Central banks are evolving beyond traditional monetary policy mandates to embrace digital transformation, including payment systems innovation, fintech regulation, and interoperability across financial infrastructures. This evolution requires balancing innovation with financial stability, maintaining monetary sovereignty, and fostering collaboration between regulators, innovators, and market participants. For emerging markets like Africa, this transformation presents both opportunities to leapfrog traditional financial infrastructure and challenges to ensure inclusive, resilient, and sustainable financial systems.
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that has brought together policy makers, regulators, market practitioners and industry leaders from across the world to engage on the future of global finance.
Day one delivered thoughtful discussions on the changing architecture of the global financial markets. We were privileged to hear from the governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson whose address challenged us to think about Ghana's role within a new era of financial market development and integration. Throughout the days sorry throughout the day, delegates explored critical themes including global liquidity, capital flows, leadership, market resilience, and the balance between profit, purpose, and people. Our breakout sessions on artificial intelligence, human capital, and the future of financial markets reinforce the key message. Technology may transform markets, but people remain the center of trust, resilience, and long-term growth.
Day one also highlighted the importance of collaboration between regulators, institutions, and market participants in navigating an increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving financial market.
Ladies and gentlemen, today we build on that momentum. Day two focuses on monetary governance, digital transformation, financial stability, inclusive governance, diversity in markets, and the future of regulation in a digitally connected financial ecosystem. As hosts, Ghana remains committed to advancing market development, professional standards, ethical conduct, and regional cooperation across financial markets.
Hosting this congress reflects Africa's growing importance within the g global financial system and our collective ambition to help shape its future. To all delegates joining us from across the world, thank you for your presence, your partnership and contribution to this congress. As we begin today's congress and programs, let us continue to exchange ideas openly. Let us strengthen relationships and work together towards a more resilient, innovative and inclusive financial market. Welcome again to day two of ACI Global ACI World Congress 2026. Thank you.
>> THANK YOU.
TO THE WORLD RIGHT NOW.
>> These are the leaders of the team that's been working day and night to make this happen. Please, let's appreciate them.
Once again, talking about the team that's made this happen. We've seen so much talent at play. Usually know them during the day as traders, as fund managers, as um back office and middle office personnel. But it's amazing to see the talent at play.
Both of your MC's are financial markets professionals as well. We've seen people on the technical side. Guess what? The mobile app for this event was developed by an ACI Ghana member who is a fun manager by day and he does his coding at night. His name is Salom Salawaka.
Please give it up for the whole of the ACI organizing team that has made this possible. We appreciate all of you.
Thank you. We want to use this opportunity to take some goodwill messages. As a financial market, we don't work in isolation. We work with regulators. We work with the stock exchange and we work with other associations to make this happen happen.
In the course of the next couple of minutes, I'm going to mention a few organizations who will take turns to give us their goodwill message. We'll begin with the Securities and Exchange Commission. will take the Ghana Stock Exchange, the Ghana Securities Industry Association, CCT and then the Ghana Association of Banks. So I'm going to mention the first one and once it's done from my end, I'll mention the next and we'll take turns. The Securities and Exchange Commission is represented here by the director general, honorable James Agi. Please put your hands together as honorable comes forward to give us the goodwill message from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I want to stand on the existing protocol to deliver a brief solidary message to the ACI World Congress 2026.
The Securities and Exchange Commission would like to congratulate the ACI Financial Market Association for organizing the ACI World Congress 2026 here in Acra, Ghana as a professional body that combines membership, services, education, and ethical governance to support the advance and advance the wholesale financial market community globally. The choice of Ghana for the Congress is a demonstration of the global recognition of the role Ghana, the role of Ghana in the advancement of global market.
We also extend our warm solidary message and commendation to the association.
On our part as SE, we are steadfast and committed to building a financial ecosystem that is innovative, resilient, and inclusive.
In an era of rapid digital transformation, our leadership has been instrumental in positioning Ghana as a forward-looking jurisdiction within Africa's evolving financial landscape.
Our proactive approach to embracing financial technology has created fertile ground for innovation by fostering an environment where digital solution can strive.
We are not only modernizing market infrastructure but also expanding access to capital for businesses and entrepreneurs who might be previously underserved by the traditional financial system.
At the heart of our mandate at a security regulator lies a profound dedication to investor protection. In a digital age where complexity can obscure risk, our vigilance ensures that market participants whether seasoned institutions or firsttime retail investors can engage with confidence knowing that robots and safeguard that robust safeguard and regulatory regime are in place to protect their investment.
The trust that underpins any capital market rest upon integrity. Our regulatory rigor and commitment to transparency have strengthened Ghana's market, deter misconduct and reinforcing the credibility that attract both domestic and international investors. Our vision of inclusivity is almost commendable. By lowering barriers to entry and promoting broader participation across Ghana's diverse population, we are democratizing access to wealth creation and ensuring that the benefit of capital market development reach all segment of our society. As Ghana's financial system continues to evolve, our balanced approach enhancing innovation while anchoring it in strong regulatory foundations serves as a global sorry serves as a model for the region. We therefore stand with you to achieve the goals of the association at this conference and look forward to the continued growth and resilience of Ghana's capital market and beyond. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you sir.
>> Thank you securities and exchange commission. Our next voodoo message will come from the Ghana Stock Exchange from the MD Miss Abna Amoa who is here represented by the head of marketing and public relations Mr. Jerry Bachi Dana.
Please put your hands together for him as he comes forward.
Good morning distinguished guest.
Mr. Chair, please permit me to stand on the existing protocols already established.
Miss Abnam, the managing director of the GSC was here yesterday, but unfortunately she couldn't make it here today due to other personal engagements and she's asked me to read this solidarity message on her behalf.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor and a deep sense of purpose that I join this distinguished gathering of global financial market leaders at the ACI World Congress 2026. And how fitting that we do so here on an African soil in the heart of Ghana, the center of the world. This moment is more than a conference. It is a statement that Africa is not just a participant in global financial markets. It is a shaper of their future. On behalf of the Ghana Stock Exchange, I extend our warmest congratulations and solidarity to ACI Ghana on the successful organization of the ACI World Congress in Ghana. The theme elevating markets empowering people reflects a timely and important call to strengthen financial markets while ensuring that their impact ultimately translates into opportunities and prosperity for people and communities.
We commend ACI Ghana for convening this important global gathering, bringing together industry leaders, policy makers, regulators, market practitioners, and key stakeholders for such meaningful engagements.
Platforms like this play a critical role in promoting collaboration, innovation, and thought leadership across the financial ecosystem. GSC is happy to be associated with key stakeholders like the Bank of Ghana, SEC Ghana, Ghana station of banks, Ghana Securities Industry Association and other partners whose support demonstrate the strength of collaboration with within Ghana's financial sector. As a key institution within Ghana's capital market ecosystem, the Ghana Stock Exchange remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen markets, promote knowledge exchange, and create pathways for greater economic opportunity.
We wish all distinguished participants a highly successful and impactful congress today. Thank you very much for your attention.
>> Thank you, Jerry. Thank you, Ghana Stock Exchange.
Our next goodwill message will be taken from the Chamber of Corporate Trustees.
Please, let's put our hands together for them as they step forward to deliver their goodwill message. The Chamber of Corporate Trustees.
In the absence, we'll move to the Ghana Association of Banks. Let's put our hands together for the representative from the Ghana Association of Banks as they step forward to deliver their goodwill message.
I believe their message would be that they congratulate ACI and they commend the good work that is being done and they are supportive of all we are doing and will continue to collaborate with us. Please put your hands together for them.
Thank you so much. We appreciate your support. want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the presence of the deputy minister for finance, Mr. Thomas Yango Aim. Please put your hands together as a receiver. Thank you, sir.
Thank you for coming. We would also take acknowledge the presence of someone we already know and love, the deputy, the first deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana, someone who is very much in tune with the financial market. Please put your hands together for Dr. Zakari Mum.
Thank you so much.
Please put your hands together for my coc as she joins me on.
>> Thank you very much.
>> The Zambian princess.
>> Wow.
>> Thank you, >> Prince. Please.
All right. Um, ladies and gentlemen, now to dissect a conversation on the future of monetary governance, navigating digital transformation, interoperability, and financial stability. Please help me make welcome to the stage the governor of the central bank of Ghana alongside SEI Ghana and Africa presence president Lawrence Bam Pong. A round of applause please. But >> we'll have them join us shortly, but we'll take a short musical break. Once the place is set up, we'll have that fireside. Please put your hands together as we have a short musical break. We'll be back in a bit. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
FCI 2026 Financial Market Association Africa. WE no right now. You feel right. Turn left and right.
People coming side by side. Africa is full of light. Hands up to the sky.
Step one.
Step two.
Everybody got Africa worldwide.
Step one.
Step two.
City full of life.
Welcome to the Ghana V. Everybody feel all right. From New York down to Dubai.
Now we dancing side by side. People coming from around. Different voices, different sounds. One big family worldwide shining with pride. This will be regular. Global leaders in the dance of the world. Let the energy explode.
ONE, ONE PEOPLE, ONE AFRICA, ONE PEOPLE, one Africa, one right left, dance right up to the sky.
Finance people everywhere. Big ideas in the air. Markets moving everywhere. Now we dancing without care. South Africa did it first. Now it's going to come to burst. From the bridges to the streets.
Feel the rhythm, feel the heat.
Everybody move your feet.
When the lock start to play, nobody go one place.
Left foot, right foot.
Turn around now.
One.
Financial market association.
you are right now.
I right now I cry to the world.
>> Everybody no no no.
I to the world right now. You right. You feel all right. Dance left, dance right there. People coming side by side.
Africa, we full of life. Hands up to the sky.
>> Step one, slide. Step two.
Everybody got Africa worldwide.
Step one slide. Step two. A city full of life.
Worldwide. Welcome to the Ghana vibe.
Everybody feel all right. From New York down to Dubai. Now we dancing side by side. People coming from around.
Different voices, different sounds. One big family.
This regular conference. Global leaders in the dance. First time.
Ladies and gentlemen, >> ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm round of applause for the central bank governor alongside ACI Ghana and Africa President as they take the stage.
>> Okay, >> a round of applause for them, please.
>> I think we can do better. Another round of applause. Thank you.
Very good.
>> Good morning everyone.
>> Good morning. Good morning.
>> Awesome. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning and welcome to this fireside chat on the future of monetary governance, navigating digital transformation, interoperability and financial stability.
Now across the world today, central banks and financial market authorities are navigating one of the most significant transitions in modern finance.
The rapid evolution of digital payments, fintech innovation, data systems, AI, digital assets, and crossber payment infrastructure is fundamentally reshaping how economics transact, how market operates and increasingly how market policy, how monetary policy is transmitted. Now at the same time, central banks must continue to preserve the core pillars of monetary and financial stability, maintain trust in the financial system, and ensure that innovation progresses responsibly and inclusively for emerging markets and particularly for Africa. This presents both a tremendous opportunity and an important policy challenge.
Now, we're therefore privileged to have with us the governor of the Bank of Ghana, whose leadership continues to shape important conversations around monetary policy, financial stability, market development, and digital financial innovation in Ghana and beyond. Governor, good morning and you're welcome.
>> Good morning.
>> Good morning, everyone.
>> Thank you for responding to our governor. Now before we move into the conversation, let me first say that the African African atal theme that we have adopted today has been well patronized by all delegates both local and international and governor. I think you've taken the lead and I think special recognition to our deputy minister deputy finance minister who I apologize for not indicating the dress code but on getting here he went out and came back in his fo please let's acknowledge our deputy finance minister thank you very much now governor before we move on before you've you've had the opportunity to engage with delegate and participants yesterday when you were here and this morning. What has been your impression of this so far?
