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For better, for better?: Rethinking the prosperity gospel

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By Rev’d Fiifi Afenyi-Donkor

At a recent wedding rehearsal in Accra, an incidence sparked deep theological reflection. As the officiating priest guided the couple through the vows, “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer”, the bride hesitated. “Do we really have to say the negative parts?” she asked. “We believe in ‘for better, for better’ and ‘for richer, for richer.’ We don’t want to speak hardship into our marriage.”

The priest smiled gently. “These are not curses,” he explained, “but commitments, promises to stand together through all of life’s turns.” That brief exchange revealed more than youthful optimism. It mirrored a wider trend in contemporary Christianity: a discomfort with suffering, especially within circles influenced by the prosperity gospel.

What Is the Prosperity Gospel?

The prosperity gospel, also known as the Word of Faith movement or health-and-wealth theology, teaches that God’s will is for believers to enjoy continual health, financial success, and personal advancement. Through enough faith, positive confession, and generous “seed-sowing,” believers are told they can secure divine favour and material blessing.

Emerging in mid-20th-century America through figures such as Oral Roberts and Kenneth Hagin, the message spread globally via televangelism and Pentecostal networks. In Africa, it took root amid poverty, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare, where promises of divine intervention resonated with communities longing for relief and dignity.

As Ghanaian scholar Most Rev’d Prof. J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu observes, this theology represents both “African creativity and theological vulnerability”, a faith seeking empowerment but sometimes losing sight of the cross. Its appeal is understandable: hope is essential to human life. Yet when hope becomes a formula that denies suffering or equates wealth with faith, it distorts the gospel’s heart.

The prosperity message rests on several ideas: faith as a creative force, positive confession to manifest success, “seed-faith” giving expecting material returns, and the belief that health and wealth are divine entitlements. While offering encouragement, it often promises more than Scripture warrants and withholds the part of faith that embraces the cross.

The Weaknesses of the Prosperity Gospel

Despite its appeal, the prosperity gospel reveals theological and ethical gaps. Three stand out prominently: the absence of a theology of suffering, the difficulty of ministering to the dying, and the rise of entitlement disguised as grace.

A Theology That Cannot Face Suffering

The COVID-19 pandemic tested every institution, including the Church. Many believers, nurtured on prosperity teachings, were left disoriented when prayers for protection failed to prevent illness, job loss, or bereavement.

In Ghana and across Africa, some pastors spiritualised the crisis, discouraging mask use, dismissing vaccines, or teaching that “faith-filled” Christians could not be affected. Others offered silence in the face of grief, lacking a theology robust enough to comfort the afflicted or guide communities through lament.

When a theology cannot handle suffering, it collapses under the weight of reality. The prosperity gospel, for all its emotional appeal, often leaves believers unprepared to face hardship with spiritual resilience and ethical clarity.

Ministering to the Dying

When believers are taught to associate true faith with guaranteed healing, illness may be viewed, consciously or not, as a sign of weak faith. Those nearing death can feel abandoned or silently accused of spiritual failure. Ministers, shaped by triumphalist theology, often struggle to find the language needed to comfort or accompany them.

Yet Jesus did not avoid suffering; He entered it and redeemed it. He wept at Lazarus’s tomb, comforted the grieving, and faced His own death with love. To minister to the dying is to declare that God’s presence does not withdraw in pain but is revealed through it. The Church must recover a pastoral theology that honours weakness as part of the human condition, a place of divine encounter.

Entitlement in the Name of Grace

A subtler weakness of the prosperity message lies in its ethical implications. By equating grace with guaranteed success, it risks breeding entitlement. This often manifests in workplaces and communities: believers expect promotion without preparation, interpret feedback as persecution, or substitute prayer for planning. The result is a faith that prays loudly but plans little.

Scripture presents grace not as a shortcut to success but as the divine energy that empowers disciplined effort. As Paul wrote, “By the grace of God I am what I am… yet I laboured more abundantly than they all” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Grace energises work; it does not excuse laziness. Faith and responsibility are not opposites but partners in God’s design.

A Tale of Two Markets

A story is told of a group of market women who complained about low sales. Every Friday, the main market day, they left their stalls to attend prayer retreats, believing that God would send customers. One Friday, while they were praying at a retreat centre, God indeed sent customers to the market, but the sellers were absent.

The lesson is simple but profound: faith is not a substitute for work. God blesses diligence, not neglect. A theology that prays without ploughing distorts the biblical relationship between faith and labour. The Bible’s vision of prosperity includes faithfulness in vocation, excellence in service, and stewardship in work.

Biblical Prosperity in Contrast to the Prosperity Gospel

The Bible does not condemn prosperity; it redefines it. Scripture affirms God’s desire for our well-being: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2). Yet this prosperity is rooted in righteousness and relationship, not mere riches. When Scripture says, “Let the weak say, I am strong” (Joel 3:10b), it is not denial but hope, trusting God amid reality. Faith does not ignore hardship; it invites God into it.

