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Ghana FinTech Awards 2022 Edition Held In Accra

Ghana FinTech and Payments Association (GFPA) over the weekend rewarded outstanding FinTech individuals aa well as organisations for their immense contributions towards the promotion of Ghana’s FinTech competitive advantage and economic growth and financial inclusion.

About Ghana FinTech and Payments Association Ghana Fintech and Payments Asociation is the foremost fintech community in Ghana, serving as the umbrella body promoting the advancement of financial technologies and digital payment systems in Ghana.

Operating as a Not-for- Profit Organization (NGO), the Association is well-positioned to serve financial technology professionals, companies and start-ups, as well as other allied entities.

The Association has seen rapid engagements and traction in terms of memberships. It is continuously growing each day as it’s aim is to utilize credible partnerships to catalyze and drive adoption of fintech and digital payments of fintechs across the region, while protecting consumers in line with global standards.

In an opening remarks. Mr. Martin Kwame Awagah, president Ghana Fintech and Payments Association, did indicate that the digital financial services industry is a Vital component of Ghana’s economy, and we are proud to highlight the innovations and excellence that is drving is growth and development.

As revealed by McKinsey and Company (2022), this industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 15%, the highest in Sub-Saharan Afnca.

“As President of the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association, I am particularly pleased to see the strong representation of Ghanaian owned and international fintech companies in this year’s group of finalists,” he stressed

According to Mr. Awagah , this is testament to the innovative ideas, talent, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of our industry’s leaders and regulatory bodies.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the organizers, express our profound gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their support in making this event possible. Their investment in the fintech space is greatly appreciated and will undoubtedly help to drive further growth and innovation in the sector.

I would like to encourage you by saying “your achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and determination in the face of adversity and better luck in the 3rd edition.”

About Ghana FinTech Awards 2022

The Ghana Fin Tech Awards 2022 aims to recognize and acknowledge the efforts and achievements of individuals and companies driving last mile solutions. These stalwarts presently and over the years have contributed immensely towards the promotion of Ghana’s FinTech competitive advantage and the journey to building a resilient Fintech space for economic growth and achieving financial inclusion.

In a related development, a 5 member governing council as well as two non executive members of GFPA were inducted into office.

Speaking to the media at the Awards ceremony, Frank Anwelle, country Director of DPO Group, concerted that the future of money by 2030 And it is pretty clear that money will still be money, but money will be very different. Money will be digital. And money would also be physical.

Mr. Anwelle, laid emphasises on the fact that “Ghana and other regulators will probably stop printing money by 2030 Because money will get to a point where money it’s all digital,”

Most importantly, though, I think, by 2030 and beyond the cost of moving money around will be a whole lot cheaper. Right now it costs more than 4% to transfer money, even digitally. By 2030. I expect money movement capital, even from the west into Africa, and intra Africa and even within Ghana, to cost less than 1% which would make a real difference to consumers every single day.

Touching on the safety of money, Mr. Xxx mentioned that security is going to be far more important because the more digital money becomes a thing that everybody is using, the more you need more secured systems, stronger cybersecurity, stronger collaboration between all the parties concerned both to the regulators, and the private sector and also individuals to be aware that cybersecurity and cyber fraud will be a whole lot more during the time when money is digital.

He was qiick to add that companies like ours, and all the FinTech companies in Ghana and FinTech companies in Africa, will have to work together. ” To create stronger security to protect consumers’ money to make sure nobody loses the money as money begins to move digital because that would what will happen,” he emphasised.

“But if we come together, we work together, create stronger security systems, security policies, and security firewalls. I think that will be reduced quite a lot,” he added.

By Kingsley Asiedu

Gov’t Commits GHs 30m To Make Renting Accessible For All

The government of Ghana through the Ministry of Works and Housing has earmarked an amount of Thirty Million Ghana Cedis (GHs 30m) towards the implementation of the National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS) aimed at making renting accessible for all Ghanaians.

BACKGROUND:
Residential renting in Ghana has been on an increasing trend for the pst two decades. This is as a result of the higlh demand for affordable rental properties. The problem is compounded by an uncompromising demand of landlords to collect a year or two years of prepaid rent (advance) from potential tenants.

