The alleged head of a network of fraudsters has been charged in Germany with defrauding 105 people of around €7.6 million ($8.3 million) via call centres and fraudulent trading platforms.

The special prosecutor’s office at Bavaria’s cybercrime centre in Bamberg said on Monday that the total worldwide fraud is expected to be significantly higher, as there is a large number of unreported cases.

The Bamberg district court issued an arrest warrant for the man, 42, last year. He was arrested at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus in July and extradited to Germany in mid-August. He is now in custody.

Some accomplices have already been sentenced to prison in Bavaria and Albania.

The unnamed man is accused of being a high-ranking member of a professionally organized group of fraudsters operating from around 2016 to 2021.

The fraud network maintained several call centres abroad, including in Israel, Serbia and Albania, the prosecutors allege.

The suspect is said to have received several million euros. During the investigation, a large-scale raid was carried out three years ago in the Albanian capital of Tirana.

Source: dpa

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Ahead of the 2025 Conference of Ministers, a three-day meeting of Experts closed with the Economic Commission for Africa’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Programmes) and Chief Economist Hanan Morsy calling for African countries to make a concerted effort to shape a more prosperous future for the continent.

“We stand at a crossroads,” Morsy said, highlighting the structural challenges facing Africa, including low levels of intra-African trade, persistent infrastructure gaps, and limited industrialization. While these obstacles are significant, she argued that they are not insurmountable “because alongside these challenges lie opportunities”.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape shaped by shifting power dynamics and digital disruption, Africa must take a proactive role in shaping its future, with the African Continental Free Trade Area – AfCFTA as a critical instrument.

“It is our chance to redefine Africa’s economic standing, to amplify our voice on global issues, and to shape the rules of global trade and economic governance,” she said of the trade agreement.

To achieve sustainable economic growth, Africa also must prioritize investments in local manufacturing and regional value chains, she urged.

“We must invest in local manufacturing, create regional value chains, and process our resources right here at home – in pharmaceuticals, electric mobility, agri-business, and beyond. That’s how we create jobs. That’s how we build prosperity that lasts.”

Noting that the future of trade is digital, Morsy called for an enabling environment for digital innovation. “We must remove barriers to e-commerce, harmonize digital payment systems, and expedite the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.

Investing in digital infrastructure isn’t just smart—it’s essential,” she stressed.

She also called for efforts to close the infrastructure and connectivity gap, saying, “We know the figures. Africa faces an infrastructure financing gap of $170 billion per year. But we also know the solutions. We need to embrace innovative financing—public-private partnerships, blended finance, regional collaboration. We need roads, energy, and digital infrastructure that can connect our people and unlock our markets,”

Ms. Morsy also stressed championing digital transformation and trade facilitation, underscoring that the future of trade is digital, borderless and fast. “We must remove barriers to e-commerce, harmonize digital payment systems, and expedite the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.”

“Investing in digital infrastructure isn’t just smart—it’s essential. It will drive transparency, cut costs, and open new markets for African entrepreneurs,” she added.

She also underscored the need to invest in building human capital for the future of work. “

Africa’s greatest asset is not under the ground; it is not in commodities. It is our people—our youth. That means scaling up education, vocational training, and skills development, particularly in industries that will define the future: advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, fintech, and renewable energy. When we empower our young people, we empower Africa,” she added.

She concluded by calling for strengthening macroeconomic stability and governance, and said, “without strong financial systems, progress stalls. We’ve heard the calls for enhancing fiscal discipline, improving debt management, expanding access to private finance, and advancing innovative financing models—including green finance to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.”

Ms. Morsy called on Africans to also speak with one voice to reform the global financial architecture and urged countries to “confront illicit financial flows and demand fair access to global capital.”

For his part, incoming Bureau Chair Zakaria el Harmiri congratulated the delegates on their insightful deliberations and called for urgent actions to bring the ideas to fruition. 

“Given the environment of geopolitical instability and uncertainty as well as the new technologies and the challenges that are facing, we are sure that the AfCFTA will boost industrialization and ensure that we do work towards diversifying African economies,” he emphasised.

Approximately 524 delegates from 40 member states alongside key partners and organizations were in attendance.

Ahead of her remarks, the recommendations and resolutions from the three days of deliberations were presented and accepted by the delegates. Among other issues, participants called for:

Accelerating the removal of trade barriers and improving logistics to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

Investing decisively in our industrial and digital futures while ensuring food security and resilience to climate shocks.

