Day: February 16, 2024

Professor Boateng Onwona-Agyemang, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences at the University of Ghana, has urged African governments to invest more in developing robust digital platforms across the continent to promote social and economic growth.

Speaking at the inaugural Studentpreneur Africa Festival on Thursday at the University of Ghana in Accra, he pressed them to make the internet more accessible, affordable, and reliable to promote digital inclusion.

The Institute of Applied Science and Technology at the University of Ghana, the University of Ghana Computing Systems, and Springfield Events are organizing the two-day event to address emerging issues in education, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

It also aims to find practical solutions to the current global financial problems, as well as the high unemployment rate among Sub-Saharan African youth.

The event is on the theme: ‘Boundless Prospects for Africa’s Future Frontrunners: Technology, Sustainability and Innovatio
n.’

Prof. Onwona-Agyemang stated that strong digital platforms for business registration and robust digital tax filing systems were critical for boosting entrepreneurship in Africa.

However, he pointed out that many rural and underserved populations in Africa lacked access to the Internet, limiting their ability to participate in the digital economy.

According to an African Development Bank (AfDB) report, women in Africa’s rural areas are disproportionately affected by the digital divide, with a mere four per cent having internet access.

‘Connectivity is, therefore, a critical pillar of digital inclusion,’ Prof Onwona-Agyemang added.

Prof. Onwona-Agyemang also emphasized the importance of making digital tools and resources more available to bridge the digital divide and allow people in rural and underserved places to take part fully in the digital economy.

He encouraged African governments to continue to advance digital inclusion so that everyone gets access to the digital tools and resources required t
o thrive in the digital economy.

Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology, stated that Ghana and Africa’s future was dependent on their ability to harness the endless possibilities of technology.

‘As we move forward, embracing digital advancements, we unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and transformation.

‘Whether it’s leveraging artificial intelligence, blockchain, or renewable energy solutions, technology is our compass toward progress,’ he stressed.

Prof Dodoo-Arhin challenged student entrepreneurs to be innovative and create solutions that address contemporary employment situations.

‘As student entrepreneurs, dare to dream beyond the ordinary. Innovate in healthcare delivery, agribusiness, education, and beyond.

‘Disrupt the status quo! Seek inspiration from our rich cultural heritage, blend it with cutting-edge knowledge, and create solutions that resonate with our people,’ he admonished.

Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro-Vice Chancellor,
Research, Innovation and Development), University of Ghana stated that the festival was in line with the institution’s goal to equip students with more practical skills to help them prepare for and enter the world of work.

He stated that over the last three years, the Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID) had increased its commitment to fostering an innovative culture and promoting entrepreneurship at the University.

ORID, he said, had also strengthened the capacity of the Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Services Team (TTIPs) to provide technical support to the innovation ecosystem.

He asked students to harness their might to tear down barriers, bridge divides, and develop solutions that would resound globally.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Public Health Association (GPHA) has called for the strengthening of regulatory policies to prevent the entry of hazardous food products onto the Ghanaian market.

There should be an efficient system in place to thoroughly check imported food products to help identify and reject unwholesome ones from entering the markets.

Mr James McKeon Amoah, Project Lead of ‘Assuring Healthier Diets in Ghana through Food-based Policies,’ who made the call, said there was the need for effective public health policy aimed at ensuring healthier diets and good health.

Mr Amoah, after a public float in some principal streets in Kumasi, said the association was implementing the Healthier Diets for Healthier Lives Project to help protect the public from hazardous foods.

The float was to create awareness and educate the public on dangers associated with toxic, and unwholesome food items on the market.

He said the project also sought to advocate for policies that would help impose heavy taxes on food items, which con
tained poisonous elements, and a reduction of taxes on healthier food products.

Mr Amoah attributed the prevalence of diseases such as diabetes and kidney diseases among Ghanaians, to the consumption of foods that were high in sugar and salt.

He said when stringent policies were adopted and implemented, they would surely eliminate some food products that affected healthy lifestyles.

Mrs Cynthia Asante, a Dietician at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, urged the government to strengthen the policy on food labelling to regulate verified and unverified food items in the system.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Commonwealth Day 2024 will be observed on Monday March 11, under the theme ‘One Resilient Common Future,’ Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland has announced.

A statement issued by the Commonwealth Secretariat indicated the Day would start with many events and activities, such as faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated yearly by people across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe in pursuit of sustainability and peace among the over 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens.

‘Each year, we observe Commonwealth Day to recognise, celebrate and invigorate our 56 member states, all of whom are committed to the Commonwealth Charter. This year’s theme underscores the collective strength that enables us to confront and overcome present challenges, emerging with resilience. This paves the way for a future where wealth is not just widespread but genuinely equitable.

‘We have countries which
are amongst both the smallest and largest in the world. What binds us together is our shared values, and those include a commitment to ensuring stronger and stable governance, a more sustainable environment, robust economies, and societies that empower Commonwealth citizens,’ the Secretary-General said.

On behalf of the Commonwealth, Secretary-General Scotland wished His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, a complete and fast recovery.

The statement indicated that countries would commemorate the Day by reading the Commonwealth Proclamation, hosting celebratory events, or devoting the week to educating citizens about the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Secretariat’s website will serve as a central hub, providing free and accessible resources to support these activities.

According to the statement, a reception would be held in London, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, to welcome invited representatives from across the Commonwealth.

‘Additionally, a vibrant multicultural, mult
i-faith service at Westminster Abbey on 11 March will celebrate the rich tapestry of the Commonwealth’s people, history, and culture.

The event promises reflections, performances, and readings by individuals spanning the diverse nations of the Commonwealth. Each year, one of the highlights of Commonwealth Day is the procession of Commonwealth flags at Westminster Abbey, with young flag bearers representing each of the 56 member states,’ the release noted.

This year’s Commonwealth Day events would also include a contingent of Speakers and Presiding Officers from the Commonwealth countries, UK Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies, and the UK nations, specially invited by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK.

During Commonwealth Week in March, world leaders, foreign ministers, young advocates, and other Commonwealth delegates will convene for wide-ranging discussions.

Together, they will deliberate and decide on collective actions to solve shared challenges while suggesting in
itiatives that empower people, encourage growth, and bring transformative change.

One of these initiatives is the declaration of the Commonwealth Year of Youth, which has put a focus on increasing projects to support the 1.5 billion young people of the Commonwealth.

The statement said that this year’s Commonwealth Day theme reflects the focus of the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be held in Samoa in October 2024.

On April 26, 2024, the 75th Anniversary of the modern Commonwealth will also be celebrated.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Lambert Kuyorwu, Hohoe Municipal Director, National Service Scheme (NSS), has called on Service personnel in the Municipality to be disciplined at their respective workplaces especially those in the classrooms since they were ‘role models’ to school pupils and others who could not go to school.

He urged them to be punctual to work and abide by the rules and regulations of their respective workplaces, adding that anyone who wanted to absent themselves from work should follow the proper laid down procedures.

Mr Kuyorwu was addressing personnel at this year’s orientation and election of 2023/2024 executives of the Hohoe chapter of National Service Personnel Association (NASPA), and said, National Service was mandatory regardless of whether one attended a private or public tertiary institution.

He said certain actions and inactions by personnel could be considered offences such as refusal or failure of a Ghanaian citizen to be engaged by the scheme and the act of prospective personnel lobbying to be posted
to be place of their choice.

Mr Kuyorwu said personnel should take good care of their rented apartment to make way for other personnel in years ahead as well as make good use of the small allowances given to them.

He called on the personnel to dress properly to work, report any challenge they had come across to the NSS offices for redress, check, print, sign and submit their monthly validation form at the office on time.

Mr Kuyorwu said NASPA was created to enable the NSS to cater for welfare issues of personnel and serve as a platform to give voice to the personnel at the district level.

He urged the personnel to fully participate in all activities that they might be called upon to do, such as blood donation exercises, health education, and sanitation campaigns.

Mr Kuyorwu said the NSS was formed after the massive brain drain and economic recession in Ghana following the 1972 coup d’état, when about 2000 graduate students in the University of Ghana, Cape Coast and Kumasi proposed to serve the country fo
r a period of one year in gratitude for the support they received during their education.

‘Following that, a National Revolution Council Decree 208 was made in September 1973 to establish the scheme. It was later revised as National Service Act 426 in 1989.’

He noted that Scheme had an aim of deploying fresh graduates to ensuring that priority sectors of the economy never lack the requisite human resources needed for development.

Mr Kuyorwu said the Scheme effectively deployed an average of 125,000 from 150 public and private tertiary institutions annually beginning November and ending October of ensuing year.

He said it was with the vision of leadership in youth service and to mobilise and deploy Ghanaian citizens 18-years and above for national development respectively.

Mr Kuyorwu said one advantage of being a Service personnel was that at the end, one who successfully completed their Service received certification which in turn facilitate their employment as both local and foreign employers considered
the certificate as a requisite for job offers.

Mrs Janet Valerie Datsa-Agbotse, Hohoe Municipal Director of Education urged the personnel to focus on their aim of being personnel and put-up a a positive attitude towards serving the nation.

The personnel also elected the following as their executives; Master Nelson Paramount Eli, President, Master Enyan Stanis Kwesi, Vice President, Master Abdulai Sulemana, General Secretary, Miss Mercy Adjei Adumatta, Financial Secretary and Miss Naomi Fevlo, Women’s Commissioner.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Paul Osei Agyepong, Assembly Member for Teshie Estate Electoral Area, has assured residents to step up security in the area.

He said: ‘Security remains my topmost priority. I will also engage some members of the community to serve as bodyguards to protect the citizenry in the evening till 1200 hours. Any motor rider who will be found after 1200 hours will be handed over to the police for questioning.’

He added: ‘The security of the people is very necessary; a lot of people have had their bags and phones snatched from them at night when street lights were not available.

‘The situation could get out of hand if nothing is done about it and that is one of my priorities in terms of development in the community.’

Mr Agyepong gave the assurance in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), after he was sworn in, together with others who won the just ended District Level Elections, into the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly.

Mr Agyepong said the area had recorded unfortunate incidents of robbery attacks in so
me parts of the community, especially in the Teshie Nungua Estates.

The robberies occurred at night.

Mr Agyepong expressed commitment to provide streetlights in various parts of the community to prevent such cases and ensure the security and safety of the people and property.

The Assembly Member promised to mobilse community members to always keep the communities clean while promoting good health.

‘While the government is doing its part, we can also organize ourselves to desilt our gutters and clear filth in the communities. The communal labour spirit some years ago can also be revived in our communities to ensure cleanliness,’ he said.

Some parts of the community have no drains, people throw water on the streets, creating a mess.

‘With the support from community members I will mobilise some resources and construct more drains to solve issues of flooding and ensure sanity in the communities,’ Mr Agyepong said.

On sports development, Mr Agyepong, before he was elected as an Assembly Member, had already
constructed an astroturf park to serve the community and its environs for sporting and other recreational activities.

His soccer team, known as the Teshie Estate Soccer Academy, is currently training young boys as professional players within the community.

‘Anyone passionate about football must be affiliated to an academy to exhibit their talent in addition to other paid jobs and earn a livelihood,’ he advised.

Other plans Assembly Man promised to be executed are the renovation of a dilapidated public toilet, serving the community and its environs, acquisition of a piece of land for a market and a lorry station for the area.

He announced that plans to renovate access roads in the community were far advanced and called on members of the community to be cooperative and assist him as he embarked on a transformational journey for the electoral area.

Source: Ghana News Agency

As part of its youth empowerment and community development initiatives, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has inducted 40 youth into its one-year Youth Apprenticeship Programme at the Obuasi Engineering School.

A statement issued by AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, copied to the Ghana News Agency said the beneficiaries, who were drawn from the mine’s host communities, would be trained in vocations identified as gaps in the mining industry and society, including Heavy Duty Machine Operation (ADT, Dump Truck), Electrical and Mechanical Technicians, Welding and Fabrication.

Mr Stephen Adjei, Senior Manager – Sustainability, speaking at the swearing ceremony of the newly elected executives for the Unity Youth Zone Network, underscored Iduapriem Mine’s commitment to youth empowerment and making positive impacts in the communities in which it operates.

Unity Youth Zone Network is the umbrella body of the mine’s host community youth groups – and the formal introduction of the 40 new beneficiaries for the Youth A
pprenticeship Programme,

‘At AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, we are committed to making a positive contribution towards an enduring world, so, we recognise that investing in youth is paramount to building a sustainable future,’ Mr Adjei said.

‘By providing opportunities for leadership and skill development, we aim to nurture the next generation of changemakers who will drive progress and prosperity in our communities. ‘

He disclosed that, as part of the package, Iduapriem Mine would bear the full cost of tuition, accommodation, transportation, medical bills, and Minerals Commission certification, as well as provide each trainee a monthly stipend of GHS2,000 throughout the period of apprenticeship.

Mr Benjamin Teye Aborbi, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Director of the National Youth Authority, lauded AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine’s initiative in spearheading youth development.

