Month: April 2024

Professor John Tia Bugri, Provost, College of Art, and Built Environment, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has stressed the urgent need for African countries to endeavour to collectively work to protect natural resources on the continent.

He said natural resources and diverse ecosystems in Africa were finite and vulnerable, and there was a need for effective collaboration and collective efforts by all to protect and preserve them.

‘The impact of climate change is already being felt across the continent, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and dwindling water resources.

As custodians of the environment, it is our responsibility to adopt sustainable practices, promote renewable energy sources, and develop innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change,’ he charged.

Professor Bugri was speaking at the opening of the 1st International Conference on Environment, Social, Governance and Sustainable Development of Africa (ICESDA) 2024 in Kumasi.

The
three-day programme was held under the theme ‘Enhancing Environment, Social, Governance and Sustainability for Africa’s Development.’

Prof. Tia Bugri indicated that the social dimension of sustainable development could not be overlooked, citing Africa as a continent with immense human potential which needed to invest in the people, particularly in education, healthcare, and social welfare.

He said ensuring access to quality education and healthcare for all, could empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

Additionally, addressing social inequality and promoting inclusivity was vital for fostering social cohesion and harmony.

The Provost underscored the need for Africa to further work to improve governance despite the significant strides made in the sector and advance the cause of fighting corruption, enhancing the efficiency of public institutions and creating an enabling environment for businesses and investment.

Prof. Tia Bugri mentioned that the KNUST recogniz
ing the importance of research, innovation, and collaboration in addressing the environmental, social, and governance challenges facing Africa, was committed to producing knowledge and solutions to drive sustainable development.

Through partnerships with other academic institutions, government agencies, and the private sector, the university was fostering interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.

Prof. De-Graft Owusu-Manu, President of Green Communities International and Chairman of ICESDA 2024, highlighting the aim of the Conference, said it was a clarion response to the growing demand for all organizations, higher education institutions, companies, and stakeholders to engage in growth and sustainable practices and community development projects.

The conference brought together scholars, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) practitioners and decision-makers around the globe, to discuss innovative pathways to transform the world into a sustainable and livable place.

Speake
rs delivered on topics such as social innovations, entrepreneurship and indigenous knowledge management in Africa, sustainable innovations in the built environment ecosystem in Africa, and sustainable innovations in urban configuration mobility in Africa, among others.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Hajia Habiba Yusif, the Eastern Regional Director for Agriculture, has underscored the importance of high-quality seeds in improving agriculture to guarantee abundant food products.

She highlighted the positive impact of the adoption of modern technology by the Legacy Crop Improvement Centre (LCIC) for superior seed production in boosting overall production and guaranteeing food security.

She was speaking to the Ghana News Agency at the sidelines of a meeting with the legacy crop improvement centre and the 33 municipal and district agriculture directors in Otareso, in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.

She stated that the legacy crop improvement center was outperforming foreign sources in producing top-notch seeds. 

She stressed the positive impact of having this type of seed in the Ghanaian system, highlighting its numerous benefits to local farmers and the nation in terms of productivity.

She specifically mentioned the government’s flagship initiative, Planting for Food and Jobs 2.0,
as a key factor in this.

She also pointed out the clear distinction between foreign seeds being patronised and those from the Legacy Crop Improvement Centre, and that harvested crops from LCIC proved to consistently yield higher results.

‘This is very indigenous, and it is what our nation needs to support. For this reason, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is currently keeping an eye on the private sector and working with them to advance the goals of our work as farmers,’ she stated.

Adding, ‘The legacy crop improvement centre is a game changer for the seed production sector. We are hopeful that everything we are learning from here will revolutionise seed production and marketing in our nation.’

She said the seeds from Legacy Crop Improvement Centre were certified and urged farmers to prioritise the centre’s seeds due to their superior quality, pest resistance, and overall resilience in the face of the vagaries of the weather.

Dr Amos Rutherford Azinu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Cro
p Improvement Centre, highlighted that the purpose of the meeting with agriculture directors was to collaborate and find solutions to improve the cultural significance of food production for farmers.

With the rain just a few weeks away, he stated that it was important to involve the 33 municipal and district agricultural directors, who are considered leaders in the industry.

