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GDCA, partners train 60 youth in beekeeping, domestic electrical installation 

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60 youth in the northern part of the country have trained in domestic electrical installation and beekeeping to equip and empower them with employable skills to improve their livelihoods. 

     The six month-long training involved four months of apprenticeship where the trainees were attached to master craftsmen, one week of entrepreneurship training and six weeks of other support training packages. 

     It formed part of the Project to help strengthen social cohesion in strategic cross-border areas (PARCS), which is funded by the French Development Agency, and implemented by Acting for Life, a French organisation, and its partners in Ghana; Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA) and Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships. 

     PARCS is a three-year project, which began in December 2022 with the objective to strengthen social cohesion in strategic cross-border territories and to support an inclusive socio-economic development of the territories. 

     Dr Osman Al-Hassan, Board Chairman of GDCA, speaking during the graduation of the trainees (30 in domestic electrical installation, and 30 in beekeeping) at Dalun in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region, said the project, apart from providing employable skills to young people, was also to ensure that gaps in technical services badly needed in growing communities were being filled. 

     The trainees, who constituted the first cohort of the beneficiaries under the project, received certificates of completion from Ghana TVET Service as well as starter kits to help them in their work. 

     In all, a total of 240 youth will be trained in organic poultry production, agroprocessing, organic vegetable production, tiling, plaster paneling, and plumbing as part of the project. 

     Dr Al-Hassan said, “The strategic location of the project in cross-border areas is also helping to avert the conscription of young people by terrorist groups, who may operate across the borders of the country.” 

     He said the trainees in beekeeping had started to reap the benefits of their skills as they had begun making income from harvests of honey from their beehives after only six months of training and internship. 

     He appealed to District Assemblies implementing the Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion project to integrate young people into the project to engage them productively to help them earn incomes. 

     Alhaji Osman Abdel-Rahman, Executive Director of GDCA, said the graduands would be supported to write national proficiency and professional examinations to improve their skills. 

     Mr Issah Musah, Northern Regional Director of Ghana TVET Service expressed gratitude to GDCA and its partners for their unwavering empowerment of the youth in the country, which was in line with government’s efforts to address unemployment. 

     Mr Musah said the skills imparted to the beneficiaries would help to create a better future for them. 

     Mr Tahiru Issahaku Ahmed, Bawku West District Chief Executive, expressed gratitude to the GDCA and its partners for practicalising the government’s TVET Policy and advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills they acquired. 

     Yakubu Mohammed, a beneficiary from Bawku West District, who learnt domestic electrical installation, said the training meant a lot to him as he would no longer sit idle in the house but would work and be useful to society.       Gloria Jabon, a beneficiary from Tatali-Sangule District, who learnt beekeeping, was happy about her skills, saying it would help her to take good care of herself and her family. 

Poverty disregards political or religious connections; I shall be president for everyone – Bawumia

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In the event that he is elected president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has promised to be a leader who brings all Ghanaians together, regardless of their political or religious beliefs.

During a visit to his home by the Council of Regional Imams to congratulate him on being elected as flagbearer, the Vice President highlighted his vision of a nation that is inclusive and provides equal chances to everyone.

“I am for all, and if I am elected President, Insha Allah, by the good people of Ghana, I will be a President for all, regardless of one’s ethnic, religious, and political affiliations,” Dr Bawumia said.

“I will be a President for all because poverty, hunger, and disease don’t know whether you are a Muslim or a Christian, NPP or NDC, or whether you are this tribe or that tribe.”

Dr. Bawumia acknowledged Ghana’s diverse population and recognized the country’s blessing of peace and harmony. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this harmony, especially between the two major religious groups, Christians, and Muslims.

Dr Bawumia commended ongoing efforts to build tolerance and respect for diversity, attributing Ghana’s peaceful coexistence to these principles.

“If we live peacefully in Ghana despite our religious and political differences, it is because of such tolerance and respect for diversity,” he said.

“It is important for us all, especially between our two religious groups, to continue to respect this diversity and engage more with each other. We have to strengthen this beautiful relationship to preserve it and the peace we enjoy in this country.”

The Imams commended Dr. Bawumia for his commitment to diversity and urged him to continue engaging with the Christian community to enhance harmony.

Sheikh Abdul Mumin Harun, Spokesperson of the Imams, commended the Vice President’s tolerance and respect for religious diversity, citing examples from the Prophet Muhammad’s life to underscore that Islam encourages building and strengthening harmonious relationships between Muslims and Christians.

Host a post-2024 Budget Workshop in Parliament – Bagbin

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Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has ordered that the Post 2024 Budget Workshop take place in Parliament.

Following disagreements among lawmakers over whether to hold the workshop at the Volta Serene Hotel or the Rock City Hotel, a decision was made.

Given the current state of the economy, Buem MP Kofi Adams had pleaded with the house to take into consideration holding the exercise in Parliament in order to assist save money.

But the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had announced that the Post Budget Workshop would be held at the Rock City Hotel in the Eastern Region from November 17 to November 19.

In the end, Bagbin ruled that the post-budget workshop be held in Parliament.

