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  • Prez Ruto promises an AU bolstered by African trade

    Prez Ruto promises an AU bolstered by African trade

    President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr William Ruto has vowed to oversee and achieve a reformed African Union which will be supported by a robust trade and investment base from within the African continent

    President Ruto who is the AU’s new Champion for institutional reforms, tasked with providing leadership and vision to complete the Union’s comprehensive institutional reform initiative that began in 2016.

    Speaking in Accra during his visit to the office of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, President Ruto emphasised the need to exploit and leverage the potential of the 1.4billion people market to boost intra-Africa trade.

    “As part of the reform of the AU to make it fit for purpose, we’re going to consolidate our place in making sure that the 1.4billion people market in Africa becomes a viable entity that will provide opportunity for trade , for investment, for business, for commerce so that we can create prosperity that leaves nobody behind and shared prosperity that brings everyone on board,” President Ruto submitted.

    The Kenyan leader highlighted the importance of technology and the digital era and stressed the need for Africa not to lose sight of how technology impacts efficiency.

    “Talking about digitisation and technology, we  believe that technology democratises  opportunity, technology improves efficiency and improves accountability and therefore front and centre, technology is going to dictate the pace at which we move our goods and services, our products and our progress,” he added.

     The Kenyan leader encouraged the Secretariat to work other agencies of the AU in making sure that “we leverage on technology to accelerate the movement of goods and services across our continent and also to accelerate progress in all other fields”

    Dr Ruto noted that the signing of the AfCFTA in March, 2018 of the extraordinary session of the African Union was a mile stone in pursuing more integrated and inclusive economic growth.

  • GNPC CEO Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah resigns

    GNPC CEO Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah resigns

    Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah has resigned.

    In a letter addressed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the CEO expressed his respect for the office held by the President, his appointer, while announcing his decision to step down from his position at GNPC.

    Opoku Danquah, who has been at the helm of GNPC, highlighted his efforts to implement transformative policies aimed at advancing the interests of the nation and propelling GNPC towards sustainable growth and development.

    He described his tenure as an honor and emphasized his commitment to the evolution of Ghana’s energy sector.

    He pointed out that an atmosphere of misinformation and misunderstanding surrounding the transformative policies he championed made it increasingly untenable for him to continue effectively in his role.

    Despite his earnest efforts to uphold the integrity and objectives of GNPC, he noted that certain misperceptions have clouded judgment and undermined trust.

    Opoku Danquah emphasized the importance of unequivocal support and trust from all stakeholders for GNPC to thrive and fulfill its mandate.

    Mr Danquah extended his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Ghana by saying “In the starch that has stiffened my efficacious tenure, the main ingredients have been your astute guidance and the support of the talented team at GNPC. I am truly grateful for the opportunities that I have been afforded.”

    Opoku Danquah reassured his commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ghana, standing ready to support any transition efforts as deemed necessary by the administration.

    The resignation leaves GNPC facing a period of transition, as stakeholders ponder the future direction of the corporation and the energy sector as a whole.

  • Asantehene to participate in this year’s Eid prayers

    Asantehene to participate in this year’s Eid prayers

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will join Muslims in Kumasi to observe this year’s Eid Fitr prayers at the Kumasi Central Mosque on April 11, this year.

    Sheikh Abdul Haroun Mumin, Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, said the Manhyia palace had confirmed the participation of the Asantehene in the prayers at the newly refurbished Mosque at 1000 hours.

    Eid-al-Fitr is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims and commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast daily from before dawn until sunset. 

    A mandatory charity event, called Zakat al-Fitr, is collected before the prayers, and distributed to the poor and needy to ensure all can participate in the festivities. 

    Sheikh Mumin, said the Asantehene would use the occasion to announce to the Muslim community the 25th anniversary celebrations of his installation as the 16th occupant of the golden stool.

    Additionally, activities slated for the Muslim community and other traditional tribes for the 25th anniversary, would also be made known to the gathering.

    Sheikh Mumin called on all Muslims who would join the congregation during the prayers to gather early and comport themselves well so that they could close early for the festivities to continue.