The outcome of the meeting showed a clear understanding of the challenges faced by farmers in terms of operating machinery on their farms and underscored the need to actively collaborate with agricultural directors to assist smallholder farmers in improving their efficiency.

Dr Azinu urged farmers to consider large-scale farming and engage in improved farming practices and technology, saying there are specific standards that farmers must adhere to when buying seeds to boost their productivity.

‘We are willing to work with the government to improve agriculture production,’ he said but highlighted some challenges in the seed production
sector, ‘The government is not a good business partner because it sometimes buys a commodity and takes a long time to pay, which somehow affects business.’ 

The LCIC is a private seed firm and consultant agency specialising in the production and distribution of various types of seeds, including maize, soybeans, cowpeas, and vegetables.

By producing and distributing top-notch commercial seeds as needed, it is committed to supporting the growth and development of Ghana’s commercial seed sector.

It has expanded its operations to a sprawling 200-acre farm, complete with a state-of-the-art irrigation system, to improve seed production.

Additionally, there is a 50-tonne seed gene bank and a cold storage facility, enabling the corporation to securely store seeds in large quantities for long durations without any degradation.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned an ultra-modern police station in Asakraka in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region.

The police station, beautifully built with bricks, is a departure from the usual block designs of most police stations in the country.

Speaking at the commissioning, Dr Bawumia said the brick architecture was a new model being adopted by the Police Service and commended the Service, led by the IGP for the innovation.

‘This is so beautiful, and one may mistake it for a bank.

‘The brick-model police station, which is a departure from the cement and block type of police stations, is a novelty, which the police service, led by the IGP, Dr Akuffo Dampare ought to be commended for,’ Dr Bawumia said.

The Police Service has, so far, completed two of such ultra-modern police stations and interestingly, are all in Kwahu, the Vice President, who is Chairman of the Police Council stated.

The Vice President noted that the commissioning of the police station would be of imm
ense benefit to Asakraka and its environs, as it would improve law and order.

He acknowledged the good works of the Police Service in protecting lives and property and urged the public to support and cooperate with them.

‘As Chairman of the Police Council, the Police Service has not taken for granted, the peace of this country. This is because of the commitment of the Government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in retooling the police service through the provision of modern equipment,’ he added.

Dr Bawumia, among others, listed helicopters, armoured vehicles and motorcycles as some of the equipment the government had provided the Service.

‘I want to commend the IGP and his team for the good works they are doing to sustain the security of the country through many initiatives,’ he said.

Dr George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police, expressed his delight at the commissioning and also thanked Dr Bawumia for his support to him as IGP and the Police Service.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Prophet Fred Antwi, the Duayaw-Nkwanta Area Head, Church of Pentecost, has urged Ghanaians to love one another as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

He said true love ought to begin from the home and extend to the community and society, saying genuine love breeds and strengthens unity, understanding, and fellow feeling that translates into harmony and peaceful co-existence.

Prophet Antwi gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the closing session of a four-day Easter convention of the church held at Duayaw-Nkwanta in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region.

Touching on the theme for the convention, ‘It is finished,’ a theme chosen from John 19:30, Prophet Antwi said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ ought to bring hope and strengthen the love among all Ghanaians irrespective of their religious inclinations.

In love, unity, and co-existence, he said Ghanaians could easily overcome challenges confronting growth and development of the nation.

‘When we
love one another and work hard in unity of mind and purpose, there’s no way we will fail in transforming our nation,’ he inspired.

As an election year, Prophet Antwi said with love and social cohesion, the nation could sail through the elections successfully and preserve national peace and stability.

He advised the citizenry against confusion, antagonism, and conflicts that could trigger violence and disturb the prevailing peace of the nation.

Prophet Antwi said with prayers God would direct the nation to choose leaders ‘after His own heart’ and advised the youth against the lustful desire to get rich quickly.

That attitude, he added, would lead them into unproductive and unhealthy lifestyles that would ruin their future, and cautioned them against drug abuse, alcoholism, sport betting and gambling as well as partisan fanaticism.

