Day: August 2, 2021

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai has won Africa’s Most Respected CEO in the Telecommunications category at the Africa Most Respected CEO Awards, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The awards celebrated CEOs and senior public officers from Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania in various categories such as agro-processing, automobile franchise sales, ICT, tourism, leisure and recreation, private security services, health, insurance, telecommunications, media, pharmaceuticals, aviation, among others.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr. Surrender Singh Kandhari, the chairman of Al Dobowi Group, and African Chamber for Trade United Arab Emirates said: ‘’The awards are aimed at bringing together business captains, public sector officials and investors in Africa who deserve recognition for accomplishments in their respective areas of endeavor in the COVID-challenged emerging African corporate ecosystem.’’

Patricia’s contribution to the telecommunications industry is unquestionable. In addition to championing various innovations in the industry, she is celebrated for her outstanding leadership during the heights of the pandemic. Under her leadership, Vodafone Ghana introduced remarkable initiatives as part of a comprehensive relief package for Ghanaians.

She is a fierce advocate for technology and continues to emphasize the need for Africa to leverage technological advancement to drive sustainable development and secure its participation in the digital economy.

Patricia reinforced this in her recent OpEd titled ‘Connecting Africa is the Seminal Challenge of our Time’, she said: ‘’To expedite Africa’s economic recovery post-pandemic, the continent must accelerate digitalization and expand regional cooperation.’’ She also called on governments, industry players, and businesses to join Vodafone as it embarks on this campaign.

Patricia is also known for her strong passion for gender issues and interventions that offers economic opportunities to women. Whilst speaking during the United Nations General Assembly last year, she made a call for an urgent solution to end maternal mortality across sub-Saharan Africa, describing it as unacceptable in this age. She also joined other female giants last year at the G7 Partnership on Women’s Digital Financial Inclusion in Africa’s event to deliberate on Catalyzing Digital Financial Services for Women Across Africa.

The Mobile Magazine describes her as the ‘First lady of Mobile’. She has also won several awards including the CEO of the Year at the Ghana Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards (GITTA) as well as the Women Leadership Excellence Awards at the CEO’s Summit and Awards.

Africa’s Most Respected CEOs Awards was held under the theme: ‘The Role of the African Corporate Pace-setters in Maximizing the Opportunities Offered by the AfCFTA.’ The awardees are first selected by public voting for nominees in each category. The awards event was organized by The Business Executive Ltd., an events and media company based in Accra, Ghana.

Source: Ghana Web

Fidelity Bank Ghana in partnership with MDF West Africa has initiated a trade roadshow focused on training Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The various subject matters covered included international trade payment methods and their associated risks; opportunities available in the international trade business, and understanding the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) new clearing process.

This forms part of the Bank’s SME-focused measures to enable businesses to adapt swiftly and navigate the global challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative also ties in with the MasterCard Foundation’s sponsored MSMEs COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Program (MCRRP), which aims to support MSMEs to sustainably diversify their business lines and/or enter new markets.

The MSRP has Pyxera Global as the implementing partner for coordination and quality control with MDF West Africa providing digitization, online and virtual resources, and other Business Development Services (BDS) support.

Other partners of the MCRRP include Scale-up Africa, Global Mamas, and J. A. Venture Capital Investments. The first session of the roadshow under the theme, How to Navigate the International Trade Business Landscape in the Midst of COVID-19 was held at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi, Ghana.

Opening the training session, Gustav Nii Ayi Mokobi Aryee, Head, Commercial Banking of Fidelity Bank Ghana, said, “Commercial businesses and MSMEs are a critical segment of our economy and the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the global supply chain system and by extension, affected international trade where MSMEs mostly operate.

However, we are confident that by equipping our partner MSMEs with the relevant know-how and expertise regarding critical developments in the international trade arena, they will be sufficiently armed to strategize effectively and continue to grow their businesses in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Julia W. Anyanewaa Appiah, Project Manager, MDF West Africa Ltd further elaborated on the objectives of the training roadshow.

She stated, “This training session is geared towards increasing the operational capacity of MSMEs, empowering them to continue operating at or even above pre-COVID-19 levels and ensuring that MSMEs maintain or expand employment levels in spite of the pandemic. Ultimately, the goal is to build capacity among participant MSMEs to enable them to become more resilient to current and future shocks or stressors.”

