May 2, 2024 – Senegal Newswire

KFSH&RC Ranked Top Valuable Healthcare Brand in Saudi Arabia and Middle East

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KFSH&RC tops the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, recognizing it as the most valuable healthcare brand in these regions for the second year. According to the 2024 Brand Finance reports, it placed 9^th in Saudi Arabia and 28^th in the Middle East. Additionally, KFSH&RC stands out as the only hospital worldwide to be ranked among its country’s top ten most valuable brands.

The Brand Finance Report shows that KFSH&RC brand value increased by 31%, exceeding 5.6 billion Saudi Riyals, equivalent to USD 1.5 billion. This increase is the result of the hospital’s unwavering commitment to incorporating the latest medical technologies and treatments and providing specialized medical care that adheres to the latest international standards.

Reflecting on KFSH&RC’s global recognition, Mr. Muhannad Kadi, the Chief Corporate Communications & Marketing Officer, commented, “This accomplishment underscores the hospital’s dedication to achieving the highest quality standards and providing outstanding healthcare, as well as the significant value it delivers to its beneficiaries.” He emphasized that the hospital’s position among the top ten most valuable brands in Saudi Arabia not only highlights its effectiveness but also the positive impact of the ongoing transformations within the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

Over the past year, KFSH&RC has achieved several notable milestones that have significantly contributed to its brand strength and reputation. These include conducting four ground-breaking experiments in space medicine, performing the World’s first fully robotic liver transplant, and launching a rapid whole genome sequencing analysis service available to all beneficiaries. Furthermore, KFSH&RC celebrated the successful treatment of 100 T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia patients, a testament to our advanced medical capabilities and dedication to patient care.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its transformation programs, initiated by His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister—which aim to enhance the Kingdom’s global position and establish it as a healthcare hub—KFSH&RC has been ranked as the top Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa. It also secured the 20th spot globally for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, according to Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals report. Additionally, it has been ranked among the top 250 Best Hospitals in the World by Newsweek Magazine.

For more information please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Acting Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Alown, Senior Media Affairs Editor, 0556294232

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9110177

INVNT GROUP and MSM Boost Partnership and Marketing Service Offerings in Motorsports Industry with Strategic Leadership Appointment

INVNT GROUP welcomes Roc Nation veteran, Luca Zanello, as SVP of Content Strategy

New York, NY, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Building on their successful partnership, INVNT GROUP and MSM (Media & Sport Management) enhance service offerings and commercial solutions tailored for talent and brands within the booming motorsports industry.

INVNT GROUP, the global brand storytelling agency portfolio, was named Best Global Media Agency at the 2023 Automotive Marcomm Awards by Autocar, for groundbreaking campaigns with Lamborghini, Formula E, General Motors, Lotus, Rolls Royce and more. Over four decades, MSM has built standout relationships between brands, drivers, teams, and championships at the pinnacle of motorsport, including sponsorships, hospitality, and events.

The partnership brings the appointment of Roc Nation music and entertainment veteran, Luca Zanello, as SVP of Content Strategy at INVNT GROUP, fortifying the global suite of award-winning capabilities and integrated services within the motorsports including strategy, partnerships, experiential, digital, Web3, content, and culture. Zanello reports into Scott Cullather, President and CEO of INVNT GROUP, and CEO of INVNT.ATOM.

“Motorsports have not only captured the global imagination but have accelerated the expansion of its cultural influence at unprecedented speed. Our evolving collaboration with MSM, and appointment of Luca, places us at the forefront, allowing us to deliver pioneering, bespoke solutions to the motorsports industry. We are committed to enhancing the connection between brands, talent, and partners with audiences worldwide through dynamic storytelling and groundbreaking experiences. Together, we are charging the future of motorsports, transcending the boundaries of the racetrack,” said Scott Cullather.

The partnership aims to deliver strategies within the motorsport domain, leveraging both INVNT GROUP and MSM’s deep rooted motorsports network and industry expertise.