“Democracy has finally decided and the people have prevailed on their representatives to decide that this year’s post-budget workshop be held here in Parliament,” he said.

Prez Akufo-Addo to host world leaders in Accra for Reparation Conference

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will, from November 14 to 17, host world leaders in Accra for the Reparations Conference to address historical injustices meted out to Africa.

 The four-day conference aimed to facilitate dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the formulation of actionable strategies among diverse stakeholders, a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said on Monday.

It will specifically address historical injustices, spanning the eras of slave trade, segregation, colonialism, apartheid, neo-colonialism, and neo-liberalism.

It is on the theme: “Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations to Africans”.

Heads of state and governments from Africa and the Diaspora, a well as people in academia, legal experts, and civil society organizations will participate.

Distinguished leaders expected to attend include President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros, and Chairperson of the African Union; President Faure Essozimna Gnassigbé of Togo; and General Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau.

The others are Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca of Burundi; and Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The gathering signifies a crucial step towards addressing grievances and fostering unity among nations committed to rectifying the past injustices.

Harry Kane discusses why he would “love” to play with Lionel Messi, the superstar of Inter Miami and Argentina.

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Harry Kane said why he would like playing with Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina that won the World Cup.

The English international striker said that he thought Lionel Messi of Inter Miami was an all-time great and that he would have delighted to play with the player. He also anticipated that Messi would provide him with some excellent assists.

  • HARRY KANE BAYERN MÜNCHEN Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTUREThe 30-year-old striker has taken German football by storm since joining Bayern Munich in the summer. He has scored 17 goals in the Bundesliga thus far which is already more than last season’s top scorers Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku’s total tally (16). Messi, on the other hand, had an impressive debut campaign in the US for Inter Miami as he scored 11 goals and provided five assists. He also received Inter Miami’s MVP award for the 2023 season.
  • Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2023GettyWHAT DID HARRY KANE SAY?Speaking to ESPN, Kane said, “I mean, I’d love to play with Messi. Yeah, one of the greatest players to ever play our game, so I’m sure he would be able to give me a few assists. Yeah, no for sure.”

Harry Maguire reveals how he reclaimed his spot in Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup and feels justified for refusing to accept a trade away from Manchester United.

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Harry Maguire is content to remain at Manchester United and compete for a spot in Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup.

After starting for the Red Devils in their past eight games across all competitions, Maguire feels justified in his choice to stay at United despite rumoured approaches from West Ham to join them in the summer.

  • Harry Maguire Carlton Morris Man Utd Luton 2023-24Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTUREThe 30-year-old became an outcast ever since Ten Hag joined the club last season, having appeared in 16 Premier League games and clocked just 759 minutes on the pitch. Yet the English international never gave up. Since Lisandro Martinez got ruled out of action at the end of September, Maguire has become a mainstay in the club’s team sheet and he claimed that he is enjoying his football at the moment.

Speaking to ESPN, the former Leicester City player said, “I played a few games last year, 16 or 17 starts, and I felt like I performed really well in the games I played in, I just didn’t play as many as I would have liked. On the other hand, Rapha [Raphael Varane] and Licha [Lisandro Martinez] were playing brilliantly and kept numerous clean sheets.

“I had to bide my time and be patient. I had two or three opportunities last season to get a run of games but I broke down with illness, I broke down with injuries twice, so I never got the rhythm and never got the run of games that I could prove myself to the manager. I have got that now. I am really enjoying my football and I really enjoy playing for this club. I was willing to stay and fight for my place and we have four or five top international centre-backs at this club and the competition for places is really high.”

He added, “Working hard in training is the main thing and making sure you’re ready. I started 16 or 17 games last year and felt like my form was there. There was a lot of talk about me because I wasn’t playing games, but that is the way it is. I was playing well for my country, went to the World Cup and played well and always thought my form was there. But I am up against some top, top-level centre-backs and last year they were playing amazing, so I didn’t get as many opportunities as I would have liked. This club demands competition for places and that is what we have in my position.”

  • Harry Maguire England 2023GettyWHAT NEXT?The centre back will be next seen in action for the Three Lions as they take on Malta on November 17 in a Euro 2024 qualifying game.

According to the director of presidential research, voters do not give much thought to a running mate’s area.

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The evidence does not support allegations that people in an area will vote for a ticket in the presidential election just because the running mate is from that region, according to Dr. Isaac Owusu Mensah, Director of Research at the Jubilee House.

This is in response to demands that the New Patriotic Party choose its running partner from the Ashanti Region, where almost 10 candidates are vying for consideration.

Dr. Owusu Mensah stated in a Citi News interview that choosing a running mate from the Ashanti area won’t be the main factor for voters.

Citing data, he revealed that fewer than twenty percent of people cast ballots because the vice presidential candidate is from their area.

He pointed out that, while Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur delivered the Central Region for the NDC in 2012, he was unable to do so in 2016.

“Before I came to the Jubilee House, I did some work on the role of the Vice Presidential candidate and less than 20 percent of the people we spoke to went to the polls because the Vice President was coming from their region. We did because in 2012 Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur delivered the Central but in 2016 he couldn’t.