She also informed participants that they will be enrolled on the MCRRP platform so that their companies can enjoy all the benefits of the program in addition to further training and digitization of their services. A follow-up visit will therefore be made to all the MSMEs for further training and support.

In his presentation, Aaron Ameyaw, Head, Corporate and Transactional Banking Operations of Fidelity Bank Ghana, advised MSMEs to close the trade gap by adopting e-channels like the Fidelity Mobile App, Cheque Scanner, and Fidelity’s Corporate Internet Banking platform. Additionally, he advised MSMEs who are already feeling the pinch of the pandemic to take advantage of interventions such as Fidelity’s trade loans to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on their operations and to assist in expediting their return to buoyancy.

Raymond Amaglo, and Lipton S. Baffour representatives from Ghana Link Network Services Limited, also trained participants on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) Project.

The ICUMS Project is a Government-sponsored initiative where a single service provider has been commissioned to develop and implement end-to-end automated trade facilitation and customs management system.

Mr. Amaglo briefed participants on the various components and processes of ICUMS and encouraged them to take advantage of the system as it reduces the time and cost of doing business for importers and exporters.

Over 70 MSMEs participated in the maiden training session. Representatives of selected MSMEs who were interviewed after the program expressed satisfaction with the session.

Fidelity Bank and MDF West Africa will hold two more training sessions in the ensuing months with a focus on training more MSMEs on international trade and the various digital platforms available to enable them to address the challenges presented by the pandemic.

Source: Ghana Web

The Chairman and sole owner of Ghana Link Services, Nick Danso Adjei, has been honored with Africa’s Business Star of the decade at the just-ended Initiators of Change Foundation Lifetime In A Portrait Award of the Decade 2021 Virtual ceremony held at the studios of GBC One.
The award is in recognition of its positive impact on society and the development of Ghana.

The business mogul was presented a Lifetime in A Portrait Award for his remarkable leadership, drive, and passion for creativity and innovation.

This recognition is the latest among a long list of local and global honors that Nick Danso Adjei has amassed so far in his role as CEO of Ghana link.

Mr. Nick Adjei Danso Adjei happens to be the sole owner and Chairman of the Nick Group of companies including Ghana Link Network Services Limited -ICUMS/ UNIPASS, the Royal Nick Hotels Chain, Nick TC Scan (Ghana and Gambia), ALIC Inspection Company (Sierra Leone), MISYL Energy (BDT) just to mention a few.

Over the years as part of His philanthropic works has donated two incubators to St. Theresa’s Hospital at Nkoranza in the Bono East Region and single-handedly built a mortuary for the hospital which is the only one serving the entire municipality.

The Ejura Government hospital was also at the receiving end of his benevolence as he purchased incubators and completed a medical block at the hospital.

He has also financed the rehabilitation of an 18-kilometer road between Kintampo and Kunsu communities in the Kintampo North Municipality of the Bono East Region.

His quest to bring development and improve security and safety in Ejura and its environs led to him to build a police station & Police Quarters for his people at Nkoranza Bride No1 in between Nkoranza & Ejura in the Bono East Region after receiving several complaints of armed robbery attacks on traders from other parts of the country to Ejura.

About Ghana link network services limited

Ghana Link Network Services Limited is a reputable indigenous African company operating in Ghana with business relationships across the world. Mr. Nick Danso Adjei is the Chairman.

Ghana Link Network Services is an Information Technology Company that provides customized robust and versatile trade facilitation solutions to our clients through continuous innovative business process, and also develop the growth capacity of the countries in which it operates.

In the year 2000, the Destination Inspection Scheme started in Ghana but as a result of the many challenges in implementation and execution by one operator, the government decided to bring additional players.

The government of Ghana opened fresh tenders for more private participation and at the end of the tender process; three additional European companies in addition to Ghana Link were selected and given contracts to operate to do End to End single window for GRA to control with its system.

Ghana Link operated the scheme over the years and has now become the dominant player in the business in Ghana. Ghana Link dominates in the provision of scanners for the scheme to fulfill its obligations.

As a leading indigenous Ghanaian and only African Inspection Company in a business reserved for Europeans, Ghana Link which is now doing business in Gambia, Sierra Leone and continues to do good business and support the government of Sierra Leone and others in the sub region in its efforts at
revenue mobilization aimed at alleviating the plight of suffering masses.

This feat, Nigerian officials tried to replicate in Nigeria but are struggling to implement even though they have sought technical support and knowledge from Korea.

