Category: General

Residents at the Sunyani Zongo are left in shock after the lifeless body of a newborn baby enclosed in a polythene bag was found in a drain in the early hours of Tuesday.

The Ghana News Agency (GNA) learnt the police have since retrieved the body, from the gutter along the Sunyani-Zongo One-way around 0530 hours and since deposited it at a mortuary in Sunyani.

Scores of residents rushed to catch a glimpse of the incident when the GNA visited the scene, and the story has since remained a topical issue, as people wondered why somebody would dump such an innocent child.

Mr Moro Salia, the Assemblyman for Zongo Electoral Area, confirmed the story, describing it as a barbaric act and called on the police to be expeditious in their investigation to seek justice for the innocent baby.

In a related development, the police rescued another newborn baby, dumped behind a container at Badu, a farming community in the Tain District.

The GNA gathered that a resident who heard the continuous crying of the baby boy appr
oached the scene and discovered him lying prostrate on a rag around 0900 hours on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Mr Shehu Dauda, the Assemblyman for the Laawage Electoral Area, confirmed the story and said the police had arrested the mother of the baby boy.

Police preliminary investigations revealed the girl delivered this morning, dumped the baby and locked herself in a room, a police source indicated, saying they had since sent the boy and his mother to the Badu clinic for medication and proper care.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFAD) has handed over some relief items to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for distribution to fisherfolks affected by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

The items included 1,000 bags of 25kg rice, 417 boxes of cooking oil, 417 boxes of mackerels, 417 boxes of tomato paste, cartons of bar soap, packs of detergent, packs of tissue, and bags of sachet water.

Mr Moses Anim, the Deputy Sector Minister handing over the items at NADMO warehouse, Woe in the Anloga District said the presentation formed part of government’s relief efforts in the three regions affected by the spillage.

‘On behalf of the President, the Ministry, and our agencies, we are here to present some relief items to the victims of the dam spillage in the three regions, that is Volta Region, Greater Accra, and the Eastern Region, which will go for the marine resources and inland resources as well.’

Mr Anim said it was important to support the fisheries sector and alleviate the suffe
ring of fishers and their dependents in these challenging times.

‘Since 2016, 2017, the aquaculture contribution to total domestic fish production was about some 54,000 metric tons of fish, and in 2022, aquaculture contributed about 183,000 metric tons and this spillage may try to reduce the production level of aquaculture and that is why we must be very quick to react and be responsive.’

The Deputy Minister hinted that there would be a second phase of support for the victims saying, ‘We are aware of the fisher folk whose cages and equipment have been either destroyed or carried away. We have taken inventory, and a budget has been prepared and we are waiting for a time, when the water reduces, we will make those donations to them’

Mr Seji Saji, Deputy Director General, NADMO, who received the items on behalf of the Organisation with gratitude, speaking to the Ghana News Agency said, such donations were important at this point to reduce the suffering of individual victims and to support their recovery.

‘As
a disaster management agency, we have received the items and will distribute them in the same spirit in which they are donated. We are particularly happy about the livelihood support mentioned… We are at the recovery stage now and at this stage, it is the individual that matters and since it will take some time for them to recover, supports like this are relevant and we shall commit to it.’ Mr. Saji said.

Volta Region’s three coastal districts of Anloga, Keta, and Ketu South to benefit from the donation were represented by their Municipal and District Chief Executives; Mr Seth Yormewu, Mr. Emmanuel Gemegah and Mr Maxwell Lugudor with the respective NADMO Coordinators, who joined Mr Saji to receive the items.

About 39,000 fishers were affected by the flood disaster in October because of the Akosombo Dam spillage which displaced many.

Fisherfolks in these three districts, especially those around the Keta Lagoon got affected, when the lagoon overflowed its banks rendering them homeless.

Source: Ghana News
Agency

Ghana has been elected to Chair the Network of African Cyber Security Authorities with Morocco being the Vice-Chair.

