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When Your Salary Delays, How Do You Remind Your Boss?

By
Ivy Hollys
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payday
Payday end of month date on calendar with red marker and circled salary day

It’s that time of the month again, payday! In Ghana, salaries usually arrive at the end of the month, but what happens when it’s the 27th and your bank account is still as dry as the Harmattan wind? Don’t panic. Sometimes all your boss needs is a gentle and funny reminder that it’s time to process the payments.

We all know the struggle. From trotro fares going up to lunch money finishing before the end of the month, payday is that sweet relief everyone looks forward to. But reminding your boss can be tricky because you don’t want to sound rude or desperate. So how do you do it right?

This topic came up recently on The Urban Mix with Adwoa Afranewaa Frimpong, and listeners had some hilarious suggestions. One caller said you can greet your boss several times in the day just to make them wonder what’s going on. Another shared that you could create funny excuses like, “Sorry I’m late, I had to get a loan to get transport here.” Others joked about acting extra polite or asking your boss if “the system is still sleeping.”

If your workplace is more formal, keep it polite. A simple email saying, “Kind reminder, today’s the scheduled payday. Kindly confirm when salaries will be processed,” gets the message across without crossing any lines.

At the end of the day, payday brings peace of mind, from settling bills to buying that much-needed waakye and fried fish combo. So whether you’re using humour, subtle hints, or a professional nudge, remember that sometimes a little laughter is the best way to get your boss’s attention and your salary.

Workers at City Mall Appeal for Affordable Food Options

By
Ivy Hollys
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food

Employees working in and around the City Mall are appealing for the establishment of more affordable food joints nearby, citing the high cost of meals within the mall. Many workers say that the current dining options are too expensive for daily lunches, forcing them to either skip meals or depend on snacks.

“The prices inside the mall are costly for workers and staff members who eat there every day,” said one store attendant. “We spend most of our day here, but it’s hard to afford a decent meal without spending a large part of our salary.”

An employee from Melcom said he spends about GH₵100 on food each day, adding that it significantly affects his budget. Another worker shared that he spends around GH₵30 daily on meals, which still strains his finances. Also, a janitor shared that he brings food from home because he can’t afford the high cost of meals.

Several workers have expressed that the lack of affordable eateries makes lunch breaks stressful, as they have limited time and few nearby alternatives. Some rely on snacks or small portions to get through the day.

Local observers believe that introducing low-cost food stalls or small restaurants around the mall could ease the burden on workers and improve their overall well-being. “Affordable dining options would not only support employees but also create a more positive working environment,” said a local business consultant.

As the number of workers in the area continues to grow, the call for reasonably priced and accessible food options is becoming increasingly urgent. Many hope that new investors will recognize this need and respond with solutions that cater to the working community.

Evening Transport Crisis Leaves Kumasi Mall Commuters Stranded Daily

By
Ivy Hollys
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Kumasi Bus stop

The bus stop near Kumasi Mall has become a daily scene of frustration as commuters struggle to find transport home after 5 p.m. What should be a smooth evening journey has turned into hours of waiting for many passengers.

For residents heading to areas such as Ahodwo, Asokwa, Tech Junction, and Ejisu, the challenge is the same. Most buses arrive already full or pass by without stopping. “I closed from work around 5:30 p.m and came straight here. It’s now 7 p.m., and I’m still standing,” said Frimpong, an employee of Orange FM trying to get to Ejisu. “The buses are few, and when they come, they’re already packed from Adum or Kejetia.”

The bus stop serves hundreds of shoppers and workers leaving the busy Kumasi Mall area each evening. By rush hour, the space is overcrowded, with commuters pushing to board the few available buses.

Some passengers say the problem has existed for months but is getting worse. “Fridays are the worst,” said Kofi Owusu, an intern from KNUST. “Sometimes I just start walking toward Baba Yara Stadium, hoping to find a trotro or taxi along the way.”

Several drivers admit that many prefer shorter, more profitable inner-city trips during peak hours, leaving fewer buses for longer routes. High fuel costs and weak supervision from transport authorities have also worsened the situation.

Commuters are urging the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and transport unions to address the crisis by increasing the number of buses during evening hours.

Until then, the scene repeats daily tired workers waiting under dim streetlights, hoping the next bus will stop and finally have space.

Bola Ray and Joselyn Dumas Unveiled as Goldbod Brand Ambassadors

By
Ivy Hollys
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GoldBod Jewellery, a subsidiary of the Ghana Gold Board, has officially appointed media personality Kwabena Anokye Disi, popularly known as Bola Ray, and award-winning actress Joselyn Dumas as its new brand ambassadors.

The company says the partnership forms part of a wider effort to promote Ghana’s rich gold heritage and showcase the nation’s craftsmanship in producing authentic, high-quality jewellery through ethical sourcing and exceptional artistry.