Source: Ghana Web

Tema,- Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten, Member of Parliament for Tema East Constituency has called on the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) to engage experts within the assembly for their technical services.

He gave the assurance that he was prepared to participate in the implementation of the Assembly’s policies and projects to ensure the total development of Tema, to put the assembly on the right direction and cut a chunk of waste in the usage of resources.

Mr Odamtten told the Ghana News Agency at the sidelines of the Second Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the Second Session of the Eighth Assembly of the TMA.

He said that, TMA is endowed men and women of integrity with technical background in various field to support the development of the metropolis, “what is needed is to mobilize and put these experts together to accelerate development”.

The MP who was a former TMA Municipal Chief Executive cautioned: “The Assembly must watch how they duplicate their activities, it is not about the lack of the ability to implement activities, and it is about proper engagement of the right persons at the right places”.

Mr Odamtten entreated all local government service groups to give dedicated service to protect the resources and the needs of future generation and shut down every selfish ambition because the world was talking about sustainable development.

He commended the assembly for their sterling performance in the just ended performance and evaluation by the Local Government Service and encourage all to keep to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s directive on strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.

Mr Odamtten, who is the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Tema East, also called for the collaboration of stakeholders to fast-track the holistic development of the area.

“So far I’m happy and appreciate the level of corporation between my office and leadership of the Assembly to ensure that the constituency receives the needed development, even though we belong to different political persuasions, our supporters must learn from us,” he said.

Mr Odamtten said with support of his team, he had opened a research centre to monitor and inform the Assembly of some available international grants they could take advantage of to get money for specific development projects.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Fashion Connect Africa Garment Factory has donated over 10,000 pieces of nose masks to traders at Tema Station and Makola as part of their one-year anniversary celebrations.

The donation forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to distribute 1million nose masks across the country.

Present at the event was the Welfare Secretary of Tema station Mr. Kweku Ntiri other staff of the transport terminal, and FCA Garment factory.

The CEO of Fashion Connect Africa Victoria Micheals, who made the donation stated that Covid 19 is still hanging around and it is important for everyone to protect themselves from the deadly virus.

Ms. Micheals in her keynote address said: “FCA Garment Factory “is keen to support the nation in diverse ways to help curb the spread of the pandemic.

According to her, FCA Garment Factory has distributed 450,000 nose masks out of their 1million face masks project since September 2020 with the support of their Partners American Chamber of Commerce, Dalex Finance, European Union in Ghana, Linfra Gh Limited, Soccabet just to mention a few. They have also received support from other garment factories who have donated thousands of masks to support this laudable cause.

The Welfare Secretary of Tema station, Mr. Kweku Ntiri , who received the nose masks on behalf of the people of Tema Station expressed his gratitude to FCA Garment Factory for considering people at the Lorry terminal and its environs and indicated the nose masks will go a long way to help stop the spread of COVID-19 virus.

He said, “the face masks will help protect the people at the Lorry station in their daily operations.

About Fashion Connect Africa

Fashion Connect Africa (FCA) is an organization which
was established to help promote African peace, unity, and creative spirit.

Founded by International model and philanthropist, Victoria Michaels, their platform is designed to give global exposure and opportunities to African Fashion creatives regardless of where they are in Africa or its diaspora.

Their annual event creates a networking space that brings together decision-makers, business executives, socialites, diplomats, fashion stakeholders, art enthusiasts, music lovers, celebrities, and members of the diaspora and the international community, to foster mutually beneficial partnerships that will drive African Fashion-forward.

Source: Ghana Web

Sunyani, – Vulganizers operating in the Sunyani Municipality have imposed new charges on vehicle servicing, citing the current economic situation in the country as the cause.

But, the new charges, according to some commercial drivers and motorists were too much, and appealed for some downward adjustments.

During a Ghana News Agency (GNA) survey, the new charges ranged between Gh¢2.00 and Gh¢50.00, depending on the nature of the vehicle.

Abubakari Ussif, a popular Vulgarizer along the Abesim-Sunyani stretch, told the GNA their decision to impose new charges were due to the current economic situation in the country.

He said they now charged GH¢2.00 fee for an inflated saloon car tyre, instead of Gh¢1.00 fee, while charges on commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks ranged between Gh¢5.00 and Gh¢15.00 per tyre.

“Tyre fixing is also going between Gh¢5.00 and Gh¢50.00 depending on the nature of the vehicle”, he added.