Enrico Zanarini, Founder and CEO of MSM, expressed: “This is more than a partnership expansion; it’s how we redefine motorsport marketing. With MSM’s deep history in the motorsports industry, and INVNT GROUP’s storytelling expertise, we are poised to deliver exciting and unexpected engagement programs that resonate deeply with fans and stakeholders alike.”

Luca Zanello, commenting on his new role, added, “Joining this dynamic team during a transformative era in motorsports is truly exhilarating. We are redefining the limits of motorsports engagement by introducing comprehensive programs that blend traditional approaches with cutting-edge digital and experiential strategies. Our goal is to unite and excite fans globally, offering them novel and captivating experiences that not only entertain but also deepen their connection to the sport.”

This strategic allegiance is a significant milestone in the evolution of motorsport marketing and the overall industry, promising next-generation strategies and enhanced engagement for clients, brands, partners, and audiences across the globe.

ABOUT INVNT GROUP

INVNT GROUP represents a growing portfolio of complementary disciplines designed to help forward-thinking brands and organizations everywhere, impact the audiences that matter, anywhere.

Headed by President and CEO, Scott Cullather, INVNT GROUP amplifies globally with offices in New York (HQ), Sydney, London, Singapore, Dubai, San Francisco, Stockholm, Mumbai, Detroit, and Washington D.C.

The GROUP consists of the founding, live brand storytelling agency, INVNT; brand strategy & creative-led culture consultancy, Meaning; production studio & creative agency, HEVĒ; live events for colleges and universities, INVNT Higher Ed; digital innovation agency, INVNT.ATOM; creative multimedia experience studio, Hypnogram, and live entertainment production company, ITP Live. For more information visit: https://invntgroup.com/

ABOUT MSM

MSM is a leader in the world of motorsport and has been fostering standout relationships between brands, drivers, teams and championships for over 40 years.

The team specializes in individual and corporate management, offering clients their expertise across the marketing mix. MSM is active in sponsorship facilitation, commercial opportunity development and execution, client representation, tailored hospitality offerings, and managing bespoke events on and off track. Having spent four decades in the most innovative sporting environment, MSM has developed an approach that is tailor-made for partners to unlock their full potential.

MSM’s deep insight and unparalleled know-how enable their partners to connect with both new and existing audiences in an authentic way, while also delivering measurable commercial impact. For more information, https://msmgroup.com

Attachment

INVNT GROUP and MSM Boost Partnership and Marketing Service Offerings in Motorsports Industry, welcoming Roc Nation veteran, Luca Zanello as SVP of Content Strategy

Jhonathan Mendez de Leon
INVNT GROUP
Jmendezdeleon@invnt.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9110107

Syrians Seek UN Rights Ruling Against Russia for 2019 Hospital Attacks

Open Society Justice Initiative Files Complaint to the UN Human Rights Committee

New York, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Russian Federation has been accused before the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva of carrying out a deliberate attack on a hospital in Syria—in a legal action that highlights Moscow’s repeated use of military force against health care facilities in Syria, where its forces have been supporting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

A complaint before the Committee, filed on May 1, focuses on a series of air strikes on Kafr Nabl Surgical Hospital in Idlib province on May 5, 2019.

It accuses the Russian Air Force of killing two civilians and endangering the lives of all those working in and using the hospital at the time—medical practitioners, patients, support staff, and visitors.

The complaint has been brought before the Committee by a Syrian man whose two cousins were killed by the attack, and by Hand in Hand for Aid and Development, the humanitarian NGO that was supporting the hospital at the time. Hand in Hand is representing the interests of the patients of the hospital.

The applicants are represented by lawyers of the Open Society Justice Initiative, with Professor Philip Leach, professor of human rights law at the UK’s Middlesex University as co-counsel.

