Day: October 27, 2021

Standard Chartered Bank PLC has marked 125 years of operation in Ghana and commits to using its unique capacity to connect capital, people, ideas and best practices, both locally and globally backed by our network to address the significant socio-economic challenges and opportunities facing the world today.

The Bank started its operations in 1896 as the Bank of British West Africa (BBWA) and has pioneered the development of financial markets in Ghana and supported the socio-economic development of Ghana by putting its capital behind the opportunities to develop the country.

The Bank has over the years focused on being client-centric, supporting its clients to grow and protect their wealth and providing digitised banking services through increased investments in technology. A technology-savvy bank that is small enough to be nimble, yet big enough to be relevant

To mark the anniversary celebrations Mrs. Mansa Nettey, Chief Executive of the Bank voiced her gratitude to clients and all stakeholders for their support and loyalty. ‘As we mark this milestone we celebrate our clients and shareholders who have been with us throughout the years for their loyalty and continuous feedback.’

“Over the last 12 decades we have been pioneers of international trade and investment, connecting companies, institutions and individuals to some of the world’s fastest growing and most dynamic regions and facilitating the flow of capital to where it is needed most to drive commerce and prosperity however the bank can do more.” She added that with this milestone anniversary, the Bank is pivoting to lead with our purpose and taking a stand by setting long-term ambitions to address the significant socio-economic challenges facing humanity and channel our resources to solve them. Hence the bank has embarked on a new strategic direction that draws on our core capabilities in alignment to our purpose and brand promise “Here for Good .

There are various activities lined up to mark the anniversary including a Digital Banking, Innovation & Fintech Festival on 3rd and 4th November and a number of community engagement initiatives including planting 1250 trees at the Ramsar Site, supporting 1250 young ladies from low income communities in the Greater Accra, Western, Northern and Ashanti regions with Employability Skills. Additionally employees will volunteer their time and skills to teach financial education to young people and also offer digital Master classes to MSMEs.

Source: Ghana Web

Vodafone Ghana has pledged to continuously provide innovative and quality services to its clientele base and build on the brand’s visibility throughout the country.

Ms. Tawo Bolarin, the Director of Enterprise Business Unit and Wholesale of Vodafone, said there was going to be a lot more engagement to promote and get more people to love and recognize the brand.

Briefing the media in Kumasi ahead of the 64th Asantehene’s Golf Tournament, she said the company would deliver unmatched experiences and innovative products and services to customers.

Vodafone’s involvement in the Tournament, over the last five years, had given the company the opportunity to bring a bigger focus in terms of businesses into the Ashanti Region, Ms. Bolarin said.

“It is a partnership that continues to produce great dividends for our customers and stakeholders in the region, through our products, services, and our community initiatives,” she said.

Golf had been part of the Ghanaian fabric for so many years, Ms. Bolarin said, and for Vodafone customers, it was an avenue for effective business interactions, promotion of physical fitness, and general well-being.

Activities to mark the Tournament include a free hotspot at the Airport for customers and golfers arriving for the event, digital skills training for some selected teachers in the region, and special discounts for customers at specific eateries and pubs when they paid with Vodafone Cash.

The Vodafone Foundation, Ms. Bolarin said, had impacted more than 100,000 lives in Ashanti in the areas of health, education, coding programs, and other social impacts for communities.

Again, it had grown its customer base in the region in terms of the number of services it provided to both businesses and consumers whereas the brand bonding had increased substantially in the last five years, she said.

Vodafone Business would provide about 50 websites to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), one of its key focuses, to help them grow beyond geographical boundaries in contemporary times.

It had also trained more than 400 SMEs on better business management, MS Bolarin said.

Source: Ghana Web

Kyebi (E/R),– Dr Eugene Owusu, the Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has presented the Kyebi Declaration on Climate Change to the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin at the Ofori Panin Palace in Kyebi in the Eastern Region.

The presentation took place at a grand Climate Change Durbar of the Chiefs and People of the Akyem Abuakwa State, which was also attended by Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, Kwahuhene/President of the Kwahu Traditional Council; Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi, President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area; and a delegation of chiefs from Asanteman.

The Kyebi Declaration dubbed: “The Kyebi Declaration: A call for increased urgency for Climate Actions with Local Communities”, was issued at the end of a two-day Royal Dialogue on Climate Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which was held from 26th to 27th October at the Ofori Panin Palace in Kyebi.

The Declaration aims to act as a catalyst for increased urgency to accelerate Climate Action in Ghana and to secure strong commitments to pursue adaptation and mitigation options that will put Ghana on the path to achieve net zero emissions before 2050.

People who participated in the dialogue included government officials, traditional leaders, local communities, religious leaders, development partners, non-governmental organizations, civil society, youth, the academic community, the business community, and all spheres of life across Ghana.

The overarching objective of the Royal Dialogue is to provide a forum for reflection and dialogue on Climate Action and the SDGs, and define collective actions at the sub-national level to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and Ghana’s commitment under the Paris Agreement.

The pre-26th United Nations Climate Change conference (pre-COP26) event under the patronage of Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin is being organized by the SDGs Advisory Unit, Office of the President, and the Okyeman Environment Foundation.

The Declaration called for the mobilisation of traditional leaders to lead climate and sustainable development actions in their local communities.

It urged the empowerment of traditional rulers through sensitization, training, and capacity building to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the climate change phenomenon and available adaptation and mitigation actions.

It also called for support for traditional rulers to implement climate actions and sustainable development programs that align with the SDGs and with broader community-based efforts to eliminate poverty.

Furthermore, the Declaration called for the strengthening of local governance to make them effective and functional in their roles as local level climate action leaders.

“We reaffirm the fact that climate change is the most pressing human challenge of our time and that it presents a formidable obstacle to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals; we also re-emphasize that meaningful climate actions must be aligned with broader actions to eliminate poverty; and that, taking actions for the climate is no longer a choice or a future endeavour; it is an urgent requirement whose future is now.,” it said.

“We call on the government of Ghana to share this declaration at COP26 Conference in Glasgow and to ensure that the world hears our voices, our concerns, and our commitment to join the rest of the global community to explore transformational possibilities.”

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin said Climate Change had serious consequences on human lives, and that it was affecting human health by making the air that they breath less healthy.

He said there was nothing like designer air, stating that the same air was found across the globe.

He appealed to Ghanaians to conserve biodiversity, streams, rivers, and water bodies as part of efforts to mitigate the effect of Climate Change.

Dr Owusu noted that the voices of traditional rulers on Climate Change would be presented by the Government at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow, Scotland.

He commended the Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin for his huge contributions towards combating Climate Change and in addressing environmental challenges.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra,- Mr Ambrose Dery, the Minister of Interior, has advised the newly-constituted Board for the National Identification Authority (NIA) to expand operations of the Authority across the country.

He said reliable data on identities of all persons would positively impact the country’s security operations and charged the Board to get the services to the doorsteps of the populace.

Dr Dery gave the advice on Wednesday in Accra during the inauguration of the 10-member newly-constituted Board.

He restated government’s commitment to a reliable, accurate, and credible National Information System towards the digitisation of the local economy and urged the NIA to lead the charge.

Mr Abel Adusei, Chairman of the Board commended the government for the confidence and pledged the readiness of the Board to deliver on its mandate.

He said the Authority had registered over 15 million adult population out of the target of 18.4 million and said the exercise would be completed in the coming months.

Members of the committee are: Prof Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, Executive Secretary, National Identification Authority; Dr John Ofori-Tenkorang, SSNIT Representative; Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, Government Statistician; Mr Amisshadai Owusu-Amoah, Commissioner, Ghana Revenue Authority; and Mr Kwame Asuah-Takyi, Director General, Ghana Immigration Service,

The rest are: Dr Lydia Dsane Selby, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Insurance Authority; Mr Seth Kissi, Acting Registrar, Births and Deaths Registry; Prof Anthony Panin and Prof Olivia Anku- Tsede, presidential nominees.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The innovative TV show, “Touch of France”, hosted by He Anne Sophie Ave, Ambassador of France to Ghana, was awarded “TV show of the year” at Ghana Media and Entrepreneurship awards ceremony.

“Touch of France” is weekly infotainment showing French culture and language and also showcases the cultural exchange between both countries. Each episode addresses a different theme and explores the contribution of France to the said them. The program also unveils the collaborations of France with Ghana in relation to the theme of the week.

Season One, which aired from November 2020 to February 2021, highlighted diverse themes ranging from football, health, fashion to gastronomy, business, music, or holidays. Currently, in its second season, another set of areas like literature, cars, SDGs, heritage, diplomacy, languages, or dance are the focus of discussion and currently airs on GHOne, Metro TV, and OMY TV.

What makes the show popular is the choice of addressing the subjects with invited Ghanaian celebrity guests who share both their views on the theme of the episode and their experience of France and the French language.

Season One featured beloved Ghanaian stars like Sarkodie, Becca, Bola Ray, Anita Erskine, Marcel Desailly and Abedi Pele, Juliet Ibrahim, among many others. The special final episode hosted no other than HE Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana.

Season Two displays a new setup adds new segments like tourism, cooking, a Ghanaian in France, and music, and welcomes new guests among which Stonebwoy, John Dumelo, Jackie Appiah, Kalsoume Sinare, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor or Ghana’s favorite bloggers!

Each episode concludes with an interactive quiz challenging viewers with the French language and offers rewards from dinners in a French restaurant to a round trip to France!

“Touch of France” is co-produced by the French Embassy and Empire Protocol and financed by French and Ghanaian partnering companies in Ghana. Directed by Platinum Live Ghana, recorded in Accra, “Touch of France” is fully “made in Ghana.”

Touch of France, every Sunday at 12.30 pm on GHOne; 1 pm on Metro TV, and 1 pm on OMY TV.

All replays available on https://www.youtube.com/c/TouchofFranceGH
For more information or ITVs, contact 0248633373

Source: Ghana Web

Accra,- This year’s National conference of Presiding Members will be held at Koforidua in the Eastern Region, Mr Joseph Korto, National Dean of Presiding members has said.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Korto said the conference, which would be held from November 10 to 13, is expected to be addressed by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament and Mr Dan Botwe, Minister of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development.

Others are; Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, CEO of the Jospong Group of companies, Dr. Joseph Oppong Siaw and the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Irene Naa Torshie Addo Lartey.

The rest are the Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Siriboe, Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong and some members of the diplomatic Corps.

The conference will bring together Presiding Members from all the 260 district Assemblies across the country.

Theme for the conference is” Ghana’s digital revolution for a bright future: Role of Local Assemblies.”

Mr Korto said the Vice President had always been supportive in the governance system and his presence at the conference would help in deepening democratic governance at the grassroot levels.

“For Vice President Bawumia, he is being, “the champion of Ghana’s digital age. Arguably, Dr. Bawumia has been the most innovative Vice President in the history of Ghana. We Presiding Members and Assembly Members in general have not lost sight of the fact that he is setting higher standards for the Vice Presidency and we appreciate him for it.”

He said Speaker Bagbin had been a pivot of Parliamentary democracy, having established his legacy as the longest serving MP of Ghana’s Parliament and one of the few longest serving MPs in Africa, only to pick up an even higher duty of service as Speaker of Parliament.

“Naturally as Speaker, he is the father to Presiding Members and indeed all Assembly Members and we his children want him to know that we are proud of his impeccable service so far.”

He also hailed the Speaker for his stance on the LGBTQI debate saying Speaker Bagbin, has stood up for the interest of the country and its culture in spite of heavy diplomatic pressure.

“We stand with you sir, in this stance. As Assembly Members, we share the view that the culture of our people frowns on the LGBTQI lifestyle and therefore must not be legalized in our country.”

Source: Ghana News Agency

Newmont Ghana swept six awards at the prestigious 2021 HR Focus Awards, celebrating excellence in human resource management. The gold mining industry leader was adjudged the Overall Best Organization in HR Practice.

The company won across multiple categories including the Best HR Practice in Energy and Natural Resources, Best Organization in Learning and Development Practice, Best Organization in Localization, Best Organization in HR Information Systems, and Best Organization in Diversity and Inclusion.

