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Former Goldman Sachs Banker Asante Berko Convicted in U.S. Bribery Case

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Former Goldman Sachs investment banker and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Kwaku Asante Berko has been convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, on multiple charges connected to a foreign bribery and money laundering scheme involving a power generation project in Ghana.

Former Goldman Sachs banker Kwaku Asante Berko convicted in U.S. bribery case.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Berko was found guilty of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), substantive violations of the FCPA and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors successfully argued that he participated in a scheme to pay more than US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials to secure approvals for a major energy infrastructure project.

According to evidence presented during the trial, the payments were disguised through intermediaries and offshore financial arrangements to conceal their true purpose. U.S. prosecutors said the scheme was designed to influence senior Ghanaian officials responsible for approving the proposed power plant transaction.

Following the verdict, Berko now faces a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Sentencing is expected at a later date after the completion of a pre-sentence investigation by the court.

The conviction marks one of the most significant international corruption cases involving a former Ghanaian public official and highlights continued enforcement of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act against cross-border bribery involving international business transactions.

The case has generated widespread discussion in Ghana, particularly because Berko later served as Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) after leaving Goldman Sachs. Analysts say the judgment reinforces growing international efforts to combat corruption involving multinational investments and public officials.

Read more Ghana News, follow breaking developments on Ghana News Live, explore today’s Top Stories, and browse our Policy & Law Hub for more governance and legal updates.

Source: Graphic Online.

President Mahama Nominates Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Environment Minister

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President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, subject to approval by Parliament. The nomination forms part of a ministerial reshuffle announced by the Presidency to strengthen governance across key sectors.

President Mahama nominates Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Environment Minister-designate.

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and legislator, has served as the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle since 2017. If approved by Parliament, she will oversee Ghana’s environmental protection policies, scientific research, technological innovation and climate change initiatives through the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.

The nomination was announced on Friday, August 7, 2026, in accordance with Article 78(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which requires ministerial nominees to undergo parliamentary vetting before assuming office. The appointment is expected to be considered by Parliament in the coming days.

The latest changes are part of a broader cabinet reshuffle by President Mahama. Government officials say the changes are intended to strengthen public administration and improve the delivery of key government programmes.

The Environment Ministry plays a critical role in environmental sustainability, pollution control, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, scientific advancement and technological development. If approved, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings will be responsible for leading these national priorities.

Read more of the latest Ghana News, follow breaking updates on Ghana News Live, explore today’s biggest Top Stories, and browse more government and public policy reports in our Policy & Law Hub.

Source: Graphic Online, with additional reporting from the Presidency of the Republic of Ghana.

Chairman Wontumi Applies for Bail Pending Appeal After 20-Year Sentence

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Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has filed an application for bail pending appeal following his conviction and 20-year prison sentence.

According to information circulating publicly, Wontumi’s legal team is asking the High Court to grant him temporary release while his appeal against the conviction is determined.

Court documents indicate that the application is scheduled to be heard on August 19, 2026, before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.

Chairman Wontumi is currently being held at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison as the appeal process continues.

The outcome of the bail application will determine whether he remains in custody while the substantive appeal is heard. The court is expected to consider the legal arguments presented by both the defence and the prosecution before delivering its decision.

Ghana News will continue to monitor the proceedings and provide verified updates as they become available.

MTN Ghana Launches Sustainability Month to Mark 30 Years

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MTN Ghana Launches Sustainability Month, Reinforcing Three Decades of Shared Value Creation

Accra, August 07, 2026 — MTN Ghana has launched its 2026 Sustainability Month campaign as part of activities marking its 30th anniversary celebrations, reaffirming its commitment to creating shared value, driving responsible business practices and contributing to Ghana’s sustainable development.

MTN Ghana launches its 2026 Sustainability Month campaign in Accra.

The month-long campaign, themed “Together for a Sustainable Future: Small Actions, Big Impact,” encourages employees, partners, customers and the public to adopt simple, consistent actions that collectively deliver positive environmental and social outcomes.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, said the decision to expand the annual sustainability observance from one week to an entire month reflects the growing importance of sustainability in business and society.

“Sustainability is not a department. It is a discipline. When we get it right, we build a business that is trusted, resilient and relevant for the future while making a stronger contribution to Ghana’s development.”

