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A Rising Star in the World of Afrobeats and Beyond Hailing from Tema in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, Hayapawa is making waves in the global music scene with his unique blend of Afrobeats, Afropop, and Highlife. As a passionate, innovative, and versatile artist, his sound reflects both his deep roots in Ghana and his forward-thinking vision for the future. The name Hayapawa is more than just a stage name; it represents a spiritual connection to the divine. To Hayapawa, God symbolizes limitless creativity, transformation, wisdom, and balance. This belief shapes his life and artistry, guiding him to create music that resonates on a deeper level. “My name is a reflection of the divine presence that guides me,” he says. “It reminds me that every note I sing, every beat I create, is part of a purpose much greater than myself.” Now poised to take his music to the world, Hayapawa carries with him the essence of his origins and the spiritual spark that fuels his journey. From Roots to...

A Major Milestone for Ghana's Digital Future Ghana is set to take center stage as it proudly hosts the Africa Internet Summit 2025 (AIS’25) from September 29th to October 3rd, 2025. The event will be held at the Alisa Hotel in North Ridge, Accra, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital journey. This year’s summit holds special significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Internet in Ghana, highlighting the nation’s pioneering role in driving Africa’s digital transformation. AIS’25 is co-hosted by the National Communications Authority and Ghana Dot Com Ltd, with the patronage of the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology & Innovation. As one of the most influential technical, educational, and business ICT events in Africa, the summit brings together a diverse group of stakeholders including Internet enthusiasts, technical professionals, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors such as telecommunications, government, busin...

Addressing the Digital Divide Through Innovative Education Bridging the gap in technology access between schools and young students is increasingly seen as a critical step toward closing the digital divide. This effort not only enhances educational outcomes but also empowers students to become active participants in the modern world. The Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA) and the Rotary Club of Karen are working together to ensure that students in remote areas have equal opportunities to compete with their peers in urban centers. Their collaborative initiative aims to provide these students with essential technological resources, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. During the launch of a smart library project at Ngaimurunya Comprehensive School in Kajiado County, WITIA founder Eunice Polman emphasized the importance of hands-on technology access for 1,200 learners. She highlighted how connecting students to the internet sparks curiosity and t...

The Evolution of Economic Zones: From Tax Havens to Sustainable Growth Hubs Economic zones have long been recognized as powerful tools for driving manufacturing competitiveness, accelerating industrialization, and fostering trade and investment. In emerging markets, these zones have played a crucial role in shaping economic landscapes and creating opportunities for growth. Traditionally, economic zones have been associated with tax incentives and minimal regulatory oversight, making them attractive to businesses seeking cost-effective environments. However, as the global economy transforms and environmental sustainability becomes a top priority, there is an increasing need to redefine the purpose and functionality of these zones through national policy reforms. Special economic zones (SEZs) have historically contributed to economic growth by promoting innovation and generating sustainable, inclusive jobs. Countries such as China and India have leveraged SEZs to attract foreign direc...

The Hidden Risks of Informal Ownership in Entrepreneurship When you first started your business, things were simple. A friend gave you GHS 20,000 to get going. Another introduced you to your first investor. A third co-signed your first lease. At the time, everything felt like a shared journey — built on trust, goodwill, and excitement. But as the business grows, so do the complexities. And suddenly, someone who was once an ally says: “But I’m a co-founder. I own half of this, remember?” You pause, realizing that nothing was ever written down. This is one of the most common and painful conflicts in the entrepreneurial journey. It’s not just a Ghanaian issue — it’s a global problem. Founders often get swept up in the thrill of building something together, assuming that shared effort means shared ownership. However, businesses are not built on emotions or vibes. They require structure, clarity, and legal agreements — especially when it comes to ownership. What Is Shareholding, Really? ...

The Strategic Value of ESG and SDGs in Business The real reason ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) matter is straightforward: they generate value. When these frameworks are integrated into business operations, companies experience reduced costs, increased revenue, lower risks, and enhanced competitiveness. This is not theoretical; it is already happening across various sectors such as finance, procurement, and talent management. Sustainability has transitioned from being a superficial gesture to an essential component of business strategy. Many organizations view ESG and the SDGs as complex or separate entities. However, this perception is misleading. ESG represents the "how" — encompassing governance, controls, and measurable practices. The SDGs represent the "why" — a globally recognized roadmap for creating impact and driving development. By integrating these two elements and aligning them with practical bus...

The Power of Financial Control Taking control of your finances is equivalent to taking control of your life. In our previous conversation, we recognized the importance of breaking free from trading our peace for a paycheck and our freedom for financial dependency. Now, it's time to focus on the 'how'—a practical blueprint that will help you build a solid financial foundation. Step 1: The Financial Mirror — Understanding Your Spending Habits To plan any journey, you need to know where you're starting. For the next 30 days, become a detective of your own spending. This isn't about judgment; it's about gathering data. Use a dedicated notebook or a simple notes app on your phone. Record every single Naira you spend, whether it's ₦200 or ₦15,000 on subscriptions. At the end of the month, categorize your spending into areas like Food, Transportation, Airtime/Data, Aso Ebi, Skincare, Family Support, and more. This exercise is transformative. It's like ...

Key Focus of the 7th APPO NOCs CEOs Meeting in Accra The 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies (NOCs) Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Meeting is currently taking place in Accra, Ghana. The event started on Sunday, September 14, and will conclude on Monday, September 15, 2025. This two-day gathering brings together top executives and senior leaders from 19 African oil-producing nations to explore ways to enhance collaboration across the continent. The primary objective of the meeting is to strengthen regional partnerships, embrace new technologies, and ensure that Africa’s oil industry becomes more sustainable. Discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including shared infrastructure development, local content strategies, innovation in energy solutions, and investment opportunities within the APPO member countries. Kwame Ntow Amoah, who serves as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)...

