Day: March 4, 2024

Accra: Strengthening partnership between Morocco and the member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which reflects brotherhood, coordination and solidarity ties between HM King Mohammed VI and His brothers GCC heads of State, was at the centre of the ministerial meeting held on Sunday in Riyadh between GCC States and the Kingdom of Morocco.

This meeting, which was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the GCC member States, was the opportunity to strengthen the strong foundations of the strategic partnership between the two parties, in line with the Vision of HM King Mohammed VI, and His brothers GCC heads of State.

It is part of the strong relations and the comprehensive and renewed strategic partnership between Morocco and the GCC countries, the foundations of which were laid by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His brothers GCC leaders, since the Morocco-GCC
Summit, held on April 20, 2016 in Riyadh.

This meeting was an opportunity to review the outcome of the strategic partnership between the two parties and to examine the means to further strengthen it to meet the expectations and aspirations of HM the King and His brothers GCC leaders.

It was also an opportunity for the two parties to consult and coordinate their positions regarding regional issues, notably the efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and to protect the Palestinian people in line with international law and international humanitarian law.

On this occasion, Bourita underlined the importance of this meeting, the result of a fruitful and constructive partnership initiated thanks to the common will of HM King Mohammed VI and His brothers GCC heads of State, stressing that this meeting was an opportunity to review and consult

on the situation and challenges in the region.

Bourita also noted that relations between Morocco and the brotherly GCC countries are excellent and a
re based on sincere brotherhood ties binding His Majesty the King and His brothers Their Majesties, Their Highnesses and Excellencies, GCC Heads of State, noting that the cooperation and consultation relations between the two parties is a model to follow in Arab-Arab relations.

In this regard, he added that the 2016 Riyadh Summit and the speech delivered by HM King Mohammed VI on this occasion before His brothers GCC Heads of State, constitute the basis of the political vision and the strategic perspective of this partnership, noting that since 2011, relations between Morocco and the GCC States have deeply flourished and advanced and that today it is time to progress towards even broader horizons.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Wenchi: Residents in the Wenchi Municipality have expressed discontent over the poor state of the Mausoleum for the late Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia, the Prime Minister for the Second Republic of Ghana.

As the nation observes the Ghana Heritage Month this March, the residents, said they were worried about the successive governments’ neglect of such a monument and tourist destination site to deteriorate.

During a visit, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) noticed weeds were taking over the Mausoleum, situated in Wenchi in the Bono Region, the hometown of Prof Busia, and left under the mercy of the weather.

Positioned in between the two-storey Mausoleum building, which served as the private residence and offices of the late Prime Minister, is the tomb of the illustrious son and statesman which is decorated with ornamental trees and a bust erected in his memory.

On the tombstone, is an inscription that reads ‘Kofi Abrefa Busia, 11 July 1913-28 August 1978. Prime Minister of the Second Republic of Ghana’.

However, s
peaking in an interview with the GNA, Dr Emmanuel Akumfi-Ameyaw, an Accra-based Reverend Minister, a native of the town, described the Mausoleum as a ‘momentous site,’ saying if rehabilitated, it would attract both local and international tourists.

‘The late Prof Busia was not only a statesman, but also an international icon and his Mausoleum will boost the nation’s eco-tourism if the government improves the facilities there,’ he stated.

Also inscribed on the tombstone is a scripture: ‘Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain’, a scripture picked from -Philippians 2:16.

A library block at the Mausoleum, the GNA gathered, constructed by former President John Agyekum Kufuor was also left to deteriorate.

Inside the facility are books, artefacts and other learning materials of the late Prof Busia.

Dr Akumfi-Ameyaw said the people of Wenchi were worried that the Mausoleum of the late African academia was left in ruins, sayin
g, instead it could be developed into an education research centre and to justify the late Prof Busia’s contributions to the nation’s education.

‘In fact, his contributions to education and politics remain exceptional and unquestionable,’ he stated.

Mr Richard Kwadwo Adu, another native of the town, and a former Wenchi constituency youth organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), indicated that the surest appreciation the nation could demonstrate to the Busia family for their contributions to national development was for the Government to rehabilitate and develop the Mausoleum into an international standard.

‘The contributions of the Busia family and the entire Wenchi people to the growth and development of Ghana is glaring for all to see. It is therefore extremely sad for successive governments to look unconcerned for this great monument to ruin,’ he stated.

Nana Adom Busia, another native and royal of the town, said it was always pathetic to visit the Mausoleum in the wet seasons, saying almost all the
roofing leaked whenever there was rainfall.

He, therefore, appealed to wealthy citizens of Wenchi, home and abroad to be concerned and assist in putting the Mausoleum into good shape, saying ‘Posterity would not spare and judge all of us if we allowed such a monument to go waste.’

Checks revealed the late Prof Busia was the first University Professor in Ghana who contributed to deepening Ghana and Africa’s position on the academic map of the world through teaching in many countries across the world.

He was born in Wenchi on July 11, 1913, and died in Oxford, England, on August 28, 1978.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Savelugu: A ground breaking ceremony has been held at Savelugu in the Northern Region to begin the construction of an apparel manufacturing facility to produce clothing and promotional items for export.

The project, dubbed: ‘Northern Apparel Manufacturing Expansion Development,’ is being executed by Northshore Apparel Ghana Ltd (a special-purpose vehicle) will produce clothing such as sportswear, workwear, children’s clothing, and underwear.

It is a 10-million euro project being championed by a consortium led by MIK Designs and its partner; MUSOF Enterprise, who is footing 75 per cent of the project cost whilst Investing for Employment (IFE), an investment mechanism created by KfW Development Bank on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development, will foot the remaining 25 per cent.

 Mr Nurideen Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer, Northshore Apparel Ghana Ltd, speaking at the ceremony at Savelugu, said the project would produce textile products for export to the United Stat
es market as well as strategised to engage other offshore buyers.

Mr Mohammed said during its first phase of implementation, the project would create 1,600 new jobs for women and youth including persons living with disabilities.

 He said ‘As part of our commitment to engage more local people, our recruitment strategy will not require prior experience and education. We intend to provide six months pre-hire training to equip prospective employees for the job.’

 He said the project would work with the Savelugu School for the Deaf by providing training packages to enable its graduates secure jobs at the factory.

Mr Steffen Kuhl, Managing Director, IFE, said the organisation decided to support the project because it was seen as a catalyst to create jobs for the youth in the area as well as help to reduce rural-urban migration.

Alhaji Alhassan Yakubu Tali, Managing Director, Agricultural Development Bank, said: ‘The construction of this Apparel will not only enhance industrialisation of Northern Ghana but will
also serve as a huge source of wealth creation and employment for the youth.’

He expressed optimism that other businesses would spring up in the area to leverage the numerous opportunities that would be created as a result of the establishment of the project in the region.

Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, Savelugu Municipal Chief Executive, commended the partners for the project saying ‘It is through initiatives such as this one that will enable us build strong and resilient communities that can resist the influence of violent extremism.’

She expressed the hope that the execution of the project would also trigger discussions on the need to revamp the cotton industry in the northern part of the country. 

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, a former Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, encouraged the youth to take advantage of the project calling on the Government to create the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and create jobs.

Yoo Naa Yakubu Andani Abdulai, Paramount Chief of Y
oo Traditional Area at Savelugu, commended Northshore Apparel Ghana Ltd and partners, for siting the project in his traditional area, and pledged his full commitment to ensure that the project achieved its intended purpose.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Tamale: The 2024 Ramadan Summit has been held in Tamale creating a platform for Muslim leaders to educate Muslims on Ramadan and what is expected of them in the holy month of Ramadan to live peacefully with one another.

The event, organised by the Northern Region Muslims Council, was attended by Imams, those, who preach sermons as well as organise tafaaseer sessions in the month of Ramadan, students bodies amongst others.

     Issues touched on included ways and means Muslims are expected to observe their fasting, the relationship between fasting and health to the human body system and causes and remedies to youth indiscipline.

     This year’s event, the second in the series, was on the theme: ‘Ramadan: The Month of Self-discipline, Patience and Care for One Another’.   

     Sheikh Alhassan Abukari Issah, Chairman, Northern Region Muslims Council, speaking during the event in Tamale over the weekend, expressed need for all to live at peace with one another and avoid utterances that damaged relationships
.

     He said, ‘Let us guard our tongues against utterances that have the propensity and the possibility of causing damages or causing damages to us as individuals, to us as Muslims, and to our brothers and sisters, who are living with us, who are not even Muslims.’

     He added that ‘Islam is a peaceful religion. As Muslims, we need to be leading the path towards ensuring that we live peacefully, and we make sure that there is peaceful coexistence among Muslims and non-Muslims.’

     The Ramadan Summit was initiated last year to be held on the last Saturday before the month of Ramadan.

     Dr Al-Hussein Zakaria, a Council Member, Northern Regional Peace Council, spoke against indiscipline amongst the youth advising them to emulate the life of Prophet Mohammed.

     He expressed need for the youth to obey the laws of the country to ensure order in society urging parents to encourage their children to always pray to lead upright lives.

     Dr Braimah Abubakari Baba, North East Regional Director of He
alth, who spoke on relationship between fasting and health, advised those on medications to consult their doctors before starting fasting.

     He said ‘If you are advised to abstain, please do. If you are advised to reduce the dosage of certain medications, try to do that and those, who are smoking or taking alcohol, should try as much as possible to avoid it.’

     Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, Northern Regional Minister commended the Council for initiating the Ramadan Summit saying the last year’s summit had helped to strengthen the peace in the region.

     He challenged all ‘To think about improving on the positives and reduce, if not eradicate, the insignificant rough edges that can dent the image of Islam and nullify the blessings, the mercy and forgiveness that characterise the month of Ramadan.’   

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra: Financial institutions have been urged to boldly showcase ACH Direct Credit Near Real Time (NRT) services on their digital platforms to facilitate easy access for customers.

Highlighting and appropriately labelling  the NRT option, will raise awareness among customers about this payment service, encouraging its utilization.

Typically, banks list various digital channels on their internet and mobile banking platforms, attracting significant patronage due to their visibility to customers.

GhIPSS officials suggest that incorporating the ACH Direct Credit Near Real Time into the roster of payment channels will boost its usage.

Ghana is distinguished for offering ACH Direct Credit Near Real Time, a payment channel that positions it ahead of many countries.

This service enables businesses to credit beneficiaries’ bank accounts within fifteen (15) minutes of initiating fund transfers, setting it apart from the Standard Direct Credit (24 hours) and Express Direct Credit (4 hours) options.

Mary Dei Sarpon
g, Head of Bulk Payments and Customer Support, emphasized in an interview that, NRT empowered organisations and individuals to execute bulk payments round the clock, with recipients receiving funds within fifteen(15) minutes-an efficiency that can benefit numerous institutions.

Mrs. Dei Sarpong encouraged banks to actively promote the NRT and attract as many institutions as possible to utilize the service for quick bulk payments.

Ghana’s payment landscape offers diverse options to cater to varying needs, including instant payment, near real time options, and slower alternatives like

third-party cheques, which can take up to two days to clear.

Mrs. Dei Sarpong stressed the importance for banks to make these payment channels visible on their platforms and devise innovative methods to educate the public about their availability.

While GhIPSS does not directly offer these services to the public, it remains committed to raising awareness to assist individuals in selecting the most suitable payment option at
any given time.

NRT provides a faster way of paying many people than any physical cash payment can ever achieve.

The time to manoeuvre through traffic, the risk of carry large sums of money to pay different people, and the fights over payment reconciliation challenges, are completely taken away, with the use of NRT.

The service also comes in handy for businessmen and women as well as individuals who have to make urgent payment to suppliers while busy with other activities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra: Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has handed over four projects totaling US$1.53 million to its catchment communities in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality.

The projects included a renovated maternity block and other facilities at the Abosso Health centre, community centre at Bompieso, doctors and nurses’ accommodation at Huni-Valley and 1.7 kilometres of tarred town roads in Damang.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Executive Vice President, and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, Mr Joshua Mortoti, stated that in line with their objective of supporting local content and boosting economic activities in their operational areas, all the projects were executed by local contractors and praised them for the good work done.

‘As the GFGF marks its 20th year, we are pleased to announce that in January, this year, the Foundation’s investment in Ghana crossed the US$100 million mark.

‘This is a testimony to our commitment to the socio-economic development of communities within the operational areas of ou
r Tarkwa and Damang Mines and by extension the country,’ he announced.

The Executive Vice President said the Foundation’s investment covered several areas under education, water and sanitation, health, agriculture, and infrastructure: including training, scholarships, and enterprise development, adding, ‘to give further impetus to our commitment to sustainable development, the GFGF will soon launch its five-year strategic development plan.’

Mr Mortoti emphasized that an important aspect of the Foundation’s programmes and initiatives were to ensure that they were relevant, impactful, sustainable and could change and enhanced lives.

‘Overall, Gold Fields has contributed significantly to the economic growth of the country, supported infrastructural development, and contributed to continuous service delivery of local government, improving health, education, and service delivery in the Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni-Valley Municipalities.

‘To ensure we carry our support further, taking it to another level, in
2023 Gold Fields commissioned a baseline needs assessment of the two Municipalities,’ he added

According to Mr Mortoti, the objective of the study was to identify a legacy project that would tie into their purpose of creating enduring value beyond mining, and ‘The study recommended expanded access to quality health care, and we call this our Legacy Programme.

‘I believe that many of the stakeholders here today may have already made input into this programme. Further engagement around our Legacy Programme will be done throughout 2024’.

He also pointed out that a breakdown of what the Foundations had spent so far showed that US$ 68.8 million had gone into infrastructure, and that represented about 69 per cent of the total spending.

Mr Mortoti reiterated that Gold Fields would remain committed to share the value of mining with all stakeholders and ensure they met their environment, social and governance commitments.

The Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Mr Abdel Razak Yakubu, explained that the GFGF wa
s established to provide a means for the company to support the government’s development agenda in the host communities of the mines.

In 2023, the Foundation was decoupled from the community relations function of the company. The new Foundation structure pulled together young talents from their Graduate Training programme from its host communities and this team had shown that everything was possible.

In addition, Mr Yakubu said ‘From Damang to Amoanda; from Aboso to Brahabobom, these smart working young men and ladies have continued to exhibit professionalism and the results are evident for all to see.

A secretariat was set up to manage the affairs of the Foundation. For the first time in a long while, the Foundation completed 88 per cent of projects approved by its trustees as against 56 per cent in previous years.’

Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, added that ‘GFGF has invested heavily across the length and breadth of the country through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
, and the government is grateful.

‘Am pleading if the Foundation can invest at least 20 per cent of its CSR in enterprise development, and l believe between 5 to 15 years we will have millionaires in Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal who will help create more businesses.’

Dr Anthony Adofo Ofosu, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), indicated that the construction of quarters was a huge relief to them, stressing that ‘GHS wish Ghanaians will not travel long distance to access healthcare. This can only be possible when we provide health personnel with the needed accommodation, and this is just what GFGF has done, and we thank them’.

Nana Kwabena Amponsah IV, Divisional Chief of Bosomtwe, pledged to ensure the facility was properly maintained to extend its lifespan so unborn generations could also benefit.

Madam Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, the Chairperson of the Minerals Commission, on behalf of First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo’s Rebecca Foundation, donated an ambulance to the Huni-Valley health
centre in fulfillment of a promise made.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra: The Wildlife Division, Forestry Commission (WD-FC), says the adoption of digital innovations in the management of its seven national parks has enhanced its operations.

It said digital innovations had made research, communication, surveillance, ecological monitoring, and many other aspects of wildlife conservation easier, more efficient and accurate in the parks. 

Madam Enerstina Adumaen Anie, the Public Relations Manager,WD-FC, told the Ghana News Agency on the eve of the United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) that drones for instance, were helping officials at Mole National Park to monitor wildlife activities of hard-to-reach areas, especially during flooding.

The WWD is celebrated every year on 3rd March to recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to humanity and the planet. 

This year’s celebration is on the theme, ‘Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.’

Madam Anie said the setting of camera traps had enabled officials to take visu
als of new wildlife species and deal with poaching, which their regular monitoring exercise had not observed.

She noted that smart phones were assisting park officials to gather data while the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool and EarthRanger system were being used to store, analyze the data into visual maps for decision making. 

‘Mole has a land size of 4840 square kilometres and the human resource alone cannot monitor its many and various 742 plant species, over 90 mammal species, including five primate species, 334 bird species, 33 reptiles, nine amphibian species, and 120 butterfly species,’ she said.

Madam Anie said technology was also facilitating awareness creation of wildlife conservation and connecting species closer to humans, especially in situations where humans cannot readily have access to them.

She stated that efforts to conserve 16 Wildlife-Protected Areas (PAs), five coastal Ramsar Sites and the two Zoos had been ongoing for centuries, with traditional practices such as taboos against
wanton destruction and adoption of totemic symbols, playing a role.

She said the emergence of technology despite its negative effects had helped its operation by identifying potential threats and taking proactive measures to protect wildlife. 

Source: Ghana News Agency

Accra: Zoomkids, a club made up of school children and youth, have embarked on clean-up exercises around the country ahead of the rainy season to avoid floods.

The clubs, formed by the Zoomlion Foundation, are to promote environmental sustainability through children and the youth.

The move is to inculcate in the children the habit of keeping their environment and surroundings clean to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) six in the years to come.

It is also to ensure that the children become ambassadors of environmental sustainability and promote healthy environment in their respective communities within the regions.

Trained on the importance of waste management, recycling, and conservation of natural resources, the children were expected to become advocates among their peers to empower them to embrace healthy environments.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Thomas Narh Korley, the National Coordinator of the Zoomlion Foundation, noted that the company involved children because th
ey recognised the critical role they played in environmental sustainability.

Despite some challenges faced by the clubs, there had been some successes chalked throughout their inception, which had yielded positive outcomes and commended the children for the feat.

Zoomkids are helping to keep the environment clean and free from waste materials that could be harmful to humans and animals.

They have been promoting proper waste disposal practices and the need to reduce waste generation, Mr Karley said.

Since 2008, more than 500,000 school children and youth had participated in the club activities, but more schools needed to be reached in order not to leave many children behind.

‘Over the years, the Zoomkids have been provided the opportunity to interact with their peers and community members to foster teamwork, and collective responsibility towards the environment,’ he noted.

Ghana had been making strides in promoting environmental sustainability through various initiatives involving children and the youth.

Mr Karley urged Ghanaians to embrace good sanitation practices to help reduce pollution and protect the environment from harmful emissions, water and airborne diseases.

Source: Ghana News Agency