Namibia Charts Parth Toward Diversified Energy Investments

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March 5, 2024

Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024 will host a networking event on March 19 in Houston in collaboration with Angola’s national concessionaire and industry regulator, the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG). Speakers are expected to highlight the significant opportunities Angola’s oil and gas sector continues to offer investors across the entire value chain, but particularly in exploration and production.

Angola plans to increase oil production to 1.18 million barrels per day (bpd) this year to reach previous heights of close to 2 million bpd in the mid-to-long term, following an expected boom in new exploration. To this effect, Angola is inviting global E&P companies to invest in exploration to achieve this goal. The country concluded its most recent oil licensing round – a 12-block tender featuring blocks in the Lower Congo and Kwanza basins – in January 2024, with the next round scheduled for 2025.

Angola’s proven oil and gas resources are estimated at nine billion barrels of oil and 11 trillion cubic feet of gas, respectively. Despite representing a largely established hydrocarbon market – producing above one million bpd on average -, the country has only just started to unlock the full potential of its oil and gas resources, highlighting lucrative opportunities for US investors. The country offers investment prospects in both on- and offshore oil as well as emerging opportunities in gas exploration and LNG.

Energy company Corcel revealed positive drilling results at KON-11 in the Kwanza Basin in December 2023, indicating the strong return of onshore oil production in the country. Just the year before, US-based ExxonMobil discovered the Bavuza South-1 well in Block 15, offshore Angola. To invite regular investment in Angola’s oil and gas basins and unlock fresh new finds, the ANPG launched a six-year licensing round in 2019. The success of this multi-year strategy is seen through the growing interest in the licensing rounds themselves, with 53 bids submitted for the recent 12-block tender alone.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power, AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company Sonangol; the ANPG; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry.

Angola’s government plans to utilize natural gas to fulfill 25% of the country’s energy needs by 2025. New terms for gas exploration and development are highly attractive and competitive compared to other basins, already leading to the commitment of several majors – including Eni, Chevron, and TotalEnergies – to develop, together with Angolan NOC Sonangol, the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas finds in Angolan shallow waters. FID was made in June 2022 with the gas expected to supply the Angola LNG plant. The project represents the first non-associated gas development in Angola and has a capacity of 4 billion cubic feet per year.

Additionally, a new Board of Administrators was recently appointed at the ANPG, following the end of the previous board’s mandate. The new board is expected to double down on efforts to improve the operating environment for investors making Angola more competitive when compared to its peers globally. The ANPG’s primary focus will remain on accelerating exploration in Angola towards increased production. A defining objective is the success of the six-year licensing round and the consolidation of the country as a regional petroleum hub. The networking event in Houston will be key for achieving these goals and US investors are invited to take part in this strategic opportunity to connect with key stakeholders in Angola’s oil and gas sector.

Taking place from 17:00-20:00, the event also serves as a form of prelude for the country’s annual oil and gas event – the AOG 2024 conference – which is organized by Energy Capital and Power and will introduce US investors and project developers to upcoming opportunities in exploration and production.

Politics DCE Swearing-in, Run an open door administration – Minister to new DCE

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March 5, 2024

Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, has advised the new District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Sissala West District, Mr Mohamud Forkah, to run an open-door administration and be tolerant of divergent views.

He also encouraged the DCE to follow due process in all his dealings while in office and to consult the District Coordinating Director (DCD) and technocrats at the district level since he needed their support and cooperation to succeed as a DCE.

“You also need to develop cordial relationships with Assembly Members, traditional authorities, community members, Non-governmental Organisations, religious bodies, and vulnerable groups in your jurisdiction,” Dr Salih noted

The Regional Minister advised Wa during a brief ceremony to swear in the new DCE for the Sissala West District.

Justice Abdul-Yussif Assibey, the Supervising Wa High Court Judge conducted the swearing of the DCE.
It could be recalled that President Akufo-Addo nominated Mr. Mohamud Forkah on February 3, 2024, to take over from the then DCE for the area, Madam Ayisha Batong Hor, whose appointment as DCE was revoked by the President on February 2, 2024, alongside some other DCEs across the country.

Mr Forkah was subsequently confirmed by the Sissala West District Assembly on February 28, 2024, after a first confirmation attempt on February 20, 2024, failed.