True prosperity includes shalom, a Hebrew concept meaning wholeness of life: peace with God, self, and neighbour. As John Mbiti observed, African religion has always sought fullness of life not in isolation but in community. Biblical prosperity likewise seeks human flourishing, justice, and generosity, not private accumulation.

Faith That Carries the Cross

A faith that cannot endure difficulty is not Christian faith. Jesus warned, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The early Church understood this: Paul wrote from prison (Philippians 1:12–14), James spoke of joy in trials (James 1:2–4), and countless martyrs bore witness not to comfort but to endurance (Hebrews 12:1–2, Revelation 2:10).

To follow Christ is to carry the cross, not to avoid it. The cross reminds us that God’s victory often hides beneath apparent defeat, that discipleship may cost us convenience, wealth, or even life. The 20th-century theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer captured this truth powerfully in his classic work The Cost of Discipleship: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Bonhoeffer lived, and died, by these words. Imprisoned by the Nazis for opposing Hitler’s regime, he was executed at the age of 39, bearing witness that true discipleship may cost one’s life.

African theologians such as Mercy Amba Oduyoye have argued that authentic African theology must embrace both joy and pain, victory and vulnerability, seeing God’s presence not only in miracles but also in endurance. This holistic vision of faith equips believers to face life’s uncertainty with courage, not denial.

Toward a Theology of Real Hope

The Christian story moves through the cross to resurrection. Our task is not to deny suffering but to interpret it within the hope of redemption. The Church today must recover a faith that embraces both lament and laughter, perseverance and praise.

This means:

  • Preaching a balanced gospel that includes endurance as well as triumph.
  • Teaching grace that transforms, not merely entitles.
  • Restoring work as worship, promoting diligence, skill, and service.
  • Forming disciples who are both spiritually mature and socially responsible.

Theologian Allan Boesak once wrote that real hope “is born of struggle and sustained in solidarity.” Hope is not denial of hardship but trusting in God through it, continuing to love and serve when life is not ideal.

Conclusion

After the priest’s explanation, the couple agreed to recite the vows as written: “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer.” Not because they expected calamity, but because they understood that love, like faith, is a covenant, an enduring promise, not a contract for comfort.

So, it must be with the Church. In an age that seeks only the “better,” we must raise disciples prepared for both. The gospel that sustains us is not one of unbroken success but of unbroken faith, a faith that endures storms, transforms suffering into strength, and finds God not only in blessing but in brokenness.

Perhaps it is time to redefine prosperity: not as accumulation, but as wholeness; not as personal gain, but as communal flourishing. The gospel calls us not to escape the world’s pain, but to redeem it. That is the gospel that saves. That is the faith that carries us, for better, for worse.

 Rev’d Afenyi-Donkor is an Ordained Minister of The Methodist Church Ghana who writes on theology, ethics, and civic responsibility.

Motoring with Bob Roco ROMEO: MG Auto Trading unveils the all-new MG RX9: A new era of luxury, power, and innovation

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MG Auto Trading Ghana Ltd., the exclusive distributor of MG vehicles in Ghana, has unveiled its latest flagship model, the MG RX9 SUV, at a grand ceremony held at the MG/Mac Ghana Spintex Showroom. The event brought together dignitaries, corporate executives, customers, and media representatives to witness what the company described as the start of a new chapter in MG’s journey of luxury, power, and innovation.

In his address, Country Head of MG Auto Trading Ghana Ltd., Mr. Raman Malhotra, welcomed guests and outlined the company’s rapid growth since entering the Ghanaian market four years ago. “MG is among the fastest growing and most sought-after automotive brands in Ghana. Within just four years of its introduction, we’ve witnessed tremendous demand and exponential growth in sales,” he said. Mr. Malhotra added that MG vehicles have become a preferred choice for corporate clients and professionals, while MG pickups have proven reliable for heavy-duty and off-road applications.

He also announced plans for local assembly of MG vehicles in Ghana, revealing that discussions with the Ministry of Trade and Industry are underway to finalize the necessary processes. “We remain committed to supporting Ghana’s industrial growth while offering exceptional vehicles and customer experiences,” he stated. MG Ghana is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAC International, part of the wider Al Mansour Group based in Egypt.

Head of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Manish Daryanani, also introduced the RX9 as a “bold and sophisticated seven-seater SUV” designed to meet the needs of both urban and off-road drivers. He highlighted its 2.0T “Net Blue” engine delivering 234 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, five drive modes, and an 80 percent high-strength steel body structure for maximum safety.

Inside, the RX9 offers dual 12.3-inch digital displays, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a 12-speaker BOSE audio system. Comfort features include 140-degree reclining second-row seats, spacious third-row legroom, and premium interior finishes. The SUV’s 21-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and flush door handles add to its dynamic design, while safety systems such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, and a 360° camera enhance driver confidence.

The unveiling featured a dramatic light and music display, after which guests were treated to cocktails, live music, and test drive opportunities. The launch reinforces MG’s growing influence in Ghana’s automotive market and its commitment to technological advancement and customer satisfaction.

