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Stanbic Bank Executives Highlight Ghana’s Evolving Financial Ecosystem

Senior
executives of Stanbic Bank Ghana have shared insights into Ghana’s rapidly
evolving financial ecosystem with participants of the GIBS INSETA IMPD Women
Immersion Programme, highlighting how digital innovation, capital markets and
inclusive banking are shaping economic growth across emerging markets.

The
discussions formed part of the leadership immersion programme organized by the
Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) in partnership with
the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). The initiative brings together
women leaders from South Africa’s insurance sector for a year-long development
programme that combines academic training with international learning
experiences.

During
the session, Kobby Bentsi-Enchill, Head of Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank
Ghana, provided participants with a broad perspective on Ghana’s financial
infrastructure and how it continues to evolve within the realities of a largely
informal economy.

He noted
that digital financial services, particularly mobile money, have significantly
reshaped the country’s payment landscape, extending financial access to
millions of individuals and small businesses that previously operated outside
the formal banking system.

“Ghana’s
financial architecture is unique because it sits at the intersection of formal banking
and capital markets, and a very vibrant informal economy. Mobile money has
played a transformative role in bridging that gap by bringing everyday
transactions, micro-enterprises and small traders into a more structured
financial environment.”

He added
that alongside use of digital innovation to harness savings and investments, the
government securities market continues to play an important role in setting
pricing benchmarks and maintaining financial stability, to support capital
formation.

“Public
debt instruments such as treasury bills and bonds remain central to the
functioning of Ghana’s financial markets,” he said. “They provide a stable
investment vehicle for both individuals and institutions, while also creating a
platform for capital mobilization that supports national development
priorities.”

According
to him, the interplay between digital financial services, informal economic
activity and established public finance instruments illustrates how emerging
markets are developing hybrid financial systems that respond to both modern
innovation and long-standing economic realities.

Building
on the discussion, Akua Oppong led participants through Ghana’s broader banking
and insurance ecosystem, highlighting the complementary roles these sectors
play in supporting economic resilience and risk management.

She
explained that while banks provide the capital required for expansion and
investment, insurance institutions play a critical role in protecting
businesses and individuals from unforeseen shocks.

“When
banking and insurance sectors collaborate effectively, they create a more
resilient financial system. Access to credit alone is not enough, businesses
also need risk protection, financial education and the right partnerships to
sustain growth.”

She
added that strengthening cooperation between the two sectors can deepen
financial inclusion, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
operating in sectors such as agriculture, trade and manufacturing.

“These
sectors form the backbone of Ghana’s economy, and when financial institutions
work together to support them, the impact extends beyond individual businesses
to the wider economy,” she said.

The
final session of the day focused on the role of gender-focused banking
solutions in promoting inclusive economic development.

Sarfoa
Appietu-Ankra, representing Women’s Banking within Business and Commercial
Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, guided participants through the bank’s
women-focused financial proposition and the growing importance of targeted
support for women entrepreneurs.

She
explained that many women-led businesses continue to face structural barriers
in accessing finance, mentorship and market opportunities, despite their
growing contribution to economic activity.

“Women
entrepreneurs are playing a crucial role in sectors ranging from agriculture
and retail to services and manufacturing. However, access to the right
financial tools, guidance and partnerships is often the difference between
survival and sustainable growth.”

The
sessions provided participants with a practical understanding of how Ghana’s
financial institutions operate within an emerging market context, offering
lessons on capital flows, financial innovation and inclusive economic policy.

For the
visiting delegation, the engagement formed an important part of the programme’s
broader objective, to build a generation of women leaders capable of
influencing transformation within Africa’s financial services sector.

Caption:
Stanbic Bank Executives with the participants of the immersion programme
organised by Insurance Sector Education
and Training Authority (INSETA) in partnership with the Gordon Institute of
Business Science (GIBS)

April 22, 2026
Beneath the Trees: A Promise for Tomorrow

Have you
ever paused beneath a tree on a scorching afternoon, letting the shade wash
over you? That quiet moment of relief is just the beginning of what trees give
us. Beyond the shade, beyond the rustling leaves, trees are quietly doing
something remarkable, absorbing the very gases that are warming our planet.

Trees
are carbon sinks. Through photosynthesis, they pull carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere and lock it away. Why does that matter? Because carbon dioxide
accounts for approximately 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and can
linger in the atmosphere for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years. That is
not a small problem. That is a generational one.

Several
greenhouse gases drive global warming: methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated
gases, and carbon dioxide, the most widely emitted of them all. Together, they
are disrupting weather patterns, threatening ecosystems, and placing enormous
pressure on the natural systems we depend on daily.

Here is
how it works. The sun sends energy toward Earth. Under normal conditions, some
of that energy warms the planet while the rest reflects back into space. But
greenhouse gases trap the outgoing heat, forming an insulating layer around the
Earth, the greenhouse effect.

The more
gases we emit, the thicker that layer becomes, and the more heat gets locked
in. The consequences ripple outward: rising temperatures, erratic rainfall,
intensifying floods, and shrinking biodiversity.

The
trajectory is concerning. But it is not irreversible, at least, not yet.

What Can We Actually Do?

Scientists
and engineers are developing carbon capture technologies to support natural
processes, and those innovations matter. But there is also a solution available
to every single one of us, right now: planting and protecting trees.

It
sounds almost too simple. But incremental actions build meaningful change.
Every tree planted contributes to the global goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,
balancing the greenhouse gases we emit with the amount we remove, and limiting
global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. That target is
what stands between manageable climate change and catastrophic disruption.