With Bola Ray’s influence and Joselyn Dumas’s elegance, GoldBod Jewellery aims to elevate global appreciation for Ghanaian-made gold ornaments and luxury accessories.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the company’s head office in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod Jewellery, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq., described the collaboration as a landmark step in advancing Ghana’s creative and luxury industries.

Kwabena Anokye Disi, popularly known as Bola
Kwabena Anokye Disi, popularly known as Bola Ray

“Bola Ray and Joselyn Dumas represent excellence, authenticity, and sophistication the core values of GoldBod Jewellery. Their appointment marks a major milestone in our mission to add value to Ghana’s gold and strengthen our place in the global luxury market,” Mr. Gyamfi stated.

He added that the partnership aligns with President John Mahama’s vision of positioning Ghana as Africa’s premier destination for authentic gold jewellery and ornaments.

Joselyn Dumas
Joselyn Dumas

As brand ambassadors, Bola Ray and Joselyn Dumas will lead promotional campaigns, media engagements, and outreach programs to showcase GoldBod’s collections of fine gold, diamond pieces, and bespoke luxury accessories.

Their roles are also expected to inspire public confidence in locally produced gold jewellery while highlighting Ghana’s growing presence in the global luxury market.

Education Ministry Launches Tracker to Improve Learning and Classroom Conditions

By
Ivy Hollys
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Tracker

The Ministry of Education has pledged to improve classroom conditions and increase investment in education through the newly launched Foundational Learning Action Tracker (FLAT).

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 FLAT in Accra, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, said the tracker will help identify challenges and monitor progress in the education sector.

He explained that the platform will support data-driven decision-making and strengthen accountability across schools and institutions.

“FLAT is more than a monitoring tool. It is a platform for shared accountability and collective learning,” Dr. Apaak said. “It will help us track progress, identify areas that need improvement, and ensure that every child can thrive in the classroom.”

He called on teachers, school leaders, and education partners to use the tracker to guide reforms and improve teaching quality. “Let us commit to using data to drive meaningful reforms, invest in teachers, and create classrooms where every child can learn and blossom,” he added.

The Global Director of Education and Adolescent Development at UNICEF, Pia Rebello Britto, also spoke at the event. She stressed the need for stronger investment in human resources to support the education system.

“In 2024, only a quarter of countries reported national recruitment of personnel to support students’ mental health and wellbeing,” she said. “Much of this responsibility falls on teachers, and they are becoming overburdened. That is why we are focusing on teachers this year.”

The Foundational Learning Action Tracker aims to boost transparency, strengthen accountability, and improve learning outcomes across Ghana’s schools. It will also provide regular data to help policymakers and stakeholders design better strategies to support students and teachers.

Amazon to Lay Off 14,000 Employees as Part of AI Transformation Strategy

By
Ivy Hollys
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Amazon's headquarters. (Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images/File)

Amazon has announced plans to lay off 14,000 corporate employees this year as part of a major restructuring to prepare for broader adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).

In a memo to staff, Beth Galetti, Senior Vice President of People Experience, said the company will continue hiring in key strategic areas while streamlining operations to become “leaner, with fewer layers and more ownership.”

“We expect to continue hiring in key strategic areas while also finding additional places we can remove layers, increase ownership, and realize efficiency gains,” Galetti said in a statement posted on Amazon’s blog.

Reuters earlier reported that total job cuts could eventually reach 30,000.

Galetti explained that the move aligns with CEO Andy Jassy’s vision of running Amazon “like the world’s biggest startup,” enabling the company to stay nimble as AI reshapes the technology industry.

“What we need to remember is that the world is changing quickly. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet,” Galetti added.

Amazon, which has over 350,000 corporate workers, said layoffs will begin Tuesday. Most affected employees will have 90 days to seek internal transfers, while those unable to secure new roles will receive severance packages and benefits.

In June, Jassy had said AI-driven efficiency gains would eventually reduce Amazon’s human workforce. “As we roll out more generative AI and agents, we will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today,” he noted.

This marks Amazon’s second major layoff in recent years after cutting 27,000 workers in 2023. Analysts say the decision reflects a shift from human labor to technological infrastructure amid rising global costs and tightening markets.

BoG Unveils New Anti-Money Laundering Guidelines to Strengthen Financial Oversight

By
Ivy Hollys
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laundering

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has introduced new Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/PF) Guidelines to enhance compliance and oversight within the financial sector.

According to the central bank, the move is part of efforts to protect Ghana’s financial system from illicit financial flows and align with international best practices.

The revised September 2025 guidelines introduce stricter due diligence requirements for banks, specialized deposit-taking institutions, and other regulated entities. Financial institutions must now verify customer identities more thoroughly, assess risk exposure, and report suspicious transactions promptly to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

The guidelines also assign greater responsibility to boards and senior management to ensure effective compliance systems and continuous staff training in anti-money laundering measures.

The BoG noted that the framework aims to strengthen risk-based supervision and prevent the use of financial institutions for money laundering, terrorism financing, or proliferation-related activities.

