Day: December 21, 2021

Accra,- Mr Khalil Hachimi Idrissi, President of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA), has urged African Governments to provide adequate financial assistance to their news agencies to ensure their upgrading and development.

Expressing concern over the wave of fake news on the internet and social networks, he said news agencies must be well-resourced to be able to respond to the emerging concerns and adapt to the technological changes in the media space.

The dissemination of fake news was not only a challenge for news agencies but also for the States, as it undermined the preservation of national sovereignty, Mr Idrissi said.

The FAAPA President expressed his concerns to Ghana News Agency in an interview via email.

The preservation of national sovereignty, he said, must, therefore, involve the consolidation of the public service, strengthening and support of news agencies, which he said were professional structures endowed with ethics and networks.

Mr Mr Idrissi said if the African news agencies developed a dynamic culture of public good, professionalism and cross-checking information, they would be able to reverse the wave of fake news, negatively impacting information dissemination.

“…there is the need to strengthen skills in fact-checking and the fight against fake news, a better training of journalists in the production of innovative content, and the increase in African information on the web through the integration of social networks,” he said.

He, however, noted that the lack of financial and human resources constrained the advancement of many African news agencies.

Mr Idrissi said it had become imperative to rethink the economic model of African news agencies and the written press in general, in the wake of the economic recession occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Established in October 2014, the FAAPA is a professional platform that brings together 30 news agencies and observer members from across the continent.

Its purpose is to promote cooperation and exchange of experiences among African news agencies in all areas of common interest, including information, communication, training, information technology and multimedia products.

Since its formation seven years ago, the Organisation has grown to become one of the largest professional groups on the continent, and a leading aggregator of African news disseminated by the various African news agencies through their websites and the FAAPA website.

The FAAA this year ranked the GNA first among 30 news agencies in Africa in terms of the number of stories contributed to the Organisation’s website.

Data compiled by the FAAPA from January 1 to October 31, 2021, indicate that the contributions of the member agencies to its website were 29,324 news items, a daily average of 96.78.

The GNA delivered 7,716 dispatches, followed by the Ivorian News Agency (AIP) with 5,300 dispatches and the Senegalese News Agency (APS) with 3,820 dispatches.

Mr Idrissi urged the members of the pan-African federation to contribute more to the development of the FAAPA site and to feed it daily with articles and photos.

That, he said, would help to inform internet users around the world and to highlight the activities of African news agencies.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Sefwi-Debeiso(WN/R),- The Sefwi Debeiso Cocoa Clinic in collaboration with other corporate institutions has held a and nine lessons and carols night in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The event, the third of its kind to be organised by the hospital, brought together corporate institutions such as the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) Quality control, Republic Bank, kaaseman Rural Bank, 0Agriculture Development Bank, and staff of license cocoa buying companies in the area.

It was attended by over 400 participants with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

Mr Michael Paddy Kwesi Asumanu, Administrator of the hospital, explained that the event formed part of activities to climax a successful provision of holistic health care to the people of Debeiso and its environs.

According to Mr Asumanu, the Christmas season presented a good opportunity for the hospital to engage in activities that would unite its workers as well as residents in the various communities that they operated.

He said the facility occasionally embarked on outreach programmes in remote communities beyond their catchment areas.

Also, he said the hospital organised health walks and talks, pregnancy and Diabetic school among other things during the year under review to ensure that the people were better served with health information.

Mr Asumanu however debunked the idea that the hospital was expensive saying the cost of services offered at Debeiso were relatively cheaper compared to other Cocoa clinics across the country.

He appealed to the indigenes of Debeiso especially cocoa farmers to continue to patronise the facility as existed to address their health needs by providing them with quality health care.

Dr Solomon Akocharway, Medical Manager at the facility commended participants and noted that the relevance of Christmas was to bring people together and support others, especially the needy.

Some of the participants commended the organisers and ask for more of such events.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra,-The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has advised Ghanaians to observe basic fire safety precautions during the yuletide to prevent undesired fires.

It said the prevailing weather conditions had made everything susceptible to fire hence the need to observe fire safety tips to be safe.

A statement signed by the Acting Chief Fire Officer, Mr Julius A Kuunuor, said Ghanaians needed to ensure that all electrical gadgets were switched and unplugged from the socket when leaving home.

It said vehicle owners must conduct routine early morning checks on their vehicles especially the water and oil levels and ensure that all electrical problems were fixed.

It urged farmers to avoid burning to prepare farm lands and for grazing of cattle, adding that farmers who intended to burn and slash bushes as land preparation for crop cultivation should have Bush Fire volunteers on a stand-by.

It said candles, mosquito coils and lanterns should not be left unattended to especially during the period and cautioned parents not to allow children play with naked flames such as matches, lighter, candles and firecrackers.

It advised that in case a pan catches fire when frying, people should rather use a fire blanket, wet cloth to cover the pan. Once the fire is off, wait for a while before removing the cloth then one could continue with the cooking, it stated.

The statement warned drivers against over-speeding and over-taking to avoid road traffic coalition, due to the poor visibility.

It encouraged beach revelers not to swim beyond the demarcated point as they visited the beaches during the season.

It called on Ghanaians not to hesitate to reach the Fire Service 192/112 during emergency as the Service had put all firefighters, rescuers, as well as all fire fighting appliances in readiness for any eventuality during and after the festive season.

“As Ghanaians, I would like to implore everyone to reflect on how far we have come as a nation, the challenges we have overcome, and ways in which we can collectively address the daunting tasks facing the country in terms of fires and the safety of the nation”, it said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin’s absence in the House on Monday night was not a deliberate attempt to frustrate government business, Deputy Minority Leader, James Klutse Avedzi has said.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, after parliament adjourned sitting to January 18, 2022, Mr. Avedzi said Alban Bagbin’s absence was purely based on health grounds.

He was responding to the Deputy Majority Leader, Afenyo Markin’s claim that Bagbin ‘s absence throughout the first part of last night’s sitting to debate on the e-levy appeared to be part of a grand plan by the minority to frustrate the approval of the e-levy bill.

“He [Afenyo Markin] said Bagbin’s absence was a deliberate act to frustrate government business. That is a complete lie. It is not true. We all know Bagbin just returned from Dubai where he went for medical treatment, and he must obey the instructions of his doctors,” Mr. Avedzi said.

He also dismissed Afenyo-Markin’s claim suggesting that Alban Bagbin had failed to show leadership amid the controversy surrounding the passage of the 2022 budget.

“If Bagbin was not showing leadership, he would have reversed the wrongs by the first Deputy Speaker, but for the fact that he wanted the country to move on, he said he will not do anything to overturn the decisions, so for Afenyo-Markin to say that Bagbin is not showing leadership is very surprising.”

“He is the only person who has served Parliament for 28 good years. Everybody should disregard the comments from Afenyo-Markin in relation to the leadership style of Bagbin.”

The debate on the controversial e-levy bill in Parliament was expected to bring finality to an arguably long-standing disagreement over the 2022 Budget, but it ended up in a brawl as some MPs exchanged blows.

While taking votes on whether the E-levy bill should be taken under a certificate of urgency, the minority got infuriated over an attempt by the presiding Speaker, Joe Osei-Owusu to leave the chair to cast his vote.

The Minority had earlier argued that per parliament’s standing orders, the Speaker of Parliament does not have a casting vote, however, Joe Osei Owusu indicated that he would still vote.

The brawl saw dozens of the opposition parliamentarians exchange fisticuffs with their colleagues on the majority side while some officials of parliament tried to protect the Speaker’s seat and the mace of parliament from being attacked.

However, calm returned moments after, before the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah, adjourned the sitting.

Source: Modern Ghana

Accra, Dec.21, GNA- Mr Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, the Chief Executive Officer, Volta River Authority, has urged staff to help contribute towards enhanced productivity and cost reduction.

Mr Antwi-Darkwa said the Authority was committed to ensuring sustainable growth and would work to mitigate any challenges that might prevent the attainment of goals.

Speaking at a thanksgiving seevice in Accra, Mr Antwi-Darkwa commended the staff for working assiduously to improve the company’s performance despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even though COVID-19 may have slowed down operations of the Authority, it will not stop us from being resilient,” he said.

He said the company would fully embrace technology in its operations in 2022 to compel the Authority to be efficient and competitive.

The Chief Executive said the Authority in March, 2021 presented educational and COVID-19 materials to 30 basic schools in its impacted communities across the country.

In all, 16,000 school children in the 30 schools in the Eastern, Volta, Western, Bono East and Greater Accra regions, will receive a package of items to motivate them to aim high in their educational pursuit while the schools will receive Veronica buckets.

“As part of the Authority’s 60th anniversary, we have immortalized our past leaders by unveiling the life-sized statues of three former chief executives for their significant contributions to the Authority,” he said.

The busts of Dr Emmanuel L. Quartey (1966-1980) and Mr Emmanuel A.K. Kalitsi (1990-1998) were mounted at the Akosombo Generation Plant while that of Dr Louis Casely-Hayford (1980-1990) was erected at the Kpong Generating Station at Akuse in the Eastern Region.

Mr Antwi-Darkwa urged the staff to exhibit a high sense of leadership in 2022 to facilitate organizational, personal and national development.

He wished the staff a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Reverend Dr Joyce Aryee, a Board member of VRA, in a sermon, said the service was to appreciate God for his goodness and love for all the staff of the company.

She said the plans of the company were successful because of the grace of God and prayed for continuous knowledge and blessings on the Authority.

Rev Aryee stated that showing gratitude helped mankind to see God and as well helped us to defy Satan’s lies, saying “thanking God is fundamental especially for everyone who believes in God.”

She advised the staff to eschew all activities that would derail the progress of the company and work in unity and love to advance the growth of the company.

The staff took turns to read four lessons from the Bible and prayed for the company, themselves and the nation.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra,- Michael Kwei Nunoo, a Cleaner, who stole five Dell Optiplex (All-in-one) computer sets valued GHC70, 000, belonging to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by an Accra Circuit Court. Nunoo, charged with stealing, pleaded guilty.

The Court, presided over by Mr K.K.Obiri Yeboah, convicted Nunoo on his own plea.

According to the Court, it took into consideration the fact that the accused was a “family man” who had children, aged three and a year.

It noted that when the accused was granted bail by the Police, he voluntarily came to court and the fact that the computers were also retrieved.

The Court, however, noted that the offense preferred against the accused was a felony, and sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment in hard labour.

Nunoo shed tears over the conviction.

Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Dennis Terkpertey, said the complainant was Mr Paul O. Annan, the Greater Accra Sector Command of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Chief Inspector Terkpertey said the accused, now a convict, was a casual worker stationed at JamesTown, Accra Sector, GRA and a resident of Chorkor.

The prosecution said on or before August 19, this year, the Office (GRA) detected the theft of five brand new Dell (all-in-one) Optiplex computers valued at GHC70,000 allocated to the James-Town Collection Point by the Authority, which were to be installed.

The prosecution said the matter was reported to the Police and investigations led to the arrest of Nunoo.

It said during interrogation, Nunoo said he had sold the five computers to one Abeka at a shop in Chorkor for GHC1,000.

The prosecution said when he led the Police to the said Abeka, his shop had been closed and he could not be traced.

However, the accused family members “produced” the five computers.

The prosecution said efforts were being made to arrest the said Abeka for dishonestly receiving.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Koforidua, – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Eastern Region has launched the 2021 anti-bushfire campaign and passing-out ceremony of fire volunteers, praising fire volunteers for helping to decrease fire outbreaks in the region.

This year’s anti-bushfire campaign was themed: “Bush fires, a menace to planting for food and jobs, consolidating food systems in Ghana,” highlighting the importance of preventing fires for food security.

Ms Jennifer N. Y. Quaye, Regional Commander of Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), said about 1.7 million hectares of land got burnt in the early months of 2021 in Ghana during the Harmattan season, a period between January and March.

This figure is buttressed by the Global Forest Watch.

She urged all Ghanaians to refuse burning, group haunting, burning of farm slashes, cattle rearing, smoking and honey harvesting.

These activities have been identified as some of the leading root causes of bush fires, which when avoided could help safeguard Ghana’s vegetation.

Ms Quaye, talking about the effects of bushfires, said could cause multiple direct impacts on the lives and properties, water resources and indirectly on government budgets.

“Bush fires can also cause loss of lives to humans and animal alike, erosion and subsequent sedimentation of creeks and wetlands,” she said.

“As such, bush fires does not end with direct on the affected but everyone bears some inevitable consequences,” she added. And for that reason urged Ghanaians to make it a collective responsibility to fight against bush fires and not to leave it in the hands of firefighters alone.

Records show that there were 559 total bush fires in the past year with which bush fires were 165 representing the highest categories of fire outbreaks in the Eastern Region.

But, this year, bush fires decreased from 165 to 22, according to GNFS, from January to March which represents 87 per cent decrease from the 90 per cent total fire outbreaks in 2020.