Around
the world, countries and organizations are responding, shifting to cleaner
energy, investing in electric vehicles, adopting solar power, and building
sustainability into policy. The momentum is real. The question is whether we
will add to it.

A Story That Changed How I See Things

One warm
Saturday afternoon, I was walking my puppy, Silver, when I noticed a woman in
her yard, carefully planting seedlings. Her movements were deliberate, unhurried,
purposeful. On the porch nearby, a young boy sat wrapped in a blanket, clearly
unwell, watching her quietly.

I asked
why she had brought him outside rather than letting him rest indoors. She
smiled and said, “I know he should be
resting. But I want him to watch me. I could be shopping, solving a crossword,
or eating chocolate with him those things are certain. A tree’s survival
depends on so much beyond our control.”

She
paused, then added “But does that really
matter? I want him to see my patience, my sacrifice, my love. One day, if he
faces a decision about cutting down a tree, I hope he’ll remember this moment
and choose differently.”

She was
not just planting trees. She was planting values. She knew she might never see
these trees fully grown. But the possibility alone gave her joy. “If I didn’t act, there would be no chance
at all.”

Walking
away, two words came back to me a saying often attributed to Chief Seattle, “We do not inherit the Earth from our
ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Something in me shifted that
afternoon. It has not shifted back.

Standard Bank Group Steps Up

That
spirit of intentional action is exactly what drives Standard Bank Group’s
global tree-planting initiative this Earth Day. Across its countries of
operation, the Group has launched the Blue Roots Project, in line with Stanbic
Bank Ghana’s Blue Goes Green initiative, a commitment to reduce carbon emissions
and restoring biodiversity, one tree at a time.

Earth
Day, observed every April 22, is a global movement confronting deforestation,
pollution, and climate change. It turns awareness into action and this year,
Stanbic Bank Ghana is proud to be part of it.

Our
sustainability targets in Ghana are bold: 500,000 seedlings planted by 2030
with a 75% survival rate, a framework toward one million trees, and a carbon
offset about 20% of our total emissions. This is not ceremonial. It is a
commitment.

Our
purpose at Stanbic Bank Ghana is clear: Ghana is our home; we drive its growth
through innovative solutions. That growth must be sustainable. It must account
for the air we breathe, the climate we pass on, and the communities we serve.
Environmental responsibility is not separate from what we do; it is central to
it.

One Question Before You Go

Chief
Seattle once warned, “Only when the last
tree has died and the last river has been poisoned will we realize we cannot
eat money.” Sobering words worth sitting with.

So here
is a thought to take with you today: if you had the opportunity to plant your
first tree, where would you plant it and how would you make sure it thrives in
your absence?

Every
tree planted today is a quiet promise to tomorrow. And when we stand together,
our planet has a future.

Happy
Earth Day.

Francis Ayisi,
Head, Sustainability, Stanbic Bank Ghana

April 22, 2026
Stanbic Bank Urges Women Entrepreneurs to Leverage Social Media for Business Growth

Women-led
businesses in Ghana are being encouraged to move beyond passive online activity
and strategically use social media as a critical tool for growth, visibility
and access to finance.

This
call was made by the Head of Women Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Marian
Amartey, during the MTN SME Accelerate Webinar Series, where she spoke on the
topic, “Breaking Barriers to Growth for Women in Business.” Her remarks
highlighted a growing gap between the potential of women-owned enterprises and
their ability to position themselves effectively in an increasingly digital
business environment.

According
to her, while many women entrepreneurs are active on social media platforms,
few are fully utilizing these tools to build credible business profiles that
can attract customers, partners and even financial institutions.

“Social
media presence is no longer optional; it plays a key role in validating what
you do as a business. Sometimes, before engaging you, financial institutions
will check your online footprint. If you are not visible or intentional about
your presence, you limit the information available for decision-making.”

Her
comments come at a time when small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),
particularly in sectors such as trade, agribusiness and light manufacturing,
are increasingly relying on digital platforms to reach wider markets. Yet, many
women entrepreneurs, she observed, still treat social media as a casual posting
space rather than a strategic business tool.

Madam
Amartey stressed that simply posting content without consistency or direction
is insufficient. Instead, she encouraged women to adopt a more structured
approach, one that includes showcasing products professionally, engaging
audiences, and using built-in promotional tools to drive visibility.

“Posting
and going to sleep is not enough. These platforms have tools that can help you
promote your work effectively. You need to be deliberate about how you present
your business.”

Beyond
visibility, she pointed to partnerships as a key enabler of strong digital
presence. Recognizing that many entrepreneurs juggle multiple responsibilities,
from running their businesses to managing family and social commitments, she
advised them to delegate certain functions to professionals.

“You
cannot do everything alone. Focus on your core business, whether it is food
production, fashion or services, and bring in people who can help you build
your brand online. That collaboration can significantly improve how quickly you
grow.”

This
approach, she argued, not only enhances market reach but also positions
businesses to take advantage of larger opportunities, including corporate
contracts and supply chain partnerships. Without visibility, even high-quality
products risk remaining unnoticed.

Madam
Amartey further noted that many women enter business based on skill or
opportunity but often overlook the importance of systems and structures that
make them “bankable.”

“Visibility
alone is not enough; you must back it with structure and clarity. Financial
records, growth plans, and clear revenue streams are essential. Social media
can open doors, but your internal systems will determine whether you can walk
through them.”

Her
remarks also addressed a persistent perception gap that discourages some women
from engaging with banks. She described this hesitation as largely unfounded,
emphasizing that financial institutions are increasingly designing tailored
solutions to support women entrepreneurs.

