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Entrepreneurs encouraged to register companies for legal recognition

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Business

Madam Yayra Adzo Banini, the Director of Registration and Licensing, Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), has encouraged entrepreneurs to register their businesses to gain legal recognition and enjoy the benefits.

“In life, every individual has a certificate of identity – a birth certificate and a passport for travel. In the same way, for a business, the only proof of ownership and legitimacy is registration,” she said.

Madam Banini gave the advice at the weekend during a float in Accra to climax a three-day ORC Week Celebration, held on the theme: “Resetting the Business Environment: The Role of Enterprise Risk Management.”

She said registering businesses with the ORC conferred several advantages, including legal recognition, limited liability, credibility, access to funding and markets, and protection of business names.

“It also legitimises operations, safeguards personal assets from business debts, and fosters trust with customers and partners, positioning businesses for growth, government programmes, and international trade,” she said.

“Economic activities are the backbone of national development. So, whether you are into services, manufacturing or any other venture, make sure your business is registered.

“That is the only way you can be recognised when the names of businesses in Ghana are mentioned.”

Madam Banini said the ORC was established under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) as a separate statutory body from the Registrar-General’s Department to focus solely on company and business registration, regulation, and public education.

“As part of our mandate under Section 353, we regulate, register and educate. That is why we are on the streets – to educate the public and announce the birth of a new institution, the Office of the Registrar of Companies,” she said.

The ORC is responsible for registering all forms of businesses and professional bodies, including Business Names (Act 151), Companies (Act 992), Partnerships (Act 152), and Professional Bodies (N.R.C.D. 143), except those established by Acts of Parliament.

It also regulates compliance by appointing Inspectors, Receivers and Managers, and serves as the Official Liquidator under the Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring Act, 2020 (Act 1015) and its amendment, Act 1031.

The Office collates and disseminates information on registered entities in the Business Register and undertakes regular public education programmes on the operations of Companies, Partnerships, Business Names, and Professional Bodies.

GNA

Ghana Gas is overstaffed –CEO 

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Management of Ghana Gas in a group photograph with the journalists

The Management of Ghana Gas Company Limited (GGCL) says it is overstaffed and there is the need to urgently conduct a man-power audit.

The man-power audit would ascertain whether or not staff strength aligned with roles and duties and as such every staff was working efficiently.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company, Ms. Judith Adwoba Blay who disclosed this at a media training for journalist in Takoradi estimated the current staff strength of the company to close to 1300.
Ms. Judith Blay indicated that, the current staff strength of the company would not have come into question if the GPP2 had come on board.
But for a GPP1 to have a whopping 1300 staff raises questions and the need for an urgent man-power audit to ascertain whether every staff was working efficiently.

According to her, as at the end of 2017, the total staff strength of the company was less than 300. But this number has ballooned for the last eight years up to almost 1,300.
Government of Ghana has initiated plans to add another Gas plant to the already Atuabo plant. The new plant (GPP2) would bring to two, plants owned and maintained by Ghana Gas.   The new plant would serve as additional plant to complement the GPP1.

The CEO revealed that the new plant would be built and maintained by Engineers of the company.

Ms. Adwoba Blay lauded the engineering skills of the company Engineers. “The set of engineers we have at Ghana Gas today, they are the only engineers who are so equipped and empowered to do what they do and they do it with passion,” she added.

Ghana Cedi remains the only legal tender in Ghana -BoG

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Dr Johnson Asiamah, BoG Governor

The Bank of Ghana has warned that the Ghana Cedi remains the only legal tender in the country, cautioning individuals and institutions against unauthorized foreign exchange transactions and dollar pricing of goods and services.

In a notice issued on August 27, 2025 and signed by Aimee V. Quashie for the Secretary, the central bank stressed that unlicensed forex dealings including black market trading, pricing and quoting in dollars, advertising in foreign currency, issuing receipts and receiving or making payments in foreign currency — are strictly prohibited under the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723).

The directive ordered all institutions and individuals engaged in such practices to “immediately cease and desist. The Bank listed prohibited transactions to include school fees, vehicle sales and rentals, real estate, airline tickets, domestic contracts, retail shopping, online sales and hotel accommodation, adding that such payments must strictly be conducted in Ghana cedis unless otherwise authorised.

However, the notice clarified that foreign currency invoices may be issued to expatriates or non-residents, with proceeds deposited into a Foreign Exchange Account (FEA) with a licensed bank. It further directed that exchange rates applied must reflect prevailing market rates of commercial banks and be benchmarked against the Bank of Ghana’s published reference rate, and not arbitrarily determined.

The statement also reassured the public that foreign exchange remains transferable through the banking system for legitimate external payments, subject to regulatory thresholds and the internal processes of commercial banks.

Reiterating its stance, the Bank warned that it “will continue to enforce compliance, and violators will be subject to sanctions and appropriate legal action in accordance with Act 723.”

