Day: November 18, 2023

Ghana has exceeded the United Nations’ (UN) target in the deployment of female military personnel for peacekeeping missions, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said.

The country currently is involved in 15 peacekeeping missions globally, with a deployed strength of 2, 500 military personnel.

In respect of foreign troops, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) had deployed 19 per cent females, exceeding the UN’s target of nine per cent, the President emphasised.

He was addressing the 2023 graduation parade of the Ghana Military Academy, in Accra.

The West African nation’s commitment to global peace and security dates back to 1960, when Ghana, for the first time, participated in a UN peacekeeping force deployed in the then Republic of Congo, now DR Congo.

Since then, the GAF has remained dedicated and committed to the cause of peace, and currently ranked ninth as the largest troop contributing country by the UN in peace support operations.

The country was admitted to the United Nations on March 8, 1957, two
days after it attained independence from Britain.

At the 2023 graduation parade of the Ghana Military Academy, a total of 292 officer cadets passed out – comprising 217 males and 75 females.

‘Today’s parade is a special one. The number of officers being commissioned into service is the highest in the history of the GAF,’ President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is also the Commander-in-Chief, stated.

Coincidentally, the parade witnessed a joint commissioning of both regular career course cadets and short service special duty cadets, following the disruption of the Academy’s calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President said the commissioning of such a large number of officers into the Armed Forces, ‘at this time when resources are limited, is to put ourselves in readiness for the emerging security threats the country is facing today’.

‘The security situation in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel, requires that we improve the entire security architecture of the country.

‘Government is resolute on the ne
ed to institute measures that will safeguard territorial integrity and security of our nation, so as to guarantee the peace Ghana continuously enjoys in the region,’ he noted.

In readiness to respond effectively to any threat from anywhere to the country’s security, the President said the Armed Forces was proportionally spread across the country.

This is to ensure the personnel maintain continuous surveillance and capability to safeguard Ghana’s territorial integrity.

In furtherance of its peacekeeping missions, the country will in December, this year, partner the UN to host a joint Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting.

The gathering of Defence Ministers and others committed to peacekeeping efforts, will focus on civilian protection, addressing misinformation and disinformation, promoting safety and security, protecting mental health, and boosting the pivotal role of women in the UN.

It will be the first to take place in Africa, and the fifth ministerial summit overall.

The flagship biennial meeting is expe
cted to secure political support and generate pledges to strengthen UN peacekeeping in line with Action for Peacekeeping and A4P+.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Sayibu Suhini, says the removal of tax on locally produced sanitary pads does not come with the urgency with which Ghanaian women want the increasing cost of sanitary pads to be addressed.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Finance Minister, presenting the 2024 budget, announced a number of interventions including a zero Value Added Tax (VAT) rate on locally manufactured sanitary pads, and removal of import duty on raw materials for the local manufacture of sanitary pads.

However, Mr Suhini, speaking on Citi Fm’s Big Issues, said the policy did not address the current issues of women who lamented over the high cost of the sanitary product.

‘We are talking about the urgency of now. The fact that young ladies are unable to afford these products because they are priced out of their reach…If you are announcing a policy, the question is how is it going to address the current problem? It is going to take a while for people to import these raw materials and produce.

‘The
second thing is that how many young ladies already use the locally produced ones and how long is it going to take for them to change to these locally produced ones? So it is not addressing the urgency of now,’ he stated.

Touching on other aspects of the 2024 Budget, Mr Suhini said the extension of tax exemptions in the budget was not the most appropriate means of helping companies, which were still struggling in spite of existing tax exemptions.

‘If I am already enjoying an exemption today and I tell you that despite the exemption I am enjoying, my business is going down, and you come and announce an extension of that exemption and you say that is the relief I need, are you being sincere? Clearly, that is not how these companies can be helped,’ he said.

Dr. Kabiru Mahama, Technical Adviser to the Vice President, on the contrary, said the Budget sought to provide respite to Ghanaians.

He said the Budget had made adequate provisions for various sectors of the economy and contained reliefs that were meant to
support economic growth and the vulnerable in society.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr Robert Sogbadji, a Member of the Energy Transition Committee, says Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework is estimated at $562 billion.

He said, the long-term framework guaranteed the best fuel supply security due to a diversified fuel mix including natural gas and nuclear energy.

The framework sought to achieve a just and equitable transition both in universal access to electricity and the exploitation of Ghana’s natural resource to support economic development.

Dr. Sogbadji said these at a capacity building workshop on Ghana’s energy transition organized by Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI) for oil producing communities in Takoradi in the Western Region.