“There
is a perception that banks are difficult to approach, but that is changing. We
have dedicated programs to build capacity, offer advisory services and prepare
women-owned businesses for financing,” she stated.

She
further highlighted initiatives such as Stanbic Bank’s Business Incubator
programs, which provide training and mentorship to help entrepreneurs
strengthen both their operational and digital capabilities before seeking
funding.

With
women representing one of the fastest-growing segments of Ghana’s
entrepreneurial landscape, Madam Amartey urged them to take proactive steps to
position themselves for growth. “This is a strong and expanding segment of the
economy. Opportunities exist, but you must step forward, be visible and be ready.”

Marian
Amartey, Head, Women’s Banking, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic Bank
Ghana

April 22, 2026
Why Ghana’s Plunging Interest Rates are the Catalyst for Industrial Growth

After
enduring one of the most severe economic crises in a generation, Ghanaian
businesses are finally experiencing a resurgence. The most significant sign of
this turnaround are interest rates. The Bank of Ghana has trimmed its benchmark
Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which stood at a punishing 30% at the close of
2023, in consecutive reductions through 2025 to reach 14.0% by March of this
year.

Inflation,
meanwhile, has plunged to 3.30% well below the central bank’s target band and
the cedi has appreciated over 40% against the US dollar from 2025 to date. This
confluence of improved macroeconomic fundamentals is a structural opening for
industry, manufacturing, and enterprise to flourish.

KEY INDICATORS AT A GLANCE

↓ 14.0%                       3.30% ↓
                              ↑    6.0%

MPR
(Mar. 2026)              Inflation (Feb.
2026)              GDP Growth (Q4 2025)

The Great Unshackling: From 30%+ to 14.0%

Ghana’s
current easing cycle did not happen overnight. It is the product of painful
structural reforms, credible fiscal consolidation under an IMF-supported
recovery programme, and persistent disinflation driven by tighter monetary
policy over the preceding two years. From a peak of 30% in late 2023, the Bank
of Ghana’s MPR (monetary policy rate) stood at 27% at the close of 2024.

Then, in
a series of increasingly bold moves through 2025, the committee slashed the
rate by 300 basis points in July, another 350 basis points in September, and a
further 350 basis points in November, bringing the MPR to 18%, its lowest level
in several years.

The
policy pivot reflects a broader macroeconomic reset, improved external buffers,
a strengthening cedi, and growing domestic confidence. Ghana’s 91-day Treasury
bill rate, a key short-term benchmark that directly influences commercial
lending, had similarly declined to around 4.76% by March 2026, down from the
high-twenties territory that had frozen credit access for most businesses.

The
trajectory is evident: Ghana’s monetary policy has become accommodative, with
the private sector poised to reap the most benefits. To understand the
magnitude of the current opportunity, one must recall the recent past. In 2024,
policy and commercial lending rates peaked at a staggering 47%, a level that
made credit a luxury few businesses could afford. This resulted in a vicious
cycle, trapping companies in “survival mode” and preventing them from
investing in new equipment, expanding capacity, or even maintaining optimal
inventory.

Unlocking Cheaper Capital: The First Gear of
Industrial Growth

The
primary conduit for the transmission of lower policy rates to industrial growth
is the cost of credit. When the Bank of Ghana sets a lower benchmark rate,
commercial banks, which borrow from the central bank, can in turn reduce the
cost of loans extended to businesses. For years, Ghana’s lending rates hovered
between 30 and 40%, effectively shutting out small and medium enterprises
(SMEs), start-ups, and even mid-sized manufacturers from the formal credit
market. Businesses that could not self-finance had to contend with debt
servicing costs that consumed a disproportionate share of revenues.

The
easing cycle changes this calculus materially. Even a reduction of several
hundred basis points in commercial lending rates can shift investment decisions
from negative to positive net present value (NPV), unlocking factory
expansions, equipment upgrades, and working capital injections that were
previously unviable.

For
Ghana’s manufacturing sector, which represents a critical pathway to economic
diversification, this is especially significant. The Bank of Ghana itself cited
credit-sensitive sectors; manufacturing, construction, and agribusiness, as
primary targets of the monetary easing, signaling a deliberate intent to catalyze
productive investment.

Beyond
the headline rate, falling interest rates improve the overall financial
environment for businesses by reducing their weighted average cost of capital.
Companies looking to raise equity financing also benefit indirectly, as lower
rates tend to compress required returns and boost asset valuations, making
Ghana a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment and domestic
institutional capital alike.

The Bank
of Ghana’s benchmark rate now stands at 14.0%, and this is already translating
into lower commercial lending rates. The Ghana Reference Rate (GRR), a key
benchmark for bank loans, was recently reduced to 11.71%, a move that the
Ashanti Business Owners Association (ABOA) hailed as a “timely and
strategic intervention”.

A Competitive Edge for Ghana’s Manufacturing
Sector

Ghana’s
manufacturing sector has long operated under a triple burden: high input costs,
expensive energy, and prohibitively priced capital. The current rate
environment addresses the third constraint directly. With lending rates
beginning to track downward, manufacturers can more feasibly finance plant and
machinery, invest in automation and technology adoption, and expand production
capacity to serve both domestic and regional markets.