>> Um for me um remember just about a week or two ago uh we had the threeI Africa summit. Um it was very successful.
uh it brought together the whole of Africa, central bank, governors, uh innovators, everybody in one room uh trying to learn from each other in terms of the progress that is being made in the area of innovation.
>> Um so I see what is happening this week as similar to the three-hour event. Um it was very successful. We got a clear understanding of where the various countries were and for us in Ghana we got the opportunity to share our experience and to outline what the vision is going forward.
>> You know I started my career at the central bank exactly 31 years ago.
>> Wow.
>> 31 years ago. That was when I started my career at the time. I want you to envision what it was like. There were no computers.
The tables were full of folders and files, some very dusty ones. Um, nothing by way of what you see today. And so sometimes I reflect on the progress that we have made, how far we have made >> in terms of payment systems development.
The same thing.
>> Yeah. I remember those days you could pay in a check somewhere from Tamil it would take 2 weeks or more for the checks to clear.
>> That's true.
>> And and and yet interestingly we thought life was normal >> you know so currently I think about it and I do appreciate how far we have come but at the same time there's still a lot and a lot to do for us at the central bank. It's a a passion that we have in Ghana on innovation because we believe that innovation is good not just for monetary policy but also for financial stability for financial sector financial markets development. The word is innovation but at the same time without compromising the systemic risks >> the f you know the the risks that could emerge uh as you innovate. So maybe down the chat I can let you know some of the things we are doing. But it's exact exciting to see all of you. Uh this is a common interest that we all have to innovate to make our work more efficient and that is exactly what our passion is about.
>> Please let's put our hands together for our governor.
>> I think one thing is quite clear from what the governor said. The fact that there was an event about two weeks ago and here we are again. It tells of the fact that the central bank is at the forefront of driving innovation across our market. And for three eye summits and the ACI world congress to happen in Accra in Ghana at this time, it tells that Ghana and Africa is the future. And so if you know you're proud to be an African and if you know you're proud to be an international delegate who wants to be adopted as an African, please put your hands together for yourselves.
Now, Governor, perhaps we would now delve into the broader picture. Central banking globally appears to be evolving well beyond its traditional mandates into areas such as digital infrastructure, >> interoperability, cyber security, data governance, governance and and all that. Now how do you see the role of central banks evolving over the next decade particularly within emerging and African economies?
Yes. Um so so when you talk about innovation the functions of a central bank typically you know to implement uh monetary policy to promote you know financial sector stability and what have you.
I'll give you an example of what we did since we came in into office last last year.
>> Um we noticed that there was little going on uh by way of for example um artificial intelligence, data analytics, what have you.
>> And so we decided to set up a department quickly to learn.
>> Mhm. So we set that up and then we also observed that there was some activity uh to do with virtual assets what to call stable coins and what have you. It was it's going on but then there was very little visibility and so again we decided set up a new department pass a vast law begin you know to you know introduce some some level of you know uh supervision there and so so far those structures are in place we are beginning to observe these to see how well we can regulate. Why do we do this? just so we can have greater visibility just so we can work with the markets. If you look at Ghana's situation, we were quite late when it comes to fintex for example.
>> That's true.
>> By the time we had started that whole thing, the markets had gone ahead >> and I remember in 2016 when I was a deputy governor, there was no payment system department. We only had a banking department with one desk uh which was doing very little. And I remember I went to my governor I said Mr. Governor we are late we are behind the markets let's set up a dedicated payment systems department so we can catch up. So that's how come in 2016 we set up the payment systems department we populated it we trained the staff and then later on the fintech department was carved up and you can see so much has been going on in that space. Currently one of the things we are thinking of is to have a dedicated you know regulatory environment just for fintech regulation that way we can specialize that way we can allow them that space to go hand inhand with industry so I'm sharing our experience for you to sort of appreciate how the whole evolution by way of central banking is working across countries >> and it's not just in Ghana we see it in a number of peer countries. We see it in South Africa. We see it in uh Kenya. Uh last year we introduced something a a sort of forum for central bank governors to meet and to share ideas. And so last year we brought to ACRA a number of central bank governors across Africa. Uh that program took place I guess right in this room. uh we were frank, we shared ideas you know on some of these things and we decided we will do it every other year and so next year there would be that forum once again. The good part was we agreed that next time we will invite industry, >> innovators, >> people like yourselves >> so that together regulators, innovators, investors, we move together.
>> We believe that this approach, this consultative approach is the right way to go and uh so you'll hear from us next year when that program also takes off.
Our governor says we'll hear from him when that program takes place. But I think it's important to note that allowing for openness and consultative engagement is what can only drive a market forward. And as the governor said, better late than never. Yes, we're late to the party, but in the last re in in the recent year, we have made some very good improvements in that area. So would like to acknowledge the central bank for that. and governor. My next question actually had to do with how well we felt central banks were more adaptive to the fast pace of technological transformation and advancements because there's always the impression that evolution there's always the impression that these evolutions when they happen central banks are not ready for them and so it sort of stifles the sort of innovation we're expecting in the market. Now, one of the major themes that we see shaping this evolution is interoperability >> and integration across financial systems. And I recall yesterday in your speech when you were delivering your keynote, you alluded to this and you indicated that the next phase of financial development in Africa will depend less on isolated national systems and it will be more on how effectively countries are able to connect their payments infrastructure, harmonize regulations and build trust amongst jurisdiction. So now my question is how critical is interoperability to Africa's financial agenda and future economic growth?
>> So fostering um interoperability across financial infrastructures in Africa is critical indeed.
>> Um you you know about a lot of efforts that have gone on to promote trade across the sub region. What is lagging behind is the payments and settlement you know aspects.
Someone says it is cheaper for example to send money across the oceans than it is to send money to another countries within the sub region.
>> And so yes we have a lot of work to do uh to support our people. Um yes a number of innov initiatives are ongoing.
um PAPs is doing its bit.
>> We also have some other related innovations that are underway. Uh when we had three I some of those issues came up. Um at the level of central banks we are supporting these. We do realize that integrating payment systems across the sub region is the right way uh to go.
Indeed for us we are working with AFC FTA for example because we notice we can use stable coins for example >> to address the crossber payments issue which will support the work of AFC FTA >> and so we are working on some of those fronts uh you know within a sandbox environment to start with uh so as to be able to establish those platforms to support uh greater integration across the sub region.
Thank you very much, Governor.
Integration is key and I think it's good to note that that's why we have representation from central banks across the region in this in in this room seated with us. We have from Tanzania, from Zambia, from different countries here with us. Now, Governor, beyond integration itself, there is also the broader question of balancing innovation with stability. And today we know that central banks must encourage innovation while also protecting consumer, safeguarding trust and maintaining systemic stability.
I'm sure everybody in the room wants to find out how should regulators strike the right balance between enabling innovation and preserving the sort of financial stability that we want to see.
>> So you know central banking is all about trade-offs in the first place.
>> Yeah.
um inflation versus growth, there are trade-offs there. Uh promoting financial inclusion versus, you know, ensuring financial stability. These are trade-offs. So, innovation is just another, you know, innovation versus stability is just another tradeoff that central banks, you know, have to balance. Mhm.
>> How do we do these regulatory sandboxes, >> you know, innovation hubs? These offer a control environment within which these can be developed but at the same time ensuring that you are regulating the risk you know without you know frustrating the technology.
>> Okay.
>> And and so for us in Ghana that is one you know approach we've been adopting.
Do not regulate the technology but regulate the risk. Work with them, understand what it is about so that you do not frustrate, you rather facilitate uh in your approach.
>> And so yes um at the 3II we announced for example that we will promote a sort of subreional sandbox framework because we must learn together you know innovation hubs. We want to encourage some of these in almost every region in Ghana to promote learning but at the same time in a controlled environment.
>> So these are some of the approaches uh we are using to ensure that financial stability is is not compromised at all.
I >> I I think one thing that is striking for me is the point you just made about sub regional sandbox and all that and it just reminds me of the saying that if you want to go fast you go alone.
>> That is so true. But if you want to go far, you go together.
>> You go together.
>> And so clearly it means that we need that together togetherness and um integration to take us to the next level and achieve the sort of financial stability we want to see.
Another important dimension of this conversation relates to trust and governance within the increasingly digital financial ecosystem because we know that today trust is becoming central to the effectiveness of monetary and financial systems. Now governor in your view what must central banks regulators market participants everybody sitting in this room must what like what what must we do to sustain trust and confidence within this rapidly evolving digitally financial environment. So, so sustaining trust in my view um comes from a number of areas. From the perspective of the regulator, from the perspective of the market participants, the innovators, okay, >> and then also from the perspective of the investors. For us regulators, maintaining trust, maintaining credibility is is is really one thing we take seriously. as a central bank all you have to be able to anchor inflation expectations for example it's about preserving your credibility >> your trust >> and then on the part of the market participants this is the way you treat your customers um and then on the perspective of investors it's about your capital and how you scale we believe that these three you know players have to move all together maintaining trust, preserving credibility and one thing we've also found useful in Ghana is to have regular consultations among these three players. So for the first time last month, we decided to invite the CEOs of all fintexs that are operating in the country to invite them to one breakfast, you know, session. And so we met that morning and for about an hour and a half it was exciting. We listened to each other. They heard us and we heard them and together we agreed on how to go and where to go. And then we agreed that next time the banks also have to be involved because they are equal players. We agreed that the the national switch operator also has to be involved.
>> So that is their approach in a consultative way. We believe we can move together. We can balance the risks, you know, between innovation and stability and move in an efficient way. And that that's one approach we we will suggest.
>> So, Governor, I think it's quite clear that we need all hands on deck.
>> That's true.
>> To make this possible.
If we have to zero this specifically to African markets, um we know Africa is often described as having the opportunity to leaprog traditional financial infrastructure and help shape the future of uh modern finance. Now, what do you believe must happen over the next decade for us to fully harness transformation while ensuring and maintaining resilience, inclusion, and maintaining monetary stability?
So a a a number of things um the fact remains that we should continue to build the digital public infrastructure um that it's open that is interoperable and that is competition enhancing and that is essential >> we on financial inclusion we have to move along uh to promote financial inclusion but not just in terms of access in all the dimensions that matters.
to give you some data in Ghana >> we still have some regions where you have barely three or four bank branches you know I don't want to name the regions just about four bank branches in the entire region >> now in terms of financial inclusion what they can can they do they can only do so much >> and so again that's why we are embracing technology >> because through innovation we can reach out to all those people in that region uh notwithstanding the few number of you know branches that they have. So financial inclusion is one we must embrace financial inclusion. Then the next is resilience.
Resilience in terms of the architecture that we are putting in place. We mentioned that we need to balance innovation versus financial stability.
It is exciting we are putting the architecture in place but don't forget the resilience is also key.
>> Sure >> issues about cyber security are so important. So in Ghana currently we are moving ahead with what we call the fix >> because not only is it okay for one system to be secured, it makes sense for us all to be secured. And so we are able to observe the exposure that industry is facing and in a timely manner we are able to act proactively uh to address some of the risks that we face. Then we must also invest in our own analytical and supervisory capacity, training, learning, peer learning that has to be emphasized and above all um as central banks as they say our functions continue to be the same. Innovation yes but our emphasis on the objective of the central bank remains the same. the need to promote financial stability, need to promote you know price stability that remains paramount and for that to happen you must be able to anchor inflation expectations. Macroeconomic stability is indispensable.
