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INEC meets political party leaders to unveil 2027 election guidelines

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INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan at the meeting with political parties leaders

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has convened a meeting with leaders of political parties at its headquarters in Abuja to unveil and deliberate on new electoral guidelines ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In attendance at the meeting are chairmen and secretaries of political parties, as well as their representatives.

Among them are Senator Nenadi Usman representing the Labour Party, while Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu are representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The meeting is focused on presenting and discussing newly drafted electoral guidelines designed to govern the conduct of the 2027 polls.

The development follows the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which necessitated a review of existing procedures.

According to the INEC Chairman, the updated guidelines are aligned with the provisions of the new electoral law, noting that political parties and other stakeholders can no longer operate within the evolving electoral framework using outdated regulations.

In addition to the guidelines review, INEC has outlined several preparatory measures, including the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The process is scheduled to begin with online pre-registration on 18 August 2025, followed by in-person registration from 25 August 2025, allowing eligible Nigerians to register or update their voter information.

The commission has also announced plans for a nationwide voter register revalidation exercise, aimed at removing duplicate entries and deceased persons to enhance the credibility of the electoral roll.

Credit: channelstv.com

Alleged Corruption: Court Adjourns El-Rufai Bail Hearing to March 31

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Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has adjourned proceedings on the bail application of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to March 31st, 2026.

The decision followed Tuesday’s hearing, during which legal arguments were presented by both the prosecution and the defense.

At the court session, counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant his client bail, citing constitutional rights and the need to allow the former governor adequate time to prepare his defense.

However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the charges against El-Rufai are serious and that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.

The former Kaduna State governor was arraigned by the ICPC over charges related to alleged corruption and abuse of office.

The Commission filed charges against El-Rufai, accusing him of financial misconduct during his time in office.

Ahead of El-Rufai’s arraignment on Tuesday, security presence in the Kaduna State capital and around the court has been significantly heightened, with armed personnel stationed at key entry points to forestall any breakdown of law and order, as supporters and observers gathered outside the premises.

Meanwhile, journalists were barred from entering the courtroom to witness the proceedings.

The former governor was arraigned by the ICPC alongside one Joel Adoga before the Kaduna Federal High Court.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Okor Odey, the arraignment follows charges filed under suit number FHC/KD/73/2026. The charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

Credit: channelstv.com

Armed EFCC operatives take over Malami’s Abuja house

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Armed EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday moved to forfeit the Maitama, Abuja residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Led by Folarin Dare, heavily armed EFCC personnel were said to have arrived the property in at least five buses.

The reportedly barricaded the road leading to Malami’s residence.

It was gathered that access to the property, located at No. 2 Koranakh Close, off Amazon Street in Maitama, Abuja, was blocked as the operatives sealed off the area.

The development is said to be connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged financial improprieties on the part of the ex-AGF.

Residents and visitors were reportedly prevented from accessing the street as the anti-graft agency mounted a heavy security presence.

The agency confirmed that its operatives are acting on a lawful court order firmly grounded in judicial authority.

This development comes on the heels of recent operations by security agencies targeting several of the former minister’s assets across the Federal Capital Territory. Operatives had earlier, on Monday, marked the property for forfeiture.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Village of Hope Urges Government to Support Orphanages

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Managing Director of Village of Hope, Fred Asare addressing the gathering

Government has been urged to take deliberate and sustained steps to address the growing problem of streetism by increasing support for orphanages that cater for abandoned and vulnerable children.

The Group Managing Director of Village of Hope, Mr Fred Asare, said orphanage homes play a vital role in the country’s socio-economic development and should not be overlooked in national policy planning.

He noted that despite limited or no state support, many orphanages have raised individuals who are now contributing meaningfully to national development. He cited the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, as an example.

Mr Asare, therefore, called for increased financial assistance to enable such institutions to expand their operations and improve care for vulnerable children.

He made the call at the launch of the 30th anniversary celebration of Village of Hope, held at the Heritage Christian University College on Monday, under the theme, “30 Years of Hope: Transforming Lives and Securing the Future.”

Speaking on the issue of streetism, Mr Asare said the phenomenon continues to worsen and requires a preventive approach. According to him, efforts must focus on reducing the movement of children from rural areas into cities.