Sectors
with strong potential stand to gain enormously. Agro-processing, where Ghana
has abundant raw materials in cocoa, cashew, shea, and palm oil has been
constrained by the inability to invest in value-added infrastructure, which has
limited the sector’s growth and competitiveness in international markets.
Cheaper credit enables processing firms to move up the value chain, export
finished goods rather than raw commodities and capture a larger share of the
global value chain. The same logic applies to textile and garment
manufacturing, light assembly industries, and the growing pharmaceutical
sector.

It is
worth noting that real GDP in Ghana expanded by 6.0% year-on-year in the last
quarter of 2025, with non-oil GDP accelerating to 7.1%. Agricultural and
services growth were primary drivers, but the signal from the broader economy
is one of momentum and lower interest rates provide the fuel to sustain and
broaden that momentum into the industrial and manufacturing base.

Strengthening the Ecosystem: SMEs and the
Banking Sector

Small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Ghana’s economy, accounting
for the overwhelming majority of businesses and a significant share of
employment. Yet they have historically been the segment most disadvantaged by
high interest rates. Banks, wary of lending to smaller borrowers who lack
collateral or credit histories, price risk heavily into SME loans making formal
credit essentially inaccessible.

As
benchmark rates fall and liquidity conditions ease, this access gap can begin
to narrow. Lower rates reduce the risk-adjusted return required by lenders,
making it economically viable to extend credit to a broader base of businesses.
Government-backed credit guarantee schemes and development finance institutions
can help more businesses get affordable credit in this lower-rate environment,
especially in sectors that are productive but often overlooked. Furthermore,
the banking sector itself is becoming a more willing partner in growth. As
Kwamina Asomaning, Managing Director of Stanbic Bank Ghana, noted, lower
interest rates lead to lower loan defaults because businesses become more
viable and their ability to repay improves. This creates a positive feedback
loop: banks, seeing a healthier borrower base, are more inclined to lend,
further accelerating business expansion.

Attracting Investment: The Foreign Direct
Investment Multiplier

Interest
rate trends are among the variables foreign investors and multinational
corporations consider when evaluating emerging market destinations. A country
with a stable, declining rate environment signals macroeconomic credibility,
lower operational risk, and a business climate that is improving rather than
deteriorating. Ghana’s current trajectory of declining inflation, a stable
exchange rate, and a central bank confidently easing policy represents
precisely this kind of favourable signal.

The
cedi’s appreciation of 40% against the US dollar in 2025 further strengthens
Ghana’s attractiveness as an investment destination. For foreign investors, a
strengthening currency reduces the risk of capital erosion on repatriated
earnings and reduces the cost of importing capital goods, machinery, and
technology needed for industrial projects.

Ghana’s
progress under its IMF-supported programme has also restored institutional
credibility, an underrated but powerful magnet for investment. Multilateral
endorsement of Ghana’s fiscal and monetary management reassures private sector
actors that the policy environment is durable, not transient.

Infrastructure and Construction: Building
the Backbone

Few
sectors are as sensitive to interest rates as infrastructure and construction.
Long gestation periods and high upfront capital requirements mean that even
modest changes in borrowing costs have an outsized effect on project viability.

At a 30%
interest rate, the internal rate of return (IRR) required to justify a major
infrastructure project whether a logistics park, industrial estate, or energy
facility is extraordinarily difficult to achieve. As rates fall toward the high
teens and eventually lower, an entire class of infrastructure projects that
were previously unfinanceable becomes economically viable.

This
shift matters enormously for Ghana’s industrialization agenda. Industrial
estates and special economic zones require roads, utilities, warehousing, and
connectivity infrastructure. The IMF programme’s need for fiscal consolidation
means that the public sector can’t pay for all of these projects on its own. Lower
interest rates pave the way for public-private partnerships, sovereign bond
issuances, and project finance structures that can mobilise private capital for
critical infrastructure, thereby creating the physical foundation for
industrial growth. The construction sector itself is a significant employer and
multiplier of economic activity. A revival of construction driven by lower
financing costs generates jobs, increases demand for domestic building
materials, and stimulates upstream and downstream economic activity across
cement, steel, logistics, and professional services.

Challenges and the Path Forward

We must
temper the optimism surrounding Ghana’s rate-easing cycle with a clear-eyed
acknowledgement of residual risks. The Bank of Ghana has itself cautioned that
utility tariff adjustments could introduce renewed inflationary pressure,
potentially complicating the disinflation narrative.

Global
commodity price volatility, external demand shocks, and any slippage in fiscal
consolidation could also interrupt the easing cycle or even force a policy
reversal.

Critically,
the transmission of lower policy rates into actual lending rates is not
automatic or immediate. Commercial banks, still processing legacy
non-performing loans from the crisis period, may remain cautious in their
credit extension even as the policy environment improves. Building a more
competitive and efficient banking sector, one that passes on monetary easing
rapidly and fully to borrowers remains a structural priority that complements
the cyclical benefits of rate cuts.

The
long-term interest rate on Ghana’s 10-year government bond also remains
elevated relative to the policy rate, reflecting lingering risk premiums
embedded in sovereign debt pricing. As fiscal credibility deepens and the debt
restructuring process matures, these long-term rates should decline, further
reducing the cost of long-horizon capital that industrial projects require.

In this
context, sustaining the rate-easing cycle requires continued vigilance on
inflation, disciplined fiscal management, and structural reforms that enhance
the business environment including improvements in the ease of doing business,
land titling, and contract enforcement. Monetary easing is a necessary
condition for industrial growth; it is not, by itself, sufficient.

Daniel
Afari-Djan, Business Development Manager, Personal Banking, Stanbic Bank Ghana

April 22, 2026
Heath Goldfields Addresses Public Misinformation on Bogoso-Prestea

Heath Goldfields LTD has noted recent public commentary concerning its operations at the Bogoso-Prestea Gold Mine.

