Category: General

KGL Foundation, an Accra-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has donated some relief items to victims in the Keta Municipality of the Volta region, who were affected by last year’s spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

The items include bags of rice, weedicides, fertilizers, safety boats, and some medical equipment for the Keta Municipal Hospital.

Mr Nii Sapei, Programmes Manager of the Foundation in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, stated that the gesture was to support and help mitigate the struggles some flood victims went through as well as those who are yet to receive any form of support.

‘Keta Municipality is dear to our heart, we received an appeal from the authorities, so we deemed it necessary to support those affected within the area.’

He further explained that the focus of the Foundation was to promote the ideas of grassroots and local community organisations for equal dialogue to understand the issues and visions of each other for sustainable and effective impacts.

Mr Nii-Sapei noted t
hat the organisation designed projects in partnership with the beneficiaries to ensure residents could run projects in the communities to flourish without the intervention of the Foundation.

‘Our main corporate responsibility is nurturing youth potentials through sports, education, and women empowerment.’

Mr Emmanuel Gemegah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Keta, who received the items on behalf of the residents, expressed his appreciation to the donors for the items.

He promised the items would be shared and used for their intended purpose.

Also, the KGL Foundation, in partnership with the Keta Municipal Assembly, Keta Municipal Hospital, and the Keta Municipal Health Directorate, has organised a health screening and blood donation exercise for the residents as part of the event.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Government of Ghana has defended its decision to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July 2022, arguing that the consequences are worthwhile.

‘It is a decision that already has paid off. It has paid off in terms of the clear turn around that we have seen in our economy,’ President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said.

The systematic decline in inflation, interest rate and the relatively stable exchange rate were all important signals that the economy was stabilising and at a good place, he said.

The President, in an interaction with the Managing Director, IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, at the Jubilee House in Accra on Sunday, said ‘the foundation that it is building for the future is very strong’.

Madam Georgieva and her team are in Ghana to participate in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) conference jointly organised by the Ministry of Finance and the IMF. The event is under the theme, ‘AI as a Catalyst to Transform Economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.’

Last two years, IMF and the Ghanai
an authorities reached staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms to be supported by a new three-year arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) of about US$3 billion.

The reform programme aims at restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, preserving financial stability, and laying the foundation for strong and inclusive recovery.

In addition to fiscal consolidation and measures to reduce inflation and rebuild external buffers, the programme envisages wide-ranging reforms to address structural weaknesses and enhance resilience to shocks.

‘Where we are today is a clear testimony – the fact that our decision to seek your support, was a decision that was correct, and we have had very positive benefits from it,’ President Akufo-Addo said of the IMF deal.

The country, he assured, was committed to the arrangements that the two parties had entered into.

‘We now need to have an extremely involved discussion about where we are going, and the ne
ed for steadiness, and to stay through. For the fundamentals that have been agreed between us is the way forward.

‘At the end of the day, it is not the steadiness in itself that matters. It is the outcome, and the outcomes that we are looking for, is this rapid development of prosperity for our people,’ the President noted.

He lauded the visiting IMF MD for her commitment to duty and sense of professionalism.

‘I think one of the things that has marked your period in office as the MD of the IMF is the strong sense that you have a clearer understanding of the problems of countries like my own, and, therefore, you are minded to try to look for ways of alleviating and helping us make a progress, despite the difficult period in which we are operating’.

President Akufo-Addo said the Ghanaian story was unique in many ways, as it was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to free itself from colonial rule.

‘So, our journey has to be typical of what is happening in the evolution of Africa since independence,’ he
echoed.

Ms Georgieva lauded the Ghana Government for keeping to the arrangements under the IMF deal, saying the debt restructuring had been faster than expected.

Source: Ghana News Agency

MTN Ghana Foundation has held a career forum to educate students on Artificial Intelligence (Al) and its opportunities as part of efforts to get them ready for jobs in future.

About 50 students, who are beneficiaries of MTN Ghana’s Bright Scholarship Scheme pursuing science and engineering programmes at the University for Development Studies, were taken through jobs to expect in future and the required skills, among others.

Mr Robert Kuzoe, Executive Secretary, MTN Ghana Foundation, speaking during the event at UDS Campus in Tamale, said MTN was interested in the holistic development of the students hence the forum to ensure that they would be good leaders for future opportunities.

Mr Kuzoe said, ‘So, today, we came here with resource people to talk to them about other areas of interest. So, it is not only about the academics or lectures but trying to infuse other disciplines that can mould them for job readiness in future.’