Rescarch has shown that only 5% of Ghana’s

population can acquire their own homes without any form of assistance, with 60% requiring support that is facilitated by the state to access housing whilst 35% Will require additional direct support before they can have access to housing, The assistance required by the houscholds falling into the 60% band comes in the form of supportive regulations and Competitively priced mortgages whereas the lower 35% band need subsidies in addition.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

To be eligible for the Scheme, the applicant must show proof of the following minimum requirements:
1.Be a Ghanaian
2.Possess a valid Ghana Card
3.Must be an adult of Eighteen (18) years and above
4.Verifiable employment and earned income
5.Must have a verifiable bank statement or mobile money statement
6.Rent payable must not exceed 30 percent of the house -hold income.

H.E. the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in a keynote speech to officially declare the (NRAS) duly launched, noted that successive governments have instituted several housing policies geared towards increasing access to various housing options across the country.

However, Dr. Bawumia stated that these efforts are mostly concentrated on home ownership services and have not achieved the desired impact in addressing the market imbalances of the rental housing market.

“Globally rental housing forms an integral part of a well functioning housing market and plays a critical role in increasing access to affordable housing options particular for the youth and low income groups,” Dr. Bawumia added.

Speaking further Dr. Bawumia mentioned that as a people focused government, providing meaningful shelter to the citizenry formed a significant part of the NPP government’s development agenda.

One interesting thing about this scheme according to the Vice President, is that when you invest money into the scheme for lending, the repayment that comes in monthly, thus the monthly rent repayment goes back into the pool to be lend again to a new set of renters (tenants).

“Essentially, the scheme is of a pool revolving fund one group of renters as they pay monthly, would be given to a new group of renters making it expand with time,” Dr. Bawumia explained.

I am happy to inform you that government has made significant strides as far as the

housing sector and rent management of the country is concerned. Government through the ministry of Works and Housing has submitted to Parliament for consideration and passage, a rent bill to replace the existing rent of 1963. The current Act was passed by Parliament 59 years ago, and therefore its relevance has been out by the current population growth, urbanisation, housing availability and general trends.

‘This the passage of this act will really enhance the rental market in Ghana and we have the bill in Parliament now,” Dr. Bawumia hinted.

“Additionally, to enhance the service delivery standards of the rent control department, processes have begun in earnest and a service provider has been engaged to digitalize the work of the rent control department across the country.

Digitalization will provide a consolidated platform for the operations of the rent control department, while at the same time improving revenue generation and collection for the country.

‘The implementation of the National Rental Assistance scheme will among other things provide a new pathway for government to leverage its policy functions to streamline the rental sub sector in respect of the quantity and quality of rental housing,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

” I am particularly excited to learn of the eligibility criteria that have been adopted in the selection of beneficiaries of the scheme. It does not only support the call to synchronise all platforms with the national identification system, but also the data produced from the implementation of the scheme will facilitate government’s efforts at expanding the revenue stream flow, improved collection of rent tax.” Dr. Bawumia stressed.

According to Dr. Bawumia, the government has been able to introduce this because of the availability of a national identification system because of the availability of a digital address because of the availability of mobile money interoperability that essentially provides practically all illegible Ghanians with a bank account.

Dr. Bawumia also tasked the Ministry of works and housing not to renege on its oversight and supervisory responsibilities for the successful implementation of the scheme. ” I wish to call on all well meaning Ghanians to support this initiative,” Dr. Bawumia emphasised.

“As a government we remain committed to the successful implementation of the scheme for the benefit of Ghanians,” he said.

The sector Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye reiterated that, limited land supplies, cost of
capital, rising cost of building materials, among others have all contributed to the high cost of housing developments in the country.

Unfortunately, Mr. Asenso-Boakye recalled, previous housing policies and programmes have often focused on promoting home ownership, neglecting the fact that rental housing is a key component for well functioning housing markets.

Indeed rental accommodation constitute a significant share of shelter services in the country, especially in the urban areas catering for about 35% of households whiles owner Occupied housing accounts for 48% of shelter services in the country.

“In view of the importance of shelter for humanity, the urgent need to provide support for lower income households and the youth to access the minimum standard of decent accommodation cannot be overemphasised,” Mr. Asenso-Boakye observed.

The Minister for Works and Housihg who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bantama constituency in the Ashanti Region, pointed out that the initial phase will come in Greater Accra, Ashanti. Northern , Western ,Eastern and Bono-West region were selected because data from rent control indicates that they (above listed region) have a higher rate of rent advance related issues.

