Ghana’s illustrious rapper, Sarkodie, took center stage to eloquently market his beloved homeland as a beacon of peace and tranquility.
During an interaction with renowned radio personality Angela Yee, on ‘Way Up with Angela Yee,’ the wordsmith extraordinaire masterfully painted a vivid picture of Ghana’s serene haven, leaving hosts of the show, Chella H and Angela Yee in awe of its allure.
“It’s a beautiful spot to come to. If you want peace, and security wise. If you don’t want to care about walking at night with nobody bothering you, that’s Ghana. It’s extremely peaceful, beautiful and we love people coming from elsewhere into our country,” he said.
Amidst the rhythms of beats and the symphony of words, Sarkodie’s voice resonated with both passion and pride as he embarked on an ambitious mission – to showcase the untamed beauty of his homeland and dispel any misconceptions that may cloud the perception of this West African state. He also touched on the country’s exceptional hospitality.
“We really know how to host so a lot of your people are still staying there. They don’t want to come back since Christmas. They bought properties out there and they don’t want to come back ‘cus the peace out there is crazy,” he noted.
Ghana is indeed renowned for its peaceful nature and stability in a region that has faced various challenges. The country stands as a shining example of a nation that embraces harmony, cultural diversity, and peaceful coexistence among its citizens.
Despite its abundance of natural resources, which could be a potential source of tension in some regions, Ghana has managed to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Moreover, the Ghanaian people themselves have shown a strong desire for peace, unity, and progress, transcending any potential divisions.
On Saturday, July 22, President Akufo-Addo paid a courtesy visit to Pope Francis in Rome to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and the Vatican.
This visit was a part of the President’s official four-day visit to Italy, aiming to reaffirm the friendship between the two nations.
During the visit, the Ghanaian delegation was taken on a tour of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences at the Vatican by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a respected Catholic priest of Ghanaian origin.
Ghana shares the Holy See’s commitment to addressing critical issues such as the climate crisis, human trafficking, and promoting equality for all.
On the occasion of Pope Francis’ 10th anniversary as Pope, which coincided with the National Day of the Holy See, President Nana Akufo-Addo lauded the Pope’s dedication to the betterment of humanity.
Since 2013, Pope Francis has advocated for fairness, equality among nations, and has spoken against discrimination and exploitation.
The Vatican has been a supportive partner in Ghana’s development efforts, particularly in areas like education, health, and youth development over the years.
A Ghanaian lady named Frimpongmaa faced deportation to Ghana from the United States of America after her friend reported her to the authorities.
According to Freda Afriyie, who narrated the deportee’s ordeal on social media, Frimpongmaa had been working in the States using someone else’s Ghanaian documents, and as a result, her salary was being deposited into the account of the person whose papers she was using.
Over time, Frimpongmaa had earned more than US$70,000, but unfortunately, her hard-earned money was locked up with the individual whose identity she had borrowed. Seeking her rightful earnings, Frimpongmaa visited the person’s house to request her money, but the woman claimed to be ill and requested a 2-month period before she could cash out the funds for Frimpongmaa.
As a consequence of these circumstances, Frimpongmaa’s situation came to the attention of the authorities, leading to her deportation back to Ghana.
“My money is with the sister and I told her to let’s go to the bank to withdraw the money for me. She said she doesn’t have time. She was sick, so I should give her 2 months and that the doctor said she should not go out. So the woman said, I’ll use Uber to pick you up to the bank. This led to an argument,” Frimpongmaa told Freda Afriyie.
After the confrontations between Frimpongmaa and the debtor, the latter called her husband and the police, falsely claiming that she was under attack. Consequently, Frimpongmaa was arrested and subjected to an investigation.
As she lacked the necessary documents to prove her legal stay in the USA, she was processed for court.
Eventually, she faced deportation and was sent back to Ghana. Now back in her home country, Frimpongmaa is making a living as a dishwasher in a local chop bar
Acting Director General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), David Osafo Adonteng, has revealed that his outfit has revised road safety interventions, emphasizing the adoption of technology to combat road crashes.
The NRSA plans to install cameras and vehicle tracking devices to monitor motorists, ensuring compliance with speed limits and discouraging wrongful overtaking.
Over speeding is a critical contributing factor to accidents, and the stringent measures aim to counter it.
“We are adopting technology and that is the order of the day across the world, so, cameras are going to be fixed on major highways and selected locations to monitor those who jump red lights.
We are going to put speed limiters and tracking systems in all the vehicles so you cannot go beyond that limit and wherever you are we can see, when you are doing wrongful overtaking, we can see you,” Mr Adonteng explained.
The nationwide implementation of road safety technology is expected to make Ghana a success story in road safety management.
The new NRSA Legislative Instrument empowers the authority to regulate passenger transport services, aiming to reduce accidents by licensing operators and enforcing standards.
“We are going to license all the transport services operators, know where they are and give them some standards to operate within,” he indicated.
Vehicles violating road traffic regulations will face sanctions, and unfit vehicles and unqualified drivers will be barred from operating.
The NRSA collaborates with stakeholders to enforce these measures.
The authority’s strengthened road safety management interventions have contributed to a reduction in road accidents and vehicle involvement in accidents in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022.
Challenges like riding without helmets and underage riding, particularly in northern regions, are gradually being addressed.
The Upper West Regional office of NRSA is commended for its efforts in improving road safety despite financial and logistical challenges.
Mr. Adonteng appeals to stakeholders and the media to strengthen their activities for more effective road safety management.
Ghana and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and friendship between the two nations, exploring mutual interests for the benefit of their respective populations.
This took place on July 21, 2023 after President Akufo-Addo‘s official 4-day visit to Italy, where he held bilateral discussions with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome.
President Mattarella praised Ghana’s adherence to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, making Ghana a beacon of stability in West Africa and Africa as a whole.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the longstanding strong relations between Ghana and Italy, citing successful Italian companies operating in Ghana, such as Impregilo, which constructed the Akosombo Dam.
The leaders discussed collaboration in Ghana’s pharmaceutical and agro-based industries, and President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude for Italy’s support in the restructuring of Ghana’s finances through the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments, securing a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility from the IMF.
Both leaders stressed the importance of stability for economic development, and President Mattarella pledged Italy’s support to confront the jihadist threat in the Sahel and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We are anxious that the matter of UN Reform be given priority on the global agenda. It is time to correct the longstanding injustice that the current structure and composition of the UN Security Council represent for the nations of Africa. We are encouraged, though, by the attitudes and sentiments of two (2) leaders of the five (5) Permanent Members of the Security Council, that is President Joe Biden of the United States of America and President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. Both of them are the first leaders of their respective countries to call publicly for reform. We look forward to the leaders of the three (3) other Permanent Members also throwing their support behind the reform process,” the Ghanaian President said.
They also emphasized the need for global financial and economic architecture reform to address inequities, with both calling for United Nations Security Council reform, particularly for Africa.
President Akufo-Addo is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 4th ECAM Summit in Rome, discussing healthcare and food safety challenges and opportunities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Ghana is currently facing economic challenges, which necessitates Ghanaians to align their incomes with the prevailing inflation rate.
In June 2023, inflation edged up to 42.5% from the previous month’s 42.2%. This surge means that the prices of goods have risen by 42.5% within that month.
Consequently, if incomes remain stagnant while prices of goods and services increase, consumers might find themselves burdened with debt or forced to cut back on spending.
Though the immediate impact may not be readily apparent, over time, these developments can lead to a decline in the overall quality of life.
Ghana’s minimum wage currently stands at GH¢14.88, and traditionally, it was believed that public service jobs offered better salaries compared to those in the private sector.
However, with the rise of the private sector and entrepreneurship, the validity of this notion has become less clear.
For the purpose of this article, the focus will be on identifying the best-paying jobs available in Ghana in 2023.
1. Civil engineering Civil engineers deal with matters related to infrastructural projects. They handle creativity, design, supervision, construction, and maintenance. Since their jobs deal with infrastructure development, they are able to work remotely, for the private sector and public sector as well. Mostly, their jobs are also contract-based.
2. Business Analysis Business analysis deals with everything that concerns businesses. Analysts help to assess every aspect of a business and come up with ways to improve or ensure the business’ growth. Analysts are paid quite decent salaries.
3. University Professor The teaching profession may not be so rewarding at the lower levels but climbing up, University lecturers and professors earn quite decent salaries.
4. Medical Doctor In recent times, Ghana has seen the exodus of medical doctors to other Western countries in search of greener pastures. However, the profession still remains one with quite decent paychecks.
5. Lawyers Lawyers are also part of the high-salaried workers in Ghana. Usually, lawyers are highly sought-after due to the high rates they charge from their clients.
6. IT specialist Players in the IT space have gained their position as part of the highest earners in Ghana due to the evolution of the internet.
7. Network Engineering Network Engineers design, build, and configure networks. do a variety of tasks, including upgrading equipment, setting up nodes, and troubleshooting, among others.
8. Human Resource Personnel HR managers are responsible for the general well being of employees of a company. They serve as recruiters and applicant screeners during each round of the hiring process. They also handle training and orientation of newly hired employees. They also handle scheduling, payroll, incident reports, and other relevant tasks.
9. Product Management A Product Manager’s task is to find out what customers need. They gather this data through thorough market research, customer feedback, and surveys.
10. Customer Service Representative Just like the name of the role, they handle the needs of customers and ensure that they are always satisfied.
The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has congratulated Ghana for developing a strong democratic culture.
He praised Ghanaians for distinguishing out among African nations for their commitment to the rule of law, political stability, and peaceful cohabitation.
“Ghana is not just another country in Africa. You are very special,” President Rebelo de Sousa noted.
He was speaking at a joint press conference in Lisbon, Portugal, with President Akufo-Addo.
President Nana Akufo-Addo is on a three-day State visit to strengthen the two countries’ long-standing diplomatic relations.
The objective is to increase people’s political, cultural, and socioeconomic exchanges.
The West African country wishes to strengthen multilateral collaboration, promote a better world, and solve global concerns related to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Portugal maintains strong historical ties with Ghana, dating back to the 15th Century.
President Rebelo de Sousa emphasized his country’s commitment to engaging in business with Ghana, given their shared development experiences and mutual interest in addressing global challenges.
“With these, it is very easy to have good bilateral relations between the two countries,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo thanked the Portuguese government for its commitment to advancing Ghana’s voice and interests inside the European Union.
He hoped that the State visit will give a more robust platform for economic engagement, increasing trade volumes and bringing development to the people.
He stated that his administration was looking forward to expanding cooperation with the Portuguese government as Ghana sought assistance to decrease poverty to the bare minimum.
In addition, the government will collaborate effectively with its European counterparts to eliminate irregular migration, insecurity, and human rights violations.
Ghana’s largest trading partner is China, and it remains a significant source of foreign investment, as stated by the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Lu Kun.