Dr. Salih entreated the new DCE to be abreast with the laws governing the local government system of Ghana, especially the Local Government Act, 2016, (Act 936); the Public Procurement Act, 2016 (Act 914) and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, (Act 921) which were vital in the discharge of his duties.
He reminded the DCE of the constitutional mandate of a DCE, which included overseeing the day-to-day performance of the executive and administrative functions of the assembly and being the chief representative of the central government in the district, which he should execute diligently.

Dr. Salih urged the DCE to address issues related to security, and local economic development and improve the Internally Generated Funds (IGF) of the district.

He tasked Mr Forkah to also take an interest in addressing issues of Illegal mining, smuggling, and sanitation-related issues and to strive to improve the well-being of the people in the district.

While congratulating Mr Forkah on his new position, the Regional Minister thanked President Akuffo-Addo for nominating him and the Assembly Members for confirming his nomination.

Mr Mahamud Forkah, the newly sworn-in Sissala West DCE, expressed commitment to serving the people of the district with integrity and transparency.

He thanked the President for finding him worthy to serve in the office of DCE.
He also thanked the Regional Minister, the Presiding Member of the Sissala West District Assembly, and the regional and constituency executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) among others for the diverse roles they played in getting him into that office.

“Your belief in me is truly motivating and I pledge to work hard to fulfill the trust you have placed in me.
Together we will address issues in our district to promote development.

I am confident that by working together, we can achieve great things for our district,” Mr Forkah said.

GNA

New MCE for Nzema-East calls on paramount chief of Gwira Traditional Area

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March 4, 2024

The newly confirmed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nzema-East, Mr Eric Essien, has paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Gwira Traditional Area, Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan at his palace at Bamiango.

He was accompanied by a team of contractors and engineers and other heads of departments from the Assembly and the Western Regional Coordinating Council.

The visit afforded the new MCE the opportunity to outdoor himself to Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan few days after his confirmation.

President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo recently made changes within some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) of the Assemblies.

Mr Essien said he was already aware of the developmental challenges confronting the people and would double his steps to spearhead the developmental agenda of the area.

He said he would work hand in hand with traditional rulers to fasttrack development of the area.

Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan congratulated the new MCE and for the visit.

The Paramount Chief said the Gwira area lagged in development which required a radical leader to rise up to the occasion and push for more development for the people.

Chelsea buzzing as Euro giants pull out of race for £150m target; could replace ‘up for sale’ attacker

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February 29, 2024

Chelsea have reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao, with fellow suitors Paris Saint-Germain to focus on other targets this summer.

The Blues have been linked with the 24-year-old winger for several years and some members of the London club’s hierarchy would love to bring him in.

Poch: Chelsea proved we are brave ….

Chelsea are now reportedly considering a move for Leao at the end of the season. That is no surprise, either, given that he is considered to be one of Europe’s best players on his day.

He has made 195 appearances in total for AC Milan, scoring 52 goals and making 44 assists in the process. That gives him an impressive average of 0.49 goal contributions per game.

Leao’s attacking spark would certainly come in handy at Chelsea. Raheem Sterling has also been ‘put up for sale’ by the Blues, so he could potentially be a long-term replacement for him.

Chelsea, however, would have to cough up a huge transfer fee to sign the Portugal international, something that’ll be difficult given how much they’ve spent in the last few windows.

PSG pull out of race for Rafael Leao

According to reports from France, as cited by GOAL, signing Leao is ‘no longer an objective’ for PSG this summer, giving Chelsea the chance to potentially swoop in for his signature.

The winger has a €175 million (approx. £150m) release clause in his contract, which any of his suitors would likely have to match to bring him in this summer.

PSG would be able to afford that fee as a result of Kylian Mbappe’s pending departure, but they are set to focus their efforts on signing a new striker.

Ironically, one of their top centre-forward targets is Napoli goal machine Victor Osimhen, who has been heavily linked with Chelsea for months.

Whether or not Chelsea would be willing to match Leao’s £150m release clause remains to be seen, but it’s likely that they would have to sell several players to sanction such a deal.

As mentioned, Sterling could be on the way out this summer despite his wishes to stay at Stamford Bridge. Along with him, Trevoh Chalobah, Connor Gallagher, Robert Sanchez, Armando Broja (on loan at Fulham) have all been linked with departures.

In any case, convincing Leao to leave the San Siro would be a difficult task.

In a recent interview, when asked about the links with PSG, Leao said: “Where do I see my future? Here, where I am happy.

Asuogyaman NPP congratulates Hadzide on party’s Manifesto Committee appointment

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February 29, 2024

The New Patriotic Party in the Asuogyaman Constituency has congratulated Mr. Pius Enam Hadzide on his selection to the Party’s Manifesto Committee on Youth and Sports for the 2024 general election.