MG Auto Trading Ghana Ltd. continues to provide a full range of MG vehicles, including the MG5, MG ONE, MG ZS, RX5, RX8, and T60 pickup, supported by dealerships in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale. With the introduction of the RX9, the company aims to further strengthen its reputation for quality, performance, and innovation.

The road that holds us together: The case for upgrading the Accra–Kumasi Highway

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By: Dr Joseph K. Ofori-Kuragu

Ghana’s infrastructure ambitions have taken on renewed urgency with the relaunch of the Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP), a 30-year blueprint designed to transform the nation’s economic and social fabric. Anchored on nine strategic pillars—including energy, water, transport, and housing—the GIP aims to bring discipline and coordination to the country’s infrastructure delivery.

This comes alongside the government’s Big Push programme, which promises major investments in key road and transport projects. Yet, strikingly, both the GIP and the Big Push omit any explicit plan for the existing Accra–Kumasi highway, a vital artery which not only connects Ghana’s two largest cities, but also connects southern Ghana to the north, whilst sustaining economic life across the country.

A Concerning Omission

The omission of the existing Accra-Kumasi highway from the government’s strategic plans is puzzling and deeply concerning. The Accra–Kumasi corridor is far more than a road; it is the economic spine of Ghana, linking the political capital to the commercial hub.

Every day, tens of thousands of Ghanaians—traders, students, farmers, civil servants, and businesspeople—travel this route, many with no affordable alternative to road transport. The highway also forms part of the ECOWAS network, enabling trade between Ghana and its neighbours. It is critical for some of our landlocked neighbours. Despite this importance, the road has deteriorated into a symbol of neglect.

Potholes, poor signage, inadequate lighting, and perilous overtaking sections have made it one of the most dangerous routes in the country. Accidents are frequent and often fatal, while the economic cost—measured in lost productivity, vehicle damage, and delayed deliveries—is incalculable.

It can be understood why many of our leaders do not get the urgency to fix this road. They usually travel by air between these two cities, whilst their cars travel empty to pick them up at the other end. When they do use the road, their vehicles are way too comfortable to feel the harsh realities of the deteriorated roads, and with police escort, they miss the gridlock experienced by the ordinary traveller.

High speed Expressway – A Misplaced Focus?

The Government’s preference for constructing a completely new multi-lane expressway may appear visionary, but it risks overlooking a more immediate and cost-effective solution: completing and upgrading the existing Accra–Kumasi highway. This is not an either-or choice.

Many developed nations maintain multiple parallel routes—expressways for long-distance and high-speed traffic, and upgraded highways for regional and commercial users. Ghana should do the same. Moreover, the argument that completing the existing highway is too expensive does not withstand scrutiny.

Although the initial estimates for a new expressway may appear lower, Ghana’s infrastructure history shows that project costs often escalate because of inflation, delays, and scope changes. By contrast, upgrading the existing highway represents a known quantity: its right-of-way is secured, its alignment established, and much preparatory work already done. It is, in essence, low-hanging fruit that could be delivered with fewer financial and logistical complications.

Financing the Upgrade: The PPP Option

One of the most promising options for financing the completion of the existing highway is through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP). Under this model, the private sector would design, finance, build, and maintain the road, recovering its investment through tolls over an agreed concession period. Crucially, this approach does not add to the government’s debt burden—a significant consideration given the country’s current fiscal constraints.

Tolling busy sections of the highway could provide steady revenue streams to sustain the arrangement. With proper regulation and transparency, such a model can deliver mutual benefits: the private sector earns a fair return on investment, while the travelling public gains a safer, faster, and more reliable highway.

If costs are high, the concession period can be extended to ensure viability. Importantly, PPPs bring efficiency and accountability, qualities that traditional government-led projects often lack. Because private partners’ profits depend on performance, they have strong incentives to deliver projects on time and maintain them to agreed standards.

A Political and Economic Opportunity

Fixing the Accra–Kumasi highway would not only save lives and enhance economic productivity but also yield significant political dividends. Infrastructure has become a key measure of government performance. Delivering a project of such national importance would demonstrate competence and responsiveness.

Ghanaians are not opposed to new expressways, but they are justifiably sceptical of grand announcements that sideline their immediate needs. The Accra–Kumasi road remains a daily frustration for millions. Repairing and upgrading it would signal that government listens, cares, and can deliver.

Aligning Vision with Practical Action

The GIP’s alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is laudable, particularly SDG 9, which calls for resilient infrastructure and innovation. Yet these global aspirations must translate into tangible local outcomes.

What could be more consistent with SDG 9 than rehabilitating a critical national asset through an innovative financing model? Similarly, the Big Push aims to drive economic transformation through infrastructure, but omitting the country’s most important transport corridor undercuts that goal. No infrastructure strategy can be credible if it ignores the highway that carries the bulk of Ghana’s people and goods between its two major cities.