He noted that MTN Ghana’s sustainability strategy is anchored on creating shared value, emphasizing that the company’s success is closely linked to the growth and prosperity of Ghana.

“MTN Ghana succeeds when Ghana succeeds. Responsible business growth must therefore create opportunities for people, strengthen communities, enable businesses, protect the environment and build public trust.”

As MTN Ghana marks 30 years of operations in Ghana, Mr. Blewett highlighted the company’s progress across its sustainability priorities, including the rollout of biodegradable SIM cards, investment in renewable energy solutions, carbon reduction initiatives, climate-smart agricultural projects, digital and financial inclusion programmes, and more than US$1 billion invested in network expansion over the past five years alongside efforts to empower small businesses through capacity-building initiatives.

Chairperson for the launch event, Sena Dake, Fellow and Immediate Past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, challenged participants to translate sustainability ambitions into practical, everyday actions.

“A sustainable future will not be built by a few extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. It will be built by ordinary people choosing to do the right things consistently every day.”

The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, described Sustainability Month as an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the country’s sustainability journey.

“This campaign is an invitation for all of us to recognise the value of our individual actions and trust that, together, they can create meaningful impact for Ghana.”

She encouraged participants to remain consistent in their actions, adding:

“You do not need to carry the whole future in your hands. Just bring your one twig today and another tomorrow. Through consistent effort, we can collectively build the sustainable future we want to see.”

Throughout August, MTN Ghana will implement a series of activities aimed at deepening awareness of sustainability, promoting responsible business practices and inspiring stakeholders to make sustainability a shared responsibility through everyday actions.

The campaign forms part of MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations and reflects the company’s enduring commitment to enabling progress, creating opportunities and supporting Ghana’s long-term social, economic and environmental wellbeing.

Tema Court Jails Two Human Traffickers 20 Years Each

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Tema Court Hands Two Human Traffickers 20-Year Jail Terms

A Tema Circuit Court has sentenced two men to 20 years’ imprisonment each after finding them guilty of human trafficking in a case involving 11 Nigerian nationals.

The court also imposed 10-year prison terms for causing harm, with the sentences running concurrently. According to the prosecution, the victims were allegedly recruited from Nigeria with promises of employment before being transported to Ghana and forced into cyber-related criminal activities against their will.

Investigators said the victims were held under harsh conditions, denied communication with their families and subjected to abuse if they refused to comply. Police later rescued the victims during an operation and recovered electronic devices believed to be connected to the case.

The judgment has been welcomed as part of Ghana’s continued efforts to combat human trafficking and organised crime while protecting vulnerable victims from exploitation.

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Black Queens Reach WAFCON 2026 Quarter-Finals, Set Up Malawi Clash

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Black Queens Book Quarter-Final Spot at WAFCON 2026

Ghana’s Black Queens have officially secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and will now face Malawi in a crucial knockout encounter.

Black Queens players celebrating qualification to the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals.
Black Queens Set for Malawi Quarter-Final

The quarter-final fixture is scheduled for Sunday, August 9 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, with kick-off set for 17:00 GMT.

The Black Queens progressed after an impressive group-stage campaign, keeping alive Ghana’s hopes of lifting the continental title. Their qualification has been widely celebrated by supporters across the country, who will be hoping the team can continue its strong performances.

Malawi, meanwhile, will be aiming to pull off another upset as both nations battle for a coveted place in the semi-finals of Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament.

The winner of the tie will move one step closer to continental glory as the competition enters its decisive stages.

Follow GhanaNews.org for continuing coverage of the Black Queens throughout the tournament.

Dr. Sam Ankrah Calls for Governance-Led Overhaul of African Microfinance

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Dr. Sam Ankrah Urges Governance-Led Repositioning of African Microfinance at Accra Summit

Dr. Sam Ankrah has called for African microfinance to be repositioned as a competitive institutional asset class rather than a charity-driven sector, urging governments, regulators and investors to prioritise governance, competency and effective supervision.

Speaking as keynote speaker at the International Microfinance Investors’ Summit 2026 in Accra, Dr. Ankrah told delegates that sustainable capital only flows to institutions with strong governance structures.