The evidence being presented to the Committee includes a detailed account of the Russian Air Force attack on the hospital at Kafr Nabl, and on three other hospitals near Kafr Nabl in just 12 hours on May 5-6, 2019. There was no fighting near the hospital at the time of the attack, which lay in opposition-controlled territory some 20km away from the front line.

The complaint draws on a wealth of video and audio recordings made at the time, as well as eyewitness accounts that point to direct Russian Air Force involvement in coordinating and executing the attacks. The material includes observations of Russian aircraft in the area at the relevant time, and audio recordings of communications between a Russian pilot and Russian ground control, authorizing the release of aerial munitions and confirming that the aerial munitions had been dropped, at the precise times that strikes were captured on video. Some of the material included as evidence in the complaint was used by the New York Times in a special report published on October 13, 2019.

Fadi al-Dairi, the director of Hand in Hand, said: “The Russian air force attack on Kafr Nabl hospital was a well-documented atrocity that was part of a systematic assault on hospitals and healthcare facilities in opposition-held territory in Syria in 2019. The coordinates of the hospital had been shared with Russia by the UN under the UN Deconfliction Mechanism. Syrians are looking to the Human Rights Committee to show us some measure of redress by acknowledging the truth of this brutal attack, and the suffering caused.”

James A. Goldston, executive director of the Justice Initiative, said: “This complaint before a preeminent international human rights tribunal exposes the Russian government and armed forces’ deliberate strategy of targeting healthcare in clear violation of the laws of war. It must remind us all that attacks on protected healthcare facilities—whether in Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, or the Gaza Strip—are an abomination that must never be normalized.”

The complaint is being supported by expert analyses prepared by Syrian Archive and Physicians for Human Rights. Physicians for Human Rights has documented 604 attacks against medical facilities in Syria since 2011, the overwhelming majority conducted by Syrian and Russian forces.

Houssam al-Nahhas, MD, Middle East and North Africa Researcher for Physicians for Human Rights, said: “Widespread and systematic attacks on health care in Syria are part of a strategy implemented by the Syrian and Russian governments, devastating the country’s health care system. Despite the seriousness of these crimes, no perpetrators have ever faced accountability. We hope this landmark case helps to end the impunity for attacks on health care in Syria and serve as a warning to perpetrators in other conflicts around the world.”

The Geneva-based Human Rights Committee is a body of 18 independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which has been signed by 173 countries. Under the ICCPR’s Optional Protocol, which the Russian Federation signed in 1990, individuals can bring complaints against signatory states before the Committee over rights violations.

The complaint accuses the Russian Federation of perpetrating a clear and serious violation of International Humanitarian Law by deliberately attacking a protected medical facility, in breach of the Right to Life under the ICCPR. The attack killed two brothers and endangered the lives of everyone working in and using the busy hospital. The hospital was operating normally at the time of the attack and neither Russia nor Syria provided any warning before the attack. This is not the only time the facility was targeted: Kafr Nabl Hospital was attacked 13 times between 2014 and 2019.

From a legal perspective, a decision against Russia would provide significant new jurisprudence on the extraterritorial obligations of States in armed conflict, and would pave the way for progressive decisions from other human rights bodies and courts.

The Open Society Justice Initiative is part of the Open Society Foundations, and pursues strategic litigation on a range of issues including advancing human rights and advancing the rule of law. Its work on Syria has included supporting efforts to bring top Syrian officials and leaders to trial before national courts in Europe for crimes against humanity committed in Syria.

Communications
Open Society Foundations
(212) 548-0378
media@opensocietyfoundations.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9109977

SML’s electrononic systems will boost revenue assurance – Policy Analyst

Nyarko Abronoma, a Policy Analyst, has indicated that the effective implementation of the Electronic Metering Management System (EMMS) will boost transparency and reshape revenue mobilsation in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.

Speaking to an audit by KPMG on the transactions between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and recommendations from the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, thereof, he said the work of SML was commendable.