The workshop was aimed at enhancing understanding of participants on the trends and contents of Ghana’s energy transition framework, create awareness on the priorities, targets and opportunities and enhance dialogue and exchanges at the sub national level for actors to hold government accountable.

Dr. Sogbadji told participants that, the f
ramework guaranteed access to and commercialization of the green trade market, with 21 Gigawatt (GW) installed capacity, adding ‘it seeks to achieve a universal access to electricity of about 98 percent by 2030.’

‘It focuses on long -term cost of electricity below 4.5 cents per kilowatts. It expects to meet future electricity demand of 380,000 GW due to fuel switch,’ he added.

He indicated that the minimised energy related to indoor air pollution and its related illnesses, explained that about 48,218 premature deaths would be avoided.

Again, Dr Sogbadji said, the emission of about 200 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide would be avoided.

About 30.05 million productive be gained due to upscaled adoption of clean cooking fuels which would have a significant impact on women and children, the main gatherers of firewood.

On new opportunities, he told participants that Ghana’s discovery of some critical green minerals like lithium and graphite would replace hydrocarbons in the future and could be used in the produ
ction of the Lithium -Ion Batteries (LIBs), which had growing demand for electricity storage facilities and for power generation in electric vehicles and electronics.

‘The Government must therefore establish investor friendly mechanisms for commercial exploitation of the critical minerals and the management of revenues accruing from these minerals,’ Dr Sogbadji suggested.

He listed adverse impacts to include potential threats to energy security, reduces funding for fossil related projects, potential of stranded assets, job losses for fossil fuel industry and revenue loss.

The Committee member noted there was also the difficulty in accessing cheap funding by developing countries to build essential energy infrastructure aside technological challenges.

Source: Ghana News Agency

As I chalk 80 years today and more than 50 years as Medical Practitioner, Dermatologist to be specific, my next dream before I report back to my creator is to establish the first Dermatology University in Ghana and the entire globe.

‘The skin is the identity of every humankind, and so taking care of your skin deserves extra care, as the otherwise of it can result in distortions.’

Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle, Founder, Chief Physician and Consulting Dermatologist of Rabito Clinic Limited, who was speaking to the Ghana News Agency as part of his 80th birthday celebration in Accra said the establishment of the Dermatology University would also bring in many more foreign students to study the course as it was difficult to access skin treatment in many countries.

‘You do not have an idea the number of people (Africans) that travel to other developed countries just to treat skin diseases, because you have Rabito clinics dotted across the country you don’t know.’

Professor Delle, who is also the Paramount
chief of the Nandom Traditional Area has 27 branches of the Rabito Clinics in many regions of the country and believes that establishing a Dermatology University in Ghana would help to train more Dermatologists in the country and beyond.

To achieve that dream however, Naa Professor Delle called on the government, corporate bodies and other external partners to come on board for them to make history together by establishing this all important educational institution together.

He said currently, most University students, especially Science students were not interested in learning Dermatology, but added that their enthusiasm could by buoyed up by the establishment of the University.

Prof Delle said apart from lecturing at the Accra College of Medicine and the University for Development Medical School, he had also been sensitizing marketers of cosmetics on the use and restrictions and meeting Tailors and Dressmakers Association.

He attributed most skin diseases to creams, dresses especially headgears and turb
ans, food and drinks and cautioned all to be careful with the kind of creams, clothing and drinks that they were allergic to so that they do not result into cancer.

Sore treatment he added was also important as negligence could result into body cancer, which could also result in fatalities.

‘My fulfillment at the end of the day will be that, the current Ghana Medical and Dental Council we have will one day become ‘Ghana Medical, Dental and Dermatology Council’, the Nandom Naa added.

Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle was born on 18th November, 1943 in Nandom in the Upper West Region, had middle school education in Lawra and secondary education at the Tamale Secondary school in the Northern Region.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Rotary Club of Accra-Airport Enclave has been presented with a charter, an official recognition of the birth of a new Rotary Club in Ghana (Rotary District 9104).

A Rotary club is a group of local businessmen and professionals who form part of Rotary International. It is a service organisation that brings together business and professional leaders.

The charter was presented at a dinner in Accra, which was also used to raise funds in aid of the Senior Correctional Centre (formerly the Borstal Institute) and other projects.

The presentation of the charter to the Accra-Airport Enclave comes two months after Rotary in Ghana achieved a district status as result of considerable membership growth over the past decade.

Rotary International is an international service organisation. Their aim is to bring together professional and business leaders in the prospect of providing humanitarian assistance and to further peace and altruism throughout the world.?