A statement signed and issued by Christian Okomfo Addo, Constituency Secretary, said Mr Hadzide’s appointment demonstrated the flagbearer’s confidence and vindicated the trust and confidence that the party leadership, chiefs, and good people of Asuogyaman had all placed in him.

“Hadzide’s enviable public record and his demonstrated interest in youth development not only in Asuogyaman but indeed the entire country gives them the assurance that he would contribute positively to the fashioning of a workable and pragmatic framework that would continue to ensure the holistic development of the Youth and Sports sector in Ghana,” it said.

According to the statement, Mr Hadzide’s extensive experience as Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Deputy Minister for Information, and now Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), coupled with his grass-roots nature, would enable him to identify the challenges confronting Ghana’s youth and make proposals to address them.

It noted that during his tenure at the Ministry and the NYA, he oversaw the development of the National Youth Policy and its implementation plan, played key roles in the formulation of the Legislative Instrument of the NSA Act, and ensured the construction of Youth Resource Centres across the country.
He also initiated the National Youth Volunteer Programme, the Skills Towards Employability and Productivity Step, among others.

“Locally, Hon. Pius Enam Hadzide is leading the construction of an Astro-turf Park with flood lights and ancillary facilities at Senchi-Ferry, investing heavily in the construction of a Youth Resource Center at Apeguso, the building of schools, community water systems, sheds, places of convenience and many others,” it added.

The statement Hadzide had made significant investments in the establishment of a Youth Resource Center in Apeguso, as well as schools, community water systems, sheds, and convenience stores.
It pledged to use all of its resources to ensure the NPP won the Asuogyaman seat.
GNA
KAS

Authorities, NGOs must act with promptitude to alleviate plight of flood victims

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February 29, 2024

The Reverend Dr Stephen Wengham, the General Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Ghana, has urged authorities and Non-Governmental Organizations to act with urgent promptitude to alleviate the plight of the flood victims in North Tongu District.

He said owing to climate change, the script had totally flipped as the rains poured in torrent without notice, leaving especially flood victims in the island communities now residing in tents at Agbetikpo Basic School in North Tongu, in despair.

Dr Wengham reiterated a call for a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the cities and other parts of the country.

He said education on climate change and the consequences of environmental indiscipline or environmental bankruptcy must also be intensified on all fronts.

The General Superintendent said this during a press conference in Accra to donate relief items worth USD 20,000 to the flood victims in North Tongu.

The relief items intended to be given to 200 households include 200 bags of rice, 200 bags of maize, 200 bags of beans, 100 cartons of cooking oil, 100 cartons of mackerel, 100 cartons of tomato paste, 50 cartons of bar of soaps.

He said through the relief agency, AG Care-Ghana, sent a proposal to Convoy of Hope, an American faith-based, non- profit humanitarian and disaster relief organisation, which was associated with Assemblies of God worldwide.

He said their generous response shaped the narrative to support flood victims in North Tongu, igniting hopes in them.

The General Superintendent applauded Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, for his relentless efforts in pushing for the welfare of his constituents.

He expressed gratitude to Convoy of Hope for positively and massively responding to the request from Assemblies of God, Ghana, and rallying to the aid of the flood victims at “this critical time”.

“It will be a travesty of fairness to leave out the relief wing of Assemblies of God, Ghana, and the first Charismatic Church relief institution in the country, AG Care, for caring for disaster victims over the years,” Dr Wengham added.

GNA

Bagbin echoes the little parliamentary prayer over Ghana’s hills and vales

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February 28, 2024

As part of Parliamentary sitting and proceedings, the one presiding must say the little Parliamentary prayer.

On the day that President Akufo-Addo came to the house to give his address on the State of the Nation, that prayer was said, invoking the divine blessings of Almighty God upon the nation and its leaders and a call to patriotism.

Led by the Speaker, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the prayer echoed through the chambers, resonating with renewed optimism and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.

With heads gently bowed and hearts uplifted, members of Parliament joined in unity, seeking divine favour and guidance for the President’s address on the State of the Nation.

“Almighty God, we humbly beseech Thee to look with favour upon this Parliament of the Republic of Ghana,” Mr Bagbin, spotted in a pristine white smock with an intricate green design and a hat to match, said in Prayer moments after he walked into the chamber.

“Grant that it may perform its high duty as in Thy sight,” the Speaker intoned, his voice carrying the weight of solemnity for the task ahead.