The Way Forward

If the government wishes to make the upgrade of the Accra–Kumasi highway a reality, a clear and structured approach is required. First, it should commission a feasibility study to explore the completion and modernisation of the road under a PPP framework. Second, it must engage key stakeholders—local communities, transport unions, freight operators, and private investors—to build consensus and ensure transparency.

Third, a value engineering team should be established to identify affordable and efficient solutions that deliver value for money. Fourth, implementation should be phased, prioritising the most dangerous and congested sections. Fifth, a strong regulatory framework should oversee tolling, maintenance, and service standards. Finally, government must communicate clearly with the public to build trust and manage expectations.

Conclusion

Infrastructure is not only about concrete and steel; it is about people—connecting communities, enabling commerce, and improving livelihoods. The Accra–Kumasi highway embodies these values. Neglecting it in favour of an entirely new expressway is not just short-sighted; it is inequitable. As the government prepares the next national budget, it should place this all-important road at the centre of its agenda. Ghana deserves better, and progress must begin with fixing the road that connects the country’s heart to its soul.

The Author is a PPP expert based at Anglia Ruskin University, UK.  He is a Director at Project Excellence and Innovation, and can be reached via email: [email protected]

Black Queens eye WAFCON progress as Egypt visit Accra

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Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, are brimming with confidence as they prepare to take on Egypt in the second leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, October 27.

The Queens head into the encounter with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Cairo, where they outclassed the Egyptians with a spirited display that combined speed, skill, and teamwork.

Goals from key attackers Evelyn Badu, Doris Boaduwaa, and Grace Asantewaa sealed the convincing win and gave the team a solid platform to build on at home.

Under the guidance of new Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the Black Queens have shown renewed tactical discipline, attacking flair, and confidence. Björkegren, who took charge earlier this year, has introduced a structured, possession-based style that has brought the best out of his players, particularly the midfield and forward line.

“We respect Egypt, but we are focused on our game. The players are confident, and we want to make our home fans proud,” Coach Björkegren said ahead of the match.

The team’s resurgence comes at a time when the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is enjoying strong corporate backing, notably from telecom giant MTN, whose $2 million sponsorship package supports all four national teams — the Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Satellites, and Black Starlets. The partnership has provided critical motivation and logistical support that have improved preparations and morale within the national teams.

The Queens will once again rely on the creativity of Asantewaa in midfield, the pace and finishing of Boaduwaa, and the leadership and vision of Badu as they aim to wrap up the tie in front of a home crowd expected to fill the Accra Sports Stadium.

With a three-goal cushion and renewed belief, the Black Queens are tipped to complete the job and advance to the next round of qualifiers for Morocco 2026.

Kick-off is at 4:00 p.m. at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Africa’s financial markets forge ahead amid global uncertainty

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Rocky trade relations and troubled economies have unsettled financial markets worldwide, but Africa is positioning itself for success. Absa’s Jeff Gable, Chief Economist, and Anthony Kirui, Head of Global Markets for Africa Regions, explore how African countries are laying the foundation for long-term structural transformation, even in the face of global adversity.

Volatility seems to be the only constant in a year marred by seismic shifts in trade policies of the world’s largest economies, alongside geopolitical tensions, a rollback of climate finance, currency instability, and interest rate hikes.

Market gurus widely anticipated that emerging economies would bear a disproportionate share of the pain from tightening global liquidity and deepening macroeconomic imbalances – a squeeze that, they warned, could leave policymakers struggling to sustain momentum in implementing reforms.

However, Africa has shown remarkable resilience in the face of this adversity, strengthening its financial architecture while pursuing sustainable development and long-term structural transformation.

According to the Absa African Financial Markets Index (AFMI) – now in its ninth year and produced in partnership with the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) – progress has been made in strides on the continent, with standout examples in foreign exchange reforms, improved product diversity, and climate change action. Nonetheless, the challenging global environment has tempered some of these gains.

The Index assesses financial market development through the lens of transparency, accessibility, and openness, providing both a benchmark for market infrastructure and an opportunity for policymakers to learn from improvements across Africa. Each of the 29 countries studied is awarded a score to reflect its progress over the past 12 months, determined by relative performance against more than 40 indicators.

The 2025 Index shows that country performance has been mixed, with roughly equal numbers of markets seeing their scores improve, remain unchanged, or decline over the past year.

The most notable challenges were a weakening of market depth and a slide in pension fund assets, yet at the same time, considerable progress was made in improving transparency in foreign exchange markets and adopting netting legislation, with Botswana, Lesotho, and Rwanda standing out for sizeable gains in their overall scores.

South Africa retained its top position in the overall Index, followed by Mauritius and Uganda in second and third place respectively. It is clear that countries are actively reforming and modernising their financial systems to create more enabling environments for investment, with local markets stepping up to the challenge through tangible policy and structural reforms.

