e& leads as the Top Telecoms Employer Brand in Employer Brand Index 2024

Top Telecoms Employer Brand
e& leads as the Top Telecoms Employer Brand
  • e& UAE is the Top Telecoms Employer Brand in Brand Finance rankings
  • e& ranked 16th in the Top 20 employer brands across all categories in 16 countries
  • Achievement reflects the broader reputation of UAE as a global talent hub

LONDON, June 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — e&, the global technology group, attained the highest position in Brand Finance’s inaugural Employer Brand Report 2024 with its UAE entity ranking as the Top Global Telecoms Employer.

The group also secured the 16th spot among the Top 20 Employer Brands across measured employer brands across financial services, telco, media, and tech (TMT), oil, gas, and energy, professional services, retail, automotive, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Ali Al Mansoori, Group Chief People Officer, e&, said: “This recognition as an employer of choice reflects the incredible dedication and passion of our people, who are our greatest assets. It also reaffirms our commitment to cultivating a unified company culture where every employee is empowered to think differently, experiment fearlessly, and innovate continuously. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, having a talented workforce is more critical than ever.”

David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance, said: “Middle Eastern telecom brands are increasingly overtaking their European and American counterparts as desirable places to work. This reflects the career opportunities and exciting technological developments created by consistent, high-quality investment in the Middle East.”

Leading the way in employer branding and talent development in UAE, the group scored highly across several considerations, including as a ‘prestigious brand,’ an ‘inspiring vision,’ ‘enjoyable and rewarding work,’ and a ‘well-managed and governed company.’ e&’s achievement reflects the broader reputation of the UAE as a global talent hub and the preferred destination for people seeking to shape a prosperous future.

“At e&, we are committed to equipping our team with the skills necessary to navigate and thrive in the digital age. Our vision is not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it. We are building a resilient, forward-thinking workforce capable of driving our company and our community towards greater heights. Our strategy includes comprehensive training programs, partnerships with educational institutions, and an environment that rewards creativity and bold thinking. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for professional growth and supporting our team as they develop the technological skills and mindset essential for the future,” added Al Mansoori.

The inaugural “Employer Brand Index” report showcases the world’s top brands with global and regional league tables. The research-driven study is the first of its kind, measuring internal and external perceptions of employer brands from 16 countries. The Index is derived from responses from an anonymous survey of the public across various industries conducted via independent online panels.

The Brand Finance 2024 Employer Brand Index follows the release in January of the global brand rankings in which e& UAE was rated the strongest telecom brand globally (AAA rating) and the strongest brand in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) across all categories.

Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. For more than 25 years, it has been bridging the gap between marketing and finance by evaluating the strength of brands and quantifying their financial value to help organisations of all kinds make strategic decisions. Every year, Brand Finance conducts more than 5,000 brand valuations, supported by original market research, and publishes over 100 reports that rank brands across all sectors and countries.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ab3f4e1-ad68-4a1f-b513-0f6dd6ce45d1

Contact:
Nancy Sudheer
nsudheer@eand.com

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Top 20 AI university graduates first Ph.D. cohort

101 graduates boost UAE’s AI ecosystem of research, development and commercial application advances – creating an AI tech hub of the Global South

MBZUAI Class of 2024 hat throw moment 240606
MBZUAI Class of 2024 hat throw moment 240606

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, June 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, attended the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence’s (MBZUAI) 2024 commencement ceremony on June 6, celebrating 101 graduates from 22 countries, receiving post-graduate degrees in key AI fields including computer vision (CV), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP).

The event was also attended by His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Founding Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MBZUAI, and other dignitaries.

“Before many other countries recognized its potential, government-led policies encouraged the promotion of AI in the UAE,” Dr. Al Jaber said. “They nurtured the success of companies like G42 and large language models like Falcon. As a result, this small country is creating a world class ecosystem for AI talent and entrepreneurship. We are attracting major investment from tech leaders such as Microsoft and emerging as a significant hub for AI innovation and application.”

Dr. Al Jaber noted that the growth of AI is one of three megatrends shaping the future, alongside the accelerating pace of the energy transition and the rise of emerging markets and Global South: “The Class of 2024’s growing expertise will hold the keys to unlocking solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. In fact, if we are to achieve the ambitious goals of the historic UAE Consensus agreed at COP28 in December in Dubai, AI must play a critical role.”