The Company rejects the allegations in circulation. They misrepresent material facts and the legal and operational framework within which the Company conducts its business.

The Company views with concern the circulation of inaccurate, incomplete and misleading information concerning its affairs, and the potential such material has to mislead workers, communities and the public. Heath Goldfields is committed to transparent communication through proper and verifiable channels, and will continue to engage with its regulators, its workforce and its stakeholders on that basis.

Operations at Bogoso-Prestea are active, with work ongoing under the approved Mine Development Plan and the oversight of the Minerals Commission of Ghana.

All financing and operational matters are being undertaken within the applicable regulatory framework. The Company remains focused on the execution of its Mine Development Plan.

Heath Goldfields will set out its operational progress, community programmes and longer-term development priorities in the course of forthcoming Company announcements.

The Company reserves all of its rights in respect of statements that are false, misleading or injurious to its reputation.

April 22, 2026
The ‘Exact Words’ Double Standard in Interfaith Debates

Muslims are often coached to challenge Christians with one rehearsed line:

_“Show me where Jesus Christ said, ‘I am God, worship Me’ in the Bible.”_

They insist on _unequivocal, unambiguous, exact wording_—as if Scripture were a legal affidavit written for a courtroom. They’re told no Christian can answer because the sentence isn’t there.

But that demand reveals a standard they cannot meet themselves. Turn the same question around and the reaction changes. The tactic only works one way.

*Scripture Doesn’t Work Like a Legal Document*

There is no place in the Bible where Jesus speaks in modern, courtroom English and says those exact words. Scripture doesn’t function like that. It reveals truth through words, actions, titles, and authority—not through isolated soundbites.

Apply the same test to Islam. Where in the Qur’an does Muhammad say explicitly: _“I am the final prophet, follow me”_? That verse does not exist. Yet Muslims fully believe he is the final prophet. Why? Because Qur’an 33:40 calls him “the seal of the prophets,” and the doctrine is built from the overall message of the text.

_To be clear: I cite the Qur’an here not from belief, but to use the same logic being applied to the Bible._

Both sides already know doctrines aren’t built on one sentence. They rest on the totality of revelation. The “exact words” argument only confuses people who haven’t thought deeply about how theology works.

*“The Word Trinity Isn’t in the Bible”*

This is the next common objection. And yes—of course it isn’t. No informed Christian claims the _term_ appears.

But the absence of a term does not mean the absence of a truth. The concept is drawn from passages like Matthew 28:19, _“baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”_ and 2 Corinthians 13:14, where the three are spoken of together in divine unity.

*Consistency Cuts Both Ways*

If we demand exact wording for Christian doctrine, let’s be consistent:

– Where is the formal wording of the Shahada written as a single declaration in the Qur’an?

– Where is the technical term _Tawheed_ stated as a defined doctrine?

– Where are “five daily prayers” listed clearly in one verse?

– Where is _Rak‘ah_ described in the Qur’an?

– Where is _Hadith_ introduced as a binding second authority beside the Qur’an?

– Where are _Fiqh_ or _Madhhab_ laid out as structured systems?

– Where are _Taraweeh_ prayers explicitly mentioned?

– Where are _Eid al-Fitr_ and _Eid al-Adha_ named as festivals in clear terms?

Yet Muslims practice and defend all of these. That proves concepts can exist even when the exact wording does not appear.

*The Real Question*

So here’s the reversal: Where in the Qur’an did Jesus _Himself_ say clearly: _“I am not God. Do not worship me”_? Give the exact chapter and verse.

There is no such direct statement.

Yet the same people who cannot produce that verse demand from Christians a sentence their own book does not mirror in reverse. That is a double standard. Both Christianity and Islam build doctrine from cumulative revelation, not isolated quotations.

*What Jesus Actually Claimed and Did*

Look at Jesus’ life in the Bible and the pattern is clear:

– *He forgave sins* – Mark 2:5–7. In Jewish thought, only God can forgive sins.

– *He accepted worship* – Matthew 14:33; John 9:38. Angels refuse worship in Scripture. Herod accepted it and died immediately, Acts 12:21–23.

– *He declared, “I and the Father are one”* – John 10:30. No prophet made that claim.

– *He said, “Before Abraham was, I am”* – John 8:58, echoing God’s name in Exodus 3:14.

– *He claimed authority over judgment* – John 5:22–23.

These aren’t random remarks. They form a consistent revelation of identity. Christians do not worship Jesus because of one forced sentence. They worship Him because of the total witness of Scripture.

*How to Respond*

Next time someone repeats the “exact words” challenge, don’t be shaken. Ask calmly:

_“Where did Jesus HIMSELF say in your Qur’an, ‘I am not God, do not worship me’—unequivocally, unambiguously, in exact terms?”_

If they cannot answer plainly, the silence speaks for itself.

*Postscript: Religion Aside*

_About this picture:_ Please, northern men, let’s stop sending girls to go and beg. Never allow it as long as you are alive. These girls came begging me. I was ashamed—ashamed of the men who let this happen.

April 22, 2026
The ‘Exact Words’ Double Standard: Answering ‘Show Me Where Jesus Said I Am God

Muslims are often coached to challenge Christians with one rehearsed line:

“Show me where Jesus Christ said, ‘I am God, worship Me’ in the Bible.” They’ll add unequivocally, ambiguously…in exact wordings….ahhhh…as if they are dealing with primary school students.