    Sheikh Ahmed Saeed, Secretary to the Kumasi Central Mosque and Chairman for the Eid Fitr celebrations, said effective measures were being put in place to ensure the success of the prayers and other festivities associated with the Eid.

    As usual, the traditional processing, otherwise known as ‘Gangara’ would follow shortly after the Eid prayers, he stated.

  • Speaker donates GH¢500,000 worth of medical consumables to Nadowli Hospital

    Speaker donates GH¢500,000 worth of medical consumables to Nadowli Hospital

    Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has presented medicines and non- consumable drugs worth about GH¢500,000 to the Nadowli District Hospital to help improve health service delivery. 

    The donation, which comprised 59 assorted drugs and 45 assorted medical consumables was at the request of the Nadowli-Kaleo District Health Directorate. 

    Speaking at a brief ceremony in Nadowli in the Nadowli-Kaleo District to present the items, Mr Bagbin indicated that he prioritised the health of people, especially women, since health was the primary need of every person. 

    He assured the people of his continuous support to the Hospital to ensure it delivered quality services saying, “I really have a very sharp conscience and find it difficult to sleep knowing how my people are suffering.” 

    “I want to assure you that this place will continue to remain as the Korle-Bu of the Upper West Region.

    “We will do all we can to make sure it stays as the Korle-Bu of the Upper West Region”, Mr Bagbin added.

    The Speaker of Parliament, however, stressed the need for the people to prioritise preventive health care and said it was not just about buying equipment and medicines to cure diseases. 

    He thanked the development partners, including UNICEF and JICA, for their support to the health sector in the district, the region and the country. 

    Speaker Bagbin also commended health personnel who had decided to serve in the region and the district, in particular. since many government officials shun serving in the region.

    He assured the people that there were measures in place to ensure the items presented to the Hospital and other resources given to the district were used for the intended purpose.

    “All of you should be rest assured that we have a system put in place to track the resources we send to the district.

    Nobody can dip his hand or her hand and then chop our money, it won’t happen. We will audit it, we will get them and so have faith in them just like how you had faith in me”, he explained. 

    Mr Babgin also inspected the progress of work on the construction of an astroturf at the McCoy College of Education in Nadowli. 

    Mr Anthony Sumah, the Nadowli-Kaleo Member of Parliament (MP), recognised the support of Mr Bagbin to the then Urban Health Centre to get it the status of a District Hospital and was acclaimed as the “Korle-Bu” of the Upper West Region.

    He, however, regretted that due to some challenges the Hospital faced, it seemed to have lost the “Korle-Bu” acclamation, which resulted in the youth of Nadowli demonstrating against the falling standard of the facility. 

    Mr Sumah, therefore, expressed gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament for heeding the call of the Health Directorate to support the Hospital with the items to help restore its status of quality healthcare service delivery. 

    The MP observed that ensuring quality health service delivery at the facility could be achieved through effective teamwork and collaboration between the necessary stakeholders.

    Madam Phoebe Balagumyetime, the Nadowli-Kaleo District Health Director, thanked Mr Bagbin for his commitment to the health sector, which had greatly enhanced the quality of health services to the people of the district.

    She explained that the District Hospital served as the key referral centre to the 54 other health facilities in the district – eleven Health Centres and 43 Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds as well as the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District.

    She indicated that inadequate medical doctors, specialist nurses and Physician Assistants (PAs) in the district had been a major challenge to the health sector. 

    “The limited number of PAs is seriously affecting the quality of clinical care at the Health Centre level. Because they are not there we find nurses who become prescribers, services they are not supposed to provide but under the circumstance in which they work they usually provide those services,” she explained. 

    Madam Katherine Lankono, the Nadowli-Kaleo District Chief Executive, stated that the support of the Speaker of Parliament was timely as the facility was grappling with a myriad of challenges.

    She observed that the support of Speaker Bagbin was not only to the District Hospital but to other health facilities across the district.

    The DCE also commended other development partners in the district, including the Azumah Resources Limited for their support towards improving the health sector. 

    Representatives from the Upper West Regional Health Directorate and Members of the Nadowli-Kaleo District Assembly, among others, attended the event.