Ms Quaye said attributed the decrease to hard-working fire volunteers who dedicated their lives, time and efforts to support the Ghana National Fire Service and other stakeholders in the fight against bush fires.

She, therefore, thanked fire volunteers for their assistance in controlling, reducing and managing bush fires within the region.

Ms Comfort Asante, MCE, New Juaben North Municipal Assembly, who spoke on behalf of the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Acheampong, also congratulated the fire volunteers.

He further commended the regional fire commander and her team for the impressive campaign and passing out ceremony for the fire volunteers.

“The campaign also enables us to respond effectively and timely to the incidents of bushfires and help to do quick assessment of damage caused by bushfires to the environments, lives and properties,” she said.

She said the theme for the event resonated well with the planting for food and jobs initiative, “arguably, one of the most popular and well educated flagship programme of Nana Akuffo Addo.”

The government launched a countrywide food programme to promote food security and ensure immediate availability of food crops for the market and also provide jobs for the teeming unemployed.

The MCE said bush fires were inimical to the planting for food and jobs programme and therefore called on stakeholders, particularly farmers, headsmen, palm wine tappers and game hunters to be very cautious of their activities.

She encouraged municipal and district assemblies, traditional authorities to come out with by-laws to control activities that spark bush fires.

Nana Baffuor Nyantakyi Tutu Boateng, Kontihene for New Juaben Traditional Area, who chaired the event, also advised Ghanaians not to take bush fires as a joke as their effects could destroy the government policy on planting for food and jobs and lead to severe hunger as it was in 1983.

He also called on everyone to help fire volunteers in their work towards the prevention of fire outbreaks but added the volunteers must be well resourced with the requisite firefighting equipment and tools.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Emirates in Ghana is closing 2021 on a high, picking up five accolades from prestigious business associations and media outlets in the country. The annually held awards were based on nominations and votes from industry leaders and customers, providing top marks to the airline for its high business standards, professionalism, market competitiveness, award-winning service and product, customer service, and innovations during this unprecedented period for the industry.

In May, Emirates was recognized as Outstanding Airline Company of the Year by Ghana’s West Africa Business Excellence Award. The airline was also honored as International Airline Brand of the Year at the 2021 Ghana Business Standard Awards in August.

In October, the airline received two gongs, which included the Outstanding Customer Service Award at the 2021 National Customers Choice Awards Ghana and Airline of the Year International at the 4th Ghana Business Awards. The most recent award was Premium Quality Global Airline Brand of the Decade at the 5th Global Business Quality Awards 2021 that happened in November.

Emirates Country Manager for Ghana and Ivory Coast, Catherine Wesley reflecting on the year said, “We are honored and humbled to be recognized by the industry and business community, as well as travelers in Ghana with five awards in 2021.

It’s particularly meaningful that this recognition came during the most challenging period in our history when the warm hospitality and top-notch service delivered by our teams every day made a difference for our customers.

As we move into recovery, our people-first actions will continue to drive our decisions and build on the trust earned during the pandemic.”

Wesley added: “Providing a memorable journey through a digital-first experience and introducing seamless travel solutions is an important part of our business moving forward. We will continue to exceed expectations as we welcome passengers onboard during this festive season, connecting them to family and friends, whilst prioritizing their health and safety throughout their journey.”

In the past year, Emirates introduced multiple customer-centric innovations for a seamless and safe journey. The airline has introduced a comprehensive set of safety measures and was the first to implement the IATA Travel Pass across six continents and the world’s first complete biometric journey, which now includes over 30 biometric cameras in active operation at its Dubai airport hub, from check-in counters to the entrances of its First and Business Class lounges and at select boarding gates.

Additionally, the airline has introduced the option of self-check-in and bag drop kiosks for all customers, with six stations in its Business and First Class check-in area, and 24 in the Economy Class check-in area at Dubai International Airport.

Emirates continues to lead the industry with innovative products and services and recently took its customer care initiatives further with even more generous and flexible booking policies, which have been extended to 31 May 2022, Covid-19 medical travel insurance, and is helping loyal customers retain their miles and tier status.

Since it safely resumed tourism activity in July 2020, Dubai remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, especially during the winter season. The city is open for international business and leisure visitors. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world-class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences.

It was one of the world’s first cities to obtain the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.

Dubai is currently hosting the world for Expo 2020, happening between October 2021 and March 2022. Through the theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, Expo 2020 Dubai aims to inspire people by showcasing the best examples of collaboration, innovation, and cooperation from around the world.

Source: Ghana Web