Daddy Lumba’s One-Week Celebration: Bawumia Donates GH₵100k

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Dr Bawumia with Daddy Lumba's family

The family of Daddy Lumba visited former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the late highlife musician’s one-week celebration event on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025 the Ekuona Royal Family of Nsuta, led by Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu and the former Deputy CEO of MASLOC, Madam Afia Akoto, were present at the NPP presidential candidate hopeful’s office to officially inform him of the music icon’s unfortunate demise.

Daddy Lumba’s family also formally invited Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to the one-week celebration event, which is set to be held at the University of Ghana, Legon Sports Stadium.

During the visit, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia recounted his previous pledge to support Daddy Lumba’s family during his visit to the late musician’s residence at East Legon in July.

During the meeting at his office, the former Vice President also presented GH₵100k cash to support the family of the late musician in preparation for the late musician’s one-week celebration event on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

The money, placed inside a brown envelope, was presented to the head of Daddy Lumba’s family, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, by the former Majority Leader of Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also pledged to support the family in organising the funeral service of the late Daddy Lumba in the Ashanti Region after the official date is eventually announced.

Credit: yen.com.gh

If they dare me I’ll buy another Lambo next two months –Shatta Wale

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Shatta Wale

Controversial Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, has made a defiant statement just days after his release from detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

During a performance of his song “Rising Youth” at the Osu Homowo Festival, the self-proclaimed “African Dancehall King” declared that if he is “dared,” he will buy another Lamborghini within the next two months.

Shatta Wale’s bold pronouncement comes on the heels of a week of legal troubles.

He was detained by EOCO last Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the ownership of his distinctive yellow Lamborghini Urus.

According to a statement released by EOCO on Thursday, August 1st, Shatta Wale, during his interrogation, claimed to have purchased the luxury vehicle “on the streets,” a statement that has raised eyebrows among investigators and the public alike.

The vehicle has been confiscated by the anti-graft agency as part of their probe, which reportedly involves US officials.

The interrogation led to his detention on Wednesday, but the musician was later granted bail. The initial bail amount was set at a staggering GH¢10 million, but it was subsequently reduced to GH¢5 million with two sureties whose properties must be verified.

Shatta Wale’s performance at the Homowo Festival was his first major public appearance since his release, and he wasted no time in addressing his recent ordeal.

Credit: ghpage.com

“True love comes from self-love” – Dee Wills

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Dee Wills

Daniel Duncan-Williams, popularly known as Dee Wills and son of celebrated Ghanaian preacher Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, marked his 30th birthday with a heartfelt testimony of resilience, faith, and gratitude.

In a video which has since gone viral online, Dee Wills reflected on his journey through hardship, openly recounting the struggles that shaped him. He paid glowing tribute to his father, acknowledging his unwavering support and unconditional love.

The hip-hop artiste spoke candidly about painful moments in his past, including time spent in prison and hospitalisation, experiences he has previously referenced in public. Despite these trials, he stressed his belief in God’s presence.

His words, filled with vulnerability and faith, struck a chord with many, presenting his journey as one of redemption and spiritual growth.

Dee Wills praised his father, Archbishop Duncan-Williams, founder of Christian Action Faith Ministries, describing him as a constant pillar of strength.

“My father has been there for me through it all, showing me what true love and faith look like,” he said, crediting the Archbishop’s guidance for helping him weather life’s storms.

Dee Wills has long been a controversial figure, often making headlines for his highly publicised social media meltdowns. In earlier incidents, he accused his father of being “a demon” after alleging that the Archbishop had called in the Police to arrest him when he threatened to leave home.

He also shocked the public by sharing explicit videos of himself online, claiming at the time that they were his way of staying true to himself and connecting with fans. In June 2020, he further alleged that his father opposed his rap career and had cut him off financially.

After several controversies, Daniel eventually issued a public apology to his father. Since then, he has occasionally been seen preaching on social media, urging young people to avoid drugs and other harmful vices.

Kofi Kinaata sparks deep reflection in new song ‘It is finished’

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Kofi Kinaata

Multiple award-winning Artiste, Kofi Kinaata, has once again demonstrated his unique ability to blend entertainment with deep social commentary in his latest single titled ‘It Is Finished.’ The song, produced by OT Woode, offers a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the unanswered questions it often leaves behind.

In ‘It Is Finished,’ the Takoradi-born Artiste ponders how quickly life can change, lamenting that one can be alive and vibrant today but gone tomorrow. With his characteristic blend of wit and raw honesty, Kofi Kinaata questions whether life is truly worth all the struggles and uncertainties, further wondering what awaits humanity at the end of this earthly journey.

The Fante Rap God paints vivid imagery in his lyrics, at one point stating that he could get so drunk that nightclub security would have to escort him home, or cry so bitterly that onlookers might assume he is mourning a personal loss. These metaphors, though stark, serve as a window into the weight of his thoughts and the broader existential dilemmas that many silently grapple with.

