Articles by Kobina Baidoo Badu

Technology

2025 Bankers’ Week celebration: CIB Ghana holds Sports4Life and Health Talk

The Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana), has successfully held its Sports4Life and Health Talk at the Athletics Oval of the University of Ghana, Legon, on the 25th of October, 2025 as part of activities marking the 2025 Bankers’ Week celebration. View this post on Instagram ADVERTISEMENT The event brought together members of the Institute, students, and professionals from the banking and finance industry for a day of sports, fitness, and wellness discussions. Participants engaged in various sporting activities, including football, basketball, and tennis, aimed at promoting healthy living and networking among bankers. Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, Robert Dzato, said the initiative was designed to promote well-being and mental health among members while also drawing attention to critical health issues. “Every year, the Bankers’ Week features a series of programs for members, fellows, students, and other stakeholders,” he said. “This year’s Sports4Life focused on well-being, mental health, and conversations around cancer awareness. We believe it’s important to keep our members healthy and provide a platform for them to connect.” View this post on Instagram He added that beyond the physical activities, the health talk segment was equally important in helping members understand the need for sustainable health practices. “Our work can be quite intense, so it’s important to take a break, exercise, and engage in health talks that promote sustainability — because our health really is our wealth,” Mr. Dzato noted. The Sports4Life and Health Talk is one of several events under this year’s Bankers’ Week celebration, which highlights the Institute’s commitment to professional development, wellness, and community engagement.

2 days ago

Technology

Ghana shines at Ms. Geek Africa 2025 bootcamp in Kigali

The Ms. Geek Africa 2025 competition brought together brilliant young women aged 13 to 21 from across the continent to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges through artificial intelligence and innovation. Organised by Girls in ICT Rwanda in partnership with Smart Africa Alliance, the competition ran under the theme “AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally”. Ghana’s representative, Ms Bubune Biana Bottozah, joined finalists from eleven African countries for an intensive bootcamp in Kigali, Rwanda, from 13th to 17th October 2025. The event attracted not only talented young innovators but also ecosystem leaders, investors, and technology experts from across the region. The week kicked off with registration and orientation, where Emily and the coaching team set expectations for the days ahead. Participants toured the Smart Africa offices and the Digital Transformation Centre run by GIZ before introducing themselves and sharing their innovation projects. Dr Jennifer Batamuliza led a hands-on session on Artificial Intelligence and Design Thinking, guiding participants through empathy mapping, problem definition, solution ideation, prototype design, and testing. Working in small groups, the young women identified social problems in their communities and developed creative solutions, putting classroom concepts into practice. Mrs Olivia Kimutai facilitated a session on Leadership and Communication, focusing on storytelling, presentation techniques, confidence building, public speaking, and teamwork. This prepared participants to pitch their projects effectively to the judges. Each participant recorded a one-minute video about their project, explaining the problem they were solving and the potential impact of their innovation. Ms Christine Ansong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Ghana Digital Centres Limited, who led Ghana’s delegation to the event, emphasised the importance of such platforms for young Ghanaian women. “Programmes like Ms. Geek Africa are vital in nurturing the next generation of female tech leaders across the continent. We’re proud to support our representative as she learns, competes, and networks with her peers from across Africa,” she said. Mentorship played a key role throughout the bootcamp. A representative from Girls in ICT Rwanda shared insights on building careers in STEM, encouraging the participants to pursue long-term goals in science and technology. Charles Shyaka led a Business Development session on commercialising innovations and turning ideas into sustainable, market-ready products. He covered customer targeting strategies including B2C, B2B, and B2G approaches, helping participants understand how to identify the right end users for their solutions. Ms Ansong noted that the experience would have a lasting impact beyond the competition itself. “What these young women gain here, from technical skills to confidence and networks, will serve them throughout their careers. Ghana Digital Centres remains committed to creating opportunities that empower young people, particularly women, to thrive in the digital economy,” she added. The bootcamp equipped these young innovators with technical skills, business knowledge, and the confidence to transform their ideas into solutions that can make a real difference across Africa. ADVERTISEMENT Tags: BootcampKigaliMs. Geek Africa 2025