>> So it's a balance of several balls that you have to keep you know moving on but I believe that central banks in Africa as I said are moving in the right direction. We are working together. We met at the threeI summit. Currently, we still have a number of central banks right here.
>> Yeah, >> we have our own meeting later this afternoon among ourselves.
>> We'll be discussing some of these new approaches and and and then learn from each other.
>> We believe that this is the way to go.
We can leapfrog. We can support the trade integration agenda. We can enhance the payment system rails. That way we will catch up you know with the market and we'll move along together.
>> Thank you very much. Please put your hands together for our governor.
>> Very very insightful points um he makes this morning and one thing is crystal clear crystal clear the fact that there is a clear approach on how to tackle the concerns we're discussing this morning.
And I'm excited that we're not doing this alone. He's doing this together with your good sales market participants and of course other central banks in the region. So governor, I would want to ask as I bring this conversation to an end.
>> So where does institutions like ACI and market practitioners come in in supporting you on this journey?
>> So financial markets play a key part you know in you know attaining our mandate.
uh the markets are the medium through which our monetary policy works and so financial market de development is directly linked to the success of our programs and for me because innovation is playing a role in terms of what financial markets are doing. It is really really important in terms of what ACI and other related groups are doing and that is why we are happy to be supporting the program right here in Ghana. We'll encourage you to move on together. We'll encourage you to join hands with some of the subreional efforts at the central bank level at the private sector level. it it works together you know and we need to move together within the framework of innovation but at the same time promoting financial stability so we are happy to be associated with this program we look forward to the next one next year we are engaged let's continue to learn together let's promote this PL environment thank you >> thank you very much governor says he looks forward to this next year. Roy Ruy, it means that the World Congress is like to come back to Ara next year.
So, Dr. Go, Governor, as we bring the conversation to an end on on a lighter note, you give very insightful views on these issues and I know it's been a very hectic week for you um MPC and now you're here over the past 3 weeks. You had IMF issues to deal with. You had three very busy. So how do you drift away from the realities of economics and markets? I saw you do an Abbaja display yesterday.
>> Oh yes.
>> So what do you do? How >> next time it should be Bob maybe.
>> So how how do you switch away from some of these economic realities when you get home? How do you just unwind?
>> So as part of the tri event, I'm sure some people saw it.
>> I was I was forced to go and play golf.
Uh, and then when I took my first shot, it landed right in front of me.
>> Please put your hands together for the best offer in the world.
>> Right. So, Governor, we would want to thank you very much for sharing your perspective with us this morning.
Today's discussion has highlighted not only the scale of transformation taking place across global financial systems but also the importance of ensuring that innovation remains anchored in trust, sound governance and financial stability. For Africa, it is clear that the opportunity is significant not just for us to simply participate in the future of global finance but to increasingly help to shape it. On behalf of ACI Ghana, ACI Africa, and the broader ACI global community, we sincerely appreciate your leadership, Governor, your insights, and your continued support for the development of Africa's financial markets. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me in appreciating the governor of the Bank of Ghana, >> Dr. Johnson.
Thank you.
>> Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you. Thank you, sir. We'll take a photograph.
>> Okay.
What's the middle? Okay.
>> Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Everybody.
>> Thank you, Mr. Governor. Thank you, Lawrence.
People of light, >> please put your hands together once again for the governor of the bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit.
Want to use this opportunity to acknowledge our partners and sponsors for this program. As mentioned earlier on, we are held by the kind of the bank of Ghana who are the host partner for this program. We've seen the governor here, the first deputy governor here and many members of the bank of Ghana team.
We appreciate you. Thanks for your support. Thanks for your encouragement.
Please, let's hear it for Bank of Ghana.
Put your hands together for them. Once again, we also want to acknowledge our gold sponsors. We have among them Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited, Plurido, Mashrek, Stanbeck Bank Ghana Limited, and GCB Bank plc. Please let's hear it for our gold sponsors.
Our silver sponsors include LSG and Bloomberg who are technology supporters for the financial markets. Please put your hands together for these as well.
And for bronze we have SG Association General Ghana, SGX, Continental Capital Market, CWG Surya, 360t GTCO and Loris Africa. Let's hear it for our bronze sponsors as well. Our partners for this program include the Ghana International Bank, GIB, Font Clare, the UAE, FMA, Absa Bankang, Ghana Limited, NIBPLC, ACI UK, Integral, Credstone, the Ghana Stock Exchange, the Ghana Tourism Development Company. About them, GTDC promoting tourism even in conferences like this. I understand they have a special package for our international guest. On Saturday morning, you are getting an exclusive tour of the city of Acra and we will send you more information about that. Please put your hands together for the Ghana Tourism Development Company, something we should look forward to. Our partners also include Templars include Thinkup, CBG, Consolidated Bank Ghana, six degrees who are the power behind the performance you see over here. We have the National Banking College, Sapon Capital, Savvy Securities and Credential Bank Limited.
Please let's hear it for our partners.
Put your hands together for them.
Okay. All right. So ladies and gentlemen, there's also further information I need to share for our some of our corporate partners are having a corporate exhibition on the main lobby floor. The hall is called capital.
During our cafe breaks and lunch break, we urge you to kindly pass through that hall and experience whatever it is that they have to offer. In the spirit of Africanness as well, we have the African market that's directly outside in this area. Please do well to pass by as well.
Get your African necklace, your bracelet, a nice abbada like mine. Am I not looking beautiful? Yes, you can look that can be your testimony too. Please go there and experience the beauty of our African market. Ladies and gentlemen, at this moment we want to take a special message, a welcome and um a goodwill message from the deputy minister of finance by the person of honorable Thomas Nyako Aen EP. Please put your hands together as he comes forward to deliver his message.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
I bring you greetings from the finance minister for the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Casil at Forson who was fed to deliver this uh statement and to say that when I walked in in suit the NC's decided to make my life so uncomfortable.
It made me feel so bad that I had to rush to go and look for a smok to wear.
And also especially when I heard that our friends from Zambia are here, I thought I should also appear in one.
It is an honor to welcome you all to ACRA for the 2026 ACI FM World Congress.
Ghana is deeply privileged to host this important congress of global financial market leaders, policy makers, regulators, investors and innovators at a time when the world economies undergoing profound transformation.
We meet at a defining moment in the history of global finance.
Across the world, markets are being reshaped in real time by geopolitical fragmentations, technological disruption, artificial intelligence, climate transition pressures, sovereign debt vulnerabilities, and shifting global capital flows. Yet amid this uncertainty, one truth remains constant and that is strong economies are built on strong institutions and strong financial markets are built on confidence.
That is confidence in policy direction, confidence in fiscal discipline, confidence in institutions and confidence in the future. It is therefore both timely and significant that the global financial community has gathered here in Acra under the theme elevating markets, empowering people because ultimately financial markets must do more than move capital. They must expand opportunity. They must finance innovation. They must support enterprise. And they must improve the lives of people. This congress is taking place at a period when the global economy continues to navigate considerable uncertainty.
Climate risk, geopolitical tensions, elevated borrowing costs, and tighter global financial conditions continue to test the resilience of markets and institutions worldwide.
For emerging and developing economies, the challenge is even more profound. How do we build resilient economies while sustaining growth, attracting investment, and protecting livelihoods?
This is why confidence matters. Over the last 17 months, Ghana has undertaken one of the most significant macroeconomic adjustment and recovery programs in its recent history. Supported by the IMF and anchored on difficult but necessary reforms, government has focused on restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding investor confidence, strengthening public finances, and protecting the foundations of long-term growth. These reforms were to stabilize the economy, restore credibility, strengthen market confidence, and reposition Ghana within an increasingly competitive global economic environment.
Today, we can all attest to the results.
Macroeconomic stability has been restored. Investor sentiments has actually strengthened.
Importantly, sovereign risks perceptions have improved as well.
Recent assessments by international rating agencies confirm this. These developments matter greatly because the relationship between fiscal stability, sovereign credibility, and financial sector resilience is direct and undeniable.
When sovereign fundamentals weaken, financial systems come under pressure, borrowing costs rise, liquidity conditions tighten, investor confidence weakens, and banks face higher risk exposure and reduced access to affordable financing. When fiscal discipline is restored and policy credibility is strengthened, however, confidence returns to markets. Capital flow increases, financial institutions become more resilient, lending conditions improve, and the private sector gains greater room to invest, innovate and grow.
This is why macroeconomic stability matters. It is the foundation upon which resilient, competitive and inclusive financial markets are built. Ghana's successful completion of its IMF supported ECF program marks an important turning point in this journey. Our transition into a non- financing technical assistance, policy cognition instrument with the IMF reflects government's continued commitment to responsible macroeconomic management and structural reforms.
This transition ts sends a powerful signal to domestic and international markets that Ghana is moving from a phase of economic stabilization towards a phase focused on sustaining growth, strengthening institutions and accelerating transformation.
As we consolidate these gains, government is equally focused on repositioning Ghana for the future through our bold and transformational new economy agenda. This agenda is about fundamentally re-engineering the structure of the Ghanaian economy for the future.
moving from extraction to value addition, from informality to productivity, from vulnerability to resilience, from dependence to competitiveness.
We want Ghanaian businesses to compete globally. We want African capital to finance African transformation, and we want our financial markets to become engines of innovation, enterprise, and long-term prosperity. We seek to build a Ghanian and African economy where young people create technology, where young people create technology companies instead of only searching for jobs, where local industries compete globally, where agriculture becomes commercially integrated and export oriented, where digital finance reaches every community. and where financial markets become engines for national transformation rather than merely channels for liquidity management.
But let me emphasize this clearly. None of these transformations can happen without strong and sophisticated financial markets.
I can see signals that our revered vice president is about to enter.
But let me emphasize this clearly. None of these transformations can happen without strong and sophisticated financial markets. The transformation journey will require patient capital. It will require innovative financial structures. It will require deeper and more integrated bond markets. It will require blended finance solutions. It will require venture capital and private equity. It will also require sustainable finance instruments. Africa today stands at the center of an important transformation in global finance. By 2050, one in every four people in the world will be African. The continent possesses the world's youngest population, rapidly expanding digital ecosystems, rising urbanization, and enormous untapped investment potential.
Yet, Africa still receives a disproportionately small share of global capital flows.
This must change. Africa must no longer be viewed merely as a destination for aid, but as a destination for investment. According to the African Development Bank, the continent faces an annual infrastructure financing gap estimated at between 68 billion and 108 billion United States dollars. This challenge cannot be solved by governments alone. It requires deep, credible, and innovative financial markets capable of mobilizing long-term capital at scale.
The question is no longer whether Africa has potential. The real question is whether our financial systems are sufficiently prepared to finance Africa's transformation at the scale and speed required. Do we have markets deep enough to mobilize long-term capital?
Are our institutions strong and credible enough to sustain investor confidence?
Can our policy and regulatory frameworks encourage innovation while preserving stability? And are we prepared to convert African savings into productive investments capable of driving lasting prosperity across the continent? These are the defining questions that will shape Africa's economic future and Ghana intends to be part of that answer. The future of global finance will not be shaped only in traditional financial centers. Increasingly, it will also be shaped in places like Acra, Kegali, Lagos, Lusaka, Nairobi and across a rising and increasingly connected Africa. The future of global finance will belong to economies that are stable, innovative, resilient, and forwardlooking.
Ghana is determined to be one of those economies.
This Congress should serve as a platform for building the partnership, innovations, and financial architecture that will define the next era of growth, resilience, and shared prosperity for Africa and the world. And as Ghana hosts the world here in Acra today, we do so with confidence. We do so with optimism and a firm belief that the strongest chapters of Africa's economic history still lie ahead. The present moment demands ambition, confidence, and decisive action. This is not a time for hesitation. It is a time for bold reforms that strengthen confidence in our economies and deepen trust in our institutions. It is time to mobilize capital towards transformation, infrastructure, technology, industrialization, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth. And ultimately, it is a time for Africa to rise through strong, resilient, and forward-looking financial markets that can finance the continent's aspirations and secure its place within the future of the global economy. Thank you.
