Day: May 14, 2024

The 2025 edition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues has been launched with the aim to unlock investments of about US$2.5 trillion in road, rail, maritime, and aviation infrastructure to improve connectivity across the continent.

The three-day conference, to be held from Thursday, 30 January to Saturday, 1 February 2025, would be on the theme: ‘Delivering Africa’s Prosperity Through Infrastructure: Invest, Integrate, Connect.’

That is in line with the drive of the Network to unearth innovative ways of joining forces to bridge the continent’s infrastructure deficit and increase intra-continental trade.

The conference would be attended by Heads of States, business leaders, and the private sector players across Africa and other development partners from around the world.

Speaking at the launch of the conference, Mr Solomon Quaynor, the Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation at the African Development Bank (AfDB), highlighted the urgency with which Africa must raise capital to
address its infrastructural needs to accelerate economic development.

Mr Quaynor stated that the continent has about US$130 to US$170 billion infrastructure deficit.

He added that on a yearly basis, this infrastructure deficit also required a financing gap of US$70 to a US$110 billion, which is compounded by the goal to ensure that all infrastructure today is climate change resilient or compliant.

‘So, closing this gap remains the single important step we can take to structurally boost our economic development, make it more inclusive and competitive, and attain the Africa we want,’ Mr Quaynor said.

He stated that within Africa, there is about US$2.5 trillion in sovereign wealth, pension funds and life insurance companies that a percentage could be utilised to address the infrastructural challenges.

He, therefore, called for a collective effort to channel those funds into infrastructure development, with the Bank having taken the lead by creating institutions to offer credit that had catalysed some US$400
million in that regard.

Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of Finance, noted that infrastructure deficit continued to impede economic growth as inadequate networks of road, rail, air, and waterways made transport costs in Africa among the highest in the world.

He said the deficit, coupled with economic disparities, had pushed an estimated 546 million people into poverty on the continent, adding that the challenges required continental action and partnership to address them without fail.

‘We must redouble our efforts to invest in critical infrastructure projects, including transportation, energy, and digital connectivity, to unlock Africa’s full potential for trade and investment,’ Dr Amin Adam said.

Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Executive Chairman of Africa Prosperity Network, said the continent had reached a point in history, where unlocking prosperity, now more than ever, required prioritising investment in infrastructure.

Such infrastructure, he said would be a critical enabler in ‘connecting our people
through infrastructure and integrating our economies to create and spread opportunities and prosperity to every community.’

‘This is where we must now direct our collaborative efforts if we are serious about allowing Africans to do business across Africa and for our young people, who will build Africa, to see their future in Africa,’ he said.

Mr Otchere-Darko indicated that the 2025 conference would show what is being done, what has to be done, and what must be committed to in the areas of infrastructure, to facilitate the free movement of people, goods, and services.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Sierra Leone’s President Dr Julius Maada Bio has formally opened a four-day conference of the ECOWAS Court of Justice with a call on member states to help deepen cooperation and integration within the sub-region.

He said such cooperation and integration, which required concerted and best efforts, were partly the key to the sub-region’s prosperity and the well-being of the people.

The conference is being held on the theme: ‘Enhancing the role, relevance, and effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the strengthening of synergies between the Court and National Stakeholders.’

President Bio said the establishment of the Court in 2001 was a welcome step by member countries toward fostering integration and cooperation and that the strides it had made since its inception were a testament to the importance of the great institution.

‘The ECOWAS Court of Justice plays a pivotal role in advancing these noble objectives by upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law across our regio
n. As members of the ECOWAS, we are bound together by a shared vision of regional integration, cooperation, and promoting peace and prosperity for our people,’ President Bio said.

President Bio commended the leadership of the ECOWAS Court of Justice for what he described as ‘progressive; the Court is succeeding in increasing its crucial role of providing additional justice delivery options and facilitating access to justice, and strengthening the rule of law in West Africa.?

President Bio attributed the gains made by the court to its expanded jurisdiction, which is in line with the Amended Protocol of 2005, including the authority to adjudicate the alleged violation of the human rights of the community’s citizens.

‘The added layer of checks that the Court provides will not only raise awareness of the human rights question but also ensure that Member States do more to uphold the human rights of our citizens,’ he added.

President Bio urged all Member States to support the Court in its mandate fully and to i
mplement its decisions in good faith.

He expressed delight at the choice of Sierra Leone as a destination for the 2024 conference and said the country as one of the founding members of ECOWAS in May 1975 had remained firmly committed to the ideals and aspirations of its treaty.