Bilateral trade volume reached an unprecedented high of US$10 Billion, increasing by 7.3 per cent year-on-year.
China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years.
During the donation of relief items to flood disaster victims in the Volta region, Ambassador Lu Kun highlighted China’s commitment to improving Ghana’s economy and the well-being of its people.
He mentioned various efforts and activities, including China’s involvement in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrangement, investment in various sectors, and support for infrastructure projects.
Ghana was among the first countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, China was quick to provide medical supplies to Africa, with Ghana as one of the recipients.
China and Africa have long-standing ties, supporting each other’s national independence and development.
Mr. Stephen Ayensu Ntim, the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), acknowledged the strong ties between Ghana and China, strengthened by the NPP-Communist Party alliance for progress.
In a move to strengthen their bilateral relations, Ghana and Portugal have signed a cooperation agreements on Tuesday, aiming to enhance mutual ties between the two nations.
They signed bilateral instruments of co-operation in defence, political consultation and trade.
“This latest form of agreement will go a long way to strengthen the ties of friendship and the bonds of co-operation between Ghana and Portugal.” President Akufo-Addo said at a joint press conference with President Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, as part of his three-day State Visit to Portugal.
He said Ghana was determined “to turn our back on our old economy, which has been dependent on the production and export of raw materials, and also dependent on aid.”
“We want to build a value-added, industrialised economy with a modernised agriculture, which is neither victim nor pawn of the world economic order. We want our relations with Portugal and, indeed, the rest of the world, to be characterised by an increase in trade and investment co-operation.
“This is the way to develop healthy relations between our two countries and put Ghana at the high end of the value chain in the global marketplace, and create jobs for the teeming masses of Ghanaians, particularly the youth,” he stated.
The President indicated that his discussions with his Portuguese counterpart also focused on boosting further political, cultural, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation at the multilateral level and on the need to promote a better world by addressing global issues relating to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We have noted with satisfaction the value that the Ghana-Portugal Business Forum scheduled to be held tomorrow will add to our investment initiatives, he said.”
President Akufo-Addo disclosed that the President of Portugal had also resolved to give voice to Ghana’s cause and interests within the European Union.
Ghana would also help to facilitate the provision of a platform for enhanced economic engagement between Portugal and the member countries of ECOWAS to boost the trade volumes.
On global security, the President said Ghana and Portugal looked forward to Russia, China and the United Kingdom throwing their support behind United States of America and France towards the reform process of the United Nations Security Council in line with the Ezulwini consensus.
He assured President De Sousa that Ghana will “collaborate with Portugal to find solutions to challenges such as the eradication of widespread poverty, elimination of irregular migration, insecurity and human rights violations, terrorism and violent extremism, human and drug trafficking, piracy, as well as climate change and its attendant, negative impact on the environment and livelihoods.”
President Akufo-Addo later called at the Lisbon City Council, where he was handed the keys to the city of Lisbon by the Deputy Mayor, Filipe Anacoreta Correia.
In his address, the President stated that history holds ample lessons that shows “that a rich trading partner, operating within a fair, trading system, brings prosperity to both sides, far more than the exploitation of a poor partner.”
“I have come to Lisbon to advocate for increased investment and trade between our two nations. Trade relations between Ghana and Portugal have evolved through history, and a new paradigm has to be defined, which will be dependent on the structural transformation of the Ghanaian economy from a raw material producing and exporting economy, to a value-adding, industrialising economy.
“This will enable Ghana trade at the high end of the global value chain, dealing in products we make and grow. Out of this, a robust trading system between Portugal and Ghana will be created, which will generate mutual prosperity for the peoples of the two countries,” he said.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, the promising winger from Crystal Palace, has expressed his aspirations of representing Ghana at the international level.
Despite being born in Southwark, England, the talented footballer holds a strong desire to wear the Black Stars jersey and showcase his skills for his parents’ homeland.
Rak-Sakyi’s decision to embrace his Ghanaian heritage and contribute to the nation’s footballing legacy adds an exciting new chapter to his burgeoning career. With his talent and potential, he could become a valuable asset for Ghana’s national team in the near future.
Anthony Hayes, the first-team coach at Charlton Athletic and a former coach of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, disclosed the player’s intention to represent Ghana.
“Jes[urun Rak-Sakyi] has ambitions to play in the Premier League and represent Ghana, to play in World Cup,” he said.
Having initially been part of Chelsea’s youth system, Rak-Sakyi made the switch to Crystal Palace in 2019, where he continued his development as a promising footballer.
His first involvement with the Crystal Palace first-team came on 10 April 2021, when he was named as an unused substitute in a match against his former club. Just two days later, Rak-Sakyi signed his first professional contract with Crystal Palace, marking a significant milestone in his career.
After a successful loan spell at Charlton Athletic, where he made 43 appearances, scored 15 goals, and provided 8 assists, the talented winger has now returned to Crystal Palace. His impressive performances during the loan spell have further showcased his potential and raised expectations for his future contributions at the club.
The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association, Henry Asante Twum disclosed that the FA paid $80,000 for yellow cards accumulation during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Black Stars performed below the bar and exited the tournament in the group stages with just a single win, losing 3-2 to, 2-0 to Portugal and Uruguay respectively, and winning 3-2 over South Korea.
According to Henry, each yellow card received came at a fee of $10,000 ad throughout Ghana’s campaign, the team accumulated eight yellow cards which sums up to $80,000.
Ghana received four yellow cards in the first game against Portugal with Kudus Mohammed, Andre Ayew, Alidu Seidu, and Inaki Williams going into the books of the referee.
In Ghana’s second group game against South Korea, Daniel Amartey and Tariq Lamptey were booked as well and two more were recorded from the last game against Uruguay which went to Alidu Seidu and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Speaking to Angel TV, Henry said, “We paid$80,000 for yellow cards acquisition at the 2022 World Cup”.
The Black Stars will begin their campaign for the2026 FIFA World Cup fifth appearance from November 2023 to November 2025.
The four-time African Champions have been pitted in Group I alongside Mali, Chad, Madagascar, Comoros, and Central African Republic for the World Cup qualifiers.
Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has disclosed that Ghana incurred a total cost of $80,000 due to yellow card accumulations during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghanaian national team, known as the Black Stars, received eight yellow cards across three games in the tournament, ultimately falling short of advancing beyond the group stage. Although they secured a victory against South Korea, they faced defeats against Portugal and Uruguay.
During an interview, Asante Twum revealed that Ghana had to pay a fee of $10,000 for each caution received by their players during the tournament in Qatar.
“We paid $80,000 for yellow cards acquisition at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar,” he is quoted to have told Angel TV.
Alidu Seidu (twice), Kamaldeen Sulemana, Daniel Amartey, Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Andre Ayew and Mohammed Kudus all received yellow cards during the tournament last year.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, July 18, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) clarified the purpose behind the upcoming friendly match against Mexico.
The GFA announced that they have reached an agreement for the Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team, to participate in an international friendly match against Mexico on October 14.
“The Ghana Football Association has signed a contract with the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) for an International friendly against 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup champions Mexico in the United States as part of the 20th anniversary of the MexTour.
“This fixture comes off on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at a venue yet to be announced,” parts of the GFA statement said.
The Ghana FA further explained that the international friendly match with Mexico forms “part of Ghana’s preparations for important competitions such as the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November and the Africa Cup of Nations in January next year.”
To play at the 2023 AFCON, the Black Stars of Ghana must beat the Central African Republic in September.
In the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ghana is in Group I with Mali, Chad, Comoros, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic.
Finding the sound to counteract the global rise of afrobeats and other music genres on the global market scene has purposefully prompted important industrial talks and debates among musicians, gatekeepers, music lovers, and other stakeholders.
Emmanuel Kweku Owusu Darlington, better known by his stage as Kweku Darlington, has added his voice to the ongoing debate, claiming that the success of Ghanaian music in the market is dependent on hiplife.
In a Facebook post, the “Sika Aba Fie” hitmaker wrote, “We’ve been seeking answers to Ghana’s success in the market!!! ‼️HIPLIFE IS THE SOUND “This post comes off just months after the GRAMMY’s recent grouping of some of Africa’s genres into a broader category named the Best African Music Performance.
With the mother genre, hiplife excluded from the list and a new tag of “Ghanaian drill” added to the list, Kweku Darlington believes hiplife has proven to be the catalyst for Ghanaian music dominance and success.
Kweku Darlington’s recent comments might have caught some by surprise, but a closer examination of his musical catalog reveals a consistent dedication to projecting hiplife music in various ways since his breakthrough.
From notable tracks like “Onipa” featuring Okyeame Kwame, “Sika Aba Fie Remix,” “Aketesia,” and several others, Kweku Darlington has crafted a template that appreciates and showcases the authentic Ghanaian hiplife sound. This commitment to the genre is something he attributes to being instrumental in his widespread growth within the music industry.
For those interested, Kweku Darlington’s latest single titled “Happy Day” can be found at the following link: https://youtu.be/SOUpiAolmbY
Around 700 micro and small enterprises, both in the formal and informal sectors, focused on skills development and job creation, are set to benefit from the newly established $60 million Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF).
The fund is part of the $200 million Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, supported by the World Bank, with the aim of enhancing productivity, promoting competitiveness, and increasing income-earning capacities, particularly among women and low-income groups.
The five-year GSDF Project, which aligns with the government’s strategic plan to revamp technical and vocational education and training (TVET), is being implemented by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the International Development Association of the World Bank.
The initiative was launched by Ms Gifty Twum-Ampofo, Deputy Minister of Education in charge of TVET, during a ceremony in Accra.
The fund began implementation in August 2022, with the first call for applications receiving approvals and disbursing funds to 105 enterprises.
The second call for applications is scheduled for August 1 to August 31, 2023, and is expected to benefit approximately 200 enterprises.
Chairperson of the GSDF Steering Committee, Mr. Kwasi Asamoah-Baffour, noted that new enterprises and those operating for less than three years would not be eligible for the grant.
Additionally, enterprises in sectors with high employment growth potential and those with a significant representation of female employees and individuals with disabilities would have an advantage in the selection process.
Ms. Twum-Ampofo emphasized that the GSDF support would not be in the form of a loan and beneficiaries would not be required to repay the funds received. The initiative aims to stimulate job creation, enhance skills development, and contribute to the overall economic growth and competitiveness of Ghana.
“However, implementation of grantee projects will need to result in desired outcomes of the GSDF, which include increased productivity, quality, competitiveness, job creation, and increased incomes,” she said.
According to Ms. Twum-Ampofo, the Government’s objective is for the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF) to support the skills upgrading of employees in beneficiary enterprises and companies, enabling them to improve productivity and adapt to emerging technologies. The Fund is also expected to contribute to the enhancement of skills among master craftspeople and self-employed graduate apprentices.