“The running mate is important but less than 20 percent who go to the polls to cast their vote go to the polls because the running mate is coming from there.

Dr. Owusu Mensah emphasized that the ability to mobilize voters is more important than the running mate’s region of origin.

Ofori-Atta to present 2024 budget on Wednesday

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On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will give the government’s 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament.

Prior to the presentation, there had been calls for the government to drastically cut its spending in order to save the faltering economy.

Kenneth Thompson, CEO of Dalex Finance and Leasing Company Limited, warned this week of a potential economic slump in 2024 if the government continues its current trend of ever-increasing and enormous spending.

In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Citi TV, Mr. Thompson said: “As a country, what we must focus on now is how to protect the poor. If you talk about cutting expenditure, there’s a long list of things we can cut, but we need to protect the poor, and we need to focus on health, education, infrastructure, food, and everything else because we are in a very bad place.”

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister has indicated that long-term relief measures for the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage will be taken into consideration during the formulation of the 2024 budget.

Addressing journalists after touring the affected communities a few days ago, Mr. Ofori-Atta mentioned that while the government had already provided some relief items to the victims, they were committed to doing more, and this commitment would be reflected in next year’s budget.

“We have mobilized a few things that we would like to share but I think we are also in the budget season and therefore it will not just be numbers that we are working on but true feelings in the field and therefore the need to look at these social interventions in a real way. We will certainly give this an expression immediately and also in the budget,” he stated.

Bilateral chambers of business demand tax breaks in the 2024 budget.

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Several bilateral chambers of business have urged the government to include tax breaks for its members in the 2024 budget. The chambers claim that this will protect their members while also growing the private sector.

The appeal comes ahead of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s budget presentation on Wednesday, November 15.

The chambers are asking for adjustments at the ports in terms of demurrage costs and tax deductions for firms that want to build up industries in Ghana and bring in heavy-duty equipment, according to Alexander Nortey, president of the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce.

Sekou Coulibaly, president of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also urged the government to address the tax collection approach adopted by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) towards members of bilateral chambers of commerce.

“We understand the challenges the GRA has to face, but we just hope that it could be done in more fairness, especially understanding the contributions of our members to the growth of the economy,” he said.

Coulibaly added that most member companies are among the highest taxpayers in the country and that putting too much pressure on them could discourage foreign direct investment.

Fidelity Bank posts GHS 620.73 million profit in third quarter

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Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited, the largest privately-owned Ghanaian bank, recorded a GHS 620.73 million profit in the Third Quarter of the year.

According to report detailing the performance of the Bank in the third quarter, the profit before income tax soared by 40 per cent.

An official statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, said these developments, reaffirmed the Bank’s prudent financial management and forward-thinking approach.

“Despite post-Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) impact losses incurred by the Bank,  the Bank also reports a 67 per cent increase in shareholder’s funds,” it said.

“It closed the third quarter at GHS 1.09 billion, as it maintained a robust capital adequacy ratio (CAR), which remains pegged well above the prudential minimum regulatory requirement.”

This achievement underscored the Bank’s strong capital base and a culture of rigorous risk management, the statement said.

The Bank also made progress in other aspects of its operations, including a surge in operating income, growth in assets, loan advancement to customers, growth in deposits, corporate social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

“Fidelity Bank Ghana achieved a remarkable surge in its operating income, reaching an impressive GHS 1.38 billion, representing a substantial 36 per cent increase compared to the same period last year,” the report said.

“This robust growth showcases the Bank’s strategic agility in seizing market opportunities, even in a challenging business environment.

“The bank also registered a commendable seven per cent growth in assets, amounting to GHS 15.94 billion, which is a testament to its strong financial standing and astute risk management practices.

“The bank recorded a notable five per cent increase in loans and advances to customers, totaling GHS 3.03 billion, which underscores the Bank’s unwavering commitment to facilitating access to credit.

“A substantial 25 percent growth in deposits from customers reinforces the efficacy of the bank’s customer-centric strategies and innovative product offerings.”

The statement described the Bank’s commitment to giving back to society as a “shining example of social responsibility”.

“The Bank’s recent contribution of GH¢ 147,614 to the Enactus team at C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences underscores its dedication to nurturing youth entrepreneurship.

“The Bank’s donation of GH¢100,000 worth of essential relief items to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to aid flood victims in the Volta region demonstrates its unwavering support for the community during times of crisis.”

The statement referred to the Bank’s  sustainability and environmental stewardship, saying its month-long awareness campaign designed to foster a culture of sustainability consciousness among Ghanaians was a testament.

“Fidelity Bank’s exceptional performance in the third quarter of 2023 not only highlights its resilience, strategic acumen, and robust operational capabilities but also reinforces the bank’s commitment and significant contribution to ensuring societal well-being,” it said.

Julian Opuni, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, emphasised the Bank’s resilience and community-centric values, which he said, had been pivotal in driving impactful change within Ghana’s banking industry.

He stated: “Our resilience extends beyond our financial performance; we are an integral part of the communities we serve.

“Our commitment to sustainable development, youth empowerment, and environmental stewardship remains at the core of our values.”

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