COCOBOD CEO Promises Farmers Better Earnings in 2025/2026 Cocoa Season

Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire jointly dominate the global cocoa industry, serving as the two largest producers of the crop worldwide. In 2020, Côte d’Ivoire led with an impressive 44.4% share of total global cocoa output, while Ghana followed as the second-largest contributor, accounting for 16.3%. Together, these West African nations are responsible for well over half of the world’s cocoa supply, underscoring their central role in the international chocolate value chain. Together, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire dominate the global cocoa market, producing around 60% of the world’s cocoa supply. Ghana’s cocoa production reached a historic peak of 1.047 million metric tons during the 2020/2021 season. However, the sector has since faced multiple challenges, including adverse weather, climate change, and pest infestations, all of which have impacted yields and farmer incomes. To restore confidence and stimulate renewed growth in the cocoa sector, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Ransford Abbey, has embarked on a strategic tour of cocoa-producing communities. His mission is to directly engage farmers, strengthen relationships with traditional authorities, and provide assurance of better prospects for the upcoming 2025/2026 cocoa season. Dr. Abbey’s two-day visit, which took place on Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 28, 2025, included stops in the Bono and Ahafo regions both key cocoa-producing areas in Ghana. The tour began with a courtesy call on the Queen Mother of Dormaa, Odeneho Dr. Akosua Frema Dwaben II, at the Dormaa Abanpredease Palace. Emphasizing the importance of community and tradition, Dr. Abbey remarked, “The headquarters is in Accra, but the real work is here with the farmers. We must draw closer to them, and to you the custodians of the land for your prayers and wise counsel.” The Queen Mother welcomed the visit and urged COCOBOD to prioritize policies that ensure long-term sustainability and fair earnings for farmers. “We know how valuable cocoa is to this country. I urge you to review the producer price to reflect the value of the farmers’ effort and to improve their livelihoods,” she said. Addressing farmers in various communities, Dr. Abbey pledged that COCOBOD would announce a new producer price in August 2025, which would exceed that offered in Côte d’Ivoire. “We are committed to rewarding your hard work with competitive prices. When the new season opens in August, we will introduce a pricing structure that ensures Ghanaian cocoa farmers earn more than their counterparts across the border,” he assured. During open forums with cocoa…

Read more

Apple Challenges U.S. Judge’s ‘Unprecedented’ Contempt Ruling

Apple Seeks to Halt Contempt Order as Legal Battle Over App Store Practices Intensifies Apple is appealing to a higher court in an attempt to block a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who accused the tech giant of willfully violating a prior court injunction related to antitrust concerns. The ruling, which stems from Apple’s long-standing legal conflict with Epic Games, threatens to reshape the company’s control over its multibillion-dollar App Store ecosystem. The latest development comes as Apple asked an appeals court to suspend enforcement of Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ finding of contempt. Apple claims the order unlawfully interferes with its rights to manage the App Store, arguing that the decision forces the company to relinquish core operational control and grant developers unrestricted access to proprietary tools and services. “A federal court cannot force Apple to permanently give away free access to its products and services, including intellectual property,” Apple’s legal team asserted in its motion, describing the contempt ruling as “extraordinary” and legally unsound. This latest dispute traces back to a 2020 lawsuit filed by Fortnite developer Epic Games, which accused Apple of operating an illegal monopoly through the App Store by collecting commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases. Although the court dismissed the monopoly allegation, Judge Gonzalez Rogers did find Apple in violation of California’s competition laws for blocking developers from offering alternative payment options outside the App Store. In 2021, the judge ordered Apple to permit developers to direct users to external payment platforms. However, Epic returned to court in 2023, accusing Apple of circumventing that ruling by imposing new developer fees effectively preserving its grip on in-app transactions. Last week, Judge Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple had indeed defied the 2021 injunction. She cited internal Apple communications suggesting that executives including CEO Tim Cook were aware of and endorsed strategies that maintained anti-competitive structures. Notably, the judge accused Cook of ignoring internal advice to comply with the order, stating bluntly: “Cook chose poorly.” In a sharply worded opinion, she stated, “Apple knew exactly what it was doing and at every turn chose the most anticompetitive option.” She further announced plans to refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California to determine whether criminal contempt proceedings should be initiated against the company. Despite these setbacks, Apple maintains it is complying with the ruling while pursuing an appeal. The company also argues that the imposed restrictions could…

