Deep Dive: Stories from The Labari Journal

The episode examines a one-billion-dollar technology agreement between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates intended to establish a massive artificial intelligence hub. While the deal promises significant digital advancement and job creation, the report highlights serious concerns regarding the controversial backgrounds of the primary partners involved. One key figure was recently linked to the Jeff...

This episode examines the evolving digital and regulatory environment in Nigeria , highlighting new efforts to combat fraud and manage big tech. The Central Bank of Nigeria is implementing strict Bank Verification Number (BVN) updates to secure financial identities, while the government recently reached a confidential settlement with Meta over major data privacy breaches. In the private sector, a...

While isShowSpeed's tour showcased national heritage and the country’s vibrant culture to millions of global viewers, it simultaneously highlighted a perceived disconnect between official priorities and the daily hardships of local citizens. The debaters argue that while foreign celebrities enjoy private helicopters, elite security, and expedited c...

This episode delves into the research of Dr. Kuukuwa Manful, who argues that the architecture and physical design of Ghanaian high schools significantly contribute to modern class division. Dr. Manful's work, drawing from published papers and an upcoming book, suggests that these school spaces—tracing their origins to colonial forts and fortified educational institutions—teach students social hier...

This episode explores the complex and contentious dispute surrounding Ghana's Black Volta gold mine, a project with significant reserves that remains undeveloped due to ongoing legal battles. Ibaera Capital, the current owner, accuses Engineers & Planners (E&P), a politically connected Ghanaian firm, of an unauthorized corporate takeover, including the alleged transfer of shares without pa...

This episode examines the mixed financial performance of Ghana's State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and other public entities in 2024, as detailed in the State Ownership Report. While SOEs experienced a significant 28% revenue growth, they simultaneously recorded a substantial net loss, largely due to high interest payments. Read all our stories at labarijournal.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

This episode focuses on the half-year report of Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). It highlights the agency's efforts to combat corruption, detailing seven convictions, significant fund recoveries, and ongoing investigations into high-profile cases. Read all our stories at labarijournal.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores the controversy surrounding Amaarae's new album, "Black Star," and whether it adequately represents Ghanaian identity and music. Despite the album's title and the artist's previous nods to Ghanaian culture, some local fans express disappointment that it doesn't heavily feature traditional Ghanaian sounds or local artists. Read all our stories at labarijournal.com Hosted on Ac...

This episode dives into a World Bank analysis, which reveals that while Ghana's economy has shown significant growth and recovery, it faces substantial challenges in creating sufficient jobs for its burgeoning youth population. The episode explains that despite a resilient recovery from economic imbalances, including a rise in GDP and a reduction in public debt, this growth has not translated into...

This episode highlights persistent gender imbalance within Ghana's media landscape. A 2024 report by the Ghana Women Expert Project reveals that women are significantly underrepresented as both interviewees and presenters on major radio and television outlets. The findings indicate a low percentage of female experts being interviewed, with one station showing particularly dismal numbers, and a sim...

This episode details a public dispute between a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and Ibom Air, a Nigerian airline, which escalated to physical violence and resulted in Emmanson's arrest. The episode focuses on the controversial role of Nigeria's Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, who claimed to have intervened and persuaded the airline to drop charges and lift a flying ban. Read all our stories at laba...

This episode delves into the severe challenges individuals with disabilities face in accessing urban transportation in Ghana. It details experiences of discrimination from transport operators, difficulty fitting mobility aids into vehicles, and the additional costs incurred due to prejudice. It also examines the shortcomings of Ghana's 2006 Persons With Disability Act, noting its lack of enforceme...

This episode discusses a controversial land dispute in Accra, Ghana. The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) proposed an "Energy City" project, leading the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to vacate its prime real estate near 37 Military Hospital in 2024, relocating to a leased, less efficient site. However, the Energy City project stalled, and the DVLA now alleges the land it...

This episode details Shoprite Holdings' strategic decision to exit its operations in Ghana and Malawi, a move driven by economic challenges and a desire to consolidate its focus. The South African-based grocery retailer has faced currency volatility, high inflation, and significant import duties in various African markets, leading to this retraction. Shoprite is redirecting its resources to its hi...

The episode discusses Ghana's long-stalled Consumer Protection Bill, first drafted in 2006, which aims to safeguard consumer rights and promote fair trade practices. Despite repeated promises from successive governments, including the NPP and NDC, the bill has not been passed, leaving Ghanaian consumers vulnerable to issues like misleading advertisements, defective products, and exploitative "no r...

The episode details a developing conflict between Ghana's Communications Minister and DSTV, a major satellite television provider. The minister has issued an ultimatum, threatening to revoke DSTV's broadcasting license by August 7 if the company does not reduce its subscription prices, which have seen multiple increases despite public outcry. Read all our stories at labarijournal.com Hosted on Aca...

This deep dive discusses an investigative report exposing alleged corruption and procurement irregularities at the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL). The episode details how GACL awarded a lucrative revenue assurance contract to Evatex Logistics Limited, a company with minimal experience and only one employee, despite having internal capacity. Read all our stories at labarijournal.com Hosted o...

The episode looks into the launch of Zaria Court Kigali, a $26 million mixed-use development in Rwanda, co-founded by NBA Champion Masai Ujiri. This project, the first from Zaria Group, aims to create a premier destination for sports, culture, and community in Africa, emphasizing sustainable economic opportunities and job creation. The development features a hotel, event space, sports facilities,...

This episode discusses Uber's recent pilot program in the United States, which allows women riders to request female drivers and vice-versa, to enhance safety. It highlights that this "Women Preferences" feature has already been implemented and tested in various African markets by companies like Uber and Bolt, predating its U.S. debut. The episode explains that safety concerns, particularly sexual...

The episode discusses a controversy surrounding the former coach of Ghana's Black Queens, Nora Häuptle. A former Ghana Football Association member, Leanier Addy, claimed Häuptle was "overhyped" and that previous coaches had better records. But what does the data actually say? Read all our stories at labarijournal.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode discusses the Ghanaian Attorney-General's decision to drop a high-profile financial crime case related to the 2017 banking sector "clean-up." This decision, a nolle prosequi, means the accused bankers, including Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, will not be prosecuted criminally, though the Deputy Attorney-General stated this does not imply their innocence. The episode deep dives into the 2017 ref...

This episode discusses the potential impact of the U.S. GENIUS Act on the adoption and regulation of stablecoins in Africa. The hosts highlight how this American legislation, which establishes a federal framework for stablecoins, could accelerate financial inclusion and improve cross-border payments in Sub-Saharan Africa. They also address opportunities for emerging African markets, such as reduce...

This episode dives into the Super Falcons' dominant performance in the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as they pursue their tenth title. Despite their on-field success, the episode highlights persistent controversies off the field concerning the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), which faces accusations of unpaid bonuses, inadequate resources, and administrative neglect. Read all our...

This episode details a Deloitte audit report that uncovers significant financial irregularities and governance failures within Ghana's National Cathedral project. It highlights how the $350 million initiative, launched in 2017, has been plagued by mismanagement, including discrepancies in payments to architect Sir David Adjaye's firm, payments made without signed contracts, and unapproved extra wo...

This episode discusses how casual dating, specifically dining out, has become a luxury in Ghana, particularly in Accra. It highlights a significant increase in restaurant prices over recent years, attributing this to Ghana's economic challenges, including high inflation and currency depreciation. The episode explores how the surge in costs has led many Ghanaians to avoid eating out or seek alterna...