Prophet Antwi said the nation needed the youth much alive and healthy to contribute positively to national development.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Tema District of the Great Commission Church International (GCCI) has climaxed, this year’s Easter Convention in high spirit at the Ashaiman Senior High School (ASHAISEC) Football Park.

The four-day event, which started on Thursday on the theme: ‘Structuring for War’, was attended by congregants from the various assemblies in the Tema District of the Church; namely Grace Temple, Maranatha Assembly, Mount Zion Assembly, Refuge Temple, Tema Main Assembly, Tema Newtown Assembly and Prampram Assembly.

Officiating Ministers at the Convention included Reverend Prosper Gbeve, GCCI Greater Accra Regional Pastor; Rev Paul Morgan-Adorsu, GCCI Tema District Pastor; Rev Iddi Yire, Resident Pastor, GCCI Maranatha Assembly; Rev Ernest Quaye, Resident Pastor, GCCI Refuge Temple; Rev Daniel Gidisu, Resident Pastor, GCCI Mount Zion Assembly; and Rev Daniel Edze of GCCI Grace Temple.

Preaching the sermon at the climax service on Sunday on the topic ‘Who is the Enemy of the Christians, and How can the Christian Fight him
?’, Rev Paul Morgan-Adorsu, GCCI Tema District Pastor, said the devil was an automatic enemy of the Church and its members.

He said the devil and his lieutenants were spirits, whose strategic plans were to destroy God’s children.

He appealed to Christians to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

He urged Christians to hold on tightly to their faith and endure to the very end so that they would make it into God’s heavenly Kingdom.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister has called on religious bodies to lead the crusade against hate speeches and political violence, as the Election 2024 gathers momentum.

These actions, she said, only serve to undermine the very fabric of peace and unity and implored religious bodies to champion and remain at the forefront towards ensuring violent-free elections to consolidate the gains of the nation’s fledgling democracy.

Madam Owusu-Banahene advised everybody to strive to themselves in dignity and with integrity, reject violence, intimidation, and hate speeches in all forms.

Ghanaians must not allow their differences to divide them, but rather serve as catalysts for peace building that would translate to absolute unity before, during and beyond the general election.

Madam Owusu-Banahene made the call when she addressed the launch of the 50th anniversary of the Ghana Adventist Choir Union (GACU) of the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) in Sunyani.

‘As churches and religious bodies
let us not turn a blind eye to the pressing issues plaguing our society, instead acknowledge our shortfall and press forward towards achieving peaceful and successful elections,’ she stated.

Another pressing issue that needed public attention, the Regional Minister touched on was the unacceptable practice of skin bleaching among the youth.

While some may view it as a cosmetic choice, the truth is that bleaching can have severe and long-lasting health consequences, particularly for women.

Research has shown that the chemicals found in many bleaching products can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to complications such as infertility.

She called on churches to raise awareness about the dangers of bleaching and discourage its use.

‘We cannot ignore the scourge of drug abuse and teenage pregnancy that continues to afflict our youth,’ she added.

These social vices not only jeopardize the physical and mental well-being of our young people but also undermine the fabric of our communities and we must work all ti
relessly to provide the youth with the support, education, and resources they need to make informed choices and avoid falling victim to these destructive behaviours.

Madam Owusu-Banahene admonished the youth to guard themselves against the allure of shortcuts and quick fixes, rather resist the temptation to escape reality through substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.

Instead, channel your energy into positive pursuits such as education, sports, and community service, she advised.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagin has emphasized the role of traditional authorities in the country’s development and has called on them to actively get more involved in the development of their traditional areas.

He urged chiefs, queens and other elders in the various traditional areas to engage the government and leadership of government openly and frankly on issues affecting development of their areas.

‘Talk to us, the chiefs, and about us, to shift the political discourse from deception to development,’ the Speaker said, adding, ‘The traditional authorities continue to be the most powerful institution in this country, and I anticipate that you will play an important role in body politics and as custodians of Ghana’s rich resources.’

Speaker Bagbin , who last year was honoured as the Tengmaale Naa, the Development Chief of the Takopo Traditional Area, made the call at the Wilaa Festival of the Takopo Traditional Area, held on the theme: ‘Nuoriyeni, Maarong Aneng Maaluu (Unity, Peace and
Development).’