He stressed that investing in rural development, strengthening family systems, and ensuring access to education would significantly reduce the influx of children into urban centres in search of opportunities.

Mr Asare further highlighted the financial challenges confronting the orphanage, explaining that the facility relies heavily on donations from corporate organisations and philanthropists.

“We receive no government support in caring for abandoned children and infants referred to us by the police and the Department of Social Welfare. We take care of them until suitable homes or adoptive parents are found,” he said.

Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children. Over the past 30 years, Village of Hope has established two basic schools, a vocational training institute, and a hospital to improve the lives of those under its care.

The President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, also expressed concern about the rise of false prophets, despite the positive contributions of Christianity to national development, particularly in education.

He further warned that increasing adoption of certain Western cultural practices, such as white weddings and nuclear family systems, is gradually eroding traditional values. He called for stronger collaboration among religious bodies, political leaders, and traditional authorities to address these concerns.

He commended Village of Hope for its achievements and urged other orphanages to emulate its model. A former beneficiary, Mr Sappah Yahaya, who joined the home in 1999 and is now a university graduate, shared how the care and training he received transformed his life.

He encouraged current residents to remain hopeful, trust in God, and work diligently towards achieving their goals.

Activities lined up for the anniversary, which begins in May, include an alumni reunion and graduation, an anniversary walk, medical outreach, a nationwide tour, fun games, and a fundraising dinner to establish an endowment fund.

The event was attended by board members of Village of Hope, as well as religious and traditional leaders and other dignitaries.

 

Sole sourcing: Roads Ministry has committed no sin – Sammy Gyamfi

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NAABENYIN JOOJO AMISSAH
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Sammy Gyamfi

National Communication Officer of ruling government’s party, the National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, has defended the government’s decision to use sole-sourcing in awarding road projects under the Big Push initiative.

According to Gyamfi, the deplorable state of the country’s roads, which posed a significant national security threat as it continued to claim lives and facilitated crimes like armed robbery, needed an urgent attention and immediate solution.

“The deplorable state of our roads is one of the biggest national security threats we face as a country,” Gyamfi stated.  In a statement to counter the raging discussions about government’s decision to resort to sole sourcing, Sammy Gyamfi argued that “resorting to the National Competitive Tendering process would have delayed the projects beyond 2028”, hence the decision to use sole-sourcing.

Gyamfi pointed out that the Surveying, Designing, and Costing of the Big Push road projects took the Ministry of Roads about 7 months to complete. “I am reliably informed that the Surveying, Designing and Costing of Big Push road projects alone took the Ministry of Roads about 7 months to complete,” he said.

He emphatically posited that the use of sole-sourcing has been justified,  citing Section 40 of the Public Procurement Law, which allows for Single Source procurement on grounds of urgency, subject to approval by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA). “Thus, sole sourcing is lawful,” he emphasized.

Juxtaposing the government’s decision to resort to sole- sourcing against what the party preached while in opposition, Gyamfi maintained that the NDC has consistently condemned the unjustified use and abuse of sole-sourcing, not the practice itself.  “The unjustified use and abuse of sole sourcing is what President Mahama and the NDC have condemned,” he said.

No evidence of corruption or bloated figures

Sammy Gyamfi emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest that the use of sole-sourcing for the Big Push projects was unjustified or involved breaches of the law.

“There is not a scintilla of evidence in the Fourth Estate publication that shows that the use of sole sourcing for the said Big Push road projects was unjustified or that there were any breaches of the law or abuse of the process,” he stated.

The NDC, Gyamfi explained, has simply continued projects initiated by the previous government, including 23 road projects awarded through sole-sourcing with no dedicated funding.

“23 out of 84 Big Push road projects, such as Suame Interchange, Ofankor- Nsawam, Adenta- Dodowa, etc. are inherited road projects that were all awarded by the previous NPP government through sole-sourcing with no dedicated funding,” he said.

Gyamfi maintained there is a vast difference between the reasonable use of sole-sourcing and the abuse of the same process which he claimed, was exhibited by the opposition New Patriotic Party when it was in power.

He explained that “In opposition, the NDC never said sole-sourcing was a sin or unlawful. We only preached against the unjustified use and abuse of sole-sourcing in the award of government projects, some of which were established by the Auditor General to be inflated”.