The objective of government, however, is to operationalize the scheme throughout the country indeed government recognises the fact that public programmes of this nature may come with its own operational challenges during implementation.
” This notwithstanding, It is our fervent hope that the experiences and lessons learned will help government make the scheme better across the country.,” Mr. Asenso-Boakye assured.

“I am confident that this scheme like all other public programmes of this government will bring a lot of relief to many Ghanians,” he added.

In a solidarity message, Frederick Opoku, General Secretary, National Tenants Union of Ghana, cautioned that the application processes to access the scheme by the people be transparent, fair and credible with no political colours where all qualified applicants under the scheme would have equal opportunity to benefit.

“We believe that such good initiative must include the creation of a stronger consumer regulation regime for rental housing , enhancing tenants’ rights and making it easier to enforce them and making changes to the way complaints are resolved.”

This according Mr. Opoku, will ensure that tenants know exactly how to raise concerns and can be confident their voices will be heard and acted on.

By Kingsley Asiedu

Let’s Change The Narrative About Our Continent…. Dr. Bawumia Charges African Business Leaders

The Vice President of Ghana, H.E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has charged African Business Leaders and Chief Executive Officers ( CEOs) to change the negative narrative about the African continent.

“Some of such narratives, sadly has been about poverty, conflict, misgovernance, corruption and underdevelopment” Dr. Bawumia added.

Delivering a keynote address at the maiden Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APDs) held at Safari Valley Resort, Adukrom -Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana to formerly open the summit series dubbed; the “Kwehu

Summit ” Dr. Bawumia noted, this event has been organised as a solution-driven initiative to fast-track the implementation of the AfCFTA. He further disclosed that this is the time for businesses to dialogue on SMART ways to enjoy the opportunities from the Agreement for a resilient, sustainable, inclusive and prosperous Africa.

According to the Vice President, the time has come for Africa and Africans to define our own narrative. We cannot allow poverty and underdevelopment to be the destiny of Africa, a continent so blessed with every natural resource imaginable – oil, gas, minerals, and sunshine.

The theme for the Business and Policy Leaders was AfCFTA – “From Ambition to Action: Delivering Prosperity Through Continental Trade”.

Dr. Bawumia described AfCFTA is a real

game-changer, and once fully realised, we can increase intra-African trade by some US$ 35 billion and reduce external imports by some US$ 10 billion annually. This will mean more opportunities for growth and for our small businesses and the potential to lift more than 3 million people out of poverty.

To bring about the transformation we need as a continent, Br. Bawumia seized the opportunity to propose three (3) broad areas that we need to prioritise as follows;

First is the need for smart investments in critical infrastructure. As a continent, we need to produce and trade our way out of poverty and underdevelopment, and we cannot do that without investing in smart infrastructure across the continent. While the last decades have seen some positive investments, there is the need for additional resources to finance the ‘arteries for trade’, which include the physical infrastructure such as roads, rail, and energy; digital

infrastructure such as data centres to facilitate the digital transformation and financial infrastructure to allow for integration financial markets. These investments will be critical to delivering the success of the AfCFTA.

Second is to unleash the productive capacities across the continent. We must create platforms for knowledge brokerage and access to information on critical products and services on the continent to allow 445 million small businesses across the continent to plug into the value chains of these mega industries. We need to develop Africa into a manufacturing zone that will facilitate the trade of value-added products. These, in my view, will be critical to leapfrog Africa’s industrialisation and the enormous socio-economic benefits.

Finally, is mobilising finance and investments. Africa needs between US$ 130 billion and US$ 170 billion annually to bridge

its infrastructure gap and generate sustainable growth at 5% per annum or more. This presents immense opportunities for the private sector investment. Attracting private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) is therefore, essential for the delivery of various infrastructure projects. Furthermore, there is a need for innovative policies to mobilise and allocate resources more effectively, and for better coordination amongst all African stakeholders and international partners.

“we are indeed on the cusp of the realisation of the Africa we want. As key stakeholders, we must consolidate the successes so far and, with a sense of urgency, develop the signature solutions needed to deepen intra-African trade and spur impactful investments needed to bring prosperity to the continent and its people. And we must do this with fearless determination.,” Dr.Bawumia encouraged.

Delegates attendihg the summit comes from various deciplines and backgrounds included Ministers and Deputy Ministers across Africa, Senior Officials of the African Union Commission and the United Nations System,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Renowned Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Business Leaders across the continent.