Building strong partnerships—within Africa and beyond—that drive growth, sustainable development, and shared prosperity and

Strengthening macroeconomic stability and unlocking financing solutions across national, regional, and international levels.

Source: ECA

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The former Ghana Minister of Finance wanted by the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) to answer to corruption and corruption related charges has sued the OSP.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit against the OSP following its decision to declare him wanted, and he is seeking an injunction to prevent the OSP from reissuing the declaration, which he claims is baseless and unjustified.

Late last year, the OSP declared him a fugitive when he was unavailable in the country to answer the charges. Mr Ofori-Atta had said he was abroad seeking medical care and would be away indefinitely.

He had also said he was cooperating with the OSP through his lawyers.

In the suit against the OSP, Ofori-Atta argues that the OSP’s actions have caused significant damage to his reputation and personal life.He is therefore asking the court to restrain the OSP from making any further declarations against him until the legal process is fully resolved.

Among other things he is seeking a declaration that;

“a.) The OSP has no statutory powers to use Media Briefing to declare a person WANTED or “fugitive from justice”;

b.) The OSP has no powers other than what is provided for the police to declare a person wanted and same cannot be done without leave of the Court;

c.) The Office of the Special Prosecutor, in exercising the powers of the police as provided for under Section 28 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374), is bound by the limits placed on the exercise of discretionary power as enshrined in the Service.

Instructions of the Police Service, under Article 200, and consistent with Article 296 of the Constitution 1992;

d.) The unlawful declaration of the Applicant as “WANTED” or “fugitive from justice” constitutes violation of his right of personal liberty as enshrined in Articles 14 of the 1992 Constitution; and right of free movement enshrined in Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution, Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Right (ICCPR) as well as Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (AfCHPR);

e.) Any act of the Office of the Special Prosecutor as a State Agency that violates the Applicant’s human rights will amount to a breach of Ghana’s international treaty obligations under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

In its response the OSP acknowledged the law suit, indicating that Mr Ofori-Atta has formally requested the OSP to remove his name from the OSP’s list of wanted persons with the assurance to the OSP that he would make himself available for questioning on a definite date.

“The OSP, in good faith and on the basis of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s assurance, granted his request and removed his name from the OSP’s list of wanted persons pending his personal attendance,  at the OSP on the definite date.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta is mandatorily required to appear in person before the OSP on 2 June 2025. If Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to attend the OSP on the scheduled date, he shall be re-entered on the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the OSP shall consider him a fugitive from justice, whereupon the OSP will cause the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice in his regard and also cause the initiation, of extradition proceedings in any jurisdiction in which he may be found,” the OSP said in a statement.

In concluding the OSP said it remains unwavering in its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that Mr Ofori-Atta answers for his role as the prime suspect in five ongoing corruption and corruption related investigations.

By Emmanuel K Dogbevi

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Smallholder cocoa farmers in Ghana have launched an umbrella body, in a bid to have a stronger voice in decision-making processes in the sector, to ensure fair representation of their interest as key stakeholders in cocoa production.

Known as the Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association Limited (GCCFA), the Association, which is the first of its kind, comprises of 75 cooperative unions from nine cocoa-growing regions in the country.

Prior to the formation of the Association, cocoa farmers’ cooperative unions, each comprising of various cooperatives within a region, operated independently and in isolation.  

Engagement at different decision-making levels within the cocoa value chain was limited to only a few unions, primarily due to their fragmented and uncoordinated nature.

As a result, feedback often represented the views of individual unions, rather than capturing the collective interests of Ghana’s cocoa farming community.

Recognising the need for unified representation, several organisations unsuccessfully partnered with cooperatives over the years to initiate efforts toward establishing a national association.

However, after series of extensive training on leadership and governance for stakeholders at various levels, the Association was established in November 2024 with support from Solidaridad under its RECLAIM Sustainability Programme.  

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the RECLAIM Sustainability Programme seeks to amplify the voices of farmers and workers in shaping public and private policies that promote decent working conditions, equitable access to natural resources, and fair value distribution across supply chains.

The official launch of the Association, in Kumasi brought together key stakeholders, including cocoa farmers’ cooperative unions, civil society organisations, policymakers, industry experts, traditional leaders, and representatives of other relevant institutions.

Mr Issifu Issaka, the President of the Association, in a welcome address, emphasised the critical role of the cocoa farmer in cocoa production yet had little to say in decision-making.

He spoke about how climate change iwa negatively impacting their work and called on the government to take steps to provide irrigation facilities to enhance cocoa production.