Financial product diversification is taking centre stage

Over the past year, several African countries have introduced new financial products, helping to diversify their markets, attract a broader range of domestic and foreign investors, and reduce dependence on a limited array of financial instruments. After all, diversification is a critical mechanism for building resilience to external shocks. Countries are offering a wider range of products, including Islamic and climate-related finance, which are helping to meet shifting investor preferences and align African markets with global trends in ethical finance.

New instruments introduced over the past year have also placed a strong emphasis on infrastructure. For example, Tanzania issued its first sovereign sukuk bond and launched its first Samia infrastructure bond, both aimed at funding infrastructure and social development projects. Meanwhile, Kenya approved its first asset-backed security to help finance a new sports complex, while also introducing Islamic financial products for the first time this year. These are real milestones in accessing Shariah-compliant capital. In total, 18 AFMI economies now offer environmental, social and governance (ESG) and/or Islamic financial products.

Optimism in FX reforms

Currency stability is critical for sustaining investor confidence and supporting capital flows, and there is clear evidence that countries are increasingly prioritising the strengthening of their financial market fundamentals through bold foreign-exchange (FX) reforms. Even as foreign-reserve coverage came under pressure in several African countries over the past year, evidence suggests that those which addressed long-standing inefficiencies in their FX systems fared noticeably better. Nigeria and Uganda stood out as leaders in this area.

The Central Bank of Nigeria announced major reforms, including unifying multiple FX windows, clearing a US$7 billion backlog, and gradually phasing out fiscal-style interventions that had previously disrupted market operations. The Bank of Uganda likewise rolled out reforms that liberalised its FX market, raised reporting standards, and improved interbank liquidity. While challenges around volatility and liquidity persist in some markets, reforms such as these are pivotal for bolstering market credibility, lowering transaction costs, and enabling smoother cross-border trade.

The continent is showing leadership on climate finance

Attention is also increasingly turning to how Africa can channel finance toward sustainable development. In parts of the world, momentum behind ESG has waned, driven in part by political shifts in the United States that have led to a rollback of climate policies and regulations. Africa is charting a more determined course, advancing climate-focused policies and products that embed ESG principles within financial-market infrastructure.

Four AFMI countries issued green bonds for the first time this year, bringing the total number of issuers to 14. These instruments raise capital for projects that deliver environmental benefits such as clean water and renewable energy. According to the International Energy Agency, Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources and vast wind potential, the development of which can be accelerated through the successful implementation of green investments and financial products.

Another area of progress is in the adoption of climate stress testing – a crucial tool for integrating climate risks into financial decision-making. For example, Ghana introduced climate stress testing to its financial market frameworks, joining eight AFMI other countries already doing so, while South Africa went one step further, conducting its first climate risk stress test on six systemically important banks. It used long-term scenarios to assess both physical and transition risks, with the findings showing that the banking sector is increasingly aware of climate exposures and is broadly resilient.

There is ample cause for optimism about Africa’s economic trajectory. According to the African Development Bank Group, the continent’s economy is projected to expand from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.9% in 2025, reaching 4% by 2026 – outpacing most other regions and comfortably exceeding the expected global average.

Tidal Rave, Absa Bank introduce exciting new offer for Ravers

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Tidal Rave Festival and Absa Bank are collaborating to give Ravers a wildcard experience at this year’s festival, set to be held at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.

The year’s festival is set to be a two-day festival, starting with an invite-only event on November 14, open to VIP/Wild Card ticket holders only and that of the 15th, which is open to all ticket holders.

Absa Bank is making a return to Tidal Rave Festival for another amazing year, bringing a fresh set of innovation, opportunity, and lifestyle experiences tailored for Ravers.

Over the years, Absa Bank has championed the “Ignition Market”, a first-of-its-kind cashless marketplace on the festival grounds. In the past two years, more than 150 Raver-entrepreneurs have showcased their products and services to an audience of over 40,000 festival goers, creating visibility, growth, and revenue opportunities in real time.

Complementing this was the Tidal Rave Festival’s Fireside Chats, a community conversation session with industry leaders, powered by Absa. It was designed to provide aspiring business leaders and Raver-entrepreneurs with the opportunity to engage directly with seasoned entrepreneurs, sparking meaningful conversations on resilience, innovation, and business growth. This Tidal Rave Festival and Absa Bank collaboration turned the festival into a hub for learning, connection, and empowerment, all powered by Absa.

“Absa Bank is back for the third time with more exciting deals for Ravers,” Charles Addo, Director of Retail Banking at Absa Bank, said in a statement, adding “One is supporting young entrepreneurs again with the vendor market, and providing Ravers with affordable, digital-first banking that fits seamlessly into their everyday lives, then we also have the exciting deal of the Red Ticket, which is a special early-bird discount code for our new users of the Spark app by Absa Bank.”

“When users download the Spark App by Absa from either the App Store or Play Store, the will receive a discount when they complete the application process,” he further stated.

Once the discount code is received, the user can then purchase Tidal Rave tickets at discounted rates on the Tidal Rave Festival website: www.tidalravefestival.com.