Ms. Elena Glinskaya, Lead Economist at the World Bank and Co-Task Leader of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, praised the GSDF as an innovative initiative and expressed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana in building its human resource base for sustainable development.
Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, the Director General of CTVET, emphasized that the selection of organizations to benefit from the Fund would be based on merit. He further stated that the GSDF would serve as a platform to mobilize financing for technical and vocational education and training (TVET), aligning with the government’s commitment to using TVET as a tool to develop essential skills and provide decent employment opportunities.
Ghana is preparing for the launch of the Chartered Institute of Realtors (CIR), an organization dedicated to providing top-notch training and learning opportunities for real estate professionals within the dynamic global real estate industry.
The launch event is expected to attract a diverse audience comprising policymakers, international property developers, lawyers, arbitrators, politicians, clergy, key government stakeholders, academia, and property investors, among others.
The primary goal of the institute is to promote unity among the various fields within the built environment on a global scale, aiming to become a recognized certification body in the real estate industry worldwide.
Currently, there are several recognized professional bodies that offer specialized skills and services, each making significant contributions to the industry. These include state institutions like the Lands Commission and other associations, all operating according to recognized standards.
Taking inspiration from established professional bodies in fields such as Accountancy, Law, and Banking, where institutions provide education on professional standards, ethics, and quality training, the Chartered Institute of Realtors seeks to harmonize the skills, experiences, and services of all stakeholders and key players. It aims to provide high-quality education, training, and certifications to its members, partners, and individuals seeking to establish themselves in the industry.
To achieve its objectives, the CIR has developed a comprehensive training program consisting of requisite training, seminars, and workshops offered in progressive stages. This systematic approach enables a thorough understanding of concepts and conventions in the field.
The institute plans to collaborate with realtors and professional associations worldwide, leveraging available resources to promote professionalism, quality, and excellence across the industry. As the global real estate industry expands, addressing diverse issues related to land acquisition, property fraud, property pricing, broker management services, and facility and property management becomes crucial. Safeguarding the industry’s integrity will restore or enhance confidence and provide valuable insights for navigating the various situations experienced by individuals worldwide.
Despite the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ghana has emerged as Africa’s most appealing investment destination, as stated by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).
The GIPC highlights numerous opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors to contribute to the growth of the local economy and reap substantial benefits.
A tweet from the GIPC, observed by GhanaWeb Business, reiterates Ghana’s readiness for business, underscoring the country’s political stability and abundant natural resources as key factors to attract potential investors.
Amidst challenging global circumstances, Ghana stands out as an attractive investment hub, offering stability and promising prospects for those looking to invest.
“From political stability to abundant resources & global access, Ghana offers one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for investment,” part of the tweet read.
“Indeed, Ghana is a land of opportunity, full of optimism & open for business,” it added.
According to the World Investment Report 2022, global direct investment stood at 1.6 trillion dollars (about $4,900 per person in the US) in 2021, which was expected to grow in the medium term.
Africa’s share of the total global inward investment however stood at US$83 billion as compared to US$29 billion in 2020, accounting for 5.2 percent of global direct investment.
The report added that flows to Ghana that year rose from 39 percent to US$2.6 billion owing to projects in the extractive industries supported by efficient supply chains, adding that there was more room for improvement in the country and the African continent.
The World Bank has warned Ghana that failing to adopt a crucial action plan to address its present energy concerns could put it at danger of facing financial difficulties and losing its inflows of foreign direct investment to other nations.
According to its Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, proactive solutions should be taken immediately to address the problems metering, invoicing, and revenue collection within the industry face.
Speaking to the media at a press conference, she said that her organization will offer technical assistance to the government and other players in order to prevent the collapse of the industry.
“There has been over the last years a deterioration in the performance of the energy sector particularly in the financial performance and we trying to help with metering, billing, and collection”.
“Revenue collected should be channeled to its right sources which is a big part of our dialogue right now. Government has to be proactive in addressing some of these issues not to worsen the current challenges”, she said.
According to her, the World Bank would support Ghana’s budget, especially in the area of energy to improve the sector.
“The problems that Ghana is facing are not unique to Ghana but they are very serious because if they are not addressed they will get worse and worse”.
“We very much want to support the government budgets to support its actions to make sure the energy sector is fit for purpose”, she added
The World Bank had earlier indicated that Ghana’s energy sector debt is a major contributor to the debt country’s woes.
The Bretton Wood institutions said it identified certain factors that were driving the country’s debt situation.
To assist the development of a circular economy in Ghana, trash management behemoth Zoomlion Ghana Limited has helped informal waste pickers, its own employees, and other waste managers expand their capacities in waste material recovery at the Kingdom of Thailand.
The idea of a circular economy establishes a production and consumption system that recycles waste products in order to prolong their useful lives.
At the Asean Institute of Recycling and the Wongpanit International firm Limited in the Thai province of Phitsanulok, the team has started a rigorous two-week training course in urban mining and garbage recovery.
A Communications specialist with the Jospong Group of Companies, Isabella Gyau Orhin who is with the team in Thailand in an interview disclosed that “the concept of circular economy offers opportunities by reducing waste and creating employment opportunities. The Jospong Group is committed to developing Ghana’s recycling ecosystem where there is Zero tolerance for waste material hence the need to learn from global standards”.
“The team comprised of informal waste pickers who have demonstrated commitment in waste recovery, selected leaders of the church of Pentecost who are leading the Church’s Environmental Care Campaign in Ghana and waste management technocrats within the Jospong Group .”
Mrs. Orhin provided an explanation stating that the selection of Phitsanulok, also known as the City of Recycling in Thailand, was a deliberate and strategic choice. This decision was based on the city’s zero waste model, which emphasizes the use of recycling to establish a circular economy. The model relies on simple technologies and encourages community involvement, aligning with Jospong Group’s mission to enhance people’s lives and protect the environment.
During the event, General Vichit Yathip, a Senior Government Advisor and Senator of Thailand, delivered a welcome address. He encouraged the team to adopt Thailand’s circular economy model, highlighting the success achieved by the Wongpanit International company through waste recycling.
“The Wongpanit business model is sustainable and has created employment opportunities for the people of Thailand and also saves the environment from pollution”, he emphasised.
The President of Wongpanit Group, Dr. Somthai Wongcharoen who has been crowned in Thailand as “The King of Recycling” in his statement expressed his excitement for the partnership between the Jospong Group and the Wongpanit Group as both businesses are inclined towards saving the environment and creating employment for their people.
He said the team is being trained in “urban mining business with recycling” which will help convert waste to valued resources in areas of plastics waste, paper waste, metal scrap, electronic waste, glass scrap, and innovations in creating value from municipal solid waste according to the circular economy concept.
Dr. Somthai added that during his visit to Ghana he noticed huge opportunities to grow the economy of Ghana through the circular economy concept hence the training is heavily based on “hands-on experience and practicals.”
The Coordinator of the Environmental Care Campaign of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, said the model will work well with the aggregators trained by the Church of Pentecost.
“As a church we are interested in the total wellbeing of our members and not only in their spiritual lives. Since the Church has become the centre of the lives of our members, we must endeavour to add value to every facet of their values, he hinted. Thus, this concept of recycling will create jobs for church members and help improve their economic situations.”
The 30-member team is working with Wongpanit and its franchise outlets in Thailand to help easily implement the model in Ghana.
The team manager of Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, Ameenu Shadow, has acknowledged that the team is not presently at a level where they can consistently win every match.
Instead, Shadow emphasizes the significance of learning from recent experiences and striving for improvement to reclaim a position among the elite football nations.
Recognizing the current state of Ghanaian football, Shadow highlights the necessity for substantial efforts and investments to elevate the team to higher levels.
“I understand as Ghanaians we love our football and want to win all the time but it will take time.
“We need to do more and invest more to bring our game back to the top level and that would take time before we get to the top again and I know we’re learning from our mistakes”, he told 3Sports.
Kingdom Equip Network (K.E.N.), in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Architects, Ghana Institution of Engineering, and Ghana Institution of Surveyors, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 6th Ekklesia Roundtable Series (ERS) 2023. This year’s event, themed “Efficient Development and Management of Church Property in Ghana” aims to explore the best practices and strategies for maximizing the potential of church properties in the country.
Scheduled to take place on July 20th, 2023, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, the ERS 2023 will be held at Cedar Mountain Chapel Assemblies of God, located in East Legon, Accra. Attendees can look forward to engaging with distinguished speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. The lineup includes Lawyer Morgan Asiedu, Rev. Dr. Stephen Wengam, Lawyer Yaw Adjei Afriyie Nketiah, Rev. George Amoako-Nimako, Rev. Mrs. Betty Angela Donkor, Architect Kofi Essel-Appiah, and other industry experts.
Designed for church leaders, property managers, architects, engineers, and individuals interested in efficient church property development and management, ERS 2023 will delve into various aspects, including architectural considerations, legal realities of land acquisition, engineering essentials, effective financing strategies tailored to the Ghanaian context, and the challenges churches currently face with land acquisition.
In addition to the insightful sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to explore an exhibition featuring relevant products and services. The exhibition will provide a platform for networking, discovering innovative solutions, and gaining valuable insights into the latest trends in church property development and management.
To secure your place at ERS 2023 or for sponsorship opportunities and inquiries, please contact 055 803 2376 or register via this link: https://forms.gle/2px74jQDyznCbeDWA.
Kingdom Equip Network extends heartfelt gratitude to its esteemed sponsors and partners, including Broll Ghana Limited, Margins ID Group, and Hollard Insurance, Donewell Insurance, GLICO Group Limited, Cleaning Solutions Limited for their generous support, which has made ERS 2023 possible.
About Kingdom Equip Network and ERS: Kingdom Equip Network (K.E.N.) is a coalition dedicated to promoting good governance within Churches, Para-Church Institutions, and society as a whole.
The Ekklesia Roundtable Series (ERS) is an annual initiative organized by K.E.N. It brings together stakeholders, experts, clergy, academia, media, and the general public to foster consensus on policy and strategic initiatives that enhance the governance of Churches and the nation at large.
Since its inception in 2017, ERS has explored diverse themes, including the legal status of the Church in Ghana, transitions and succession in the Ghanaian Church, ministerial accountability, implications of the Companies Act 2019 and the Charities Bill for religious organizations, and the representation of the Church. The 5th Anniversary Lecture of K.E.N. featured a special edition of ERS titled “Who Speaks for the Church?”
1.Maastricht University 2024-2025 Fully funded Holland-High Potential Scholarship, Netherlands. The Scholarship programme offers 24 full scholarships of € 30,000 (including tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend) each academic year for highly talented students from outside the European Union (EU) who have been admitted to a master’s.
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Posted: July 11, 2023
2. University Of British Columbia 2024 Fully Funded Schmidt Science Fellows program, Canada. It provides the world’s best emerging scientists with new skills and perspectives to develop novel solutions to society’s challenges, become scientific and societal thought leaders, and accelerate ground-breaking discoveries.