For his part, Gabby Asare Otchere- Darko, the founder and chairman of Africa Prosperity Network stated that this year’s gathering is the first of many; the first of such many destiny-shaping retreats that we plan to hold. Your presence here today cannot be at all over-emphasised. “And, we know that with your commitment from this day on, we can build a strong network of Pan-African partnership to make this annual retreat a most powerful, actionable platform of choice for building the one, prosperous Africa we want and know we can get done.,” he stressed.

Touching on the prospect of the Africa Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA) Mr. Otchere Darko indicated that in order for it to work and work for us, the workings of the AfCFTA must be seen and felt from this onset to be for the people of Africa. “For our collective ownership and shared benefit. It must be owned by businesses in Africa. The combined voices of Africa’s businesses, big and small, must be heard,” he added.

The founder of APN also stated that the combined voices of Africa’s businesses, big and small, must be heard and felt.

According to him, the aggregate value of enterprises and industries across Africa must be networked, coordinated and impactfully leveraged. ” That is why, we of the APN are pleased to have created this dedicated platform, the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APN) as an annual retreat where business

leaders, thought leaders, trade associations, development organisations, young and women entrepreneurs, etc., will sit together, think together, plan together, and work together, with urgency, to intensify the efforts towards achieving the goals of AfCFTA.

By Kingsley Asiedu

Accra Medic Season 2 To Hit The Screens January 18, 2023

The second season of “Accra Medic” an authentic Ghanaian medical drama will be airing on Akwaba magic from wednesday 18th January, 2023 and Thursdsy 19th January, 2023 at 8:30pm respectively.

The “Accra Medic” tells the inside ethical medical professional story following the lives of the staff at an Accra hospital, as they navigate the challenges of their lives while saving patients – while in a hospital that’s suffering from mismanagement in a country with an ailing healthcare system.

In an opening remarks Mr. Alex Okyere, the Managing Director (MD) for Multichoice Ghana indicated that the second season comes on the heels of a very successful first season.

He seized the opportunity to express his profound gratitude to the staff and management of UGMC for suppoeting the entire production by making their facility available for the cast and crew to “shoot” the movie.

To the teeming viewers, Mr. Okyere thanked them for thier loyalty as portrayed through their continued yearning for the return of “Accra Medic.”

“Since the show went on break, there has not been a single day without customers (viewers) call to inquire about the return of the show.,” Mr. Okyere emphasised.

Dr. Darius Osei, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University of Ghana Mediacal Centre in an interview with the media after the official media launch of the season two (2), disclosed that, UGMC had to help them (the producers of Accra Medic) with this series because the content is more or less a medical issue.

Dr. Oseif also disclosed that management of UGMC were excited because some of these programmes will let the public know about the patients experience as well as the providers experience, the ethics around the medical professionals job amongs others.
“we wanted to take advantage to promote the facility because as its new,” Dr. Osei said.

I’m sure everybody who had the opportunity to watch the Premiering of the season two this evening to be accent questions whether we have such a beautiful facility in this country,” Dr. Osei added.

Speaking further the CEO of the healthcare facility expressed some excitement to be part of this collaboration because according to him, it works for both parties. “And more so, if you look at the content, it depicts some of the ethical issues that are confronted with the job that we do, and lessons to be learned, so it’s a good show,” he emphasised.

About University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC)

UGMC is a General and Internal Medicine Practice, Specialist Clinic, Surgical Centre and Diagnostics Centre, to help fill the void to accessible and reliable customer oriented healthcare services.

By: Kingsley Asiedu

“Awake Experience With Diana Hamilton” 2023 Launched

The 2023 edition of “Awake Experience with Diana Hamilton” an annual gospel event has been officially launched by Diana Hamilton at the Movempick Ambassador Hotel Accra.

The colourful event brought together gospel music artists the likes of Cece Twum, Ohemaa Mercy and ACP Kofi Sarpong, amongs others.

Gracing the event with his presence was the immediate past Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Prof Opoku Aniyah as well as other members of the clergy.

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 19th February 2023 at the Perez Dome in Accra and Sunday the 26th day of February 2023 at the Bantama Church of Pentecost in Kumasi respectively.

The gospel musicians billed to perform in hhe upcoming “Awake Experience With Diana Hamilton’ include; Celestine Donkor, Bernice Pamford, ACP Kofi Sarpong, Moses OK, Cece Twum, and Christiana Attafuah, Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther and Ohemaa Mercy as well as perez music.