Beyond the surface, ‘It Is Finished’ is a wake-up call for listeners to pause and reflect. It challenges audiences not just to dance to the rhythm but to probe the deeper meaning of life, its brevity, and its unpredictability. The song reinforces Kinaata’s reputation as more than just a hitmaker; he is a storyteller, philosopher, and social commentator whose works resonate with the realities of everyday life.

Kofi Kinaata, known for classics such as ‘Susuka,’‘Things Fall Apart,’amongst others has consistently distinguished himself as an Artiste who speaks to the conscience of society. With ‘It Is Finished,’ he continues that tradition, merging artistry with introspection in a way that connects deeply with the Ghanaian experience.

At a time when society is riddled with uncertainties and grief, the song is not only timely but also therapeutic. It provides listeners with space to reflect, heal, and find meaning amidst life’s complexities.

The song is available for streaming and download on all streaming platforms.

France returns human skulls to Madagascar, 128 years after French massacre

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A ceremony to return three skulls originating in Madagascar

France has returned to Madagascar three human skulls kept at a Paris museum for 128 years, after they were looted during the colonial period, including one believed to be that of a Madagascan king decapitated by French troops.

The skull, presumed to be that of King Toera, and two others from the Sakalava ethnic group, were formally handed over at a ceremony held at the French Ministry of Culture on Tuesday.

French troops beheaded King Toera during a massacre of locals in 1897, with his skull then taken back to France as a trophy, and placed in Paris’s national history museum alongside hundreds of other remains from the Indian Ocean island.

“These skulls entered the national collections in circumstances that clearly violated human dignity and in a context of colonial violence,” French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati said at the event.

The French minister’s Madagascar counterpart, Volamiranty Donna Mara, praised the handover, saying the taking of the skulls “has been, for more than a century, 128 years, an open wound in the heart of our island”.

“They are not collectors’ items; they are the invisible and indelible link that unites our present to our past,” Mara said.

Video from the event showed three boxes draped in traditional cloth being carried in a solemn procession to the handover ceremony in the ornate surroundings of France’s Culture Ministry.

A joint scientific committee confirmed that the skulls were from the Sakalava people, but said it could only “presume” that one belonged to King Toera, Dati said.

The event marked the first restitution of human remains since France passed a law facilitating the return of such artefacts in 2023.

Credit: aljazeera.com

South Korea bans phones in school classrooms nationwide

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South Korea becomes the latest country to restrict phone use in schools

South Korea has passed a bill banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours in schools – becoming the latest country to restrict phone use among children and teens. The law, which comes into effect from the next school year in March 2026, is the result of a bi-partisan effort to curb smartphone addiction, as more research points to its harmful effects.

Lawmakers, parents and teachers argue that smartphone use is affecting students’ academic performance and takes away time they could have spent studying. The ban has its sceptics, including students, who question how it would work, its wider implications and whether it is addressing the root cause of addiction.

The bill passed convincingly on Wednesday afternoon, with 115 votes in favour out of 163 members present. Most South Korean schools have already implemented some form of a smartphone ban. And they are not the first to do so.

Some countries like Finland and France have banned phones on a smaller scale, applying the restriction only to schools for younger children. Others like Italy, the Netherlands and China have restricted phone use in all schools.

But South Korea is among the few to enshrine such a ban in law. Children these days “just can’t seem to put their smartphones down,” says Choi Eun-young, mother of a 14-year-old in Seoul.

It’s not just children though. Nearly a quarter of the country’s 51 million people depend on their phones too much, according to a 2024 government survey.

Credit: bbc.com

Denmark summons top US diplomat over alleged Greenland influence operation

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Denmark Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen

Denmark’s foreign minister has summoned the top US diplomat in Copenhagen, following a report that American citizens have been conducting covert operations in Greenland.

Denmark’s public broadcaster DR quoted sources as saying the aim was to infiltrate Greenland’s society and promote its secession from Denmark to the US, although it was unable to clarify who the men were working for.

Danish intelligence warned Greenland was being targeted by “various kinds of influence campaigns”.

Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said “any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom [of Denmark] will of course be unacceptable”, and the US charge d’affaires had been summoned in that light.

The BBC has approached the US embassy and the state department for comment.

However, US President Trump has said several times he wants to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Vice-President JD Vance has accused Copenhagen of underinvesting in the territory.

On a visit to Greenland a few months ago, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned the US that “you cannot annex another country”.

Denmark’s foreign minister said in a statement to the BBC that the government was “aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark”.

“It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead,” he added.

Denmark is a member of Nato and the European Union and has long seen the US as one of its closest allies, and Danes have been shocked by Trump’s determination to control its semi-autonomous territory. The US president said this year he would not rule out seizing it by force.

Credit: bbc.com

The Ghanaian Chronicle