Key updates include new provisions on politically exposed persons, beneficial ownership transparency, and the use of technology in monitoring financial transactions.

By reinforcing Ghana’s AML/CFT framework, the central bank aims to boost financial stability, investor confidence, and the nation’s standing as a transparent and secure financial hub.

The BoG said the new guidelines are consistent with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and form part of national efforts to meet international compliance benchmarks ahead of upcoming peer reviews.

The Bank has urged all financial institutions to familiarize themselves with the framework and ensure full compliance, warning that failure to do so will attract regulatory sanctions.

National PTA Council Supports School Hairstyle Policy

By
Ivy Hollys
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hairstyle
Raphael Kofi Gapson, General Secretary, National PTA Council

The National Council for Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) of Ghana has strongly backed the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education in enforcing approved hairstyle rules in senior high schools.

The Council said school regulations should not be seen as punishment or control. Instead, they help shape discipline, responsibility, and character among students.

This statement came after Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu urged parents to support the GES in enforcing the hairstyle directive. He explained that the policy aims to promote uniformity, discipline, and fairness among students in secondary schools.

During a stakeholder meeting in Accra on Monday, October 27, Mr. Iddrisu stressed that students will have more freedom of expression at the tertiary level. However, he said the secondary school system must continue to build order and respect for rules.

In an interview, General Secretary of the National PTA Council, Raphael Kofi Gapson, said the policy seeks to promote discipline and personal growth.

Moreover, he noted that the Council supports the government’s focus on discipline, as long as the policy is applied fairly and consistently across all schools.

“We are saying that we should look at the policy holistically and not pick and choose,” Mr. Gapson emphasized.

He also pointed out that discipline has sustained the reputation of Ghana’s top secondary schools often referred to as Category A and B schools.

“All the schools that we call Category A and B have maintained certain standards and discipline for decades. That’s why parents want their children there,” he added.

Afenyo-Markin Says NPP Will Regain Strength Despite Fewer Numbers in Parliament

By
Ivy Hollys
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Focus on Substance Over Numbers

Afenyo-Markin said strong democracies thrive not only on numbers but on leadership, resilience, and ideas that drive national development.

“I’m not in any way worried about the numbers. Like I indicated in my opening remarks in Parliament, it’s about substance,” he said. “Before the final destination, you need to demonstrate your weight. And for me, that is what enriches democracy.”

Lessons from NDC’s Revival

Afenyo-Markin compared the NPP’s current situation to that of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during its time in opposition under Alban Bagbin. He said the NDC’s eventual comeback showed that political revival is possible through perseverance and unity.

“The state we find ourselves in as a party has happened before to the NDC. I draw a lot of inspiration from the Bagbin-era NDC opposition,” he noted.

He recalled how the NDC, after losing power in 2000, reorganised and returned to government in 2008. He said the NPP can achieve the same by being honest and cohesive.

Acknowledging Weakness and Building Forward

Afenyo-Markin admitted that every government faces both successes and failures. He mentioned that issues such as illegal mining and economic pressures affected the NPP’s support among the middle class and business community.

However, he highlighted major achievements such as the Free Senior High School policy and the One District, One Factory programme as lasting legacies.

“These policies benefited families and encouraged investment. Ghana became a good destination for business,” he said.

Call for Renewal and Unity

Despite setbacks, Afenyo-Markin believes the NPP can rebuild its strength and regain public trust. He urged party members to treat challenges as opportunities for renewal rather than despair.

Bank of Ghana Says Weak U.S. Dollar Strengthened the Cedi in 2025

By
Ivy Hollys
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Bank of Ghana

The Bank of Ghana has confirmed that the recent weakness of the U.S. dollar has supported the Ghana cedi, helping to stabilise the local currency despite challenges in the foreign exchange market.

According to the Central Bank, the U.S. dollar index dropped by about 8 percent between January and August 2025. The decline was mainly due to a slowing American labour market and expectations of interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The Bank of Ghana’s September 2025 Monetary Policy Report said the weaker dollar, along with the growing global use of other currencies like the Chinese yuan for trade, has strengthened several emerging market currencies, including the cedi.

In Ghana, the cedi experienced mixed performance during the period. It came under pressure from high import demand and lower forex supply, caused by issues in the Gold-for-Forex programme and reduced remittance inflows.

Despite these hurdles, the cedi still recorded strong gains — appreciating by 28.95 percent against the dollar, 19.49 percent against the pound, and 14.08 percent against the euro on a year-to-date basis. This marks a sharp recovery from the heavy losses recorded during the same period in 2024.

The Central Bank said the cedi’s stability in the coming months will depend on high gold prices, improved forex liquidity following new directives to mining companies, and strict fiscal management.

It added that positive investor confidence from recent IMF programme reviews and developments in U.S. monetary policy could further shape the cedi’s outlook.

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