The 2023 “Experience with Diana Hamilton” is Sponsored by Awake Purified Water and comes with tickets categories as follows; Single, Double, VIP and family respectively.

In an interview with the sensational Gospel musician, Diana Hamilton, she did indicate that this year’s edition promises patrons an uplifting encounter with their Maker that will leave them with an unforgettable understanding of God’s Grace with the “Adom” crooner.

About Experience with Diana Hamilton

The Experience with Diana Hamilton started in 2014 in London with Ghana hosting its first edition in 2016.

By Kingsley Asiedu

Viola Ford Fletcher Foundation Feets Special School Children, Foster Home

The Ghana chapter of Viola Ford Fletcher Foundation (VFFF) a Non- for government organisation (NGO) over the weekend fed over 200 students from the New Horizon Special School, Dworwulu Special School and Osu children’s Home respectively.

The event dubbed ” New Year Children’s Party which was organised on the premises of the New Horizon Special School in Accra, was characterised by fun and merry making as students enjoyed themselves by dancing competition amongs others.

Some side attractions included the donation of gift items as well as educational materials and sanitation equipments and toiletries to all the students from the three participating schools.

About Viola Ford Fletcher Foundation (VFFF)
The Viola Ford Fletcher Foundation mobilizes resources to build people’s self-sufficiency through health, educational knowledge-sharing, and workforce opportunity.

In an address, the King of Igbo community a and Vice President of VFFF, Ghana chapter, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr AMB Chukudi Ihenetu reiterated that a lot of people today are crying looking for children a lot of people today have children in abundance, but they can’t even feed them.

“So I want to assure you that no condition is permanent. As many are looking for children they are not getting you are here you are alive. You are still important to the society,”the traditional leader emphasised.

He charged the children to have faith in the Lord. “the most important thing which we all need in our life is for us to have faith in the Lord. The Lord is the only person that can do,” he added.

Mariam Obeng, Deputy Principal for the workshop /Vocational Department of the School disclosed that the New Horizon Special School has been in existence for 51 years without any support from government, it is run basically by the meagre fees that we charge and then donations from individuals and organisations.

“And I will say that the donations are sporadic they are not frequent. So, we try as much as possible to manage because the fees that the school charge is not enough to cater for all the needs of the school,” she added.

She seized the opportunity to make a passionate appeal to corporate organisations and public individuals, philanthropists to support the school.

Touching on Challenges of the school, the Deputy principal stated that the school is confronted with financial challenges.

“for example, you have in a class about 10 children with maybe two teachers, and then one as the assistant, these teachers have to be paid throughout the year. So when you look at the money that comes in, it’s not enough,” she lamented.

Another challenge she spoke about had to do with feeding, “it’s also an area that we also solicit for help, educational materials, and then like toiletries, so those are the things that we need, especially because money goes into all those.

The biggest challenge according to madam Mariam has to do with maintenance, you know, these children and their way of doing things so there is always something to be fixed or repaired,” she added.

The Deputy principal seized the opportunity to on behalf of the School’s management, expressed their heart felt gratitude to the executives of VFFF to putting smiles on the faces of these special people.

She advised parents of these special children not to give up on their children.
“if you have a special child it doesn’t mean all is lost. At least you can do something for the child because you will not be there always for the child. So if you are able to help the child in a way that he or she will be able to support him or herself,” she added.

By Kingsley Asiedu

Dellino Exclusive Outdoors International Brands In Ghana For Interior Solutions

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dellino Exclusive, Edmund Mim Delle Jnr. Over the weekend performed a symbolic sod cutting to officially commission the one- stop showroom of the interior decor solution company and in Accra to provide interior solutions from leading European brands.

Dellino Exclusive is the sole distributor for Africa for 17 multi-million-dollar European companies and manufacturers of modern aluminum windows, kitchen, doors, lights fixtures, tiles, home and office furniture, and interior accessories brands all under one roof.

The Dellino brands can be found in the most prestigious homes, presidential residences, renowned hotels, corporate offices and embassies worldwide. And each brand at meets the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001, assuring cherished customers that all the products and services offered by us meet expectations and product warranty.

Dellino Exclusive’s unique showroom allows for specialty solutions for each interior category in a way that has never been done in Africa. Every product has been tested and certified to meet all applicable legal provisions set by the European Union under the CE Marking requirements.