Hosted at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on the theme: Global Changes: Preparing People and Culture for the Next Decade, the biennial HR Focus Awards identifies, recognizes, and honors organizations that have harnessed a tradition of best practices in Human Resource Management. The event also provides a platform for HR practitioners to network and celebrate their achievements.

Regional Senior Vice President (RSVP) for Newmont Africa, Francois Hardy, said the recognitions are a testament to Newmont’s commitment to putting people first and at the heart of its operations.

“These awards reinforce our commitment to fostering an enabling and inclusive work environment for our talented and engaged workforce to help sustain our superior business performance,” he said.

“The awards also acknowledge the innovative strategies and initiatives deployed amid the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our employees safe, engaged, and productive.”

Regional Vice President – Human Resources, Awo Quaison-Sackey, said the multiple awards will motivate her team to continue pursuing talent management excellence and enhancing workplace experience. “We are pleased our efforts at improving the value of our workforce have been externally validated by these awards. We will continue striving to provide our workforce with career and personal growth opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our business and industry at large.”

Over the years, Newmont Ghana has demonstrated industry leadership in attracting and developing the next generation of mining professionals with multiple talent acquisition programs including its Graduate Development Programme and New Futures for Girls Leadership initiative for young promising and diverse talents to train, mentor, and expose them to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The company also runs the Apprenticeship and Learnership Programmes to provide opportunities in mine maintenance, mine process, and heavy truck operations for semi-skilled youth from its Ahafo and Akyem mine host communities.

According to the company, these initiatives align with its strategy of contributing to the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 – promoting decent work and economic growth for all by 2030.

“We are proud of these laurels and will continue to consolidate our reputation as a leading employer of choice by further enhancing our workplace experience, maintaining a diverse, motivated, and productive workforce even through these challenging times in a global pandemic,” Mr. Hardy concluded.

Source: Ghana Web

Accra,- Upfield, the largest plant-based consumer products company in the world, has continued its advocacy on good nutrition with the commemoration of the annual Better Breakfast Day.

In line with this, the company donated Blue Band products to the pupils of De Youngster’s International School in Accra.

The Better Breakfast Day is used as a foremost global event to advocate the consumption of nutritious, delicious, and plant-based food.

These were contained in a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, on Wednesday, October 27.

It said Upfield took the opportunity to encourage the consumption of a healthy breakfast, while creating memorable moments for the children at De Youngster’s in celebration of Upfield West Africa’s 3rd anniversary.

Speaking about the initiative, Motola Oyebanjo, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Africa and Middle East at Upfield, said that the school visit and donations were part of Upfield and Blue Band’s efforts to promote the importance of good nutrition.

This is to, particularly, ensure a healthy start and better learning outcomes for school-aged children.

She said, “Good nutrition, and especially a good breakfast, has been identified to have several benefits, including how it contributes to the cognitive development of children, improving their learning outcomes in school and their general growth and wellbeing.”

“In celebration of Upfield West Africa’s 3rd anniversary and the Better Breakfast Day… we are taking the opportunity to share these benefits along with our Blue Band products with school children across West Africa.”

During the visit, Upfield’s Country Head of Sales in Ghana, Paul Dowuona, noted: “The message we take along with us to our communities is one of healthy living, good nutrition, and the importance of being kind to the earth, which are key parts of what Upfield and Blue Band stand for.

“It is a privilege for us to engage with the future generation because their minds carry endless possibilities. We want to play our role in their success story by supporting parents to grow healthy and happy kids starting with a good breakfast and good nutrition.”

While appreciating the Upfield team, the Assistant Head Administration, De Youngster’s International School, Kevin King stated: “We commend the effort of Upfield for being at the forefront of making people in our local communities understand the importance and benefits of healthy nutrition towards improving our wellness and growth and benefits for learning outcomes of children.”

Upfield prides itself with making people healthier and happier with great tasting, plant-based nutrition products that are better for the planet.

A global plant-based company, Upfield is the premier producer of plant-based spreads and cheeses with more than 100 brands.

The brands include Flora™, Rama, Blue Band, Proactiv, Becel, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Country Crock and Violife.

With headquarters in Amsterdam, it sells its products in more than 95 countries and have 15 manufacturing sites throughout the world. It employs more than 4200 Associates.

Source: Ghana News Agency