He expressed worry over the devastating effects of illegal mining on cocoa farming, saying that farmers were struggling to get quality water to spray their farms produce.

The President appealed to the government to increase the producer price for cocoa, to improve the income of farmers.

Dr Francis Baah, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board in charge of Quality Control, applauded the leadership of the Association for coming together under one umbrella, adding that it would make engagements with cocoa farmers much easier.

He said plans were underway to extend irrigation facilities to farms as part of long-term measures in addressing low productivity. 

Mr Eric Agyare, the Country Representative, Solidaridad West Africa, said his outfit works closely with farmers and other actors to promote sustainable production of commodities including cocoa.

“We bring to the farmer best practices to support their businesses and beyond that we create arrangements where farmers are able to access inputs and services to improve productivity,” he stated.

He said Solidaridad supported the establishment of the Association to improve governance to make them relevant in decision-making processes in the cocoa sector.

The expectation is to build their capacity to be able to engage relevant stakeholders in the cocoa value chain as key actors, Mr Agyare said.

Source: GNA

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The Volta Africa American Chamber (VAAC) and the Volta Development Forum (VDF) have outlined an ambitious vision to make the Volta Region the number one maize producer in Ghana, alongside its established dominance in rice production.  

According to Mr. Daniel Agboka-Dzegede, President of VAAC and Executive Director of VDF, the strategic goal would contribute to Ghana’s food security, economic growth, and position the country as a leading maize producer in Africa.    

Mr. Agboka-Dzegede said this at an Agricultural Forum held in Ho on Wednesday, under the auspices of VAAC and VDF, in partnership with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) and the Volta Region Farmers Association.  

The forum brought together farmers, agricultural experts, and investors to discuss modern farming techniques, introduce innovative agricultural practices, and explore opportunities for collaboration between local farmers and international stakeholders.    

“Agriculture remains one of the most important professions, yet in our part of the world, it is often under-appreciated,” Mr. Agboka-Dzegede said.  

He emphasised that traditional farming methods – such as using hoes and cutlasses – are outdated, discouraging young people from engaging in agriculture.  

“If we mechanize agriculture, we will witness an influx of the youth into the sector. The time has come to modernize farming with technology, mechanized equipment, and financial strategies that make agriculture a lucrative business rather than just a labour-intensive activity,” he added.    

He urged young people to explore various opportunities within the agricultural value chain, including areas such as technology, finance, marketing, and agribusiness, emphasising that agriculture is a vast industry that required a diverse range of expertise.    

“Farming is not just about planting crops; it involves agronomists, soil scientists, animal scientists, engineers, marketers, financial analysts, and business strategists who all contribute to making agriculture profitable,” he explained.  

Mr. Agboka-Dzegede stated that all the key discussions and recommendations from the forum will be formally communicated to the Ministry of Agriculture for consideration and implementation.  

The forum featured Mr. Jay Reiners, former Nebraska Corn Board Chairman and US Grains Council Leader, who stressed the need for sustainable agricultural practices in Ghana.    

“There is a huge demand for food in this country, yet Ghana imports a significant amount of what it consumes. Our goal is to share modern farming methods that will increase local food production, ensure food security, and boost economic growth,” he stated.    

He encouraged Ghanaian farmers to embrace change, noting that American farmers faced similar challenges 50 years ago but adapted to modern techniques to increase production and efficiency.    

“The old ways of farming are no longer sustainable. To feed a growing population, farmers must adopt modern methods. Change may be difficult, but it is necessary for long-term success,” he added.  

Mama Awude Akua I of AgriWomen Foundation from Abutia praised the forum, stating that it would go a long way to support women in agriculture.  

She urged women to embrace agribusiness opportunities and explore ways to make farming more profitable and sustainable for long-term development in the Volta Region and Ghana.  

Many participants expressed appreciation for the forum and called on the Volta Development Forum (VDF) to do more by attracting agro-industries to create jobs and help farmers access soft loans for agricultural production.    

The forum, attended by over 40 farmers and potential farmers from across the Volta Region, concluded with a strong call for action to improve mechanized farming, value addition, and international collaboration to transform Ghana’s agricultural sector.  

Source: GNA  

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Stakeholders at the just-ended National Education Forum have urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of Ghana’s curriculum and assessment systems, at all levels, to make them fit for purpose.

The education curriculum required enhancements to achieve the transformation needed for sustainable development, they indicated.

“Priority attention must be accorded to the provision of resources for curriculum implementation and assessment,” a communique issued at the end of the Forum said.

