A recent United Nations report is casting renewed scrutiny on Turkey’s arms export oversight, as Turkish-manufactured weapons continue to surface in war-torn regions of Sudan and South Sudan—despite an international arms embargo. While the focus often falls on the recipients of illicit weapons, the UN’s latest findings shift attention to the exporters—highlighting how loopholes in Ankara’s arms control regime may be enabling the proliferation of modern firearms into conflict zones. Weapons produced by at least three Turkish arms manufacturers—BRG Savunma, HUSAN Arms, and UTAS Defense—have been identified in the hands of Sudanese military forces and allied militias. Many of these rifles, including the BRG-55, MKA 556, and UTAS 5.56x45mm models, were confirmed to be of recent production, signaling they were not relics from older caches but part of active supply chains. “This isn’t just a case of black market smuggling,” a UN official familiar with the panel’s findings stated. "These weapons originated from licensed Turkish manufacturers, which raises serious questions about Turkey’s vetting and end-use verification processes.” Under Turkish law, defense exports require clearance from high-level state institutions, including the Turkish Armed Forces, the Presidency of Defense Industries, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yet, the UN panel believes either these approvals were granted without sufficient scrutiny—or the weapons were diverted after export via third countries with weak oversight. The implications are broad: Turkey’s burgeoning defense industry has become a pillar of its foreign policy ambitions, especially in Africa and the Middle East, where it has rapidly expanded arms sales in the last decade. But the discovery of Turkish weapons in Sudan and South Sudan—where the humanitarian toll is mounting—threatens to undercut Ankara’s image as a responsible international actor. One of the key firms, BRG Savunma, has previously been sanctioned twice by Turkish defense authorities for violating contract terms. Its founder, Fatih Doğru, continues to operate the company despite its controversial track record. Similarly, HUSAN Arms and UTAS Defense—located in Konya and Antalya, respectively—are also under scrutiny for their role in producing arms that have ended up in conflict areas. The report doesn't outright accuse the Turkish government of complicity but points to a systemic failure to monitor post-export arms movement. It urges Ankara and other implicated countries to adopt stricter end-user certification, more robust post-shipment tracking, and greater transparency in military export decisions. Human rights organizations have welcomed the report as a long-overdue call to action. “The international arms trade isn’t just about deals and diplomacy—it has a direct and devastating impact on the lives of civilians,” said an Amnesty International researcher focused on the Horn of Africa. "The appearance of modern, foreign-made weapons in places like Sudan and South Sudan is not accidental—it’s the result of policy decisions made in faraway capitals.”. As the conflict in Sudan approaches its third year, and South Sudan teeters on renewed instability, the UN warns that the continued flow of arms—particularly from countries with growing defense sectors like Turkey—could plunge the region into deeper chaos. With violence escalating, the report serves as a stark reminder: responsible arms control is not just a national concern—it’s a global imperative. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the National Lands Commission, signaling the start of what he described as a "bold national reset" of Ghana's land governance system. The President used the occasion to announce sweeping reforms, including the lifting of the temporary ban on state land transactions and the immediate commencement of a comprehensive audit of public land allocations between 2017 and 2024. Delivering a powerful address at the inauguration ceremony, the President underscored the urgent need to rebuild public trust in Ghana’s land administration framework. He described the current state of land management as one marred by corruption, impunity, and institutional decay. “No area of our national life is in greater need of a reset than our land administration system,” he declared. “Successive years of mismanagement, political interference, and weak accountability have left the system broken and vulnerable. Ban on Land Transactions Lifted The President announced that the temporary ban placed on all state land transactions has been lifted, following the completion of a government review. However, he emphasized that future transactions must be conducted under strict new guidelines to prevent abuse. “This is not a return to business as usual,” he said. “All allocations, leases, or sales of public lands must now comply with transparent, digital, and accountable processes.” Audit of State Lands from 2017–2024 As part of the reforms, the President has directed the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Lands Commission to conduct a full audit of all state lands allocated, leased, or sold between 2017 and 2024. The audit will focus on lands originally acquired for schools, hospitals, public institutions, and ecological zones. He warned that transactions found to be tainted by abuse of power, conflict of interest, or illegality would be reversed, stressing that the exercise was not a witch hunt but a matter of fairness and justice. “Those who have acquired lands legally through the right processes need not fear,” he added. Digital Transformation and Decentralization The President announced plans to digitize all land records nationwide through the Enterprise Land Information System and to introduce blockchain technology to protect data integrity. As part of decentralization efforts, the Commission will establish operational