Deadline: Not Specified
Posted: July 6, 2023
3.European Commission 2023 Youth4Regions Program for Aspiring Journalists in EU and Neighboring Country Citizenship.Youth4Regions is the European Commission program helping journalism students and young journalists to discover what the EU is doing in their region. APPLY NOW!
Deadline: July 10, 2023
4.Boston University (BU) 2023 Trustee Scholarship, UK
Every year, BU welcomes approximately 20 outstanding students to the Trustee Scholars Program. Many of our current Scholars had perfect 4.0 grade point averages in high school and ranked in the top of their class. In addition to exceptional academic credentials.
Deadline: December 1, 2023
5.University of Manchester 2023-2024 Humanitarian Scholarships
Social responsibility lies at the heart of our University and we are committed to playing our part in helping those fleeing conflict and persecution by offering the opportunity to study at Manchester. Set up in 2022, our Humanitarian Scholarship programme supports individuals at immediate risk.
Executive Chairman of First Sky Group, Eric Seddy Kutortse, has displayed unwavering dedication over the past six years by allocating an impressive sum exceeding GHS13 million to assist a significant portion of individuals in Ghana who require dialysis treatment as a result of kidney failure.
The continuous support for such persons, as he said while speaking with journalists in Accra, has become necessary because he felt the need to offset some of the financial strains of these people.
Eric Kutortse also explained that unlike other people who support such things because of personal experiences, or owing to some peculiar relationships they have with similar medical cases, his was purely borne out of the need to support humanity.
Speaking to journalists during an event at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where the country’s first wholly-Ghanaian medical team successfully conducted kidney transplants, he stated that his motivation stems from the Bible.
“The main motivation about all this in our Holy Book. The Bible says that we should have compassion on our fellow beings. And then more so, we have been privileged in the positions that we are able to create wealth and we believe this world is not meant for us alone.
“It has to go to support the kingdom work, it has to go in to support humanity, and that is the reason we believe God has blessed us with these resources, and that is what we are doing,” he stated.
The First Sky Group Executive Chairman also said that he was happy about the success of the medical field in Ghana because over the years, while he has continued to support these ailing patients, it is getting more and more expensive.
He also disclosed how he has personally sponsored the medical expenses of a few people to India, where they are charged hundreds of US dollars.
“This is a dream come true. This is what I’ve been dreaming about and it’s a landmark for humanity, it’s a landmark for Ghanaians because that is the only way we can have the exit plan for the dialysis.
“For the past 6 years, First Sky has been supporting the dialysis with over GH¢13 million and this is continuing every day. And the cost is increasing. Every patient goes for sessions three times a week, and as we speak now, the cost of each session is about GH¢400. You could imagine someone dialysis for almost 10 years or 15 years and the total cost spent on these medical services.
“That is why we’ve decided that the solution to this will be the kidney transplant but unfortunately, this could not be done in Ghana for some years ago, and all this is being done in India at a total cost of around $100-200,000. I personally sponsored about 4 of such patients to India and I believe that it is not worth it for us to be investing in other country’s economy,” he added.
The breakthrough by the Ghanaian doctors gives hope for the future of persons suffering from kidney failures, as Prof. j. E. Mensah, the Head of the KBTH Department of Surgery, said that soon, people woulf not need to travel outside for such medical procedures.
Also speaking at the event, he stressed that the patients on both sides (donors and recipients) are all doing well, and that is a good sign.
“Those who donated their kidneys have gone home. They are healthy. Those who received the new kidneys will be going home on Monday and they’ve not had any dialysis since the transplantation so, the kidneys are functioning well.
“… very soon, no patient should go to India, South Africa, Singapore for kidney transplant,” he explained.
President of Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo has called on immigration officers to cease intimidating nurses and midwives seeking to travel abroad for better opportunities.
She disclosed that some nurses are being required to provide proof of resignation before being granted immigration clearance.
Ofori-Ampofo emphasized that such actions constitute intimidation and must be halted, as nurses have the right to travel freely to any destination of their choice.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, July 13, she said “If I have my passport, I have a visa and I have my ticket to travel and I am going through immigration, no immigration officer has any right to ask me of my resignation letter or any of such, it doesn’t work that way.
“People should not use any such means to intimidate our nurses and midwives who may be traveling, we are all Ghanaians and we all seek to live better lives. How I choose to do it is my decision.”
Admitting the detrimental impact of brain drain in the health sector, she stressed that healthcare delivery in Ghana is being adversely affected.
As a result, she urgently called for intervention to address this issue.
She explained that experienced nurses, who would have played a crucial role in training newly-recruited nurses, are the ones leaving Ghana in search of better working conditions.
Madam Ofori-Ampofo emphasized that nurses desire an environment that fosters career progression, enables further studies, and provides better salaries and benefits. Consequently, they choose to seek opportunities abroad.
Expressing her concern, she stated, “It is indeed a worrisome trend that we are witnessing. Our nurses are departing from Ghana in search of improved work environments and higher salaries.”
“It is their right and we cannot stop them but the truth of the matter is that as much as they are leaving it is having a toll on health service delivery in Ghana.
“The truth is those that are leaving are those that are well experienced, with many years of experience. Even if we are going to recruit new personnel these are the very people who would have trained them, so their leaving is a big issue.”
She added “It is about time we really sit as stakeholders to discuss this matter thoroughly. From where we sit, we know that we cannot stop them because it is their right to migrate but it is about time we put in some innovation in terms of motivational packages that will really attract or help to retain them in the country.
“There are some nurses who for various reasons will never leave Ghana but the majority are still nurturing the idea of leaving the shores of Ghana, it is all because they want to have better opportunities for career progression, they want to pursue some academic venture, looking for higher salaries or better conditions of service.”
Head of Nephrology at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Prof Vincent Bioma, has drawn attention to the concerning prevalence of kidney diseases among Ghanaians aged 20 to 50.
The professor expressed concern over the impact of this health challenge on Ghana’s economically productive segment of society.
“The burden in our part of the world is almost three to four times that of high-income countries. In Africa for instance, the burden is about 15% but in sub-Saharan Africa we have as much as about 14%. In Ghana, the prevalence has been pegged at around 13.1%. So, as you can see compared to the global average of between 12-13%, the burden is high in Africa and high in Ghana as well.
“Sadly enough, this affects our youth most of them between the ages of 20-50 years of age. These represent the economically productive group of society who should be out there working but are being afflicted by this disease,” he lamented.
Highlighting the challenges faced in combating kidney diseases, Professor Bioma emphasized the importance of prevention.
However, he noted that most patients seeking treatment arrive at hospitals during advanced stages of the disease, due to the silent nature of most kidney-related diseases.
Due to this nature, Prof Vincent said that late detection prevents many from seeking early detection and prevention.
“If you think about it carefully, prevention would have been the best thing but what we see mostly in our hospitals is that most of them come very late needing a kidney form of therapy in the forms of dialysis or kidney transplant and this is largely because the disease is very silent. So, you don’t know until it’s very late. And most of them, because they are not sick, when you tell them to go and check, they don’t see the need for them to go and check. Until they keep coming in that state of needing dialysis or kidney transplant,” he added.
Professor Bioma further emphasized that a kidney transplant is the ultimate treatment for chronic disease, offering better long-term survival rates and enhanced quality of life compared to dialysis.
“Between dialysis and kidney transplant, kidney transplant is the ultimate treatment for the development of chronic kidney disease. And thus, it is important, especially for our youth who are afflicted to get transplants,” he stated.
The Head of Nephrology again stressed the significant financial advantages kidney transplants have over dialysis.
The Professor also expressed satisfaction with the availability of kidney transplant treatment in Ghana, which has brought hope and improved the lives of young individuals affected by kidney diseases.
“Their survival can be better in the long term because it’s better with transplant compared to dialysis. A transplant is going to put you back at work and increase your quality of life and at the same time make you a better person. It is more convenient for work and schooling as well. Long-term survival is better, and it is more cost-effective.
“Imagine you continue paying dialysis for the next twenty years, compare that cost to paying for a transplant now and see the benefit. So, to say transplant is the best treatment is even understating it. It is the ultimate treatment, and we are happy that this treatment has come to put smiles on the faces of these young people who are afflicted daily by this kidney disease and have been pinned down by the disease and losing time at work. And, not having a good quality of life and not surviving longer in the long term compared to when they have their own native kidneys,” he added.
Background
A team of health professionals at Ghana’s Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) successfully performed the country’s first-ever kidney transplants.
The local team, consisting of specialist doctors, nurses, and anaesthetists, carried out the procedures on July 4 and 5, 2023.
Both male patients who received the transplants are currently in recovery at the facility, while their female donors have been discharged and are doing well.
To boost confidence in the local team, two foreign experts—a theatre technician and a transplant surgeon—were present during the surgeries.
The estimated cost of each procedure is $21,000, and the surgeries were generously sponsored by First Sky Group, a Ghanaian private company.
The company’s support aims to make these life-saving procedures more accessible and affordable to patients who previously had to seek treatment abroad, often costing over $250,000.
During a media briefing, Professor Mathew Kyei, a urologist at KBTH, revealed that the hospital’s capacity assessment determined it could perform three kidney transplant surgeries monthly.
Therefore, although six individuals were prepared for surgery, only three will be undertaken next month.
Presently, around 1,000 people across various hospitals in Ghana are reliant on dialysis.
KBTH, with sponsorship from the First Sky Group, supports 250 patients who undergo dialysis three times a week.
Providing an update on the two patients, Professor James Edward Mensah, Head of the Department of Surgery at KBTH, expressed satisfaction with their progress.
He noted that both patients’ bodies had responded positively to the transplants.
Within 24 hours of the first surgery, the patient began producing urine, indicating successful alignment with the new kidney.
To ensure ethical practices and avoid legal complications, an ethical committee comprising surgeons, lawyers, and professionals has been established. The committee will develop guidelines for counselling donors and ensure there is no financial coercion involved.
Executive Chairman of the First Sky Group, Eric Seddy Kutortse, highlighted his company’s ongoing support for kidney patients.
Since 2016, the group has sponsored dialysis treatments at KBTH, investing approximately GH¢30 million in this cause.
Kutortse mentioned that the group had previously sponsored three patients to undergo kidney transplants in India, costing $250,000 per patient and their respective donors. Due to the high cost, the First Sky Group decided to collaborate with KBTH to conduct local kidney transplants, thereby reducing expenses and expanding access to free kidney transplants.
Furthermore, Mr. Kutortse assured that the First Sky Group would continue offering free dialysis to beneficiaries at KBTH and provide free kidney transplants to eligible individuals meeting the hospital’s criteria. The group, in partnership with KBTH, has initiated plans for an ultra-modern kidney transplant centre that will be fully funded by the company.