But, charges on puncture repairs were also ranging between GH¢5.00 and Gh¢50.00.

Another Vulcanizer along the VRA-SSNIT road spoke to the GNA on condition of anonymity and explained that Vulcanizers in the Municipality held a meeting and agreed on the new charges.

Some of them said they had procured digital pressure gauges, inflators and puncture repair kits to provide quality services to clients.

But, Emmanuel Kofi Ansu, a taxi driver who plied the Sunyani-Abesim stretch, admitted that the vulcanizers had justification for the new charges, the increment was exorbitant, and something ought to be done about it.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Zuarungu (U/E),– Mr Alosibah Akare Azam, the Upper East Regional Population Officer, National Population Council, has called on stakeholders to prioritize reproductive health as a development issue, for improved wellbeing and inclusive development.

He said when stakeholders paid attention to reproductive health issues, women and girls would be empowered to make choices regarding their sexual life leading to the prevention of unplanned pregnancies and ensuring gender parity.

“Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide when and how often to do so,” he said.

Mr Azam was speaking to women groups at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District as part of the activities marking the 2021 World Population Day.

It was held on the theme, “Prioritizing reproductive health is an answer to rights and choices.”

The Regional Population Officer noted that access to reproductive health was a human right which when fully harnessed would help control population growth and reduce the burden on the few existing social amenities and would also ensure that women engaged in economic ventures contribute to national development.

He said when women especially girls had access to reproductive health, it would further contribute to reduction in teenage pregnancies and improve the quality of life.

Mr Azam urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the socio-cultural practices and religious beliefs which affected women and girls’ access to reproductive health rights were addressed.

“Women lack the power to decide about how and with whom they will have sexual relations and whether or when to bear children because some do not have the power to make choices without fear of violence,” he said.

The Regional Population Officer noted that policies and programmes needed to be planned to ensure that women’s rights were respected to enable them contribute immensely to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said, “Indeed, all hands must be on deck to support women to be empowered educationally, economically and politically to exercise choice over their bodies and fertility. When this happens there will be greater progress in society.”

Ms Esther Mbilla, a Public Health Nurse at the Bongo Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, said family planning was one of the effective reproductive health rights was essential for the health of the reproductive organs.

She urged the women to seek for advice from the health facilities to enable them plan their families well to ensure healthy growth and development.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Fashion pundits have viewed Joie De Vivre as one of the classic shows to be organized by one of the Best Fashion Schools in Ghana that trains individuals to become fashion designers in just six (6) months. Joie De Vivre is a 3-hours exciting event that brings together fashion, poetry, live music, and blending colors to celebrate the evolution of style.

Uniquely cut and stitched patterns stylized into leading-edge costumes by Riohs Originate’s four (4) months students cat walked by the students.
The objective of Joie De Vivre (JDV) is a practical assessment of the students’ design and illustration performance in the course so far.

The second objective of JDV is to empower the students. The idea is to explore how the creatives “embody” their own art in the full spirit of charisma to connect with the audience. It is a way to encourage all students to take the course they are pursuing at Riohs Originate seriously and also to let them have a feel in the journey of becoming a renowned fashion designer.

The show witnessed more than five hundred (500) guests in attendance with most of them being fashion enthusiasts, family and friends of students, observers from the Alliance Française community, and the media.

Mr. Richard Ohene Sika who is the Talent Manager responsible for nurturing, coaching, and grooming the students indicated that he was impressed with the combination of fabrics by the students, designs, and ultimately the creative exhibition of the students. The exquisite founder of Ghana’s topmost fashion school bagged Best Fashion Entrepreneur at this year’s edition of Fashion Ghana Honors & Awards proudly organized by Fashion Ghana, the Organizers of Accra Fashion Week.

Riohs Originate has established itself as the Best Fashion School in Ghana providing six months of tuition in fashion design and illustration. The Company is credited and noted for stating the six (6) months course in Fashion Design and Illustration.

This was started about ten years ago and others have followed the path. The Company has been recognized for its outstanding impact in churning out professional Fashion Designers in Ghana and beyond. The school is the most awarded fashion school in Ghana; these are some awards the school has won within the years of operation, Promising School 2016, Best Fashion Institution 2017, Best Fashion Institution 2018, Best Fashion Institution 2019, and Best Fashion Institution 2020.

Source: Ghana Web