‘We must also seize this opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made, identify the challenges that lie ahead, and chart a course towards a brighter future for the people of West Africa,’ he said.

Vice President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Gbéri-Bè Ouattara, in a speech read in behalf of the Court’s President Edward Asante, said in the light of the regional integration agenda of the Community, it was necessary for the Court and the national stakeholders to collaborate in order to achieve an integrated community legal order and the integration objectives of the Community.?

He said?the conference offered another golden opportunity to deepen the fraternal relations between the Court and the national stakeholders.?

‘The intention of the Court in choosing this theme is to generate constructive discussions around the strengths and weaknesses of the Court’s relationship with various national stakeholders and explore practical solutions that can be adopted to strengthen such relationships in the interest of the Community,’ he said.

Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, who delivered the keynote address largely on the theme said the presence of the court was a means of perpetuating the rule of law within the community legal order.?

He said the elaborate jurisprudence of the court served to develop community law but also ensured?that the political decisions of ECOWAS, as a group, were tampered with and constrained?by the rule of law.

On the other hand, he said, the failure of ECOWAS’ bodies to fully comply with the orders of?the court showed a case of deeper inter-institutional statement of power, an authority which in?the long term could only be settled in favour of the court, but this needed to be carefully managed?to avoid weak
ening the institution.?

‘In terms of its role in non-explication, the ECCJ’s jurisdiction applying the Africa Charter?of Human and Peoples’ Rights implies that the court stands in a unique position to?localize broader regional rules contained in the ACHPR,’ he said.

‘The specific jurisdiction in view of the court will allow us to build jurisprudence of that treaty in a manner obviously superior to the much-chastised system that formerly prevailed.??

By investing the court with jurisdiction to hear and determine cases on the abuses?of human rights arising out of and under the ACHPR, the constituent treaty of the ECCJ?has succeeded in reinforcing the external accountability of member states in their respect?for human rights,’ he said.

‘Courts are not in the business of engaging with any constituencies, actual or perceived. Indeed, the idea of courts having to network constituents may seem at first odd and inconsistent, even with the juridical character of the judicial institution, one structured to be detac
hed, neutral, and authoritative in pronouncement, unperturbed by the effects of their rulings and consequences of their actions’.

Professor Abotsi said the ECOWAS Court had a mandate to engage national actors in order?to be effective.?

Its own statute text or treaty compels the court to enforce its judgment through?local courts and ensures that appropriate jurisdictional processes are initiated in?order to enforce the judgment or decisions of the court.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Living Lessons of Life Ministry International located in Adweso in the New Juaben South Municipality of the Eastern Region has marked its 20th anniversary with a call on the public to honour church leaders.

At the anniversary celebration, Archbishop Yaw Adu, Head Pastor of the House of Prayer Church International, emphasized the importance of honour in life and living.

He noted that honour was a virtue that was essential for family life and that it was crucial to treat people well and respect them appropriately.

However, Archbishop Adu also said that the honour sought after by the world was often different from the biblical concept of honour.

He pointed out that today, people often heap honour and awards on those with wealth, political and online clout, worldly power, and celebrity status.

The Archbishop urged Christians not to be swayed by material things when deciding who to honour and who to dishonour, instead, they should choose to honour those who are worthy of it, regardless of their social sta
tus.

Bishop Michael Offei-Birikorang, Founder of the Living Lessons of Life Ministries International and Chairman of the Local Council of Churches, Koforidua, highlighted the ministry’s achievements over the past 20 years, including the establishment of numerous branches.

The theme of the anniversary celebration was ‘God’s goodness and grace.’

Bishop Offei-Birikorang encouraged Christians to take a moment to reflect on the ways God has moved in their lives and to thank Him for His goodness and grace.

Activities involved in the anniversary were street float, free health screening and educational programmes on citizens’ rights, and the elections.

Source: Ghana News Agency

NGC Karida, an agrochemical firm, has trained rice farmers at Asutuare in the Shai Osudoku District of Greater Accra Region on chemical applications, weed control, and weed management techniques aimed at upscaling production.

The programme drew over 200 farmers from several farming communities including Kasunya, Kadjanya, Osuwem and Akuse.

Speaking with the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Francis Nii Clottey, an agronomist consultant at NGC Karida, who also serves as the Yilo Krobo Municipal Director for Agriculture of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, said that rice farmers in the area have been struggling to control weeds on their farms, which is affecting rice yields.

