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Africa

“Let the people take charge” — Harruna Attah calls for youth-led, government-free model for Africa’s growth

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Ghana’s High Commissioner to Namibia and Botswana, Abdul-Rahman Haruna Attah,has called for the youth to take center stage in continent’s affairs and drive its next phase of development . Speaking with Business Outlook Africa, the veteran journalist, publisher and author argued that young people have a lot to offer once given an opportunity devoid of government interference. He pointed to “November in Namibia“—a youth-led bilateral tourism and business initiative between Namibia and Ghana—as proof of what can be achieved when citizens are empowered to drive the system. “ We should let the people take charge. So governments step back and let the businesses run. Yeah. And the people.You see the the people to people efforts often pay off. I’ll give you an example.There’s an organisation called November in Namibia.Some young people were in charge. They started it. I was just on the side.But they started running it. We are now entering the fourth edition, which promises to be big. And this has nothing to do with government doing this and that.” he described Explaining how the initiative differs from a standard trade mission, Haruna Attah noted that while the latter relies on government machinery and public servants, this initiative “November in Namibia”belongs completely to the people. “A typical trade mission is run by the government.If it’s a trade mission, that’s what it is. It is controlled by the civil servants and that kind of thing. But with this one, this is the initiative of the people.” he added. Regarding how to scale up the initiative, the High Commissioner to Namibia and Botswana stated the program has matured to a point where active partnership with local institutional bodies, like the GIPC, is essential. “ So now the challenge is how we can involve our local institutions like the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and those kinds of organisations to come on board. To be part of it.” he stressed . Born out of a youth-led effort to encourage Ghanaians to explore Namibia firsthand, the “November in Namibia” initiative has rapidly expanded and is steadily gaining major recognition across the region.

Banking & Finance

Bank fraud cases drop 34% in 2025, but Cash Suppression risk skyrockets — BoG report

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The total fraud counts for banks for the 2025 financial year has decreased by 34% bringing it to 472 fraud cases reported in 2025, compared to the 716 fraud cases reported in 2024. This is according to data from the Bank of Ghana’s 2025 Fraud Report—a publication that provides statistical insights into fraud, insider involvement, and evolving risks within the financial sector. According to the same report, the total value at risk decreased by 24% to GH¢57 million in 2025, compared to GH¢75 million in 2024. Five categories accounted for the bulk of this value at risk: Cash Suppression, E-Money Fraud, Fraudulent Withdrawal, ATM/POS Fraud, and Burglary though not all moved in the same direction. Cash Suppression accounted for the highest value at risk in 2025, skyrocketing to GH¢ 40.7 million a staggering increase from the GH¢ 2.3 million recorded in 2024. E-Money Fraud also increased by 32%, jumping from the GH¢3.5 million in 2024 to GH¢ 4.6 million in 2025. Fraudulent Withdrawal also increased by a staggering 118%, recording a value at risk of GH¢ 3.97 million in 2025, as compared to GH¢ 1.82 million in 2024. ATM/POS fraud on the other hand also saw a 41% reduction in its value at risk, bringing it down to GH¢2.43 million as compared to the GH¢4.14 million value recorded in 2024. Burglary recorded the least of the five,recording a value at risk of GH¢ 1.74 million. This local trend mirrors a broader global pattern, where a survey by BioCatch indicates that overall banking scam attempts surged by 65% in recent periods, heavily fueled by generative AI and social engineering tactics.