The organisation is non-religious, non-political and op
en to everyone. Worldwide, they have over 35,000 member clubs, with over 1.2 million members. The members are called Rotarians.

Rotary International President Gordon MCinally, in a goodwill message, welcomed the 52 new members into the Rotary family, and reminded the freshers that, ‘Rotary Clubs provide a place for those with passion to connect, share ideas and discover how to make a difference in the lives of others.’

He said: ‘I am delighted that your club will join us as we confront some of the world’s most critical and widespread humanitarian issues.’

Mr MCinally reminded the new Rotary members that chartering a new club is exciting and challenging, but the key to success is building a strong membership.

He urged them to be dedicated to service, ranging from local community service, ranging from local community-based projects to major global initiatives.

‘Together, we will accomplish great things as we serve local and international communities as we create Hope in the World,’ Mr MCinally said.

Mr Da
vid Osei Amankwah, the President (District Governor) of District 9104 (Ghana), noted that his own club, the Rotary Club of Accra-Airport, had a lot to do with the chartering of the new club.

He urged the new members to engage in the membership drive and increase in District 9104 service footprints.

‘I see that the Rotary Club of Accra Airport Enclave encapsulates a Club that is roaring to do more-taking on the objectives of Rotary to do wonderful and impactful projects,’ Mr Amankwah said.

He appealed to the diners and ‘winners’, the gathering and interested persons, to generously contribute to the rehabilitation project, highlighting the significance of addressing common needs within local communities.

‘From today, the leadership and the board must direct the enthusiasm to achieve its common objective,’ the District Governor directed.

Mr Andrew Fiifi Simpson, the Charter President, wondered why it took him ‘so long to be a Rotarian.’

He recalled having avoided the discussion with past Rotary President C
. C Bruce Jnr to join Rotary, but whose persistence paid off, and he took the ‘right decision to be a Rotarian.’

Mr Simpson narrated the story of a 13-year-old boy from Tamale whose life was transformed through Rotary International’s partnership programme, underscoring the power of Rotary to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged.

He debunked the impression that Rotary was another of the many clubs that spent lots of time having fun instead of focusing on their core projects.

Mr Simpson stressed on community service and urged fellow Rotarians to ‘make a difference in the lives of others especially the disadvantaged in society.’

‘I will urge us all, in our small ways, to contribute to the wellbeing of society be it in health, education, climate change and other areas,’ he said.

Mr Simpson promised that the Rotary Club of the Accra Airport Enclave would be one of the vibrant clubs in District 9104.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Petroleum and other minerals ownership Ghana’s legal foundations for the ownership of petroleum and other minerals are firmly established within the constitutional framework of 1992.

Legal background

This legal regime, particularly Article 257, Clause 6, is reinforced by Section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended and Section 1 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919).

According to the provisions, the ownership of oil, gas, and other mineral resources lies with the people of Ghana.

The custodianship is entrusted to the President, who assumes the responsibility and rights on behalf of the citizens and constitutional and legislative alignment ensures a clear delineation of ownership rights, establishing the foundation upon which subsequent legal frameworks operate.

The ownership rights outlined in the 1992 Constitution, the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919) set the stage for a comprehe
nsive regulatory framework governing the oil, gas, and mineral sectors in Ghana.

The regulatory aspects encompass licensing, operational arrangements, and sector development, ensuring a structured and responsible approach to resource utilization.

Furthermore, the frameworks are instrumental in shaping the relationships between key stakeholders, including the state, Petroleum Commission as the Upstream Petroleum sector regulator, Ghana National

Petroleum Corporation as the national oil company, Minerals Commission, international oil companies (IOCs), and the citizens of Ghana.

By vesting ownership in the citizens, with the President as the custodian, the regulatory frameworks emphasize the need for responsible resource management and the generation of socio-economic benefits for the general populace.

Role of President

The pivotal role of the President of the Republic, as the custodian of the resources goes beyond a mere legal formality. It signifies a commitment to ensuring that the exploitation and util
ization of these resources translate into sustainable socio-economic benefits for the citizens of Ghana.

Impliedly, citizens cannot afford to go hungry while having these resources. Article 174, Clause 1, empowers the Parliament to enact legislations necessary for regulating and taxing income derived from petroleum and other mineral operations. This legislative authority, combined with the ownership rights enshrined in the Constitution and supporting acts, creates a legal framework that places citizens’ interests at the forefront.

