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Vivo Energy Ghana Reinforces Safety Leadership with 2026 Safety Day

By
Matilda Melbourne
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Vivo Energy Ghana PLC, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Ghana, has reinforced its commitment to safety leadership and emergency preparedness during its 2026 Safety Day and Awards celebration held at the Airport City Shell service station in Accra.

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Vivo Energy Ghana Hits 5,600+ Goal Zero Days

The event was held under the theme “Prepare to Respond” and brought together employees, regulators, transporters, contractors, retailers, business partners and other stakeholders to strengthen safety awareness across the downstream petroleum value chain.

Vivo Energy Ghana’s position as a major player in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector makes safety a critical operational priority. The company’s official profile describes it as the exclusive marketer and distributor of Shell-branded products and services in Ghana, with operations spanning retail fuels, lubricants and commercial energy solutions. Read more about Vivo Energy Ghana.

The 2026 Safety Day focused on the importance of ensuring that people, systems and processes are not only designed to prevent incidents but are also prepared to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies occur.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana Christian Li reaffirmed the company’s commitment to embedding safety into every aspect of its operations. He said the company’s safety culture is guided by its values of Safety, Excellence, Caring, Respect and Integrity.

Mr. Li said Vivo Energy Ghana had surpassed 5,600 Goal Zero days without a workplace injury, describing the achievement as evidence of sustained discipline, accountability and collective responsibility across the organisation and its partners. Independent reports from the Ghana News Agency and Graphic Online corroborate the safety milestone.

“The future of safety will not be defined by luck, but by preparation,” Mr. Li said, stressing that safety must remain deliberate, disciplined and a collective responsibility.

He explained that Vivo Energy Ghana continues to invest in safety training, risk assessment, emergency response systems and Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality (HSSEQ) standards. The company also maintains emergency controls, including fire suppression systems, emergency shut-off mechanisms, response procedures, drills, audits and preventive maintenance.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, who served as the special guest of honour, commended Vivo Energy Ghana for its safety and environmental leadership.

Professor Klutse stressed that preparedness must extend beyond responding to emergencies to include prevention, regulatory compliance, vigilance and environmental protection. She noted that petroleum-sector operations can have significant consequences for ecosystems, water resources, public health and surrounding communities.

She urged industry players to strengthen environmental compliance and continuously improve their safety systems. Her remarks were consistent with the EPA’s regulatory role in protecting and enhancing Ghana’s environment while promoting sustainable development.

A major feature of the celebration was a panel discussion involving stakeholders from the downstream petroleum industry, including representatives of the Ghana National Fire Service, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, transporters and retailers.

The discussion examined emergency preparedness, risk management, communication and the need for stronger collaboration across the petroleum value chain. Participants emphasised continuous training, strict adherence to safety procedures and proactive intervention whenever unsafe conditions are identified.

The occasion also featured a Safety Awards ceremony recognising employees, contractors, transporters, retailers and other partners who had demonstrated outstanding commitment to safety and operational discipline.

The recognition reflects Vivo Energy Ghana’s broader Goal Zero ambition of preventing harm to people and minimising its environmental impact. The company previously marked 5,000 Goal Zero days in September 2024, demonstrating that the latest milestone represents a continuation of a long-term safety programme rather than a one-off achievement.

Vivo Energy Ghana has described safety as an ongoing responsibility involving not only its employees but also contractors, transporters, retailers, customers, regulators and other stakeholders across its operations. Its Ghana business continues to position safety, innovation and quality as central elements of its operations.

Through the 2026 Safety Day celebration, the company reinforced the message that effective safety management requires both prevention and preparedness. The emphasis on “Prepare to Respond” reflects the need for organisations operating in high-risk environments to ensure that emergency systems are tested, maintained and understood before an incident occurs.

GhanaNews.org Partner Spotlight

GhanaNews.org is also working with trusted businesses serving Ghanaians and the wider African diaspora in Europe. Our partner World Travel & Tours, based in Hamburg, provides flight-ticket sales and reservation services for national and international airlines. The company’s official website also identifies its relationship with UnityLink Financial Services and highlights money-transfer services. Visit World Travel & Tours for current services and contact information.

