Category: General

Stakeholders in Ghana’s digital space have called for financial, infrastructure, and human capacity development support to commercialise products and services by innovators in the country.

That, together with strong partnerships, would help transform Ghana’s digital space, leading to the creation of sustainable income earning jobs, especially, for the youth, and contribute to economic stability and social development.

The call was made at the end of the third Ghana Digital and Innovation Week (GDIW) in Accra, which had innovators from France, Germany, and other West African countries in attendance.

The World Bank describes Ghana as a leader in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Digital Economy, indicating that the sectors had grown on average by 19 per cent per year between 2014 and 2020.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Ms Amma Lartey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Impact Investing Ghana, said many Ghanaians were creating products and services in the digital ecosystem to solve everyday needs.

She ca
lled for increased financial support for innovations, noting that it would spur commercialisation by ensuring integration of the digital ecosystem in Ghana.

‘This will improve quality of life of citizens, deliver sustainable jobs for the youth, and strengthen socio-economic development through diversification,’ she explained.

Ms Lartey said commercialisation of innovations would require consistency and clarity in policies, licencing regimes, funding, seamless access to information, and teams with the capacity to sell the volumes of products and services.

Mr Michael Abbiw, Business Development and Marketing Strategist, also called on government, development partners, and financial sector actors to provide the needed support to ensure that Ghanaian innovations were commercialised.

‘All of us must be in one space – we have the ministries and agencies doing separate things, as well as the private sector. It will be good, for example, to integrate the national innovations challenge into the GDIW,’ he said.

‘W
hen we do this, all the programmes will benefit each other, and holistically, we will develop, as our innovations support national and global sustainable development,’ Mr Abbiw said.

In a speech at the event, Mr Kwamena Essilfie Quayson, Director Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MESTI), said digital technology could transform lives, drive economic growth and offer opportunities for all

He called on all value chain players to collaborate with various government agencies to ensure that Ghanaian innovations were well-developed as the sought-after for development solutions across the world.

Mr Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, CEO, National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), called for collaborations to sustain the Ghana Digital and Innovation Week.

‘GDIW is the market centre, where we can sell our wares – it provides the opportunity to meet with decision makers; government, academia and industry, and it’s important that we keep the commitment going forward
,’ he said.

The GDIW is trilateral partnership programme between Ghana, Germany and Israel that provides a platform for various actors to learn, share ideas and create connections to enhance the progress of the digital landscape.

Prior to the three-day event in Accra, three conferences were held in the Northern, Eastern, and Ashanti regions, as part of efforts for decentralisation, and wider reach.

At the end of the event, government committed to making it easier for start-ups to become critical service providers in the country, with MTN Ghana, IMPC, and Green Exploration Labs, and GIZ, all pledging continued support for the event.

Mr Femi Falana, West Africa’s foremost Media Defense Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has asked the Israeli government to spare ‘innocent and unarmed citizens’ as it continued the bombardment in Gaza.

He said though the terrorist attack by Hamas fighters must be condemned, Israel must cease the ‘collective punishment’ meted out to Palestinians, especially women and children.

Addressing the 2023 West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) in Accra on Saturday, the Human Rights Activist described the war in Gaza as a ‘mockery of our humanity.’

‘…While Israelis are entitled to defend themselves against terrorist attacks, we insist that the collective punishment being meted out to all Palestinians, including women and children, who are being killed is not acceptable.

‘What is currently going on there [Gaza] is collective punishment, which is tantamount to a crime against humanity,’ he stated.

Mr Falana noted that ‘collective punishment’ was a crime under the Geneva Convention and that
the world was against ‘the unprovoked attack on the innocent people of Palestine’.

He maintained that most Palestinians were opposed to the operations of Hamas, therefore, all citizens could not be punished for the violence unleased on Israel by the group.

He tasked journalists to join the human rights community demanding ‘immediate and unconditional’ ceasefire in Palestine.

Israel launched attack on Gaza after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which saw 1,200 people killed and more than 200 taken hostage.

More 11,000 lives, including about 4,500 children, are said to have been lost as fighting continued with more people fleeing the city.