They are told that no Christian can answer it because it is not in the Bible… You see how they think?

Because they are demanding a standard they themselves cannot meet if the same question is turned around. If you ask them same question they’ll start crying foul….😅they hate you using their tricks.

Actually, there is no place in the Bible where Jesus speaks in modern, courtroom-style language and says those exact English words. Scripture does not function like a legal affidavit…it reveals truth through words, actions, titles, and authority.

In the same way, there is no verse in the Qur’an where Muhammad says explicitly: “I am the final prophet, follow me.” Yet Muslims believe that doctrine fully. Why? Because they derive it from the overall message of their text (for example, Qur’an 33:40 calls him “the seal of the prophets”). But did he say that himself?

(Understand that I am quoting the Quran not because I believe anything there…but using their logic).

So clearly, both sides already know that doctrines are not built on one isolated sentence but on the totality of revelation…

That argument only confound shallow thinkers; those who have not thought deeply about how theology works.

Another absolute nonsense they always come up with as question is….

“The word Trinity is not in the Bible.”

Hahaha…Of course it is not. Christians are aware of that.

But the absence of a term does not mean the absence of a truth. The concept is drawn from passages like Matthew 28:19 (“baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”) and 2 Corinthians 13:14, where the three are spoken of together in divine unity.

Now, let’s apply the same method back:

Where is the formal wording of the Shahada written as a single declaration in the Qur’an?

Where is the technical term Tawheed stated as a defined doctrine?

Where is “five daily prayers” listed clearly in one verse?

Where is Rak‘ah described in the Qur’an?

Where is Hadith introduced as a binding second authority beside the Qur’an?

Where is Fiqh or Madhhab laid out as structured systems?

Where are Taraweeh prayers explicitly mentioned?

Where are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha named as festivals in clear terms?

Yet Muslims practice and defend all of these.

So what does that prove?

That concepts can exist even when the exact wording does not appear.

Where in the Qur’an did Jesus say clearly:

“I am not God. Do not worship me”?

Give the exact chapter and verse.

There is no such DIRECT statement.

Yet the same people who cannot produce that demand from Christians a sentence their own book does not mirror in reverse.

That is a clear double standard.

Both Christianity and Islam build doctrine from cumulative revelation, not isolated quotations.

And when you look at the life of Jesus in the Bible, the pattern is undeniable:

He forgave sins (Mark 2:5–7). Only one that is God can forgive sins.

He accepted worship (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38). No angel ever accepted worship…even herod who accepted worship died immediately.

He declared, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). No prophet ever said this.

He said, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58).

He claimed authority over judgment (John 5:22–23).

These are not random statements…they form a consistent revelation of identity.

So Christians do not worship Jesus because of one forced sentence. They worship Him because of the total witness of Scripture.

Next time someone repeats that question, don’t be shaken.

Ask calmly…

“Where did Jesus HIMSELF say in your Qur’an, ‘I am not God, do not worship me’?” like unequivocally, UNAMBIGUOUSLY….in exact terms.

Let them answer that plainly. If they cannot, then the silence will speak for itself.

About this picture:

Please northern men, religion aside….let’s stop sending girls to go and beg, never allow as long as you are alive. These girls came and were begging me, I was so ashamed…of the men who let this.

April 22, 2026
CIMG and Central University partner to advance marketing education for students

The Chartered Institute of Marketing,
Ghana (CIMG) and Central University have officially signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) at the University’s Miotso Campus, establishing a
comprehensive framework for collaboration between the two institutions.

This strategic partnership aims to bridge
the gap between theory and industry practice through initiatives in
accreditation, internships, research, innovation, and professional development,
ensuring that graduates are equipped with globally competitive, market-ready
skills.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the
National President of CIMG, Mr. Michael Abbiw, reiterated the Institute’s
mission to set the highest standards for marketing practice in Ghana.

“This partnership reflects our commitment
to setting the highest standards for marketing practice in Ghana. By providing
students with access to professional certification, mentorship, internships,
and direct industry exposure, we are helping to bridge the gap between academic
learning and professional practice,” he stated.

On his part, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of
the University, Prof. Stephen Abbeny-Mickson, highlighted the importance of
strategic industry partnerships in preparing students for the demands of the
modern workplace: “The collaboration will equip students with practical skills,
enhance their employability, and ensure that academic programmes remain aligned
with evolving industry needs.”

“This is a long-overdue milestone. By
bridging the gap between academic rigor and professional standards, we are
creating a seamless transition for students from the lecture hall to the
corporate world, while responding directly to the changing demands of the job
market, where employability is increasingly defined by a blend of theoretical
knowledge and practical application,” he added.

The MoU outlines key areas of
collaboration focused on strengthening both academic and professional
development. These include support for the accreditation and development of
marketing programmes to ensure alignment with industry standards, joint research
initiatives to advance knowledge and innovation in the field, and
capacity-building opportunities for faculty through training, certification,
and professional membership.

The partnership will also facilitate
practitioner-led lectures to bring real-world insights into the classroom,
while positioning Central University as an accredited study centre for CIMG
programmes, subject to approval in line with Section 8(3)(b) and Section 10(3)
of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).