‘Iduapriem Mine’s commitment to investing in our youth is commendable,’ he stated.

‘The company is providing avenues for skill
development and employment, which would lay the foundation for a brighter future for our communities.’

On his part, the newly sworn-in President of Unity Youth Zone Network, Mr Francis Adomako, applauded AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine’s proactive approach to youth engagement and empowerment.

‘I commend AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine for their vision and dedication to creating opportunities that empower the youth to thrive,’ he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The ECOWAS Court of Justice will hold a sensitisation programme in Guinea-Bissau from 18 to 24 February, 2024 as part of the annual outreach programmes of the Court organised in Member States of ECOWAS.

The sensitisation programme is intended to create awareness about the Court, its mandate and jurisdiction, and its judicial and non-judicial activities.

It is, therefore, an avenue for increasing visibility of the Court among Community citizens who are among the major stakeholders of the Court. This is in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050 – ECOWAS of Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All.

The week-long programme will be preceded by courtesy visits to high-ranking officials of the government of Guinea-Bissau. This will be followed by presentations and discussion sessions, including a judicial dialogue, lawyers and law students’ forum, and television and radio appearances.

The sensitization will be rounded off with a press conference on Friday, 23 February 2024.

Expected at different sessions are government off
icials, President and Judges of the Supreme Court, ECOWAS officials in Guinea-Bissau and representatives of various government and civil society organizations.

The delegation from the Court will make presentations on topics including the mandate and jurisdiction, filing of cases, practice and procedure before the Court, women’s rights, and execution of judgments of the Court.

The delegation from the ECOWAS Court of Justice comprises President of the Court, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Vice President, Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara, and other judges of the Court – Justices Dupe Atoki, Sengu Mohamed Koroma and Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves.

The judges will be accompanied on the mission by key staff from the Registry, Research and Documentation Departments as well as the Communications and Protocol units of the Court.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice was established in 1991 as the principal legal organ of the Community. The status, composition, powers, and other issues concerning the Court are set out in the Pro
tocols relating to the Court.

The Court is presently composed of five (5) independent judges. A 2005 Supplementary Protocol granted direct access to individuals to approach the Court with certain causes of action including human rights violations.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Kenneth Dumakor, Assembly Member for Nkpor Electoral Area within the Krowor Municipality, has expressed commitment to ensure a healthy environment and sanity in communities within the area.

He said the move would help in ensuring development in the community and the municipality at large.

The Assembly Member, speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the sidelines of the inauguration of the new assembly following the recent District Level Electons, said there had been insanitary conditions in the area with so much inconvenience.

He is therefore coming on board to change situation for the better.

Section 16 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), stipulates that an Assembly member is mandated maintain close contact with the people of the electoral area, consult people of the electoral area on issues to be discussed in the District Assembly and collate their views, opinions and proposals and present them to the Assembly.

An Assembly Member is also expected to solve problems rais
ed by residents in the electoral area and draw attention in general debate to national policies that are relevant to the subject under discussion, among others.

Mr Dumakor noted that communities in the Nkpor Electoral Area had for the past years faced challenges with the drainage system, as the absence of the drains were causing nuisance.

He said that due to the absence of drains in the communities for many years, residents often poured dirty water onto the road, pathways and behind buildings, creating mini gutters with offensive stench.

He noted that the situation was causing inconvenience and to commuters and community members, hence the need to curb the menace.

The Assembly man said he would solicit funds, with support from the residents to create temporary structures like chambers where residents could pour their waste water instead of the roads.

‘I am working with landlords so that we put up the chambers in the area at a distance of 100 metres to ensure free flow of water into the main drainage unde
r hygienic conditions,’ Mr Dumakor said.

On sanitation, Mr Dumakor also intends to provide waste containers at vantage points to help residents dispose of their refuse appropriately.

He said a lot of residents were unable to pay for refuse collection, hence disposing off their refuse indiscriminately into gutters, behind households and on the streets.

He said community members would be engaged in periodic cleanup exercises to clear filth from the area as well as desilt choked gutters to make the environment a healthy one.

The Nkpor Assembly man who secured 1,346 in the 2023 District Level Elections (DLE), promised to ensure security in the area to protect lives and properties.

Mr Dumakor also intends to empower the youth to take initiatives to better their lives.

He called on residents in the community to cooperate and support him as he embarked on an important developmental journey.

Source: Ghana News Agency