Speaking to the media alongside a tour of the showroom by the invited guests, the CEO who doubles as the founder of Dellino Exclusive, Mr. Delle, disclosed that his outfit is poised to create workshops, where the capacity as well as skills of Ghanaian artisans in the interior decor industry would be built and improved respectively.

This move, Mr. Delle indicated, would go a long way in helping the work of artizans meet international stands.

He was optimistic that in the next 48 months, Ghana will begin manufacturing of interior decor accessories locally “plans are far advanced with the importation of robotic machines by Dellino,” he added.

Additionally, Mr. Delle said since their brands are also manufacturers, they provide an array of customization options from various price ranges that can bring any design vision to life.

For his part, the Chairman of Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI) Accra, Tsonam Akpeloo after touring the showrooms of the 17 decor brands, expressed his excitement at the level of beauty, quality and excellence that comes with the decor as Showcased.

“And I think I think that Ghana is really
witnessing that stage in our development tragetory where there’s a lot more happening in terms of adding up to development stock, and also ensuring that the Ghanaian consuming community have options to select from if it comes to building and decoration,” he emphasised.

it is refreshing to see that there is a plan to eventually set up a construction on a manufacturing hub here in Ghana to produce some of these things. are being sold. You realise that the continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) requires that you set up your production in Ghana.

According to Mr. Akpeloo, part of the requirements for trading under the AfCFTA is that you have to have evidence of goods of origin, what it means is that you might be seen producing locally.

” And so this creates an opportunity to set up production for all of these great products we
have seen for the purpose of they benefiting directly from the continental free trade agreements,” he stressed.

“Our belief is that if we have a lot more of these establishment, they will continue to add to our GDP and obviously have to stabilise the currency that we’ve been struggling to stabilise in recent times,” he said.

The Greater Accra chairman of AGI, indicated the Association’s readiness to engage the Spanish further to see how they can support them to be successful in promoting these products inGhana.

Mr. Akpeloo further stated that the AGI have several members, most of them are in the construction sector. “We believe that we would be able to allow folks in the construction sector to come around to see how they can partner the different companies (interior decor) that are here in order for them to promote the construction business.

“AGI will really be at the forefront of promoting all of these industries so that together we can build not only a better Ghana but a better future and a better world,” Mr Akpeloo assured.

By: Kingsley Asiedu

APN Engages Media On Maiden Africa Prosperity Dialogue

The leadership of Africa Prosperity Network (APN) today, engaged members of the inky fraternity in a pre-summit Media Engagement to advance Africa whiles confronting the challenges of development on the continent.

The maiden Dialogue will be held here in
Ghana from 26-28 January 2023. And this
maiden dialogue is being organized by APN, in
partnership with the Office of the President,
the Secretariat of the Africa Continental Free
Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), UNDP, and UNECA.

About Africa Prosperity Dialogue

The Africa Prosperity Dialogues, dubbed the
Kwahu Summit, is the brainchild of the Africa
Prosperity Network. The initiative is dubbed
and christened Kwahu Summit because the
idea was birthed at Rock City Hotel in Kwahu.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogue series have
been established as a convening platform for
African political and business leaders to set and push initiatives to transform Africa, with the overarching goal of achieving prosperity across the continent through:

Enhanced economic cooperation
Deeper trade and integration
Accelerating impact investments.

The theme for the 2023 summit is : AfCFTA-From ambition to Action-Delivering prosperity through Continental Trade.

Briefing the media in Accra, the Executive Director, and Coordinator at the Summit Secretariat, Dr. Eugene Owusu, stated that the Business and Policy Leaders’ Dialogue will
bring together business executives, trade associations, Ministers of State, heads of Regional Economic Communities under the Africa Union, technocrats, women, young entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to define practical ‘quick wins’ to move the AfCFTA initiative from ambition to action.

He noted that enhancing productive capacity such as transportation, agriculture, and energy; finance, technology, and innovation, critical legal and institutional constraints to the actualization of the single African market and Free Movement of people across borders are the key areas that are critical to unleashing the potential of the AfCFTA.

Dr. Owusu indicated that the AfCFTA has set the stage for Africa’s industrialization drive, and was hopeful that the initiative holds the key to the prosperity of the African continent.