MEDIA CONTACT

Clarence Pappoe

CIMG Project Office

Rev J. J. Martey Block

UPSA Campus

Digital
Address: GT-345-5821

Tel:
0242307801

Email: communications@cimghana.org

ABOUT CIMG

The Chartered Institute
of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) was founded in July 1981 with the vision to be the
voice of marketing practice in Ghana under the Professional Bodies Registration
Act 1973 (NRCD143). The Institute aims at seeing both private and public
organizations embrace the marketing concept and be marketing-oriented in their
operations. In 2020, the CIMG received a Presidential Charter by the passage of
the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana Act, 2020 (Act 1021) with the main
objects to set standards for the practice of marketing and to regulate the
practice of the marketing profession in the country. In 2023, the CIMG
Regulations (L.I. 2479) was passed by the Parliament of Ghana and has therefore
come into force to enable the Institute execute its mandate and functions as
stipulated in the CIMG ACT 2020 (Act 1021).Marketing is fundamental to the
success of any business and the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana, plays
a major role in promoting the marketing profession, encouraging organisations
to strive towards maintaining international standards in their marketing
practice.

ABOUT CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

Central University is an educational Initiative
of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC). It has its origins in a
short-term Pastoral training institute, which was started in October 1988 by
ICGC. It was later incorporated, in June 1991 under the name, Central Bible
College. In 1993, the name was changed again to Central Christian College. The
College later upgraded its programmes to the baccalaureate level, and in line
with national aspirations, expanded its programmes to include an integrated and
practice oriented business school, named Central Business School. To reflect
its new status as a liberal arts tertiary institution, the university was
re-christened Central University College in 1998. The National Accreditation
Board has since accredited it as a tertiary Institution. It is co-educational
with equal access for male and female enrolment. Central University has nine
(9) faculties/schools, namely the Central Business School (CBS), the School of
Architecture and Design (SADe), School of Graduate Studies (SGS), Faculty of
Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Central Law School (CLS), School of Pharmacy
(SOP), School of Engineering and Technology (SET), the School of Medical
Sciences (SMS) and the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SNM). In January 2016,
the University College received the long awaited Presidential Charter to become
an autonomous and a fully-fledged university as Central University.

April 22, 2026
Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) Supports Ghana Shippers’ Authority Directive on Container Administrative Charges

The
Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) wishes to state, in
unequivocal terms, its strong support for the recent directive issued by the
Ghana Shippers’ Authority to streamline and cap Container Administrative
Charges (CAC) at Ghana’s ports. This intervention is not only timely but long
overdue.

For
decades, importers, exporters, and Ghanaian businesses have borne the brunt of
excessive, opaque, and, in many instances, unjustified administrative charges
imposed by international shipping lines and their local agents. These charges,
commonly referred to as local handling charges, have significantly inflated the
cost of doing business and undermined Ghana’s competitiveness as a trade hub.

The
Association notes with concern the recent threats issued by certain shipping
line workers. We wish to make it clear that such threats will not deter
regulatory action in the national interest.

The global
shipping industry operates on well-established commercial principles where
freight charges, surcharges, and ancillary fees, including demurrage and
detention, are revenue streams accruing directly to the shipping lines
(carriers). Industry data and global shipping practices confirm that:

Ocean
freight is the primary revenue of carriers, covering vessel operations, fuel
(bunker), and capital expenditure.

Demurrage
and detention charges, paid when containers overstay at ports or outside
terminals, are also collected and retained by shipping lines, contributing
significantly to their ancillary income streams.

These
revenues are typically repatriated to parent companies abroad, resulting in
substantial foreign exchange outflows with limited direct fiscal benefit to the
Ghanaian state.

Against
this backdrop, it is disingenuous for shipping lines to suggest that Container
Administrative Charges are essential for their operational sustainability in
Ghana.

Clarification
on Cost Structure and Freight Pricing

It is
important to place on record that all legitimate port-related costs incurred by
shipping lines in Ghana, such as port dues, pilotage, towage, berth charges,
and terminal handling charges, are already embedded within the ocean freight
rates charged to importers and exporters.

In
shipping economics, this is standard practice: Freight rates are structured
using a cost-recovery and margin-based pricing model, where carriers factor in
origin and destination port costs, operational overheads, and market
conditions.

Whether
freight is prepaid (at origin) or collect (at destination), these costs are
ultimately borne by the cargo owner, not the shipping line.

Therefore,
the imposition of separate Container Administrative Charges at destination
constitutes a duplication of cost recovery, effectively making Ghanaian
importers pay twice for the same service components.

The
IEAG maintains that these charges are unwarranted and outdated.

Historically,
the Container Administrative Charge was introduced in the late 1980s, at a time
when vessels calling at Ghanaian ports were required to deploy ship-mounted
gear (geared vessels) to facilitate cargo operations due to limited port
infrastructure. However, this justification no longer holds.

Today,
Ghana’s ports, particularly Tema Port and Takoradi Port, are equipped with
state-of-the-art container handling infrastructure, including: Ship-to-Shore
(STS) gantry cranes, Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, Automated terminal
operating systems (TOS), modern quay and yard facilities capable of handling
large container vessels

These
advancements have eliminated the operational conditions that originally
justified the CAC. Its continued application is therefore technically
indefensible and economically exploitative.

On
Employment and Welfare Claims

The
argument that the directive will adversely affect employee welfare is
misplaced.

Shipping
lines operating in Ghana are agents of international principals (carrier
owners). Under standard maritime business structures, the principal is
responsible for all operational expenditures, including staff remuneration,
insurance, pensions, and other benefits.

Local
administrative charges such as CAC are not designed to fund employee
compensation, but rather have evolved into additional revenue streams.

It is
therefore inappropriate to suggest that Ghanaian businesses should continue to
bear unjustified charges to subsidize employment conditions that are the
responsibility of multinational shipping corporations.

