Seidu, 48; Ofori Isaac, 35; Adom Bills, 32; Hayford Boafo, 47; and Ato Mchenry, 48.
According to the Ghana Police Service, all six are currently in custody at the Agona Swedru District Police Headquarters.
The Military Police, Ghana Immigration Service, and National Security have been contacted to verify whether any of the suspects hold genuine security credentials.
The police said investigations are ongoing.