It took place from February 19 to March 13, 2025, on the theme: “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future.”

The communique, read by Professor George K.T. Oduro, Chairman of the Planning Committee, appealed to the government to take practical measures to improve the quality and quantity of food served in secondary schools.

Government must also work closely with relevant stakeholders to improve school discipline and eliminate examination malpractices.

The communique urged the authorities to fully implement the Inclusive Education Policy to ensure that no learner was left behind in receiving quality and relevant education.

It called for an increase in investments for tertiary education infrastructure, especially hostels, using both direct state funding and effectively regulated public-private partnerships.

Government must also guarantee freedom within defined frameworks and strengthen regulatory systems.

That, the communique said, would address concerns on the excessive interference of governments in the running of education institutions and schools.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training should be diversified in both the formal and informal settings, while investments in the sector were improved to enhance learning outcomes and industry experience.

“The government must establish the National Research Fund and adopt a framework for regulating research,” the communique said.

The Forum had 5,000 participants from across the country and received over 2,000 proposals from individuals and organisations, including a study on three passages with over 20,000 respondents.

It was structured along zonal stakeholder engagements and town hall meetings under five thematic areas.

Those were infrastructure; quality education; regulations, accountability and governance; education financing; and research and data.

Source: GNA

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Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, says the lack of clarity on internal boundaries is creating many traditional, district, region, and constituency boundary disputes.

He said constituencies and boundaries were established without giving sufficient consideration to the capacity of key institutions such as the Statistical Service, the Electoral Commission, and the Lands Commission to effectively delineate and manage these areas.

The Minister said this oversight could lead to challenges in accurately defining boundaries, ensuring proper representation, and managing resources, ultimately creating disputes in all folds, hence the need for more work to be done in that area.

Mr. Ibrahim was speaking during a courtesy call by the Ghana Boundary Commission (GBC) to the Ministry in Accra to discuss issues of national interest and also congratulate the Minister for his appointment.

He said there were concerns in securing some funding from the Economic Community Of West Africa States (ECOWAS), such that it raised the question of why Ghana should rely on external bodies to finance the protection of its boundaries and related matters.

“Perhaps it is time for us to reassess these issues and find sustainable, internal solutions. We are going to provide facilities to help manage our boundaries,” he added.

The Minister said the creation of local economic activities along the boundaries was a critical issue that required immediate attention.

He said it was essential for the Committee on Local Governments, and the Independent Constitutional Body Committee, in assisting Parliament in approving the formula for the District Assemblies Common Fund, ensured that border management was appropriately incorporated into the process.

Major General Emmanuel Kotia, Commissioner General, GBC, said the Commission had observed that some boundary pillars, which were demarcated over the years, were displaced due to natural causes such as erosion and other environmental factors.

He said a reaffirmation of international boundaries was necessary, which would involve sensitisation, agreement on the coordinates of boundary pillars with neighbouring countries, and the construction of new pillars, including main, intermediate, and border crossing boundary markers.

The Commissioner General said most of the districts facing challenges were along international boundaries, such that there should be collaboration, where affected districts involved the GBC to help resolve boundary issues.

“We are advocating for enhanced collaboration to support local economic development in various communities, particularly in areas where agricultural needs require attention.”

“This collaboration will help improve livelihoods, revitalising these communities and addressing perceptions of deprivation. It is essential for fostering sustainable economic growth and improving the overall well-being of these districts,” he added.

Source: GNA

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The Kaana Manga Women Association, a women’s group in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality in the Upper East Region, has called on the government to as matter of urgency take steps to institutionalise and make operationalise the Affirmative Action Law.

The group called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to facilitate the process to ensure that the law and policies regarding its implementation were integrated into state and non-state agencies.

According to the women’s group, it was only through this means that the realisation of the passage of the affirmative Action Law could make real impact in bridging the gender gap and attaining the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) of all-inclusiveness.   

Mrs. Florence Bobi, the Chairperson of the Group, made the call during this year’s International Women’s Day held in the Navrongo on the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality.”

It was organised by Our Lady of Mercy Community Services (OLAM), a gender focused non-government organisation (NGO), with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and Germany Embassy of Ghana.

While commending the government for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law, Mrs. Bobi said there were still a lot left to be done to empower more women.

She said there must be a policy directive from government to all state and non-state agencies to ensure that many women just like men were appointed to managerial positions.