  • Dr Bawumia promises to make Ghana pharmaceutical hub in West Africa

    Dr Bawumia promises to make Ghana pharmaceutical hub in West Africa

    Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, has promised to make Ghana a pharmaceutical hub in West Africa by providing financial support and incentives to the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture medicines locally, under his administration.

    He pledged to implement policy frameworks to make the industry buoyant and beneficial to Ghanaians.

    Currently, about 70 per cent of Ghana’s medicine supply is imported, with only 30 per cent manufactured locally.

    During an interaction with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana in Accra, on Thursday, to listen and respond to their concerns, Dr Bawumia said Ghana had a comparative advantage in pharmaceutical services in the Sub-region and would exploit it positively under his administration.

    The NPP flagbearer also agreed with the Society’s proposal for the establishment of a fit-for-purpose training centre for training pharmaceutical specialists.

    Dr Bawumia called for re-direction of government scholarships to much-needed skills and believed that sponsoring pharmacists to specialise was essential to the nation.

    He also embraced the idea of establishing a pharmaceutical enclave or park to boost the manufacturing of essential medicines locally.

    On tax incentives for the pharmaceutical sector, the Vice President reiterated his earlier pledge to implement tax reliefs for individuals and businesses under his administration as well as flat tax rate and lower import duty to boost business transactions.

    The NPP presidential candidate also welcomed an idea to review the medicine list of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) every six months to bring new medicines onboard.

    On car waiver for pharmacists in the public sector, Vice-President Bawumia responded positively to the Society’s request and believed that with the Ghana Card providing unique identity, it could be implemented without abusing it.

    Dr Bawumia used the forum to highlight some of the policies the Akufo-Addo-led government had implemented in the health sector, including e-pharmacy platform that enabled people to purchase medicines online and Zipline medical drone technology for quick delivery of essential medicines and blood products to remote areas.

    Earlier, Dr Samuel Kow Donkoh, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, appealed to the NPP Flagbearer to consider making Community Pharmacies a primary health-care centre to undertake diagnosis and treatment of certain ailments.

    He said the government should take immediate steps to recruit pharmacists into the public sector since there had not been any recruitment of pharmacists in the past three years.

    Dr Donkoh also pleaded to Dr Bawumia to consider sponsoring specialist pharmacists to improve their skills if elected as President of the Republic.

    He asked the NPP flagbearer to consider implementing contract manufacturing pharmaceutical companies to enable Ghanaian pharmaceutical firms expand production of medicines domestically.

    Members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana were also given the opportunity to ask questions, made suggestions and proposed solutions to the challenges facing the sector.

  • Access bank posts GH₵1BN

    Access bank posts GH₵1BN

    Access Bank Ghana Plc, a leading retail bank in Ghana, has recorded an outstanding increase in Profit Before Tax, surpassing GH₵1 billion.

    It marks the first time in history that the Bank posted such a huge Profit Before Tax.   

    This robust financial performance for the fiscal year ending in 2023 marks a significant milestone in the bank’s journey of growth and resilience.

    It further solidifies the bank’s path towards achieving its strategic goals.

    This remarkable achievement reflects Access Bank Ghana’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to navigate through challenging economic landscapes.

    Key highlights of the financial results include a remarkable 40% growth in Total Operating Revenue, reaching GH₵1.613 billion from GH₵1.150 for the same period in 2022, and a substantial 22.3% growth in Total Assets from GH₵10.057 billion in the previous year to GH₵12.304 billion in 2023, reinforcing the bank’s financial stability and capacity to support various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

    Reflecting on the exceptional performance, Mr. Olumide Olatunji, Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana, credited the success to the enduring trust and confidence bestowed upon the bank by its valued customers and stakeholders.

    He underscored the bank’s strategic focus on diversification, innovation, and dedicated customer service to meet evolving customer needs while maintaining a disciplined approach to expansion and business operations.

    Mr. Olatunji reiterated Access Bank’s dedication to excellence in both retail and wholesale banking sectors.

    He highlighted strategic initiatives including credit card offerings, SME financing, and the establishment of strategic desks for priority segments such as French and Lebanese desks, all poised to be instrumental in advancing Access Bank’s strategic growth agenda.

