Day: May 13, 2024

IDEG deploys observers to monitor voter registration


The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), a Governance Institution says it has mobilized and deployed volunteers as voter educators and observers for the limited voter registration exercise in all 16 regions of the country.

The aim, among others, is to educate Ghanaians, particularly eligible young people, about the process to ensure they participate effectively and support the work of the Electoral Commission (EC) and other stakeholders, such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

A statement issued by Prof Kwesi Jonah, Senior Research Fellow, Advocacy and Institutional Relations, IDEG, said the registration exercise was one of the major activities on the EC’s 2024 election schedule.

It stated that IDEG’s review of media reports on the exercise highlighted several issues, including equipment breakdowns and network failures, which caused voter registration delays in some parts of the country.

The statement cited limited violence between political parties and, in certain cases, with s
ecurity agents, and the manipulation of some young voters to register unlawfully.

It also indicated that antagonistic interactions and unresolved disputes over voter registration had historically sown the roots of election-related violence. As a result, it is critical to prevent violence at all voter registration locations.

As a result, IDEG urged stakeholders and the public to ensure that youth (first-time voters) are not manipulated by politicians and acquaintances to engage in unlawful or violent acts.

The statement urged parents and guardians to inform their children and wards about the registration process and electoral violations.

It added that politicians and their associates should refrain from engaging minors and first-time voters in illegal registration, while the EC should continue to address the issues and concerns of political parties and the public objectively to maintain the integrity of the registration process.

The statement advised the media to uphold their role as impartial sources of
information, devoid of fake news and disinformation that could undermine the entire exercise.

It said that a smooth and peaceful voter registration process was essential for credible elections.

Source: Ghana News Agency

IDEG deploys observers to monitor voter registration


The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), a Governance Institution says it has mobilized and deployed volunteers as voter educators and observers for the limited voter registration exercise in all 16 regions of the country.

The aim, among others, is to educate Ghanaians, particularly eligible young people, about the process to ensure they participate effectively and support the work of the Electoral Commission (EC) and other stakeholders, such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

A statement issued by Prof Kwesi Jonah, Senior Research Fellow, Advocacy and Institutional Relations, IDEG, said the registration exercise was one of the major activities on the EC’s 2024 election schedule.

It stated that IDEG’s review of media reports on the exercise highlighted several issues, including equipment breakdowns and network failures, which caused voter registration delays in some parts of the country.

The statement cited limited violence between political parties and, in certain cases, with s
ecurity agents, and the manipulation of some young voters to register unlawfully.

It also indicated that antagonistic interactions and unresolved disputes over voter registration had historically sown the roots of election-related violence. As a result, it is critical to prevent violence at all voter registration locations.

As a result, IDEG urged stakeholders and the public to ensure that youth (first-time voters) are not manipulated by politicians and acquaintances to engage in unlawful or violent acts.

The statement urged parents and guardians to inform their children and wards about the registration process and electoral violations.

It added that politicians and their associates should refrain from engaging minors and first-time voters in illegal registration, while the EC should continue to address the issues and concerns of political parties and the public objectively to maintain the integrity of the registration process.

The statement advised the media to uphold their role as impartial sources of
information, devoid of fake news and disinformation that could undermine the entire exercise.

It said that a smooth and peaceful voter registration process was essential for credible elections.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Complex regulatory compliance exposes foreign investors to corruption – Report


The Ghana Netherlands Business Culture Council(GNBCC) in collaboration with Imani Africa have disclosed that complex regulatory compliance exposes foreign investors to corruption.

In a report titled ‘Reviewing Current Economic and Investment Challenges and Opportunities in Ghana , ‘ the institutions said most of the businesses interviewed in the course of producing the report disclosed a strong disagreement about the supportiveness of regulatory institutions.

The report said the businesses indicated a negative experience in their interface with regulatory officers.

The institutions however advised the government to streamline regulatory compliance processes and deepen digitization in public service to address investors’ exposure to corruption.

The report said, ‘High regulatory and compliance cost is identified as one of the key cost components for the firms, and the less synchronization of regulatory and permit processes leads to firms paying extra costs through unofficial channels.