Media reports as of November 12, 2023, indicate that the Israeli military had agreed to help evacuate babies from Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital to a ‘safer’ facility.

WAMECA honours outstanding works of journalism in West Africa. The 2023 edition was themed: ‘Media and Democracy in Africa’.

Six journalists, comprising four Ghanaians and two Nigerian reporters, emerged w
inners after 825 entries were screened.

Muhammed Akinyemi of HumAngle Media (Nigeria) emerged the Best West African Journalist of The Year.

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah (Multimedia Group Limited) won the Telecom and ICT Reporting category while Gbenga Salau (Guardian Newspaper, Nigeria) topped the Business Reporting contest.

Mr Emmanuel Ayamga (Pulse Ghana), Komla Adom (Tv3 Ghana) and Francisca Enchill (Multimedia Group Limited) were crowned in the Migration, Human Rights and Investigative Reporting categories respectively. They took home cash prizes, citations and plaques.

Mr Muhammed Akinyemi, a Nigerian, emerged as the Best West African Journalist of The Year at the 2023 West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) held in Accra.

He was also adjudged Best Reporter in the Environmental Reporting category together with four Ghanaian journalists and another Nigerian, who were among the finalists at the ceremony organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah (Multimedia Group Limited) won the Telecom and ICT Reporting category while Gbenga Salau (Guardian Newspaper, Nigeria) topped the Business Reporting contest.

Mr Emmanuel Ayamga (Pulse Ghana), Komla Adom (Tv3 Ghana) and Francisca Enchill (Multimedia Group Limited) were crowned in the Migration, Human Rights and Investigative Reporting categories respectively.

Mr Akinyemi of HumAngle Media (Nigeria) took home a total of $2,500 while awardees in the remaining four categories took home $500 each.

WAMECA honours outstanding works of journalism in West Africa. The 2023 editio
n was themed: ‘Media and Democracy in Africa,’ where practitioners and stakeholders discussed pertinent issues in the sector.

The awards, this year, received 825 entries from 15 countries, which were narrowed down to 100 out of which 17 finalists emerged winners, Mr Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director, MFWA, explained in his address.

He said despite the challenges on the economic and media front, many journalists continued to exhibit ‘courage and excellence’ in executing their functions and, therefore, deserved commendation.

Mr Braimah, however, encouraged practising journalists to do more work related to anti-corruption and health as there were no winners in those categories.

All the entries, he noted, went through a rigorous selection process by renowned African journalists, who settled on the six winners in each of the categories.

He commended various stakeholders and partners, who continued to invest in democracy and Journalism in Ghana as well as activities of MFWA.

Ms Emily Fertik, Public Affairs
Counsellor, US Embassy, Ghana, commended the awardees and asked journalists in Ghana and the United States to remain professional as both nations prepared for the polls next year.

‘…both of our media will be tested for transparency, balance, neutrality, credibility and professionalism, and both of our countries must pass those tests to remain the strong democracies that we are,’ she said.

Pledging continuous support for journalists in the country, she said the US Embassy would train 100 journalists in Ghana next year on election reporting and continue to provide training on fact-checking for journalists in rural areas.

She stated that fact-checking and responsible Journalism were the ‘strongest weapons’ against misinformation and disinformation, which ‘remain a threat to democracy and freedom of the press’.

Mr Femi Falana, West Africa’s foremost Media Defense Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also urged journalists to interrogate the economic policies of governments and ask the pertinent questions in
the minds of ordinary citizens.

He encouraged African journalists to use the media to change ‘the narrative of oppression and underdevelopment’ on the continent.

Ms Fatimatu Abubakar, Deputy Minister for Information, highlighted the indispensable role of the media in democracies and praised MFWA for promoting media excellence throughout the years.

Hamadou Tidiane Sy, Founder and editor of Ouestaf News, Senegal and Member of the Grand Jury for the awards, commended the finalists, indicating that recommendations and observations by the jury would be sent to MFWA to guide applicants in the following year.

The 78th Remembrance Day, a memorial activity observed in Commonwealth member states for the fallen men of the First World War, has been held by the security agencies in the Western Region.