The Network aims to improve cybersecurity maturity on the continent and kick start efforts to increase African cybersecurity authorities from the current 17 to all African countries.

The election was conducted at the Executive Training On Cybersecurity and the Official launch of Network Of African Cyber Security Authorities (NACSA) by Smart Africa in Accra.

The platform will aim to facilitate close cooperation between the cybersecurity agencies and support ongoing initiatives for a secure cyberspace in Africa and position Africa on the global cybersecurity stage through a well-coordinated, strong, credible, and collective approach.

It will also provide a platform for knowledge exchange, harmonization of policies and regulations and coordination between members.

The training formed part of the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building Conference (GC3B) to be hosted by Ghana from Novembe
r 29 to November 30, 2023.

The overall objective is to capacitate high level executives from the African Regulatory authorities on Cybersecurity issues that limit the continent from realizing the core benefits of a Digital Economy.

The training, which is meant for regulators, aims to provide the skills needed to understand the process of developing and implementing topics like Cybersecurity laws, standards, and regulations (international and regional).

Others are investment in cybersecurity capacity development and allocation of funds, Cybersecurity national coordination mechanisms, partnerships, intelligence sharing and Cyber-diplomacy and norms

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority’s (CSA), said from October 2019 to October 2023, cybercrime/cybersecurity incident reporting points of contact (PoC) has received a total of 44,316 contacts.

He said 3,845, representing nine per cent, were categorised as actual cyber related incidents and 40,471 were categorised as d
irect advisories.

The Director-General said these direct advisories were issued to citizens that reach out to the CSA to fact check information they come across online and perform due diligence before taking certain actions online.

‘Top reported incident categories during the period include Online Fraud (45 per cent) which includes shopping fraud, investment scams, job recruitment fraud, romance scams among others,’ he added.

He said online Blackmail (13 per cent), unauthorised access (11 per cent), information disclosure (nine per cent), Cyber Bullying (eight per cent) dominated by online loan applications and online impersonation (eight per cent).

‘The analytics from our CERT also indicate a direct financial loss of GHS 57.9 million (approximately US$ 5 million) between January and October 2023,’ he said.

The Director-General said it was encouraging to note that several initiatives were being implemented to mitigate the cyberthreats and strengthen cybersecurity on the continent.

Dr Antwi-Boasiako said
to address the challenges posed by the misuse of digital technology, the African Union’s 23rd Assembly of Heads of State and Government in 2014 adopted the Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, also known as the Malabo Convention.

He said this had called for a concerted and collaborative effort in building capacity in cybersecurity and this would provide the relevant agencies in each nation with the tools to effectively combat the increasingly transnational nature of cyber threats.

The Director-General commended the leadership of Smart Africa for taking the initiative to establish the Network which would serve as the platform to integrate national efforts into a holistic and formidable action towards securing the digital transformation of the continent.

Mr Didier Nkurikiyimfura, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Smart Africa said training was organised under the auspices of the Smart Africa Digital Academy in collaboration with Africa Digital Academy.

He said Cybersecurity was a crit
ical and a transversal component of Africa’s digital transformation agenda and as a result, Smart Africa, together with its key stakeholders developed a continental cybersecurity blueprint that has since been validated and presented to their Steering Committee.

He said one of the recommendations that came from the in-depth consultations during the development of the blueprint was the need to establish an independent network of African

cybersecurity authorities for better collaboration and coordination on cybersecurity development.

‘We analyzed the African cybersecurity landscape and discovered that there are 43 African countries that have cybersecurity legislation but only 17 countries have so far established national cybersecurity authorities,’ he said.

He said there was the need to ensure proper resourcing for domestic cybersecurity frameworks and authorities to support ongoing initiatives for trusted and secure digital transformation in Africa.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Osman Musah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Insaan Company Limited has been awarded the prestigious title of the Most Respected CEO at the 6th Ghana Industry CEO Awards in Accra.

This recognition marks a significant milestone for both Mr Musah and his company, affirming their commitment to excellence in the Construction Industry.