He added that the training also included, showcasing to farmers how to fight weeds to increase production and yields.

He described it as a great move because it was a component of the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs, which aims to increase rice production.

Mr. Clottey explained that one of the greatest issues confronting the rice sect
or was weed control and management, which can destroy 70 per cent of crops.

‘Even if you use fertilizer, weeds can harbour pests and diseases, which will still negatively impact your yield,’ he added.

Mr. Joseph Antwi, Sector Sales Manager of NGC Karida stated that they showcased their products on a few rice farms to illustrate how effective they were at enhancing productivity.

‘Our mission is to educate the farmers so that their labours would be rewarded with financial gain,’ he added.

He said upon their visit to the farms, it was discovered improper land preparation, poor fungi treatment, poor weed control which are affecting production.

‘Even if you buy our products, such as rice mega and others, and do not apply them correctly, the yield will be low, therefore we educated them on the need of utilizing chemicals properly and effectively,’ he said.

Mr. Samuel Tetteh Akpe, a participant, stated that the demonstrations deepened their understanding on weed control and management.

A 25-year veteran rice
farmer, Nene Guamatso Nartey, Divisional Chief of Tsengmeh Division, told Ghana News Agency the training has enhanced his knowledge about weed control practices.

He stated the training on the application of chemicals and their mixing was beneficial to them because farmers often complained about the effectiveness of agrochemicals.

‘Farmers need to be regularly educated by agrochemical companies about how to use their products because not all of them can’t understand the usage instructions on the bottle,’ Mr. Akpe said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) says it has modified Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) to benefit both the country and investors

The improved TTA regulatory framework includes changes to registration processes, revisions to foreign company investment thresholds, and a relaxation of Ghanaian investment restrictions.

It also outlines criteria for Ghanaian businesses to get valuable key services from foreign companies, as well as effective support systems to help local businesses grow and expand.

Mrs Naa Lamle Orleans-Lindsey, Head of the Legal Division at GIPC, indicated that the reforms were necessary to ensure that foreign companies stayed longer in the country.

She was speaking to the media after a panel discussion on TTAs and their impact on economic growth held by the Centre on the sidelines of the ongoing 3iAfrica Summit in Accra.

Mrs. Orleans-Lindsey explained that foreign companies frequently sought to build partnerships with local businesses, sometimes as prelude to entering the c
ountry themselves.

She said the situation demanded that the regulatory landscape be made more effective and valuable for businesses to invest in the country.

The modified regulatory framework for TTAs seeks to promote stronger partnerships between local and foreign companies to provide efficient services and attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

‘When the TTA regulatory is clear, transparent, and easy to manage, we’ll see that many companies outside Ghana will have partnerships and joint ventures with local companies, providing them with the technology they need to do their services,’ Mrs Orleans-Lindsey said.

‘Some may also eventually set up in Ghana because the space has been positive and FDI is increased through more companies setting up in Ghana, so, it’s a very valuable tool for us,’ she added.

Mrs Orleans-Lindsey stated that the revised GIPC Act 2013 (Act 865) had passed from Cabinet to Parliament and that she was confident that it would ‘come out sooner rather than later.’

She did, however,
state that the Centre has been regularly engaging Parliament’s Select Committee on Finance to ensure that the measure is given priority and put into law as quickly as possible.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr. Humphrey Kwasi Ayim Darke, the president of the Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI), has blamed the exit of multinational companies from Ghana on their business models.

He explained that those companies had been impacted by unstable macroeconomic variables, which threatened their growth and profitability because their business strategies were mostly profit-driven.

According to Dr. Darke, the scenario prompted the departure of those international businesses, who prioritized profit over other reasons for investing in the country.

He stated this in an interview monitored by the Ghana News Agency to determine the elements that may have contributed to the abrupt departure of some multinational businesses from Ghana.

His comments were made in the context of the decision by some international corporations to quit Ghana.

The companies include Glovo, Nivea, Lipton, Dark and Lovely, Bet365, Game, and a slew of other brands.

The companies gave a variety of reasons for leaving Ghana, but the main challenge
was the profitability and organizational changes of thier parent brands.

‘Most of these multinational companies their primary goal is to make a profit.

‘So, a number of their business models, which originate from the parent company and partners like the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, have modified over the period as a result of the micro- and macro-economic indicators.

‘It gets to a stage where the model can be challenged because of the volumes,’ Dr Darke said.

Mr. Maximus Ametorgoh, a digital marketing consultant, thought the exodus of some companies from the e-commerce field was exaggerated.