“We are talking about a market of 1.3 billion people, with a combined market size of $ 2.2
trillion. The benefits of success are huge, including an estimated income gain of about $440 billion the potential to lift an estimated 30 million people from extreme poverty.

“We must leverage the AfCFTA to unleash the full potential of this continent and to change the narrative about Africa. It is our hope that the maiden Kwahu Summit will help define concrete strategic actions by political and business leaders across the continent, including the right mix of policies,” Dr. Owusu added.

Delivery a statement at the event, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, disclosed that the importance of this platform and the dialogues that will take place here cannot be overstated.

First of all, according to the Information Minister, the Africa Prosperity Dialogue is a platform on which you will find a very strong confluence of ideas. It’s important that African leaders, African industry, coalesce well and fine tune the kind of ideas that will open the gates to the next frontier in Africa.

“A platform like this gives us a real opportunity, not a political Summit, not some other kind of summit but a confluence of ideas between industry practitioners and policy makers that would open the next frontiers of Africa”, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasised.

The Information Minister who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase Ayirebi Constituency in the Eastern region expressed optimism saying; a look at the outline of persons and business leaders we are expecting from the entire continent who will be joining us, we will be disappointed if some very good deals are not commenced here.

“our expectation is that the coalition of actors
from the continent will take advantage of like minded persons and the kind of discussions that will take place to move when it comes to the intra African investment agenda. And the intra African trade agenda”, he stressed.

“The Government of Ghana is excited that this is best led by Ghanians and the Government of Ghana is excited to participate in it”, he assured.

In a solidarity message, H.E Wamkele Mene, the Secretary General of AfCFTA expressed his outfit’s excitement in partnering with the President’s office and Africa prosperity network, to convene the first of its kind dialogue led by Africans to advance Africa and to confront the challenges of development on our continent.

“The first step in this journey, as we all know, was taken formally in May 1963. With the establishment of the organisation of African Unity,” he noted.

“in my view, the second most important step in Africa’s development thus economic development in particular, is the formation of the African continental free trade area (AfCFTA)”, he stressed.

The secretary General described the upcoming summit as the first of its kind and is scheduled to take place at a time when the world is facing all of these critical challenges.

Speaking further, Mr. Mene pointed out that we are in a situation where many countries in Africa import grains from Russia, Ukraine, so that when the supply is disrupted, we experience inflationary pressures on food.

Equally important point Mr. Mene raised was that we as Africans are actually going through a food insecurity crisis. 1.3 billion people relying on a country of 44 million people to feed an entire continent. And yet when you go to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ethiopia and a few other countries, Zimbabwe for instance has $200 million worth of extra grains every year.

However, according to Mr. Mene, with the AfCFTA we are beginning to turn a page, citing an example of the world transitioning from combustible engines to electric vehicles. The fifth largest exporter of lithium is Zimbabwe likewise the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia are also in the top five exporters of lithium.

“That should tell us that when we as a continent, engages in a fundamental restructuring of Africa’s economy alongside value addition of our minerals, then we actually have a potential to influence the global economy and its direction”, he added.

” it is very, very important that we have collaboration with the private sector, that we jointly identify the challenges as well as the
opportunities that will be presented by this market of 1.3 billion people which is projected by the year 2035.

Speaking on behalf of the President of Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AGI, Seth Twum Akwaboa mentioned that as an Association, they therefore see this prosperity dialogue as a very important platform that they should actively involved, actively engaged and then look for opportunities.

“We see opportunities for Ghanaian industries in a way because such a platform gives you the means to elevate your worth so people will see all the things you’re producing”, he added.

By Kingsley Asiedu

Jasmak Adepa Foundation Launched To Inspire Love, Hope&Help For The Needy

On Monday 26th December, 2022 Miss. Mavis Adepa Gyewubea Seweey, officially launched The Jasmak Adepa Foundation in Dodowa to inspire Love, hope and offer some help to the needy in society.

Miss Mavis Gyewubea Seweey, the founder launching the foundation said the “Jasmak Adepa Foundation” was created to support kids with special needs, sighting her fourteen (14) year old daughter with “Calebra Palsy” (CD) challenge as am example and source of inspiration in her quest to offer support to such kids.

In a related development, the foundation donated items worth thousands of Ghana Cedis to the Potters’ Village Home Ghana after feeding over 200 children from both the Dodowa community and the home with hot meals and accompanying soft drinks.