By weaving together financial empowerment, entrepreneurial opportunity, and immersive festival experiences, Absa Bank once again proves that banking goes beyond transactions. At Tidal Rave Festival, that means ensuring Ravers not only enjoy the music, energy, and lifestyle, but also walk away with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

With exclusive offers, empowering initiatives, and unforgettable experiences, Absa Bank is set to make this year’s Tidal Rave Festival another iconic time at the beach. With bold experiences, fresh opportunities, and a commitment to igniting dreams, Absa’s partnership with Tidal Rave Festival continues to go beyond sponsorship; it is a true catalyst for change, brand experience, connectivity and celebration.

What do you know about green finance and the future?

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By Desmond Isaac ADDO

In August, the Bank of Ghana launched its Sustainable Banking Principles, urging banks to support projects that protect the environment while growing the economy. Around the same time, the world’s largest climate fund, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), reported that more than $12 billion had been committed to green projects worldwide. These are reminders that the money to build a cleaner, more resilient Ghana already exists. The real question is: will we tap into it?

Green finance is basically money that is used in ways that protect the environment and fight climate change. It’s about putting money into projects that help nature instead of harming it; like planting trees, using solar power, recycling, or building clean transport. In other words, green finance is money with a mission: profit, yes, but also protection.

Why does Green Finance matter for Ghana?

Ghana is already feeling the heat, literally. From coastal erosion to droughts in the north, climate risks are not distant problems; they are here. Add in rising energy costs, food insecurity, and unemployment, and the case becomes clear: Ghana needs new, smarter ways to finance its growth.

Globally, the pool is large. Each year, over $1.3 trillion flows into sustainable finance and climate-related investments. Institutions like the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), and Green Climate Fund (GCF) are actively looking for strong proposals from countries like Ghana. Government, businesses, and even individuals can all position themselves to benefit.

Where Ghana can use Green Finance

Here are some practical areas where green finance could transform our economy:

Energy – Expanding solar and wind power can lower electricity costs, reduce reliance on imported fuel, and create jobs in renewable industries.

Agriculture – Green loans for irrigation, climate-smart seeds, and mechanization can help farmers secure reliable harvests despite changing rainfall.

Transport – Financing electric buses or trains can reduce traffic pollution and dependence on imported fuel.

Waste management – Green funding can support recycling plants, composting facilities, and biogas, turning waste into wealth.

Forestry & land use – Carbon credit programs can incentivize communities to protect forests while earning income from international buyers.

For ordinary Ghanaians, this isn’t abstract. Imagine your local school powered by solar panels, your bank offering green bonds you can invest in, or your business cutting electricity costs because of a renewable energy loan.

Mechanisms of Green Finance: How the money flows

Green finance comes alive through practical tools and partnerships; here’s how the money actually moves:

Green Bonds – These are special bonds issued by governments, banks, or companies to raise funds for environmentally friendly projects. The money is strictly used for green initiatives like renewable energy, waste management, or sustainable transport. Nigeria issued Africa’s first sovereign green bond in 2017, using it to finance solar power and afforestation projects. Ghana can follow this model by issuing green bonds to fund solar mini-grids in rural areas, electric bus systems in cities, and large-scale reforestation along degraded forest belts.

Green Loans & Credit Lines – These are loans offered on favorable terms to businesses or households that meet sustainability goals. For instance, Consolidated Bank Ghana’s SME loan schemes could be adapted to support energy-efficient equipment, solar installations, or recycling machinery, while the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) can open a dedicated green credit window for renewable energy startups and climate-smart agribusinesses. This would help local entrepreneurs access capital to grow green enterprises that create jobs and reduce environmental harm.

Carbon markets & credits – These are systems that allow countries, companies, or communities to earn money by reducing or removing carbon emissions. For example, if a community plants trees or protects forests, the amount of carbon those trees absorb can be measured and sold as “carbon credits” to countries or businesses that want to offset their emissions. Ghana is already pioneering this.

In 2023, Ghana signed the first Article 6 carbon trading deal with Switzerland, creating a framework for selling verified emission reductions. This can bring in millions of dollars in foreign exchange while rewarding climate-smart projects like renewable energy, reforestation, and clean cooking initiatives. For local communities, this means jobs and direct income from protecting nature.

Climate Funds & Grants – Global institutions like the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and Adaptation Fund provide concessional financing for climate projects. These funds are accessible not only to government ministries but also to private companies, NGOs, and development partners. Ghana recently secured $120 million in GCF support to strengthen agriculture and water resilience in the northern regions; proof that well-prepared proposals can attract significant global funding.

Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) – Government can use guarantees, incentives, or risk-sharing arrangements to attract private investment into clean energy and sustainable infrastructure. For example, mini-grid projects in the Volta and Northern regions could be jointly financed by the Energy Commission, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and private renewable energy developers. These partnerships can expand access to electricity while reducing the fiscal burden on government.

