Story by George Yawson Vineh Democracy is often described as “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” At its best, it means every citizen has a voice and a vote no matter their background, income, or social status. But what happens when money becomes tied to political influence, especially through franchise systems like political party funding, campaign spending, and special interest contributions? Too often, the result is that wealth begins to shape power more than the people do.In politics, franchise refers to the right to vote and the broader power to participate in democratic processes. When people talk about money entering the franchise, they’re usually referring to how financial resources affect political participation and influence not just at

H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) Advisory Council, has highlighted Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia as examples of successful borderless trade in Africa, urging other countries to embrace regional integration to boost economic growth. She made the remarks while delivering her welcome address at the Africa Prosperity Network Dialogue (APD) 2026 in Accra on Wednesday, 4th February. APD 2026, held under the theme “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade,” brings together African leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators to explore strategies for deepening intra-African trade and fostering inclusive economic development. Speaking to participants, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma said Africa’s single market could thrive only if trade barriers are removed, and small businesses, women, and youth

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has called for deliberate policies, tailored financing and stronger collaboration to unlock the full potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women-led businesses and youth entrepreneurs across Africa. Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue (APD) 2026 on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe described the forum as “one of the continent's most influential spaces for advancing trade, investment and inclusive growth,” stressing that the event’s theme resonates strongly with the realities facing African businesses. The APD 2026, which is running from Wednesday 4th to Friday 6th February, is being held under the theme: “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa's Single Market: Innovate, Collaborate and Trade.” Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted the

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has revealed that less than 20% of African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have access to formal finance, leaving a staggering US$331 billion financing gap. She made the disclosure at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue (APD) 2026 on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026. APD 2026, running until Friday, 6th February 2026, is convened under the theme ‘Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade.’ The event brings stakeholders together to shape actionable policies, unlock bankable projects, and advance inclusive prosperity under the AfCFTA. Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted the critical need for targeted interventions to support SMEs, women-led businesses, and youth enterprises across the continent. “Despite the fact that less

Chairperson of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) Advisory Council, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has emphasized that Africa’s development and prosperity must be driven by its own citizens, particularly women and youth. She made the remarks while delivering her welcome address at the Africa Prosperity Network Dialogue (APD) 2026, held in Accra on Wednesday, 4th February 2026. APD 2026, which runs from 4th to 6th February, convened under the theme “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade.” The dialogue brought together heads of state, business leaders, innovators, and civil society representatives to discuss strategies for boosting intra-African trade, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment. Dr. Dlamini-Zuma described the APN as “the boardroom of Africa,” a platform where vision is translated

H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) Advisory Council, has called for concerted efforts to empower African youth and women, emphasizing that their inclusion is critical to realizing a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa. She made the call while delivering her welcome address at the Africa Prosperity Network Dialogue (APD) 2026, held in Accra on Wednesday, 4th February 2026. The dialogue, which runs from 4th to 6th February 2026, is convened under the theme: “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade.” Dr. Dlamini-Zuma hailed the APN as “the boardroom of Africa,” where vision meets execution and African prosperity narratives are shaped by Africans themselves. She highlighted the importance of empowering small and medium-sized enterprises

GCB Bank PLC held its National Thanksgiving Service at the Accra International Conference Centre on Saturday, January 31, 2026.The sermon was delivered by Rev. Stephen Wengam, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ghana Immigration Service. In attendance were the Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Farihan Alhassan, members of the Board of Directors, Management, and staff of the Bank.SermonIn his sermon, Rev. Wengam called on Ghanaians to acknowledge the mercies and favour of God in all their achievements. He urged Christians to respond to God’s blessings with humility, gratitude, diligence, and graciousness towards others, referencing 2 Samuel 9. He further emphasised that one does not need to be corrupt to acquire wealth, stressing