MBZUAI’s third and largest commencement celebrated the university’s first Ph.D. graduates in ML along with master’s graduates in ML (55), CV (28) and NLP (12) with students hailing from countries including UAE, Canada, United Kingdom, France, India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Sri Lanka.

MBZUAI President and University Professor, Eric Xing, said: “MBZUAI’s Class of 2024 are the future leaders of technology, innovation, and creativity, they are equipped to accept the responsibility that comes with the stewardship of something so powerful and transformative. They depart us with the knowledge, skills, and a profound understanding of the opportunity before them – the chance to shape a future where AI serves humanity with compassion and unwavering ethical standards – they are ready to tackle the greatest challenges facing our world today.”

Five years since its inception, MBZUAI is now recognized as one of the world’s top 100 computer science universities and is ranked in the top 20 for its specializations in AI, CV, ML, NLP, and robotics (CSRankings).

To apply for admission, visit mbzuai.ac.ae or contact admission@mbzuai.ac.ae. For press inquiries, please contact:

Amy Rogers, MBZUAI’s Senior Communications Specialist
media@mbzuai.ac.ae

Roger Field/Aya Hassan
mbzuai@wallispr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bdfc68d2-c10f-449c-85d5-dd39d3b960bd

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Hitachi Energy to invest additional $4.5 billion by 2027 to accelerate the clean energy transition

Order backlog more than tripled to over $30 billion since 2020 — More than double new investments in manufacturing, engineering, digital, R&D and partnerships across all major markets from 2024 to 2027 — Around $330 million in capacity expansion, modernization, and new build in Sweden, across all product portfolios with additional 2,000 employees — Global Technology and Innovation Center in India will increase to more than 4,000 employees to serve more than 40 countries

Zurich, Switzerland, June 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy will invest an additional $4.5 billion in manufacturing, engineering, digital, R&D and partnerships by 2027, doubling the investments done in the last three years. This complements the recently announced $1.5 billion investment in April this year to ramp up global transformer production.

These investments will enable the company to meet customers’ commitments and market demand, increasing its global R&D, engineering and manufacturing capacity of transformers, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and high-voltage products. It will also support the deployment of power electronics-based solutions, grid automation and software solutions, and services in line with the Hitachi Energy 2030 Plan.  Investments will also go into partnerships, supply chain, digitalization and automation, which are enablers to support capacity expansion and increase speed to market.

Electrification is pivotal to achieving Net-Zero goals and the energy transition requires innovative software solutions and services and a significant increase in the production of critical technologies for an expanded electricity grid. Integrating more renewable energy sources like solar and wind, alongside meeting the electrification demands of transport, buildings, industry, and other sectors, necessitates a secure and flexible grid infrastructure. According to IEA, the increased usage of Gen AI and the ever-growing quantity of digital data requires an expansion of data centers and the global electricity demand from data centers and AI could double towards 2026.

The company also announced today that it is investing around $330 million to expand and modernize its flagship factory in Ludvika and a new campus in Vasteras, Sweden, across all product portfolios. The Ludvika factory, with over 120 years of innovation, manufactures transformers, high-voltage products and HVDC systems, and will expand by more than 30,000 square meters. This will especially enable new manufacturing capacity of large transformers to meet the deliveries of key HVDC projects. A new campus in Vasteras will accommodate 1,800 employees, including an R&D center and a state-of-the-art production facility for grid automation. The workforce in Sweden will additionally grow by 2,000 to support the accelerating energy transition.

According to the IEA Report in October 2023: The recent clean energy progress we have seen in many countries is unprecedented and cause for optimism, but it could be put in jeopardy if governments and businesses do not come together to ensure the world’s electricity grids are ready for the new global energy economy that is rapidly emerging. This report shows what’s at stake and needs to be done. We must invest in grids today or face gridlock tomorrow.

“Electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system and the change is happening faster than many thought possible. New business models, harmonization of designs, along with partnerships are key drivers for the increase in the pace of change,” said Claudio Facchin, CEO, Hitachi Energy. “The world is in a race to transform energy systems. Technology is not the bottleneck and electrification is creating unprecedented demand for power grids systems combined with digital solutions and services. As the market leader, we are responding with an unprecedented level of investment, people and innovation to meet that demand.”