The Day, also known as Poppy Day, saw the Ghana Police Service, the National Fire Service, Air Force and ex-serviceman gathering on the cenotaph near the Takoradi Harbour to pay homage to the fallen heroes.

It was also to create awareness among the public about the sacrifices of ex-service men, who laid down their lives for their country.

Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, and the Guest of Honour, said selflessness was key to nation building and encouraged all Ghanaians to give of their best to Mother Ghana.

The country needed to progress at a faster pace and could only be achieved through collective and individual actions to change the current economic and social narratives, he said.

‘We critically need to visit the good behaviour, values and selflessness of this gallant men,’ the Ministe
r said.

He commended the veterans for their act of courage and bravery in line of duty and charged them to keep ensuring peace in Ghana and the world at large.

The Veterans Administration Ghana read the Biyon Verse; ‘We Shall Remember Them’ in honour of their fallen colleagues.

The ceremony saw a wreath laying by the Minister, Ghana Armed Forces, Ex-serviceman, Expatriates, chiefs and people of the Western Region, and other security service agencies in remembrance of the brave veterans across the world.

The remembrance poppy, a symbol in memoriam of the gallant soldiers, were sold to support the welfare of veterans, while a minute’s silence was observed for their gentle souls to keep resting in peace.

Over 155,000 guests have visited the re-developed Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park since it opened in July this year, says management.

The figure includes 63,000 children and about 51,000 Ghanaian adults. Visitors from Junior and Senior High Schools numbered about 17,000 while those from tertiary

institutions stood at about 4,000, Mr Edward Quao, Acting Director of the park, told the Ghana News Agency.

He said the facility was looking forward to receiving more guests during the festive season and beyond as marketing and promotion activities continued on all fronts.

Notable among the events is an upcoming Food Fair to be held, December 1, 2023 (Farmer’s Day) in collaboration with Chatter House to promote Ghanaian delicacies and other cultural products and heritage.

Mr Quao said things were running ‘smoothly’ at the Park as management and partners, including Ghana Tourism Authority, took various steps to keep the facility vibrant and attractive.

‘We still have the support of our Ministry, the Minister and his
Deputy, and all agencies have been supportive in ensuring that the place is well promoted for us to get the numbers,’ he stated.

He encouraged patrons to spend time at the Park and other tourist sites in the country during the Yuletide to help promote domestic tourism.

Visitors to the Park, he explained, also included other nationals from diverse backgrounds.

‘We have seen more families visiting the Park on weekends and on holidays – which is a good phenomenon. Ghanaian families are stepping out more and we encourage them to do more.

‘Anywhere you are in Ghana, as part of the festive occasion, you should also add a tourist site to the itinerary,’ he stated.

Speaking about children forming the chunk of visitors, the Acting Manager observed that many schools were visiting tourist sites, including the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park as field trips were part of the course of study.

Mr Quao said there were good prospects for the facility and that projections made for tourism in the years ahead were feasible.

Th
e Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, with its in-built modern facilities, is now one of the destinations of choice for guests from far and near. The Park has been buzzing with activities in the past months since it was commissioned.

Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, had reportedly disclosed that the facility rakes in GHS1.1 million revenue monthly – an increase from GHS 3,000 which was being generated prior to the renovation.

The Minister projected 1.2 million international arrivals for the tourism sector, with about 115,000 visitors from the United States alone between December 1 to 15th, this year.

The Reverend Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, a renowned international evangelist, has urged religious leaders not to make statements that will divide the citizens along religious conflicts ahead of the 2024 General Election.

Irresponsible statements, he explained, would undermine the peace and admirable interfaith cohesion the nation had enjoyed over the decades and lead the nation into violent conflict.

Contributing to a panel discussion on a state television programme, Dr Tetteh said Ghana needed a leader who would serve the interests of all citizens, regardless of his or her religious background.

‘We want a president, not a religious leader; we want a leader who can embrace all and sundry to resolve the common challenges we face, and we need to be very careful at this time,’ he emphasised.

‘I am quick to say that I am a Christian; my grandfather was a king, so he was an Aglican; and my grandmother was a Methodist. My father died a Presbyterian, and my mom, who is watching me today, is a Methodist. I am a Christi
an, Charismatic, and Pentecostal, and that should not negate the fact that we need to bring our nation together,’ he added.