Discussing the advantages of renal transplant, Professor Vincent Boima, Head of Nephrology at KBTH, revealed that Ghana carried a high burden of kidney diseases within sub-Saharan Africa. The youth, particularly those aged 20 to 50, were the most affected demographic. Prof. Boima emphasized that kidney failure was largely preventable and often caused by lifestyle and environmental factors.
Transplantation offered cost-effective solutions, allowing patients to resume their normal lives.
However, since the procedure could not be performed locally, patients incurred significant expenses travelling abroad with their donors.
The ultimate goal of KBTH is to ensure that no patient has to travel outside the country for a kidney or any other transplant. CEO of KBTH, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, acknowledged the facility’s highly qualified human resources but mentioned the resource constraints that have led many professionals to seek opportunities abroad.
Dr. Ampomah advocated for the development of a legal framework for organ donation and harvesting to provide a solid foundation for transplantation services. Currently, KBTH imports corneas for transplantation, but a legislative framework would address this issue.
Dr. Ampomah praised the First Sky Group for its unwavering support to KBTH in assisting kidney patients, highlighting that only a few patients could afford the surgery independently.
Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), Dr Kwaku Afriyie, has advocated for a new approach to farming and agriculture in general to help raise food production and alleviate West Africa’s glaring food insecurity.
Dr. Afriyie believes that more collaboration between the public and commercial sectors, particularly universities and research institutions, is vital to building an environment that fosters innovation and empowers farmers to achieve agricultural greatness.
He stated that securing food security in the whole subregion, including Ghana, remained a critical concern that demanded immediate attention and coordinated efforts from all parties.
Fostering collaborations, sharing knowledge, and supporting technology transfer, he says, are critical to ensuring farmers have access to the tools and skills they need to prosper.
“The role of science and technology in advancing agricultural production cannot be overemphasised.
We must leverage the power of scientific discoveries to help our farmers produce more while losing less, boost productivity, and improve livelihoods.
Dr. Afriyie made the announcement at the 34th ordinary session of the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) Board of Directors meeting, which was sponsored by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Ghana last Tuesday in Accra.
Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Ghana, Daniel Asare, has asked all users of the various telecommunication networks to keep their personal pin numbers private in order to protect themselves from scammers.
He stated that despite numerous attempts by MTN and other networks to crack down on these fraudsters in coordination with security services, they continue to advance daily with new technology in their modes of operation.
Under no circumstances, he said, should anyone reveal his data or pin code to anyone, even if they identify themselves as MTN employees.
“These days fraudsters have upgraded themselves, be very vigilante with them. They are high grade fraudsters who are coming with the advance technologies. Some have even set up call centers where they use artificial intelligence and they are able to predict based on maybe some of the transactions you’ve done online. They are even able to steal your information. That’s what we call identity fraud, and they try to use that to come onto your network”, he said.
He claims that these people used to just target mobile money wallets, but now that MTN service providers are aware of this, they have switched their activities to bank accounts.
In a brief interview with media after 2023 Media and Stakeholders Forum in Kumasi, he made all of these remarks.
This year’s programme which was themed; “Leveraging Technology to Serve Customers through Media Excellence, was meant to educate both the media and the general public on how they can adapt to new technologies and take advantage of it in their daily activities. It was also meant to explore these technologies by the service providers in their quest to serve their customers better and to clamp down on fraudsters.
In order to establish a united front against these fraudsters, he mentioned that MTN has worked with cyber security and other security authorities in their efforts to deal with such fraudulent activities.
“But in all that case, like I said that the identity text is more important. You need to protect your identity so that you don’t leak information to them”, he added.
He said, another measure the telecommunication network has put in place is an API that MTN has brought up to check SIM swap.
He stated: “We check SIM swap because most of these start with SIM swap and on one front, we stop all third party point from these SIM swap. In the past, you can go to an agent point and do a SIM swap. Now we’ve realised that most of the fraud is coming from there. Once they do the swap they try to go into your bank account and then to withdraw money, and that is where the SIM swap API comes in. So, we work with some of the bank’s who are currently using it. They put in a parameter to do that check”.
He continued by saying that the bank is able to freeze transactions until you physically visit their office so they can verify your genuine identification based on the recentness of the SIM swap or how recently it was completed.
Both regional and national MTN officers, as well as media editors from all categories, attended the 2023 media (editors) and stakeholder forum, which was hosted at the Greenwood Event Center in Asokwa, Kumasi. Some chiefs were among the other dignitaries who attended the event.
A presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen, has generously donated 500 bags of cement to support the construction of a medical facility for the Anglican Diocese of Koforidua.
The church expressed gratitude for his selfless gesture, acknowledging it as a demonstration of his non-selfishness.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your unselfish contribution to the construction of our Medical Facility in Koforidua. Your donation of 500 bags of cement is very important to us. It will help us to commence the construction of our medical facility.
“May this letter serve as a receipt of the 500 bags of cement you donated to us for which we are most grateful,” the letter said.
The letter, dated July 12, 2023, further stated that Alan Kyerematen, in addition to being a presidential candidate, is also a valued member of the Anglican Communion.
Ghana has lost its status as the most peaceful country in West Africa, according to the latest Global Peace Index (GPI) released last week.
The country also dropped from the second to the fourth position in Africa, behind Mauritius, Botswana and Sierra Leone.
The GPI ranks 163 countries, covering 99.7 per cent of the world’s population, based on 23 indicators from reputable sources. These indicators measure the level of safety and security in society, the extent of domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarisation.
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Peace Council (NPC), Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, disclosed this at a two-day national dialogue on improving civilian-security agency relations for the prevention of violent extremism in Ghana.
He said that factors such as armed robbery, attacks on journalists, political violence, land guard menace and public perceptions contributed to the decline in Ghana’s peace score.
He was speaking at the event held at Prampram in the Greater Accra Regionyesterday, which brought together personnel of the Ghana Police Service and representatives from various political parties.
The event was organised by the NPC and the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and funded by the Netherlands Embassy. It was part of a project named “Prevention of violent extremism through social accountability (PoVETSA)”.
Enhancing trust
Rev. Dr Adu-Gyamfi stressed the need to enhance trust and confidence between the security agencies and the civilian population to prevent extremism and promote understanding and tolerance in the country, especially ahead of the 2024 general election.
He said that since 2020, the NPC had undertaken several programmes to build resilience against terrorism and violent extremism. These included engaging more than 100 student leaders across the country, training more than 400 youths in all the regions and reaching out to more than 200 fisherfolk and commercial drivers on ways to prevent the insurgents from infiltrating the country.
He also expressed concern about protracted chieftaincy conflicts and unresolved disputes within and between political parties, which he said could create opportunities for violence and extremism.
“Other unresolved conflicts, including intra and inter-party elections at all levels, must be holistically dealt with so that they do not serve as motivation for violence and provide impetus for aggrieved individuals to use unlawful means to seek revenge,” he added.
Challenges
The Country Representative of CRS, Daniel Mumuni, said there had been instances where trust between political parties and security agencies in the country had been strained, leading to a sense of apprehension within the society.
He said such situations endangered democratic processes and undermined national development. He added that establishing a vibrant peace-building infrastructure would strengthen partnerships and promote inclusive and participatory governance.
The Tema Regional Police Commander, Commissioner of Police Daniel Kwame Afriyie, said his outfit had embarked on a transformation agenda to position itself as a world-class institution.
He said this was being done through engaging various stakeholders in communities to ensure law and order prevailed.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has called upon Ghana to cease the expulsion of refugees from Burkina Faso.
Expressing concern over reports of hundreds of Burkinabè citizens, particularly women and children, being deported from Ghana after seeking refuge from violence in their own country, the UNHCR emphasized the importance of halting such actions.
The UNHCR has also expressed its readiness to offer additional support to Ghana in addressing the needs of the refugees.
The ongoing Islamist insurgency in Burkina Faso, which extends across multiple countries in Africa’s Sahel region, has resulted in over two million people being displaced from their homes.
In the most recent Global Peace Index, published on June 28, 2023, Sierra Leone surpassed Ghana as the most peaceful country in West Africa.
Ghana has also dropped from second to fourth place in Africa in the 2022 index this year.
Commenting on the current index, Rev Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Peace Council (NPC), said the development calls for additional action because the fall is not healthy for Ghana.
He was addressing during a two-day national dialogue in Prampram on Tuesday, July 12, 2023, on Improving civilian-security agency interactions for the prevention of violent extremism in Ghana.
The 17th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) from the international think-tank, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), indicated that conflict deaths at the greatest level this century are causing world peace to fall.
The national dialogue was organized by the NPC and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) with funding from the Netherlands Embassy with the goal of strategically building consensus and trust to improve civilian-security agency relations in Ghana in order to prevent violent extremism through the Prevention of Violent Extremism Through Social Accountability (PoVETSA) project.
Security services, including the Ghana Police Service, as well as officials from several political parties, attended the meeting.
Deloris Frimpong Manso, known as Delay in the entertainment industry, has been awarded the Excellence in Media at the 2023 Ghana Women of the Year Honours.
The ceremony, held in Accra on July 9, recognized the achievements of industrious women across various fields.
The Ghana Women of the Year Honours platform aims to celebrate the impactful contributions of Ghanaian women, both locally and internationally.
Over the past seven years, the platform has showcased the untapped potential of women and their outstanding accomplishments in different endeavors.
A distinguished board selects the honorees based on clear and objective criteria, ensuring that the most deserving women in various fields are recognized.
Delay received this prestigious award for her exceptional interviewing skills, known for her composed demeanor and insightful questions.
With an impressive television career spanning over fourteen years, she has established herself as a formidable brand in the industry.
Delay’s broadcasting journey began in 1999 at Life FM in Nkawkaw, Eastern Region. She later joined Top Radio in Accra in 2005, hosting a midmorning show until 2007.
From 2007 to 2016, she worked with Oman FM. In 2008, during her time at Oman FM, Delay launched her own television show, ‘The Delay Show,’ which continues to captivate audiences.
Currently, she serves as the host of the drivetime show on Wontumi Radio, further expanding her influence and connecting with a wide audience.
Her enduring success and dedication to her craft have solidified her status as one of Ghana’s most prominent media personalities.
Managing Director for Operations at the World Bank, Anna Bjerde, is scheduled to visit Ghana from July 12-15, 2023.
This visit marks her first trip to Ghana since assuming her role on April 3, 2023. Accompanying her will be Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa.
During her visit, Anna Bjerde and her delegation will have the honor of meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo in a courtesy call. Additionally, she will engage in high-level discussions with key government officials, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
The discussions will cover crucial aspects of the World Bank’s program in Ghana, such as macroeconomics, energy sector issues, Ghana’s International Monetary Fund program, debt restructuring, and significant structural reforms aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth over the medium to long term.
Anna Bjerde’s itinerary also includes visits to World Bank-funded projects in Ghana. These projects include the Ghana Accountability and Learning Outcomes Project, the Ghana Tech Hub, and the Ghana Innovation Hub located at the Accra Digital Center.