Just in the last month, key HVDC projects were announced that are urgently needed to meet rapidly growing market demand. Underpinned by new scalable business models pioneered by Hitachi Energy, framework agreements were signed with RTE in France, RWE in Germany, Marinus Link in Australia, in addition to a service contract with Pattern Energy in the US. The company also announced the Sa.Co.I.3 interconnection between Italy and France, another industry-leading multi-terminal solution.

Governments, industries, and consumers are accelerating the switch from fossil energy to electricity to power transport, building heating and cooling, and industrial processes. Decision-makers and operators require real-time grid data for insights and collaboration. Digitally enabled transformers, switchgear, substations, converter stations, Lumada Asset Performance Management and digital twin data platforms like IdentiQ™ are critical for a more sustainable, flexible, and secure energy system. The company is also leveraging synergies between Hitachi Energy and Hitachi Digital to provide the unique position across IT, OT, product and service capabilities to support our customers throughout the entire lifecycle.

About Hitachi Energy 
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure and we collaborate with customers and partners to enable a sustainable energy future – for today’s generations and those to come. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries, serving customers in utility, industry, transportation, data centers and infrastructure sectors. With innovative technologies and services including the integration of more than 150 gigawatts of HVDC links into the power system, we help make the energy value chain more efficient, making electricity more accessible to all. Together with stakeholders across sectors and geographies, we enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 45,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of around $13 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Attachment

Media Relations
Hitachi Energy Ltd
media.relations@hitachienergy.com

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Nouvelle présidence à l’AMEC

LONDRES, 06 juin 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — L’association internationale pour la mesure et l’évaluation de la communication, ou International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication, ci-après « AMEC » annonce avoir désigné une nouvelle Présidente.

L’AMEC, le plus grand organisme professionnel mondial de renseignement et de veille médiatique, annonce avoir nommé Raina Lazarova, cofondatrice de l’organisation mondiale de veille médiatique Ruepoint pour un mandat de deux ans à compter de juin 2024. Dans ce rôle, elle dirigera le Conseil d’administration de l’AMEC qui poursuivra l’exercice de sa mission axée sur la définition, la promotion et le développement des meilleures pratiques en matière de mesure et d’évaluation de la communication, de recherche, d’analyse, d’éclairages et de renseignements dans l’environnement si volatile de la communication.

La passation officielle a eu lieu lors de l’ édition 2024 du sommet mondial de l’AMEC, qui s’est tenu à Sofia du 21 au 23 mai. L’événement a rassemblé plus de 200 professionnels issus des secteurs de la communication, des relations publiques, du milieu académique, de la recherche et de l’analyse.

Le Président sortant, Aseem Sood, PDG de la société Impact Research and Measurement Pvt témoigne : « Je me réjouis de passer le flambeau à Raina Lazarova à l’issue de mon mandat de deux ans. Sa vision et ses idées novatrices sont essentielles à la croissance et à la réussite futures de l’AMEC, et font d’elle la meilleure pilote possible à cet égard. J’ai toute confiance en ses capacités. Sous sa direction, l’AMEC continuera son essor et enregistrera des succès encore plus importants. À l’issue des délibérations qui se sont déroulées lors de la dernière réunion du Conseil d’administration organisée à Sofia, le Conseil a établi la liste des domaines clés sur lesquels se focaliser, ainsi que le plan stratégique pour les deux prochaines années. Je conserve mon siège au Conseil d’administration de l’AMEC, et j’exercerai une attention toute particulière au développement d’un calendrier éditorial teinté de leadership éclairé à son attention. »

Pour la nouvelle Présidente, Raina Lazarova, « C’est un grand honneur d’avoir été élue Présidente du Conseil d’administration de l’AMEC. Organisme majeur du secteur, l’AMEC maintiendra ses opérations de promotion envers les bienfaits de la mesure et de l’évaluation de la communication tout en retournant de la valeur à ses membres et à tous les acteurs du secteur de la communication. La déferlante de l’IA générative est synonyme de l’entrée du secteur de la communication dans une nouvelle phase fascinante. À ce titre, l’AMEC assume ses responsabilités et fournira les éclairages et l’accompagnement nécessaires à la profession pour qu’elle embrasse les nouvelles technologies.