Insurance & risk-sharing mechanisms – These are financial tools that help people, businesses, or governments share or transfer the risk of losses caused by climate-related events such as floods, droughts, or storms. In simple terms, they make sure that when disasters strike, no one bears the full cost alone.

Green finance can make such products more affordable and widespread. For example, expanding the Ghana Agricultural Insurance Pool (GAIP) with climate-linked insurance can protect farmers against failed harvests, helping them bounce back faster from droughts or floods. It ensures financial stability for farming communities and strengthens Ghana’s food systems against climate shocks.

Lessons from elsewhere

Malaysia in the 1970s was not too different from Ghana today; a developing country dependent on commodities like rubber and tin, seeking to industrialize and attract investment. But it made smart financing choices: channeling funds into infrastructure, renewable energy, and export-oriented industries.

Today, Malaysia is a manufacturing and green technology hub. Ghana, too, can rise if we use tools like green finance to turn today’s vulnerabilities into tomorrow’s strengths.

The road ahead

Green finance is more than a global trend; it is a survival strategy. For Ghana, it offers a chance to:

  • Lower debt pressures by using concessional green funding.
  • Create new industries and jobs in renewable energy, transport, agriculture and waste management.
  • Build resilience against climate shocks while raising living standards.

The opportunity is on the table. Billions of dollars are waiting to be accessed. The only question is whether Ghana, government, businesses, and citizens alike, will step forward to claim it.

So, dear reader, what do you know about green finance today?

Desmond Isaac ADDO

Email: [email protected]

Contact: 0249445513

Sextortion: Rising threats, hidden victims, urgent action

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By Bright Peter Kwaku BOATENG

A young university student receives a message on her phone. The sender threatens to release her intimate images unless she pays. Fear sets in fast. This is sextortion. It is a growing cybercrime that uses blackmail to exploit victims.

Criminals rely on fear, fake profiles, stolen images, and deception. Many use deepfake technology to create convincing fake content. This is no longer rare in Ghana.

Rising threat in Ghana

Ghana is recording a sharp rise in sextortion cases.Between January and April 2024, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) recorded 155 cases. Victims lost a total of GH¢103,663. Many were young people aged 18 to 24. Most were university students with limited digital literacy.

In the same period in 2025, the number of cases remained 155, but financial losses climbed to GH¢499,044. This represents a fivefold increase in one year.

On 31 July 2024, the CSA announced that 226 sextortion and online blackmail cases were recorded between January and July 2024. Criminals often use fake female accounts to lure their targets. Victims were pressured into sharing intimate content, which was later used to demand money.

A teenage victim said, “I thought he was real. We talked for weeks before he asked for a photo. That one photo is what they used against me.”

In July 2024, 68 Ghanaians were among 260 suspects arrested in a pan-African sextortion and romance scam operation. Ghana is both a target and a base for organized digital scams.

Ghana’s population is about 35 million. With 155 reported cases in four months, the projected annual figure is about 465 cases, or 1.4 cases per 100,000 people. These figures reflect only what is reported. Many victims stay silent because of fear, shame, or stigma.

Global Picture

Sextortion is rising worldwide.

In 2022, the U.S. National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children received 10,731 reports of financial sextortion involving minors. In 2023, this number jumped to 26,718. The Internet Watch Foundation recorded six actionable cases in 2021 and 176 in 2023.

Teenage boys are frequent targets. Criminal networks operate from West Africa and Southeast Asia. They use fake accounts, deepfake content, and encrypted apps to trap victims. Payments flow through mobile money, fintech platforms, and cryptocurrency.

Using U.S. data as a reference, sextortion reports equal about 8 cases per 100,000 people annually. Ghana’s lower number reflects under-reporting, not lower risk.

Why It Matters

Sextortion is not only about money. It destroys trust, dignity, and personal security. Victims live with fear and shame. Some consider suicide. Once money is paid, the demands often increase.

The sharp rise in financial losses shows that these criminal networks are becoming more organized and more aggressive. If this is not addressed quickly, the impact will grow.

Preventing Sextortion

Government and Regulators

  • Build stronger and confidential victim reporting systems.
    • Enforce laws on sexual exploitation and extortion.
    • Strengthen specialized cybercrime units.
    • Ensure platforms remove reported content within 24 hours.

Technology Platforms

  • Strengthen privacy controls for young users.
    • Detect and block suspicious accounts early.
    • Work closely with law enforcement to remove blackmail content fast.

Financial Sector

  • Monitor and flag suspicious transfers linked to sextortion.
    • Block payments to known scam networks.
    • Train staff to identify sextortion-related transactions.

Schools, Parents, and Youth

  • Teach online safety early and consistently.
    • Warn students about risks of sharing intimate content.
    • Encourage fast reporting when threats happen.
    • Build trusted support systems to reduce fear and silence.

Victims

  • Do not pay.
    • Save all chats, screenshots, and payment records.
    • Report to the CSA or the police immediately.
    • Seek professional mental health support.