He added that “In fact, some of us cited audit findings of the Auditor General to show that sole-sourced cocoa road projects, some of which were awarded to Bawumia’s brother were inflated”

Gyamfi emphasized that the NDC remains committed to responsible governance, prioritizing transparency and accountability in government procurement processes.

Mastercard on Ghana’s Digital Payments Growth and the Future of Inclusion

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Mastercard

1. How would you summarise Mastercard’s performance in Ghana in 2025, particularly in terms of digital payments adoption and participation across consumers and businesses?

Ghana has established itself as one of West Africa’s most progressive digital payments ecosystems, and Mastercard’s performance in 2025 reflects that momentum. Digital payments have continued to expand across both consumers and businesses throughout the year, driven by significant growth in domestic and cross border in card transactions and complimented by mobile money adoption, fintech innovation as well as strong regulatory collaboration.

A key milestone was the opening of our  new office in Accra, Ghana, reinforcing Mastercard’s long-term commitment to supporting Ghana’s digital economy and our intention to deepen local collaboration with the financial institutions, fintech innovators, mobile money operators and regulators driving it forward. Beyond infrastructure, Mastercard has continued introducing payment innovations that support everyday commerce, including contactless solutions like Tap on Phone and QR-based payments. Together, these efforts are helping accelerate the adoption of digital payments while strengthening Ghana’s broader financial ecosystem.

2. Cross-border payments remain a friction point for many African businesses. How is Mastercard collaborating with partners to make cross-border payments more predictable, secure and scalable for Ghanaian businesses?

Cross-border payments have historically been associated with complexity, delays and high transaction costs — barriers that limit Ghanaian businesses’ ability to compete in regional and global markets. Mastercard is addressing this directly through its global network and strategic local collaboration with banks and fintech partners across African trade corridors.

By connecting local financial institutions to Mastercard’s global payment infrastructure, we enable businesses to access faster, more transparent and more secure cross-border capabilities. Mastercard Move, our portfolio of money movement capabilities, operating across more than 200 countries – and connects to more than 1.75 billion endpoints globally, sits at the centre of this effort, providing the reach and reliability that businesses need to trade beyond borders with confidence.

3. Fraud and cybersecurity concerns often slow digital adoption. How is Mastercard working to protect consumers and businesses in Ghana as digital payments deepen?

Trust and security are the foundation on which any digital payments ecosystem is built. As adoption deepens in Ghana, ensuring that consumers and businesses feel confident transacting online becomes even more important. It is the enabling condition for continued growth.

Mastercard embeds security directly into its payment infrastructure through advanced fraud detection, AI-driven risk tools and robust data protection capabilities. Decision Intelligence Pro, for example, analyses over one trillion data points in real time to identify suspicious activity before it affects merchants or consumers. Since 2018, Mastercard has invested approximately $11 billion in cybersecurity innovation globally, helping prevent nearly $50 billion in potential fraud losses across its network.

Mastercard’s collaboration with Smile ID is one of such examples. The collaboration has accelerated the rollout of secure digital identity solutions across the continent which enables banks, fintechs, mobile money operators and other enterprises to onboard new customers faster, reducing identity fraud and expanding access to the financial system. It combines Mastercard’s global insights and Identity technology, which enables customers to verify digital identity elements with Smile ID’s data verification and fraud detection capabilities.

Beyond technology, we also work closely with industry partners and regulators to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and resilience across the financial ecosystem. Initiatives such as Mastercard Fintech Forum and Fraud and Cyber Resilience Forum brought ecosystem stakeholders together specifically to advance discussions on cybersecurity and digital trust — because security is a shared responsibility, not a single company’s solution.

4. Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping payments and fraud prevention globally. How is Mastercard applying AI in ways that strengthen trust and fairness within Ghana’s financial ecosystem?

AI is playing an increasingly important role in the evolution of digital payments, particularly in areas such as fraud detection, risk management and customer experience.