Johna Burke, Directrice générale de l’AMEC, ajoute « L’élection des administrateurs du Conseil international est renouvelée chaque année pour permettre à chaque membre de s’engager et de faire entendre sa voix au moment d’analyser les projets complexes majeurs de notre secteur. En revanche, l’élection à la présidence n’est renouvelée que tous les deux ans. Pendant la période de transition, nous célébrons la direction et les contributions de Monsieur Sood en tant que président sortant, et nous accueillons Madame Lazarova, qui est bien connue de nos services. Elle travaille déjà sur les efforts de collaboration nécessaires aux membres de l’AMEC pour naviguer en eaux inconnues lors des deux prochaines années, pour qu’ils puissent apprendre les uns des autres et tirer profit de l’expérience collective du plus grand acteur du secteur des renseignements média. »

L’AMEC réunit une communauté mondiale de plus de 200 organisations partenaires, y compris des entreprises de veille et d’analyse médiatique, des agences de relations publiques et de communication, des marques et des cabinets d’étude de marché. Elle se décline sur quatre continents, à savoir la région EMOA, l’Asie-Pacifique, l’Amérique du Nord et l’Amérique latine.

L’association s’efforce d’appuyer l’industrie mondiale de la communication au moyen de ressources éducatives gratuites et de conseils non moins gratuits sur les meilleures pratiques à adopter dans la double optique de relever les normes et démontrer la valeur des relations publiques et de la communication à l’échelle mondiale.

L’AMEC est à l’origine de plusieurs ressources en matière de meilleures pratiques incontestablement reconnues, notamment ses « principes de Barcelone », ou Barcelona Principles (versions 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0) et son cadre d’évaluation intégré, ou Integrated Evaluation Framework (IEF).

Pour en savoir plus sur l’AMEC, rendez-vous sur : https://amecorg.com.

Rejoignez-nous sur LinkedIn

Pour prendre contact avec Johna Burke, Directrice générale de l’AMEC : johna@amecorg.com

Une photo annexée au présent communiqué de presse est disponible à la page : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af364038-c24f-444b-b1fc-311ac3875883

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AMEC Anuncia Nova Presidência

LONDRES, June 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC) (Associação Internacional para a Medição e Avaliação da Comunicação) anunciou o nome da nova presidente da associação.

A AMEC, maior órgão profissional de inteligência e insights de mídia do mundo, anunciou que Raina Lazarova, cofundadora da organização global de inteligência de mídia Ruepoint, assumirá o cargo por um mandato de dois anos a partir de junho de 2024. Como Presidente, Raina Lazarova liderará o Conselho de Administração da AMEC, dando continuidade à sua missão de definir, promover e avançar as melhores práticas de medição e avaliação de comunicação, pesquisa, análise, avaliação, dados e insights em um cenário de comunicação em rápida mudança.

A cerimônia oficial para a transferência do cargo ocorreu durante a 2024 AMEC Global Summit on Measurement, em Sófia, de 21 a 23 de maio, que contou com a presença de mais de 200 participantes presenciais, incluindo comunicadores, profissionais de relações públicas, acadêmicos e pessoas envolvidas na indústria de pesquisa e análise.

O Presidente que passou o cargo, Aseem Sood, CEO da Impact Research and Measurement Pvt. disse: “Após um mandato bem-sucedido de dois anos como Presidente da AMEC, tenho o prazer de entregar as rédeas da liderança à Sra. Raina Lazarova. Sua visão e ideias inovadoras fazem dela a pessoa ideal para guiar a AMEC no seu próximo capítulo de crescimento e sucesso. Estou confiante de que, sob sua liderança, a AMEC continuará a prosperar e alcançar realizações ainda maiores. Durante a recente reunião do conselho em Sófia, o Conselho da AMEC deliberou e estabeleceu as principais áreas de foco e um plano estratégico para os próximos dois anos. Continuarei a atuar como membro engajado do Conselho de Administração da AMEC, com foco específico em liderar o desenvolvimento de um calendário editorial de liderança de pensamento para o conselho.”