Thank you.
Put your hands together.
Testing. Testing.
>> Ladies and gentlemen, shall we rise to receive the vice president of the Republic of Ghana, her excellency Nana Jane Ooku Ajiman. Prof. Can you check if it's on? Is it green?
Please shall we resume our seats for a bit? We'll take a musical break and then we'll shine.
>> Come come come come.
In fact, let's come.
I RIGHT now we feel all right. Dance left, dance right people coming side by side. Africa we full of life. Hands up to the sky.
>> Step one.
Step two.
Everybody got Africa right step of life.
>> Welcome to the Ghana V. Everybody feel all right. From New York down to Dubai.
Now we dancing side by side. People coming from around. Different voices, different sounds. One big family worldwide. Ara shining with bright. It's no mira.
Heat.
Heat.
Finance people everywhere. Big ideas in the air. Markets moving everywhere. Now we dancing without care. South Africa did it first. Now it's going to come to burst. From the bridges to the streets.
Feel the rhythm to the heat. Everybody move your feet. You going to love somebody turn around one final.
I got you right now.
I got you. EVERYBODY I no I to the world right now you right feel all right dance left dance right people coming side by side Africa we full of life hands up to the sky Step one, step two.
Everybody got Africa worldwide.
Step one, step two. I got city full of life.
Worldwide.
>> Welcome to the Ghana. Everybody feel all right. From New York down to Dubai. Now we dancing side by side. People coming from around different voices, different sounds. One big family worldwide shining bright. This will be regular global leaders in the dance going to host the world and the energy.
One really, ONE PEOPLE, ONE AFRICA, ONE, ONE, one people, one Africa, one right now. Right, we feel right. Dance left, dance right side by side. We going full of life.
Hands up to the sky.
Finance people everywhere. Big ideas feeling the air. Markets moving everywhere. Now we dancing without care.
South Africa did it first. Now it's going to turn to burst. From the beaches to the streets. Feel the rhythm, feel the heat. Everybody move your feet. Feel the kind of energy. When the love come to play, nobody go down one place.
Left foot, right foot.
Turn around now.
No, no, no, no, no. I CRY TO THE WORLD right now. You right, you feel right.
Dance left, dance right.
People coming side by side. Africa is full of life. Hands up to the sky.
Step one, step two.
Everybody got Africa worldwide.
Step one, step two. A city full of life.
>> Welcome to the Ghana vibe. Everybody feel all right. From New York down to Dubai. Now we dancing side by side.
People coming from around. Different voices, different sounds. One big family worldwide. Ara shining with bright. This will be regular conference. Global leaders in the dance. First I'm going to host the world. Let the energy explode.
One really, ONE PEOPLE, ONE AFRICA, ONE, ONE, one people, one Africa, ONE right now. You turn right.
Dance left, dance right side. Africa we full of life. Hands up to the sky.
One, two. One, two. One, two. One, two.
One, two. One, two. One, two. One, two.
One, two.
Ladies and gentlemen, shall we rise as we receive the vice president of the Republic of Ghana?
We'll take the Ghana National Anthem.
Oh, heat, HEAT.
HEAT. HEAT.
HEAT. HEAT.
Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen. You may resume your seats.
>> Your excellency the vice president of the republic of Ghana. It's a pleasure to have you in our midst for the ACI World Congress happening right here in Acra, Ghana. We understand you took time out of other engagements to be here with us and we are grateful to you. We also recognize that you are representing in your beautiful African outfit and we appreciate you. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for the vice president of the Republic of Ghana.
We will take a few videos to tell us about the ACI World Congress and what happened yesterday. Thank you.
>> On 22nd of May 2026 at Campensky Hotel, join us as we explore new horizons, foster global partnerships, and drive the future of the global financial markets. Save the date, save your seat.
Final registrations are ongoing on the website www.cra2026.com.
See you there.
Ara to the world.
SI 2026 Financial Market Association Africa. We no no.
I CRY TO THE WORLD right now. You drive right, you feel all right. Dance left, dance right.
People coming side by side. Africa, we full of life. Hands up to the sky.
>> Step one, step two, everybody.
Africa, worldwide.
Step one, slide. Step two. A city full of light world.
>> Welcome to the Ghana vibe. Everybody feel all right. From New York down to Dubai. Now we dancing side by side.
People coming from around. Different voices, different sounds. One big family worldwide. Ara shining with bright. This no regular conference. Global leaders in the dance. First time going to host the world. Let the energy explode.
>> The ACI World Congress is happening right here in the heart of Ghana Cra on the 21st and 22nd of May 2026 at Campensky Hotel. Join us as we explore new horizons, foster global partnerships, and drive the future of the global financial markets. Save the date, save your seat. Final registrations are ongoing on the website www.cra2026.com.
>> Put your hands together, ladies and gentlemen.
>> Super.
>> That was amazing. Go ahead. The ACI Financial Markets Association is an association of various financial markets professionals all over the world. This year we've had the privilege of bringing all these people to the beautiful city of Ara for the World Congress. There's one very important thing that the ACI worldwide is looking to do and it's in the promotion of women in financial markets. So you can tell us more about that.
>> Absolutely madame vice president. Um it's actually very interesting to know that you know as part of the many accolades and hats you've worn you've also served um in different capacities holding the position of vice chancellor in Ghana you know and also the past immediate president of the forum for African women education list and chairperson of the Africa board. It may be of interest to you that you know the ACI financial markets association is very big on promoting inclusion and diversity as well as promoting the agenda to support women in glo in global markets as well as you know growing and supporting the next generation of leaders.
>> Super. Please put your hands together for ACI as we continue to promote diversity and inclusion.
On that note, ladies and gentlemen, it gives me joy to call upon for the special keynote the from the special guest of Anna for this occasion, the vice president of the Republic of Ghana.
She's going to be delivering a message from the presidency to the financial markets. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise to your feet as we receive the vice president of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Nana Jane Oppoku Aiman.
Thank you very much. Please take your seats.
Honorable Ministers of State and other government officials, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, the president and leadership of the ACI Financial Markets Association and leadership of the ACA, the ACA Ghana and other national associations, central bank governors and regulators, distinguished delegates, name Are they here? Okay, just consider yourself n and ask the person sitting by you if it's a Ghanaian what it means.
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
Excuse us for coming in late and thanks for the excuse you've given already. And I also want to thank the lady for expressing interest in inclusion and with emphasis on women that is very very important.
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to ARA on behalf of his excellency the president of the republic John Rammani Mahama.
For decades, ACI has helped promote professionalism, market conduct, education, and ethical standards in wholesale financial markets.
It is therefore worth noting that Ghana is the first subsaharan African country after South Africa 17 years ago to host this world congress.
This reflects the glowing importance of African financial markets and their expanding role in global market development.
The theme for this congress reminds us that markets exist to serve people, mobilize capital, support enterprise, price risk, allocate resources and create opportunity to elevate markets. Therefore, we must empower the people who build, regulate, participating in depend on them. Ladies and gentlemen, the world is still adjusting to the aftershocks of inflation, higher interest rates, sovereign debt pressures, geopolitical tensions, climate risk, supply chain shifts, rapid technological dis disruption. The list is endless for emerging and frontier markets. These changes affect exchange rates, fiscal planning, trade finance, portfolio flows, debt sustainability and the cost of capital.
They shape businesses investment capacities, government planning and the ability of households to live with dignity.
We cannot build strong economies on weak markets.
Resilient markets cannot be built without trust and trust cannot exist without competence, ethics and robust institutions.
Ladies and gentlemen, we often speak of capital markets in terms of instruments, yields, liquidity and infrastructure. Of course, these are important.
But behind every trade, every trade policy decision and market innovation are people making judgments.
That is why we need professionals who understand their products and their purpose, manage risk with integrity, interpret data with discernment, and uphold conduct as the basis of the market's credibility.
We also need regulations and regulators, institutions and professional bodies to prepare people for the complexity and pace of modern markets.
Our continent has a young population.
We have expanding cities, growing digital adoption and high entrepreneurial energy.
If we invest in young people's skills, they will participate in these markets and even go beyond to contribute to designing them.
But we must be deliberate and build trust through fair and consistent standards and institutions that remain relevant under pressure.
This market this matters even more now that financial systems are becoming faster, more digital and increasingly automated.
Discussions of market today must take artificial intelligence into account.
AI is reshaping how information is processed, risk is modeled, fraud is detected and decisions are made.
These creates new possibilities.
It can improve speed, reduce cost, expand access, and help institutions identify previously unnoticed patterns.
But innovation also raises difficult questions about accountability and how human responsibility is preserved in increasingly automated systems.
For countries like Ghana, the challenge is to build digital capacity while also building digital trust.
We must invest in data governance, cyber resilience, local skills, regulatory capacity and ethical frameworks.
We must also ensure that smaller institutions and emerging markets are not left behind.
Ghana holds this Congress at a time when our own financial markets are evolving.
We recognize the need to deepen domestic capital markets, strengthen the foreign exchange markets, improve market transparency, support long-term investment, and build markets that meet the needs of both users and investors across the continent. as well. We are working to improve payment systems, strengthen regulatory cooperation, expand local currency financing, develop yield curves, deepen pension and insurance assets, and connect our markets more effectively.
The African continental free trade area reminds us that the future of African prosperity will not be built on fragmented markets.
This is why the work of the ACI and its national associations is important to help create a professional community across borders, turn market conduct into shared practice and ensure that finance is ethical.
And so as we deliberate over the coming days, I want to invite you respectfully to keep these three points in mind.
First, elevating markets by strengthening trust.
Innovation and competitiveness will rest on transparency and respect for the rules.
Second, empower people by investing in skills.
The next generation of market professionals must be technically capable, ethically grounded, and globally connected.
Third, using technology responsibly.
AI and digital finance must be tools for better decision making.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Ghana is honored to host you.
May this congress form new partnerships and strengthen existing ones while generating actionable ideas. I welcome you again to Ara. Enjoy our food and I wish all of you a productive congress. I want to thank you for your kind attention.
Your excellency, please you stand to take a few pictures with us. We would have the governor and deputy governor of the bank of Ghana, the deputy minister of finance and governors from other visiting countries to kindly join to the leadership of the bank, the central banks of other visiting countries to kindly join for the first picture. ACI Financial Market Association leadership, ACI Ghana leadership, please stand by to join them for the next picture.
ACI Financial Markets Association leadership and ACI Ghana leadership, please stand by for the next picture.
Kindly join them now. ACI Financial Markets Association leadership and ACI Ghana leadership. Kindly join them for the next Okay, we shall remain standing for the national anthem.
Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat.
Please remain standing while the vice president resumes her position.
So the vice president will take leave of us now. Please put your hands together.
Thank you very much your excellency for your presence and your time and the great words of insight shared at the ACI World Congress held in Acra, Ghana.
Ladies and gentlemen, you could kindly resume your seat. Kindly stay seated.
M.
Thank you.
We're reminded that this world congress is brought brought to us by the kind ky of fidelity bank mashek gcb bank plc and pluridio who are our gold sponsors. We are backed by the kind partnership of our host partner the bank of Ghana. We shall take a musical break after which we'll take the next panel discussion.
Thank you.
to the world.
SI 2026 Financial Market Association Africa we NO right now. You right, you feel all right. Dance left, dance right people coming side by side. Africa we full of life. Hands up to the sky.