The Speaker observed: ‘The country is retrogressing faster than the people think it is progressing…Our lands are being destroyed by foreigners introduced by citizens, we cannot feed our children in school, and yet, every morning, we are on all Radio and TV stations, defending things and explaining why only corn is fed to our children for a whole week.’

He wondered why some people in authority did not care about what was happening to the less privileged; and this, he said, had made most of the youth to be full of excuses in their dealings.

‘No sincerity, no honesty, no respect for elders these days. And all these could be attributed to the decay of our culture, tradition and values.’

The Speaker referred to a statement of the Greek Philosopher Socrates, that, ‘an unexamined life is not worth living, ‘and explained that there was therefore the need for leaders to take a deep introspection of themselves and ask themselves what they wanted for the country.

‘Almost everything is gone amok in th
is country,’ he said.

Speaker Bagbin said as a country, traditional leaders should be reminded that it was their culture which identified them and anchored them to development.

In an apparent reference to the brouhaha over the expected presidential assent to the anti-gay, lesbian queer practices bill, the Speaker said: ‘As Ghanaians, we should be mindful of what we accept in our culture in the name of globalisation and human rights.

Speaker Bagbin, a Catholic by faith also quoted the Bible, citing 1 Corinthians 6: 12 that, ‘all things are lawful but not all are expedient.’

Touching on the theme, the Speaker said it was very apt and inspiring and to him, festivals were used as effective catalysts for unity, peace and development.

‘Festivals are effective tools of sustainable development and peacebuilding. The celebration of festivals gives meaning to life and communal living. I dare say, any community without a festival is a dead society,’ he said.

He therefore used the occasion to call on all sons and d
aughters of the Takpo Traditional Area to get involved in issues of concern and be interested in the development of the community.

He also used the occasion to applaud Takpo Naa, Queen mothers, Queens, Elders and People of Takopo for the establishment and continuous celebration of the Wilaa Festival for more than twenty-six years now.

He pledged to do everything possible within his means, to support the development and well-being of the people of the area.

Takpo is richly endowed in gold and Azumah Resources Limited has been given the licence to exploit it.

However, not much has been done.

Mr Bagbin therefore called on the Government through the Minerals Commission to grant them community mining licenses to enable the teeming youth in the area to engage in legal and responsible mining with the community.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Revenue Authority Workers Union (GRAWU) has urged the government to support GRA with the right technology and resources to boost revenue collection.

Addressing the 10th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Accra, Mr Theophilus Kwesi Ehun, the Chairman of GRAWU, said the GRA was prepared to engage the government on ways that would enhance revenue collection.

‘Whatever strategy, whatever idea that it is that will help our work, that is what we stand to do. Without GRA, we have no union, and without GRA, the economy cannot also thrive. So we call on the government that our doors are opened.’

The NEC meeting, which was held on the theme ‘Transparency and Fairness in Tax System Revenue Mobilization: The Role of Labor,’ aimed to promote transparency and efficient tax administration.

Mr Ehun emphasized that the attainment of revenue targets could be attributed to the dedication and commitment of the GRA staff.

Ehun highlighted the importance of GRA’s role in the economy, stating that without GR
A, the union would not exist, and the economy would struggle to thrive.

The Commissioner of Customs, Alhaji Seidu Iddrisu Iddisah, in an address read on his behalf by Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Fechin Akoto, said transparency and fairness in the tax system were key to enhancing revenue mobilization and the role of labour was crucial.

He said a robust tax system was the lifeblood of any nation, allowing investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and social services.

However, a system perceived as opaque or unfair breeds discontent and discourages compliance.

Mr Iddisah said the GRA was committed to increasing transparency in its operations, including simplifying tax codes, providing clear and accessible information to taxpayers and ensuring efficient communication channels for inquiries and feedback.

‘By demystifying the tax system, we empower citizens to understand their obligations and contribute meaningfully,’ he said, adding that fairness was essential to ensure that certain segments did no
t disproportionately carry the burden while a select few avoid their fair share,’ he said.

He urged Ghanaian workers to advocate for progressive tax structures that ensure high-income earners contribute proportionally and educate members about their tax obligations and benefits of a robust revenue system.