The prayer continued, with fervent appeals for divine guidance to be bestowed upon the President of the Republic and all elected officials.

“Give Divine guidance to the President of the Republic; endow Members of Parliament and Ministers of State with discernment and vision, integrity and courage,” the Speaker implored, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and moral fortitude in governance.

As the prayer reached its crescendo, the Speaker invoked the collective responsibility of government to serve the people with diligence and compassion.

“…through the labours of government, this land and the people may be well and truly served,” he declared, echoing with sentiments of duty and service engrained in the fabric of the Ghanaian society.

With a fervent plea for the realisation of divine purposes amid the nation, Mr Bagbin said, “Thy good purposes for the common human life be realized in our midst,” the Speaker prayed, invoking a vision of harmony, prosperity, and justice for all citizens of Ghana.

“O God, grant us a vision of our country, fair as it might be,” a second Collect (a short prayer) rang out, carrying with it the hopes and dreams of a nation yearning for economic progress.

“A country of righteousness, where none shall wrong his neighbour; a country of plenty, where evil and poverty shall be done away with…”

With fervent conviction, the prayers continued, invoking a vision of brotherhood and solidarity, where success is measured not by personal gain, but by service to others.

“A country of brotherhood, where all success shall be founded on service, and honor shall be given to the deserving.”

For Mr Francis Yeboah, a civil servant, the prayer was profound and carried a sense of determination for a brighter future, requiring Ghanaians to redouble their efforts in the pursuit of progress and justice for all.

“A country of peace, where government shall rest on the will of the people and the love for the common good,” Mr Alban Bagbin prayed and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to democratic ideals and the welfare of all citizens.

“Bless the efforts of those who struggle to make this vision a living reality. Inspire and strengen our people that they may give time, thought and sacrifice to peed the day of the coming beauty of Ghana and Africa,” the Speaker of Parliament said.

As the echoes of the prayer faded into the air, a profound sense of solemnity lingered in the chamber of Parliament as Parliamentarians shouted Amen.

In that brief moment of collective reflection and supplication, the aspirations of a nation were laid bare, anchored in faith and a shared commitment to the common good.

President Akufo-Addo concluding his message on the State of the Nation painted a vivid picture of a future brimming with possibilities where adversity was but a stepping stone on the path to progress, saying, “we stumbled, but we are rising again. We were bruised, but we are healing. We have recovered our footing. We have dusted ourselves off, and now we face tomorrow with confidence.”

The President wove a tapestry of hope and possibility, igniting a spark of inspiration, emphasising that ” Every day we pray and hope that adversity may spare our families, our communities and our dear nation. But should we be confronted by misfortune; we must face it like people with a proud history who fight and do not flee.

“Yenim ko; yen nim adwane. That is the Ghanaian spirit. That is our armour and our shield. This is our ethos. Let us believe in Ghana,” he said amidst resounding applause.

Togo delegation to grace Ghana’s 67th Independence Day at Kadjebi

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February 28, 2024

Le Prefet de Wawa 1, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Wawa 1 District in the Republic of Togo, is expected to grace the Ghana’s 67th Independence Day parade at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.

The Wawa 2 DCE will also attend that of Jasikan Municipal Independence Day celebration at Jasikan.

Mr. Wilson Kwami Agbanyo, Kadjebi DCE, disclosed this at the 67th Independence Day Committee Meeting at Kadjebi on Tuesday, February 27.

He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the Jasikan team would later join their counterparts at Kadjebi for Special Dinner organised in their honour.

Mr. Dotse Gborgbortsi Alex, Kadjebi District Chief Inspector of Schools, told GNA that 29 Schools, including three Senior High Schools (SHSs) and twenty-six Basic Schools with 29 contingents each will partake in the Independence Anniversary parade.

He said the participating Schools will be awarded at the parade ground.

Mr. Cletus Chevure, Kadjebi District Coordinating Director, charged the Committee members to work diligently for a successful celebration.

The Chiefs, Heads of departments, religious leaders, political parties representatives, traders, among others are expected to grace the event.

During the 65th Independence Day parade in 2022, Mr. Assamoi Yao Oga and Mr. Bosiade Kodjo Francois, DCEs for Wawa 1 and Wawa 2 from the Republic of Togo were present.

There was, however, no delegation during the 66th Independence Day anniversary in 2023.

The president did not touch on blue economy in SONA – NAFAG

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February 28, 2024