Step one, step two.
Everybody got Africa worldwide.
Step one, step two. Across people of light worldide. Welcome to the Ghana vibe.
Everybody feel all right. From New York down to Dubai. Now we dancing side by side. People coming from around.
Different voices, different sounds. One big family worldwide. I got shiny with bright. This will be regular conference.
Global leaders in the dance. First time the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, we continue with the flow of the program.
May you please be seated. Thank you.
So now we're moving on to our first panel discussion for the day which is the central bank round table focusing on globally interoperable regulation of fiatbacked stable coins policy priorities for central banks. to moderate this panel.
Please give me a minute.
To moderate this panel, I will call to the stage and please give a round of applause as our panelists take the stage. Ethel Coffee, chief executive officer of Edo Technology Consulting to be joined by Gington Mira, deputy director of financial markets of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Mr. Isaac Mua, chief operations officer of the Central Bank of Zambia. Mr. Dr. Jimmy Apa, director of financial markets of the Bank of Uganda and Dr. Yamongu Cayand Dabila, Deputy Governor, Economic and Financial Policies of the Bank of Tanzania. May we please give them a round of applause just as they take center stage.
Thank you very much. Hello, >> madam moderator, over to you.
>> Hello.
Good morning everyone.
Um, we're actually really excited about this discussion because we it's after both the the vice president, the governor and the deputy minister's um conversation and that actually aligns with a lot of the what we were thinking.
So we're looking at today our discussion is around in interoperable it's a mouthful interoperable uh fiat-based stable coins across Africa and we understand that ACI is very much I apologize I would need to introduce myself properly my name is Ethel Kofi I am CEO of Adult Technology Consulting and we have four central banks here with us. Um we have uh Mr. Gallenton Mira, deputy director of the financial markets Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
We have uh Mr. Jimmy Apa, director of financial markets, Bank of Uganda.
We have Dr. Yamongu Cayan Dabila. I've been trying all day to get it right. I hope I tried. you'll get it.
>> Um, and then we have uh Mr. Isaac Muhanga, chief operations officer of the Bank of Zambia. And we're just trying to this conversation is trying to look at well, how do we regulate how do we what are the global interoperable conversations that we're trying to have here around fiatbased stable coins?
But for us the deeper question I think when we this morning we had breakfast we had a conversation is is how African central banks can help shape interoperable stable bank bank regulation in a way that reflects Africa's monetary realities. Our monetary realities are we have a bit of a fragmented crossborders system. We have mobile money wallets. We have we are very different sets of circumstances as opposed to you know countries in in in you know outside of the uh continent.
One of the most interesting parts this morning while while we were discussing was uh from uh Mr. Jimmy who who said to us that if you take away the fact that there's a blockchain component um if a fiat based stable coin is h is backed by a local currency it is essentially mobile money it is just sitting on a different set of rails and that I think is will shape our conversation that maybe we started it first they just added blockchain to it uh we've been doing this for a while now. So, we're going to start we're going to start our first round of questions. We're going to look at the use cases that affect Africa that are strongest for use in Africa. Right. Um in reality, our markets are dealing with a very distinct pain points. Uh we have broken crossber settlement rails. We have dollar liquidity issues. We have high remittance cost.
Before we regulate, we must accurately diagnose the problem we are actually trying to solve. So starting for from Mr. Mar um the question is if you had to choose one, what is the single most urgent credible use case for fiatbased fiatbacked stable coins in Africa today?
And are stable coins generally the superior tool to answer those or are we just finding workarounds for the for bad rail railing systems that we have? Mr. Mari would like to start with you.
>> Hey, thank you so much. Thank you so much. uh Ethel I I think um when you look at um the most credible um case in terms of um the feed based instruments you're looking at um the crossber and the trade which is very critical >> because um they have to be operating on a crossber basis it's very critical in this particular case.
>> Yeah. Uh maybe let's let me do a followup.
What specific use case do you think that uh central banks must suppress?
I I think um when you look at the worst case scenario in terms of um suppressing it, you just need to ensure that uh you you see you identify uh the issues related to risk. That's very important. M no like the uh the central bank governor said he said regulate the risk and not the technology right that that and then that's a very very very strong point Mr. Apa, what is Uganda's perspective on this?
What is your perspective on this?
>> Uh, thank you very much. Uh, I like the fact that you you acknowledge that um um if if we are talking about fiatbacked >> stable >> stable coins, >> then you probably have to look at what type of uh fiat are you looking at? Is it the domestic currency? Mhm.
>> Um or USD euro back uh stable coins. So then it's if if it's if it's backed by domestic currency then um then this collapses to to mobile money.
>> Yeah. Uh and so mobile money is widely used for retail settlements, retail payments, uh crossber transfers, um domestic transfers >> and and and that is the the only difference with the with stable coin is that mobile money is not the block is on is not on the blockchain technology.
Um uh and and if you have to if it is backed by the US dollar or euro uh then you need to to end because then you need to ensure that uh there is monetary sovereignity.
um you know you need monetary policy to ensure macroeconomic stability and so for it to be effective then you should guard against monetary sovereignity and then the most use case that could give rise to loss of monetary sovereignity is crossber transfers um a case where domestic residents are substitute uting domestic currency with with with the with dollars uh there you are losing monetary sovereign so sovereignty.
>> Mhm.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. So monetary sovereignty is it's a big topic when we come to virtual assets stable coins something we will be talking about. So monetary sovereignty is important. Thank you very much doctor.
What do you think it's the what what is the most credible use case if not even not for Africa just for in your region? What do you think works and what do you think doesn't work?
Thank you uh EFL and since this is my first time to to speak u I would like to join others you know previous speakers to really you know uh thank you know the ACI global for organizing this but our host Ghana you know to to host this uh congress uh I think it has been fantastic and congratulation to Um well I I I think um Governor uh Bank of Ghana I think has preempted us really I mean this discussion because and when when uh he was uh speaking here uh I think he I mean he spoke uh he gave he gave it all really uh on stable coins Uh maybe a bit of context uh myself and a we come from East Africa uh where uh you know it's a crowd of mobile money. Yeah. So if I want to send money to Campara in Tanzania while in Tanzania I can do that using empa money you know to pesa you name it. So uh but again uh you can use of course banks uh but in East Africa we have our central bank you know payment system it's called east African payment system you know within the east African countries but uh Tanzania belongs also to SADC we have sadc RTGS we can also still do you know all those crossber uh payment system. But uh we have now uh back home at the Bank of Tanzania, we are now into a second generation. If I put I put that way. uh we have introduced you know fast you know uh payment uh you know platform uh called uh Tanzania instant payment system which is a a national switch guaranteeing 100% in interoperability you know be it mobile you know companies banks you name all these financial providers you know to have a switch common you know to to do all these transactions. So actually we are going to the next phase which we are going to have cards you know local cards you know in Tanzania using the the tips I know some other countries of course within the region they're also doing that I know I think Rwanda they have a national switch Uganda probably they're also doing that but uh Kenya is also doing that but I we were first in the regional to do that and we have been you know sharing our experience you know uh within uh with our peers uh within the region. So um if I single out a use case for stable coin really uh I will see the cross border but it has really to in sync with you know domestic systems. Uh as the governor said this morning uh for us central bankers we care of stability. This is very important. So I think whatever we are going to do because I think we are still on a learning cave uh uh we have to synchronize the stable coins with the our monetary system. Yeah maybe I stop here at this point. Yeah.
>> Thank you Dr. Yamongu. So the for you in East Africa cross border is not necessarily the strongest use case because there is a lot of infrastructure in place right now.
>> Sure.
>> Okay. Um so where do you think and this is my follow question where do you think is the strongest use case for your specific region in but what I could do is I'll go to Mr. Moang and then I will come back to you on that because I think it's it's worth understanding that if we if we are going to not just adopt global standards we must understand critically where it works for us what our different set of circumstances are in in Africa. So let me and I'll I'll come back to you. Uh Mr. Muhanga, Zambia, where do you think your strongest use cases are for fiat based fiatbacked st uh stable coins? And where do you think you wouldn't touch it with a long pull?
>> Yeah. Um, thank you very much for that question. But before I uh answer your question, let me say two things. Um first of all uh what an excellent reception it was for some of us Ghana well done for organizing this uh workshop. I think from the airport right up to this point everything has been on spot and uh I want to say thank you to Ghana SEI for having us here. Ghana nationals for having us here. I think you deserve a round of applause from me. And then the second point um I you know uh yesterday I think the directors of ceremony told us that we should wear something. Uh I think on I'm going to speak on behalf of my colleague here. Uh it's not that we are cheeky but uh this is probably beyond uh uh you know as they say beyond uh circumstances and um we couldn't control those circumstances and so that's why we end up wearing wrong clothes to death.
Now coming to your point I think that I can tweak the question uh where we need to be honest. What is the question? what is the problem that we are trying to resolve by adopting stable coins. Okay. Um in my mind when I hear that question I always say that you know the African continent does not have a single payments problem. In fact, we have uh multiple fragmentation problems, expensive uh remittances, slow crossber settlement, uh limited access to hard currency, things like that. And I think that is there a place for stable coins in resolving these issues that I've mentioned and other things the weak interoperability between national payment systems. Um and also the dependence on correspondent banking networks outside of Africa. Can stable coins resolve these issues? Um I think one of the most credible use case for me is in um uh crossber trade and settlements particularly formemes and I thinkmemes is the kind of sector that gets troubled when it comes to the things that I have just uh listed out uh they often face high FX conversion risks you know multiple days I think we were talking about where we've come from when it came to checking I think the governor did give that uh we've done quite a lot up to this the the world has done so much up to this point but there is still some residual issues around that so uh stable coins can reduce uh frictions I think for me that the fact that it can provide near instant settlement then it can add value to global trade um but however they are not uh stable coins are automatically the right instrument in all circumstances. There are certain areas where e- money for instance like my colleague has said here where it shines and so the bringing in of stable coins into that ecosystem. Uh the question you want to ask yourself again is does it make things easier or it just brings complexity >> uh in the way people want to trade.
>> Okay. Is it uh what is it that e- money is failing to do that stable coin can come and resolve? So in an environment where culturally you are all used and you've seen so much benefits when it comes to e-oney um what value does stable coin uh bring in? So uh in short I think for me a compelling case is uh uh that uh stable coins yes adds value in instance of payments. it adds value in certain uh arrangements especially if you know that the existing infrastructure breaks down on e- money for instance can stable coin come in I think there there is some value but over and above that I think when you are trying to contextualize it to the African problems then you have to think a little bit beyond what I've said >> okay so you think that especially aroundmemes cross crossber trade and settlement that's a very important use case for fiat based uh fiat back stable coin. All right. Um Dr. Yongu, let me let me maybe add another question to your question so that you can uh answer it a little bit more. Right. So central banks are not opposed to digital innovation. Anybody who is in the space knows that. But they are fiercely protective of monetary sovereignty.
That's important. But the moment a foreign fiatbed stable coin becomes easier to hold uh and uh to store than a domestic currency. You you no longer have just innovation. You have a subtle digital dollarization of your ecosystem. So my question in in addition to the the first question is how how then do you allow as a central bank allow legitimate high-speed crossber trade innovation without >> you're welcome back from the live coverage of the ACI congress happening at the Kinsky hotel. It's now time for newsfeed on channel one TV. Tuesday.
Hello and welcome to Newsfeed on channel 1 TV. I am Inu Safur. Coming up, Majority in Parliament rejects calls for the repeal of section 208 of the Criminal Code 1960. Also coming up, Minority in Parliament vows to resist any attempt by majority to push through critical legislation under a certificate of urgency. Coming up in business, business and consumer confidence dip despite 12.6% economic growth. And later in sports, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander Arnold to miss World Cup for England. The details of our stories.