Read more

Canadian Electorate Set to Push Back Against U.S. Trade War in Election

Trump’s tariffs have ignited a surge in Canadian national pride, prompting a swift political shift in favor of the Liberal Party. Canadian voters are casting their ballots in a highly anticipated federal election on Monday, marking the culmination of one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in recent history. What began as a surefire path to victory for the Conservative Party has transformed into a fierce contest dominated by an unexpected Liberal resurgence galvanized by shifting public sentiments, geopolitical tensions, and a rekindled sense of Canadian national pride. Back in January, the political landscape painted a different picture. Polls at the time overwhelmingly projected a Conservative landslide, driven by mounting frustration over the rising cost of living, inflation, and growing discontent with the long-serving Liberal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose populist rhetoric and policy proposals drew comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump, gained significant traction among voters demanding economic reform and government accountability. However, the political dynamics underwent a seismic shift on January 6, when Justin Trudeau unexpectedly stepped down from office. His resignation opened the door for a new Liberal leadership team that brought a renewed message of unity, progressive reform, and economic stability. This change in leadership would prove to be a pivotal moment in the campaign. Adding fuel to the fire, the geopolitical landscape changed dramatically when Donald Trump was re-elected for a second term as President of the United States. Trump’s renewed threats of protectionist trade policies and aggressive tariff measures against Canadian goods sent shockwaves across Canada’s political and economic sectors. With memories of previous U.S.-Canada trade tensions still fresh, Canadians across the political spectrum rallied in defense of their national sovereignty and economic future. “Trump’s posture toward Canada triggered a remarkable wave of unity,” noted Frank Graves, president of the Canadian polling firm EKOS Research. “It stirred national pride and transformed the political narrative in favor of the Liberals. That kind of shift was almost unthinkable just months ago.” The result has been a surge in early voter turnout, with more than 7.3 million Canadians casting their ballots ahead of election day a record-breaking figure that underscores the heightened stakes and unprecedented public engagement in this election. While the Liberals have taken a clear lead in recent polls, the race remains tight. The Conservatives are far from defeated, having maintained a strong base of support, especially in western provinces. However, the momentum appears to favor…

Read more

Corporate Fraud: HR Head Gets 10 Years for Siphoning $2.2M Through 22 Ghost Workers

A Shanghai technology company’s human resources manager has been sentenced to over a decade in prison for masterminding a sophisticated payroll fraud scheme that siphoned millions of dollars by creating fictitious employees over nearly eight years. The case, highlighted in a recent White Paper on corporate crime by the Minhang District People’s Procuratorate, underscores vulnerabilities in internal financial oversight. The scam unraveled in 2022 when finance staff at the unnamed firm noticed irregularities in payroll records. An employee listed as “Xiao Sun” had drawn a salary for six months with perfect attendance—yet no one in the company had ever encountered the individual. An internal probe revealed that Yang, the HR officer responsible for managing hires and payroll since 2014, had exploited lax oversight to invent 22 fake employees, including Xiao Sun and “Xiao Li,” and funnel their salaries into bank accounts he controlled. Over the years, Yang embezzled approximately 16 million yuan (£1.7 million) through the scheme. His downfall began when suspicious finance staff flagged Xiao Sun’s absence from company records beyond payroll data. Confronted with evidence, Yang admitted to the fraud. Though he repaid 1.1 million yuan (£130,000) personally and his family contributed an additional 1.2 million yuan (£140,000), the recovered sum represented only a fraction of the stolen funds. In a ruling by the Minhang District Court, Yang was sentenced to 10 years and 2 months in prison, stripped of political rights for one year, and fined for embezzlement. The case has sparked scrutiny of corporate financial controls, particularly in industries with high employee turnover. Click on the link to join the Metascholar News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://t.me/metascholarworkshopsltd

Read more

Metascholar Consult Limited Celebrates Ghana’s 68th Independence Day: Honoring Heritage, Empowering Futures