In essence, the ownership structure, guided by legal provisions, establishes a pathway for the responsible and equitable utilization of petroleum and mineral resources, aligning with Ghana’s broader socio-economic development goals.

Regulatory Frameworks Governing the Petroleum and Minerals Sectors in Ghana

The current legal regime and regulatory frameworks governing the oil, gas, and other minerals sectors in Ghana are rooted in the 1992 Constitution. Article 257, Clause 6 of t
he Constitution, supported by the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919), establishes that oil, gas, and other mineral resources belong to the people of Ghana.

The President, as the custodian of these resources, holds the right and responsibilities on behalf of the citizens.

The exploitation and utilization of resources are expected to be managed to ensure sustainable socioeconomic benefits for the Ghanaians. Parliament, empowered by Article 174, Clause 1, enacts legislations to regulate and tax individuals and income earned from petroleum and other minerals operations.

The elaborate legislations governing resource exploration, development, production, and relinquishment include the Minerals and Mining Act, 2010 (Act 703), Petroleum

(Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919), Ghana National Petroleum Corporation

(GNPC) Law, 1983 (PNDCL 64), Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896), and Petroleum Revenue

Management Act, 2011 (Act 815), among others. The Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act
703), serves as the principal law regulating minerals and mining activities in Ghana.

It reaffirms that mineral resources within the economic zone of Ghana are the property of the Republic of Ghana, held in trust for the Ghanaian people. The act, as amended, outlines licensing and permit grants, including operational arrangements, for sustainable and efficient utilization.

The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919), governs the exploration and production of oil and gas, replacing PNDCL84 of 1984. It establishes ownership of petroleum resources in the Republic of Ghana, vested in the President on behalf of the people.

The law mandates that no entity, other than the GNPC, engages in petroleum exploration, development, and production without a petroleum agreement with the GNPC and the Republic.

The law provides for a contractual period of 25 years, subject to renewal for petroleum agreements between the state and IOCs.

To ensure effective operational arrangements, legislative instruments
such as minerals and mining agreements and petroleum agreements are signed between the state and consortiums of operators. Petroleum agreements define terms and conditions for specified contractors (IOCs), the state, and related authorities like GNPC and Petroleum Commission (PC). These agreements cover contract periods, parties, obligations, capital contributions, required investments, taxes, metering, accounting, allowable deductions, pre-emption rights, and more.

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Law, 1983 (PNDCL 64), established GNPC as a body corporate to undertake exploration, development, and production of petroleum.

GNPC, as the national oil company, is tasked with promoting the orderly and planned development of Ghana’s petroleum resources, ensuring maximum benefits for Ghana and its citizens.

GNPC collaborates with the Petroleum Commission and operators to train Ghanaian citizens, develop national capabilities in petroleum operations, and ensure environmentally responsible petroleum
operations.

Similarly, the Petroleum Commission Act, 2011 (Act 821), establishes the Petroleum Commission to regulate petroleum activities, separating regulatory functions from operational roles, especially as GNPC was previously both an operator and regulator.

This separation aimed to enhance effective regulation in the petroleum industry. Resource Use Policy Efforts and Instruments in the Petroleum and Other Minerals Sectors In line with legislative objectives, auxiliary legislations, such as local content and participation regulations, are promulgated to promote linkage and spill-over effects within the economy.

The Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations, 2013 (L.I. 2204), and Minerals and Mining (Local Content and Participation) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2431), aim to involve Ghanaians in upstream petroleum and mining activities, enhancing their standard of living.

These regulations are based on Grossman’s (1981) ideology of domestic content protection and preference, striving t
o achieve local content targets in the oil and gas value chain.

Beyond operational arrangements, fiscal systems play a crucial role. The Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896), addresses taxation of petroleum and minerals income, while the VAT Act, 2013 (Act 870), and its regulations manage value-added tax (VAT) related to minerals and petroleum activities. The Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), regulates customs duties and levies on minerals, petroleum products, and other goods and services.

In support of social exchange and resource dependency theories, Ghana enacted the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815), providing regulatory frameworks for the collection, allocation, and management of petroleum revenue in a responsible, transparent, accountable, and sustainable manner for the benefit of Ghana’s citizens.

Beyond the operational arrangements and related regulatory and fiduciary functions that resource frameworks provide for as suggested by the foregoing discussions, it important to now dwell on the key f
rameworks that provide for the fiscal systems and their impact on resource rents.

For instance, Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) provide for the taxation of petroleum and other minerals income taxation as well as other incomes of persons engaged in these activities.

Additionally, VAT Act, 2013 (Act 870) and its regulations are responsible for collection and administration of value added tax (VAT) in respect of minerals and petroleum activities as well as other goods and services supplied in Ghana.

Furthermore, Custom Act, 2015 (Act 891) regulating the customs duties and levies in respect of importation and exportation of minerals and petroleum products, and other goods and services. Key Objectives of Legal Frameworks for Petroleum and Other Minerals in Ghana.

These natural resources, especially oil, are seen as strategic commodities that heavily impact the economies of both producing and importing countries due to the volatility in the oil market.

This commodity is also regarded as a major foreign exchange
earner for producing countries. Equally, it heavily affects the domestic budgets of importing countries as they spend huge sums of their national income on importing the commodity.

In the past, nations have gone to war because of the strategic nature of this international commodity. The study of the transition in man and the world’s economic development reveals great improvements. This has been accompanied by an energy transition from the use of wood to using coal, and currently oil and gas as the major sources of energy in the world.

As the world now largely depends on oil and gas, the nation that possesses this commodity is regarded as a strategic nation and the envy of other nations.

Considering the strategic nature of oil and gas production, disturbances in the oil industry have serious consequences on economies across the globe. For instance, the world’s economy has already experienced about four major shocks in the oil industry affecting national economies: a) in 1973, the first oil shock due to the
Arab embargo leading to the quadrupling of oil prices; b) from 1978 to 1981, the second oil shock leading to the tripling of oil prices due to the Iran revolution and the Iran/Iraq war; c) in 1988, the third oil shock occurred due to the collapse in oil prices as a result of Saudi Arabia’s oil policy; and d) the 2008 oil price surge, which disrupted many developing economies.

However, interestingly, the upstream industry (the exploration, development, and production of oil) usually brings with it issues of conflicting interest among the major stakeholders in the industry, namely the government of the host nation (which has a commercial interest and at the same time has the responsibility of protecting its citizens from the hazards of petroleum production), the International Oil Company (IOC) (which has invested huge capital in petroleum production at risk and expects early returns on investment), and the communities hosting the project (whose health and vocation may be at risk as well as the environment at l
arge, including the future generations that must be protected).

To balance the conflicting interests of the major players, host countries are required to formulate essential legal frameworks for the efficient and sound management of petroleum production activities within their countries.

The primary purpose of designing a legal framework for oil and gas operations is to control the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas and to guarantee the investments of the IOC while still protecting the interests of the local community.

Fundamental Issues Addressed by the Legal Frameworks for Petroleum and Other Minerals in Ghana to balance conflicting interests among major stakeholders, ensure efficient exploration, development, and production of petroleum and other minerals, and protect the interests of the local community, most legal regimes fundamentally seek to address the procedures for licensing and granting permits to operate within the sectors.

These legal frameworks cover exploration periods,
efficient and sustainable development, and production of resources in accordance with good international practices that support optimal rent to the state, job creation, and the socioeconomic development of Ghana.

Furthermore, the legal frameworks provide systems for participating in economic activities and sharing the financial benefits resulting from oil, gas, and other minerals production between the host government and the investing International Oil Company (IOC).

The fiscal regimes mandate the utilization of national goods and services, contingent upon their availability, payment of royalty, income tax, and transfer of assets to the locals.

These instruments also stipulate the financial obligations of the investing IOC, including audit and monitoring as outlined in the frameworks.

Additionally, the frameworks establish standards for environmental protection and the health and safety of the communities hosting the petroleum project.

They also outline sanctions, redress mechanisms, and appeal systems
in cases of defaults, disputes, impasses, etc., as the case may be.

Summary

In summary, Ghana’s legal framework for petroleum and mineral ownership is intricately woven into constitutional provisions and legislative acts, prominently including the 1992 Constitution, Act 703, and Act 919. These legal instruments collectively establish the ownership structure, operational guidelines, and fiscal relationships governing the interaction between the Ghanaian state and international oil companies (IOCs). The regulatory landscape is further shaped by local content and participation regulations, along with fiscal instruments such as the Income Tax Act and VAT Act, contributing to the formulation of comprehensive resource use policies. Ghana’s legal frameworks effectively oversee the entire spectrum of activities encompassing the exploration, development, and production of petroleum and minerals. Throughout this study, the strategic significance of these resources is underscored, emphasizing the need for well-balance
d legal structures capable of addressing conflicting interests. While fiscal regimes play a crucial role in supporting economic development, the study advocates for continuous adaptation to meet the evolving demands of the global landscape.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the study sheds light on the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Ghana’s legal frameworks governing the petroleum and minerals sector.

The constitutional and legislative underpinnings, coupled with fiscal instruments and regulations, collectively contribute to a robust governance structure.

The study underscores the critical importance of these legal frameworks in navigating the complexities of resource ownership and utilization.

It is emphasized that ongoing adaptations are imperative to align with the ever-changing global landscape and emerging challenges.

The conclusions drawn from this analysis reinforce the notion that Ghana’s legal frameworks are pivotal in ensuring sustainable and responsible resource management, providing a foundatio
n for continued growth and development.

Contributions to Resource Use Policy and Linkage and Spill-over Effects Arguments This paper significantly contributes empirical insights into the effectiveness of Ghana’s legal frameworks in achieving resource use policy objectives. By emphasizing the importance of linkages and spill-over effects through the lens of local content regulations, the study aligns with resource dependency theories.

The findings affirm that a well-crafted legal framework not only facilitates resource extraction but also ensures that the benefits permeate through the local economy, promoting broader socio-economic development.

The arguments presented support the broader discourse on the interplay between legal structures, resource policies, and their tangible impact on local communities.

Limitations

Despite its substantial empirical and theoretical contributions, this study has inherent limitations that warrant consideration.

The context-specific nature of the research restricts its gen
eralizability to other settings. The reliance on existing legislative texts introduces the potential for biases, emphasizing the need for future research to employ diverse methodologies for a more comprehensive understanding.

Acknowledging these limitations is crucial for refining future research agendas and ensuring a nuanced understanding of the complexities associated with resource governance in Ghana and beyond.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has reiterated that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?has contributed to the construction of robust and resilient pillars of justice.?

She described ADR as an invaluable asset in building the pillars of social justice, fostering?open and constructive dialogue, where?parties came together in a coordinated? and non-material manner.?

Mrs. Justice Torkornoo made these statements during a press briefing at the Sekondi High Court on ‘Building the pillar of justice through ??Alternative Dispute Resolution’ to open the ADR week celebration in Takoradi in the Western Region.?

She stressed ‘Building the pillars of justice through ADR?was not merely an abstract idea. It is a practical and potent method for resolving conflicts that aligns with the principles of fairness, equality, and efficiency.?

?’ADR?offers a platform for open dialogue, preserves relationships, ensures efficiency, promotes fairness and equality, and encourages innovative problem-solving.’??

?The objective of the ADR week is to educate and sensitize the public and stakeholders about the importance of ADR and how court users could access ADR services at the courts for a speedy resolution of cases.?

Justice Torkornoo explained, the court related system of adjudication could be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally?draining, while the ADR, uses mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and conciliation.?

?The Chief Justice said parties in the process had?the opportunity to express their concerns, fears, and expectations to each other, with the assistance of a mediator, and gained a better understanding of each other’s perspectives for a united society.??

Justice Torkornoo maintained that ADR paved way for creative, mutually beneficial solutions and?encouraged?the preservation of relationships.?

She said, ‘In many legal disputes, the adversarial nature of litigation can leave a trail of bitterness and damaged personal or business connections while,?ADR, on the other hand, strived to maintain these r
elationships and ensure that the parties involved could continue to interact, even if they have disagreed in the past.’?

?ADR was?often appreciated as a champion of fairness and equality, offering a level playing field, since it was conducted in private, making justice accessible to all, regardless of financial status or legal knowledge.?

This inclusivity, Justice Torkornoo believed, ensured that justice?was also open and accessible to all citizens, allowed parties to design resolutions that fit their unique circumstances?and???promoted a sense of ownership over the outcome.?

Efficiency, swiftness, and cost effectiveness, she said,?were also the hallmark of ADR?while?traditional court proceedings?were characterized by strenuous processes that lead to delays and costs?which could?hinder access to justice.?

‘The quick resolution of disputes is crucial in ensuring that justice is not only served but is served in a timely manner, allowing individuals and organizations to move forward without undue hardship,’
she added.?

Justice Torkornoo said, the Judicial Service was persuaded by the importance of ADR and so would focus and ? resource the ADR Directorate to ensure the courts efficient, user -friendly, to make access to justice real.?

She recalled that the judicial service had?since 2005,?created the necessary environment within the courts to serve users with all the benefits?of ADR,?to make justice more accessible to all, especially the poor and vulnerable.?

The Chief Justice said, incorporating ADR into?Ghana’s justice system was to?reinforce the harmonious foundations of?the?society, saying that?’It is our duty to advocate?its widespread adoption.’?

Justice Torkornoo, indicated that,?ADR had become a core component of Ghana’s adjudication system.?’Therefore, when a judge refers a case to ADR parties in the matter should not feel slighted. I recommend ADR to everyone in appropriate cases.’??

An Appeal Court Judge in charge of ADR, Justice Angela Mensah Homiah said ADR helped to reduce backlog of cases addi
ng ‘ we need to discharge our duties effectively and efficiently.’?

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, a former Minister of State has said the 24-Hour Economy Vision policy that will be introduced by the former President John Dramani Mahama will reshape Ghana’s economy.

He said policy will be a resurrection from the economic crisis the country was facing with corresponding increase in unemployment, extreme poverty and widening inequality and a record low living standards.

‘This initiative is one of the silver bullets in the former President’s arsenal which he intends to implement to turn the fortunes of the country around’.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Mr Oppong-Fosu said the vision of the former President Mahama for the ‘GHANA WE WANT’ seeks to launch the country into a golden age of inclusiveness, stability and prosperity.

He said social and political tensions and unrest were troubling considering the spate of disruption of democratic governance in the sub-region.

Mr Oppong-Fosu said whereas various views were expressed about the 24-hour economy, the thrust of the
policy was an economy that would operate 24-hours a day, and 365 days in a year.

He said the inter-related key pillars that would support the 24-hour.economy vision were: ‘Social Sustainability, that will be ensuring the well-being and dignity of citizens by promoting inclusiveness, equity, human rights through access to education, health care and decent work), Economic Sustainability, that will focuses on a long-term economic growth while maintaining a balance between efficient management of resources, social equity and financial stability).

‘Also were: Environmental Sustainability, that will be preserving and protecting the natural environment through appropriate policies and practices, and Human Capital Sustainability, that will investment in the continuous development and empowerment of citizens. All these pillars will be built on a foundation of good governance’.

The former Minister of State said, former President Mahama has consistently been emphasising and re-echoeing in his cardinal belief that the
business-as-usual approach which had so far only led to a very low productivity, cannot achieve the deliverables which are necessary if we should attain the GHANA WE WANT.

He said: ‘the effect of the 24-hour economy policy will be felt in all sectors of Ghana’s economy. Fortunately, the levers of the state sector of the economy which forms the basis upon which the private sector thrives are in the domain over which the President does have direct control.’

‘For instance, institutions within the state sector, such as Ghana Revenue Authority GRA (for clearing of goods, etc), Police (for safety and security), Companies Registry (for registration of companies, etc). ‘All regulatory agencies, including the Bank of Ghana are all institutions which can be quickly given appropriate re- orientation to operate and support the 24-hour economy. Once the state sectors creates the platform and environment for the 24-hour economy, the private sector will take advantage of it’.

Mr Oppong-Fosu said the 24-hour economy polic
y would place some quite emphasis on the agriculture sector as one priority area of high impact envisions with a productive capacity along the entire value chain aimed at creating wealth and jobs through partnerships with the private sector.

This he said will entail the establishment of Agro-Economic Zones that will integrates technology and innovation into agriculture and agribusiness to boost productivity along the value chain to include: inputs, machinery and equipment to enhance agricultural practices; efficient harvesting techniques; modern storage facilities; improved transportation services; innovative agro-processing techniques with modern waste management facilities; hi-tech packaging facilities and innovative marketing strategies.

‘The Implementation of the 24-hour economy policy will drastically reduce food imports which is a major drain on our finances. Moreover, it will put Ghana in a position to benefit from Africa’s food market which is estimated to reach $1 trillion by 2030, (In 2020, Ghana
imported food (including fish) worth 2,7 billion US dollars),’ he added.

The former Minister of State said the 24-hour economy policy will entail the Establishment of a Presidential Delivery Secretariat with offices in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (PPME), Regional Coordinating Councils and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) (Planning Departments) respectively.

He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) developed a Local Economic Development Policy in 2014 which sought to stimulate the local economy through MMDAs partnership with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), traditional leaders and local communities organised into cooperatives’.

‘It will also identify and resource designated institutions to undertake human resource capacity development with (emphasis on skills development) and upscaling of SMEs to make them innovative and globally competitive, Provide social and economic infrastructure including digital transformation to promote economic activities and increase produ
ctivity and Ghana’s Diplomatic Missions abroad will also be reoriented to play a crucial role in promoting exports of made-in-Ghana products’.

‘Undoubtedly, this initiative will offer immense possibilities for all Ghanaians to enjoy sustainable social and economic opportunities’.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Central Regional Office of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has organised a blood donation exercise in Cape Coast to help stock the National Blood Bank.

The gesture, which forms part of activities marking the Authority’s 20th Anniversary celebration, is targeted at mitigating the incidence of blood shortage at the various blood banks with its attendant preventable deaths.

With support from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), staff of NHIA from across the region, the Claims Processing Centre (CPC), and members of the public converged on the Authority’s office to participate in the exercise.

The NHIA is seeking to collect more than 1,600 pints of blood across the country at the end of the exercise.

Madam Eva Okai, a Deputy Director of Finance and Investment, NHIA Head Office and Coordinator of the exercise, the National Blood Bank had suffered severe blood shortage, hence the need for deliberate efforts to shore up the stock.

‘And so we are encouraging the public and government organisa
tions to join the agenda to make sure that the blood bank has adequate blood to support the nation and save lives,’ she said.

Mr Fred Appiah, the Regional Director of the Authority, commended the staff and providers (health facilities) for their support and dedication to the success of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) over the past 20 years.

He said the regional office was working to increase its membership to 1.5 million by close of the year, indicating that at the end of September, it had already recorded 1.2 million.

He urged citizens who had not registered with the Scheme to do so, while entreating those whose membership had expired to renew them.

Mr Appiah urged the public to use the Authority’s new mobile application ‘mynhis app’ for both new registration and renewal.

‘We are hoping that with the support of everyone in the Central Region, by 2030, we will all achieve the Universal Health Coverage,’ he said.

Despite the numerous successes chalked, Mr Appiah noted that the Authority conti
nued to receive complaints about illegal fees being charged members of the Scheme by some service providers.

He assured that they had put mechanisms in place, including monitoring committees, to ensure that the facilities lived by the contract.

He warned that defaulting facilities would be sanctioned through downgrading, adding; ‘By doing so, I believe that together, we can achieve universal health coverage.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Professor Douglas Boateng, Board Chairman of the Sustainability and Social Investment Awards (ISS), has called on the government, stakeholders and private companies to incorporate sustainability in their businesses to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

That, he said would create a more global sustainable and socially responsible world for a better future for the upcoming generations.

Prof Boateng was speaking at the ISS Awards ceremony in Accra on the theme: ‘Sustainability and the Economy: Building a Sustainable Future for All’.

The Awards sought to acknowledge individuals and organizations making significant contributions to sustainable development and social investment in Ghana.

Prof Boateng said that prioritising environmental sustainability would transform the health of people in societies which would reduce the high cost of the medical care system in Ghana and across the world.

He encouraged all to participate in the agenda of achieving the SDGs for a better future.

‘Your commitment
to sustainability is not only commendable but also shaping the future’, he added.

On the awards, he said the goal was to learn from and connect with individuals and organizations that embrace sustainability principles with responsibility, equity, and transparency.

Mrs Akosua Menu, Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority, who delivered a speech on behalf of Mrs Samira Bawumia, said environmental sustainability served as a reminder of the pivotal role it played in building the economy and shaping the destiny of the nation.

She said it explored the dynamic interplay between environmental responsibility and economic growth, emphasising the imperative of ensuring that prosperity was intricately woven with sustainability for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

Mrs Menu said that it was crucial to acknowledge the profound impact that corporations, both large and small, had on the achievement of the SDGs.

The SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity.

She said by
‘aligning the actions with these global goals, we can collectively address the interconnected challenges facing our world.’

She urged all to continue working hand in hand, government, private sector, and civil society, to build economic prosperity.

Professor Richard Amankwah, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT) said companies, institutions, governments and individuals must stop illegal mining as it threatens the economy, environment and the world.

He said statistics showed evidence of how undebatable it was destroying water bodies and the environment and the solutions were to educate both stakeholders and students on the demerits of earth generation.

‘To educate and shape the mindset of the next generation to learn environmental stewardship is a must-do for us,’ he added.

He urged governments, private industries and agencies to obtain a sustainable approach to environmental management adding ‘We should leverage research and expertise to retrieve mercury from the soil to s
ave the environment, and we can plant wetland plants such as cattail to filter contaminated water bodies.’

‘As we build a sustainable future we must prioritise inclusivity and social equity,’ he added.

FBN Bank Ghana PLC, won the Best Charitable and Philanthropic 2023 Award, Anglo Gold Ashanti Iduapem Mine, also won Economic Empowerment Award, United Bank for Africa (UBA) also won Best in Educational Sustainability Project, while Volta River Authority (VRA), received an award for Company in Employee Volunteering Initiatives.

Source: Ghana News Agency