On fraud, Mastercard has been using and investing in AI for more than two decades, applying machine learning and advanced analytics to strengthen security and improve payment experiences across its global network. Mastercard integrates AI across its global payment infrastructure to identify unusual patterns and detect potential fraud in real time, allowing financial institutions to process transactions more securely while reducing exposure to financial crime. Decision Intelligence Pro delivers 200% higher fraud detection by assessing the complex relationships within each transaction as it happens.

On access, AI-driven credit scoring models analyse alternative data sources, such as mobile usage patterns, supply chain records and agricultural data, to assess creditworthiness for individuals without formal financial histories. This is particularly consequential in markets like Ghana, where significant portions of the population remain outside the formal credit system.

Underpinning both is a commitment to responsible AI deployment, with strong governance frameworks that protect consumer privacy and promote fairness across the financial ecosystem.

5. Looking ahead to 2026, what do you see as the biggest opportunity for Ghana’s digital payments ecosystem—and what must the industry get right to sustain momentum?

The biggest opportunity ahead is deepening inclusion. Ensuring that the infrastructure and innovation built in 2025 reaches the consumers and businesses not yet fully participating in the digital economy.

Mastercard will continue strengthening collaboration with banks, fintech innovators and regulators, while expanding solutions that enable more consumers and businesses to participate in the digital economy. The Mastercard Start Path program will remain a key part of this, connecting Ghanian fintech startups with Mastercard’s global network, expertise and technology to help them scale sustainably.

Sustaining momentum, however, requires continued collaboration across the ecosystem, deeper investment in secure digital infrastructure and a shared commitment, from government, industry and the private sector, to ensure that digital innovation translates into opportunity for all segments of society.

NIB Officer confirms GIIF Board did not approve $2m Sky Train payment 

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Sky Train

A Staff Officer of the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI), Francis Aboagye, has told the High Court in Accra that investigations established that the Governing Board of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) never approved the payment of US$2,000,000 for the proposed Accra Sky Train project.

Mr. Francis Aboagye, who is the third prosecution witness, gave his evidence-in-chief in the ongoing trial of former GIIF Chief Executive Officer, Solomon Asamoah (A1) and former Board Chairman Christopher Ameyaw‑Akumfi (A2), who are standing trial over the investment.

According to the witness, the US$2 million payment formed part of an intended investment in the Sky Train project, which was estimated to cost US$2.6 billion but investigations found no evidence that the GIIF Board authorised the transaction.

Payment made without board approval

In his written statement to the court, Mr. Francis Aboagye said he was assigned on February 24, 2025 to lead an NIB team to investigate a report of an alleged unlawful payment from GIIF funds to Africa Investor Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Seychelles by one Herbert Danso.

He told the court that the investigation confirmed that the money was transferred from GIIF’s account to the foreign company on March 4, 2019 but the payment was made without prior approval from the board of directors, contrary to the GIIF Act and the Fund’s internal investment policy.

He added that minutes of board meetings held between September 2018 and December 2020 were reviewed, but none showed that the board approved the share acquisition or the payment.

“Our investigations established that the board of directors did not approve the share acquisition or the payment of US$2,000,000 at any of these meetings,” the witness stated.

Mr. Aboagye further told the court that under a shareholders’ agreement signed by Mr. Asamoah, on behalf of GIIF, the Fund purportedly acquired 10 percent shares in a special purpose vehicle, known as Ai SkyTrain Consortium Holdings, incorporated in Mauritius by Africa Investor Holdings Limited.

However, he said the agreement was signed without technical, financial, legal or feasibility assessments, contrary to the GIIF investment policy, which requires comprehensive evaluation before any investment decision.

Recommendation from management – A2

The witness also told the court that during investigations, the two accused persons gave caution statements to investigators.

He said Mr. Asamoah insisted that the board approved the payment, but he failed to produce any evidence.

On his part, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi stated that to the best of his recollection, the payment was made on the recommendation of management through the CEO, but he also did not provide proof of board approval.

No progress on Sky Train project

Mr. Francis Aboagye said further investigations showed that although a concession agreement for the Sky Train project was later signed, the project was contingent on a bankable feasibility study, which was never completed.

He added that the Auditor-General’s report and external audit findings indicated that the US$2 million investment may not be recoverable if the project fails to secure the necessary approvals.

The prosecution maintains that the payment of the US$2 million from GIIF funds was unlawful and done without the required authorisation, leading to the criminal charges against the two accused persons.