A nova presidente eleita Raina Lazarova disse: “É uma grande honra ter sido eleita presidente do conselho de administração da AMEC. Como entidade líder do setor, continuaremos a promover os benefícios da medição e avaliação da comunicação, ao mesmo tempo em que agregamos valor aos nossos membros e à vasta comunidade de comunicação. O advento da IA generativa resultou em um momento muito interessante para o setor de comunicação, e a AMEC reconhece seu papel em fornecer liderança de pensamento e apoio à profissão na utilização de novas tecnologias.”

A CEO da AMEC, Johna Burke, disse: “Temos eleições para Diretores do Conselho Internacional todos os anos, o que garante o engajamento e a representação dos membros à medida que consideramos as iniciativas complexas e importantes do setor. Realizamos uma eleição especial para o cargo de Presidente a cada dois anos. Durante esta transição, celebramos a liderança e as contribuições de Aseem como Presidente e damos as boas-vindas à Raina, que é uma defensora da comunidade AMEC. Raina já está trabalhando em colaborações que permitirão que os membros da AMEC possam navegar pelo conhecido e pelo desconhecido durante os próximos dois anos como um coletivo para aprender uns com os outros e se beneficiar da experiência global do mais amplo ecossistema da indústria de inteligência de mídia.”

A AMEC representa uma comunidade global de mais de 200 organizações, incluindo empresas de monitoramento e análise de mídia, agências de RP e comunicação, proprietários de marcas e empresas de pesquisa de mercado. A associação tem filiais em quatro continentes – EMEA, Ásia-Pacífico, América do Norte e América Latina.

A AMEC se esforça para apoiar o setor de comunicação global com recursos educacionais gratuitos e orientações das melhores práticas sobre como planejar, medir e avaliar o desempenho, para que possamos elevar os padrões e promover o valor da RP e da Comunicação em todo o mundo.

É a organização fundadora dos recursos de melhores práticas proeminentemente aceitos, adotados e aplicados, incluindo os Barcelona Principles (Princípios de Barcelona 1.0, 2.0 e 3.0) e a Integrated Evaluation Framework (IEF) (Estrutura de Avaliação Integrada) usados em todo o mundo.

Para mais informação sobre a AMEC, visite https://amecorg.com.

Conecte-se conosco

Entre em contato conosco através da CEO da AMEC e Diretora Administrativa Global, Johna Burke – johna@amecorg.com

Foto deste comunicado disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af364038-c24f-444b-b1fc-311ac3875883

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Enhancing Hygiene Standards in Ghana’s Baking Industry


The baking industry has long been a cornerstone of the culinary landscape, serving as a vital component of the breakfast economy and a source of nutrition for people all over the world. Globally, the baking industry hit a total market value of USD 203.8 billion in 2018 and is expected to increase by 3.2% by 2025, according to research. In Africa and the Middle East, the industry is expected to grow at a rate of 4.9% between 2022 and 2030.

The sheer size of the industry and its role in providing food security for huge sectors of the population make the issue of food safety and hygiene very critical. Food hygiene and safety are essential to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety of the food we consume. It is only through proper hygiene and safety practices in our food industries, that we can prevent the contamination of food by harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that cause illnesses and dangerous diseases.

Olam Agri’s Grain Business, operators of a multimillion wheat mill facto
ry in Tema and a leading manufacturer of wheat flour, has, over the years, demonstrated ample commitment to the highest food quality and safety standards, and in 2021, achieved the Food Safety Standard Certification (FSSC)22000.

It is on this score that we have Baibhav Biswas, Business Head of Olam Agri’s Grains Business in Ghana, to share with us some insights into the baking industry in Ghana and also highlight some of the key initiatives by Olam Agri in promoting food safety and hygiene in the country.

Interviewer: How would you describe the baking industry in Ghana?

Baibhav: Significantly, Ghana’s baking industry occupies a distinct position, characterized by its rich tradition and culture, particularly, within the breakfast economy. According to a report by Statista, revenue in the bread and bakery product market will amount to 4.43 billion USD in 2024, and it is expected to grow annually by 7.65% between 2024 and 2028.