The World Bank has been actively involved with Ghana since 1957. Currently, their portfolio consists of 21 active projects worth $3.6 billion.
These projects span various sectors, with significant investments allocated to Urban Resilience and Land (17%), Health, Nutrition & Population (16%), Finance & Competitiveness (14%), Social Protection & Jobs (12%), and Digital Development (11%).
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is currently in Ghana, enjoying a well-deserved vacation after a demanding season that involved commitments for both club and country,
The German international arrived in Ghana over the weekend and has been seen spending quality time with friends during his break.
During his stay, Rudiger was spotted in the company of Ghanaian player Kingsley Schindler, as they both relished their off-season leisure time.
Prior to visiting Ghana, Rudiger also made a trip to his home country, Sierra Leone, where he engaged in charitable activities through his foundation, the Antonio Rudiger Foundation.
Rudiger in Ghana for a vacation
Notably, in 2022, the generous player utilized his World Cup bonus to fund the surgeries of eleven children in Sierra Leone, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
While Rudiger was instrumental in Chelsea’s victorious UEFA Champions League campaign, he couldn’t replicate that success with Real Madrid as they fell short of reaching the final in the previous season.
Rudiger first visited Ghana in 2021 when he was with Premier League side Chelsea. The player came to Ghana after the 2020 Euros where he represented the German national team.
The country’s National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) formulated a 40-year national development plan in 2017, outlining the financial and infrastructure objectives necessary to prepare for hosting the prestigious global football tournament.
Director-General of the NDPC, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, confirmed in an interview with Metro TV in October 2017 that the plan was drafted during the presidency of John Dramani Mahama and submitted to the current government in September 2017.
This demonstrates Ghana’s long-term vision and ambition to position itself as a potential future host of the world’s largest football event.
According to Dr. Thompson, the plan includes the construction of a Black Stars stadium with “best 21st Century technology while the roof would be made up of solar panels” will be constructed and connected to road and rail lines.
The long-term development plan also includes hosting not only the World Cup but the Olympics Games.
President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo in his speech after receiving the NDPC plan admitted that it “presents my government and subsequent governments with a daunting task, not so much the implementation, but to stay on track and ensure we have the desired outcome.
“We must be able to monitor our progress, and redirect our paths when we seem to be deviating from them,” he said on September 24, 2017, as quoted by Graphic Sports.
“We must, therefore, make rapid progress, and do things to ensure that we achieve it,” he added.
Contrary to recent claims, a new study found that global rating agencies have not shown any appreciable prejudice against developing nations, including Ghana.
The study, which was co-authored by Dr. Richmond Atuahene, a banking consultant, and K.B. Asante, a financial analyst, examined the nation’s credit ratings between 2003 and 2023 and examined the methodologies used by rating agencies like Standard and Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s, and Fitch. It found that several downgrades to the country’s credit rating, particularly in 2022, were justified based on empirical data.
“From both quantitative and qualitative data reviews, there is no evidence that S&P, Moody’s and Fitch have been reckless in downgrading the Ghanaian economy eleven times in 2022,” the paper reads in part.
“All bonds issued, including Ghana’s debut bonds, have risk rated either B+, or BB- and BB+ by Fitch, Standard and Poor’s or Moody’s. Successful issuance of the various bonds was testament to investors’ renewed confidence as well as positive ratings by the three credit rating agencies. Credit rating agencies had been incredibly important for Ghana for several reasons,” the authors posited.
The report highlights that government’s favorable and positive ratings over the past 16 years have facilitated the raising of capital on international financial markets.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes the crucial role played by credit rating agencies in modern capital markets. Their assessments of sovereign entities have increasingly become benchmarks for regulators and global investors. Since 2007, international credit rating agencies have significantly contributed to reducing information asymmetry between the state and investors, offering valuable insights into the country’s creditworthiness.
Significantly, the report notes that agencies such as Fitch, S&P, and Moody’s have consistently assigned risk ratings of B+, BB-, and BB+ to all bonds issued, including Ghana’s inaugural bonds. The successful issuance of these bonds stands as a testament to the renewed confidence of investors and the positive ratings bestowed upon them by the three credit rating agencies.
“Empirical pieces of evidence based on both quantitative and qualitative data clearly showed that during the year 2022, the Ghanaian economy was downgraded eleven times by global credit rating agencies – Fitch, Moody’s and S&P – as a result of dwindled foreign exchange reserves; persistent depreciation of the local currency against major trading currencies like the US$, euro and UK pound sterling; high inflation, high fiscal deficit; current account deficits, high debt servicing obligations; lack of access to capital markets; shortfall in government revenues and an increase in expenditures associated with the pandemic; over-bloated government expenditures and the weakened economy – which clearly showed that Ghana was rightly classified as a defaulting nation by credit rating agencies,” it added.
The call over perceived bias began getting louder in the wake of the pandemic. In April 2020, a month after the nation’s first confirmed case of the virus, Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta in an article titled ‘What does an African Finance Minister do now?’ famously quizzed: “Are the rating agencies beginning to tip our world into the first circle of Dante’s Inferno?” – A reference to ‘Limbo’, the first in nine circles of hell as captured in the 15th-century classic.
That same month, in opening remarks as Chairman of the Development Committee of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the 2020 Spring Meetings, he called for a new global financial architecture, saying: “We must design a new global financial architecture in order to rebuild global growth and institute a new global public good” – a point he reiterated during the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) meetings this year.
Most recently, President Nana Akufo-Addo – speaking during the 30th annual general meeting of the African Export-Import Bank (Afrieximbank) in Accra said “reckless downgrades” by the agencies are detrimental to the economic fortunes of African countries, as he charged stakeholders to build strong financial institutions.
That sentiment was echoed by the Regional Director-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ahunna Eziakonwa. Citing a recent study by the agency, she suggested that “less subjective assessments” by the agencies cost Ghana and other African nations US$75billion annually.
However, the authors believe that investors and other stakeholders were already wary of the nation’s high debt level, terribly exposed currency, and excessive reliance on imports. Coupled with the domestic debt exchange programme and unilateral suspension of Eurobond payments, these have seen the nation lose some of its pre-existing goodwill.
Meanwhile, to remedy the situation, they said it is crucial for government to promptly address and eliminate any policy uncertainties. This action, they argue, will create a favourable environment for domestic firms – motivating them to increase their investments in the economy.
The resulting accelerated economic growth will enable government to generate higher tax revenues, potentially leading to an improvement in the debt situation. Additionally, the positive rating suggests that increased domestic investment could also attract higher levels of foreign direct investments (FDI).
“The improving economic situation and government debt environment will allow risk rating agencies to adjust the country’s risk level upward. Economic growth and investment need to be stimulated to revive government’s debt position and return its credit ratings to investment grade.
“Achieving investment-grade ratings will increase investment inflows into Ghana, thus putting government in a position where its economic conditions will improve. Key strategies need to be developed and directed toward various investments in the agricultural sector and development projects – like road networks, railway systems and incentives, both domestically and internationally – to improve the country’s sovereign credit rating,” it added.
The acting director of the recently renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Edward Quao, has praised the establishment as unique with a range of items for tourists to enjoy visiting.
He listed the many features the building can brag of, including a freedom hall, a picnic place for families, and an amphitheater for public events.
An array of Ghanaians applauded the $3.5 million makeover, which they saw as a suitable tribute to the country’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Given that the new structure appears larger, some onlookers believe that the park has been extended.
“We also have a freedom hall where we have images of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in a decent mood when he was smiling, a musical fountain-the first of its kind in Ghana, whereby each chime is structured into the system, a flow of the fountain, according to the rhythm being played. We also have a new well-made picnic area for our guests. It’s a new place, very exciting”.
He said that during the two years of rehabilitation, no new land parcel was developed.
“We didn’t expand the place, it’s the same area we had. We didn’t encroach on any land. What we had was what we improved on. It’s the same old land we had the new facility you have now. Nothing in terms of space has changed”.
Edward Quao discussed several initiatives put in place to increase park visitors.
“With local market, our target mostly is the schools, so we have a team that is going to work around the schools to promote the Park. And also use our social media handles a lot because we have a lot of youth who go on social media. And online ticketing was established for our foreigners.”
“And we will collaborate more with event organizers. We have an additional gallery where you can watch his videos and listen to his audio, and his famous and favourite quotes. Pictures can also be taken at the rooftop of the Park,” Edward Quao, the Acting Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park explained.
The renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has been opened to the public today, July 4, 2023, following its commissioning by President Akufo-Addo.
Situated on Accra’s former polo grounds, where Ghana’s independence was proclaimed, the park has been a popular attraction since 1992, attracting approximately 98,000 visitors annually and ranking among Ghana’s top 10 visited sites.
Over time, the park suffered from a lack of significant renovations, resulting in issues such as malfunctioning fountains, leaky roofs in the museum, and inadequate restroom and VIP lounge facilities.
Recognizing tourism’s importance for national development, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo designated it a key factor for social advancement. In 2018, he secured a $40 million loan from the World Bank to improve the tourism environment and develop sites and destinations.
With the recent renovations, the park is set to provide an enhanced and more memorable experience for tourists and history enthusiasts worldwide.
In July 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture initiated a $3.5 million rehabilitation and redevelopment project for the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The aim was to preserve its historical value, increase visitor capacity, and improve service delivery.
In a statement delivered on behalf of Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the Minister for Transport, it was acknowledged that the transport sector in Ghana remains a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, impeding the nation’s progress towards achieving the global goal of net-zero emissions by 2025.
The minister attributed this to the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, noting that the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority had registered a total of 3.2 million vehicles by the end of 2022.
According to the minister, approximately 72 percent of the registered vehicles were powered by petrol, 27 percent by diesel, and around one percent by Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
These remarks were made during the opening of the Bono Regional Consultative meeting on the Electric Vehicle Policy, which took place in Abesim near Sunyani.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Transport and attended by key stakeholders in the transport industry, including representatives from the National Road Safety Authority, Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), and other security services.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministries of Energy and Finance, is conducting nationwide consultative meetings to gather input from key players in the transport industry for the development of the electric vehicle policy.
Mr. Asiamah expressed concern about the adverse effects of climate change and global warming, which are increasingly felt in various parts of the country, posing significant challenges to the environment and human life.
Therefore, the minister emphasized the need to transition from diesel and petrol-powered vehicles to electric vehicles.
Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, stressed the importance of phasing out old and outdated vehicles to position the country on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025.
She highlighted that carbon emissions from these vehicles, coupled with air pollution, contribute significantly to global warming, hindering the nation’s efforts to mitigate climate change.
Madam Owusu-Banahene further stated that the government is fully committed to removing old vehicles from the system and mentioned the establishment of vehicle assembling plants in the country as evidence of the government’s dedication to facilitate the transition to net-zero emissions.