The two-day summit, organised by the Financial Inclusion Advocacy Centre (FIAC) and its partners under the theme “Repositioning Microfinance for Investment, Growth and Stability”, brought together policymakers, regulators, investors, development partners, financial institutions, fintech innovators and industry leaders from across Africa.

Delegates included representatives from central banks, ARB Apex Bank, GHAMFIN, the Credit Unions Association (CUA), rural and community banking institutions, as well as participants from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia.

Dr. Ankrah summarised his message by stating that governance, competency and effective regulation together create resilient financial institutions, adding that investment is the result of these fundamentals rather than a substitute for them.

He highlighted challenges facing the sector across Africa, citing institutional failures, governance weaknesses and regulatory gaps in several countries, while stressing that stronger boards, better risk management and transparent supervision remain essential.

He also encouraged regulators to publish consolidation data, sequence governance reforms ahead of capital requirements and strengthen risk-based supervision to improve investor confidence.

On digital finance, Dr. Ankrah noted that Africa’s rapid growth in mobile money presents significant opportunities, but warned that technology alone cannot compensate for poor governance or weak risk management.

He further urged investors and development finance institutions to expand blended finance initiatives while encouraging African microfinance institutions to improve governance before seeking additional capital.

The summit is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening supervision, encouraging investment and supporting sustainable growth within Africa’s microfinance industry.

Read more business and finance stories on GhanaNews.org.

GSA to Strictly Enforce Vehicle Standards From October 1, 2026

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GSA Announces Strict Enforcement of Vehicle Standards from October 1, 2026

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has announced that strict enforcement of the National Vehicle Homologation and Conformity Assessment Programme will begin on October 1, 2026.

According to the Authority, the programme has been in operation since 2020 and is intended to ensure that all vehicles imported into, assembled or manufactured in Ghana comply with national safety, quality and environmental standards.

Effective October 1, all new vehicle manufacturers, assemblers, used vehicle importers, distributors and dealers must register with the Ghana Standards Authority. New vehicle models must be homologated, while used vehicles must comply with the applicable Ghana Standards before shipment to Ghana.

The GSA stressed that the measure is not a ban on used vehicle imports. Instead, it is aimed at protecting consumers from unsafe, substandard and environmentally harmful vehicles while promoting a safer and more regulated automotive sector.

Vehicles that fail to meet the prescribed standards will not be permitted for importation upon arrival in Ghana. The Authority has encouraged all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the requirements and ensure compliance before shipping vehicles to the country.

Read more on GhanaNews.org for the latest national developments.

Government Introduces GH¢10 Levy for Prayer Activities at Achimota Forest

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Government Announces GH¢10 Prayer Levy for Achimota Forest Worshippers

Authorities have announced the introduction of a GH¢10 levy for individuals who visit the Achimota Forest for prayer activities, according to reports circulating on Wednesday.

The Achimota Forest has long been known as a destination where many Christians and other worshippers gather for personal prayers, fasting and spiritual retreats. The reported levy has generated widespread discussion on social media, with many questioning how it will be implemented and enforced.

Supporters argue that the fee could contribute toward maintaining the forest and improving security and sanitation, while critics have raised concerns about its impact on access to a place widely used for religious devotion.

Government officials are expected to provide further details regarding the implementation, purpose and administration of the levy.

Read more stories on GhanaNews.org for the latest national developments and public policy updates.

Afghan Migrant’s Final Goodbye to Family Before Dying of Thirst Moves Millions

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Afghan Migrant’s Final Farewell Before Tragic Desert Death

A heartbreaking farewell video recorded by a 36-year-old Afghan migrant before his death has touched people around the world after authorities recovered the bodies of 19 migrants in the Nimruz desert.

According to reports, Hayatullah became stranded without water while attempting to cross through the harsh desert on a journey toward Iran. Realizing his situation had become critical, he recorded an emotional message asking his mother and family to forgive him.

Rescue efforts later led to the recovery of the bodies of 19 migrants who reportedly died under the extreme conditions. The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by thousands of people attempting dangerous migration routes in search of safety or better opportunities.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that deserts, mountains and sea crossings continue to claim the lives of migrants every year, urging governments to strengthen protection measures and address the causes of forced migration.

Read more Ghana News, follow international updates and explore related global stories. You can also read migration reports from International Organization for Migration (IOM) and humanitarian information from UNHCR.