Day: May 31, 2024

One of the leading ride-hailing services in Africa and part of a global tech company Yango continues to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and partner drivers in Ghana.

The service recently announced new and improved safety features which included the passenger photo check and route monitoring features.

This has been followed up with the launch of the ”Yango Safety Talk Series” – a multi-audience tour highlighting Yango’s safety features for both passengers and partner drivers.

The year-long activity kicked off on May 23 at the Isser Hall of the University of Ghana during the Idea

to Impact event put together by the Students Representative Council, Springboard Roadshow and the Mastercard Foundation. 

Over 400 students benefited from the maiden session, which was conducted by Eric Komla Kwakuyi, Regional Security and Safety Manager, Yango, who underscored the company’s commitment to safety.

During his presentation, Mr. Eric Komla Kwakuyi, highlighted Yango’s existing safety
features for drivers, such display of passengers rating, identity photo checks in special cases, display of alert zones and non-penalty configuration for drivers to be able to skip orders to the alert zones, display of point B for drivers in alert zones as well as  passenger profile picture, rating form to evaluate riders and in-app calls to support.

He also explained the new and improved safety features for passengers as well which include route monitoring, rating form to evaluate trips, display of driver rating, safety center (this houses the share

route , ambulance and police, trusted contacts and emergency situation buttons), SOS button, support team which acts promptly, drivers document checks among many others.

‘Yango understands the importance of safety for all partner drivers and passengers, and we are constantly working to enhance our safety measures to provide a secure and reliable service.

By introducing new safety features and investing in driver training programmes, we aim to set a new stan
dard for safety in the ride-hailing industry.

The Yango Talk Series is an initiative that the company aims to use as education on safety for drivers, passengers and all stakeholders.

Knowledge is power and ensuring that people know about the safety features is the first step in ensuring that they are actually safe.’ stated Mr. Kwakuyi.

Yango’s participation in the University of Ghana SRC week celebrations was well-received by attendees,

who appreciated its commitment to prioritizing safety.

Students and faculty members had the opportunity to engage with Yango representatives and learn more about the company’s safety initiatives.

The Yango Safety Talk Series is scheduled to take place all year round with regular educational tours in Schools, Lorry parks, hospitals and during social events.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance safety, Yango encourages all users to utilize the safety features available on the app and provide feedback on their experiences. The company remains dedicated to creating a s
afe and secure environment for all users. 

Yango is an international tech company that transforms global sourced technologies into everyday services tailored for local communities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Cocoa Board on Friday said the purchases for the 2023/2024 main crop season would cease at the close of business on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

A statement issued in Accra by Joseph Boahen Addo, the Chief Executive of COCOBOD said: ‘In order to assist the Licensed Buying Companies to obtain the final returns from up-country, COCOBOD had decided that returns on the declared purchases will be accepted up to 4:00pm on Thursday June 13, 2024.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Manasseh Ofosuhene Asante, the Tema Metro Electoral Commission Officer, says a total of 4,543 people participated in the just-ended limited voter registration exercise.

In an interview, Mr Asante told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the figure comprised 2,151 males and 2,392 females.

He explained that 1,923 people supported their registration with the Ghana card, 33 with passports, and 2,587 through the guarantor system, while 104 people were challenged.

He said 1,827 males between the ages of 18 and 21 registered, and 2,131 females within the same age group also registered.

Mr Asante mentioned that ages 22 to 35 saw 163 men and 157 women registering, while 62 men and 45 women also registered in the age range of 36 to 45.

He said 52 men and 27 women, aged between 46 and 55, were also enrolled onto the voter register, while 28 and 15 men and women, respectively, had ages between 56 and 65.

He added that 15 eligible voters each were registered for men and women aged 66 to 75, while four men and two w
omen fell within the age range of 76 and above.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Right Reverend Dr. Gordon Kisseih, First Vice President of the Ghana Pentecostal, and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has called on Ghanaians to desist from the habit of dumping refuse into the gutters to prevent flooding.

He said the practice had choked several open drains leading to avoidable flooding and its consequence disasters in the country.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Kisseih, who is also the General Overseer of the Life International Church was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra ahead of the rainy season.

‘Ghanaians should desist from polluting the environment especially through the haphazard disposal of garbage and help to maintain a clean society,’ he said.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Kisseih said attitudinal change was the only panacea to cure the bad behaviour of throwing rubbish into gutters and on the streets and charged Christians to supplement government’s efforts to address poor environmental sanitation.

The First Vice President said it was unacceptable for Ghanaians particularly Christia
ns to pollute the environment with empty sachet water bags among others which posed health hazards.

He said it was sad Ghana had been ranked among the World seventh dirtiest country and charged Christians to support the efforts of redeeming the country’s image.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Kisseih said throwing garbage into gutters frustrates the efforts of government to address the perennial flooding in the country.

‘Resources to desilt choked gutters and drains could be used to accelerate development in other sectors of the economy,’ Rt. Rev. Dr. Kisseih added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Professor Marian Dorcas Quain, Deputy Director-General, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), says the increasing food insecurity caused by climate change is having rippling effects on the economy.

She said it was resulting in complex developmental challenges, including migration, leading to changing gender roles among rural populations.

She said climate change was having aggravating effects on Ghana’s economy, including the quality of livelihoods, stating that climate variability and change posed a severe threat to Ghana’s future growth, development and food security with rural inhabitants being most affected.

‘Therefore, our policies must be based on sound research and informed by the diverse experiences and insights of our communities,’ she added.

The Deputy Director-General said this at the opening of a policy symposium organised on the theme: ‘Advancing Evidence-Based Policy Through Effective Collaboration.’

This policy symposium is hosted by CSIR-STEPRI, in partnership with the In
ternational Water Management Institute (IMI) and support from the University of Ghana-Centre for Migration Studies, as well as the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS).

This initiative is under an European Union funded project on the ‘The Resilience Against Climate Change-Social Transformation Research and Policy Advocacy (REACH-STR)’ project – looking at climate vulnerability challenges in North East, Upper West and the Savannah regions of Ghana.

It seeks to support the government’s efforts in addressing climate vulnerability and social transformation issues affecting the Northern sector of the country through research and policy interventions.

The project aims to build the capacity of project partners, students, researchers, among others, and ensure active community level involvement in developing social transformation research methodologies and data tracking modules and tools.

Professor Quain said, ‘in tackling climate change, we must employ evidence-based poli
cy actions, such that policies and strategies were crafted through rigorous research findings to ensure that actions were not only reactive but also proactive, mitigating risks before they became crises.

She said by leveraging empirical data, could help predict potential impacts, allocate resources efficiently, and design interventions that had the greatest chance of success.

‘This is because evidence alone is not enough. It needs to be translated into actionable strategies that are contextually relevant and culturally sensitive

for Ghana,’ she added.

The Deputy Director General said when faced with complex and interconnected issues like climate change, no single entity could develop all solutions, hence the need to effectively collaborate among and across all stakeholders, including actors to generate innovative solutions.

She added that by collaborating with policymakers, we strive to create an enabling environment in which informed policy actions could be formulated.

Dr Wilhelmina Quaye, Director of
CSIR-STEPRI, said the project was built on the premise that ‘planning for a society without acknowledging the dynamics in its characteristics over time and probable future scenarios is a recipe for failure.’

She said the relevance of the engagement on the social transformation approach to development planning ensured that they captured and responded appropriately to changes in society as they sought to build resilience to climate change.

The Director of CSIR-STEPRI said the project was well encapsulated in the concept of sustainable development, rethinking the need to incorporate social transformation approach into national and subnational development planning systems in Ghana.

Dr Edward Asiedu, a Development Economist and a lecturer at the Centre for Migration Studies (CMS) and the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), sharing some of the preliminary findings said out-migration was high in parts of the Upper West region.

‘The major reasons are job opportunities, pursuing higher education, and marri
age,’ he said.

He said the study observed significant social transformations, particularly economic, demographic and technological factors.

‘While there have been improvements in technology and increase in population and urbanisation, there is a decline in income, per capita farmland, and access to capital over the past 10 years.’

Dr Charity Osei-Amponsah, the REACH-STR Project Coordinator at IWMI, who shared some results, said women’s access to land was expanding due to resource-pooling interventions like dry season gardening and FBO-acquired land, but control over land resources remained unchanged.

She noted that cheaper exchange labour had declined, limiting women to more expensive hired labour and were contributing more at home.

Dr Osei-Amponsah said through the Village Savings and Loans interventions, financial inclusion had improved among women and were able to access resources.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports, has urged Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to be ambassadors of peace in their communities and to inspire other to pursue peace through their actions.

‘I encourage you to engage in constructive dialogue, desist from hate speech, participate in peaceful political processes, and be ambassadors of peace in your communities. Your actions can inspire others and create a ripple effect that strengthens our national unity,’ he said.

The Minister said this at the Inauguration of the National Youth Peace and Security Working Group in Accra.

The working group is made up of 25 individuals with diverse knowledge, expertise and competencies from government agencies, development partners, political parties, religious organisations, civil society, youth organisations, and other key stakeholders.

They will develop strategies and initiatives to inform policy decisions and programmes to address the challenges faced by Ghanaian youth around peace and security.

Mr Ussif sai
d the initiative was a critical turning point in the government’s efforts to enhance peace and security, particularly among the youth.

He said it was a major start toward a more collaborative effort to ensure that the youth were acknowledged and heard, and that their contributions were appreciated in Ghana’s national development plan.

The Minister urged them to remain vigilant and committed to peace ahead of the 2024 General Election.

‘It is vital that you recognise the immense power you hold in shaping a peaceful and secure future for all of us. Your involvement in promoting peace and security is not only beneficial but necessary for the stability and development of our country.

 ‘Election is the cornerstone of our democracy, but they also bring with it the risk of tension and conflict. It is during these times that your role in maintaining peace becomes crucial. Let us prioritise the welfare of our nation above all else, and work together to ensure a fair, transparent, and peaceful election,’ he said.

 

Mr Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator called for the proper integration of the youth into society to prevent their involvement in social vices.

He praised Ghana for its contributions to peace and security nationally and internationally.

Mr Abani urged the group to do its work impartially and without regard to political affiliations and to encourage the active participation of all stakeholders.

He pledged that the UN would ensure the success of the group and promote activities geared towards the development and well-being of the youth.

Mr George Amoh, Executive Security of the National Peace Council voiced concerns about the potential resurgence of vigilante groups ahead of the next elections.

He urged the youth to rally their peers in support of peace and security, diversity, to abstain from insults, especially those directed towards the elderly, and to act as change agents for the nation.

‘As we inch closer to the December 7 General Election, I want to urge the youth of Ghana to esch
ew hate speech, abusive and intemperate language. It is not Ghanaian to insult elders. Indeed, in the Bible, the condition for long life is respect for parents and the elderly.’

‘Register and vote on election day. Be an agent of peace. Let us work together to ensure that every young person in Ghana could contribute meaningfully to our nation’s peace and security landscape. Our collective efforts, driven by the spirit of unity and cooperation, will pave the way for a brighter and more peaceful future for all,’ he said.

Ms Sylvia Horname Noagbesenu, Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) said the initiative was evidence of Ghana’s dedication to promoting a culture of inclusivity, prosperity, and peace for the youth.

She said the KAIPTC’s commitment to peace and its relentless advocacy for youth empowerment paved the way for a life-changing journey for the youth.

Dr Wilfred Ochan, Country Representative of the United Nation
s Population Fund (UNFPA), said the working group was put together by the UNFPA in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Youth Authority, National Peace Council and Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).

He said the working group would help in developing a National Action Plan on Peace and Security and was looking forward to the document.

Dr Ochan said as part of its mission, the UNFPA was committed to ensuring the fulfillment of every young person’s dream and would continue to support young people.

Source: Ghana News Agency

GhanaPay Mobile Money has introduced a new feature that allows users to set up standing orders directly from their GhanaPay wallets, enabling automatic repetitive payments.

This service, called the GhanaPay ‘Standing Instructions,’ is available to those registered with GhanaPay mobile money

The GhanaPay Mobile Money Standing Instructions Service enables users to automatically transfer funds from their wallet on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis to another person or to pay recurring bills or subscriptions.

This innovation is expected to enhance financial inclusion among the underbanked and advance Ghana’s progress towards a cash-lite economy. 

GhanaPay, a mobile money service provided by universal banks, rural banks, and savings and loans companies, combines mobile money features with banking services.

Users can access it via USSD code *707# or through the GhanaPay App, available on both Google Play Store and App Store, bringing banking convenience to mobile devices.

In an interview, Mr. Samuel
Darko, Head of the GhanaPay Mobile Money Unit at Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GhIPSS), explained that GhanaPay users can modify or cancel their standing orders at any time.

‘By accessing the standing instructions screen on their GhanaPay Mobile Money wallet, users can make the desired changes by following the prompts,’ he said.

The introduction of the standing instruction feature, similar to traditional standing orders, leverages the banking expertise behind GhanaPay.

‘GhanaPay is a combination of mobile money and banking. We will continue to add new services to make GhanaPay your complete bank on your phone,’ Mr. Darko added.

Recent data from the Bank of Ghana highlights the growing trend of electronic transactions.

Between January and April this year, nearly a trillion cedis (GHS933.8 billion) worth of transactions, excluding cheques, were conducted electronically through various services like mobile money, direct credit, direct debit, gh-link, GhIPSS Instant Pay, e-zwich, and interne
t banking.

These transactions, which would have been cash-based without electronic channels, underscore the shift towards digital payments.

With the introduction of new services like standing instructions, market analysts anticipate further growth in electronic payment transactions, bringing Ghana closer to becoming an electronic payment society.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Minister of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, says his Ministry has commenced a fact-finding mission on the alleged sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) shareholding stakes in four hotels.

He said this would enable them to consult widely with stakeholders on the matter and be able him to make a credible assessment.

‘I have begun consultations with various stakeholders to understand the matter and to update cabinet on the issues happening with SSNIT.’

‘This is simply a fact-finding mission. We want to listen to everyone that matters in this case before we come out with our say..,’ he said.

Mr Baffour-Awuah said this after meeting with the leadership of Organised Labour in Accra after the latter had written to him on the alleged sale of SSNIT’s hotels.

He said they had so far consulted with the board of National Pensions Regulatory Authority, SSNIT management and the Organised Labour on the matter.

Meanwhile, Organised Labour earlier in the da
y held a meeting with the board of SSNIT on the sale of the hotels.

Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) said the board at the meeting assured them it had not sold its hotels yet as it was still receiving proposals from interested parties.

‘Our discussions centred around the issues we raised in our letters to them. They stressed that they have not made a decision to sell 60 per cent stake of the four hotels to anyone and that they are still considering proposals,’ he said.

Dr Baah said they had advised that SSNIT should not sell their stakes in the hotels to anyone, but rather engaged extensively and reach an agreement with stakeholders on the way forward.

‘We want to work as stakeholders – Organised Labour, Employers, Gov’t and SSNIT Board to ensure our investments is sustainable.’

‘So that whoever contributes to SSNIT, when they go on retirement, they have no doubt in their minds that dividends their investments will be paid. We are going to work with SSNIT to ensur
e that it is sustainable,’ he added.

Source: Ghana News Agency