2 days ago

Technology

Taptap Send Ghana Resumes Remittance Services to Ghana

Taptap Send has announced that money transfers to Ghana have been fully restored. Following constructive and positive engagements with the Bank of Ghana, the temporary pause on remittance services has been lifted ahead of the initially announced one-month timeline. Taptap Send is now fully operational, allowing customers to resume sending money from the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, and the UAE to their loved ones in Ghana with immediate effect. The company reaffirmed that it remains safe, secure, and fully compliant, and has taken the opportunity to reinforce its commitment to the highest standards of compliance and service excellence in Ghana and across all its markets. “We would like to express our deepest and most sincere appreciation to our customers for their patience, love, and continued support during what has been a difficult period of inconvenience,” the Taptap Send Ghana team said in a statement. “You, our customers, are the reason we’ve been the number one app for sending money to Ghana. We do not take this for granted and will continue to work tirelessly to always be there for you. We dey for you!” Taptap Send is back and ready to serve customers once again, ensuring seamless and affordable remittance services to Ghana. Taptap Send, Pa pa no no!

2 days ago

Technology

CIHRM inaugurates committees to strengthen professional leadership

The Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management Practitioners (CIHRMP) has taken another bold step in advancing professional governance and operational excellence with the inauguration of its statutory and advisory committees on August, in Accra. The event, dubbed brought together some of Ghana’s finest HR experts, Fellows, and practitioners who have volunteered to serve the Institute in various capacities. The committees inaugurated include the Executive Committee, Human Resource Committee, Publicity, Communication and Events Committee, Professional Certification Board, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, Education, Research and Policy Committee, Fellowship, Membership and Registration Committee, Infrastructure and ICT Committee, and the Legal, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee. The ceremony, which was graced by the President of the Institute, Mrs. Florence Hutchful, and the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Francis Eduku and other council members, was marked by a renewed sense of commitment and enthusiasm as the members took their oath of service. The swearing-in was administered by the President, who charged the committees to work diligently and uphold the values of professionalism, ethics, and collaboration. In her address, Mrs. Hutchful underscored the importance of collective leadership in driving the Institute’s strategic agenda. “These committees embody the strength of our profession; people who give their time, expertise, and energy to build something greater than themselves,” she said. “CIHRMP is evolving, and it is through such structures that we ensure sustainability, accountability, and growth across all facets of our operations.” For his part, Dr. Eduku commended the committee members for their willingness to serve and highlighted the crucial role they will play in the Institute’s growth efforts. “This inauguration is not just a formality ; it signifies the importance we attach to the growth of this institution and the confidence we have in our professionals,” he stated. “As we design our growth strategies, strengthen our systems, and expand our reach and membership base, these committees will be at the heart of that transformation.” With the committees now fully operational, CIHRMP is poised to deepen its impact, reinforce ethical HR practice, and strengthen its position as the leading professional body shaping the future of human resource management in Ghana.

Oct 21, 2025

Technology

Digital Habits: The Overlooked Key to Secure Banking (Part 2)