Economic
Impact and National Interest

The scale
of the issue cannot be ignored. Available industry estimates indicate that in
2024 alone, Ghanaian shippers and traders paid approximately GH₵1.69 billion
(about USD 108.32 million) in Container Administrative Charges. This represents
a substantial cost burden on trade and a major contributor to high import
prices and inflationary pressures.

At a time
when Ghana is pursuing trade facilitation, cost competitiveness, and regional
hub status, such charges are counterproductive.

Support
for the GSA Directive

The IEAG
fully endorses the decision by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to cap the
Container Administrative Charge at GHS 550 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit
(TEU), effective 1st May 2026.

This cap
represents: a reasonable and proportionate ceiling, a balanced regulatory
intervention that protects shippers while allowing operational flexibility, and
a step toward eliminating unjustified cost build-ups within the logistics chain.

The IEAG
reiterates that the era of unchecked and opaque charges in Ghana’s shipping and
logistics sector must come to an end.

We commend
the Ghana Shippers’ Authority for its decisive action and urge all stakeholders
to comply fully with the directive in the interest of fairness, transparency,
and national economic growth.

Attempts
to resist or undermine this reform through threats or pressure tactics will not
succeed.

Signed

Samson
Asaki Awingobit

Executive
Secretary

Tel:
0243575046

April 22, 2026
Ghana’s Digital Future Depends on Who Controls Its Infrastructure.

By: Ing Joseph
Koranteng

Digital Realty
in Ghana.

Ghana’s economy is rapidly becoming
more digital. Each day, millions of transactions flow through mobile money
platforms, banks depend on real-time systems to serve customers, and
businesses increasingly operate through digital channels. This digital shift has delivered greater speed, efficiency, and new
opportunities. Yet it has also deepened our dependence on something many
people rarely notice — the underlying infrastructure that makes it all
possible.

As this
dependence grows, a more important question begins to emerge. Who controls the
systems behind Ghana’s digital economy?

This is what we
mean by digital sovereignty. It is often explained as where data is stored, but
that is only part of the story. Sovereignty is about control. It is about
ensuring that data, systems, and digital services operate within an environment
that is secure, reliable, and independent. It is about making sure that
critical parts of the Digital Ecosystem are not exposed to risks outside our
control.

Today, Ghana is
making strong progress in digital adoption. Fintech is expanding, mobile money
continues to grow, and businesses are increasingly moving online. But the
infrastructure supporting this growth has not always kept pace. There are still
gaps that expose the system to risk.

One of the most significant risks is
resilience. Power instability, network interruptions, and limited redundancy
can disrupt services quickly. In a digital economy, even brief outages can
create widespread impact. Payments may fail, services can go offline, and
businesses risk losing customer trust. For the user, the effects can be
immediate — from being unable to complete a transaction or book a ride, to
being prevented from accessing critical health services at a hospital.

Another risk is
dependence. Many organisations still rely on systems or platforms that are not
fully within their control. This includes hosting data outside the country or
relying on infrastructure that is tied to external providers. While these
solutions may work in the short term, they create long-term exposure. When
critical systems depend on environments you do not control, your ability to
manage risk is limited.

This is why the
conversation around digital sovereignty must evolve. It is not just about
location. It is about the nature of the platform itself.

Sovereignty is
not just where your data is. It is who controls the platform or the
infrastructure behind it.

True
sovereignty requires neutral infrastructure. This covers infrastructure hosted or
operated by parties other than the main connectivity and platform providers. It means a platform that does not access or manage customer data
and does not introduce external dependencies that could conflict with national
priorities. Neutrality strengthens independence and enables a market where
businesses benefit from diverse alternatives. It ensures that businesses,
institutions, and governments maintain full control over how their systems are
designed and operated.

While control
matters, the bigger question is growth. The right infrastructure enables
entities to expand seamlessly, supporting future demand without significant
increases in cost or complexity. This makes a market more attractive to
investors, who increasingly look at infrastructure as a signal of stability and
readiness.

However, there
is an additional dimension that is frequently overlooked. Modern digital
infrastructure is no longer just about physical facilities. It is about
creating environments where the entire digital economy can come together. A
strong infrastructure platform acts as a meeting point. It brings together
Connectivity and cloud providers, Fintechs, Enterprises, and Technology
partners in one meeting place. Businesses can connect directly, exchange data
more efficiently, and build new services faster. Innovation becomes easier
because the building blocks are already connected.

This kind of
ecosystem is what drives real digital growth. It reduces complexity, lowers
barriers, and allows companies to focus on creating value rather than managing
fragmentation.

Ghana has a
clear opportunity in this space. The country has already established itself as
a leader digital services in the region. With the right infrastructure, it can
extend this position and become a true hub for digital activity in West Africa.

Achieving this
will require more than continued adoption of technology. It will require
deliberate investment in infrastructure that is resilient, neutral, and
interconnected. It will require platforms that support both control and
collaboration. It will require a shift in how we think about infrastructure,
not as a background function, but as a strategic asset.

The future of
Ghana’s digital economy will not be defined only by how quickly we innovate. It
will be defined by how well we build the infrastructure that supports that
innovation.

Digital
sovereignty is part of that foundation. It ensures that growth is not only
fast, but also secure and sustainable. It gives businesses the confidence to
scale, institutions the ability to operate reliably, and the country the
strength to compete in a connected world.

If Ghana is to
fully realise its digital potential, the focus must now move from adoption to
control, from systems to platforms, and from isolated infrastructure to
connected ecosystems.

That is what
will define the next phase of growth.

April 22, 2026