Africa

Recall Ambassadors, Mend the Fences — Ghana’s High Commissioner to Namibia and Botswana Pushes for Stronger Regional Response to South Africa’s Xenophobia

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Ghana’s High Commissioner to Namibia and Botswana, Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah,has labeled the recent xenophobia attacks in South Africa “as a lack of leadership”. Speaking exclusively with Business Outlook Africa, on the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the veteran journalist, publisher and author explained that the corrupt nature of some recent leaders coupled with some actions he believes promotes xenophobia has inspired the young people to do what is being done now. “ The leadership in South Africa has failed, to be honest.Yeah, you see the faded glory. It’s all diminishing. It’s all lack of leadership. The black leadership after Mandela and possibly after Thabo Mbeki, they’ve lost their way. They’ve lost their way. We had traditional rulers like Chief Buthelezi. Sorry to say what I’m going to say, but Chief Buthelezi was something of a, no I won’t use the word, but people like him were the people who were encouraging the xenophobia. Yeah, they were encouraging the xenophobia. And the current crop of leadership too are so corrupt. Right now, the young people have taken inspiration from that poor leadership.So the whole country is in a rut.” he described On the response of continental and regional bodies to the situation in South Africa, Harruna Attah expressed measured satisfaction, acknowledging that while they have issued statements, he believes far stronger action is needed,including the recall of ambassadors from South Africa as a diplomatic signal. “Yeah, I’ve heard of a statement of protest, but that was all. But they should be more robust than that. By now they should have recalled their ambassadors.They should have been more robust, but they haven’t. They should have recalled their ambassadors.,” he stated. Harruna Attah also called for the situation to be dealt with urgently, describing South Africa as too significant a player on the continent for the current tensions to be allowed to persist. “ The fences have to be mended.There’s no question about it. South Africa is too important a country for us to be on these terms, for it to be on these terms with the rest of Africa.” he added   His comments come amid a severe wave of xenophobic violence and organized anti-immigrant protests in South Africa which has escalated into mass demonstrations, physical attacks, and the targeted displacement of sub-Saharan African migrants.

World

Silvana Tenreyro Appointed IMF Economic Counsellor and Research Department Head

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The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva has announced the appointment of Silvana Tenreyro as the Fund’s Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department (RES). This follows Pierre‑Olivier Gourinchas’s decision to return back to academia after stepping down from the same role earlier this year. Speaking on the appointment, Kristalina Georgieva expressed her delight at the appointment stating that the appointment comes at a critical moment for the global economy. “I am delighted to announce that Silvana Tenreyro will join the Fund as our next Chief Economist,” said Ms. Georgieva. “Silvana is a globally respected economist who combines outstanding academic achievements with extensive policy making experience and a close engagement with leading international institutions. At a time of profound transformation and heightened uncertainty in the global economy, Silvana’s mix of intellectual leadership and policy experience will help ensure that the Fund’s analytical work and multilateral surveillance and policy advice will remain at the cutting edge in support of our membership.” Prior to her appointment,Ms. Tenreyro served as the James E. Meade Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics, where she has been on the faculty since 2004. She also served as President of the European Economic Association as well. Her research has been widely published in leading journals and recognized with international honors, including the Yrjö Jahnsson Award, the Bernhard Harms Prize, and the Birgit Grodal Award. She is a Fellow of the British Academy, the Econometric Society, and the Royal Economic Society, and a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Economic Association. Beyond academia, Ms. Tenreyro brings substantial policy and leadership experience having previously served as an external member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee from 2017 to 2023. An Argentine, British, and Italian national, Ms. Tenreyro earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from Harvard University, following a degree in economics from the National University of Tucumán in Argentina. She will assume her role as the IMF’s new Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department on August 10, 2026.

World

IEA, IMF, World Bank, WTO renew call for resolution of Middle East war, reopening of Strait of Hormuz

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The Heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group (WBG), and World Trade Organization (WTO) have reiterated their call for an end to the ongoing war in the Middle East, alongside the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a joint statement issued on July 8, 2026, following a meeting held in Washington, DC on July 7, The Heads stated that the meeting was aimed at taking stock of energy, trade, and economic developments, discussing the situation in vulnerable countries, and further coordinating support to those in need. The institutions noted that per their assessment the overall impact of the conflict has been highly uneven, affecting energy supplies, food security, various commodities, and economic activity across many countries and regions, and creating deeper concerns about growth and price stability. On energy prices, the Heads however flagged the continued uncertainty, adding that the war’s consequences may not fade quickly. They further stated that energy markets and the transit of goods are still facing strains, urging governments and the international community to remain vigilant. The institutions stressed the need for continued cooperation to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation in the Strait and globally, support economic recovery, protect jobs and livelihoods, strengthen energy and food security, and increase broader resilience to future shocks. They assured that they will continue working with each other and with their member countries to closely monitor energy, trade, and economic developments, and will strengthen their readiness to act further if needed.