Most people imagine that robust technology and strong systems are the main barriers standing between their money and cybercriminals. In reality, the greatest risk to your security often lies in your own daily habits. Cybercriminals are not just targeting complex systems. Increasingly, they are focusing on individuals, exploiting predictable routines and small lapses in judgement. Banks such as Absa Bank Ghana invest extensively in security systems. However, no amount of technology can protect against habits that leave personal information exposed. If you believe you are too smart to fall victim, you may already be more vulnerable to the latest tactics employed by fraudsters. In this series, we are examining some of the most common digital habits that make people vulnerable when banking online, and how you can avoid them. Previously, we highlighted the dangers of weak passwords, acting on urgent requests without verification, and accessing your accounts over public Wi-Fi. In this instalment, we turn to three more habits that deserve your immediate attention. Digital Habit #4: Ignoring Security Updates on Your Devices Security updates can feel like an inconvenience. Many people are tempted to dismiss update reminders with a quick tap of “Remind Me Later,” without thinking of the potential consequences. However, neglecting to update your phone, computer, or banking apps can create real vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are quick to exploit. Software updates do more than introduce new features or fix minor bugs. Their most important function is to address security gaps that attackers are actively searching for. Once a weakness in an operating system or application is discovered, criminals develop malicious software specifically designed to exploit it. If you continue to use outdated software, you are effectively leaving your digital door unlocked. These risks are not only theoretical: many major cyber incidents worldwide have succeeded because users delayed critical updates. Banks such as Absa Bank Ghana work continuously to strengthen the security of their platforms, releasing regular updates to protect customers from new threats. However, these measures only work if customers update their apps promptly. In fact, many security updates are released in response to threats that have already been identified, which means that delaying installation may leave you exposed to risks that criminals are already exploiting. The simplest way to stay protected is to enable automatic updates on your devices and banking apps. This ensures you always have the latest security enhancements without having to remember to check manually. For those who prefer to update manually, it is essential to develop a habit of checking for updates regularly, especially for apps related to finance, communication, and identity. Device security settings also play a role in your overall protection. Take the time to review your phone or computer’s privacy and security settings, switch off unnecessary tracking, and enable features such as biometric authentication where possible. These steps help reduce the amount of personal information available for criminals to use against you. Security updates are not just another notification to ignore. They are a vital layer of protection in a constantly evolving digital world. The next time your device prompts you to update, do not put it off. A few minutes spent installing updates today may prevent a far greater loss tomorrow. Digital Habit #5: Relying on Browser-Saved Passwords Trusting your web browser to remember your passwords often seems like an easy way to save time. Many people choose this option for the sake of convenience, believing their passwords are safely stored behind a single login or fingerprint. However, relying on browser-saved passwords introduces a significant risk to your digital security. If your device is ever lost, stolen, or compromised by malware, stored passwords can quickly become accessible to cybercriminals. While modern browsers use encryption to protect saved passwords, determined attackers and malicious software can still extract these credentials from your device. This risk is particularly crucial when it comes to banking details, as a single breach may allow an intruder to access your accounts, transfer money, or lock you out entirely before you become aware. A safer alternative is to use a dedicated password manager. Unlike browser storage, which is directly linked to your device, a password manager stores your login details in a secure, encrypted vault. Even if someone gains access to your device, your passwords remain protected by a single master key that only you control. Another important habit is to avoid letting browsers auto-fill passwords on shared or public computers. Always log out of banking websites and apps after transactions and never save passwords on any device that does not belong to you. Digital security often requires prioritising safety over convenience. It may take a few extra moments to enter your password or use a password manager, but that extra effort can make the difference between keeping your information safe and handing it over to a criminal. Protecting your credentials should always be a priority, especially as banking becomes increasingly digital. Digital Habit #6: Ignoring Bank Alerts and Security Notifications It can be tempting to treat bank alerts and security notifications as background noise. They arrive frequently and therefore are often overlooked or dismissed as unimportant. However, ignoring alerts from your bank can result in missed warnings about suspicious activity and expose your accounts to greater risk. Bank alerts serve as an early warning system. Notifications about transactions, logins from new devices, or changes to your account details are designed to keep you informed and help you react quickly if something is amiss. Criminals often attempt unauthorised transactions outside of your usual banking patterns, knowing that a delayed response can give them the time they need to complete their fraud. By paying close attention to your alerts, you give yourself a critical advantage. If you receive a notification about an activity you do not recognise, contact your bank immediately using a verified number. Prompt action can make the difference between preventing a crime and suffering financial loss. It is also important to ensure that your contact details are up to date with your bank so that you never miss a notification. If you change your phone number or email address, update your records promptly. Make it a habit to review your account activity regularly, even if you do not receive an alert, and always enable security notifications on your banking app. Viewing bank alerts as essential safeguards rather than inconveniences will help you maintain control over your finances and protect your accounts from fraud. In the digital age, vigilance is a habit that pays off. End of Part Two This concludes part two of our series on digital habits for secure banking. In the final instalment, we will address more habits to avoid and provide further guidance on how to keep your finances safe in an ever-changing digital world.