The baking industry plays a crucial role in the breakfast economy, providing the
population with staple foods like bread, which form the very foundation of many Ghanaian meals. Today’s market is primarily driven by convenience, accessibility, and nutrition profile, as there has been a growing preference for healthy, organic, and all-natural baked food, produced under good quality.

Interviewer: What would you identify as some of the pressing issues in the industry that you think need urgent attention?

Baibhav: The industry operates in a system that is highly fragmented, constrained by limited capital, the use of outdated equipment, and critical issues relating to hygiene and safety. These factors contribute to operational inefficiencies and increased costs, ultimately impacting both producers and consumers.

To ensure the growth and sustainability of Ghana’s baking industry, it is imperative to address the existing challenges head-on. Without intervention, these issues threaten to stifle progress and hinder the industry’s ability to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Interviewer: It
has been reported that Olam Agri in Ghana has launched the Grains Hygiene Standard Management (GHSM) initiative to help improve the hygiene situation of bakers. Can you tell us more about the program?

Baibhav: Recognizing the pivotal role of hygiene in ensuring food safety and consumer confidence, our Grains business, which is the leading producer of flour and wheat-based products in the country, initiated the Grains Hygiene Standard Management (GHSM) Program in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority and Twentyth Consult, a food and beverage consultancy firm in Ghana.

This novel initiative aims to bring bakers across the nation together under a comprehensive framework, to promote cleanliness and hygiene practices to tackle the problem of fragmentation and safeguard both the integrity of the products and the health of consumers.

The GHSM program encompasses a range of initiatives designed to elevate hygiene standards across the baking industry. This includes the provision of workshops and training
sessions to enhance baking practices and improve hygiene conditions among bakers. Additionally, the GHSM program offers incentives, including reward schemes for bakeries that demonstrate exceptional adherence to hygiene protocols under the program.

Interviewer: The GHSM program is indeed groundbreaking. We have not seen any company do something like this in the industry. Now, how do you ensure the sustainability of this initiative?

Baibhav: Central to the initiative is the establishment of standardized parameters for evaluating hygiene practices. Dedicated third-party hygiene controllers work closely with bakeries to ensure compliance with these standards, providing guidance and support where they are needed. By fostering a culture of accountability, the program seeks to instill confidence in both industry stakeholders and consumers.

We have over 800 bakers from Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi who participated in the maiden edition of the program’s annual award scheme. Some 141 bakeries from these centers rece
ived certification for improving hygiene standards in their operations, 35 bakeries stood out as the most compliant and were ranked as 4-Star Bakery Operators. So far, we are very impressed with the interest from bakers across the country. We are also working on expanding its coverage across the country over time. We are projecting over 1000 bakeries nationwide to participate in next year’s program.

Interviewer: By way of conclusion, what do you think is the future of the Bakery Industry? What are your general observations about the growth of the industry in Ghana?

Baibhav: As a community, we cannot rely solely on the government and its agencies to initiate productive change. I believe that stakeholders must take an active role in problem-solving. The GHSM program is an initiative we can hold on to, build upon, and improve the hygiene situation of our bakers while improving food security in the country. With this program, we can ensure that the country’s rich culinary heritage thrives.

Source: Ghana News
Agency

Acclaimed Ghanaian photographer organises festival to celebrate contemporary art


Mr James Barnor, the most celebrated Ghanaian photographer, will celebrate his 95th birthday with the organisation of the James Barnor 95 Festival.

The festival is a celebration of cultural heritage and artistic innovation while paying homage to the iconic photographer for a long-term impact on the Ghanaian arts and culture scene. 

To celebrate this event, Mr Barnor will be travelling back to Ghana with a packed programme of events, including exhibitions, screenings and concerts to celebrate the most famous photographer on this momentous occasion.

A statement issued in Accra by the organisers said born in Ghana in 1929, Mr Barnor opened his renowned Ever Young studio in Accra, where he immortalized the nation at the moment of its independence.

He was the first photojournalist to collaborate with The Daily Graphic, published in Ghana by London’s Daily Mirror Group.

In 1959, two years after Ghana’s independence, Barnor moved to London to deepen his technical knowledge of the medium.

He discovered colour
photography at the Medway College of Art and his pictures were published on the cover of Drum, an important magazine founded in South Africa in 1951 and a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement.

