Lesotho Wire

El Vice International Company Limited says one Yi Zheng Annie, aka Shen Na, a Chinese national, is not a shareholder or director of the Company.

‘El Vice International Company Limited was founded on the 28th of March 2018, with its directors and shareholders solely Ghanaians up till date and absolutely has no shareholding with Yi Zheng Annie, aka Shen Na.

‘El Vice International Company Limited is a credible organisation solely set up to attain developmental goals and meeting up and exceeding clients’ objectives through sustainability.’

In a letter to the GNA, the Company said an article dated August 16, 2022, detailed the identity of Yi Zheng Annie, aka Shen Na (an accused person) as described by the prosecution as a majority shareholder of the El Vice International Company Limited.

In the story, the prosecution said on February 28, 2022, Awarriors Company Limited imported ten 20 -footer containers of steel products valued at $392,113.15 equivalent of GHC 3, 316, 960 from China to Ghana for their business
operations and handed over the bill of lading to Annie who was a majority shareholder of El Vice International Company Limited Ghana, to clear the goods at Tema Port.

Bu the Company refuted the claims by the prosecution and insisted the shareholders were solely Ghanaians, and that it had no shareholding with Yi Zheng Annie, aka Shen Na.

The GNA on August 16, 2022, published a story headlined: ‘Two Chinese grabbed for stealing 10 containers of steel products worth $392,113.15’.

The story said Yi Zheng Annie, aka Shen Na, a businesswoman and Lu Xuefeng, an Architect, were said to have presented to the Company an invoice of GHC270,000 to Awarriors Limited as money needed for clearing the ten containers of steel products.

In the story, the two, allegedly after collecting the money, informed the Company that the goods had been confiscated by National Security for auctioning and presented a fake auction slip to the Company.

Police investigations, however, revealed that the accused persons, with assistance of o
thers now at large, cleared the containers on April 26,2022.

Annie and Xuefeng, who were jointly charged with conspiracy to commit crime namely stealing and stealing, pleaded not guilty and admitted to bail in the sum of GHc3million each with three sureties, one to be justified,

Source: Ghana News Agency

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has relieved the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori Atta, and others of their portfolios in Government, with immediate effect.

Here is the full list of the changes:

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr Sefakor G. M. A. Komabu-Pomeyie, an International Disability Rights Advocate and Policy Analyst, will speak at Africa’s Peace, Investment and Tourism Summit in Ghana in April.

The three-day event, which will take place from April 15 to 17 in Accra, is an annual event organised to unite diverse stakeholders with a focus on promoting peace, investment and tourism in Africa.

The Summit aims at cultivating a positive and inclusive environment whilst inspiring and empowering individuals and communities to contribute to a peaceful future.

It is being organised in partnership with the National Peace Council, the Office of the Ga Mantse Star Galaxi Media UK, Enlightening and Empowering People with Disabilities in Africa (EEPD Africa), Luxurious Living USA, SunRays Group – Nigeria, DiffuserNigeria – Nigeria, Maurya Infotech Services – India, K-Pentag LLC – Finland and other international organisations.

Dr Komabu-Pomeyie is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EEPD Africa.

As a victim and survivor of a sy
stem that was built to bring her and anyone with a disability down, Dr Komabu-Pomeyie has had first-hand experience of being left behind in many nation-building projects.

She uses her platform to promote inclusion whilst highlighting the troubles people with disabilities go through to rise to the top.

The EEPD Africa in connection with OPDs in the diaspora through collaboration with the organisers of this year’s Summit, will be projecting the works of people with disabilities in Africa.

This year, ‘we will unite in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by Persons With Disabilities’.

The Summit will serve as a vital platform to identify investment opportunities that can drive economic growth, job creation, and overall community development.

Beyond the economic considerations, there would be leadership and breakout sessions where seasoned speakers would inspire participants to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.

A press release from the organisers said community and po
litical leaders would be given the opportunity to showcase their unique potentials and engage investors to explore possibilities for industrialisation and economic growth to create employment opportunities.

Key personalities like Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia would grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour and also in attendance would be the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.

The Chief of Staff, US Ambassador to Ghana, British High Commissioner to Ghana, Officials from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ministers of Defense, Trade and Industry, Aviation, Business Development and other sector Ministers would also be in attendance.

The release said on the first day, there would be discussions and initiatives on the importance of peace in national development where participants would include community and political leaders, security agencies, members of the Diplomatic Corps, the clergy, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

The second day would have an investment round table discussion
and the focus would be to bring together investors, entrepreneurs and, industry experts for insightful discussions and collaborations.

