Purpose This paper aims to examine the nature and operations of the two main Ponzi schemes (DKM Diamond Micro Finance Company and Menzgold Company Limited). It explores how such dubious schemes were able to circumvent financial regulatory bodies and their impact on the social, political and economic spheres of Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts both quantitative and qualitative research approaches and relies on secondary sources of data from the Bank of Ghana, World Bank and textbooks, etc. Findings It was found out that inadequate supervisory role by financial regulators was a factor that made these schemes thrive in Ghana which had dire consequences on the socio-economic of the country. Originality/value This is the first paper that explores the major Ponzi schemes in Ghana.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between remittances, institutions and human development (HD) in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries using data from 2004 to 2018. The study attempts to answer two critical questions: Do the increasing remittances inflow to the region have any effect on human capital development? and does the effect of remittances on human development vary depending on the level of institutional quality?Design/methodology/approachThe analysis uses a dynamic model; system Generalized Method of Moments (Sys-GMM) as this approach controls for the endogeneity of the lagged dependent variable; thus, when there is a correlation between the explanatory variable and the error term, which is normally associated with remittances, it also controls for omitted variable bias, unobserved panel heterogeneity and measurement errors in the estimation.FindingsThe findings indicate a positive and significant impact of remittances on HD in SSA. The results further reveal a substitutional relationship between institutions and remittances in stimulating HD. The estimations mean that remittances promote HD in countries with a weak institutional environment. The findings also establish that the marginal significance of remittances as a source of capital for HD falls in countries with well-developed institutions.Originality/valueMost empirical research on the impact of remittances on HD does not tackle the problem of endogeneity associated with remittances. This study, however, provides empirical evidence by using Sys-GMM that solves the problem. The current study also is the first work to examine the relationship between remittances, institutions and HD in SSA and provides a new guide for future research on the remittance and HD nexus.

PurposeThis paper investigates the relationship between remittances, institutional quality and investment in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries using data from 2004 to 2018.Design/methodology/approachThe two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimator is the main methodology used, while the system generalized method of moments (Sys-GMM) technique is employed to test the robustness of the results.FindingsThe results show a positive and significant impact of remittances on investment in SSA. The findings further reveal a substitutional linkage between remittances and institutions in promoting investment. In essence, remittances serve as investment capital in countries with poor institutions. The results also show that the marginal significance of remittances as a source of funds for investment decreases in countries with well-developed institutions.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample excludes some of the SSA countries due to the unavailability of data.Practical implicationsIn the face of current institutional weaknesses, there is a need for SSA countries to prioritize policies that encourage the effective use of remittances for business activities. Furthermore, SSA countries must improve their economic freedom and democratic practices by reducing government size, protecting property rights, and promoting respect for political and civil rights.Originality/valueThis is the first study to analyze the relationship between remittances, institutional quality and investment in SSA. It also provides a novel framework for future research on the remittance–investment nexus.

To avoid the moribund path of most of the earlier implemented agricultural-based development projects and programmes, this article reviewed the implementation modalities of the Anchor Borrowers' programme while making useful suggestions for effective and sustainable results-based implementation. The article relied on content analyses and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats strategic planning tool to reach its conclusion. While noting the strength of the programme, there is doubt as to the conduct of project appraisal; implementation arrangements are unclear, while overlaps exist in the roles of stakeholders. Thus, the study affirms that political pressure should never be made to becloud sound project preparation, while sustaining awareness for increased programme participation to avoid exclusion and confusion. It is also imperative to put in place a credible results-based framework and modalities for the conduct of baseline and subsequent performance assessment structure for the purposes of learning and accountability to Nigerians.

In releasing the Algorithmic Transparency Standard, the UK government has reiterated its commitment to greater algorithmic transparency in the public sector. The Standard signals that the UK government is both pushing forward with the AI standards agenda and ensuring that those standards benefit from empirical practitioner-led experience, enabling coherent, widespread adoption. The two-tier approach of the Algorithmic Transparency Standard encourages transparency inclusivity across distinct audiences, facilitating trust across algorithm stakeholders. Moreover, it can be understood that implementation of the Standard within the UK’s public sector will inform standards more widely, influencing best practice in the private sector. This article provides a summary and commentary of the text.