He eloquently captured the spirit of Swinging London and the experiences of the African diaspora in the British capital.

In the late 1960s, he was recruited by Agfa-Gevaert and returned to Ghana to set up the country’s first colour laboratory.

He stayed there for the next twenty years, working in his new Studio X23 as a freelance photographer and for state agencies in Accra.

Currently, Mr Barnor lives in the United Kingdom, where his work has recently given rise to numerous exhibitions and publications, including a touring retrospective curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, shown at the Serpentine in London in 2021, MASI Lugano, Switzerland, in 2022 and the Detroit Institute of Art, MI, USA in 2023.

It said in October 2023, Mr Barnor Studio of Life opened at FOMU Antwerp, in Belgium and coinciding with the photographer’s
95th birthday, the Barnor 95 festival commenced from May 2024. 

The festival will serve as an opportunity for discourse between a historical archive and Ghana’s vibrant contemporary art scene and by presenting Barnor’s work through and alongside contemporary Ghanaian actors, the festival intends to bridge past and present to inspire new artistic and curatorial approaches. 

The statement said Ghanaian creatives were set to take centre stage, where sixteen young photographers would also be shown in the sixteen regions of Ghana ensuring Barnor’s enduring visual legacy.

It said exhibitions will be free to access by the public and extended for several months.

Meanwhile, the festival team was committed to building a lasting impact on the local arts scene by actively engaging with the community and fostering inclusivity.

It said by expanding locations to Tamale (SCCA, Red Clay Nuku Studio) and all sixteen regional capitals, including a moving exhibition in a reconditioned aeroplane to be transported by road thr
ough six regions of Ghana, its programme aimed to reach rarely targeted audiences.

The exhibition in JamesTown (Accra) would invest in public outdoor spaces, bringing the neighborhood’s history to the current residents, and would be completely interactive through a two-day community archiving workshop for residents’ photo albums and family photos.

‘Our team strives to minimize the festival’s carbon footprint through our partnership with the NGO Environment360 which will recycle the plastic we generate with the exhibitions,’ it said.

The project is directed and produced by James Barnor (London) and Clémentine de la Féronnière Gallery (Paris) with the support of private and public funding James Barnor Foundation Trustees Myx Quest, John Akomfrah, Damarice Amao, LizzieCarey-Thomas, Ady Sawyerr, Yvonne Barnor, Frederic Quarcoopome Barnor, Rachel Pepper, Clémentine de la Féronnière.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Bono Region produces 2825.9 tons of fish through aquaculture in 2023


Mr. Hanson Kodzo Dzamefe Jnr, the Regional Director of the Bono Regional Fisheries Commission has announced that the facility conveyed a total production of 2825.9 tons of fish through aquaculture in the year 2023.

He said out of the total production, 118.9 tons were tilapia, 336.6 tons catfish from 190 ponds covering an area of 50,710 cubic meters, while 2,370.4 tons of other species were harvested from the Bui and Black Volta rivers.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr. Dzamefe Jnr stated that 246,125 fingerlings were stocked in 146 ponds covering an area of 27,390 cubic meters, saying the ponds were sampled to assist fish farmers in monitoring fish growth, proposing feed rations, and scheduling harvest dates.

He added the total fingerlings produced in 2023 was 190,000, with the Dormaa Hatchery and Training Centre producing 15,000 fingerlings, and other private hatcheries producing 175,000.

He said during the year under review, 81 sites were inspected, with 77 sites deemed s
uitable for fishpond construction based on results from soil and water tests.

Additionally, 21 manual fishponds covering a total surface area of 9,552 square meters were constructed.

Mr. Dzamefe Jnr noted a decrease in aquaculture production by 55.5 tons compared to the previous year, attributing this decline to marketing challenges faced by farmers.

Highlighting challenges confronting the regional office, Mr. Dzamefe Jnr recommended the provision of adequate means of transport for staff to enhance extension services.

He also emphasized the importance of releasing funds on time to ensure the efficient implementation of planned activities and providing the region with necessary logistics such as wellington boots and waders for extension activities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Explore opportunities in the Tamale and Prempeh I International Airports, GACL to airlines


Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director Of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), has wooed interested airlines to explore the opportunities in the Tamale International Airport and Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi.

She said these two markets would serve both domestic and international operations.