He said that food delivery services had the smallest market share of the Ghanaian e-commerce industry; however, the e-commerce space had developed significantly, with estimates indicating $900 million in transactions in 2023.

Mr. Ametorgoh said food delivery services in the e-commerce market have been struggling post-COVID-19.

He advocated the participation of more indigenous businesses in Ghana’s e-commerce
sector.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Egypt announced on Sunday it would back South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, in a sign of Cairo’s frustration over an Israeli military operation in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah that borders Egypt.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the move comes ‘in view of aggravating intensity and scale’ of Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza and the ‘continued perpetration of systematic practices’ against Palestinians, including direct targeting of civilians and destruction of infrastructure.

Egypt was the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, but the military campaign in Gaza has inflamed anti-Israeli sentiment in the Arab world’s most populous nation.

Earlier in the week, Israel took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, an operation that has halted humanitarian aid deliveries via the vital facility into the heavily populated strip.

Cairo is also concerned that a major Israeli incursion in Ra
fah, crowded by refugees fleeing the fighting in Gaza, would trigger a mass exodus into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

Israel deems Rafah the last stronghold of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, which killed hundreds of civilians in Israel in October last year.

Egypt’s state-affiliated TV station al-Qahera News, citing a high-level source, reported that Cairo has refused to coordinate with Israel on aid entry into Gaza through the Rafah crossing because of the ‘unacceptable Israeli escalation.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Legendary American musician and songwriter, Steveland Morris, popularly known as Stevie Wonder proudly became a Ghanaian citizen on Monday, re-echoing his love for Ghana, Africans and humanity.

With passion in his voice and love in his heart, Wonder spoke of his commitment to unity and his desire to bring people together in a world torn apart by human misdeeds and hurtful words.

‘Now that I am a citizen of this country, my goal is to bring people together,’ Wonder stated in a tone resonating with conviction.

‘This was a dream that I knew would happen. I just didn’t know when or how,’ he expressed excitement about being a Ghanaian while recounting his first visit to Ghana in the 90s.

Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Stevie Wonder’s birthday, conferred Ghanaian citizenship on the global music icon at a ceremony at the Jubilee House, the seat of Government, in Accra.

This marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to attract Diasporan Africans and recognise outstanding contribu
tions to the African diaspora.

President Akufo-Addo praised Stevie Wonder for his extraordinary contributions to music and his unrelenting dedication to the African diaspora.

He said Stevie Wonder’s music had been a source of inspiration to generations of Ghanaians and Africans worldwide and that his new citizenship would help to strengthen the ties between Africa and her diaspora.

Stevie Wonder spoke of the urgent need for unity in a world where division threatened to tear societies apart.

‘In a time where there is division all over the world, the call is for us all to come together to give voice to the voiceless,’ the multiple Grammy Award winner stated.

Referencing former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Stevie Wonder emphasised the importance of doing what is right, rather than what is political or popular.

‘What is right is to bring all African countries together, to bring all people together, not to create fear, but to create life, peace, and love,’ Stevie Wonder, resplendent in a black ‘Agbada (flowi
ng robe traditionally worn by the Yoruba people across West Africa), said.

On the need for unity that went beyond mere convenience, Stevie Wonder said, ‘I am talking about unity that will bring the world together. We are the original people of the planet, and it is only fitting that we come together in the spirit of unity.’

He said he envisioned ‘a tomorrow where love will reign throughout the world…I am singing of love from my heart.’

Stevie Wonder, accompanied by his family, expressed gratitude for his newfound citizenship and love for Ghana and its rich history and culture.

‘I am where I am meant to be; I am so happy to be a citizen here,’ he declared.

‘Thank you, and I love you deeply,’ Wonder said, his words echoing in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to hear them.

‘Together, we can create a better world for all,’ he assured.

For three-time Grammy-nominee, songwriter and record producer, Rocky Dawuni, the citizenship of Stevie Wonder was ‘a manifestation of the dreams of our fathe
rs.

‘Our founding fathers envisaged a moment when our continent will stretch forth its hands and reach out to our brothers and sisters from the diaspora so that Africa can have a rebirth that is important for our way forward.’

The rebirth, he said, was something that would happen among the people but would be driven by the power of music and culture.

Rocky Dawuni said, ‘Nobody has embodied this ideal in a way that is trans-generational, transformative, spiritual, and on every level than Stevie Wonder,’ he said.