The majority in parliament has rejected calls for the repeal of section 208 of the criminal code 1960, insisting the law is needed to prevent offensive and harmful speech. The debate has grown following the prosecution of some opposition figures, including the bun regional chairman of the new patriotic party over comments alleged to be false and likely to cause fear and alarm.
Speaking at a parliamentary leadership engagement with the media, majority leader Muhammad defended the continued existence of the law. People just use their media platforms to say things.
Especially when the dominant majority in the society wants to take on a minority and they control the airwaves and the media, they will just say all sort of things. And if there's no legislation to use to stop them, it could create problems. But it's up to us as Ghanaians if we think that um we should have a system where anybody can say whatever he wants to say and we don't care if it can lead to a breach of the peace if it can unfairly damage the reputation of institutions.
If it's an individual me you you you you publish a false publication I can go and then sue. Is that okay? But when you make a false publication about parliament, it's an institution.
>> Meanwhile, the minority insists the law is being abused by the government in what it describes as a deliberate attempt to suppress free speech and silence dissenting voices.
offense. How do you keep somebody and say that oh uh I'm I'm I'm going to wait till the matter is fully determined.
Then when we get the order, the order comes in a different form. And the day that you even give for them to in the order that for them to even reappear before court is likely to be a holiday.
27th will be a holiday, 28th will be a holiday. And a certain particular court is becoming notorious which is the circuit court 9. So if we are not taking care of these things and they they go into a different element, people will not sit down and watch forever.
You should not allow this gag to go on forever. The intimidation, harassment, and it's always one-sided.
The minority in parliament has vowed to resist any attempt by the majority to push through critical legislation under a certificate of urgency as parliament resumed sitting. The house yesterday commenced the second meeting of the second session of the 9th parliament.
Addressing a media briefing, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia PJ accused the majority group of abusing its overwhelming numbers in parliament. Away from that and Acra high court has given lawyers for Bernard Entry Buyako a final deadline of May 28 2026 to produce any additional witnesses in his ongoing criminal trial over alleged illegal mining activities. Chairman Winter and his company are facing six charges over claims that they allowed Henry Okum and Michael Jedua to mine on the company's concession without prior ministerial approval while also facilitating unlicensed mining operations. The Shanti regional chairman of the new patriotic party completed his cross-examination yesterday. Presiding judge Audrey Koku Vite ruled that failure by the defense to present its witnesses by the next adjourned date would lead to the case being closed for final addresses and judgment. Away from that the public accounts committee has asked government to institutionalize the annual publication of Aras outstanding claims and financial commitments to strengthen fiscal discipline and expenditure control. The call follows the auditor general's rejection of 8.1 billion cities in questionable payment claims by ministries and agencies over missing documents and alleged falsified records.
Speaking at the close of the committee's review of the 2024 auditor general's report, chairperson Abnasari says the measure would help reduce recurring special audits.
>> We also examined the special audit report on government outstanding claims and commitments. a matter that raises serious concerns about fiscal discipline, expenditure controls and accountability within the public financial management. In this regard, the committee wishes to strongly emphasize that government must institutionalize the annual publication of all areas outstanding claims and commitments. Transparency in this area is critical. Regular disclosure will improve fiscal credibility, strengthen expenditure control, and reduce the need for recurring special audits of this nature.
The public accounts committee also tasked the finance ministry to find more coste effective ways of training public officials on the public financial management act.
We therefore wish to remind all public servants and civil servants that accountability belongs begins long before one appears before the public accounts committee. It begins at the point of decision making, documentation, procurement, certification and payment approval.
Every public officer must appreciate that public funds are sacred funds. The future of public financial management in Ghana will depend not only on laws and systems, but also on personal integrity, ethical leadership and professionalism within the civil service and public institutions. The Ministry of Finance is encouraged to find cost-effective means for training all public spending officers as well as middle level officials in the requirements of the revamped public financial management act.
Youth of Talon constituency of National Democratic Congress have petitioned the party's national chairman Johnson Acedun Katier over the death of Alaji Shyu during the 2024 elections demanding justice. According to the youth they want those responsible for the killing of the late Shyibu popularly known as Alaji to be arrested and punished. The appeal was during a town hall meeting at Nyangpala as part of Mr. Kate's thank you tour of the northern region >> also emphasize and we are not going to be ungrateful to mention that we really appreciate you as a leader.
>> We can vividly remember that our day of cry when we lost our brother. You traveled all the way from Ara to this place and mourned with us. That alone have amounts some trust we have in you. So we plan to use this opportunity as a leader who have the people at heart opportunity to distribute the letters so that you will come to our ease and also see to it that the justice is prevailed to whoever was affected on the election day.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Sedan Katy assured the youth that the security agencies are investigating the incident and other election related cases across the country, adding that those responsible would be brought to justice.
We are waiting and putting pressure for the security.
And you must remember the president himself has directed the IGP to produce an update on all the murder cases that occurred during the election.
We are going to continue to follow this matter.
>> The National Ambulance Service has dismissed claims that its emergency medical technicians are poorly trained, describing the comments as misleading and unfortunate. The response follows remarks by Professor Ajamine Bedu Kosa, chairman of the committee investigating the death of Charles Emma during an interview on Channel One TV's Point of View program. The service says such comments could undermine public confidence in the institution. In a statement signed by deputy director of public relations Simon's Ysef Kra, the service said EMTs are professionally trained by qualified doctors, emergency physicians, paramedics, and other health care professionals. Management also noted that steps are being taken to improve training through curriculum reviews, continuous professional development programs, and plans to upgrade EMT training from certificate to diploma and degree awarding programs.
You're still watching newsfeed here on channel 1 TV. I am Inosaful. Still to come, Adakloo MP warns residents around the Adaklu mountain to stop farming on the slopes following Wednesday's mudslide. We have the details shortly.
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You're welcome back. Let's bring you some more stories. The Minister for Roads and Highways and member of Parliament for Adaklu Kwami Governs Abuja is warning residents around the Adaklu mountain to stop farming and other activities on the slopes following Wednesday's deadly mudslide at Adaklu Helper in the Balta region. The mudslide which carried heavy rocks from the 600 meter mountain buried at least five houses and nine vehicles. The MP says human activities, including deforestation and land cultivation, may have worsened the disaster. He is urging residents to protect the mountains vegetation cover to help prevent future incidents as assessments continue in the affected community.
>> We've had people talking to us about all the potentials, but uh we keep uh cropping, cutting down the trees, uh burning uh uh the bush around it. Of course, the trees and the the the bushes were holding uh holding the the the mud and the the soil. Once you remove them, the soil is is is is loose. So, I don't have the power to uh uh decree that nobody should crop around the mountain.
It is uh uh something that together with the elders we can discuss. So, that is the way forward. Uh I also want to thank the young people in the community who uh without their swift uh intervention those two uh lives would have been in in a real peril and we want to thank them.
>> Still on that story the VA regional minister James Gunnes says the area has been declared a security zone and has urged the national disaster management organization to cordon it off.
Uh the whole place now has become a security zone. You know it's a disaster scene and anybody visiting this site need to be very careful because we cannot guarantee a safety of our people.
So we need to send a message around and um as um indicated by the honorable minister. Yes. All those who goes to the mountain for farming from now need to be very careful because um we are entering into the rainy season.
The executive secretary of the national identification authority wisdom quu says the Ghana card has helped eliminate identity barriers and is now recognized for travel within the echo sub region and accepted at more than 44,000 airports worldwide. Speaking at the NIA's 20th anniversary celebration, Mr. disclosed that the authority has processed over 200 million biometric verification requests and cleared a backlog of more than 640,000 Ghana cards in 2025.
>> Ladies and gentlemen, today the NIA has registered over 19.4 millions Ghanaians age 15 years and above and issued more than 18.7 million cuts. Additionally, over 229,000 foreigners have been enrolled.
By on by insisting on free issuance at the inceptions of the national identification system project, we dismantled economic barriers and eliminated identity silos across the country.
The Ghana card we hold today is recognized for travel within Echo sub region and and is accepted at over 44,000 airports worldwide.
Through the identity verification system platform, the IVSP, the NIA has processed over 200 million biometric verification requests without a single hitch.
In other news, Ghana's high commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Ananquashi, has denied claims that Ganian authorities abandoned a man at Johannesburg's O Tambbo International Airport during a planned evacuation exercise. The response follows a viral video of a Ginian man identified as Sylvester Bachi at the airport expecting an evacuation flight, although officials say he was never directed there and evacuation plans are still being finalized. During a meeting, the high commissioner said the information appeared to have come from an unofficial community WhatsApp group and not the high commission.
So, let me reiterate that there's no um Ghana high commission never send the CH Ghana that's why you realize that the first group is supposed to be with 300 people. Not even a single person. Let's say 299 didn't go. We were the only person who went there and the impression is being created that um the plane was there but it was only one person. Okay.
Did you see any plane when you got to the airports?
>> No. Were you told that the plane that is coming for the Ghana Zari airports?
>> Nobody. Did they tell you that the plane has arrived? No.
So government of Ghana is still in the process of finalizing.
We checked the list of the first group that is supposed to go and I realize that your name is not even at the first group but I now understand the agency with which you have to go al to put you on the list the first three hands.
>> This is newsfeed on channel one TV. Up next is business with Nashi Casa.
How are you doing now?
>> I'm well Indo. How are you doing?
>> Very well. What's happening in business?
>> In business now, economic activity strengthened significantly in the first quarter of 2026 with the Bank of Ghana comes its index of economic activity recording a 12.6% 6% yearon-year growth in March 2026 compared to 2.3% in the same period last year. We have more in the May summary of economic and financial data published by the central bank.
The latest rail sector indicators released by the bank showed that the expansion was driven mainly by stronger private sector credit growth, higher consumption, increased industrial production, and improved international trade activity. However, the bank's latest confidence surveys conducted in April 2026 pointed to a moderation in consumer and business sentiment. Despite remaining relatively elevated, the consumer confidence index declined to 113.4 in April 2026 from the 117.7 in February 2026. While the business confidence index eased to 118.1 from the 110.1 over the same period. According to the central bank, the softening in sentiment reflected concerns over the domestic implications of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Now, the Ghana Revenue Authority has warned Chinese-owned businesses operating in the country to desist from issuing receipts and other business documents in the Chinese language.
According to the authority, the practice contraven the revenue administration law which requires business records and official transactional documents to be issued in English. The warning was issued by the Acra area manager Joseph Anan following a compliance exercise that uncovered some Chinese restaurants and businesses in parts of Ara allegedly engaging in selected issuance of receipts and poor recordeping.
He came down to airport residential area bayou villa they are also into it's a restaurant they are also into uh selective issuance and for them they are issuing in Chinese the receipts are in Chinese and if you look at our revenue administration act section spells it out clearly that this country is an English. The official language for this country is English. So when you are keeping records, you must keep the records in English. But when you go to session 27 of the same, it tells you that when we talk about taxpayers keeping documents, it includes receipts, invoices, vultures, sales records, and the rest.
so that when we come as revenue authority, we'll be able to appreciate and understand your records. But if we keep them in Chinese, how do we uh it becomes useless to us.
So this is a signal to our brothers and sisters who are doing business. We are not against you doing business with us.
But then please let's abide by the laws of this country.
>> And that's it for business. I am Nashika Caesar.
>> Up next is sports with Yao AJ Ma.
Good morning, Yao. How are you?