Ghana vs Global Rates

Ghana reports fewer cases than the U.S. but loses more per victim. The U.S. saw its numbers double in one year. Ghana saw financial losses grow fivefold. Criminals are becoming bolder and more strategic. Ghana must act before the situation reaches global levels.

Call to Action

Sextortion is here. It affects young people, families, schools, and national security. Ghana has the laws, but more vigorous enforcement and faster response are needed. Awareness must increase. Victims need support without stigma.

Everyone has a role. Report incidents. Protect your data. Guide young people online. Technology companies must act with responsibility. Sextortion grows in silence. Ghana must act.

Bright is a Cybercrime and Digital Forensic Investigator
Founder, Young Cyber Knights Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.youngcyberknightsfoundation.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/young-cyber-knights-foundation
Phone: +233553141199

Motoring with Bob Roco ROMEO: Hyundai reinforces commitment to quality with HARP

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Hyundai Automotive South Africa continues to reaffirm its commitment to safety, quality and customer satisfaction through its Hyundai Approved Repairer Programme (HARP).

With growing concerns about the use of off-market vehicle parts, HARP aims to combat the trend of corner-cutting by some vehicle owners and non-certified repair shops.  These practices not only compromise the performance and safety of Hyundai vehicles but can also void warranties and lead to higher long-term repair costs.

Sam Matlhola, Parts Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa, stressed the critical importance of adhering to the HARP standards.  “Through HARP, Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s customers gain access to a national network of approved repairers, each vetted for compliance with our strict repair protocols.”

In addition to using 100% genuine parts, these facilities follow the manufacturer’s repair processes, ensuring vehicles maintain their performance, safety ratings and resale value.
“By insisting on approved repair centres and genuine parts, we are protecting our customers from risks associated with off-market components and non-compliant repairs.”

Every genuine Hyundai part is specifically designed and tested to match the exact specifications of each vehicle model.  Any substandard part introduced into the vehicle’s system risks compromising not only performance but also critical safety features, durability and long-term reliability.

“As part of our commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence, as well as our excellent parts supply rate, 90% of all major structural vehicle repairs are completed within 30 days.  This can also be attributed to Hyundai’s stringent Research and Development (R&D) quality protocols, which leave no room for error therefore, reaffirming why only genuine parts should be used,” emphasized Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

The main agent for Hyundai in Ghana is Hyundai Motors and Investment Ltd, which operates under the brand Hyundai Ghana. This authorized dealer has headquarters in Accra and showrooms in Tema, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi, and also has an assembly plant in Tema.

GNPC reaffirms commitment to operatorship at second annual general meeting

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The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has restated its commitment to achieving full operatorship as it continues to strengthen technical competence, institutional resilience, and financial sustainability.

This assurance was given at the Corporation’s Second Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Marriott Hotel in Accra under the theme ‘Consolidating Our March Towards Operatorship’.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), members of the GNPC Board, management, and other key stakeholders.

Members received and considered GNPC’s 2024 Annual Report, which outlined the Corporation’s operational and financial performance for the year under review. The report reflected steady performance, including stable oil production, increased gas exports, and significant progress on strategic projects.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, commended GNPC for its continued role in safeguarding Ghana’s petroleum interests. He urged the Corporation to accelerate capacity-building efforts towards operatorship. “The Corporation serves as the state’s eye in upstream partnerships. The energy transition makes capacity building a necessity, and GNPC must continue to develop the expertise needed to operate blocks independently and sustainably,” the Minister stated.

He also highlighted government interventions to address industry challenges including declining oil production, low investment inflows, and gas infrastructure gaps. The Minister assured that the Ministry of Finance and Energy are collaborating to resolve GNPC’s gas debt exposure and ensure long-term financial stability.

GNPC Board Chairman, Prof. Joseph Oteng-Adjei, said the Corporation’s performance demonstrated resilience and focus in advancing its operatorship agenda. “Our focus remains building technical competence, institutional strength, and financial prudence to sustain GNPC’s long-term value,” he stated.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kwame Ntow Amoah, presented the operational performance highlights, noting that whilst oil production saw a marginal decline of 0.3 per cent, gas exports rose by 10 per cent. He cited steady progress on the Research and Technology Centre, commissioning of GNPC’s Energy House (Operational Head Office) in Takoradi, revitalisation of EXPLORCO, and progress on the Voltaian Basin Project as major milestones. “We are building a GNPC that is technically competent, commercially agile, and strategically positioned to secure Ghana’s energy future,” Mr Amoah emphasised.

The AGM also highlighted GNPC’s commitment to environmental sustainability through the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and alignment with Ghana’s Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan, reiterated the government’s confidence in GNPC’s leadership and pledged continued support from the Ministry to ensure the Corporation’s operational and financial success. The meeting was brought to a close with members considering and voting on significant resolutions.

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is the state-owned oil company mandated to explore, develop, and manage Ghana’s petroleum resources. GNPC continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring energy security, promoting sustainable development, and positioning Ghana as a competitive player in the global energy industry.

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