Oct 21, 2025

Technology

Telecel Group Strengthens Cervical Cancer Care in Northern & Western Regions

The Tamale Teaching Hospital and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital have received advanced cervical cancer screening equipment from Telecel Group to help increase screening rate and early detection among women in the regions. The initiative, which forms part of the telco’s support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, also covers free screening for women at the facility over the next two years. The newly installed digital colposcopy machines equipped with Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), HPV testing kits, biopsy instruments and other consumables will enhance both hospitals’ capacity to detect and treat cervical cancer at an earlier stage. Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abubakari Bawah Abdulai, said “Telecel has consistently supported this hospital over the years, and this donation is another demonstration of their commitment to healthcare in the northern part of the country. As the only tertiary hospital serving the five northern regions, this equipment will go a long way in saving lives. I urge our staff to ensure its proper use and maintenance.” As the only tertiary health facility serving the five northern regions: Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West, the new equipment will by extension benefit women across the wider northern corridor. As the Western North main referral health facility, the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Hospital until now, relied largely on visual inspection methods for cervical cancer, which limited clinicians’ ability to detect early-stage precancerous lesions with accuracy. “With this new colposcopy machine, we can finally move beyond relying solely on the naked eye. This technology allows us to identify cervical abnormalities much earlier and with greater precision. It’s a significant step forward for women’s health in our municipality and across the Western North Region,” said Dr. Mary Benyiwaa Amuah, the hospital’s medical superintendent. The Director for External Affairs at Telecel Ghana, Mr. Komla Buami, reaffirmed the telco’s broader commitment to initiatives that advance public health and community well-being. “Telecel’s purpose goes beyond connecting people through technology; it’s also about connecting them to better health and brighter futures. This colposcopy machine, equipped with a UPS and maintained by Telecel for the next two years, reflects our commitment to improving women’s health outcomes in Northern Ghana,” Mr. Buami said. Representing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Mr. William Omane Adjekum, Director of Operations, highlighted the national significance of the initiative in combating cervical cancer. “Each year, about 3,000 women in Ghana are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and too many lose their lives due to late diagnosis and lack of diagnostic equipment. This donation by Telecel Group through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund represents hope for the women of Northern Ghana, enabling early detection, early intervention, and the possibility of saving countless lives,” he said. The equipment handover in Tamale and Sefwi Wiawso marks the second and third donations under Telecel Group’s cervical cancer care initiative in partnership with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the Ministry of Health. The first installation took place at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Telecel Group continues to deliver on its promise to improve healthcare accessibility, empower women, and contribute to Ghana’s national fight against preventable diseases through early detection and sustainable medical infrastructure.

Oct 21, 2025

Technology

Daring to Be Different’: 2025 Boardroom Governance Summit Champions Accountability and Ethical Leadership

The National Boardroom Governance Summit, convened by Professor Douglas Boateng and PanAvest International, brought together distinguished board members, corporate leaders, governance experts, and board executives to explore key issues shaping effective leadership and governance in boardrooms across Ghana and beyond. The one-day summit, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on October 14, 2025, under the theme, “Daring to Be Different: The Role of the Chairperson in Effective Boardroom Governance”, featured three thought-provoking panel discussions that examined leadership alignment, communication, and the evolving role of the board secretary in modern governance. The opening panel discussed “The role of chairman in effective boardroom governance.” This discussion enlightened the participants on the importance of the board chair to the success of the organization. Chief Alhassan Andani, Founder and Executive Chairman of LVSafrica Limited, in his submission stated that the most important things needed for an organization to grow and be productive is accountability and consequence management. To him, accountability is the bedrock of every successful business, hence must be in place if anyone wants his or her business to grow. “What makes any group or institution thrive no matter how good the board is, is accountability and discipline. Where is accountability and shareholders would hold you accountable, people do well but where there is a weak accountability as we unfortunately have in the public sector, boards and CEOs can get away with things that are not the best,” he said He continued by saying that accountability, being the first demand from board members to be effective is not only the demands of the shareholders but also the demands of corporate governance and company law. Reflecting on the challenges faced by corporate leaders, Alex Apau Dadey, Executive Chairman, KGL Group highlighted that the practice of enterprise in the private sector generates a different outcome as compared to the public sector, hence he advised government should not venture into enterprise. “Philosophically, I don’t believe government should be in enterprise because the practice of enterprise is done the same way, whether in public or private sector. There is also the conflict between the board and the CEO because the CEO was appointed before the board. The private sector is governed better than the public sector in Ghana. Another challenge is the generational vision for company growth,” he mentioned. Stephanie Miezan, President of GNCCI stressed that there must be a strict adherence to the affirmative action bill to ensure proper female representation on boards. “The affirmation action is one of the most important things we need to improve and increase the women representation on boards. Truth be told, when a woman leads a nation or an organization, it grows. As I always say, when you give a man money, he marries more but when you give the woman authority, she makes things better. As men, we need to give the women authority to lead us because they can and they will make the nations and companies better.” He added that effective communication is a critical aspect that board chairs must leverage to bring along their members and the executive. The other panel shifted focus to the often-overlooked but indispensable and evolving influence of board secretaries as pivotal figures in modern corporate governance. This panel discussion was on the topic, “The Silent Architect: Redefining the Role of the Board Secretary,” which sought to discuss and reveal the powerful influence of board secretaries despite their position. Opening the session, Dr. Awuraa Abenaa Safo-Boakye, Chief Legal Officer and company board secretary, BOG, described board secretaries as the “conscience of the company, chief governance officer, and chief of staff to the board chair.” She emphasized the multifaceted nature of the role, which blends administrative precision, legal oversight, and strategic advisory responsibilities. Adding on, Prof. Albert Puni, Dean, Distance Learning (UPSA) described the secretary as a “silent leader” whose role extends beyond compliance to strategic guidance. “Secretaries influence board decisions through institutional memory and diplomacy. They help ensure harmony and continuity in leadership.” From a legal and ethical standpoint, Efua Ghartey, President for Ghana Bar Association, urged professionals to maintain integrity and independence in their duties stressing adherence to the Companies Act and governance codes. “Your principles should be known by all and guided by the law. The moment you find yourself in the pocket of the chair, you lose your saltiness.” Lily Acquaye Partner, JLD & MB Legal Consultancy, highlighted the importance of proactivity and courage in the face of authority. “You shouldn’t wait for people to approach you. Be proactive in bringing matters to their attention and educating them on their responsibilities.” The 2025 National Boardroom Governance Summit reaffirmed the growing importance of ethical leadership, inclusivity, and innovation in governance. Across the three panel discussions, participants gained actionable insights on fostering alignment between boards and management, strengthening governance structures, and redefining the roles that sustain organizational excellence.

