Entertainment
MTN Impact Session Set to Inspire Women Entrepreneurs at National Women’s Summit 2026
Entrepreneurs and small business owners attending the 8th National Women’s Summit & Expo (NWSE) 2026 are expected to benefit from the MTN Impact Session, a specially curated segment designed to inspire, connect and empower women led businesses.
Organised by Charterhouse Productions in collaboration with MTN Ghana, the MTN Impact Session will serve as a platform for SMEs, entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to gain insights, build networks and explore opportunities for business growth.
The session forms a key pillar of the National Women’s Summit & Expo, Ghana’s leading platform advancing women’s leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship and intergenerational impact.
A High Energy Experience for Entrepreneurs
Designed to be engaging and practical, the MTN Impact Session will feature a series of activities aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with knowledge, connections and opportunities.
Highlights of the session include:
• A Speed Networking Session enabling entrepreneurs to connect with industry experts, mentors and fellow business leaders.
• An inspirational talk by trailblazing entrepreneur Baaba Ankrah, who will share insights from her entrepreneurial journey and lessons on building resilient and impactful businesses.
• An interactive Q and A session, allowing participants to engage directly with experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Innovation Spotlight: Introducing “Adwumapa – Doctor on Call”
One of the highlights of the session will be the official launch of “Adwumapa – Doctor on Call,” an e health solution designed to support female entrepreneurs. The platform offers women convenient access to qualified medical professionals, enabling them to consult a doctor anytime and from anywhere, ensuring their health remains a priority as they build and grow their businesses.
The launch reflects MTN Ghana’s continued commitment to leveraging technology to support entrepreneurship and business growth.
Business Pitch Competition
The MTN Impact Session will also feature a Business Pitch Competition where selected entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present their business ideas and innovations.
The initiative aims to spotlight promising women led enterprises while encouraging innovation and business excellence.
A Day of Inspiration and Opportunity
The MTN Impact Session is expected to deliver an engaging atmosphere filled with inspirational moments, interactive experiences and activities designed to motivate participants.
Attendees can also look forward to giveaways and surprises throughout the session.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Speaking ahead of the event, Mrs Theresa Oparebea Ayoade, Chief Executive Officer of Charterhouse Productions and Convenor of the National Women’s Summit, emphasised the importance of platforms that support women entrepreneurs.
“Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful drivers of economic empowerment for women. The MTN Impact Session is designed to provide practical insights, meaningful connections and real opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.”
Event Details
Friday, 13 March 2026
The Palms Convention Centre inside La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra
The 8th National Women’s Summit & Expo 2026, held in celebration of International Women’s Day, will convene women leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and young changemakers for a day of leadership conversations, mentorship, networking and business opportunities.
Entrepreneurs and SME operators are encouraged to attend and be part of the experience.
Sports
SIC Insurance Names Stephen Appiah Brand Ambassador in New Partnership
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has been unveiled by SIC Insurance PLC as its Brand Ambassador for the next one year, in a partnership aimed at deepening insurance awareness and strengthening public trust in the company’s services.
The unveiling ceremony took place at its headquarters in Accra to formally introduce the Ghana football legend as the face of its brand for the next 12 months.
Speaking after the announcement, Appiah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the company and emphasised the broader responsibility that comes with the role.
“…with deep gratitude and humility, I accept the honour of representing the State Insurance Company,” Appiah said.
“This is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the collective effort, trust, and vision of everyone who believes in SIC’s mission to deliver accessible, reliable, and innovative insurance for all Ghanaians.”
Appiah, who captained Ghana during one of the most defining eras of the national team, leading the country to its maiden World Cup in Germany 2006, said the partnership was an opportunity to promote the importance of financial protection among individuals and businesses.
Highlighting the role insurance plays in safeguarding lives and livelihoods, the former Black Stars skipper noted that the industry provides essential protection against life’s uncertainties.
“Insurance is more than a product; it’s a safeguard that brings peace of mind and financial security in life’s uncertainties,” he stated.
“Over the years, SIC has helped individuals, families, and businesses recover from setbacks, and I’m proud to be part of this great brand.”
Appiah also used the platform to encourage Ghanaians to prioritise insurance as a key element in financial planning.
“At this unveiling, I invite all Ghanaians to make SIC their first choice for insurance,” he said.
The former Juventus and Fenerbahce midfielder further expressed appreciation to the company for the trust reposed in him and pledged his commitment to supporting its campaigns throughout the duration of the partnership.