Insaan Company Ltd is a construction firm that embarked on its journey in 2005 and has been a key player in shaping both the private and public sectors in Ghana.

The company’s dedication to delivering quality projects has earned them a stellar reputation in the industry.

Operating with a vision that extends beyond the borders of Ghana, Insaan Company aspires to leave an indelible mark on the global construction landscape in the near future.

The Ghana Industry CEO Awards, now in its 6th year, stands as an annual beacon, recognising outstanding CEOs across diverse sectors in Corporate Ghana.

CEO’s from both private and public sector entities are eligible for nominations
and subsequent acknowledgement based on their exceptional leadership.

In an acceptance speech, Mr Musah said: ‘I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of this coveted award. It feels great to know that someone somewhere appreciates what you do and how that impacts positively on the operation of your organization. This award is only going to spur me and my company to greater heights, Insha Allah.

‘I thank the organizers for this award. I would like to dedicate this award to first and foremost my clients who have kept faith with the company, without whom the award would not have been possible.

‘Secondly, to the staff and workers of Insaan Company Ltd whose hard work, passion and zeal for excellence and dedication to the mission of the company has made this possible, and last but not the least goes to my family and friends for their unflinching support and prayers. I can assure you that this is just the beginning of better and greater things to come in the future Insha Allah’.

The award selection proces
s is a democratic one, involving nominations from the Ghanaian public who shortlist deserving CEO’s.

Following a thorough verification process, the public then vote for shortlisted nominees.

Those CEOs who received the highest votes in each sector category are declared the winners through the validation process conducted by the award scheme’s official partners.

The crowning moment took place at the Accra International Conference Centre in a colorful event attended by industry leaders, dignitaries and stakeholders.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Chief Justice Getrude Sackey Torkornoo has urged Judges, Registrars, and quasi-judicial officers to pursue integrity and strong leadership skills to ensure a responsive legal system.

According to Chief Justice Torkornoo, ‘Court Registrars play a pivotal role in the justice delivery system and as quasi-judicial officers, it is important that they are informed, possess integrity and strong leadership skills’.

She said this at a day’s conference for Supervising High Court Judges, Regional Administrative Officers, and Court Registrars of the Judicial Service in the Southern Sector of Ghana held in Accra, a statement issued and signed by Mr. J. R. Ampong-Fosu, Director of Communications, said.

The statement said the conference which was spearheaded by the Judicial Training Institute (TI) had the theme; ‘Building the Pillars of Justice in Coherence and Harmony’.

It was also in line with Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo’s quest to enhance the administration of justice and ensure a responsive legal system
that addresses the needs of citizens.

The statement said the objective of the Conference was to enhance the administration of justice by addressing relevant, practical models to remove barriers to efficiency and effectiveness in justice delivery.

It said the Conference was thus meant to involve participants in finding practical solutions to issues which work against effective and efficient delivery of services to the public.

The statement said the Conference identified institutional and structural barriers that impinged on work at the registry level and in overall judicial administration. It further served as an avenue for direct interactions with the Chief Justice, Management, Supervising High Court Judges,

It said during the conference, Regional Administrative Officers, and Court Registrars exchanged ideas and dialogued.

‘The outcome of the dialogue will ultimately form the basis for strategies and policy documents that will promote efficiency and effectiveness in court administration.’

There were pre
sentations by some Directors of the Judicial Service on identified areas of concern, followed by breakout sessions that addressed practical challenges in

administrative/registry work such as Execution, Bails, Letters of Administration, preparation of Warrants etc,’ the statement added.

The statement said a Conference Communique on Achieving Coherence and Harmony, whiles Building the Pillars of Justice, was presented by the Conference Rapporteur, Justice Dorothy Kingsley-Nyinah, a High Court Judge and Quality Assurance Manager of the Judicial Service.

According to the statement, a similar event would be held for Supervising Judges, Regional Administrators and Registrars in the Northern Sector of Ghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Medical Director in charge of Afrolifeline Medical Centre at Shama in the Western Region, Dr Priscilla Gloria Nashlord Bekoe, has encouraged the public to take advantage of free health screenings, to know their fitness statuses.