‘Stevie represented that energy. He represented the possibility of Africa – the unity of us and our brothers in the diaspora. It was like the wheel, parts were missing but we needed parts to propel us into the future,’ he further stated.

According to him, the symbolism of Stevie’s citizenship went beyond him, but symbolised ‘the new Africa.’

‘It is about the new Africa that God has bestowed on us; rich resources, a strong teeming youth, an amazing opportunity to redefine the character of humanity
and lead the world in love,’ Rocky Dawuni, also an activist, said.

Stevie Wonder, while in Ghana, will attend a special birthday screening of the new movie ‘In Search Of A Blessed Life – He That Hath’, directed by renowned Ghanaian actress Akosua Busia, premiering at the Silverbird Cinemas on May 14.

Among his many hits are, I Just Called To Say I Love You, Happy Birthday, Master Blaster, Part Time Lover and Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Minister for Roads and Highways, has called for collaboration among state institutions to find lasting solutions to the perennial flooding and silting of the Weija section of the Accra-Kasoa Highway.

He said the regular mudslide that occurred on that section of the road and its associated discomfort for motorists and residents required a comprehensive plan to tackle the problem holistically.

The Minister made the call when he visited the Weija section of the highway to assess the extent of damage following Monday evening’s downpour, which led to heavy mudslide that rendered motorists stranded for hours.

The silting of the Kasoa highway is a regular phenomenon as the Weija section of the road gets completely covered with mud anytime it rained.

The situation appeared to have worsened on Monday night as some motorists who were caught up in the sludge spent up to six hours in the gridlock caused by the flooding of the road.

Mr Asenso-Boakye said the briefing he received from the
Ministry’s engineers indicated that there was ‘serious storm drainage issue’ on the Weija section of the highway.

He said ongoing drainage works commissioned by the Ministry of Works and Housing and implemented by the Ghana Hydrological Authority was among the steps being taken to address the problem.

‘There needs to be much more collaboration and coordination between the Ministry together with the Ministry of Roads and Highways and Local Government and Assemblies so that we make sure that all these issues are addressed,’ he said.

‘We will meet and draw up and plan and make sure that all the interventions by the respective infrastructure agencies are well coordinated,’ the Minister added.

Currently, the Ghana Hydrological Authority is constructing a 1.6km storm drain from Kasoa Old Barrier to the West Hills Mall area to tackle flooding of the area.

Mr Patrick Kofi Amekor, Head of Drainage, Ghana Hydrological Authority, told journalists that Phase II of the Project commenced about a month ago, and was sch
eduled to be completed in 17 months.

He said the completion of the drains would be instrumental in containing floodwaters that washed silt from the hills onto the road.

‘We have also awarded an intervention to be done at the Kosoa Tollbooth area so there is going to be a catch fit at the foot of the hills. The idea is that it will intercept the silt that comes from the hills so it does not cover the road,’ Mr Amekor said.

Dr Daniel Sowah, Municipal Roads Engineer, Ga South Municipality, said the level of silt that covered the road anytime it rained was difficult for the Assembly to manage and expressed confidence that the completion of the storm drain and other works would solve the problem.

Source: Ghana News Agency

An Accra Circuit Court has remanded a 50-year-old man for allegedly stealing four used fuel dispensers worth GHC120,000.00 from the Fraga Oil Company.

Kattalist Creegbo Kosi denied that he dishonestly appropriated the dispensers, and the Court presided over by Mr Isaac Oheneba Kuffour remanded him into Police custody to assist in investigations for an expedited.

He will be brought back to the Court on May 28, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Court directed the prosecution to make disclosures (materials that the prosecution intends to use against the accused for him to defend himself) available to the accused before his next appearance.

Police Chief Inspector Daniel Ofori-Appiah, told the court that Mr Eric Forson, the complainant, is a barber, while the accused, Kattalist, is unemployed.

According to the prosecution, the complainant and the accused person shared a residence in Osu owned by Fraga Oil Company.

Chief Inspector Ofori-Appiah said in 2022, 22 used fuel dispensers belonging to Fraga Oil were kept in the h
ouse in the complainant’s care.

He said that in February 2024, the complainant discovered that one of the fuel dispensers was missing, and during his investigation, other co-tenants informed him that the complainant had taken them.

The prosecution said the accused later stole three more fuel dispensers and sold them to scrap dealers for a total of GHC120,000.00.

The Court heard that Kattalist was arrested and admitted the offence in his cautionary statement.

He claimed that he used the proceeds to feed himself.

He was arraigned after further investigation.

Source: Ghana News Agency