On this momentous occasion of Ghana’s 68th Independence Day, Metascholar Consult Limited extends heartfelt congratulations to the people of Ghana and our esteemed partners across the nation. Today, we join millions in celebrating the courage, resilience, and visionary leadership that paved the way for Ghana’s sovereignty on March 6, 1957. As we reflect on the theme of unity, progress, and national pride, we reaffirm our commitment to contributing to Ghana’s growth through innovation, education, and strategic empowerment. At Metascholar Consult Limited, we draw inspiration from Ghana’s enduring legacy of excellence and self-determination. Just as Ghana’s founding fathers envisioned a future of prosperity and independence, we strive to empower individuals, institutions, and businesses with cutting edge consultancy services in education, research, and organizational development. Our tailored solutions from academic mentorship programs to corporate capacity building initiatives are designed to unlock potential, foster innovation, and drive sustainable progress in alignment with Ghana’s developmental goals. As the nation commemorates this historic day, we recognize the pivotal role of collaboration in nation-building. Metascholar Consult Limited is proud to partner with Ghanaian educational institutions, enterprises, and thought leaders to cultivate a skilled workforce, advance research excellence, and bridge knowledge gaps in critical sectors. Together, we are shaping a future where Ghanaian talent thrives on the global stage. Celebrating Ghana, Advancing TogetherIn honor of this milestone, we invite organizations and individuals to explore our bespoke consultancy services, including: Let us seize this Independence Day as a reminder that Ghana’s brightest days lie ahead. Metascholar Consult Limited stands ready to collaborate with you in building a legacy of knowledge, empowerment, and excellence. Happy 68th Independence Day, Ghana!From all of us at Metascholar Consult Limited—proud partners in your journey toward greatness. Contact Us:🌐 www.academicdigital.space📧 support@academicdigital.space📞 +233533204624 Empowering Minds, Transforming Futures. Click on the link to join the Metascholar News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://t.me/metascholarworkshopsltd

Read more

Ghanaian Businesses Launch Campaign to Tackle Single-Use Plastic Pollution

In a significant move to tackle the escalating environmental crisis caused by single-use plastics (SUPs), five leading supermarkets and related businesses in Ghana have pledged their commitment to a Voluntary Pact aimed at reducing plastic waste. The initiative, spearheaded by Plastic Punch in collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) and key stakeholders, seeks to halve the use of single-use plastic bags in Ghana by 2030. Participating businesses include Sneda Shopping Centre, Neha Supermarket, All Needs Supermarket, Decathlon Ghana, and Green Butterfly Market. These companies have joined forces to promote sustainable business practices, support Ghana’s national sustainability goals, and contribute to global environmental stewardship. The Voluntary Pact, launched with the backing of Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is part of the broader National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP). It aims to address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution by encouraging businesses to transition away from SUPs such as carrier bags, food packaging, straws, cups, and cutlery in the retail, hospitality, and food sectors. Capacity Building and Public Awareness Campaigns As part of the initiative, participating businesses will receive capacity-building training to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Additionally, a nationwide awareness campaign, titled “Bag The Habit,” will be rolled out to promote corporate environmental responsibility and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives to SUPs. Richmond Quarcoo, Head of Plastic Punch, emphasized the importance of public education in driving behavioral change. “This campaign will amplify messages around SUP reduction and inspire broader adoption of sustainable practices. We urge all supermarkets and eateries to join us in influencing consumer behavior through eco-friendly packaging,” he stated. A Cultural Shift Toward Sustainability The initiative goes beyond reducing plastic waste; it aims to foster a cultural shift toward sustainable business operations and consumer habits. By engaging stakeholders across sectors, the program seeks to enforce supportive policies, drive behavioral change, and create a lasting positive impact on Ghana’s environment. Hobson Kwame Agyapong, Principal Program Officer at the EPA, highlighted the initiative’s broader vision: “This is not just about reducing single-use plastics; it’s about transforming how businesses and consumers interact with the environment. We are committed to driving meaningful change and ensuring a sustainable future for Ghana.” Global Support and Collaboration The Voluntary Pact is part of the Go Circular project, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project supports Ghana’s transition to a circular economy by…

Read more

Finance Minister Announces Comprehensive Review of Contracts and Payment Requests to Ensure Legitimacy