She said it was important to promote good health and living conditions, as getting screened could help detect certain hidden diseases, for early treatment to prevent further complications.

Dr Bekoe gave the advice at one of such free health screening exercises organised as part of activities to mark the ‘2023 Shama Homecoming celebration.’

The people were screened for Malaria, diabetes, hypertension, malnutrition for children and Body Mass Index (BMI) among others.

The Homecoming is on the theme, ‘Breaking the Sins of Our Forefathers.’

Some beneficiaries were excited about the screening, saying it was a good course as they were thoroughly examined and given the needed medication and advice.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Developers Net (DN), a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) in the Volta region, has held a workshop on sexual and reproductive health for girls at Amutsinu in the Ketu South Municipality.

The move was to create a sustainable solution to sexual and reproductive challenges to promote good hygienic menstrual health among girls.

Mr Yonnah Keleku, leader and Founder of the group said the aim was also to bring together development experts and stakeholders to tackle pressing issues in the various deprived communities.

‘We are focused on four thematic areas, which include Sexual and Reproductive Health, Gender Equality, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Climate change.’

Mr Keleku said the group, which was made up of young entrepreneur nursing students, had the vision of empowering communities where the needs and aspirations of the vulnerable groups were acknowledged, respected, and met.

He said the NGO strived to build a society that upheld equality, inclusiveness, and sustainable development for all manner
of individuals.

‘Our mission is to collaborate with stakeholders, experts and communities to advocate and accelerate community-led changes.’

Mama Hodzige ll, the Ketu South Director of the National Commission for Civil Education (NCCE), who also participated in the one-day workshop commended the group for the effort in educating girls on gender-based violence.

Some beneficiaries who spoke to GNA expressed happiness about the training and thanked the organisers for the opportunity.

Each participating trainee was presented with a box of sanitary pads.

Source: Ghana News Agency

KGL Group, a leading player in Ghana’s digital landscape, has been honored with three prestigious awards at the National Communications Awards 2023: Ghana Digitalization Edition and Digitalization Expo 2023.

The awards ceremony, which celebrates excellence in communication, digital innovation and technology, recognized KGL Group for its significant contributions to Ghana’s digital economy.

The group’s innovative solutions and commitment to promoting digital transformation have played a crucial role in transforming the country’s digital landscape.

KGL Group’s awards included ‘Technology Visionary Leader of the Year’, ‘Technology Super Brand of the Year’, and ‘Charity Driven Digital Platform of the Year’.

These accolades are a testament to the group’s relentless pursuit of digital excellence and its commitment to making digital services accessible to all Ghanaians.

The ‘Technology Visionary Leader of the Year’ award was given in recognition of Dr. Michael Owusu’s pivotal role in steering KGL Group toward
the unprecedented technological advancements in revolutionizing the way Ghanaians interact with technology.

His visionary approach has not only simplified digital transactions but also made them more secure and efficient.

The ‘Technology Super Brand of the Year’ award was bestowed upon KGL Group for its efforts in promoting ground breaking innovations, and relentless dedication to advancing communication, telecommunications, technology, and digitalization in Ghana.

The group has been instrumental in equipping Ghanaians with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world to bridging the digital divide.

The ‘Charity Driven Digital Platform of the Year’ award also went to FootyCash by KEED Ghana, a platform developed by KGL Group.

This platform has been recognized for its charitable initiatives, showcasing KGL Group’s commitment to leveraging technology for positive societal impact.

The three awards are a reflection of KGL Group’s commitment to driving digital transformation in Ghana. The group’s innov
ative solutions and initiatives have not only enhanced the digital experience for Ghanaians but also contributed to the growth of the country’s digital economy.

Congratulations to KGL Group on this well-deserved recognition! Here’s too many more years of digital innovation and excellence.

Source: Ghana News Agency