land offices in all 261 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies. Over 300 qualified young professionals will be recruited and deployed to support these district offices, which will serve as frontline points for land service delivery. “No land document should take more than 30 working days to process, and no Ghanaian should have to pay bribes or rely on connections to register their land,” the President said. Tackling Corruption and Promoting Equity The President issued a stern warning against corruption within the Lands Commission, calling for strict internal accountability and an end to absenteeism, bribery, file manipulation, and revenue misappropriation. He also emphasized the need for gender inclusion, criticizing the lack of women in recent board nominations and calling for legislative action to enforce affirmative action mandates in public appointments. “We must pass a law that makes it mandatory that 30% of board positions are reserved for women,” he said, noting that the only woman on the newly inaugurated board appears to be present merely by virtue of her position as Executive Secretary of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Traditional Authorities and Customary Lands Recognizing that over 80% of lands in Ghana are under customary tenure, the President called for a new partnership between the state and traditional authorities. He said customary land transactions must be digitized and made publicly accessible, and that traditional leaders would receive technical support to ensure fair access and revenue sharing. A Generational Mandate Addressing the new board directly, the President described their assignment as a “generational” responsibility, urging them to uphold integrity, transparency, and constitutional values “We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children,” he said. . “Let this Commission be remembered as one that transformed Ghana's land sector—not just in policy, but in practice.”. The President called on the board to act boldly and selflessly in reforming Ghana’s land governance system and restoring public confidence. Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, raised concerns over the lack of gender balance on the newly constituted Governing Board of the Lands Commission, revealing that only one woman has been appointed to serve on the 23-member board. The Deputy Minister noted that despite following all constitutional and legal procedures in constituting the board, the outcome reflected a disturbing lack of female representation. “This board that Your Excellency is about to inaugurate has only one female,” Hon. Sulemana revealed. "We wrote to the relevant institutions and bodies mandated by law to nominate representatives. Unfortunately, most of them submitted male nominees, and when it came to electing regional chairpersons democratically, no women were elected.” The Deputy Minister cited Article 256(5)(8) of the Constitution and the Lands Commission Act (Act 767) as the guiding frameworks for the board’s formation. He explained that every effort was made to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the selection process, with regional representation from various stakeholder institutions, including the Farmers Association, Ghana Bar Association, and the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA). However, he acknowledged that the democratic process of electing regional chairpersons — many of whom automatically serve on the national board — led to an all-male outcome at the national level. “We believe this is an issue that needs serious attention moving forward,” he said. "If we are to ensure meaningful gender equity in governance, especially in key sectors like land administration, then some form of legislative or structural intervention may be necessary.” Hon. Sulemana’s comments echoed the President’s own remarks earlier in the ceremony, where he lamented the recurring trend of all-male nominations whenever agencies are left to propose candidates, despite the existence of an Affirmative Action Act mandating a minimum of 20% representation for women in public offices. The Deputy Minister officially presented the full list of board members to President stating that all had been properly vetted and nominated, with only one member absent due to travel outside the country. Chairman of the National Lands Commission, Dr. Wordsworth Odame Larbi, pledged the Commission’s full commitment to implementing President a GH havĝbold reset agenda for Ghana’s land governance, vowing to tackle long-standing inefficiencies, corruption, and land-related conflicts with innovation and integrity. Dr. Larbi expressed profound gratitude to the President and government for the trust reposed in them, describing their mandate as a “solemn national duty” to overhaul Ghana’s land administration system in line with the President’s reform vision. “We accept this responsibility with a profound sense of duty, recognizing that land is central to Ghana’s socio-economic development,” Dr. Larbi said. “We do not see the challenges before us as insurmountable, but as urgent calls for innovation, collaboration and decisive leadership.” Focus Areas: Efficiency, Integrity, and Equity Dr. Larbi identified key focus areas for the Commission’s work over the next four years, including: Modernization of land service delivery Enhanced collaboration with traditional authorities Accelerated digitalization of land records Improved client satisfaction and turnaround times Accountability and protection of public lands Revised National Land Policy Greater transparency in land transactions He acknowledged the challenges plaguing the land sector — including disputes, delays, corruption, and encroachment — and said the Commission would work with stakeholders including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Metropolitan and District Assemblies (MDAs), traditional authorities, and civil society to address them holistically. “We will uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and accountability in the discharge of our mandate,” he assured. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Commissioner of Police (COP), Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, has been elected to the newly established INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee, making history as both the first Ghanaian and the only woman on the committee. Her election, confirmed during the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference currently underway in Cape Town, marks a significant milestone for Ghana and for gender inclusion in international policing. COP Donkor will serve a four-year term on the committee, which is tasked with shaping strategic law enforcement priorities across the continent. As one of the most seasoned intelligence professionals on the continent, COP Donkor’s appointment is a strong recognition of her distinguished career and leadership within Ghana’s security architecture. Her presence on the committee highlights the increasing visibility and influence of women in high-level security decision-making. “This is not only a personal achievement but a landmark moment for women in policing across Africa,” COP Donkor stated. “It is a privilege to represent Ghana and contribute to strengthening regional and global security.” The newly formed INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee is designed to enhance law enforcement cooperation among African countries. The committee advises the INTERPOL African Regional Conference on crime trends and helps formulate coordinated responses to transnational threats, including cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime. Other members elected to the committee for a four-year term include Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, while Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sudan have been nominated for two-year terms. In her address at the conference, COP Donkor highlighted Ghana’s advancements in combating cybercrime, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art Digital Forensics Laboratory within the Ghana Police Service — the only one of its kind in the country. She also noted the success of international collaborations, particularly through Operation Serengeti, a recent INTERPOL-led crackdown on cybercriminal infrastructure that resulted in multiple arrests and asset recovery. “We’ve shown that through innovation, partnership, and persistence, we can secure our digital space and disrupt cross-border crime,” she said. The conference, which brings together high-ranking security officials from 56 countries, serves as a strategic platform to deepen cooperation, promote innovation, and foster joint action against rising security threats on the continent. COP Lydia Donkor’s election to the INTERPOL Africa Committee is a resounding endorsement of Ghana’s leadership in international law enforcement and a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and public safety. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Acting Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has formally requested the immediate revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and its amendment, L.I. 2501, as part of intensified efforts by government to clamp down on illegal mining. In a letter to the Attorney General’s Department, the Minister emphasized that the move forms a crucial pillar of government’s renewed strategy to combat illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey —which continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment, particularly water bodies and forest reserves. According to a statement released by the Lands Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the Minister assured that the revocation will not result in a regulatory gap. She stressed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) already possesses a comprehensive legal and operational framework capable of effectively regulating mining activities nationwide. The Attorney General’s office has since given its “no objection” to the Minister’s request, clearing the path for the repeal process to begin. Government sources say the revocation aims to consolidate and streamline environmental oversight, fostering stronger coordination among key institutions involved in regulating the mining sector. The move is also expected to improve enforcement, transparency, and compliance within the industry. The initiative aligns with other on-the-ground interventions such as the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS)—programmes designed to offer alternative livelihoods while enhancing surveillance and enforcement. “This is part of a holistic strategy to reclaim Ghana’s degraded landscapes and restore our natural resources,” the Ministry stated. “We are determined to make our waters blue and our forests green again.” The revocation of L.I. 2462 and L.I. 2501 marks a significant policy shift in the ongoing war against illegal mining and demonstrates government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s ecological future. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called on the leadership of the Forestry Commission of Ghana embrace a culture of teamwork and collective responsibility within the institution. The King made the remarks during a high-level courtesy call led by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Clement Hugh-Brown to his palace in Accra on Friday. In a candid address, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, reminded the CEO that effective leadership is rooted in collaboration, not self-glorification. "Embrace teamwork,” the King stressed, urging Dr. Hugh-Brown to build synergy with his management team and staff in order to deliver on the Commission’s mandate. He also encouraged the broader leadership and workforce of the Forestry Commission to rally behind their CEO, adding that a united front would yield greater results in protecting Ghana’s natural resources. The Ga Mantse further pledged the full support of the Ga State to the Forestry Commission, noting that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility between traditional authorities and state institutions. He expressed optimism that with the right leadership and partnerships, the work of the Forestry Commission would bear fruitful outcomes for the country. “We believe in the vision of the Forestry Commission, and as a state, we will support every effort that ensures the protection and preservation of our forests and environment,” he stated. In response, Dr. Clement Hugh-Brown expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and words of counsel from the Ga Mantse. He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate closely with traditional authorities, particularly in areas of afforestation, environmental education, and community engagement. As a demonstration of goodwill, Dr. Hugh-Brown presented a cheque of One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS100,000) to support the Ga Mantse’s flagship Health and Sanitation Agenda. “Our attention has also been drawn to your Girl-Child Education Initiative. The Forestry Commission is committed to supporting that as well,” he added, highlighting the institution’s interest in contributing to social development initiatives within the Ga State. The ceremony was sealed with prayers by Nuumo Akwaa Mensa III, Chief Priest of the Ga State, who invoked blessings upon Dr. Hugh-Brown and his delegation, praying for wisdom and strength in their leadership. The visit marked a reaffirmation of the long-standing relationship between the Forestry Commission and the Ga State, with renewed commitments to deepen collaboration for environmental and social progress. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has thrown his support behind the upcoming 2025 Democracy Cup match, pledging to purchase 1,000 tickets for fans to witness the highly anticipated clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics. The match is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon. The Ga Mantse made the announcement when a delegation from Parliament and the organisers of the annual Democracy Cup paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Accra on Friday, August 29. In a passionate appeal, the King underscored the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s democratic values. “We should not take our democracy for granted; we should not take the peace we enjoy in Ghana for granted,” he said. “Most countries have gone through elections and ended up in civil wars or similar unrests, but Ghana has enjoyed peace and earned a lot of international respect. I believe this initiative by the Speaker of Parliament and Members of Parliament is commendable — it brings unity to the people of Ghana.” He added, “Today, I’m ready to support this game with 1,000 tickets.” The Democracy Cup, instituted by Parliament in 2024, aims to celebrate Ghana’s democratic progress while fostering national unity through sports. The inaugural edition saw Asante Kotoko defeat Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium. Leading the parliamentary delegation, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Clerk to Parliament, expressed gratitude to the Ga Mantse for his generous support and hospitality. “We are very grateful for your warm reception, and we apologise for not presenting the trophy to you during the maiden edition,” he said. Mr. Djietror added that this year’s match is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries and further promote peace and unity ahead of future elections. The 2025 Democracy Cup promises to be a spectacle, with fans of both clubs and supporters of Ghana’s democratic journey expected to fill the Legon stadium in celebration of peace, patriotism, and football. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Acting Greater Accra Regional Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Samuel Sowah Oblejumah, has raised concerns over illegal charges being levied by some healthcare facilities, despite ongoing efforts to improve service delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com on the sidelines of a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, at his palace on Friday, Mr. Oblejumah admitted that while the scheme remains functional and continues to benefit many Ghanaians, the issue of unauthorized charges is undermining public trust. “There are some issues of illegal charges at some of the facilities,” he disclosed. “Although people are still benefiting from the scheme, the service delivery is not always as expected.” He explained that the NHIA has taken the matter seriously, with the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, constituting a national task force to investigate and address these incidents. Mr. Oblejumah also cited a recent disciplinary action taken against the Akim Oda Government Hospital, which was sanctioned over reported illegal charges. He further noted that from January to June 2025, there has been a significant improvement in claims reimbursement to healthcare providers, a development that has been acknowledged by facility administrators across the region. “We are appealing to healthcare providers to take good care of our members,” he urged. “We have a committee that is regularly reviewing payments to ensure they reflect realistic market values for medicines and services.” The visit to the Ga Mantse formed part of efforts to deepen collaboration with traditional leaders in promoting the NHIA, especially in registering vulnerable groups ahead of annual festivals. Mr. Oblejumah emphasized that their goal is to ensure at least 80 percent of the population has access to quality healthcare, in line with Ghana’s universal health coverage targets. In his remarks, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II congratulated Mr. Oblejumah on his appointment and urged him to lead with truth and honesty. He assured the NHIA of the Ga Traditional Council’s full support in driving health insurance registration and ensuring that citizens not only enroll but also enjoy the full benefits of the scheme. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana will begin exporting Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensed timber to the European Union (EU) from October 8, 2025, becoming the first African country – and only the second worldwide after Indonesia – to implement this internationally endorsed timber legality assurance system. The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during the 13th Session of the Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism between the Government of Ghana and the EU, held on Wednesday, August 27 in Accra. The Minister described the move as a “historic breakthrough,” highlighting that it crowns nearly two decades of reforms aimed at improving forest governance, ensuring timber legality, and promoting sustainable trade. “This is a proud moment for Ghana,” the Minister said, noting that the launch follows years of sustained investment in institutional reforms, policy alignment, stakeholder training, and the deployment of a high-tech wood-tracking system to guarantee traceability from forest to port. He thanked various partners, including civil society organizations, traditional authorities, timber industry players, and international development agencies such as the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). He also singled out the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, for what he called “exceptional leadership and cooperation.” In line with Ghana’s broader forest protection agenda, the Minister urged the Forestry Commission to ramp up afforestation initiatives, particularly under President John Mahama’s flagship “Tree for Life” Reforestation Programme. The initiative seeks to restore degraded lands, boost commercial tree plantation development, and ease the burden on natural forests. EU Ambassador Irchad Razaaly applauded Ghana’s commitment, saying the October launch represents more than just a date — it reflects years of hard work, shared responsibility, and political will from both Ghana and the EU. “This is a significant economic and environmental milestone,” the Ambassador said. “With FLEGT licensing, Ghanaian timber gains guaranteed access to a 450-million-strong EU market, setting a new standard for legal and sustainable trade.” He further praised the inclusive nature of Ghana’s FLEGT process, noting the active participation of Parliament, civil society groups, and forest-dependent communities in ensuring transparency and fairness in the timber value chain. The launch of FLEGT licensing is expected to boost investor confidence in Ghana’s forestry sector, create employment, and reinforce the country’s leadership role in sustainable forest management on the African continent. With this achievement, Ghana not only unlocks new trade opportunities but also strengthens its position as a champion of legal and environmentally responsible resource management. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has appealed to his supporters and party faithful to conduct themselves with civility and maturity as the party gears up for its 2026 presidential primaries. “I appeal to all my supporters and party faithful to avoid personal attacks and divisive language. Let us focus on ideas and the future of our great party,” Dr. Acheampong said during a brief address after submitting his nomination forms on Wednesday. The Abetifi MP, who officially filed his nomination at the NPP’s national headquarters in Accra, was accompanied by a large crowd of supporters and members of his campaign team. The nomination forms were received by Mr. George Kwabena Abankwah-Yeboah, a former National Treasurer of the party. Dr. Acheampong expressed profound gratitude to his supporters—many of whom traveled from across the country—and reminded them of the importance of maintaining the party’s unity and public image. He emphasized that preserving the cohesion of the NPP is critical to securing victory in the 2028 general elections. His candidacy has been gaining momentum, especially among the party’s youth base, who see him as a forward-looking leader with the capacity to bridge internal divisions and revitalize the party. Dr. Acheampong joins a field of prominent contenders, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. As the party’s January 31, 2026 primary date approaches, Dr. Acheampong’s campaign—led by Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah—is expected to intensify its engagement across constituencies, focusing on his leadership credentials and unifying message. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Two people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following violent clashes during the Homowo Kpokpoi Sprinkling Ceremony in the Teshie Traditional Area on Tuesday, August 26. The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Eddy Blessing and 27-year-old Patrick Maamah Martey Fio, were pronounced dead on arrival at the LEKMA Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds. Multiple others were wounded in the chaos, with at least one person reported to be in critical condition. According to the Ledzokuku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), the violence erupted in the early hours of the celebration when rival factions disrupted the traditional event. Stone-pelting and sporadic gunfire forced a swift police response to restore order. A temporary calm allowed Paramount Chief Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akonfra III to carry out his traditional rites. However, renewed confrontations broke out later in the morning, this time between supporters of rival traditional authorities. The violent scenes led to panic at local hospitals as families rushed to check on injured relatives. Health officials and security personnel managed to stabilize the situation at the facilities and across the affected communities. MUSEC says investigations are underway to apprehend those responsible, assuring the public that justice will be served. The council has extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed wishes for the full recovery of the injured. It has also called on residents and traditional groups to remain calm and support peace-building efforts in Teshie. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