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the Mahama administration is undertaking a thorough review of all contracts and payment requests to ensure their legitimacy. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, addressing growing concerns about the authenticity of financial obligations and pending payments. Dr. Forson emphasized that no payments have been made to any contractor since he assumed office. He specifically refuted allegations suggesting that he had authorized a payment to businessman and former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, for a contract purportedly executed during the previous administration. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Dr. Forson clarified the situation, stating, “Friends, since I took office, no contractor including Kennedy Agyapong has been paid a pesewa. We are currently conducting a comprehensive review of all contracts and payment requests to verify their legitimacy. Please disregard any claims suggesting that I have authorized payment to Kennedy Ohene Agyapong or any other contractor. Thank You!” The Finance Minister’s statement comes in response to circulating rumors and misinformation that had created public anxiety and speculation. By setting the record straight, Dr. Forson aims to reassure citizens that the government remains committed to upholding financial prudence and avoiding unwarranted expenditures. The comprehensive review process will involve meticulous scrutiny of all contractual agreements and associated payment requests. This exercise will include verifying contract authenticity, assessing compliance with procurement laws, and evaluating the execution status of awarded projects. The goal is to detect and eliminate any potential fraudulent claims while protecting the state’s financial interests. Dr. Forson also urged the general public to be cautious of misleading information and to rely only on verified communications from official government channels. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that any legitimate payments will only be made following the thorough vetting process. The Finance Ministry’s initiative aligns with broader governance reforms intended to build public trust and ensure responsible fiscal management. As the review progresses, the ministry has promised to keep the public informed and provide updates on significant developments. By taking a firm stance against unauthorized payments and emphasizing due diligence, Dr. Forson and the Mahama administration are demonstrating their dedication to fostering a transparent, accountable, and efficient financial management system.

Read more

Hollard Insurance Unveils Exciting Motor Insurance Promotion to Reward Customers

Hollard Insurance, a subsidiary of Hollard Ghana, is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting Motor Insurance Promotion designed to reward new and existing customers. Hollard Insurance has launched an exciting Motor Insurance Promotion aimed at rewarding both new and existing customers for their continued loyalty and trust. This initiative reinforces Hollard’s commitment to providing exceptional service while ensuring that customers receive added value beyond just insurance coverage. As part of this promotion, customers who purchase or renew their motor insurance policies with Hollard will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits designed to enhance their experience and provide greater convenience. These rewards include instant fuel vouchers to help customers save on their next refuel, complimentary roadside assistance for added peace of mind while on the road, and exclusive Hollard-branded gifts as a token of appreciation for their patronage. Speaking on the initiative, Daniel Boi Addo, Managing Director of Hollard Insurance, emphasized that the promotion aligns with the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction and engagement. “At Hollard, our mantra is ‘we do well by doing good’, and this promotion is a way for us to express our deep appreciation to our valued customers and partners. We are excited to offer this package, which is open to all private and commercial car owners, ensuring that every client enjoys a first-class insurance experience with additional benefits,” he stated. He further elaborated that the Motor Insurance Promotion is more than just a reward program it is a reflection of Hollard’s core mission to create and secure a better future for all. “At Hollard, we put our customers first in everything we do. Our goal is to help them live their best lives while we take care of the things that matter most to them. This promotion is part of our broader strategy to enhance customer engagement and loyalty by offering innovative solutions that go beyond the traditional scope of insurance,” he added. Participation in the Motor Insurance Promotion is simple customers can renew or purchase their motor insurance policies through any Hollard branch or accredited agents nationwide. The promotion is available for a limited time only, so customers are encouraged to take advantage of these exclusive rewards while the offer lasts. Hollard Insurance encourages all vehicle owners to seize this opportunity to not only protect their vehicles but also enjoy added value through exciting rewards. Whether it is the financial relief from fuel vouchers, the assurance of roadside assistance, or the symbolic…