Davido announces landmark London festival in August

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Davido

Davido has announced his first-ever London festival, Davido & Friends Festival, taking place at Crystal Palace Bowl on August 14th.

Davido has announced his first-ever festival in London, where he will not just be headlining, but also arranging the entire day’s lineup.

The Grammy-nominated artist made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that Davido & Friends Festival will take place at Crystal Palace Bowl on Friday, August 14th. He confirmed it will be his only outdoor show in London this summer.

Presale tickets go live on March 26th at 10 am GMT, with general sale following on March 27th at the same time.

The festival is part of Palace Bowl Presents, a brand-new series at the iconic Crystal Palace Bowl running from July 31st to August 16th. The series features a rotating lineup of global headliners across multiple dates within that time period.

Davido’s date on August 14th is advertised as a UK festival exclusive show, with the rest of that day’s lineup to be announced, arranged by the artist himself.

Davido’s recent trajectory, his fifth studio album, 5ive, released in 2025, earned critical acclaim and cemented his status as a leading global Afrobeats artist.

The album’s standout track, ‘With You’, featuring Omah Lay, surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify and earned him a Grammy nomination. Davido & Friends Festival is the latest move in what has been a carefully constructed global campaign.

The full lineup, when announced, is expected to attract significant attention given the headliner’s weight and the scale of the event.

‘Vibes The Movie’ wins top award at American Motion Pictures Festival

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Vibes The Movie wins award

‘Vibes The Movie’ wins top award at American Motion Pictures Festival

According to an official statement from the festival, “the film was recognized for its originality, craftsmanship, and storytelling impact” among a competitive pool of international entries.

“We are delighted to inform you that Vibes The Movie has received an OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD in the February 2026 Session of the American Motion Pictures Festival!”, the statement read.

The movie, released in 2025, stars Big Ghun and Jeffrey Nortey, following two friends’ attempt to break free from low-paying jobs in pursuit of building a business, reflecting themes of youth ambition and economic struggle in Accra.

The series, featuring the characters Lil Pui and Obolo Tui, amassed over 10 million views within a year and attracted collaborations with several public figures.

Directed by Big Ghun, the film was promoted as a street-to-big-screen project, highlighting its transition from digital content to a full-length cinematic production.

Industry observers say the recognition signals increasing global attention on locally produced Ghanaian content.

The American Motion Pictures Festival, a U.S.-based non-profit film platform, showcases independent films from around the world and recognises outstanding productions across various categories.

Vibes The Movie’s award adds to a growing list of international acknowledgements for Ghanaian filmmakers, as the industry continues to expand its global reach.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Isaac Dentu releases inspiring new Gospel Single ‘Yɛnnsom Nyame Mmbɔkaw’

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Isaac K Dentu

Award winning Ghanaian Gospel musician and worship leader, Isaac K. Dentu has officially released a new single titled ‘Yɛnnsom Nyame Mmbɔkaw’ on March 13, 2026.

The song, which translates as ‘We Never Lose Serving God,’ carries a strong message of faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion to God. The song according to Isaac K. Dentu is to encourage Believers in trying times like this.

“The despondency amongst Believers is increasing, hence the need for a song like this in this season. People wonder if there is anything to look forward to in the future. This song is an assurance that, in God you will never lose,” Isaac K. Dentu revealed the inspiration behind the new release.

The new release was produced by award-winning music producer JakeBeatz and is accompanied by a visually captivating official video directed by Nana Kofi Akromah, popularly known as Skinny MC.

Isaac K. Dentu is no stranger to success within Ghana’s gospel music landscape. With a catalogue of well-received songs such as ‘Pray Always,’‘Your Grace,’‘Yesu,’‘Unchangeable God,’ and ‘Wo Nsam,’ he has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver spiritually uplifting music that resonates with diverse audiences.

Over the years, his inspiring lyrics, coupled with his soulful and powerful vocal delivery, have earned him numerous accolades and a growing fan base both in Ghana and beyond.

His latest single, ‘Yɛnnsom Nyame Mmbɔkaw,’ is expected to further cement his standing as one of the country’s leading gospel voices, as it seeks to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, with the assurance that serving God is never in vain.

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