‘The results have been nothing short of remarkable, as an independent audit by KPMG revealed an incremental volume of 1.7 billion liters and an incremental tax revenue of GHS2.45 billion for the period under review,’ he said in a write up.

He explained that the SML system would help address fragmented and painstaking process, and vulnerabilities that charaterised the manual process of the downstream petroleum operations management.

‘With SML’s state-of-the-art EMMS has digitalised the measurement and reporting of petroleum product supplies, rep
lacing error-prone manual processes with advanced digital solutions,’ the Policy Analyst said.

He noted that the reliance on stand-alone systems had over time, hindered GRA’s ability to accurately regulate, monitor, assess, and tax petroleum products across the downstream and upstream sectors.

‘At the heart of SML’s success lies the transformative power of digitalisation and data-driven solutions. Real-time data streams provide unprecedented visibility into petroleum product flows, enabling precise tracking and accurate assessment of taxes,’ he said.

KPMG’s assessment highlighted the qualitative advantages of the EMMS, including daily electronic real-time monitoring of petroleum product outflows and partial monitoring of inflows at depots equipped with SML’s flowmeters.

‘This round-the-clock surveillance serves as a powerful deterrent against under-declarations, safeguarding the nation’s revenue streams,’ the Policy Analyst observed.

Moreover, SML’s rigorous six-level reconciliation process, coupled with
the sharing of discrepancy reports for follow-up action, underscores the firm’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability within the sector, he noted.

Recommending SML’s model for revenue assurance, he said it had earned a significant international acclaim, with nations like Kenya actively seeking to emulate its successful approach.

‘The government’s recent recognition of SML’s success has prompted a comprehensive assessment of potential revenue leakages in the upstream petroleum and minerals sectors, with plans to explore the implementation of similar PPP models in these critical industries,’ he said.

While lauding SML’s work thus far in the downstream petroleum sector, President Akufo-Addo said it was important for a review of the contract, particularly the fee structure into a fixed fee structure.

The President also directed a review of clauses related to intellectual property rights, termination, and service delivery expectations, as well as a periodic monitoring and evaluation of SML’s
performance to meet contract expectation.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Let’s all fight monetisation in our democracy- Abu Kansangbata

Mr Abu Kansangbata, former Upper West Deputy Regional Minister has called on all to come on board against monitisation of politics.

‘One of the major issues is the increasing influence of money in politics, leading to ‘moneycracy.’

Tha trend he said threatened the fairness and integrity of democratic processes, shifting power towards the wealthy rather than merit or public will in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

Another concern he added was the erosion of democratic values and principles.

He added ‘Upholding democratic norms and values is crucial for the future of Ghana, emphasizing the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all.

He called on Ghanaians to be vigilant in their choice of future leaders to avoid deceitful promises.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Workers urged to be peace ambassadors before, during and after 2024 election

Madam Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister, has urged Ghanaian workers to be apolitical, particularly in this election year, in the best interest of the country.

She said as public servants, they must embrace divergence views and opinions and act professionally to keep government business running smoothly as they recommitted to the ideals of democracy and good governance.

Mrs Assan made the call in an address at the regional parade of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), in Awutu Ofaakor, to commemorate this year’s May Day.

It was on the theme: ‘Election 2024: the Role of Workers and Social Partners in Securing Peaceful Elections for National Development.’

She underscored the need for workers to be ambassadors of peace to encourage others to eschew negative attitudes before, during and after the elections.

‘Let us be mindful of our utterances and actions and also avoid unnecessary provocations, which could result to fighting simply because we disagreed with someone,’ she advised.

Mrs Assan
touched on the appropriateness of the theme for the celebration as it was directly in consonance with government’s efforts to ensure a peaceful general election and make progress in the country’s democracy.

She said Ghana’s adherence to the democratic principles and values such as good governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights had made her a shining star on the African Continent.

