BUSINESS NEWS

Ghana Eyes bn Local Bond Sale To Fund Cocoa Sector Revival
Ghana Eyes $1bn Local Bond Sale To Fund Cocoa Sector Revival

Ghana’s cocoa industry is undergoing a significant financing overhaul, with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) signalling plans to tap domestic capital markets for roughly $1 billion to fund next season’s crop purchases — a strategic pivot away from the foreign syndicated loans that have long underpinned the sector.

Solar Firm Eyes 0m Push To Power 2.1m Homes Across Four African Nations
Solar Firm Eyes $750m Push To Power 2.1m Homes Across Four African Nations
China Tightens Grip On Africa’s Battery Metals With 0m Ghana Lithium Deal
China Tightens Grip On Africa’s Battery Metals With $210m Ghana Lithium Deal
Ghana Secures U.S. Debt Relief As Washington Ties Relief To Repayment Discipline
Ghana Secures U.S. Debt Relief As Washington Ties Relief To Repayment Discipline

SPORTS

Mexico Reverses Decision To End Academic Year Early Ahead Of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Mexico Reverses Decision To End Academic Year Early Ahead Of 2026 FIFA World Cup

In a significant turnaround, the Mexican government has decided to maintain the original schedule for the 2025/2026 academic year, following widespread criticism from parents, educational organizations, and the general public.

Online Petition Demands Kylian Mbappé’s Departure Amid Real Madrid Turmoil‎
Online Petition Demands Kylian Mbappé’s Departure Amid Real Madrid Turmoil‎
AS FAR Raises Concerns Over Referee Appointment For CAF Champions League Final
AS FAR Raises Concerns Over Referee Appointment For CAF Champions League Final
AS FAR Raises Concerns Over Referee Appointment For CAF Champions League Final
CAF Backs Controversial Referee For Champions League Final The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the appointment of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for the upcoming CAF Champions League final, a move intended to demonstrate institutional support for the official despite significant backlash regarding his officiating during the AFCON final. ‎Ndala, who was in charge of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final, has faced scrutiny following several contentious calls throughout the match, including incidents that led to a temporary player walk-off and subsequent disciplinary actions. ‎The final itself garnered widespread attention in African football circles due to numerous VAR interventions, penalty decisions, and on-field protests. ‎Reports indicate that Ndala will officiate the first leg of the CAF Champions League Final, featuring Morocco’s FAR Rabat against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, scheduled for May 17 in Pretoria, South Africa. ‎CAF stated that it is crucial to show solidarity by endorsing Ndala, even as doubts linger regarding his performance during the AFCON final. ‎The decision is part of CAF’s broader strategy to bolster confidence in its referees rather than indicate any punitive measures against Ndala. ‎The AFCON final witnessed Senegal taking an early lead before chaos erupted over a controversial penalty decision. Players briefly left the pitch in protest before returning to finish the match, which later became mired in administrative disputes and disciplinary actions. ‎Following internal evaluations, CAF ultimately cleared Ndala of any wrongdoing. ‎The situation has raised concerns among football fans, reflecting ongoing governance challenges within CAF. ‎The organization has frequently faced criticism related to officiating consistency, VAR usage, and disciplinary rulings in major tournaments. By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong