Day: November 22, 2023

Foreign Ministry commissions office for Council on Foreign Relations-Ghana


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has commissioned a modern fully furnished office at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) for the Council on Foreign Relations-Ghana.

A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said Mr Ramses Cleland, the Chief Director of the Ministry, noted that in fulfillment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed with the Council in 2019, the Ministry deemed it necessary to provide an office to enhance the work of the Council in further projecting Ghana’s contribution to contemporary international affairs.

He indicated that the Ministry would continue to support the Council in the discharge of its duties to drive Ghana forward on the international stage.

Mr Daniel K. Osei, the Chair of the Council, commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for its unwavering support to the Council in various aspects of its work since it was inaugurated in 2019.

He expressed the Council’s read
iness to collaborate with the Foreign Ministry in the execution of Ghana’s foreign policy agenda.

He was hopeful that the office would help the Council’s work of promoting Ghana’s development.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Council on Foreign Relations, Ghana, retired Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) and some officers of the Foreign Ministry.

The Council is an independent non-partisan policy think-tank, which specialises on Ghana’s foreign policy and international affairs, especially those relating to the West African sub-region.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Laweh University, Ghana Women Forum offer scholarships/support to victims of Akosombo Dam Spillage


Laweh University College, Accra, in collaboration with the Ghana Women Forum (GWF), has announced a scholarship package valued at about GhS102,000.00 to four females of the Krachi West Constituency in the Oti Region.

The scholarship package is to enable the beneficiaries, who are victims of the recent Akosombo and Kpong Dams Spillage, pursue any four-year first-degree programme of their choice at the University.

A statement issued by Laweh University College, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the beneficiaries had demonstrated the spirit of perseverance in the wake of the havoc caused and were determined to pursue tertiary education.

Professor Goski Alabi, President of Laweh University and Patron of the Ghana Women Forum (GWF), made the announcement when she led a delegation of professionals of the GWF to engage the Minority Women’s Caucus in Parliament on support for the flood victims and other related matters.

Prof Alabi was accompanied by Madam Adeline Baidoo, President of GWF, and Reverend Dr Max
well Dela Yao Gakpo, Dean, Laweh University College.

Madam Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, Second Deputy Minority Whip and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Ada, led a delegation of the NDC Minority Women’s Caucus to the event.

Prof Alabi reiterated LAWEH’s dedication to supporting the academic pursuits of displaced female students and believed in their potential to positively impact Krachi West Constituency and beyond.

The statement noted that in a similar generous gesture, the GWF donated a set of assorted relief items, including drinks, rice, sugar, toiletries, gari, water, vegetables, cassava, and corn dough to the victims.

It said the support was aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the affected community in their recovery.

Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, the NDC MP for the Krachi West, expressed her gratitude to both Laweh University College and GWF for their respective compassionate gestures.

Madam Ntoso assured the delegation that the donated items would reach the intended re
cipients and pledged the Minority Women’s Caucus’s continuous support to the cause of the flood victims.

Among its objectives, the GWF aims at providing opportunities for feminine groups, for the all-around development of women and girls to make them active participants in societal development.

The GWF encourages women to be ambitious and confident and seeks to equip them with a reliable support system to help them realise their true potential. It boasts of over 2000 members.

Source: Ghana News Agency

University graduates urged to take interest in technological transformation


Dr. Eric Nkansah, Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has urged university graduates to take keen interest in the ongoing technological transformation, which was controlling the world.

Technology, according to him, had become a tool which was transforming the way people live, work, and learn and it was redefining the skills and knowledge needed in the modern workforce.

It had, therefore, become very important for every university student and graduate to show keen interest and be very conversant with their use and application so as to be able to compete well in the world of work.

Dr. Nkansah was addressing graduands of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at the 57th congregation of the university in Kumasi at the weekend.

‘To remain competitive and thrive in this digital age, you must upskill with the requisite digital literacy skills, critical thinking abilities, and adaptability to excel in an ever-changing, t
echnology-driven world,’ he stressed .

He indicated that what would set them apart from their peers in the journey ahead was the development of soft skills they had gained and encouraged them to invest in the acquisition of soft skills in relation to technological transformation.

‘While your academic achievements have laid a solid foundation, your soft skills will be the compass guiding your success,’ he stated.

Dr. Nkansah told the graduands that technical expertise alone was not enough in the dynamic landscape they were entering, rather, their ability to communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and adapt to change would be their greatest asset.

These, he said, were the soft skills that would transform their knowledge into impact.

Source: Ghana News Agency

CKT-UTAS student receives Google fellowship award


Mr Strato Angsoteng Bayitaa, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate of the Clement Kubindiwo Tedem University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) in the Upper East Region, has received the prestigious Google PhD Fellowship Award.

The award was to enable him to conduct research into machines, using multi-learning techniques for tabular data under the supervision of Professor Edward Yellakour Baagyere and Dr Moses Apamibila Agebure, both Lecturers of the University, and a mentor from Google.

The yet-to-be conducted research, by Mr Bayitaa, who is in the Department of Computer Science at the School of Computing and Information Sciences of the University, could impact on the machine-learning ecosystem, and the general research community.

The award, according to a statement from the Public Affairs Directorate of the University, copied to the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga, said ‘This award is a significant achievement not just for Mr Bayitaa, but also for CKT-UTAS.’

The statement noted that CKT-UTA
S was one of only three African Universities recognized in the Machine Learning category along with other globally renowned institutions such as the Stanford University, Harvard University, and the University of California-Berkeley.

‘This award is a testament to his exceptional talent and the quality of research being conducted at CKT-UTAS.

‘This also highlights the University’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of research and innovation, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements,’ the statement said.

It indicated that ‘CKT-UTAS, nestled in the Upper East Region of Ghana, stands proudly as an institution fostering academic excellence in the domain of Computing and Information Sciences.

‘The institution’s recognition by the Google PhD Fellowship for its work in Machine Learning demonstrates its ability to nurture and support exceptional talent in the field of emerging technologies,’ the statement added.

The University said the award was a well-deserved recognition of Mr B
ayitaa’s accomplishments and would help to support his continuous work in the field, and further serve as inspiration not only to the academic community at CKT-UTAS, but also to aspiring researchers in Africa and around the world.

‘The future undoubtedly holds promise for Mr Bayitaa, CKT-UTAS and the wider academic community as they continue to collaborate, innovate and inspire in Machine Learning and beyond,’ the statement said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Enhance Digital Technology Education in Second Cycle Education


Dr. Emmanuel Kwame Obeng, a Pharmaceutical Executive and Regulations Professional, has called on the government and other stakeholders to ensure an enhancement in digital technology education in schools if the country wants to remain competitive in the global economy.

Dr. Obeng, who is also a member of the Tema Secondary School Old Students Association (TOSA) 1973-year group, said this during the 62nd Speech and Prize giving day celebration of the school on the theme: ‘Enhancing Digital Technology Education in Ghana for Competitive Advantage.’

He said that technology had transformed the way the world works, how people communicate and learn, how they socialise, how politics is conducted, how homes are built, and our engagement with the universe; therefore, students must be equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.

He explained digital technology as the devices, systems, and resources used in creating, storing, and managing information and data, adding that the use of inf
ormation and communication technology (ICT) for socio-economic transformation, investments, and the provision of appropriate legal and institutional frameworks for easy access, usage, affordability, and participation have been implemented in all sectors.

‘Digitalization has become the buzzword in policy cycles in policy circles, as it is seen as the vehicle that drives change in terms of service delivery and participatory governments,’ he noted.

Dr. Obeng again disclosed that digital technologies could liberate students and teachers from the confines of the traditional classroom and enable students and teachers to learn and teach anytime and anywhere.

He further explained that with the appropriate investments in servers and learning management systems in schools, teachers can create short videos and brief podcasts and provide access to online libraries for students to use on their mobile phones.

He said that digital technology education would equip students with essential technical skills needed to thrive
in the modern workforce, fostering a culture of

creativity and innovation while enabling students to tailor the learning experience to their unique peace and style.

He added that for the enhancement and aggressive digital technology education that will permeate seamlessly throughout the students experience, targeted and sustained investments must be made in computer hardware, software, programming, digital communication, multimedia, networks, and cybersecurity for teachers and students.

‘Students who cannot afford smart phones and tablets must be assisted through public or private partnerships to acquire these devices to ensure that no student is left behind in this digital revolution,’ he said.

He stated again that to recognise the vital role of integrating new technologies into learning delivery, the Ghana Education Service (GES) must be discouraged from practices such as prohibiting students from bringing smartphones to school because such practices create enormous disadvantages for junior high (JHS) a
nd senior high school (SHS) students.

Dr. Obeng concluded that to enhance digital technology education in Ghana, the governments and other stakeholders needed to invest in the schools and teachers, provide ongoing training and support, and encourage students to pursue careers in this dynamic field.

He said such initiatives would ensure that Ghana remained at the forefront of the digital revolution and that students were equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.

He added that it was imperative for decision-makers at the Ministry of Education to champion the digital technology revolution in education, abandon policies that are roadblocks to modern education for the youths and embrace and lead the transformative changes that would leave a lasting and positive legacy for all.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Nuclear Power remains key to Ghana’s industrialisation agenda – NPG


Dr Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director, Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), has restated the potential of nuclear power in boosting Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.

He said this in Accra, at the opening of a three-day media workshop organised by NPG in collaboration with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

Dr Yamoah said though nuclear power was noted to ensure sustainable supply of energy for industrialisation, many people had limited knowledge on it and tasked the media to bridge the information gap.

He said how media professionals framed the narrative would significantly impact people’s perception and understanding of nuclear power.

‘Your role is instrumental in facilitating an open dialogue about nuclear energy, its potential benefits to secure our energy needs and employment for our youth,’ Dr Yamoah said.

The training, an annual event, was organised for selected journalists in Accra.

This year’s edition is on the theme: ‘Shaping the Perception of Nuclear Power Technology i
n Ghana; the Media Factor’.

Dr Yamoah emphasised that the successful integration of nuclear power into Ghana’s energy mix depended not only on technological advancement, but also on the shaping of public perception.

He said the media must, therefore, disseminate accurate and comprehensive information on nuclear power.

‘Nuclear information must be presented consciously and continually after a well-researched and unbiased information for public consumption,’ he said.

Dr Yamoah added that, the discussion on nuclear power should emphasise its immense transformational socio-economic benefits, and must as well address concerns related to safety, waste management, security and safeguards.

Mr Albert Kofi Owusu, General Manager of the Ghana News Agency, said it was necessary for Journalists to take keen interest in specialised reporting.

‘Good, reliable Journalism is what consumers want and would go for, so journalists must step up their game,’ he said.

He added that: ‘We need to develop insights into subjects
that will distinguish our reporting from what untrained journalists put out in social media, that often leads to misinformation.’

Mr Owusu said having full grasp and detailed information on nuclear power technology would enable journalists to render effective reportage to feed the public.

He said areas the media could play critical role regarding nuclear power, included development, public perception, economic viability, long-term sustainability, environmental impact and how nuclear energy could combat climate change.

Professor Benjamin J. B. Nyarko, Board Chairman, NPG, and a former Director-General, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, also emphasised the role of the media in shaping the attitude and perception of the public.

He said the media needed to allay the fears of people while ensuring public safety using case studies.

Prof Nyarko said having a better understanding of the nuclear power technology would guarantee smooth implementation of Ghana’s nuclear energy project to the benefit of all Ghanaians.

Source: Ghana News Agency

People of Vui-Keta welcome winner of 2023 Mama Hogbe home


Ms Sylvia Mawuyra Fiadzo, winner of the 2023 Mama Hogbe Beauty Pageant has received a rousing welcome home from chiefs and people of Vui Township, Keta Municipality.

The colourful event on Sunday was organised by the elders of the town to officially welcome her as a native who represented the town and won the prestigious crown on their behalf, making them proud.

The event, which was chaired by Agbotadua Kumassah, Spokeperson for Awoamefia, Togbi Sri III and saw a display of cultural performances from some selected cultural groups and poetry recitals heralded the event.

Ms Fiadzo contested in the pageant a fortnight ago as part of the annual Hogbetsotsoza celebration and emerged the winner alongside her other contestants, Ms Dziedzorm Forgive Abotsi of Tegbi and Ms Forgive Adzakwaku of Anlo-Afiadenyigba who were the first and second runners-up respectively.

In her inaugural speech, the 2023 Mama Hogbe promised to use her crown to promote the speaking of Ewe language and promote standards of child educatio
n in Anloland.

‘It is sad that you find some Voltarians not interested in speaking the Ewe language anymore … That is why I contested in this pageant to use the platform to encourage the speaking of our language and thereby promoting standard of education in general in our dear Anloland.’

Ms Fiadzo is a former Student Representative Council President of University of Education Winneba, Ajumako campus.

She is currently doing her teaching internship at Keta Senior High Technical School as part of her final year courses.

Mama Hogbe, a cultural beauty pageant which forms part of the Anlo Hogbetsotsoza aims to crown beauty queens to embark on problem solving projects within the Anlo State.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ethiopian Airlines signs deal to acquire 84 Aircraft at Dubai Airshow


Ethiopian Airlines Group, the fastest-growing global airline brand, has signed deals to purchase a total of 84 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.

Amidst the Airshow, Ethiopian has signed deals with aviation’s big names such as Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce for aircraft purchase, and engine total care service.

A statement issued in Accra by the Airline said Ethiopian had agreed to order 11 (787) Dreamliner and 20 (737) MAX airplanes with an opportunity for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively, from Boeing, making the total order size with Boing to 67 aircraft.

It has also committed to buy 11 additional Airbus A350-900s with six more purchase rights.

The statement said the total deal for 84 aircraft purchases is worth USD 23 billion at List Price.

‘Ethiopian Airlines has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rolls-Royce for a comprehensive Total Care service agreement for 22 Trent XWB-84 engines that exclusively power the Airbus A350-900 aircraft,’ it added.

Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethio
pian Airlines said, ‘We are pleased to reach a deal with both Boeing and Airbus for the purchase of these additional 84 airplanes.’

He said the Boeing 787-9, 737 -8 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft models have been in the ET fleet for several years now, and have demonstrated the highest level of passenger comfort, operational reliability and reduced operational cost.

‘This order is consistent with our long-term fleet renewal and expansion plan,’ it said.

The statement said as a customer-focused airline, we are particularly excited to boost the fleet with these ultra-modern airplanes that ensure a convenient and memorable onboard experience to our esteemed passengers while being environmentally friendly with a reduced carbon footprint.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates more than 140 young and ultra-modern aircraft to its 133 destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

The agreements Ethiopian has made at the Dubai Airshow set the airline in motion to achieve its strategic g
oal by 2035.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Akim Swedru MP reiterates President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to fixing roads sector


Mr Kennedy Osei Nyarko, Chairman of Parliament’s Roads and Highways Committee and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, has reiterated the commitment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in fixing the nation’s roads and highways.

Contributing on the floor of Parliament to the ongoing debate on the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government, Mr Nyarko said the Akufo-Addo Government was a government that was committed to resolving the many challenges in the road sector.