    These endeavors are strategically aligned to reinforce Access Bank’s position as the Most Respected Bank in Ghana.

    Providing further insights, Ms. Akosua Biama Aboagye, Chief Finance Officer of Access Bank Ghana, affirmed that the impressive results align closely with the bank’s long-term strategic growth objectives.

    She emphasized Access Bank’s ongoing investments in key operational areas to enhance efficiency, service quality, and sustainable value creation for shareholders and stakeholders alike.

    Operating through an extensive network of 55 branches nationwide, Access Bank Ghana remains dedicated to serving diverse customer segments across more than 10 regions with innovative and flexible banking solutions.

    The bank’s commitment to excellence has garnered recognition, including accolades of the Best Bank from the Euromoney Awards and Global Finance Awards, reaffirming its position as a leading advocate for SMEs and a trailblazer in sustainable finance.

    Access Bank Ghana’s remarkable financial performance in 2023 underscores its resilience, agility, and unwavering commitment to driving economic growth and fostering financial inclusion in Ghana.

  • Alan Kyerematen, Abu Sakara, others form alliance to contest 2024 election

    Alan Kyerematen, Abu Sakara, others form alliance to contest 2024 election

    The Movement for Change (MFC) has announced its alliance with the National Interest Movement (NIM) and several other political entities to establish a coalition for the 2024 elections.

    This coalition, named the “Alliance for Revolutionary Change” (ARC), is set to be officially launched on April 17, 2024, with the aim of vigorously mobilizing Ghanaians nationwide to compete for power in the upcoming election.

    Dr. Michael Abu Sakara Foster serves as the Convener and Leader of the National Interest Movement (NIM), a political Civil Society Coalition.

    In a press release, Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Founder of the Movement for Change, disclosed that the Alliance intends to break the dominance of the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party, which have collectively governed the country for the past 32 years without adequately addressing fundamental development challenges.

    The Alliance seeks to establish an all-inclusive Government of National Unity, comprising representatives from political parties, the business community, farmers, fishermen, Labour Unions, Faith-Based Organizations, Traditional Authorities, Civil Society Organizations, academia, media, and other stakeholder interest groups.

    Mr. Kyerematen emphasized that this approach aims to mitigate political divisiveness, the ‘Winner takes all’ syndrome, and the discontinuity in government project execution that have characterized past administrations.

    “The Alliance, upon assuming office, will prioritize breaking the cycle of poverty and steering the country towards prosperity,” stated Mr. Kyerematen. Furthermore, he outlined that the Alliance will rally consensus around a National Development Plan, transcending party manifestoes to serve as the blueprint for Ghana’s economic transformation.

    “To achieve this objective, the Alliance will advocate for substantial Constitutional Reforms, encompassing Governance, Public Sector Accountability, Management of Natural Resources, as well as Mindset and Attitudinal changes in Ghana,” he concluded.

  • Judiciary makes bold proposals

    Judiciary makes bold proposals

    For speedy adjudication of parliamentary election petitions

    The judiciary has recommended reducing the time limit for submitting parliamentary election petitions to seven days to expedite case adjudication.

    The proposal suggests filing the petition seven days after election results are declared, rather than after publication in the gazette. It also calls for the repeal or amendment of C.I 47, the Civil Procedure law regulating such matters, to ensure cases are heard within a month.

    The aim is to ensure timely adjudication of parliamentary election issues before Members of Parliament are sworn in and to facilitate the President’s appointment of ministers from parliament.

    This proposal was presented by Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, a Supreme Court Justice, and Chairman of the Election Management Committee, during a stakeholder engagement in Accra.

    Participants at the meeting included political parties, civil society organizations, Electoral Commission officers, and legal practitioners.

    It sought to examine how parliamentary election petitions, which flood the courts following each general election, can be resolved promptly so that Members of Parliament (MPs) can carry out their obligations after being sworn in.

    Justice Bonnie highlighted statutory and procedural factors causing delays in petition processing.

    He indicated that section 18 of the Representation of the People Law, 1992 (PNDCL 284) required that an election petition be presented within 21 days of publication in the gazette.