‘Thus, the government
must deepen the existing e-government services to ensure that the services are delivered efficiently and reduce the cost of compliance. This will help to reduce the bureaucratic interference of public agencies in the activities of investors, ‘ the report said.

The report also revealed serious challenges which were affecting foreign investors’ operations in Ghana.

The challenges included cost of utitlities, high cost of import and export duties and fees.

The report urged the government to review the existing tax regime; given that the existing macroeconomic challenges had already increased the cost of doing business for investors.

The report advised the government to review and align the tax frameworks to minimize the incidence of ‘duplicating taxes’ that make it expensive for businesses to operate in Ghana.

‘ Reducing the tax burden on businesses is crucial to making the firms competitive and increasing FDI attraction. Furthermore, the government must engage foreign investors to enhance their understandi
ng of the tax administration system and how they can use the electronic platforms to their advantage. For instance, the government must provide capacity building on how firms can access tax exemption available in the provisions, ‘ the report said.

The report further advised the government to Collaborate with business chambers to regularly understand the challenges of investors.

The report advised the government to Increase investors’ access to information on support programmes available since Limited access to information was identified as one of the obstacles to doing business in Ghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Lack of investments in African FinTechs can slow the pace of innovation – Governor


Dr Ernest Addison Governor, Bank of Ghana, says the lack of requisite investments in African FinTechs can slow the pace of innovation on the African Continent.

He said it would also slow the scalability of solutions in achieving the desired impact of a digitised Africa.

Dr Addison was speaking at the opening of the three-day 3i Africa Summit on the theme: ‘Unleashing the FinTech and digital economic potential of Africa.’

It captures the vision of Africa in a digital world and the essence of the collective endeavours for the

next three days.

The Summit presents a unique opportunity for private and public sector stakeholders to explore, discuss, and interrogate technological advances, FinTech innovations, and financial sector policies to revamp the digital financial services industry to support Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

The Summit was organised by Bank of Ghana and Development Bank Ghana, in partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore through its subsidiary, Elevandi, organisers of
the globally acclaimed Singapore.

He said the general lack of investor visibility was a major challenge for most local FinTechs.

He said without sufficient capital, brilliant ideas, and prototypes of FinTech startups solutions with the potential to address the diverse financial service needs would fail to progress to production.

He said the rapid evolution of technology had impacted all facets of life globally and for the

financial sector, the actualisation of novel technologies in the payment ecosystem had revolutionised business transactions, reshaped customer behaviour, and redefined the nature of commerce.

Presently, we stand on the precipice of a global digital era, especially with artificial intelligence, and there is now a sense of urgency for Africa to accelerate the digitalisation agenda through the 3is of innovation, investment, and impactful policies to boost economic growth and development.

He said as Africans, ‘we have an advantage in the digitisation race based on the bulging and tech savv
y youthful population, the high mobile phone penetration, the consistent expansion of mobile network access coupled with the rising homegrown FinTech solutions.’

He said Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) now had an online presence, which has enabled them to expand their market reach outside the localities of operations.

These developments, emerging from a thriving Fintech sector, are based on the conducive environment created by the widespread regulatory reforms and modernisation of payment system infrastructure, including mobile money interoperability.

He said with regards to intra-African trade, the Pan-African Payment, and Settlement System had been developed to support free trade across the continent in line with the objectives of the Africa Continental Free Trading Area.

This will enhance both domestic and cross-border payment systems and empower MSMEs by facilitating access to financing opportunities and broader domestic and global markets.

He said, ‘We need to have fashioned out co
ncrete initiatives and partnerships by the end of this 3i Summit to achieve tangible policy outcomes that will enable affordable and safe instant cross-border payments.’

The policy outcomes would also empower FinTechs

to drive Africa’s economic transformation agenda by committing to a sound regulatory environment, advancing digital public infrastructure, and finally, exploring the role of FinTech in bridging the financing gap for SMEs, including the creative arts industries.

He said the need to foster innovation and investment across diverse sectors was central to the various discussions that would go on in the next three days.