>> Good afternoon. You know, I'm doing very well. I'm doing very well.
>> Good, good, good. What's happening in sports?
>> Oh, yes. Um, the biggest um talking point in sports is all about the England national team that's heading to the World Cup and the squad announcement >> for choice. So, >> Oh, yes indeed. And so, they were bound to be tough decisions made and yeah, it happened and there's been a massive fallout from it.
>> Give us more details.
Now fulfin Kalma and Trent Alexander have not been included in Thomas Tukul's 26-man England squad for this year's World Cup. Meanwhile, Aston Villa striker Ole Watkins has been included after helping his team win the Europa League on Wednesday alongside Ali striker Ivan Tony who has scored 32 goals in 32 games in the Saudi Pro League this season. Lottenham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs White also missed out despite being the top scoring English player in the Premier League this season alongside Watkins and Dominic Calvin Leuen on 14 goals. Let's get the thoughts of England boss Thomas Tuko.
>> Fear a fear.
>> Yeah. Do you fear leaving those talents at home?
>> No, I don't fear because I am very confident in in the group that we chose and with whom we arrived with which we arrive. um very difficult decisions, painful conversations, um difficult difficult um for the players, difficult to to explain to the players. But as I said, what we're trying to achieve, we try to achieve as a as a team and um we try to to nominate a balanced squad. If everyone is selected, it was a given that from these 55 players, we have to leave some extraordinary talent, some extraordinary personalities at home to Ghana. And former Ghana Football Association President Quinanti has spearheaded a charity initiative for inmates at Sawam Medium Security Prison, donating cash, food items, and sporting equipment as part of a rehabilitation focused outreach program. My colleague Bernard Bry witnessed the donation and put together this report.
>> Former Ghana Football Association President Kosanti has led a major charity outreach program for inmates of the Insaul medium security prison as part of efforts to support rehabilitation through sport and social engagement. As part of the donations, the prison received 20,000 Ghana sodas in cash support, 100 bucks of rice, 50 packs of bottled water, 30 sets of jerseys, 29 footballs, and 49 whole set for players. Founder of the Ken Foundations, Quinanti revealed that the initiative was inspired by a friend, motivating him to begin the outreach program aimed at supporting inmates and giving back to society.
>> I have a friend inside there. He attracted me there and what I saw really inspired me to do more and I thought that those who are outside the prison should show some concern to those who are inside and as the commander said anybody can be in prison. General Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana Tony Bafo said the program is intended to give hope to inmates while promoting discipline, unity and personal reform through football and community support.
Uh we came, we gave more or less our image to to create uh visibility and uh for the inmates to have a moment or some days or a week of happiness.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Lajiman Buu also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support the initiative describing the gesture as a major boost for the inmates and the prison community.
>> And if you listen to the some of the stories, we need a little bit patience.
Most of the guys will not be here. But we have spoken to them that now that you cannot do anything. You just have to calm down, go through the sentence and when you come home change to be a better person.
And that's it for newsfeed on channel one TV. I am Inosafu. Many thanks for watching.
Heat. Heat.
Hello again and welcome to the situation room coming to you live from our studios here in Across. Situation room we talk politics and we continue our conversation with the buildup to the new patriotic party's national elections to elect new national officers who run the affairs of the party for the next four years. where we bring you individuals who have shown interest in contesting various positions within the new patriotic party the MPP but today our focus is on the national chairmanship position even though we don't have any of the aspirants in here studio with us we will have an analysis or do analysis of the four individuals who have so far shown interest in becoming the next national chairman of the new patriotic party we come back from the break I'll tell you who I'm doing the show with as usual and we'll analyze the four individuals who say they want to be the next national chairman of the biggest opposition political party in Ghana, the MPP.
From 11th June to 19th July, everything can wait. The FIFA World Cup 2026. Catch all 104 matches as little as 58 Ghana is live on Super Sport only on DSTV.
You're welcome back. You're still watching the situation room coming to you live from our studios here in Ara.
If you're just tuning in, a situation we talk politics, anything has to do with politics in this country. Today we are focusing on the new patriotic party the national chairmanship position of the party. Four individuals have declared their intent to lead the party as their next national chairman. Chairman Wumi or Bernard Inuako the current Ashanti regional chairman of the MPP has declared his intent to be the next national chairman of the MPP. Former general secretary John Buu also says he wants to be the next national general national chairman of the new patriotic party. former campaign manager in the 2020 12 campaign of the PPP and Nufo Ber Jako, former energy minister also says he wants to be the national chairman of the PPP. And finally, the former national chairman who was suspended in that position. Paul Aoko is staging a comeback and he says he also wants to be the national chairman again for the new patriotic party. Today the focus will be an analysis on these four individuals store of the MPP who say they want to um lead the party as national chairman of the new Petroic party. We'll look at their strength what they bring on board what changes they are likely to do or make within the new patriotic party and their vision plans and policies for the MPP to recapture political power in the 2028 general election. Already the party flag Dr. Muhammad Bomi at a meeting with the minority caucus in parliament says the MPP is ready to wrestle power from the NDC in the 2028 general election.
But then he will need national officers who will help him prosecute that agenda.
And a key position within the party is a national chairman. Who will be the next national chairman of the new patriotic party? Will it be Chun to me? Will it be John Buu? Will it be Polafco or Bu Jaku?
So far only these four individuals have declared their intent to lead the party.
We do not know if the numbers will go up but for now till September and when the election takes place these are the only individuals who have showed interest in leading the MPP as national chairman.
We'll go into the details but before that uh Fred will give us details on what's happening politically around the country updates on what's happening on the political scene and then we'll delve into our conversation on who becomes the next national chairman of the MPP. Fred, how are you?
>> I'm good. How are you?
>> I'm well. God is still keeping me. Uh we thank God.
>> What's the latest with um let's start with NDC. Um I know John is still embarking on his thank you talk.
>> Even though the party's deputy general secretary issued a strong warning to all persons who are interested or intend to contest the flag position that stop all forms of campaigning.
>> The national chairman is still going ahead with his thank you tour.
Um yes he for for the national chairman like he's always explained and we've always said here he believes that >> this is not a campaign for flag bearership this is a tour to touch base with the um party supporters and members across the country to say thank you to them >> for bringing them to power one year and some months after ago and also to um encourage them that they should keep faith with party and the government to so that the government performs well and this would lead them to the 2028 8 elections. He's also been telling the delegates that yes, he knows that a lot of them are unhappy with their situation. They feel they've not been um supported enough by the party. They feel they've not been given the kind of help that they were thinking they would get when the party wins power. He's been encouraging them to um still hold on and and and and and and keep supporting the president as um he governs the country has been in the northern region. He's been to a lot of the constituencies in the northern region as we speak. He's still in the northern region. We are told that he's going to conclude this tour by the close of the week and he'll be back to Ara where then the party national executives will meet. Um we are told that the party uh is also planning a crunch national executive meeting to be able to deal with some of the issues the general secretary raised last week from the MPP. You mentioned about the issue of the flag of the MPP who met members of his minority of his party's parliamentary caucus. Whilst he was doing that um there was an also issue of one of their members who is a national who's an original chairman for Bonoqame Bafu aka Abra >> he was also in the news his issues are more legal but then because of the political nature of who he is you cannot take away that politics out of it. Um he was remanded into BNI custody last week um because of certain comments he made.
He was put before the courts charged with um certain criminal offenses and um the judge the circuit court judge decided to remand him in BNI custody for two weeks.
>> Two weeks in uh which would have ended on the 27th of May next week. But the party and this minority leader have were very unhappy about this decision. For them they think that is a political witch hunt. It's they think that it's a way of ensuring that people do not speak freely. They think that is a way of gagging members of the minority and members of the opposition from speaking their mind and criticizing the government of John Ramani Mahama. So they disagreed with the decision of the court. The court's decision per the ruling of the judge was that he was remanding Abon into BNI custody mainly because >> they did not want him to go and commit the same offense of which he has been brought to court.
>> Don't forget that Abra was being investigated by the C a while ago over certain comments he made. Yeah.
Afterwards he made these comments another he went to make some similar comments and was sent to the circuit court and this is what where he landed him in BNI custody. Following that the minority leader came out strongly against the decision attacked the decision by the judge and even questioned the credibility of the judge.
But as we speak today, the high court has granted Abbron bill. Um he's been granted bill of 100,000 CDs. We are hoping to see whether he'll be able to meet um these bill this bill conditions 100,000 CDs with two charities. We are hoping when they went to court today, the AG did not oppose the bill application. Okay. So as we speak now, he's been granted bill. Um from what we hear by close of day he will be released and still on the political scene whilst Abra is dealing with his court issues there's another gentleman who is also dealing with a court issue that is one of the national chairman aspirants >> chairman to me >> Bernard Bernardo who is also dealing with issues with a mines and um having been involved in illegal mining Yeah. And then the latest one being the the is it the exim bank loan?
>> Yes. He also has been charged with um a number of counts on the ex bank issue, >> stealing and all those things on the exm bank issues. But whilst this is going on, he's mounting the witness box to be cross-examined by the state over the issue of um the a mining involved in illegal mining. That issue is ongoing.
Whilst that issue is ongoing, the campaign is heated.
>> He's been going around the country engaging from Tescon members to the various constituencies and regions telling them why he should be national chairman.
It's interesting to note like you mentioned chairman to me a current Ashante regional chairman is coming up against a former national chairman of the party. is coming up against a former general secretary of the party and he's coming up against a former energy minister when the party was in government in its first term. So the MP race >> is becoming much more interesting and Sami you have been following this race um closely very closely. Let's start with Bernard and who is he and why does he want to be national chairman of the NP >> well Bernard and you say is the current Ashanti regional chairman of the new patriotic party. He was formerly constituency chairman for the bosom constituency in the Ashanti region. He served as two-term um constituency chairman and then he just woke up one day and says he wants to be the regional chairman of the MPP in the Ashanti region where the many people will consider or it is the world bank of the new Petroic party which is the MPP and he's done that on three different occasions. He's currently in his third term as regional chairman of the new Petroic party in the Ashanti region. In the last contest he was nearly defeated by a gentleman by name Koka. Uh but then due to um some few or I say um issues that happened he was able to you know win um that chairmanship slot within the Ashanti region. It was fairly contested.
He he himself admitted that it's been the the the difficult battle he's ever fought in the Ashanti region as he you know pushes to become the regional chairman for the third time in the Ashanti region. A lot of book makers are taking him as the favorite to win the national chairman position.
>> They give a number of reasons. Number one, they say that the MPP as a political party now needs a leader to back Dr. Bomia to wrestle power from the MP NDC. They don't need a tiewearing national chairman. They need someone who is on the ground who knows you know really the situation on the ground and someone from him coming from the Ashanti region where the numbers are in terms of the MPP >> the World Bank >> the World Bank you need someone like him from that side to rally support of MP members in that region to come out and vote in 2028. They are basing that on the fact that what happened in 2024 where quite a large number of MP supporters did not come out to vote including the Ashanti regime. They believe that getting someone from the Ashanti region as national chairman will play to the advantage of the MP because it is his home region he will whip up support of every card member or every registered voter in the region to come out and come and vote. So one is an added advantage to the MPP in Ashanti region. Number two, they believe that he's a grassroot man. Some time back, he was a dean of regional chairman of the PPP in the leadup to the 2020 2016 election. Wimi was the dean of regional chairman of the MPP and he was almost in every region to campaign for the party.
And so he touched base with almost every party member in all regions across the country. He had footprints there. He supported some of these constituencies and some of these regions with resources. He's a very resourceful person >> and so he touch base there.