As Ghana deepens its digital transformation agenda, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has reiterated the need for public and private sector players to treat cybersecurity not as a one-time achievement but as a continuous, evolving commitment. Speaking on Day 3 of the National ICT Week celebration at the Accra International Conference Centre, the Deputy Director-General of the CSA, Mr. Stephen Cudjoe-Seshie, offered a comprehensive view of Ghana's current cybersecurity landscape — outlining the progress made, the strategic direction being taken, and the challenges that remain. According to Mr. Cudjoe-Seshie, while legal frameworks and national cybersecurity guidelines are in place to protect critical sectors, no system is ever completely secure. “The law identifies specific sectors as critical, and those sectors are subject to protection guidelines,” he stated. "These guidelines don't make you invincible, but they do set you on the right path by establishing basic standards such as authentication protocols, regular patching, access control, and incident response processes.” He emphasized that cybersecurity is a moving target and organisations must build on foundational standards by adopting internationally recognized frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIST cybersecurity guidelines. “Security is not absolute. What’s secure at 2 p.m. may be vulnerable by 3 p.m.,” he cautioned. “It’s not something you implement once and forget. You must continuously review, stay informed on threat intelligence, and update your systems accordingly.” In addition to technical preparedness, Mr. Cudjoe-Seshie highlighted what he described as “collaborative regulation” — a strategy developed by the CSA to engage more meaningfully with stakeholders in a space where awareness and expertise are still developing. “Cybersecurity is still a relatively new concept for many people. So while the law gives us enforcement powers, hitting people over the head with it won’t work,” he explained. "Instead, we bring all stakeholders — including those not directly regulated — into the conversation.” Through this approach, CSA seeks to ensure that policies are not only enforceable but also inclusive and responsive to the realities of different user groups. “Before we introduce anything, we say, ‘This is how we think we’re going to do it.’ Then we ask for feedback from citizens, institutions, and even those outside the regulatory scope. That way, we build a relationship that’s not authoritarian but cooperative,” he added. Mr. Cudjoe-Seshie described the role of the regulator not as an enforcer alone, but as a gatekeeper working in tandem with the regulated. He noted that this collaborative style would lead to a stronger, more adaptive cybersecurity culture in Ghana. “We’re laying the foundation today,” he concluded, “but it is the next generation that will truly reap the benefits of the work we are doing.” The Deputy Director-General’s remarks form part of a week-long series of engagements under the theme “Ghana as Africa’s Digital Trade Hub – Innovation, Policy and Partnerships for the Future”. The event has brought together key industry players, policymakers, and tech experts to explore the evolving dynamics of Ghana’s digital ecosystem. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to eight individuals who pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit crime and assault in connection with the violent disturbances that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary by-election held on July 11, 2025. Each of the accused was granted bail in the sum of ₵80,000 with one surety, as the court adjourned the case to August 29, 2025, for further proceedings. The accused are: Mohammed Abubakari, 32, Private Security Officer Tijani Mahamudu, 38, Driver Prince Dzakpasu, 39, Businessman Anas Mohammed, 42, Estate Developer Mohammed Hamda, 35, Mechanic Darko Otibu Samuel, 33, Businessman Musah Muntari, 46, Station Manager Ali Saeed, also known as Bomba, 43, Businessman The eight were arrested by the Accra Regional Police Command after preliminary investigations and the review of viral videos circulated on mainstream and social media, which linked them to the electoral violence. They were charged with conspiracy to commit crime, to wit: assault, and assault, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 84 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). All eight pleaded guilty to the charges when arraigned before the court. The violence during the by-election sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about electoral security and political vigilantism. The Police, in a statement, reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice and maintaining peace and order, especially during electoral processes. The court's decision to grant bail was received with mixed reactions from the public, but legal analysts say it is part of due process as investigations and judicial proceedings continue. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith