Category: General

The government has reached an interim deal with international bondholders to restructure $13 billion of international bonds, the Ministry of Finance has said.

In a post on X, the Ministry stated that the deal must still be ‘tweaked’ to meet the International Monetary Fund debt sustainability target.

The Ministry said it would regroup to continue negotiations until a deal that is consistent with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) debt sustainability targets is achieved.

‘This is not a failure but part of an ongoing process to arrive at an agreement consistent with the debt threshold under the Debt Sustainability Agreement. We have made significant progress on debt restructuring negotiations, and the government of Ghana thanks bondholders for their support in this process,’ the Ministry said.

At a press briefing on Saturday, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, the Minister of Finance, stated that the government’s negotiations with the creditors and commercial bondholders were ongoing.

The minister indicated that
he was optimistic that the government would reach a deal with the creditors ‘soon.’

He added, however, that the negotiations would be in line with the fiscal and debt sustainability targets set by the IMF.

The IMF, in an X post, said Ghana had shown strong progress with the programme implementation.

The Fund said the next key step for the country was to reach an agreement with its official bilateral creditors on an MoU consistent with the terms agreed in January 2024.

The Fund said it looked forward to the government’s continued efforts to reach an agreement with all creditors in line with programme parameters.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr Clement Apaak, has slammed the government over reports that a foreign company, MIGOP Mining Limited, has taken over 100 hectares of rehabilitated cocoa farms at Nkawie in the Ashanti region.

Dr. Apaak is wondering why the government has remained silent over the matter.

MIGOP Mining Limited allegedly conducts mining exploration and development activities in five Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality cocoa communities.

Following an epidemic of Cocoa Swollen Shot Virus Disease (CSSVD) in the communities, the Ghana Cocoa Board intervened, and the farms are part of the newly rehabilitated cocoa fields.

However, the company has been accused of taking over these rehabilitated farms without any authorization.

Reacting to this, Dr Apaak said it is unfortunate that the government remains silent.

He also questions whether the government is complicit in the matter, hence the silence.

In a tweet on X, he wrote ‘What kind of government allows a foreign-owned mining firm to hij
ack over 100ha of rehabilitated cocoa farms? Gov’t has been mute since this came to light. Doesn’t this suggest gov’t complicity? A sensible and sensitive gov’t should be protecting our farmers and our environment, not the opposite’.

Source: Ghana Web

A Ghanaian man by name Texas Kadir Moro has staged a one-man demonstration against the controversial Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (Anti-gay Bill), which is awaiting presidential assent.

Kadir Moro, while addressing the media during his demonstration on April 15, 2024, accused leaders of the country of being hypocritical with their attempts to criminalise LGBT activities.

He said that the leaders are silent on other sexual vices including fornication and adultery, which have now become the norm, but want to punish gay people.

‘Yes, we agree that homosexuality is a sin which God our maker, abhors to the highest apogee. Equally so are fornication and adultery, which our society has embraced so much that men are happy to flaunt their side chicks and women their side boos. In the noble Quran, Surah 24 and I read, ‘the woman and the man guilty of illegal sexual intercourse flock each of them with a hundred stripes.

“Let not pity withhold you in their case in a punishment prescribed by
Allah… This is for unmarried persons guilty of the above crime, but if married persons commit it, the punishment is to stone them to death,’ he said.

Kadir Moro asked persons supporting the Anti-gay bill, including faith-based organisations, whether they would support the passage of a law that makes fornication and adultery a crime.

‘In Leviticus 20:10, ‘the man that commits adultery with another man’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death’. In Deuteronomy 22:22, ‘if a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then both of them shall die’.

‘I ask, tomorrow, if an individual in Ghana wishes to criminalize sex before marriage or the act of side chick and side boo, would the clergy and the entire nation support it like we are for the LGBT+ bill? Let’s be consistent, fair and unbiased in the decisions we make as a society,’ he reiterated.

Source: Ghana Web

Edna Engmann, Head of Transformation Programmes at Fidelity Bank Ghana, addressed the Project Management Institute (PMI) Ghana Chapter Meeting, urging project managers to prioritize emotional intelligence for effective leadership. Her thought-provoking keynote, delivered at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, argued that emotional intelligence is a key differentiator between management and true leadership.

In her presentation, titled “Emotional Leadership,” Ms. Engmann championed emotional intelligence as a key skill for project managers. She argued that it empowers them to transcend mere people management, instead leading teams towards a shared vision. She emphasized the importance of actively listening to the customer’s voice and fostering team empowerment through trust and guidance.

“Leading does not mean you won’t correct or coach,” she explained, “but it’s about guiding your team along a path to achieve a common goal. Trust is crucial. You have a great team, and they can achieve great things. Your role is to
enable them, not micromanage.”

Ms. Engmann highlighted a compelling case study from Fidelity Bank. Their wildly successful 24/7 WhatsApp banking assistant, Kukua, built using Scrum and Agile methodologies. Small, cross-functional teams were empowered to own tasks and overcome challenges identified during daily stand-up meetings. Now, Kukua, armed with the bank’s offerings, answers questions and facilitates transactions in real-time on WhatsApp.

“We weren’t managing them,” Ms. Engmann clarified. “We were creating an environment where they could thrive. This focus on collaboration led to the launch a shippable Kukua in just eight weeks. Traditionally, this project could have taken much longer.”

Engmann further argued that emotional intelligence fosters a customer-centric approach. By understanding customer needs and emotions, project leaders can ensure their projects deliver value.

“Successful companies actively listen to their customers,” she said. “We, as project managers, often aren’t directly interactin
g with customers. Emotional intelligence helps us bridge that gap by attuning us to their needs and desires. This, in turn, guides us in shaping products and services that truly resonate.”

Furthermore, Ms. Engmann underscored the significance of self-awareness and social awareness in effective leadership. She emphasized the importance of understanding oneself and others, as well as being mindful of one’s environment and goals.

“Self-awareness is paramount,” she stated. “You need to understand what motivates you and what frustrates you. Then you can learn to manage those emotions effectively.”

She also emphasized mindfulness as a key component of emotional intelligence. “Leaders must be present and aware of their surroundings, their teams, and the project’s overall goals”, she said.

Ms. Engmann addressed the evolving workplace demographic. She highlighted the need for project managers to adapt their leadership styles to engage younger generations who value participation and entrepreneurial thinking.

“A pu
rely autocratic approach may not resonate with this new generation,” she explained. “However, some level of direction is still necessary. The key is to strike a balance, fostering a sense of belonging and ownership within your team.”

Ms. Engmann concluded by acknowledging that the journey of developing emotional intelligence is a continuous learning process. She encouraged leaders to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth.

“You will make mistakes,” she assured the audience. “That’s part of the learning process. But emotional intelligence allows you to recognize those mistakes and adjust your approach, ultimately leading to a more successful outcome for your projects and your team.”

The PMI Ghana Chapter Meeting provided a valuable platform for project management professionals to gain insights into effective leadership practices and exchange best practices for project success.

Fidelity Bank’s participation in the PMI Ghana Chapter Meeting reflects its commitment to fostering a culture of continuous l
earning and professional development. By emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, Ms. Engmann’s presentation equipped project managers with valuable tools to navigate complex projects, build high-performing teams, and achieve sustainable success.

Source: Ghana Web

The Member of Parliament for the Wa West Constituency, Peter Toobu, has raised concerns over the recent actions and statements made by the Minister of the Interior, Henry Quartey, alleging that they are inciting discord among senior police officers.

Peter Toobu pointed to Quartey’s recent visit to the Police Headquarters, where he announced plans for a supplementary special recommendation list to the police academy.

According to Toobu, such announcements are “unhealthy” and risk “adding color” to what he called Course 53, potentially hindering the professional development of cadets.

In a Facebook post, Toobu criticised Quartey, calling him a “walking contradiction” for warning against inciting the public while simultaneously making statements that could provoke tensions within the police force.

Henry Quartey’s announcement of the supplementary list drew scepticism from Toobu, who questioned the Minister’s authority, stating, “The Minister has no law or policy backing his statement.”

Toobu further said th
at Quartey’s actions could incite chief inspectors and inspectors against the police administration.

Toobu also pointed out the inconsistencies in Quartey’s approach, initially alluding to the Minister’s dissatisfaction with the composition of Cadet Course 53 but eventually ordering the compilation of an additional list.

“Let’s not put a color on Course 53,” Toobu urged, emphasising the potential dangers to the professional development of cadets.

Source: Ghana Web

The Circuit Court at Adentan has remanded a 42-year-old scrap dealer in police custody charged with stealing a Honda Accord vehicle belonging to a student.

The suspect, Amuzu Peter, was said to have committed the crime with an accomplice whose name was given only as Kwame, now at large.

He will make his next appear­ance before the court presided over by Mrs Angela Attachie on April 22.

Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo told the court that the complainant was a student resident at Madina, while Amuzu resided at Dorwuenya.

He said the complainant, at 10 p.m. on March 4, this year, was driving his Honda Accord with DV Number 626-2024 and, on reaching Madina Rawlings Circle, parked the vehicle and left the hand brake on to buy food by the roadside.

The court heard that in less than 20 seconds, the complainant overheard that someone had moved his car and immediately ran after the car.

Chief Inspector Lanyo said the complainant met one Emmanuel Arku, a witness in the case, who disclosed to him that he spotted the
car trying to get onto the main road.

He said the witness asked the complainant to board his vehicle so they could give the suspects a chase.

In the process, they chanced upon the Honda Accord car as the suspects could not get access to the main road due to heavy vehicular traffic.

The court was told that sus­pects Amuzu and his accomplice got down from the car, pulled out a CZ 26 pistol and pointed it at the complainant and the witness while threatening them.

Chief Inspector Lanyo said the complainant and the witness gath­ered courage and arrested Amuzu while the second suspect, Kwame, managed to escape.

The court was told that Amuzu, in his caution statement, admitted to collaborating with Kwame to steal the car and was subsequently charged with the of­fence while efforts were being made to arrest Kwame.

Source: Ghana Web

When president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was campaigning for the presidency, he made a series of promises that resonated with the general populace. Candidate Akufo-Addo was consistent with his message, he promised to protect the public’s purse, fight corruption and make it unattractive.

The general belief and understanding amongst Ghanaians were that, a new dawn of hope will befall us if candidate Akufo-Addo was elected as the president of this country. Ghanaians were of the conviction that the sunshine of hope will break through the clouds of suffering, poverty, joblessness, hopeless and corruption will be a thing of the past if Nana Akufo-Addo wins the 2016 elections.

Candidate Akufo-Addo pricked our emotions with the following renditions.

‘This year, try me too. Give me the chance to show you what I can do. Four years is not so far away, if I come and I don’t succeed, kick me out. God knows my heart and I can assure you that I won’t disappoint you. Progress and prosperity are what I am offering the pe
ople of Ghana.’

His chorus was backed by his running mate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia whom Ghanaians were made to believe was an economic wizard with the solutions to the economic challenges facing this country.

Ghanaians voted massively for Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the rest is nothing but regrets. The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government has become the most reckless spending government in the history of Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo in his first term appointed 126 ministers to run the affairs of this country, this is unprecedented. As at March 2023, the office of the president has a combined staff of 1,048 this includes presidential staffers and civil servants.

The president also embarked on unprecedented luxurious and ostentatious life style at the expense of the Ghanaian tax payer. He has a penchant for hiring luxurious aircrafts for his foreign trips at the cost of £14,000 per hour, living like an Arabian King.

In one of his trips to the UK and Germany, the cost was an accumulated GHC3.46 million. In another
single trip to France, Belgium and South Africa, the cost was GHC2.8 million at the expense of the Ghanaian tax payer.

Under this Akufo-Addo Bawumia led administration, there has been a culture of overspending and a lack of fiscal discipline as pervasive issues deeply rooted in our political and economic landscape.

The normalization of overruns and reckless expenditure, demands a candid discussion and sustainable solutions to address these negative cultural practices being perpetrated by this government.

The government’s lack of admission of their mismanagement is disheartening and shows clear lack of respect for Ghanaians. The least Ghanaians deserve is an apology for running down the economy, rather than the disrespectful and arrogant posture of the government and its appointees.

The only way this mismanagement will seize is by voting against this government, because it is obvious that, they are committing a ‘crime of denial’, they have continuously refused to admit their contribution to the current eco
nomies melt down.

A vote for the NPP and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will be an endorsement and perpetuation of this economic mismanagement and reckless spending. The government is irresponsible and lacks respect for the citizenry.

Source: Ghana Web

The Effutu Police has hinted its readiness to maintain peace and order in the forthcoming Aboakyer festival.

He warned that it would ruthlessly deal with any individual or group of persons who would attempt to foment trouble during the period.

It had consequently asked people harbouring such intentions to change because they would not be spared when arrested.

A Police source told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of citizens of Effutu Oma, as well as all visitors who would join the Chiefs and people to commemorate the 2024 edition of the Aboakyer Festival.

The festival on the theme: ‘Promoting Tradition and Development through Aboakyer celebration,’ would commence on Saturday April 27 and climax on Saturday, May 4, 2024, the day when the two Asafo companies in the area would go to their ancestral forest to catch a live bushbuck.

Their tradition demands that the group with the first catch would present it to the Oma Odefe at a sta
te durbar, who would step a foot on the animal three times to signify acceptance by their god, Otu.

The Police source indicated that, Aboakyer festival attracted a lot of people to the Municipality, particularly Winneba, which brought in its wake, issues of security, hence the need for tight monitoring to create an enabling environment for merry makers to celebrate the occasion without any hindrances.

‘We are adequately ready and will continue to provide protection for lives and property before, during and after the festivities,’ the source assured.

The police entreated the public to complement their role during the period by giving out information of suspicious persons.

It urged citizens of Effutu to remain vigilant, while key stakeholders of the festival worked tirelessly to sustain the Aboakyer to continue to be one of the well-known festivals in the country and globally.

Source: Ghana News Agency