‘Together, through transparency and fairness, we can build a tax system that is not just efficient but also inspires trust and fosters a sense of shared responsibility amongst all Ghanaians,’ he added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Panellists at the launch of PwC Ghana’s Gender Diversity Banking Report have called for deliberate effort and effective collaboration among stakeholders to ensure more women are represented at the top of the banking industry.

Dubbed ‘Changing Currency: Examining Trends and Challenges of Female Participation in Ghana’s Banking Sector,’ the comprehensive report, which is a culmination of responses from a survey conducted over four months, delves into the experiences and insights of women in Ghana’s banking sector.

The survey focuses on females in senior management positions, as well as female board members. Through interviews conducted across 13 banks in Ghana, PwC sought to identify the myriad issues hindering women’s career advancement as well as analyse the factors that propel them in the industry.

Among the key findings are that many female executives believe that banks regard diversity and inclusion as secondary considerations, overlooking the pivotal role they play in driving progress and strengthening
organizational resilience.

Also, establishing healthy work-life integration affects women across all levels within bank hierarchies, but is particularly pronounced at the upper echelons, where female representation is scarce, and the stakes are elevated.

Initiatives and partnerships spanning the industry are viewed as avenues to offer increased education and collaboration opportunities for women in banking

Andrea Dwamenah, a Manager at PwC who presented the key findings, said 26 people were interviewed, most of them women in senior management positions, and Human Resources Executives to fully understand the bank’s position on diversity, inclusion, and work-life integration, among others.

She said the report was to look deeper into what was leading to the disparity in the number of men at the top compared to women to help understand the financial services industry.

Dwamenah said,’ Many women in the industry would like the opportunity to have a network where they could share ideas from even outside of thei
r banks, so some would want to be mentored by women in other banks. So, I guess that makes them feel a bit more open to discussing certain things and also to build their networks and knowledge transfer as well.’

On other inhibitors to the representation of women in senior positions, Dwamenah mentioned women’s self-doubt about themselves, doubts from people they work with, family objections and societal expectations.

She said there was also the issue of sexual harassment and its handling within the Ghanaian banking sector, adding that some banks do take it seriously.

‘And we know that last year or so there were dismissals. But there’s still room to do more because it’s still happening. It’s still the elephant in the room in the banking sector and needs to be highlighted, and discussed and ways to see how it can be banished,’ she added.

Dwamena said she expected the report to trigger conversations, uncomfortable ones, because they needed to be heard.

‘And I expect it to be a long discourse. I don’t want it
to be spoken about once and then goes away,’ she said.

The Changing Currency report highlights the pivotal role women play in advancing Ghana’s banking sector and sheds light on the avenues they must go through to be fully engaged stakeholders in the industry,’ Clara Amarteifio-Taylor Partner and Inclusion and Diversity Leader, stated. ‘It is my hope that through the report, more women feel empowered to push themselves to excel within the sector.’

‘Conducting a study on female participation in Ghana’s banking sector was essential,’ Vish Ashiagbor, Country Senior Partner, remarked. ‘By gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities women face in the financial services industry, we enhance our ability to provide tailored solutions that drive positive change.’

The launch event attracted a distinguished audience of senior executives from across Ghana’s banking sector. It featured insightful panel discussions with esteemed industry leaders, including Dr. Cynthia Forson, Board Member at Cal
Bank; John Awuah, CEO and President of the Ghana Association of Bankers, and Pearl Nkrumah, Executive Director at Access Bank.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced an upward review of fees and charges for all services it provides for the public, effective, Monday, April 01.

The Ministry in an announcement, which was made available to the Ghana News Agency said in accordance with the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous and Provisions) Regulations 2023, (LI 2481) there would be an upward adjustment of Fees and Charges for all services provided by the Ministry.

It said the adjustment would take effect from Monday, April 01.

According to the announcement, the new processing fees for various types of passport documents include Expedited Application 48 pages GHS 800.00, Expedites Application 32 pages GHS 700.00, Standard Application 32 pages GHS 500.00, Standard Application 48 pages GHS 644.00.

Source: Ghana News Agency