These vehicle assembling plants are expected to make it more accessible for Ghanaians to purchase and use new vehicles.
Former Black Stars player and U-20 World Cup winner, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, has joined the growing chorus of concern over the state of football in Ghana.
Agyemang Badu expressed alarm at the continuous decline of the game in the country with each passing year.
In an interview with Joy FM, Badu emphasized the urgent need for the Ghana Football Association to address the concerning issues plaguing Ghanaian football. He called for immediate action to be taken to revive and rejuvenate the sport in the country.
“When I talk, I don’t get anything from it, but I’m talking because the sport that gave me something, is about to die and I can’t just look on,” he said.
“The GFA needs to organize an emergency meeting tomorrow and take stock of what’s happening. Where our football is heading is dangerous.
“Ghana football is in dangerous times. If care isn’t taken, in a couple of years, qualification to major competitions may become problematic,” he said.
The recent disappointment of Ghana’s U-23 national team, the Black Meteors, being eliminated from the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations after a draw against Guinea further highlighted the pressing issues.
Ranking Member for Mines and Energy, John Abu Jinapor has pleaded with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reconsider their decision to shut down their plants on July 1.
This is in a bid to avert the impending power crisis.
He further urged the government to demonstrate commitment in resolving the outstanding debt issue that has led to this critical situation.
The IPPs, which account for 50 percent of Ghana‘s generation mix, have threatened to halt operations unless the government provides an interim payment of 30 percent of the outstanding debt amounting to $1.7 billion owed to them.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Jinapor implored the IPPs to give the government and the nation more time to address their concerns.
“Please reconsider your decision towards shutting your plants on July 1. Please give the government and the nation some more time,” Jinapor appealed.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the matter, Jinapor criticised the Finance Minister’s approach, stating that selective and discriminatory payments were being made to preferred IPPs while neglecting others.
“The Finance Minister instead of dealing with the Chamber of IPPs is engaged in selective and discriminatory payment, selecting some preferred IPPs, paying them and leaving them to their own fate,” Jinapor remarked.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Jinapor called upon the government, particularly the President, to intervene promptly and ensure the swift resolution of the matter.
He also emphasised that the outstanding debt currently stood at approximately $1.7 billion, with mounting losses for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and substantial forex losses.
“The debt as we speak now is about $1.7 billion, and it keeps compounding. ECG’s losses today are over 30 percent, forex losses alone account for more than $300 million, fuel supplied that has not been paid runs into hundreds of millions of dollars,” Jinapor revealed during a press briefing in Accra.
A prominent figure named K. Gyamera, who participated in a panel discussion on Sompa FM, a radio station based inKumasi, has expressed his frustrations over Ghana’s lack of development despite the nation’s abundant resources.
Since achieving independence, Ghana has faced difficulties in effectively managing its affairs without external intervention.
In a widely shared video, the man, appearing to be in his 40s, suggests that Ghana’s leaders have not fully exploited these resources and proposes that it may be more beneficial to allow foreigners, particularly individuals of Caucasian descent, to take charge, as Ghanaians themselves are not fully utilising their own resources.
During a media interview on Friday, June 30, Gyamera passionately remarked that other countries rarely experience economic hardships due to their ability to maximise the potential of their limited resources through effective strategies and utilisation.
“Given that we are failing to harness the potential of our lands, we should allow the Whites to use our bodies as fertiliser by excavating us,” he said passionately.
“The Whites have a knack for making the most of what they have. Just look at the quality of their water—does it appear discoloured? We, on the other hand, are plagued by mismanagement, which is why our water is discoloured,” he added.
Gyamera emphasised the need for Ghanaians to unite and work collaboratively to bring about positive change within the country and on a global scale.
Efforts have been made by successive governments to transform Ghana’s fortunes; however, challenges persist.
Approximately 20 innovative young entrepreneurs in the country have successfully completed the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) StartUp Lab program.
This intensive six-month accelerator program focused on business and product development aimed to support businesses dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for children and young people.
Led by UNICEF in Ghana and supported by KOICA through the “KOICA-UNICEF Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Ghana” initiative, the program aimed to enhance the skills and capabilities of participating entrepreneurs, strengthen their products and businesses, and amplify their social impact.
During the graduation ceremony held in Accra, Fiachra McAsey, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Ghana, commended the talented startups for their dedication and innovative use of digital technology and business acumen to address the pressing challenges faced by young people in Ghana.
McAsey emphasized that UNICEF will continue to be inspired by this new cohort of entrepreneurs and their commitment to creating new products and services that contribute to positive change. The 20 startups represent a group of resourceful, dedicated, and talented individuals from various regions of the country.
“It has been our pleasure to accompany them over the past six months through the UNICEF StartUp Lab Accelerator Programme, and we look forward to supporting them further, as they join our Alumni network, and continue to make a difference for children and young people in Ghana, and beyond,” he said.
Transformative power
The Acting Country Director of KOICA Ghana, Seungmin Oh, said KOICA firmly believes in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and innovation.
He said KOICA recognise the importance of creating an enabling environment that fosters creativity, provides necessary resources, and encourages collaboration.
He said KOICA was proud to have been a part of the journey of the 20 startups, and for that reason remain committed to supporting the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in Ghana.
“We will continue to invest in programs that empower young entrepreneurs and equip them with the skills, resources, and networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape,” he said.
Nurturing entrepreneurs
The Korea Ambassador to Ghana, Lim Jung-Taek, said Korea was honoured to have been a part of this transformative initiative, which has nurtured the seeds of entrepreneurship and paved the way for a brighter future for these talented individuals.
He said, “Korea has long been a testament to the power of technology-driven progress which has seen it invest more than four per cent of its GDP in research and development, fuelling groundbreaking discoveries and fostering an environment that thrives on innovation.”
He added that this commitment to technological advancement has yielded incredible results, giving rise to global companies that have left an indelible mark on various industries.
Significant guidance
The startups also gained valuable access to a network of experts from UNICEF, KOICA, and MEST, offering significant guidance and fostering networking and investment opportunities.
Moreover, qualified companies were given dedicated assistance towards achieving recognition as an UN-recognized Digital Public Good.
Throughout the programme, each selected startup was provided with up to GH¢25,000 in prototyping funding, in addition to immersive and hands-on business acceleration support.
Now in its third year, the UNICEF StartUp Lab has accelerated over 50 startups from across Ghana, including by investing over $100,000 in prototyping funding to support the development and impact of these businesses.
The UNICEF StartUp Lab has been instrumental in equipping Ghanaian startups with the necessary skills, resources, and support to address pressing challenges faced by children and young people in the country.
As the Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum’s V20 Group of Finance Ministers, Ghana has urged global leaders to establish a climate-responsive financial system in order to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
By implementing such initiatives, the aim is to enhance the implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation measures, specifically targeting vulnerable nations.
Additionally, this will facilitate a transformation in the approach towards resolving climate-induced debt challenges faced by countries, while providing crucial support to nations seeking financial resources to enhance resilience and effectively adapt to climate-related issues.
“We must develop powerful coalitions to fight for humanity as we coordinate our efforts to respond positively to the need for the development of a fit-for-climate global financial system,” Ghana’s Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta said.
Mr. Ofori-Atta made these remarks during the New Global Financing Pact summit, a two-day event hosted by the French government.
“It’s critical that we scale up the innovative climate financing mechanisms and speed up climate action to ensure that we maintain the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit,” he said.
The V20 Chair further emphasised the importance of enhancing national accountability in addressing climate change issues for the overall global benefit.
The finance minister noted that the world needed, “the kind of leadership the world saw that led to the abolishment of apartheid, the drive behind the civil rights movement and the development of the Breton woods institutions.”
He also reiterated President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s call for support for global financial system reforms as advanced by the V20 Group of Finance Ministers of the CVF through the recently launched Accra-to-Marrakech Agenda (the A2M).
The Accra-to-Marrakech Agenda is a roadmap by the V20 to work to cement an international coalition behind a fit-for-climate global financial system, culminating at the Marrakech International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings in Marrakech later this year.
The New Global Financing Pact summit is to reconsider the global financial architecture and ways to mobilise financial support for developing and low-income countries facing challenges, including global warming, loss of biodiversity, debt, and pandemics.
It is centred on addressing the financing required to meet the global challenges, build solidarity amongst countries and all the critical stakeholders, as governments worked collectively towards a just green transition.
The summit brought together Heads of States and government, leaders of major international organisations, representatives of global financial institutions, and private sector and civil society representatives.
At the end of the summit, there was a call for collective global effort to mobilise additional financial resources from the private sector, including multilateral development banks to support vulnerable countries.
The call for transitioning into a net-zero economy by protecting the planet through shared goods and ensuring clean air, forests and oceans through systematic transformation was also accentuated.
It was noted that there was the need to stand united in international solidarity and win the battle against poverty by alleviating the debt burden of vulnerable countries through adequate renegotiations, restructuring and repayment.
The investment bank IC Securities’ research division, IC Research, has kept its prediction for Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2023 in the range of 1.9% to 2.9%.
It anticipates that the agriculture sector will expand as a result of continued momentum in the livestock and crops sub-sector, while ICT, transport & storage, and education will continue to support the expansion of the services sector.
On the downside, it pointed out that “we expect aggressive fiscal consolidation in the second-half of 2023 to weigh on the public sector drivers of growth while the price sensitive trades, hospitality and industry sector remain constrained by cost pressures in 2023”.
In the first quarter of 2023, Ghana’s overall real GDP growth exceeded expectations by registering a year-on-year expansion of 4.2%. This surpasses the consensus forecast of 2.6%.
The remarkable growth was primarily driven by the services sector, which expanded by 10.1%, and the agriculture sector, which saw a growth rate of 4.8%.
These positive performances outweighed the contractions observed in the price-sensitive industry sector, which experienced a decline of -3.2%.
The combined strength of the services and agriculture sectors propelled the overall growth of the economy beyond initial projections.
Services sector to falter in quarters ahead
IC Research said the services sector outperformed expectations but is likely to falter in the quarters ahead.
The services sector logged an impressive 10.1% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2023, on the back of jumbo growth rates in Public Administration & Defence (37.6%), Health & Social Work (31.6%), and Education (26.0%).
There were also more private sector-led growth in ICT (18.9%), Finance & Insurance (8.6%), Transport & Storage (6.4%), as well as Real Estate services (5.1%).
However, the price-sensitive Hospitality (-0.2% y/y) and Trade (-5.3% y/y) sub-sectors contracted in as a result of foreign exchange squeeze, removal of the benchmark discount policy at the ports, and utility tariff hikes since August 2022.
“Overall, we remain bullish on growth in ICT and Transport & Storage in 2023 due to the ongoing digitalization within the public and private sectors as well as emerging private transport and logistics businesses. However, we are bearish on public sector-led sub-sectors and cautious on finance & insurance activities as financial institutions prioritize post debt exchange recapitalisation in place of profit growth”, IC Research stressed.