“It is a great honour to collaborate with SIC Insurance Plc, a company that has played a pivotal role in Ghana’s insurance industry for decades,” he noted.
“I look forward to supporting the company in promoting the importance of insurance and helping more Ghanaians understand the value of protecting their future.”
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of SIC Insurance PLC, James Agyenim-Boateng, described the partnership as a strategic alignment between two institutions that share common values of leadership, credibility and national pride.
According to him, the decision to appoint Appiah reflects the company’s commitment to working with personalities whose influence resonates strongly with the Ghanaian public.
“Stephen Appiah represents the spirit of leadership, perseverance and excellence that SIC Insurance Plc stands for,” Agyenim-Boateng said.
“His influence and connection with the Ghanaian public make him an ideal partner as we continue to deepen insurance awareness and strengthen trust in our brand.”
He added that the partnership also fits into the company’s broader strategy of strengthening its brand presence and bringing insurance closer to the everyday lives of Ghanaians.
He noted that beyond football, Appiah embodies qualities that align with the company’s values of discipline, resilience and national service.
“Stephen Appiah is not only a celebrated sportsman; he is a symbol of leadership, discipline, resilience and national pride,” he said.
“As captain of the Black Stars, he demonstrated what it means to lead with courage, inspire a generation and carry the hopes of a nation on his shoulders.”
Agyenim-Boateng further stressed that the collaboration would help the company deepen its engagement with the public while encouraging individuals and businesses to prioritise financial protection.
“Through this collaboration, we believe Stephen Appiah will help us deepen our connection with Ghanaians, inspire confidence in insurance, and promote the importance of protecting what matters most—our lives, our families, our assets and our future,” he explained.
Welcoming the football icon into the SIC family, the Managing Director expressed optimism that the partnership would also inspire young people across the country.
“Stephen, we are proud to welcome you to the SIC family,” he said.
“We look forward to a fruitful partnership that will not only strengthen our brand but also contribute positively to the development of sports and youth inspiration in Ghana.”
The partnership brings together one of Ghana’s most respected financial institutions and one of the country’s most celebrated football figures.
Appiah, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential players, captained the national team during the country’s historic first appearance at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Through the one-year partnership, SIC Insurance expects to leverage Appiah’s influence to deepen public education on insurance while strengthening its position as a trusted partner in safeguarding the aspirations and investments of Ghanaians.
Centre of the World Golf Club to Host PGA Heritage Cup 2026 with GH¢100,000 Prize
The Centre of the World Golf Club in Tema will be the centre of attraction for professional golf when it hosts the PGA Heritage Cup 2026, where a total prize purse of GH¢100,000 will be at stake.
Professional golfers from across the country are expected to gather for what will be the first major tournament of the year under the Ghana PGA governing body.
The competition, which has been scheduled as part of National Heritage Month, will take place from March 18 to March 21, 2026 and will be played in two categories: Regular Professionals and Senior Professionals.
The regular professionals will compete over four days, while the senior professionals will play over three days, all at the same venue.
Golfers will battle not only for the prize money but also for the honour and prestige associated with lifting the PGA Heritage Cup trophy.
Following impressive performances at several competitions across the country last year, many golfers are expected to leave no stone unturned when they tee off at the tournament, hoping to make a strong impact and build valuable ranking points.
According to the PGA’s Tournament Director, Eric Henaku, intensive preparations are currently underway at the prestigious venue in Tema ahead of the tournament.
He noted that the upcoming competition has pushed many golfers into intensive individual training in preparation for the championship.
Reports from various clubs across the country indicate that the majority of golfers especially those in the nation’s capital, Accra have intensified their preparations ahead of the championship and are eager to showcase their skills, as the stakes remain high.
Meanwhile over forty amateurs golfers will be competing on the last day of the PGA Heritage championship.
Business
Global Cocoa Market Uncertainty Puts Ghana’s Exports at Risk in 2026
Global cocoa markets are entering 2026 with renewed uncertainty, and the implications are particularly important for Ghana, the world’s second largest cocoa producer. Recent price movements on international markets show that while cocoa futures have recovered slightly, the broader outlook remains complex as global supply, demand, and geopolitical developments continue to shape the market.
Cocoa prices on the New York market recently rebounded after several weeks of weakness. The recovery was partly triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, especially concerns that the conflict involving Iran could disrupt shipping routes and increase freight costs. Market participants fear that any disruption to global trade routes could raise insurance premiums, fuel costs, and shipping charges. Even though cocoa shipments from West Africa do not directly pass through the Strait of Hormuz, disruptions in global shipping markets could still raise the cost of transporting cocoa to major consuming regions.