Mrs Afryie Opare speaking at the inaugural ITA Airways flight from Rome, Italy to Accra, Ghana said in line with its mission to provide world class facilities and services, the Company recently commissioned these two Airports for both domestic and international operations.

The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, was welcomed with a water arch salute and the inaugural ITA Airways flight from Accra Airport to Rome Fiumicino departed at 11:45 p.m. local time.

The Accra-Rome route, the only direct connection between Ghana and Italy, is the first step for the Company in establishing a greater presence in West Africa, a key destination for both leisure and corporate traffic.

ITA Airways becomes the 24th I
nternational Airline to operate into Kotoka International Airport.

With this new route, ITA Airways will operate 57 destinations in the current summer season, including 16 domestic, 26 international, and 15 intercontinental.

She said these two markets, noted for their rich culture and traditions, possess immense untapped potential.

‘I want to use this opportunity to invite you, and all interested airlines, to explore the opportunities in these markets and tap into all its possibilities,’ he added.

The CEO said as the operator and manager of all airports in Ghana, GACL was committed to providing unwavering support to ensure that you consistently achieve a high on-time departure and arrival performance.

She said it was its expectation that ITA Airways would go the extra mile to deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers.

She urged stakeholders to continue to support the company as it made giant strides towards achieving its vision, which dovetailed into the
broader government vision for the aviation industry.

Madam Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways and CEO of Volare, said, ‘We are proud to inaugurate the new direct flight between Accra and Rome.’

She said, ‘The launch of this new flight, the only direct connection between Ghana and Italy, represents a significant step forward for the Company.’

Madam Limosani said it was the first new flight to the African continent, a market with a great potential.

She said the continent would enable ITA Airways not only to gain a strategic entry for point-to-point traffic but also to reach other destinations within both Countries, thereby combining leisure and business travel.

She said flights to and from Accra would be operated with the new Airbus A321neo, a new-generation, technologically advanced aircraft.

The Chief Commercial Officer said additionally, during the peak of the summer, the airline would fly to 12 additional seasonal destinations, selected among the most popular Mediterranean tour
ist spots, including Greece, Spain, Croatia, and the Italian islands, accessible with direct flights from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate.

Mr Charles Kraikue, the Director General, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, said the Authority would ensure the country’s airspace remain secured and safe by investing in human resources and other aviation infrastructure.

He said the Authority would ensure that ITA and other airlines conform to regulatory requirements to meet international standards.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Gender Ministry engages stakeholders to end child marriage at Nkwanta North


The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has organised consultative workshop on child marriage and harmful cultural practices in the Nkwanta north District of the Oti Region.

The consultative workshop was to sensitise, raise awareness and share information on issues about child marriages and other negative cultural practices that impede the progress of women and girls and relegate them to subservient roles in their communities.

Ms Dakoa Newman, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in an address read on her behalf, said the 2021 Population and Housing Census revealed that approximately 79,733 girls aged 12 to 17 years were married.

She explained that the situation was particularly prevalent in regions such as Northeast, Northern, Savannah, Upper West, Upper East and Oti Region, where factors such as adolescent pregnancy contributed significantly to the high incidence of child marriage.

Ms Newman indicated
that the Nkwanta North District, 1,014 children aged 12 to 17 years had ever been in union, with 43.0 per cent being males and 57.0 per cent being females.

She said such early unions often led to poor health outcomes, increased risks of maternal and child mortality, disrupted education, further entrenching poverty and gender inequality.

Ms Newman said as part of Ghana’s pledge and commitment to eliminate child marriage, MOGCSP had developed a National Strategic Framework for ending child marriage and that was being implemented by the Child Marriage Unit of the Ministry.

She called on stakeholders to promote the prevention of early child marriages among other harmful cultural practices against women and girls in the area.

Mr Innocent Komla Agbolosu, the Oti Regional Director of Social Welfare mentioned that children must be conscious of their responsibilities which go with their rights.

He admonished the participants to ensure that other community members who were not beneficiaries of the forum be educate
d about children’s rights and responsibilities as discussed at the workshop.

Mr Agbolosu urged parents to provide necessities of life for their children as expected by law so that they grow and make them proud.

Source: Ghana News Agency