Manufacturing sub-sector outlook remains bearish
Furthermore, it said it remains bearish on the manufacturing sector outlook both from the perspective of a tighter operating environment and softening consumer demand.
In addition to the FX pressures, “we expect the quarterly hikes in utility tariffs and the recent increase in excise duty to elevate the operating cost of manufacturing businesses. Despite the higher cost of operation, we believe distributors of consumer goods will be unable to fully pass on the cost implication of higher taxes and utility tariffs due to weak demand conditions”. Consequently, it foresee a contraction in profit margins, leading to weaker growth momentum for the manufacturing sector with negative spill over to the trade sector.
Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Hisanobu Mochizuki, has reiterated Japan’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts in advancing its socio-economic and infrastructure development.
The ambassador emphasized that Ghana occupies a strategically significant position in the West Africa Growth Ring Corridor Development, which aims to foster enhanced connectivity and stimulate economic activities within the sub-region. Japan recognizes the importance of quality infrastructure in achieving these objectives and remains dedicated to assisting Ghana in this endeavor.
“Japan as a nation is aware of the value of creating a solid infrastructure base and the role it can play in boosting and stimulating economies.
“This strengthens our resolve to help our colleagues in Africa develop their infrastructure to transform their economies,” the Ambassador assured.
During the commissioning ceremony of the Assin-Fosu to Assin-Praso phase two road project in the Assin North District of the Central Region, Mr. Hisanobu Mochizuki, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, conveyed a statement on his behalf, underscoring Japan’s support for Ghana’s infrastructure development.
The construction of the 31.2 km national trunk road (N8) was made possible through a grant from the Japanese government and executed by Shimizu Dai Nippon Joint Ventures, a prominent Japanese Construction Firm.
Mr. Mochizuki emphasized that the Japanese government’s commitment to quality infrastructure development was aimed at bolstering the foundation of Ghana’s industrial growth, with a focus on sectors such as agriculture, health, and human resource development.
He highlighted the significance of transportation infrastructure in driving economic growth, attracting business and investment in Ghana. Without adequate transportation networks, he pointed out that the value of products and services would be diminished.
Furthermore, Mr. Mochizuki expressed his belief that improving transportation connectivity through well-constructed roads would open up economic opportunities for underserved communities and promote inclusive economic growth.
He also mentioned that Japan’s commitment to development assistance was further strengthened by a recent visit to Ghana by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, with the aim of deepening bilateral relations and fostering mutual gains between the two countries.
The Japanese Government attached great significance to the promotion of business and investment in Ghana as a leading economic powerhouse in West Africa. “For instance, it is impossible to underline enough how strategically located this N8 highway is.
“I am confident that the massive opportunities that these rehabilitation efforts of the N8 would bring to Ghana will be realized because it is a crucial corridor for the transportation of essential export commodities,” the Ambassador noted.
To the people in the area, he said the road would undoubtedly reduce traffic, particularly on market days, and create more commercial opportunities in the surrounding communities. Notwithstanding, he recognized the contributions of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for being a key conduit for the Japanese government’s strategic and all-encompassing approach to supporting Ghana’s infrastructure development.
Through JICA, Ghana has benefited from infrastructure projects, including the high-quality Phase One of the Tema Motorway roundabout project officially opened by President Akufo-Addo in 2020.
The sod-cutting by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the commencement of Phase Two of the project which is scheduled for completion in December 2024.
Again, through the efforts of JICA, he said the Phase One Project of the NS between Assin-Praso and Asante-Bekwai was completed in December 2013.
An adviser to former president John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah-Mogtari, has spoken out about alarming changes in Ghanaian society regarding how some people treat women.
She stated in a June 29 tweet that it was disturbing that such people engage in these acts in all facets of everyday life, doing so without seeing any wrong with it.
“Funny thing is that we still have some people who exhibit misogynistic attitudes, dominant chauvinism and patriarchy without making any bones about it.
“In our society, in schools, in politics, the church, the lyrics of our songs, the work place etc.” her tweet read.
One of the most topical issues in Ghana today has to do with the trending back and forth between actress and movie producer now author, Yvonne Nelson and musician Sarkodie.
Yvonne Nelson in her book ‘I am not Yvonne Nelson,’ recounted a relationship she had with the musician in 2010, which relationship led to a pregnancy she was forced to abort because Sarkodie was not ready to be a father.
In his riposte, the musician released a track ‘Try Me’ earlier this week stating his side of the story but his use of certain words and terminologies was seen as sexist.
Yvonne Nelson responded to it by calling on Sarkodie to ‘respect womanhood’ and not attenpt to diminish the pain a young lady experienced; which comment also drew critique vis-a-vis portions of Yvonne’s book and what she said of her mother.
See her tweet below:
Funny thing is that we still have some people who exhibit misogynistic attitudes, dominant chauvinism and patriarchy without making any bones about it. In our society, in schools, in politics, the church, the lyrics of our songs, the work place etc.
Businesses and investors are being urged to have hope that Ghana’s economy will recover by Yaw Amoateng Afriyie, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.
He stated, government has initiated steps to ensure the current economic crisis is resolved.
According to him, the political environment and peace in the country should still attract the interest of investors to see Ghana as the destination for investment.
‘’Ghana has consistently been ranked as the safest place in the sub-region and the second most peaceful country in Africa. This means, in the midst of volatile region, Ghana is the beacon of hope for investors.’’
Speaking at the second edition of the Financial Economic Seminar, Mr. Afriyie indicated, the focus of GIPC post covid-19 and Russia-Ukraine war is to position the country to attract direct foreign investment to help restore the economy.
He stressed the need for investors to look at the vast opportunities in the country especially in the area of agriculture and the manufacturing sectors among others.
‘’We in GIPC view our current state of affairs with optimism and maintain that there is no better place to do business than here in Ghana because we see prospect for global and local businesses to benefit’’.
The second edition of the Financial Economic Seminar was put together to deliberate on impact of state policies on trade and industries.
It brought together experts from the banking sector, trade and industry as well as academia.
The long-standing relationship between Ghana and China has been strengthened with the visit of the 43rd Chinese Naval Escort Task Group to Tema Port, Ghana.
The 43rd Chinese Naval Escort Task Group consists of the Chinese war ship DDGH Nanning 162 Type 052DL guided-missile destroyer, the FFGH Sanya 574 Type 054A and a comprehensive supply ship AOR Weishanhu 887 Type 903, all of which have berthed on the territorial waters of Ghana.
The taskforce, with two ship-borne helicopters and over 700 troops, will voyage from Ghana on Saturday, July 1, 2023, after spending some time in Cote d’Ivoire as part of their escort mission.
The brief welcoming ceremony, characterised by performances from traditional Chinese masquerade dancers, also witnessed the assemblage of the Chinese community in Ghana, which continuously waved China and Ghana flags.
The 43rd Chinese Naval Escort Task Group, with women aboard in spotless white uniforms standing motionless with arms at the sides and feet together on the deck and outer parts of the ship, drew continuous applause from dignitaries and onlookers alike.
Performing their duty with bravery and loyalty during the past six months, the Escort Task Group has been on mission since January 10, 2023.
The group has successfully accomplished an escort mission in the Gulf of Aden, evacuated Chinese nationals from Sudan, fulfilled the international humanitarian obligations and protected the international sea lines of communication.
The Destroyer 162 berthed at the Tema Port, with the inscription “China-Ghana Friendship is Time-tested”.
It is one of the many Type 052DL guided-missile destroyers available to the Chinese surface fleet fitted with all-modern solutions to all-modern battlefield threats.
Dignitaries, including the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Lu Kun; Mr Kofi Amankwa-Manu, Deputy Minister of Defence; Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, Chief of Defence Staff; Senior Naval Officers and the Chinese Community were given a guided tour of the Destroyer 162.
Mr Lu Kun, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, said the task force’s escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan, demonstrated that China was a responsible country and congratulated the team for the courage, dedication and outstanding achievement.
He said China-Ghana relations was getting enhanced with pragmatic cooperation flourishing, cultural ties increasingly closer, and military cooperation making considerable progress.
The Ambassador said the Armed Forces of Ghana and China had and resumed face-to-face exchanges after COVID-19 with the sod-cutting for the Chinese Military Aid Gratis Project for Ghana.
The port call, he noted, aimed at deepening understanding, and would further consolidate the Ghana-China friendship and expand cooperation.
He expressed optimism that the visit would open a new chapter for military relations and promote China-Ghana relations to a higher level.
China and Ghana, the Chinese Ambassador said, were both advocates and defenders of world peace and that last year, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative with China issuing the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper early this year.
“It states clearly that it is our common aspiration to achieve lasting world peace and China is ready to conduct bilateral and multilateral security cooperation with all countries and international and regional organisations under the framework of the Global Security Initiative…to jointly promote world peace and tranquillity,” he said.
Mr Kun said, “China supports the efforts of African countries, the AU 46 and sub-regional organisations to resolve regional conflicts, fight terrorism and safeguard maritime security”.
“Enhancing mutual exchanges and cooperation in the military field between our two countries is of positive significance. China is willing to explore cooperation with the Ghanaian side and jointly promote peace and tranquillity in the African Region and the world at large.”
The visit of the 43rd Escort Task Group in Ghana, Mr Kofi Amankwa-Manu, Deputy Minister of Defence, said was “appropriate and timely as the Government of Ghana is strategically deepening its relationship with its valued partners, including the People’s Republic of China to reshape our Maritime issues.”
He said over the past decades, the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces had benefited enormously from the Chinese Defence Cooperation Assistance in many areas, including training, platform acquisition, construction amongst others.
Mr Amankwa-Manu reiterated that the military relationship between the Ghana Armed Forces and the People’s Liberation Army had seen enormous cooperation, with the recent one being the 37 Military Hospital expansion project awarded to the China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited.
Enhancing existing partnership between China and Ghana under a broader Defence Cooperation, he said, was important in the face of deteriorating security conditions within the West African sub-region.
“Enhanced security cooperation in the maritime domain will also help address some of the maritime security threats. Contemporary threats to security such as Terrorism, Violent Extremism, Climate Change, Pandemics, epidemics can only be addressed through cooperation and collaboration with each other,” he added.
Senior Captain ZHAO Lang and Senior YANG Yanhua, captains of the Destroyer 162, said the 43rd Chinese naval escort taskforce set sail for the Gulf of Aden and the waters of Somalia from a military port in Zhanjiang city, southeast China’s Guangdong province, on the morning of January 10, 2023.
Captain Zhao, who applauded the hard work of the task force, said in late April, an armed conflict broke out in Sudan and due to the severe and prolonged nature of the conflict, the task force rushed to Sudan and evacuated 1,171 people from nine countries successfully.