He said by harnessing the power of financial technology, ‘we can bridge the gap and empower marginalized communities, advancing towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Unleashing Africa’s fintech, digital capital heralds 3iAfrica Summit opening


Speakers at the opening of the maiden 3iAfrica summit echoed the urgency of forming strategic alliances to unleash capital in the financial technology and digital sector of the continent’s economy to spur development.

Such alliance, is to stimulate investments in digital infrastructure, extended mobile network coverage and establish broadband networks for widespread fintech adoption and financial inclusion in underserved areas.

Doing so, the speakers said would be important in revamping digital financial services in support of Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

The three-day summit being held in Accra between 13 and 15 May is on the theme, ‘Unleashing the FinTech and digital economic potential of Africa.’

It is under the auspices of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Development Bank Ghana (DBG), in partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore through its subsidiary, Elevandi.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, Ghana’s Finance Minister, underscored the power of fintech in realising the p
otential in effecting substantial change on the continent.

That requires concerted efforts and strategic alliances among various stakeholders, including governments, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, technology firms, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

‘We must also transcend national boundaries and form strategic partnerships spanning sectors, industries and jurisdictions to make meaningful progress,’ Dr Amin Adam, said.

‘Undoubtedly, for Africa to realise our development ambitions, we must all coalesce around an African agenda that delivers capital and leverage public-private partnerships, venture capital, impact investing, and donor funding,’ he added.

On the part of Ghana, the Minister said the government remained resolute in nurturing a vibrant fintech ecosystem, including establishing a regulatory framework conducive to fintech innovation. 

Dr Ernest Addison, Governor, Bank of Ghana, noted that the continent had the fertile grounds to accelerate the digitalisation agenda across the co
ntinent, but required concrete initiatives and partnerships that would unlock investments in fintechs.

That, he said, would enable affordable and safe instant cross-border payments, and empower fintechs to drive Africa’s economic transformation agenda by committing to a sound regulatory environment.

A cross-border investment in the fintech sector, the Governor said would also help advance digital public infrastructure, and bridge the financing gap for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), including the creative arts industries.

Providing some statistics, Mr Ravi Menon, a former Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, stated that four out of every five people in Africa used mobile phone, and nearly one out of two have access to the internet.

He also noted that governments in Africa were prioritising digitalisation, and financial inclusion, through regulatory sandboxes and innovation practices, and likely to be the fastest growing fintech market in the world.

Nonetheless, he said it
was important for deepened collaboration among all sector players to address the issues of digital identity, cross-border connectivity and payments, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving financial inclusion.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Cancer Care for Humanity International sensitises PwDs on breast cancer


Cancer Care for Humanity International, an NGO, has undertaken a sensitisation programme for persons living with disabilities (PwDs) in Tamale to commemorate this year’s Mother’s Day celebration.

The event, which brought together persons with visual and hearing impairment affiliated with the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), was used to provide free breast cancer and other medical screening, as well as sensitisation on the causes, effects, and treatment of the diseases.

Mrs Gifty Sarfo Annan, an Oncology Nurse Specialist at Tamale Teaching Hospital and Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Care for Humanity International, said the event formed part of the organisation’s commitment towards enhancing awareness creation on cervical and breast cancers, and how to take precautionary measures to avoid its occurrence and spread.

She said over the years, PwDs among other vulnerable groups in the country had not been given adequate information on breast cancer and its related issues, which adversely a
ffected their health.

Mrs Annan said breast cancer was a major killer of women in the country, explaining that those who excessively consumed alcohol and those with late childbearing (first childbirth birth after 40 years), were among those at high risks of developing the disease.

‘Even, the fact that you are a woman and having breast also puts you at the high risks of getting breast cancer,’ she said.

Mrs Annan said breast cancer treatment was quite expensive, especially for PwDs and other vulnerable groups, and urged them to prioritise periodic screening and early treatment to avoid any medical complications.

She appealed to government to prioritise establishing a radiotherapy centre in the Northern Region to enable more women have access to breast cancer treatment in the area.

Mrs Abubakari Sahadatu Nimatu, the Northern Regional President of GFD, said the exercise was crucial and timely because most PwDs lacked sufficient information on the disease.