“As it stands now though there have been some appreciable gains in terms of gender but most of our state institutions including the education sectors are predominantly men. This we need policy directive to break this negative trend,” she stressed.

Mrs. Anastasia A Musah, a member of the group who doubled as an Assemblywoman, said the Kaana Manga Women Association had been engaging in series of sensitisation programmes through radio programmes and outreaches aimed at reforming certain negative cultural practices that impeded the growth and development of women and children.

She mentioned parental neglect on the part of many men as one of the major problems confronting the wellbeing of the girl-child, stressing, that, “many teenage pregnancies in this area can be attributed to this canker.”

Emmanuel Atiiga, the Executive Director of OLAM, commended the Kaana Manga Women Association for their numerous advocacy programmes on gender issues and stated cited that their advocacy also contributed to the passage of the affirmative action bill into law.

He, however, challenged the group to step up their campaign in encouraging more women and building their capacity to offer themselves to serve Mother Ghana and not to shy awayfrom the service.

Source: GNA

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A 46-year-old businessman who allegedly collected GH¢72,000 from a police officer, under the pretext of securing him two auctioned vehicles, has appeared in court.

At the Circuit Court, prosecution said George Adu-Twum, the accused, committed the offence in 2021.

He pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences.

The court, presided over by Mr Isaac Addo, has admitted Adu-Twum to bail in the sum of GH¢75,000 with two sureties.

Adjourning the matter to April 7, 2025, the trial judge ordered the prosecution to comply with the rules of disclosure.

Chief Inspector Daniel Ofori-Appiah, the prosecutor, said the complainant, name withheld, was a police officer residing at Weija SCC, Accra.

The accused who claimed to be a businessman, resides at Weija Gbawe, Accra.

In 2021, the complainant’s relatives were in need of a Toyota Pickup and Hyundai i30 salon car, and he discussed with a friend who introduced the accused to him.

Prosecution said the complainant met the accused at Abelemkpe and pointed at a Toyota Hilux and Hyundai i30 as vehicles being auctioned and that payments needed to be made immediately because there were other persons who had expressed interest.

After the bargaining, GH¢72,000 was mobilised by Adu-Twum. GH¢40,000 was paid at the office of the accused at Abelemkpe, while GH¢32,000 was handed over to him (accused) at the complainant’s office at the Ministries.

Adu-Twum promised that the auctioned vehicles would be ready in a week.

Prosecution said Adu-Twum, after collecting the money, went into hiding but he was arrested on January 15, 2025.

“During investigations he refunded an amount of GH¢25,000,” prosecution told the court.

Source: GNA

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Mrs Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, has called on electoral management bodies in Africa to work towards zero rejected ballots to advance democracy on the continent.

She said the high incidence of rejected ballots in Africa “is a blot on our democracy” and emphasised the need for electoral management bodies (EMB) to work to “ensure that every vote counts.”

Mrs Mensa made the call in an interview with the media at the end of the 12th General Assembly of the Association Africa Election Authorities in Accra on Friday.

The meeting crowned the Ninth Annual Continental Forum for Electoral Management Bodies, hosted by Ghana’s Electoral Commission in Accra, from March 12 to 13, 2025.

Mrs Mensa said the Forum unanimously acknowledged the worrying nature of the high incidence of rejected ballots in national elections, which had the potential to undermine the credibility of elections on the continent.

It was incumbent on electoral management bodies to deploy workable solutions to address the problem, including e-voting technologies, redesigning of ballot papers, and public education on voting procedures, she noted.

“It is important for us as election management bodies to work to ensure that every vote counts. It’s not enough just to issue papers, ballot papers, to citizens who come to the polls, but it’s important that we educate the citizens and do everything within our power to ensure that every vote counts and every vote matters,” Ghana’s Electoral Commission Chairperson said.

The Association brings together heads of election-related bodies in some 45 countries on the continent to share lessons and best practices and experiences.

At the top of the agenda for the 12th General Assembly in Accra was the election of new leaders who would lead the Association within the next two years.

The meeting also discussed the Associations new five-year strategic plan that seeks to ensure long-term sustainability and boost visibility.

Mrs Mensa said one of the major success stories of the Association was the introduction of the solidarity missions in 2023.

The missions brought together the heads of the EMBs to visit member countries undertaking their general elections.

Data from the EC shows that between 1992 and 2020, one to three per cent votes in Ghana’s national elections were rejected.

In the 2020 General Election, 2.33 per cent of ballots were rejected, and this dropped to 2.08 per cent in the 2024 election.

Source: GNA

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