Consumer

Ghana Water Ltd to Undertake 24-Hour Planned Maintenance Works at Dodowa Booster Station

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The Management of Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has announced the temporary shut down and closure of the Dodowa Booster Station to undertake a scheduled maintenance . In a statement released on July 7,2026, GWL stated that the closure of the station will only be for 24 hours on Thursday ,July 9 and is aimed at improving the operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the water supply system. The Utility Company explained that as a result of the closure customers in East Legon, Adjiringanor, Ashaley Botwe, Madina, Adenta, Oyarifa, Frafraha, Agbogba, Haatso, Atomic, Ashongman, Dome, Dodowa, and all adjoining communities served by the Dodowa Booster Station will experience an interruption in water supply . GWL then urged residents and customers in these communities to to store sufficient water ahead of the planned shutdown and use the available supply judiciously throughout the maintenance period. GWL then assured residents that’s its engineers are actively working to find a solution to the challenge and hence pleased with them to exercise patience.

Transportation

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announces Mandatory Health Declaration for Sierra Leone Travel

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a major update to its international travel guidelines. In a travel advisory released on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Ministry announced plans by the Government of Sierra Leone to implement a health declaration for all persons traveling into and from Sierra Leone. The Ministry also noted that in the implementation of this new policy which takes effect from 18th June 2026, all Ghanaian citizens intending to travel to Sierra Leone are urged to abide by the new entry requirements. By this information, the Sierra Leonean authorities are cautioning travellers to take note of the following: • Providing false, inaccurate, or misleading information may result in delays, denial of entry or departure clearance, or additional health screening procedures. • Anyone feeling unwell before, during or after travel should immediately report to a Point of Entry Health Officer and seek medical attention. • Information provided through the portal will be used to support disease surveillance, prevention, and public health security measures and will be handled confidentially in accordance with applicable data protection requirements. • Upon arrival in Sierra Leone, travellers may be subject to health screening and other public health measures as deemed necessary by authorities. • Travellers are expected to cooperate fully with health officials and other relevant authorities throughout their journey. The advisory however stated that all categories of travelers including Ghanaian citizens, foreign nationals, residents, and visitors are expected to register online to ensure a smooth journey. The Ministry also encouraged the travellers to finalize the requirements of the portal in a timely manner and also reiterated its efforts for supporting the regional public health security measures. Visit the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal at: https://poep.npha.gov.sl, register and fill in the Health Declaration Form 72 hours before travel.  

News

UniMAC Appoints Ernest Ofori Sarpong As First Chancellor

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The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has announced the appointment of Ghanaian businessman,Ernest Ofori Sarpong, as its first Chancellor effective 1st August 2026. In a statement released on July,7 2026,UniMAC explained that the appointment was been approved by its Governing Council on the 26th of May 2026, at its meeting. Pursuant to the provisions of UniMAC Statutes, Mr Ofori Sarpong in his new role “will serve as the Ceremonial Head of the University, providing distinguished leadership, championing the University’s vision and strategic interests, strengthening its engagement with industry and society, and conferring degrees and other academic honours on behalf of the University.” Mr Ofori Sarpong is one of Ghana’s most accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders. Over the years, he has built and led successful enterprises across manufacturing, real estate, finance, construction, and media, making significant contributions to private-sector growth, job creation, and socio-economic transformation in Ghana and beyond. He is currently the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Group of Companies and also a co-owner of United Television (UTV), Best Point Savings and Loans Limited, and U2 Salt Limited. He currently serves as Board Chairman of the Governing Council of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Chairman of the EMY Africa Awards, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana.He is also the Global President of the PRESEC Old Boys Association (PRESEC-ODADEƐ). Mr Ofori Sarpong holds a Master of Science degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at École Supérieure de Gestion (ESG), France. According to the governing council of the University, Mr Ofori Sarpong’s appointment reflects their expressed confidence in his exemplary leadership, wealth of experience, and enduring commitment to excellence . The Council is certain that under his stewardship, UniMAC will successfully strengthen its industry ties, expand strategic partnerships, and solidify its status as the nation’s premier institution for media, arts, and communication.