For Ghana, higher global shipping costs could reduce margins for exporters and increase the cost of getting cocoa to international markets. Ghana depends heavily on cocoa exports for foreign exchange earnings, and any increase in logistics costs could affect the profitability of the sector.
At the same time, supply developments in West Africa are also influencing market sentiment. Data from Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, shows that cocoa deliveries to ports have slowed slightly during the current marketing season. Farmers shipped about 1.35 million metric tonnes between October 2025 and early March 2026, about 3.6 percent lower than the same period last year. Slower deliveries have supported prices in the short term, but global supply forecasts remain relatively strong.
The International Cocoa Organization expects global cocoa production to increase by more than eight percent in the 2024 to 2025 season to reach around 4.7 million metric tonnes. The organization also expects the global cocoa market to record a surplus of about 75,000 tonnes. If this forecast holds, it would mark the first surplus in four years after a period of supply shortages that pushed cocoa prices to record highs.
Other industry analysts believe the surplus could be even larger in the coming years. Some projections suggest that the global cocoa market could record a surplus of more than 250,000 tonnes in the 2025 to 2026 season. For Ghana, this raises concerns about the sustainability of high cocoa prices that farmers enjoyed during the previous price rally.
One immediate challenge for Ghana’s cocoa sector is the widening gap between the official price paid to farmers and global market prices. International buyers have shown reluctance to purchase cocoa from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire at official prices that are currently above global market levels. As a result, cocoa inventories on international exchanges have been rising in recent months.
This situation has forced policy adjustments in both major producing countries. Ghana recently reduced the official price it pays cocoa farmers by nearly 30 percent for the 2025 to 2026 crop season. Côte d’Ivoire has taken an even more aggressive step by announcing a sharp reduction in farmer payments for its mid-crop harvest beginning in March.
For Ghana, the price adjustment reflects the difficult balance between protecting farmer incomes and maintaining competitiveness in global markets. Cocoa remains one of the country’s most important export commodities and a key source of foreign exchange. However, if global prices remain weak while farm gate prices stay high, exporters could struggle to find buyers, which could disrupt the marketing system.
Demand trends in the global chocolate industry are also creating new pressures. High cocoa prices over the past two years have pushed up the cost of chocolate products worldwide. As a result, some manufacturers have reduced cocoa usage or shifted toward alternative ingredients. One of the world’s largest chocolate producers recently reported a significant drop in cocoa related sales volumes, citing weaker market demand.
Processing data from major consuming regions also confirms the slowdown. Cocoa grindings in Europe, which represent one of the largest markets for cocoa processing, fell sharply during the final quarter of last year. Grindings in Asia also declined, while North America recorded only marginal growth. These trends suggest that high prices have begun to reduce demand for cocoa products.
For Ghana, weaker global demand could translate into lower export earnings in the coming year. Cocoa exports play a critical role in stabilizing the country’s balance of payments, and fluctuations in global demand can have direct effects on foreign exchange reserves and government revenue.
Competition from other producing countries is another factor shaping Ghana’s cocoa outlook. Nigeria, the world’s fifth largest cocoa producer, has increased its export volumes in recent months. Although Nigeria expects production to decline slightly in the coming season, stronger export performance is adding more supply to global markets and increasing competition among West African producers.
Despite these challenges, there are also factors that could support cocoa prices in the medium term. Côte d’Ivoire expects cocoa production to fall by more than ten percent in the next season due to weather conditions and aging plantations. If production declines across West Africa, global supply could tighten again, which would support prices.
For Ghana, the broader outlook for 2026 will depend not only on global market conditions but also on domestic reforms within the cocoa sector. Production in recent years has been affected by several structural challenges, including illegal mining on cocoa farms, climate related risks, and aging trees that reduce productivity.
Addressing these problems will be critical if Ghana is to stabilize production and protect farmer livelihoods. Efforts to rehabilitate old farms, introduce improved seedlings, and strengthen enforcement against illegal mining will play an important role in determining the future of the sector.
There is also growing recognition that Ghana must expand value addition within its cocoa industry. Processing more cocoa locally could help reduce the country’s dependence on raw bean exports and allow it to capture a larger share of the global chocolate value chain.
In the near term, cocoa markets are expected to remain volatile as geopolitical risks, supply developments, and shifting consumer demand continue to influence prices. For Ghana, the key challenge in 2026 will be managing these global uncertainties while strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of its cocoa sector.
Environment
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