Oct 21, 2025

Technology

National Boardroom Governance Summit 2025 Champions Bold Leadership and Governance Excellence

The second edition of the National Boardroom Governance Summit concluded with a call for African board leaders to embrace bold, ethical, and inclusive governance to sustain institutional growth and public trust. Convened by Professor Douglas Boateng, the summit, held on October 14, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel, brought together over 800 participants, including board chairpersons, CEOs, policymakers, regulators, and governance experts, under the theme “Daring to be Different: The Role of the Chairperson in Effective Boardroom Governance.” Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, highlighted that effective boardroom governance is vital to translating national strategies into tangible results. He stressed that when leadership upholds integrity, accountability, and professionalism, it builds investor trust, drives job creation, and reinforces Ghana’s overall economic stability and growth. “Sound boardroom governance determines whether strategy becomes success or another shelved ambition. When boards are transparent, accountable, and professionally run, capital becomes confident, jobs multiply, and institutions grow resilient. Weak governance, however, invites inefficiency, politicization, and public mistrust. Ghana’s economic resilience, investor confidence, and national reputation are all reflections of how its boardrooms function,” the Chief of Staff stated. He further emphasized that government, recognizing this principle, remains committed to strengthening accountability and transparency through initiatives such as the Reset Agenda and the Government Accountability Series, which ensure that sector ministers publicly report on policies and progress. He emphasized that these efforts reflect government’s resolve to build trust and integrity in governance, noting that while policies provide structure, true accountability must be nurtured within the culture of leadership itself. He concluded by urging Chairpersons to lead with courage, fairness, and unwavering ethics, noting that aligning productivity with purpose strengthens boardroom governance, drives sustainable economic growth, and fosters national stability. In his welcome remarks, Professor Douglas Boateng, Africa’s first-ever Professor for Industrialization and Supply Chain Governance, emphasized the need for board chairs to move beyond routine compliance and embrace leadership anchored in purpose, conscience, and service to the greater good. He noted that effective governance is not merely about titles or procedures, but about fostering trust, fulfilling duty, and shaping a sustainable future for society. “The seat of the chairperson is not a furniture, it is a promise made to the people we meet today and those we may never meet especially the children who will inherit the output of our decisions,” he stated. Other distinguished speakers, including Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, Executive Chairman, KGL Group, Stephane Abass Miezan, President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCC), and Chief Alhassan Andani, Executive Chairman of LVS Africa reiterated that Accountability, effective communications and respect for the CEO’s operational independence remains essential for effective boardroom governance. The event featured three engaging panel sessions, interactive Q&As, and a networking session that facilitated cross-sector collaboration and peer learning. Participants commended the summit for offering actionable insights on improving corporate governance practices in both private and public institutions. Closing the summit, Professor Boateng thanked all sponsors and partners for their continued support. “This year’s summit reinforces that governance transformation must begin from the top. Chairpersons must dare to be different; to inspire, to innovate, and to hold themselves accountable to the people and institutions they serve,” he said. The National Boardroom Governance Summit is an annual platform convened by Professor Douglas Boateng to advance the culture of ethical governance, leadership accountability, and sustainable business growth across Africa. The summit fosters learning, dialogue, and peer exchange among current and aspiring board leaders.

Oct 21, 2025