She said, ‘There are instances where our members co
uld not also access medical care at health facilities because of lack of sign language interpreters.’

She appealed to the government to increase the number of sign language interpreters at the various health facilities across the country to enhance inclusive health care delivery.

Madam Mohammed Latifa, who received her first ever breast cancer screening and sensitisation during the exercise, commended Cancer Care for Humanity International for the exercise and pledged to periodically screen her breast to be sure of her status.

A total of 41 women were sensitised and screened at the end of the exercise whilst two others, who were suspected of having breast lumps, were referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for further examination and treatment.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Patient appeals for support to undergo stabilisation surgery


Mr Isaac Mensah, a patient suffering from ‘hemiparesis of the upper extremities and paralysis of the lower extremities’ has appealed for support to help him undergo surgery.

Mr Mensah requires GHS57,830 to undergo the decompression of the cervical spine stabilisation at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital in the Bono Region.

Mrs Mary Mensah, the wife of the patient, made the appeal through the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani on Monday.

She said specialists needed the money urgently, and therefore appealed for support from churches, religious leaders, corporate bodies, and individuals, to help address the health challenges of her husband.

An enclosed letter signed by Emmanuel Denteh, the Head of Department, Orthopedic Ward, Wenchi Methodist Hospital and made available to the GNA said, ‘the patient has been reviewed to have a C5 fracture secondary to fall at work.’

The intended surgery is aimed at making him capable of sitting upright, to undertake physiotherapy and rehabilitation to improve body function.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International donates bedsheets to TTH


The Tamale North Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) has donated 50 pieces of bedsheets to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).

The items, presented to Ward Three of the Internal Medicine Department of the hospital, were to address the shortage of bed sheets in the ward.

Mr Emmanuel Morna, President, Tamale North Chapter of FGBMFI, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency following the donation, stated that it was a mandate inspired by the fellowship’s Christian beliefs and principles drawn from the Bible.

He mentioned that one of their members, who worked at TTH, brought to their attention the shortage of bed sheets in the ward, which they considered important to address.

Dr Samuel Alomatu, Acting Head of Unit for Ward Three of Internal Medicine Department, who received the items on behalf of the hospital, expressed gratitude to the association for the gesture describing it as timely.

He said the ward had old, torn bed sheets, which were insufficient and required
replacement.

He indicated that ward three had a capacity of 64 beds, and the donated bed sheets could cover more than half of them.

Mr. Alomatu further noted that the ward lacked many other essential items that could enhance health delivery and appealed to the generosity of society to emulate this kind gesture.

Some other items he appealed for were glucometers, potable blood pressure checkers and ECG machines.

Madam Madina Mahamoud, Deputy Director, Internal Medicine at TTH, expressed concern over patients lying on beds without bedsheets when the available ones were being washed.

She indicated that the situation was not conducive for health delivery as it made patients uncomfortable, stating that providing bedsheets facilitated better care delivery as patients would be more comfortable on their beds

The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is a non-denominational Christian fellowship aimed at inspiring its members to embody and share the teachings of the Gospel.

Source: Ghana News Agenc
y

Take cognisance of the wellbeing of your children – Mothers urged


Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director General (DG) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has urged mothers and caregivers to take cognisance of the health and wellbeing of their children, particularly, their vaccination and nutritional needs.

Dr Kuma-Aboagye said being conscious of the progress of babies and adhering to their nutritional needs and growth rate was key to ensuring total protection, to safeguard the future of these children.

The DG gave the advice when the GHS and partners toured the Child Welfare Clinics (CWC) at Abokobi and Agbogba Health and outreach Centres in the Ga East Municipality.

The monitoring formed part of activities to respectively commemorate the African Vaccination Week, Child Health Promotion week and COVID-19 campaign week, and him to familiarise with activities at the various facilities.

The first point visited was at Abokobi Health Centre and Child welfare Clinc (CWC) and later visited the Agbogba outreach centre, being operated within a Church premises, with services render
ed including; immunisation, weighing, education and counselling on nutrition and family planning, Covid-19 vaccination, and Births registration.