There would also be an evening gala dinner, which would be an exclusive celebration in the esteemed company of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.

On the third day, there would be a diplomatic tour where Africa’s potential for investment would be highlighted, and cultural richness and investment prospects highlighted together with the diverse heritage.

Key areas of discussion would be peace and security, real estate, wealth and asset management, wellbeing, wellness and healthcare, aviation, oil and gas, tourism, mining and solar energy.

Some participating countries are United States of America, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leon Liberia and Togo.

There would also be participants from Cote D’Voire, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has met with the Business Committee of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) over the implementation of a new digitalisation system to be rolled out soon.

The new system would be piloted in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metropolitan District with the aim of streamlining processes, curbing revenue leakages, and improving efficiency in financial transactions within the Metropolitan area.

This could be done through the banks, mobile money transactions or by either dialling *222*33# across all networks and by scanning a QR code.

Madam Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, Chief Executive Officer, AMA, said the decision to transition into a digital revenue collection system came amidst growing concerns for greater accountability and technological advancement in public service delivery.

She said the importance of engaging stakeholders like GUTA in the implementation process was to create value for all and collaborate to ensure the successful adoption of the new digital system.

‘
The new system is poised not only to bring about transformative changes in revenue collection but enable real-time tracking of transactions, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and enhance the overall efficiency of revenue management processes,’ Madam Sackey said.

She said there would not be any new changes in the amount to be paid for every category of business, adding that accredited AMA officers would be strategically positioned to assist clients in making payments.

Mr Benjamin Yeboah, Director, Welfare, GUTA, assured of their support and raised some concerns related to wrong billing, the user-friendliness of the digital payment platform, security and integrity of the financial transactions in the new system, among others.

He called for an accessible complaint desk, where anyone facing an issue could easily reach out for assistance, rather than automated voice responses with no resolution.

Mr. Yeboah requested a grace period for GUTA to educate its members about the new development, and to resolve any e
merging issues for a successful implementation of the system.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for La Dadekotopon, has called for investment in initiatives that promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the country.

She cited mentorship and support networks and policies, which promote gender equality and inclusion in scientific decision-making processes as some of the initiatives the country could consciously invest in to bridge the STEM gap.

Madam Sowah, on the Floor of Parliament on Tuesday, made the statement to mark this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science on the theme: ‘Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability.’

The Day is commemorated on February 11, every year, with the primary goal of creating an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.

She said many Ghanaian women and girls continued to encounter systemic barriers and disparities in accessing quality education, job opport
unities, and leadership roles in science.

‘Mr Speaker, gender stereotypes, cultural biases, and institutional constraints often impede women and girls’ full participation and hinder the realisation of their potential,’ she said.

‘Particularly, the stark contrast between boys’ and girls’ participation in science events and enrollment in science classes serves as a disheartening reminder of the challenges the nation must overcome.’

She, therefore, charged MPs to dismantle any form of barriers and create an enabling environment that empowered women and girls to thrive in science leadership roles.

‘….Mr Speaker, as representatives of the people and custodians of legislative authority, it is incumbent upon us to dismantle any form of barriers and create an enabling environment that empowers women and girls to thrive in science leadership roles,’ Madam Sowah said.

The La Dadekoptpon Legislator also advocated the celebration and amplification of the achievements of women and girls in science leadership roles, w
here their resilience, innovation, and commitment to sustainability would be showcased.

That recognition would inspire future generations of female scientists, innovators, and leaders to chart new frontiers and drive positive change for the country and beyond.

‘Mr Speaker, in line with this commitment, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the exceptional young ladies from the La Dadekotopon Constituency who have embarked on paths within the field of science.’

‘Special recognition is deservedly bestowed upon Zacharia-Sidique Rahma and Mensah Selassie Isabella, both distinguished medical students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.’

‘Their unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence stand as beacons of inspiration to us all.’

Commenting on the statement, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the NDC MP for Tamale South, called for tools that would promote STEM, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and not infrastructure.

Madam Angela Oforiwa Alorwu Tay, NDC MP for Afad
jato South, urged the Education Committee of Parliament to be concerned about STEM and initiate a policy that would offer girls in STEM small privileges to boost their interest.

Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Okaikwei Central, called for special incentives and support from the Government for women and girls in the sector to break barriers and bridge gaps.

For their comments on the statement, Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra NDC MP for Ho Central, and Professor Hamza Adam, NDC MP for Kumbungu, encouraged young girls to take up science courses extensively.

Madam Patricia Appiagyei, the NPP MP for Asokwa, urged women who had excelled in the field to mentor young girls pursuing science to ensure their improvement.

Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, the NDC MP for Krachi West, said the Ghana Education Service should come up with policy guidelines where science and related lessons would be taught in the formative stages of students’ academics to make them have the basics right at the basic level.

Mada
m Comfort Doyeo Cudjoe, NDC MP for Ada, said for STEM and ICT to be projected holistically, a conscious effort must be made to include children both at the local and national level for a common goal.

Presiding over proceedings, Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, urged science teachers to give practical examples to enable students to apply them in their everyday lives.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr Promise Sefogah, a Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist, has called for a national policy, standards and guidelines for routine Maternal Mental Health care programmes to identify, manage and prevent disorders.

He said it was crucial to effectively ensure the healthy functioning of mothers and the optimal growth and development of their children.

Dr Sefogah who doubles as a Health Services Management Consultant made the call when he presented findings and recommendations during a national dissemination conference on the Situational Analysis of Maternal Mental Health (MMH) in Ghana.

It was organised by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) with funding support from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (UK-FCDO) in Accra.

?Maternal Mental Health refers to the mental well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.?

It encompasses a range of mental health conditions that can affect women during pregnancy including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psycho
sis.

These conditions can have significant implications for both the mother and her child, affecting bonding, caregiving, and long-term mental health outcomes.

The situational analysis was, therefore, aimed to review the literature, existing policies, and state of maternal mental healthcare with the view to identify gaps for recommendations towards the integration of maternal mental health into routine maternity care in Ghana.

Globally, the prevalence of maternal mental health problems is estimated to range from 18 per cent to 38 per cent.?

In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ghana, the prevalence rate is reportedly higher ranging from 15 per cent to 57per cent (Lund et

al., 2014).

Studies have shown that the weighted mean prevalence rates are 15.6 per cent during the prenatal period and 19.8 per cent for the postnatal period.

In Ghana, a post-partum depression prevalence of 8.6 per cent, 3.1 per cent and 41 per cent have been reported among women who delivered at the primary, seconda
ry and tertiary levels.

Dr Sefogah stated that it was important for the government to consider education for stigma reduction, training, screening tools, practices and schedules, healthcare services and structure, policy, maternal health record book, and improved access to services and medications.

He said there was a need for a multi-sectoral collaboration to guarantee the delivery of compassionate respectful clients for integrated maternal mental healthcare routinely.

Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, the Minister of Health, speaking on several efforts the government had made to ensure the provision of high-quality mental health services, commended the researchers for the assessment, adding that it would champion another feat in Ghana’s health sector.

He said the strengthening of the mental health system and ensuring that women had access to the support and care they needed during pregnancy and postpartum period was a collective effort that required all levels of society to provide high-quality sustainable materna
l mental health services.

The Minister assured that the Ministry of Health would provide the necessary leadership and direction to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations in the report.

Dr Anthony Adofo, the Deputy Director-General, of Ghana Health Service, called for the need to prioritise improving access to maternal mental health services in a congenial atmosphere.

He said that should be supported by the right skills mix and equitable distribution of healthcare workers with the capacity to deliver comprehensive and integrated maternal mental health services at all levels of care.

Dr Adofo urged that?more awareness be created about addressing the mental health issues around pregnancy and childbirth to enable families to be more caring and conscious about the psychological well-being of mothers in the home and communities.?

Dr Francis Kasolo, the World Health Organisation Country Representative, in a speech read on his behalf, said the dissemination of the status report was the first step
in translating policy into action and congratulated the Ministry of Health and its agencies for conducting the assessment.

He pledged that the WHO and its Partners would continue to work with the Ministry of Health and its Agencies to ensure that identified strengths and opportunities such as the Network of Practice (NoP) approach leveraged in developing specific interventions that promoted the integration of maternal mental health services into routine perinatal care across various levels of service delivery.

That, he stated, would ensure improvement in the well-being of pregnant and postpartum women generally as well as focused intervention targeting those with vulnerabilities such as adolescent girls, women with disabilities and those who had suffered fetal loss.

Other dignitaries at the event were representatives from the Mental Health Authority, the Development Director UK-FCDO, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Ghana, the President of Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, an
d health workers.

Source: Ghana News Agency