     Justice pointed out that since 1992, election results have been declared within 72 hours, and in the case of parliamentary elections, they are usually announced a few minutes after the voting process or within 48 hours.

    He said that if the results are available in 72 hours, the law should be amended to allow a person to commence action seven days after the results are declared.

    In addition, Justice Bonney stated that the second part of Section 18, which states that a person can initiate a petition 21 days after publication in the gazette, should be amended.

    He stated that after thorough evaluation, the Judiciary determined that election results take longer to be published in the Gazette, which further delays the hearing.

    He suggested amending this Law to allow action seven days after election results are declared, regardless of gazette publication. Additionally, he proposed amending or repealing C.I 47 to expedite parliamentary election trials.

    Justice Bonney stated that it would be in the best interests of all parties to examine those amendments because they would help both constituents and the President, who would need to elect some ministers from parliament.

    Another proposal is for the Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo to expedite the ‘E-Justice’ initiative so that electoral cases can be resolved quickly.

    In the interim, it is proposed that parties to a suit be served using digital means such as email, express mail services (EMS), and WhatsApp, as not all courts have been digitized.

    According to the Committee, most Ghanaians use ‘WhatsApp’, therefore, it would be easy to serve people through that platform. According to Justice Bonney, avoidance of services is one of the factors that causes delays in the timely adjudication of parliamentary election petitions.

    He said the existing law required the court to personally serve the person (respondent) against whom an action has been filed.

    And, unless a respondent is physically served, he may argue that he is unaware of any judicial action against him.

    Justice Bonney said some respondents, especially politicians, evade services, which delayed the adjudication process. Therefore, the courts should be allowed to serve respondents through electronic means to expedite the process.

    He urged the EC to ensure that the data it collects from parliamentary candidates includes electronic addresses and contact information so that the courts can use it.

    Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi expressed gratitude to the Judiciary for their efforts and urged stakeholders to consider the proposals for future elections

  • Sally M wins ‘New Artiste of the Year’ at 2023 Western Music Awards

    Abtvgh / WMA

    Following her impressive debut year in the showbiz industry, talented singer, Sally M, known by her birth name as Sally Mugabe Hayfron has been adjudged as the New Artist of the Year at the 2023 Western Music Awards.

    This forms part of Sally M’s incredible performance in her debut campaign in the showbiz industry.

    Sally M featured Ahkan, formerly part of the vibrant Ruff and Smooth fame on her popular tune Feeling which is among the five most streamed songs of Artists from the Western Region concerning Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Fameye and Dope Nation in the year considered.

    Sally M surpassed competition from; Fiffi Latex, Phynex, and Debby Sway among others in the New Artist of the Year category.

    She was nominated for the Highlife Song of the Year category for her single Makoma.

    In an unprecedented year where all three of her songs; Attention Love, Makoma and Feeling earned massive rotations and growth on the digital streaming platforms she’s recognized for such a feat.

  • I’ll retain Ayawaso West Wuogon seat – Lydia Alhassan

    Abtvgh / AWWS

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso West Wuogon and Deputy Majority Whip Lydia Seyram Alhassan has expressed confidence in winning the 2024 election.

    She made this known when she filed her nomination to contest in the upcoming NPP Primaries. She is being challenged by a former youth organiser of the party in the constituency Samuel Owusu Amankwah.

    The MP was accompanied by some constituency executives and delegates who marched through some streets in Dzorwulu to file the nomination.

    In an interview with Citi News after filing her nomination, Lydia Seyram Alhassan noted that delegates will vote for her considering the developmental projects undertaken by her office.

    “First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to my constituents because they are all appreciative of the good work that I am doing and that I have done so far. So for that reason they think and they will never allow any other person to come in now but for me to continue what I am doing.”

    “As you are aware, for the first time in the history of this constituency the issue of land is scarce so putting up a new educational facility such as SHS is very difficult but by the grace of God come March we are commissioning the first SHS in this constituency.

    “We have put up a hospital, we have added more schools, as for roads it is all over. There are astroturfs and more. For this reason, the constituents thought it wise for me to continue what I am doing…I will continue being their humble servant,” she stated.