Read more

Tullow Ghana Initiates 4D Seismic Survey in Advance of Drilling Campaign

Tullow Ghana, in collaboration with its partners, has officially launched a comprehensive 4D seismic survey across the Jubilee and TEN fields. This strategic initiative marks a significant step in the company’s long-term vision to optimize its drilling activities and enhance oil recovery in Ghana’s offshore fields. The survey is expected to provide critical data that will shape the company’s exploration and production strategies for 2025 and beyond. The survey commenced earlier this month and is projected to last approximately 45 days, concluding in early March 2025. The primary objective of this advanced seismic study is to identify optimal drilling locations, ensuring efficient and sustainable resource extraction. By deploying cutting-edge technology, Tullow Ghana aims to enhance its understanding of subsurface reservoir dynamics, ultimately improving decision-making processes for future drilling campaigns. The execution of this ambitious project is being spearheaded by Shearwater GeoServices, a Norwegian firm widely recognized for its expertise in marine seismic operations. Shearwater’s state-of-the-art seismic vessel, the SW Duchess, has been deployed for this mission. Equipped with sophisticated data acquisition technology, the vessel will generate high-resolution imaging of the subsurface reservoirs, enabling Tullow Ghana to make data-driven decisions regarding future drilling prospects. In line with Tullow Ghana’s commitment to fostering local content and capacity-building, the survey is being conducted in partnership with Ghanaian company Destra Energy. This collaboration highlights the company’s dedication to integrating local expertise into Ghana’s oil and gas industry, creating opportunities for local businesses and professionals to participate in high-value offshore operations. Tullow Ghana and its partners have placed a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement to ensure a smooth and conflict-free execution of the survey. Extensive consultations were conducted with regulatory bodies such as the Petroleum Commission, the Ghana Navy, and the Ghana Maritime Authority, along with representatives from the Canoe Council, local contractors, and other critical industry stakeholders. Particular attention was given to engaging coastal and fishing communities within the operational zones. These efforts were aimed at raising awareness about the survey’s activities and mitigating any potential disruptions to local fishing activities. Tullow Ghana has also reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability, ensuring that marine life and the broader ecosystem are protected throughout the survey period. Tullow Ghana’s Managing Director, Jean-Medard Madama, expressed enthusiasm about this pioneering project, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on Ghana’s first-ever 4D seismic survey ahead of our next drilling campaign. This initiative will provide invaluable data and insights, helping us enhance efficiency and maximize resource recovery. We are…

Read more

400 Trending Business Management Research Topics in 2025

Business management is crucial for competitiveness and profitability in today’s fast-paced world. It involves understanding business structure, finance, marketing, and strategy. Pursuing a postgraduate course, like PGDM, often requires a well-researched paper to launch one’s career. The main challenge is selecting a relevant, trending research topic. To assist, here are ten current business management research topics for 2025, focusing on technological advancements and innovative leadership strategies. Enrolling in Business Management training courses can further enhance your skills and knowledge, propelling your career to new heights. Let’s explore these cutting-edge topics together for career growth. Business Management Research Topics [Based on Different Industries] A. Business Management Research Topics for Business Administration B. Business Management Research Topics for Accounting and Finance C. Business Management Research Topics for Economics D. Business Management Research Topics for International Business E. Business Management Project Topics for Management  F. Project Topics for Marketing G. Business Management Research Topics for Employment Relations H. Project Topics for Business ethics topics What are Some Good Business Management Research Topics in 2025? Every aspect of business, like strategy, finance, operations, and management, is essential. So, it’s hard to say that a particular area of research is more significant. Choosing the best research topic in business management within your area of interest or specialization is one way to decide what your business management research project will be about. It is also a learning process and an opportunity to showcase your in-depth knowledge.  But if you want to explore other options, write about trending issues and events in the business world, and learn something new, here’s a list of 10 research proposal topics in business management that can help you create an engaging and practical project. You can also take a CCBA training certification to learn more in-depth about business management.  1. Conflict Management in a Work Team With businesses going global, team management has escalated from merely managing people to guiding, mentoring and resolving conflicts among individuals. Teams with multicultural members from different departments are fertile ground for conflicts. If you are looking for international business management research topics, conflict management in work teams is an excellent option.  This research will give you an insight into the various causes of conflict and different techniques and methods of conflict resolution within global multi-lingual and multi-cultural teams enabling you to lead teams successfully and keep disruptions minimal. Better teams translate to better productivity and, eventually, revenue. On the personal front, it means career growth, leadership roles, and higher…

Read more