News

DVLA Denies Alleged GH¢308K Theft Involving National Service Personnel

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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has reacted to recent media publications concerning its operations. In a statement released on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Authority denied reports by some media houses that a National Service Personnel stole from its coffers. According to the earlier media reports, the National Service Personnel in question allegedly stole GH¢308,000 to purchase a Hyundai Elantra saloon car, a 50-inch Samsung TV, and to pay a sibling’s school fees. The Authority however sought to clarify that that that the alleged money involved does not belong to the DVLA and was not stolen from any of its official accounts. The institution however stated that the matter under investigation is a purely personal dispute involving a former National Service Personnel who is currently on a contract role with them. “The matter under investigation is a personal dispute involving an individual who happens to be a former National Service Personnel assigned to the DVLA and currently on contract. At no point has the Authority suffered any financial loss in relation to this case.,” the statement read. The management then urged media houses and the general public to exercise restraint and accuracy “in reporting on the matter to avoid creating the erroneous impression that public funds belonging to the DVLA have been misappropriated.” DVLA then expressed its commitment towards upholding the highest standards of integrity and cooperating fully with the police. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority  is the public institution responsible for the registration and licensing of vehicles and drivers in Ghana. It operates under the Ministry of Transport, ensuring road safety and standard compliance across the country while running secure financial systems for all its public transactions.

Africa

World Bank approves US$225m for urban resilience and jobs project in Madagascar’s Antananarivo, Toamasina

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The World Bank Group has approved US$225 million in financing for the Integrated Urban Development and Resilience Project for Jobs (PRODUIRE2), aimed at strengthening climate resilience, improving infrastructure, and creating more and better jobs in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina. In a press release dated July 6, 2026, the World Bank stated that Madagascar’s rapidly growing cities are facing mounting challenges, noting that cyclones Fytia and Gezani caused damages estimated at 3.4% of the country’s GDP in early 2026. The Bank further disclosed that in Greater Antananarivo, extreme urban poverty has more than doubled over the past decade, despite the capital generating close to 44% of the country’s GDP. It added that recurrent flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure land tenure continue to deter private investment, limit economic opportunities, and keep the city’s most vulnerable residents locked in poverty. As a response to this the World Bank believes that PRODUIRE2 will deepen investments in flood protection, drainage, solid waste management, neighborhood upgrading, and land administration in Greater Antananarivo. In Greater Toamasina, where cyclone Gezani damaged 70% of the housing stock, the project will focus on rebuilding resilient housing and rehabilitating critical public infrastructure such as schools and health facilities, the Bank stated. By 2032, the project aims to bring climate-resilient infrastructure to 1.5 million people, reconstruct 20,000 homes to resilient standards, issue land documentation for 50,000 parcels, and generate approximately 17,000 jobs, according to the Bank. The World Bank further disclosed that the project will also address the insecure land tenure, noting that nearly half of the land in Antananarivo lacks formal titles, a key barrier to urban development and investment by supporting land regularization and digital land services. This according to the world bank will help residents obtain legally recognized documentation and streamline transactions, with at least 40% of new land documents issued expected to include women as sole or joint rights holders. The World Bank noted that PRODUIRE2 reflects a long-term partnership between the Government of Madagascar and the institution, and will support Antananarivo and Toamasina in becoming more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic engines of growth. It added that the project is supported by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership, financed by the Government of Japan, which provide technical and analytical assistance to strengthen Madagascar’s framework for disaster risk management, urban resilience, and infrastructure quality.