‘Our democratic journey has no doubt witnessed some turbulence over the years, we have made mistakes, taking round turns and sometimes stumbled, however with resilience and determination we have always picked ourselves up, tested ourselves, got back on the part of freedom, justice and openness,’ she stated.

Mrs Assan indicated that through those dispensations the role of workers and social partners had been paramount in securing peaceful elections, adding that as they strived for better conditions of service, they must also ensure professionalism and peace.

‘It is important that we continue to foster dialogue, pro
mote tolerance and embrace diversity as a strength that enrich our society.’

‘Let us keep working together to ensure that every citizen, regardless of the background or beliefs, has equal opportunities to strive and continue to contribute their quota towards the development of Mother Ghana.’

Mrs Assan said government recognised the invaluable contributions of workers towards national development and congratulated all workers, especially those in the Central Region, for their hard work and dedication to service.

‘The government is always ready to listen to you and dialogue for mutually rewarding outcomes to foster public private partnership for the betterment of the nation.’

‘I urged you to keep-up the yeoman’s jobs you are doing for a peaceful and prosperous nation.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

MTN-Ghana supports Effutu 2024 Aboakyer Festival

MTN Ghana, a leading telecommunication company, has presented a cheque for GHc15,000, drinks hamper, and airtime to the Effutu Traditional Council to support the 2024 Aboakyer Festival.

The celebration, which is on-going, will be climaxed on Saturday, May 4, with a grand durbar where Neenyi Ghartey VII, Effutu Oma Odefe (Paramount Chief), will sit in state to receive homage.

He will also await the first of the two Asafo groups, expected to bring the first catch of a live bushbuck from their ancestral forest for him to step on three times, symbolising the acceptance by their god, Otu.

Mr Prince Owusu Nyarko, the South West Business MTN Regional Senior Manager, led a team to present the items to Neenyi Ghartey at his palace at Winneba in the Central Region.

The donation formed part of the company’s corporate social responsibility of giving back to the society, he said.

Over the years it had partnered the Traditional Council to celebrate the festival and assured of its continuous support to ensure a peacefu
l and successful celebration.

Neenyi Ghartey, who received the items on behalf of the Effutu Traditional Council and the 2024 Festival Planning Committee, expressed his appreciation to the company for the support throughout the years.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Abesim murder case adjourned to May 27

An Accra High Court has adjourned to May 27, 2024, the case of Richard Appiah, a footballer accused of killing two minors and putting their remains in a refrigerator at Abesim.

Appiah’s case was adjourned because of the absence of a juror.

When the matter was called, six members of the jury were present instead of seven.

The court was informed that the absentee juror had written to the Registry of the Court, but the court said it was not aware of any letter.

It therefore adjourned the matter so it could conclude on the case completion plan.

Appiah, who is also a draughtsman, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder before a seven-member jury.

He is being held for allegedly killing two minors, Loius Agyemang, his stepbrother, and Stephen Sarpong, in Abesim, Bono Region, in 2021.

The Court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, has remanded Appiah into lawful custody.

Nana Ama Adinkra, a Senior State Attorney represented the state while Appiah is being represented by Faustinus Yirilabuo.

Sourc
e: Ghana News Agency

Cocoa Nti fertilizer was not submitted for testing- witness in Opuni’s trial confirms

Mr Jerome Agbesi Dogbatse, a Research Scientist at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), has confirmed that no Cocoa Nti fertilizer samples were ever submitted to the Institute for testing.

He also stated that there was no evidence or record of a delegation from Morocco’s OCP, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and Enepa Ventures visiting CRIG in 2013 with a proposal to submit a Cocoa Nti fertilizer sample for cocoa testing.

Mr Dogbatse, a subpoenaed witness for Mr Seidu Agongo, was giving further evidence in chief in the trial of Dr Stephen Opuni, former chief executive officer of COCOBOD, led by Mr Benson Nutsukpui, Agongo’s counsel.

Dr Opuni and Mr Agongo are facing 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretences, willfully causing financial loss to the State, money laundering, and corruption by a public officer in contravention of the Public Procurement Act.