‘I know that the issues are many in the roads sector, and no one Government will be all to resolve all those problems, but it is about commitment. Mr Speaker, there are several of these roads scattered around the country that the Government is currently embarking on.’

He cited the Tema-Akosombo and the Tema-Aflao Roads, which had been awarded to contractors, adding that all these were roads which were abandoned by previous Governments and that these roads over the years had become deplorable or
death traps.

‘If you have a government who says even irrespective of the difficulties that we are going through as a country it is still committed and still investing heavily into the sector, then we must applaud the Government but not to overly criticise the Government, make all comments that are unpalatable about the Government,’ he stated.

He reiterated that the NPP Government was committed to resolving the challenges facing the roads sector for the people of Ghana.

He said the NPP Government was a government that the good people of Ghana could trust; saying ‘we have demonstrated it and that is what I want to encourage everyone to support this Budget.’

This, he said, was because they were able to support the Budget, the government would be able to do more of these road projects.

Mr Nyarko lauded Mr Kwasi Amoako-Attah, the Minister of Roads and Highways, for his commitment in ensuring that most of these deplorable roads in the country were repaid.

According to the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Po
licy of the Government, which was presented to Parliament on November 15, by Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Finance Minister, the routine maintenance activities of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, comprising grading, pothole patching, shoulder maintenance, and vegetation control had been carried out on 4,809 km of the trunk road network; 8,984km of the feeder road network; and 2,318km of the urban road network.

In addition, periodic maintenance activities comprising; asphalt overlay, re-gravelling/spot improvement and resealing works were carried out on 49km, 327km and 148km of trunk, feeder and urban road networks respectively.

The Minister indicated that the Government infrastructure programme would also be anchored on a strong private sector collaboration.

To this end, the Government would continue to pursue the Mining Sector Roads rehabilitation projects to improve the road network in mining communities.

In 2024, the Government would begin the formalisation of the agreements with the Mining companies and m
ining related industries to fund and commence the rehabilitation of Roads in the Mining Enclaves.

Selected communities include Takoradi Agona Nkwanta, Tarkwa dualisation and Tarkwa township, Prestea Bogoso and Bogoso township, Dunkwa Obuasi, Obuasi township, Ahwia Nkwanta, Manso, and Nkran Konongo.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Speaker requests Defence, National Security Ministers to appear before Defence Committee


Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, Wednesday asked Mr Dominic Ntiwul, the Minister of Defence and Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, the Minister for National Security to appear before the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament on Thursday, November 23 to appraise the Committee on government’s efforts made concerning a clash between the Mo and Wangara tribes in the Kintampo North municipality.

He said: ‘As the first authorities to come to this house to brief the committee on Defence and Interior, this is an urgent matter that should be handled with dispatch. I think tomorrow should be okay for the two ministers and their commanders to appear before the committee early tomorrow morning by 0900 hours to brief the committee. It is an urgent matter.’

‘The National Security Council through their regional office should immediately intervene because the chieftaincy institution is one of the cornerstones of the peace and security of our country, and we hold that institution dearly. We will do everything to preve
nt that institution from falling into disarray,’ he said.

Mr Bagbin gave the direction on the floor of Parliament when he commented on a statement made by Mr Joseph Kwame Kumah, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Kintampo North.

In his statement, Mr Kumah narrated that tensions had become high following the Mo tribe’s request to perform rituals in November and December, coinciding with the annual Klubi festival of the Wangara community.

As a result, Mr Bagbin urged the government to take immediate steps that would ensure peaceful coexistence.

Commenting on the Statement, Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Abuakwa South called for a resolution of the matter to bring lasting peace to the Constituency.

Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the NDC MP for Ketu South urged the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Parliament to intervene and protect the Constituents especially when chieftaincy was scared.

On his part, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, an NDC MP for
Tamale South advocated the Regional Security Council and Ministry of Interior to ensure an amicable resolution given the situation to provide peace and security in the area through the support of the House.

Source: Ghana News Agency