He added that ‘As a brand, we do not deviate from our brand, MTN is an engineerin
g company. As such, we try to develop young students, people, who are passionate about the space, ICT, the digital, the Al, these are the future for our generations. We want to prepare them for tomorrow. By the time they walk out of the doors of this university, they are fully equipped and prepared for the digital space.’

He urged the students to make good use of the opportunity to lead in the future.

Miss Mukaramatu Seidu Harrison, a level 400 medical student and beneficiary of the MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme, who was part of the forum, said it was very educative, adding ‘We are in an Al world. So, you need to know how to build yourself more not only for the school aspect; you need to think outside the box.’

Another level 400 medical student and beneficiary of the MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme, who was also part of the forum, said Al was the face of the future, saying the lessons learnt at the forum would shape his focus for the future.

He said, ‘I learnt about Al, how to prepare ourselves for the futu
re, how to make ourselves employable. So, you do not have to always rely on the traditional way of learning or traditional method of doing things. You have to add value to yourself and adapt to the changes in the environment.’

Other beneficiaries commended MTN Ghana for initiating the Bright Scholarship Scheme among other social interventions, saying they were really changing lives in society.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Technology Development and Transfer Centre of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-TDTC) is taking steps to strengthen partnership with industry players to develop upscale scientific technologies.

This is to drive sustainable development, create jobs, reduce importation of some staples, build community resilience to the climate crisis and boost the economy.

CSIR’s 13 institutes have developed hundreds of scientific technology solutions and services, including seed development, livestock, food processing, fabrication, irrigation and construction.

Most of these are yet to be popularised.

Mr Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, the Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, speaking at the maiden edition of TDTC workshop, said innovations developed, but not utilised represented a lost opportunity for wealth creation.

The event, organised by CSIR-TDTC, was under theme, ‘Technology Transfer: Bridging the Research-Industry Gap
‘ and sought to provide information on technologies available in the CSIR and give opportunities to entrepreneurs to adopt CSIR technologies.

He said the weak relationship between research institutions and the private sector was a critical challenge that stifled innovation and creativity.

‘For too long, valuable technologies and research outputs from our premier research bodies have struggled to find their way to the marketplace and industry adoption. ‘

Dr. George O. Essegbey, the Chief Executive Officer of CSIR-TDTC, said the ever-changing dynamics in socio-economic development called for research scientists to respond effectively to the technology demands from the private sector.

He stated that the vision of CSIR-TDTC was to become a Centre of excellence that used the transforming power of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for wealth creation.

Professor Paul P. Bosu – Director General of CSIR, said the Institute had been at the forefront in innovation development in animal research, agriculture,
forestry, environment, and packaging.

‘The CSIR, in its initial set up and obligation, is just to generate knowledge and develop technologies for industry to take up, but not to transfer technologies.

‘Now we are moving forward to ensuring that the technologies are transferred for usage to impact more on society,’ he said.

Nana Agyenim Boateng, Greater Accra Chairman of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, commended CSIR-TDTC for the success achieved over the last 60 years, saying he had benefited from the crop production technologies and services in time past.

He pledged GNCCI’s commitment towards working together with CSIR to upscale innovations and create more jobs for the youth.

‘It became evident during the COVID-19, season that we need to produce and consume internally to grow our economy.

When logistics and supply halted, we were pushed to start developing protective gears,’ he observed.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye, a former Deputy Force Commander, United Nations Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has urged women to break habits and change mindsets.

She said this at the United Nations Information Centre’s video screening and panel Discussion on ‘Women, Peace and Security’ held at British Council in Accra.

‘The journey to gender equality, equity, inclusion, has not been an essay one. It takes a lot to break habits and to change mindsets. More sustained and urgent actions are still needed. We can and must do better because equality for women is progress for all.

‘Let us embrace equity, inspire inclusion and invest in women for accelerated growth.’

The event discussed obstacles and challenges that women face in participating in peace and security efforts and share best practices that promote women’s inclusion in peacebuilding processes.

Commodore Anokye said it was ironical that women were affected by all the 17 SDG’s directly or indirectly, yet they were highly unde
rrepresented in the process of achieving the goals.

She said including women in the problem-solving processes could go a long way to accelerate progress.

Commodore Anokye quoting the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy document, said only five(5) per cent of uniformed military personnel were women, with no significant improvement in recent years.

According to her, the cause of abysmal imbalance stemmed from policies and practices of member states and internal challenges with the UN Secretariat’s control.

She said the Office of Military Affairs at United Nations Headquarters was targeting 25 per cent for contracted post, staff officers and military observers and 15 per cent for formed troops by 2028.

‘As it stands now, women in contracted positions are around 9.6 per cent, observers and staff officers are around 8.2 per cent and contingents are as low as about four per cent globally as of 2018.’

Commodore Anokye narrowing her presentation to the case of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) said ‘we have come a long
way as far as women, peace and security is concerned. In GAF, affirmative action started way back in 1994 and it recognises the importance of women, peace, and security.’

‘It is gratifying now to see a vast improvement in female enlistment and recruitment in all areas of the Ghana Armed Forces. The Ghana Armed Forces can boast of an average of 20 per cent of its workforce being women and the Navy alone can boast of about 22 percent,’ she said.

She said now many females were being promoted beyond Lieutenant Colonels and equivalent by merits, adding there were females Commanding Officers at some Units and Ships as well.

‘I dove my heart to the Military High Command over the years for walking the talk and gradually mainstreaming gender in all aspects of its activities, removing barriers through review of some regulations, and giving women equal opportunity to compete for promotion and positions.’

Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator, said Ghana was one of the largest contributors of peacekeeping in the wor
ld.

Cynthia Prah, National Information Officer, UN Ghana, said between 1957 and 1989, there were only 20 uniformed women in peacekeeping.

‘As of September 2023, there were 6,200. But progress has been slow and particularly low among Military contingents. Out of the more than 70,000 uniformed peacekeepers, including over 62,000 troops, less than 10 per cent are women.’

According to the UN Information Officer, UN Ghana, among the over 120 countries that contributed both troops and police, Ghana was among Africa’s top seven contributors of uniformed women today.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Business School has launched the GIMPA Business School Alumni Network (GiBSAN) to mobilise students and graduates for professional growth, leadership and excellence.

Launched in the GIMPA GB Auditorium, GiBSAN has the slogan: ‘Connecting for Impact’.

The occasion also served as a homecoming to reunite the alumni and celebrate their fortunes and outstanding achievements.

Professor Ebenezer Adaku, Acting Dean, GIMPA Business School, said the School aimed at nurturing transformational leaders for the nation and the globe, adding that, forming partnership with the alumni was a strategic way to achieve that goal.

GiBSAN, he said, would foster lifelong learning by offering bespoke training programmes, conferences, faculty consultations, dissemination of annual research outputs, and many more.

He said doing so would enable the alumni to stay up to date on current trends in business and management to thrive in today’s disruptive environment.

He
said by leveraging the rare competences and exposure of the School’s alumni, ‘specific arrangements such as professional transition programmes, career counselling and guidance, mentoring, and GIMPA Business School Job Dashboard would be pursued to support the alumni so as to configure and supercharge their careers and businesses.’

GiBSAN would also create the avenue for networking through the School’s information hub, local and diasporan alumni communities and social media platforms, Prof Adaku noted.

He added that GiBSAN would serve as a platform for members to give back through volunteering and donations to help develop future leaders of tomorrow’s businesses and society and to perpetuate the cycle of excellence.

Professor Samuel K. Bonsu, the Rector of GIMPA, said the Institute, as part of its strategic plan, sought to rekindle old relationships and strengthen existing ones.

The establishment of GiBSAN, he said, was, therefore, in the right direction towards achieving GIMPA’s vision.

‘The alumni give
GIMPA its glory. We do not exist without you,’ he said, adding that more schools within the Institute would soon be launching their alumni networks.

Prof Bonsu urged GiBSAN members to serve as bridge across generations of students and be the spirit of GIMPA by connecting with other alumni.

He encouraged the alumni to contribute generously towards the GIMPA Endowment Fund to help alleviate the financial challenges of the Institute and its less privileged students.

Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), who is an alumnus of the GIMPA Business School, said he owed much to the Institute, adding that, ‘I am where I am today due to the excellent coaching, I received from GIMPA.

‘I refer to GIMPA as my home because I spent most of my tertiary life here, so I am emotionally attached to this higher institution of excellence,’ Mr Dwumfuor said.

He said GiBSAN had much to offer Ghanaians in terms of ideas and opportunities, adding that, ‘I am also proud to be part of t
he initiative as I see it as an opportunity to give back to my alma mater.’

Mr Dwumfuor assured that the GJA was ready to collaborate with GIMPA to ensure that the objectives for setting up GiBSAN were achieved.

As part of the launch, there was a panel discussion on the theme: ‘Building Partnerships for Business and Leadership Excellence’.

Source: Ghana News Agency