>> He knows number of people there. He has relationships you know on the grounds and people know him there. So they believe that if if not the Ashanti region alone across the region he touches big with almost everyone. People know him. The name W to me is a grassroot name and so he coming in as national chairman will help the MP. The third argument >> let's stay let's stay on the second one.
You've talked about he being the dean of the chairman, regional chairman. The question is how popular is he >> within the party?
>> How popular? Because you talked about the Ashanti region and the last election.
>> The fact that he had to struggle or fight so hard to be able to win this election. How popular is he within the MPP outside Ashanti region?
>> Within the MPP, he's very popular. I'm saying so because of the number of reports I've I've seen and what I've heard people say outside the Ashanti region. In fact, we shouldn't discount his influence in the Ashanti register.
He still he still remains a popular figure in the MP. It's just that a lot of people say that you know he's been there for a long while. So he should leave for someone else to come. People feel that his leadership style in the Ashanti region over the period which is about 12 years is enough. let's get new new ideas, fresh individuals, fresh 14 to come in to help the fortunes of the MP in the Ashanti region and they believe that some of his actions and his actions in the last election which is 2024 which did not amount well for the MPP that is why they feel that you know um he's losing some value and some popularity within the Ashanti region and he admits that he feels he's done enough for the PPP in the Ashanti region he's contributed his kota he has built the PPP in the region and the party has become a very formidable able force in the Ashanti. So it's now time for him to move a step further because he came as a constituency chairman became a regional chairman. Now the bigger picture is becoming a national chairman of the NP and so he's leaving that scene. So within the Ashanti region he still commands a number of a number of respect and and and and some influence. That is why we are getting a number of Ashanti regional members of parliament endorsing his candidature. the member of parliament for who was the the campaign coordinator for Dr. Bomia in the middle belt in the last election which is Dr. UFA UFA has publicly come out to endorse his candidature that if the MP wants to win political power they need a grassroot person like Mumi to come in as national chairman to push for that opportunity.
Recently he announced his um campaign team and when you look at the list it contains sitting MPs and former MPs a safo is in there the member of parliament for the constituencies Dr. Ammo is in there. Former member of parliament for is it George Oro is in there. Former MP for Taqua Mikudoka is in there. So even within MPs and former MPs, he still has some leverage and some command there.
Even some of the aspirants in parliamentary election every year in the Ablum is Ablumar North. Yes. In is one of you know spokesperson for Wii. So if you look at the list that he released not too long ago, it cuts across you know sitting MPs, people who are not members of parliament and just before we came on air we were told that the former national chairman of the of the party Fred Blé has also publicly endorsed Wumi as the next national chairman of the NP.
Fredibé has been there before he's been chairman he was first vice chair of the NP became national chairman of the NP.
So he's seen it all. So for him to publicly endorse Wumi as national chairman is something he has seen with W to that he that's why he believes that he will be the best individual to be national chairman of the NPP to help the party wrestle power from the NDC. They also believe that Dr. BMA is an intellectual. You don't need another quotewearing intellectual to be national chairman. They believe that you need someone who is more or less raw. Someone who can go into the gutters >> the grassroot person. While Dr. is dealing with the intellectuals who to me will be doing you know the non-intellectuals for one of a better word you know to help in the campaigning and he has said that he's not going to be an armchair national chairman >> he has said that he's going to be on the ground leading the fight leading the campaign if you listen to um watch his videos and listen to some of the audios from his campaign activities that all he says he says that for me I don't speak English >> but when I go campaigning the people at the grassroot don't listen to the English people, they want to listen to the the local people, the cheese speaking people, the local language people. And so he's going to campaign in the local language. And he believes that that is what the NDC as a political party has done over the years to win elections. And so for him, he need to change the dynamics. He need to go into the grassroot, get the people on the ground, get the message of the MPP. He says that the MP in the last election did so well. Yeah, I mean the the last tenure of Nan Kufu first 2016.
>> Yes. The eight years the party did so well but the lack of communication did not help the party in the last >> but he was national. He was regional chairman. So how did he limited and and and you see hold on he was regional chairman >> original chairman >> of your world bank >> and even at your world bank you didn't perform you you perform a bit. So what kind of communication again are you going to bring >> in in his campaign? H that issue came up. I I saw a video of a delegate asking that question and he says that it was a national problem. It wasn't just the Ashanti region. It was a national problem.
>> People were tied with the NP as a political party. It wasn't just only the Ashanti region. Even though Ashanti PPP still won in the Ashanti region, but a number of factors that played against the PPP, you know, were national factors. And so Ashanti reg alone as national regional chairman he cannot be blamed for it because there were national factors a number of you know things happened across the country and it culminated in the outcome that we saw in the 2020 2024 election and so he should not be giving the blame but then he wants the delegates to give him an opportunity as the driver of the bus to see what he can do in opposition he made comparison to what he did in 2016 and 2020 as Ashanti regen of the of the regional chairman, how he was, you know, in every region putting across resources, mobilizing, getting people to come out and come and vote and helping the party rally support in winning those two election. And so him as national chairman, he's likely to win. He's the best individual he believes will help.
And he also spoke about job creation.
>> Yeah. He said as a businessman he's created a number of jobs even though there's political he described it as political persecution he has created a number of job he says he has you know media outlet which is employing people he has mining companies employing people and other things that he's involved in so he even as regional chairman is able to offer employment and as national chairman he will do more he will do more for the MPP and this grassroot but what goes against before you come in what goes against him is his current legal tassel.
>> Yes, >> a lot of his opponents believe that we do not want a national chairman who be going to court every day.
>> We do not want a national chairman who has, you know, more or less a legal issue around his neck. And when it's time to do party work, you'll find him in the court. When it's time to mobilize, you'll find him in the court.
When it's time to go onto the ground and campaign, you'll find him in the court.
>> I'm sure they compare him to Samos. they compare some of you know and so the the PPP or the opponent of W to me say that that's not what they need they need a national chairman who will be you know a full-time national chairman be at the party headquarters you know putting together policies plans strategies you know pushing across and seeing how the MP will win political party political power but then going to have a national chairman who will be spending most of his time at the court how is the party going to succeed especially when the party says it is ready to Russ wrestle political power from the NDC. Those are the issues his opponents are using against him. But the political watchers and the bookmakers believe that he's the ideal person to lead the PP as national chairman.
>> Sami outside the political watches and all the other people experts and analysts.
>> You as a you follow the MP for so many years. You have seen different national chairman. You followed campaigns of different executive elections.
Looking at to me from where you stand what are his chances >> it's high if there's anybody who give to me a run for his money which will come to will be John Buu the former general secretary of the MP who says he's also going to contest for me I'm I'm I'm I'm putting my foot for both of them it could go anybody's especially to me and John Buu because looking at the record of the two they all have you know good records for the PPP. They've all served diligently for the party. John Bod will come to shortly. Former, you know, youth organizer, former deputy director of communication, former organizer, former acting general secretary, general secretary, you know, constituency executive and the legs. So, he served well for the MPP. But if you ask me personally, I'm tipping these two individuals, W to me and John Buu to, you know, to be the front runners. And it could go anybody's way. any any of the two you know individuals can be the next national chairman of the MP.
>> You have already started with John Buu.
You've told me his deputy former national organizer, former youth organizer, former deputy acting general secretary, acting general secretary went into an election. He lost that election and he was put aside made boss till the party lost power.
What is John Buo telling the delegates of the NP and what is he bringing as a person into this context into the context? I've heard him say that experience matters he's basing that on what he did as um acting general secretary first as national organizer and acting general secretary and director of operations in the 2016 election. At that time the party had issues and had suspended Kame Japo and Polafo. So he became the acting general secretary. He was a national organizer added the responsibility of acting general secretary and he was a director of operations for the Aku campaign at that time. He says that the party was in a difficult position which he makes comparison to now because the party was in opposition and so in times like this you need experience which he believe is a strong card. You need someone who has been there before to help the fortunes of the party in the last election. He also believes that the MPP as a political party has a very good candidate in the person of Dr. Bomier.
The NDC is now struggling to have who will lead after John Mahama. And so he believes that if he's national chairman, they call him Adrien Kesier because they believe that he has the ideas, he has the strategy, what it takes.
>> His nickname is ideas.
So that's what if you go to the party head and court you say they refer you to as John Buu because they believe that he has the experience and I've heard him say on a number of occasions that the election 2028 is going to be about experience and it's going to be about the records of the two political party.
The MP will base the records of campaigning in 2028 on Nan Kufu and the NP. The NDC will base same on John Dramani Mahama for John Buu and other MPP members. They believe that the MP has a superior record as far as development of this country is concerned from 2016 or 2017 to 2025. And he's been there before. He's acted he's been in cabinet. He knows he's in and out of government and he says he has a strategy, you know, to help the PPP win political party, political power. He also says the welfare of party members is something he would take at heart. As general secretary, he has seen it all.
He has seen how party members were neglected. The welfare of the party people was not really an important issue to the national executive. So if he's given opportunity to serve as national chairman, he has what it takes to correct the wrongs. He has what it takes to make things right for the MPP and the party and the flag. Dr. Bomia to win the 2028 general election. He has what it takes to put campaign, you know, um campaign strategies in place in terms of mobilization, resources, getting the the the resources down to the grassroot because a lot of time fed party people have complained that you know materials or campaigning materials not come to them. It's normally from the top and it descends but sometimes it's from the top. All right. it remains at the top or even it remains mid. It doesn't go down to the people. You hear a lot of these complaints from party foot soldiers and the party grassroot the police station executives the constituency executive you hear them complain a number of time but Jodi said he has been there before he knows how to channel resources to the grassroot because he believes that the party strength is a grassroot and in every political party the strength of a political party is this grassroot and so if you neglect the grassroot then you are in trouble. He believes that in the last election the MPP neglected the grassroot which caused the party's humiliating defeat in the last election.
He says as someone who has been there before and has been in charge of mobilization and resources, he knows how to get the resources to the constituency secretary. He knows how to get the resources to the constituency chairman.
And so for him as national chairman, he has what it takes. He has the ideas. He has the strategies. He has the programs to ensure that the MPP becomes attractive again to the middle class, to the Ghanaians, to the Tescon, to the students, to everybody who matters in winning the 2028 general election. And so Jodi said he's prepared for the tax ahead. He's visited a number of constituencies. Last time I checked, I think he was in the central region touching base with the people. And yesterday uh which was um on Wednesday when the minority you know had their uh um um workshop he was there to officially declare his intent to the minority members that he wants to be the next national chairman of the party and he had a lot of endorsement from some of the members of parliament who were seated at that particular meeting and he they are saying that well it's a good idea if he wants to run as national chairman and so for me if you ask me John Buu chaw to me are the front runners and he can go anybody's So I mean you spoke about you spoken about all the attributes of John Buu.
>> My question to you is John Buu was general secretary after 2020.
>> Yeah.
>> Before the party went for national elections in 2021 or about he managed to win power for the party in 2016.
>> Yeah.
>> Managed to retain the party in power in 2020.
>> But in 2021 the delegate says no.
>> Mhm.
>> We think your job is done. And we are not impressed with what you have done so far because don't forget that in 2020 that is where the party split their the seats in parliament >> came from a high number and >> 169 to 137 >> 137 and dropped.
>> So delegates of a party said look enough is enough. We are we are not sure and we don't think that you are the right person to move the party forward.
>> He's coming back again as national chairman. Has he addressed these issues of >> what he's what has he been saying about it?
>> One of the things one of the things that went against him in the last election for general secretary was the accusation of his human relation >> which came up um a number of times when you have conversation with delegates.
They said that he had a very poor, you know, human relation and he was um more or less like snobbish, you know, when he was general
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