Government Proposes Taxing Income from Gold Trading The Vietnamese government is considering amendments to the tax laws, aiming to include income derived from gold trading. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance market transparency and reduce speculative activities in the gold sector. The initiative comes as a response to growing concerns about the volatility of gold prices and the need for more stringent oversight. In a recent statement regarding the amendment of the Personal Income Tax Law, the government directed the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Vietnam to implement these changes. The decision reflects a commitment to ensuring that all forms of income are subject to appropriate taxation, which analysts believe will create a fairer environment for investors across different asset classes. Rising Volatility in Gold Prices Gold prices have experienced significant fluctuations in recent weeks, prompting both regulatory bodies and market participants to pay clo...

Nigerian Delegation Explores Metaverse and Digital Innovation in China A group of Nigerian officials, led by Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, recently traveled to China for a two-week advanced training program focused on metaverse technology and digital innovation. The initiative aimed to equip participants with knowledge and practical skills to leverage emerging technologies for governance, communication, and public service delivery. The training program, titled Metaverse Technology Cooperation and Development Mode for Belt and Road Countries , was held in Shanghai and organized by the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL). Under the leadership of Executive Director Mr. Wu Yugang, the event brought together policymakers and administrators from around the world. The goal was to explore how new technologies are reshaping traditional systems a...

The Intersection of Healthcare and Information Technology Healthcare and information technology are often seen as two distinct domains. One focuses on medical professionals, patients, and treatment, while the other revolves around servers, data, and networks. However, in today’s rapidly evolving world, these two fields are increasingly intertwined. Technology is no longer a luxury in healthcare—it has become the backbone of modern medical systems. From scheduling appointments to storing patient records and delivering test results, digital tools are essential for efficient and effective care. In Nigeria, this integration remains incomplete. Patients still face long waits for medical records that could be accessed instantly through digital means. Hospitals often rely on physical files stored in cabinets, leading to situations where doctors lack critical information due to misplaced or incomplete records. Despite having one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology sectors, with millions u...

A Nationwide Blood Drive to Save 10,000 Lives Twellium, in collaboration with Zipline, has initiated a one-year partnership aimed at conducting a nationwide blood drive to save over 10,000 lives. The launch of this initiative coincided with a blood donation exercise held at the Accra Technical Training Centre in the Greater Accra Region. The campaign, themed “To Share Love, Donate Blood,” is being carried out in conjunction with the National Blood Service, with the goal of mobilizing volunteer blood donors to enhance Ghana’s blood bank reserves and improve healthcare delivery. The National Blood Service highlighted that currently, only six out of every 1000 Ghanaians donate blood, falling short of the expected 10 per 1000. This shortfall results in patients often waiting extended periods for blood transfusions. The initiative seeks to address this critical gap by encouraging more people to participate in blood donation efforts. Mohammad Kawtharani, the General Manager of Twellium, r...

A Noodle Shop in Hangzhou Sparks Debate with $300 Bowl of Noodles A small two-table noodle shop located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has recently sparked a heated debate after introducing a dish that costs 2,188 yuan (approximately US$300) per bowl. This price is comparable to that of Michelin-starred restaurants, making it an unusual and eye-catching move in the local food scene. The eatery has reportedly sold nearly a dozen of these high-priced dishes, drawing attention and controversy online. The menu features local specialties such as Ban Chuan stir-fried noodles, fried rice, and soup noodles, with nearly all dishes priced above 2,000 yuan. The $300 bowl of noodles includes premium ingredients like 120g of onion, 130g of egg or 10g of fresh caviar, 270g of swamp eel, 400g of red prawn, and 210g of small abalone. Customers can even add 20g of tomatoes for an additional 20 yuan. The owner, known by his surname Wu, claims that the high prices reflect his cooking skills. He insis...

The Importance of Strong Institutions In a notable speech delivered in August 2009, former U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the Parliament of Ghana, emphasizing that “Africa does not need strong men but strong institutions.” He elaborated on the necessity of robust institutions to enforce law and order, implement policies, check corruption, and promote good governance. Obama highlighted that strong men have often led the continent into turmoil, and it is time for a shift towards institutional strength. Despite this advice, many state institutions in Ghana are currently being weakened or sacrificed for political gain. The current administration appears to be following a pattern that Obama warned against, using brute force rather than legal processes to achieve political objectives. This approach is undermining the peace and stability of the country. Landmark Decisions and Their Consequences One significant decision made by President John Dramani Mahama shortly after taking offi...

The Power of Public-Private Partnerships in Ghana’s Edtech Journey One afternoon last year, I found myself in a small computer lab at a public senior high school. The room had a distinct smell of varnish and hope. Students were working on coding projects using donated laptops, while their teacher alternated between a printed lesson plan and a WhatsApp chat with a tech company that provided the software. “We wouldn’t have this without the company,” she said quietly. “But we also wouldn’t have it without the ministry helping us set this up.” That brief exchange encapsulates a broader truth: Edtech in Ghana thrives when public will and private innovation work together. Alone, each can achieve good results. But together, they have the potential to transform an entire education system. Why PPPs Matter for Ghana’s Edtech Ambitions Ghana has ambitious goals for digital education. The Smart Schools Project aims to equip about 1.3 million senior high school students with tablets and digital ...