‘Therefore, I am also cautioning my brothers and sisters who are into the prophetic ministry that this is not the time to make statements that will only make you popular.

‘Don’t take advantage of the current situation to castigate or make statements that will just make you popular without considering the repercussions.’

Kings, he said, were ordained by God, so whoever would emerge as president of the country in 2024 would be a reflection of God’s will, and must be embraced by all.

He cautioned that the peace and the socio-economic progress of some countries had been disrupted by reckless religious and ethnocentric speeches and Ghana need not follow suit.

Following the ruling New Patriotic Party’s election of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on November 4, as its flagbearer, some political activists and social commentators are making religious affiliation one of the yardsticks for
becoming a president.

This is the first time a Muslim is leading one of the dominant parties (NPP and NDC) to the general election in the Fourth Republic.

Though a secular state, more than 70 per cent of Ghana’s population is Christian.

The country, however, enjoys inter-faith harmony, with the clergy, including the National Chief Imam, working together to advance many causes in peace building and national socio-economic development.

The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) says it is gathering data to determine the epicentre and magnitude of the earth tremor that hit some parts of Accra Sunday, November 12, 2023, around 0720 hours.

‘GGSA notes with caution reports of an earth tremor in Awoshie, Kanda, Kasoa Nyanyano, and vicinity. Our team of seismologists is actively gathering data to determine the epicentre, magnitude and other factors of this event.

‘Please remain calm and follow the safety

measures: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Stay

tuned for updates,’ the GGSA said.

The tremor said to have lasted for a few seconds, was reported in La, Sowutuom, Mallam, Gbawe, Awoshie, Kasoa, Bortianor, and Sarpeiman.

On Friday, March 11, this year, a similar event occurred in the national capital.

The tremor of 2.8 magnitude on the Richter Scale hit Jamestown, High Street, Ridge and its environs at 0900 hours.

Also, on Monday, December 12, 2022, three earth tremor incidents occurred in parts of Accra at 1149 hours with a magnitude of 2.1,
with the main event occurring at 11:53 am with a magnitude of 3.5, while the aftershock occurred at 11:58 am with a magnitude of 1.8 on the Richter scale.

An earth tremor is a relatively small or short-lived movement of the earth’s surface caused by the same forces that produce earthquakes.

Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, a National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament (MP) for Buem, has called on the leadership of the House to reconsider the policy of ‘out-of-station post-budget workshop’ for MPs.

This year’s Post-budget Workshop is expected to be held at the Rock City Hotel, Kwahu Nkwatia, in the Eastern Region, from Friday, November 17, to Sunday, November 19.

He explained that if the workshop was held in Parliament House in Accra, it would save the country some money considering the current economic hardship the citizens were facing.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Finance, in accordance with Article 179 of the Constitution, will present the Business Statement and Economic Policy of the Government for the year ending December 31, 2024, on Wednesday, November 15 to Parliament.

Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Vice Chairman of the Business Committee, presenting the Business Statement for the Third Week Ending Friday, November 17, informed the House that the usual post-budget workshop
would be held from November 17 – 19, at the Rock City Hotel, Kwahu Nkwatia.

However, in his response, Mr Adams advocated that the workshop be held within the precincts of Parliament to save money.

‘If my call is adhered to, it will save the country some GhS1.4 million for accommodation just for MPs at an assumed cost of GhS1,700 per room,’ he said.

‘Mr Speaker, accommodating staff and other auxiliary staff of the House will make the cost of hosting the workshop outside very expensive.’

‘The current economic conditions of the country make it imperative for the Legislature to lead by example by opting for an in-house post-budget workshop instead of hosting the event outside.’

Addressing the Parliamentary press corps, Mr Adams disapproved of statements that MPs got distracted when such events were held in Parliament House.

‘…We sit in Parliament to transact even more important businesses than just a mere workshop; we are going to debate the budget right here; do we get distracted when we sit every day to d
o our business?

‘If we can do our business every day, it is possible to have the post-budget workshop here without any challenge at all.’