Some of the donated items included; Bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil, Tins of Milo, Boxes of biscuits, cartons of soft drinks, boxes of bar washing soap, packs of Noodles toiletries among others.

There was a health screening exercise to check Blood pressure (BP) sugar levels testihg of eyes and weigth check amongs others was performed on the care givers at the foster home as well as on some of the children at the home.

Mrs. Sophia Myers, home Director at Potter’s Village Home Ghana, who received the items on behalf of the home and Founder/CEO of the orphanage, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for bringing hope to such less Privileged and needy persons in the home and the entire Dodowa community.

Barbara Kpesenu, a medical professional gave an education on “Celebral Palsy” (CP) a congenital disorder of movement,muscle tone or posture.

According to the medical professional, “calebral Palsy” is due to abnormal brain development, often before birth.

She advised expectant mothers not to drink Alcohol and smoke during the entire petiid of their pregnancy. The medical professional also advised the children not push each other during play time since a hit of the head can cause CP condition “Always adhere to Hygiene practices to avoid any micro organism from getting into your brains to cause brain related challenges which could lead to CP.

On his part, a co- founder of Jasmak Adepa Foundation, Kofi Tsikata stated that recent visit by the Foundation to locations where these kids with CP conditions are catered for revealed that a lot of mothers of these kids with special needs were once gainfully employed but due to the present challenge of their wards requiring a full attention, these mothers have become full time caregivers thus rendering them unemployed.

To this end, Mr. Tsikata disclosed that the Foundation is poised to set up businesses for such mother-caregivers to enable them take good care of their children with CP condition.

Mr. Tsikata also seized the opportunity to explain some objectives of the foundation as follows;

Enrollment of children with the CP condition unto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for thourough medical care.

Footing of mediacal bills for kids with CP condition requiring medical attention such as Physiotherapy treatment.,

Instituting of an outreach programme to offer education on CP as well as the creation of a platform for Councilling of caregivers.

“Many people have been rejected some of them hide their kids from public, meanwhile, they need attention And I also advise that we should love kids with special needs, because you might not know,” he added.

By Kingsley Asiedu

Ghana’s Economy Needs To Be Fiexed To Save The Maases – Nii Amarkai III To Government

The Dzaasetse of the Asere Kotopon Division of the Ga State in the Greater Accra region, Nii Amarkai III, has lamented over the severity of the economic hardship Ghanaians are currently going through as unbearable.

He noted that Ghanaians have been confronted with unprecedented hardships due to the rising cost of petroleum products and transport fares and has reduced the general standard of living of the citizens.

Nii Amarkai III, in his New Year message to Ghanaians especially the government stated that Ghanaians have been confronted with unprecedented hardships never experienced under the fourth republic adding that; the democracy and patience of Ghanaians have been tested to their elastic limits.

He reiterated that the cost of living has increased due to higher transport fares owing to prtroleum price hikes and has reduced the general standard of living since there is no corresponding increase in incomes to compensate for the increasing fares and higher prices of general goods and services.

Nii Amarkai III, also entreated Ghanaians to be resolute in promoting positive ethical values to help shape our society and the nation as a whole.

According to him patriotism, honesty and truthfulness should be a priority of Ghanaians and eschew any form of pessimism. The Dzaasetse seized the opportunity to call on the Chiefs and people of the various traditional areas within Greater Accra to put aside their differences and unite.

This Nii Amarkai III, said will put an end to rampant chieftaincy disputes in the various Ga states which according to him the constant chieftaincy disputes within the region are hindering socio-economic developments in the area.

The Dzaasetse of the Asere Kotopon Division of the Ga State also bemoaned the “Winner Takes All” nature in Ghana’s politics saying there is the needs to take a second look at it.

The ‘Winner Takes All’ is the practice in Ghana where all public or official posts are given to members of a party that wins an election.

He condemned that system of governance in the country adding that continuity of such governance practice is a threat to the country’s democracy as it will not help Ghana to get to the heights of its desired development.

Nii Amarkai III, therefore called for an end to the system, so that positions would be given on meritorious basis to deserving and competent non-party members who can better promote the national interest.

In his conclusion, the Chief said “may this new year 2023 open the pathway and bring us to the cusp of building our country with opportunities for all and one in which our individual and collective aspirations are achieved. I wish you all, my fellow Ga Chiefs and all GaDangmes a very Happy and Prosperous New Year”. He concluded.

By: Ghanaianvoiceonline.com