They have both pleaded not guilty to the charges and are on a GHS300,000.00 self-recognizance bail each.

Dogbatse said, ‘I do not kno
w of any fertiliser company that was prosecuted by the State after a report was produced by CRIG concerning them.’

The witness told the Court that Rev. Father Dr. E.O.K. Oddoye, the Deputy Executive Director in Charge of Cocoa and chair of a committee investigating Cocoa Nti fertilizer, suspended Dr Alfred Arthur and found him guilty in 2016.

In 2013, Dr Arthur travelled to Morocco with the local suppliers of ‘Cocoa Nti’ granular fertilizer, Enepa Ventures Limited, to meet with the product’s manufacturers.

Mr Dogbatse said Dr Arthur was transferred to Bonsu substation of CRIG but in 2017 he was re-transferred back to CRIG Tafo.

He confirmed that Dr. Yaw Adu-Ampomah, COCOBOD’s former Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control, and Dr. Franklin Amoh, a former Executive Director, returned from retirement and resumed their previous positions.

It came out from the proceedings that Dr Adu-Ampomah, Dr Arthur, and Dr Amoh, were the only witness in the trial that had complained about lithovi
t fertilizer, but the witness said, ‘I know of my colleague Dr Arthur, who had complained about lithovit fertiliser, but l do not know of the rest.’

The Case was adjourned to May 6, 2024.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ghana and India discuss trade at fourth JTC meeting

Trade officials from Ghana and India have begun the fourth session of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting in Accra, to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties between the two nations.

A bilateral trade agreement signed in 1981, which resulted in the establishment of JTC, has long functioned as a conduit for growing trade and investment between the two countries.

The agenda for this fourth session featured discussions about potential partnerships in the pharmaceutical industry, information technology, digital infrastructure, agriculture, and capacity building.

Addressing the opening session, Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and Co-Chair of the JTC, remarked that Ghana and India’s long-standing relationship, which predates Ghana’s independence, was founded on mutual respect and common interests.

‘Ghana respects India very well… I always say that when you to go to foreign missions in the world, our Indian building and location alone clearly shows that we have a good spa
ce in the heart of India,’ he said.

The Deputy Minister observed that outcomes of the third JTC meeting, which was convened on July 21, 2022, in New Delhi, contributed significantly to Ghana recording a balance of trade surplus in 2023.

He stated that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) gave India an excellent opportunity to capitalise on the continent’s huge market.

‘We want India our best friend to be a beneficiary of this good news that is happening to Africa.

‘We are looking at even getting an industrial framework that would situate our industries well,’ he said.

India is one of Ghana’s major investors, with portfolios spanning pharmaceuticals, construction, manufacturing, trading, and agro-processing.

In 2021, India was the second largest investor in terms of project count, with 25 projects, trailing only China, and the third after Singapore and Australia in terms of Foreign Direct Investment amounting to US$ 98.84 million.

Mr. Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Ad
ditional Secretary, Department of Commerce, stated that there are many opportunities for Ghana in India, which has the world’s fifth largest economy and the largest population, the majority of whom are young.

‘The youth are very vibrant, dynamic, and innovative. Not only do we expect to contribute towards the Indian economy but also to the larger World in a positive manner,’

He was hopeful that the meeting would spur increased trade between the two countries.

The first JTC meeting was held in Accra in September 1992, and the second took place in Delhi on January 20 and 21, 2011.

The third meeting of the JTC was held in New Delhi on 21 July 2022, where Mr. Baafi, led the Ghanaian delegation.

India’s FDIs constituted 7.61per cent of Ghana’s total FDIs of US$ 1.3 billion in 271 projects in 2021.

Historically, between 1994 and 2021, Indian wholly-owned companies and joint ventures invested US$ 2.2 billion in 870 projects, according to the Ghana Investment Promotion Council.

Source: Ghana News Agency