Dr Kuma-Aboagye interacted with the health workers at the facilities, commended their efforts, and encouraged them to improve upon their services, while advising the mothers and caregivers to pay attention and take keen interest in the development of their children.

He emphasised the need to intensify education and counselling on vaccination, nutrition, and family planning services for caregivers to enhance their knowledge on knowing what to do at the right time.

‘It is important to check the growth rate of their children, checking to see if the child is doing well or not, educating them on the type of food to eat and when to eat is very critical,’ he said.

Briefing the media, Dr Kuma-Aboagye said it was necessary for the sector to monitor the progress of the CWC and the various services being offered to the people, to identify progress, challenges, and the way f
orward for health sector growth.

He said by observation, the municipality which was a densely populated area needed more outreach centres to beef up operations for better reach to all the communities within the area.

The team also visited the Taifa Community, also within the Ga East municipality, where COVID-19 vaccines were being administered, as part of the COVID-19 vaccination week campaign.

‘This is the usual campaign to achieve herd immunity. We set a target of 20.7 million to be fully vaccinated, which will ensure adequate protection for all,’ he stated.

‘So far, we have had about 57 per cent of the population fully vaccinated and 71 who have taken one short only, which means that we still have a large population to cover to ensure total protection for all citizenry, the embarking on the campaign to capture everyone just as the routine vaccination on child welfare,’ he added.

Dr Frankline Asiedu Bekoe, the Director of Public Health, GHS, also entreated the mothers and the public to adhere to the sa
fety protocols while urging them to come out in their numbers to take the jabs, as the highly trusted measure of preventing the diseases.

He said the virus was still existent, hence, accepting the vaccines and adhering to the protocols were necessary.

The Director General was accompanied by Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, the Director of Public Health, Dr Kwame Amponsa-Achianu, Programme Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and Dr Marion Okoh-Owusu, the Director of Health Promotion.

The rest were Dr Michael Adjabeng, the Surveillance Officer, World Health Organisation (WHO) Ghana, Dr Akosua Agyeiwaa Owusu- Sarpong, the Greater Accra Regional Director of Health, and Dr Selorm Botwe the Municipal Health Director, Ga East, among others.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Qatar Charity Commissions Clinics, Nurses’ Quarters, Mechanized Boreholes in Choggu and Gamanzi


Qatar Charity, an international non-governmental organization, has unveiled two health clinics in Ghana’s Northern Region, marking a significant stride in bolstering healthcare infrastructure.

The inauguration captured one clinic situated in Choggu (Tamale North constituency) and the other in Gamanzi (Yendi).

The newly established facilities are comprehensive in scope, featuring OPD waiting areas, consulting rooms, pharmacies, laboratories, male and female wards, delivery units, quarantine areas, and WASH facilities.

Mr Mohammed Ali, the Health Project Coordinator representing Qatar Charity’s Country Director, Mr Hasan Owda, emphasized that the primary aim was to combat neonatal and maternal mortality rates and diseases within the districts.

He stressed the importance of proper maintenance to ensure the sustained functionality of these vital facilities.

Notable dignitaries, including the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, lauded Qatar Charity’s continuous support in enhancing healt
hcare infrastructure.

Leaders from the local communities, such as Choggu’s chief, Naa Mahamadu Abdulai, and the Sagnarigu Municipal Director of Ghana Health Service, Mr Mark Abugri, expressed gratitude for the initiative and pledged unwavering support for facility maintenance.

The Gamanzi Clinic inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of the District Health Director of Yendi, Alhassan Iddi Sulemana, and other esteemed guests.

Mr. Muhammed Yakubu Hudu, the philanthropist who donated the land for the clinic, emphasized the importance of sound management practices for project sustainability. Qatar Charity reiterated its commitment to investing in underserved communities, highlighting the crucial role the clinics would play in improving healthcare accessibility and reducing maternal and neonatal disease burdens.

Both clinics have been formally handed over to their respective health directorates and are poised to commence operations promptly, marking a significant milestone in advancing healthcare service
s in the Northern Region.

Source: Ghana News Agency