UnityLink Financial Services provides money-transfer services, including remittances to Ghana. Its current digital service is available through its official platform, while its corporate information identifies the company as a financial-services provider. Visit UnityLink Financial Services for current information about its services.

These partnerships form part of GhanaNews.org’s effort to connect readers in Ghana, Germany and the wider diaspora with relevant businesses and services.

Read more Ghana News, follow Ghana News Live, explore the latest Top Stories, and visit the Policy & Law Hub for more important updates.

GhanaNews.org will continue to follow developments across Ghana’s energy and downstream petroleum sector.

NPP Germany Branch Elections Underway at Southern Election Center in Saarbrücken

By
Daniel Jeddman
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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Germany Branch is holding its branch elections in Saarbrücken, with members gathering at the designated Southern Election Center to participate in the internal electoral process.

The election is taking place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Lutherhaus, Saarbrücken-Burbach, Noldplatz 2, 66115 Saarbrücken, according to information published for the election centre.

The Saarbrücken location has been designated as the Southern Election Center, forming part of the NPP Germany Branch’s internal electoral arrangements. The exercise is expected to bring together eligible party members in the region to participate in the selection of branch leadership.

Under the published NPP Germany Rules and Regulations, branch-level elections operate under a one-member, one-vote principle, with the candidate receiving the highest number of valid votes declared the winner.

The rules further state that voters must be members of NPP Germany in good standing and must have fulfilled their membership dues and other official financial obligations. The regulations also provide for an Electoral Board or Committee to organise and supervise the elections.

NPP Germany describes itself as the Germany Branch of the New Patriotic Party, with chapters across the country. Its official website currently lists 24 chapters, more than 700 members and more than 300 volunteers, reflecting the size of the party’s organised presence among its supporters in Germany.

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NPP Germany Votes Today: Saarbrücken Branch Elections Underway

The current election is taking place against the wider political backdrop of preparations for Ghana’s next general election cycle. Recent reporting has also highlighted discussions within NPP Germany chapters about strengthening party organisation, communication and unity ahead of the 2028 elections.

For members participating in today’s exercise, attention will be focused on the voting process, turnout and the eventual declaration of results. As voting remains ongoing, no winner should be declared until the appropriate electoral authorities officially announce the results.

GhanaNews.org will continue to follow developments from the NPP Germany Branch elections and update readers when verified results or significant developments emerge.

GhanaNews.org Partner Spotlight

As part of GhanaNews.org’s growing partnership network serving Ghanaians in Germany and across the diaspora, readers can also access services from World Travel & Tours and UnityLink Financial Services.

World Travel & Tours, based in Hamburg, provides flight ticketing and reservation services for national and international airlines. The company’s official website also states that it operates as a Super Agent of UnityLink and provides money-transfer services to Ghana and other destinations. Visit World Travel & Tours for its current travel and related services.

UnityLink Financial Services provides international money-transfer services, including transfers to Ghana. UnityLink states that it is authorised and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017. Visit UnityLink for current information about its financial services.

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NPP Germany Branch Elections Underway at Southern Election Center in Saarbrücken 4

Through these partnerships, GhanaNews.org is connecting its audience with businesses providing practical services to Ghanaians and the wider African diaspora in Europe and beyond.

Read more Ghana News, follow breaking developments through Ghana News Live, explore the latest Top Stories, and visit our Policy & Law Hub for more governance and public-policy updates.

Source: NPP Germany Branch rules and regulations, NPP Germany official information, and election-centre information supplied for the Saarbrücken exercise.

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

By
Matilda Melbourne
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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.

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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

By
Daniel Jeddman
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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.

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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

By
Ghana News
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0

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

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Chairman Wontumi Applies for Bail Pending Appeal After 20-Year Sentence 8

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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Ghana News
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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.

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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

By
Calvin Eli
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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.

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Tema Court Jails Two Human Traffickers 20 Years Each 11

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.

Follow GhanaNews.org for more breaking crime and court stories.

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

By
Calvin Eli
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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

By
Ghana News
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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.

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Dr. Sam Ankrah Calls for Governance-Led Overhaul of African Microfinance 14

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

By
Daniel Jeddman
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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.

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GSA to Strictly Enforce Vehicle Standards From October 1, 2026 16

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.

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