GSA hosts training for Ecowas Metrology officers

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September 22, 2022

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), in collaboration with Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), the National Metrology Institute of Germany, has hosted a training on the application of ISO 17025:2017 in the metrology mass and related quantities laboratories for technicians from the Community Metrology Committee (ECOMET) of ECOWAS.

The training, which included a tour and practical session at the GSA’s Mass, Volume and Humidity Calibration Laboratories, sought to expose the officers to the importance of metrology laboratories to produce precise, accurate test and calibration data.

The training is to help the participants from the ECOWAS countries to implement the ISO/IEC: 17025 Standards in their respective laboratories.

The GSA was selected to host the training because it is a leader in measurement and its laboratories, specifically, the Mass, Volume, Temperature, Humidity and Balance, are viewed as one of the best in the sub-region because they are internationally accredited to ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 by DAKKS, a German accreditation body, hence the need for the officers from the different ECOWAS countries to come and learn from the Authority.

The Director of Metrology at the GSA, Mr. Prince K. Arthur, who opened the training, underscored the importance of metrology for African countries and urged the participants to apply whatever they had studied during their time with the GSA when they return to their respective countries.

“Programmes like this are very important for us to learn and improve metrology activities in the sub-region. Metrology is very important because it makes our industries very competitive and makes us produce efficiently,” he said.

“Let us all have a positive attitude towards the programme. Let’s ask questions and apply whatever you have gathered from here when you get back to your countries,” he added.

Mr. Striggner Bedu-Addo, Vice President of ECOMET and the GSA’s Head of Legal Metrology, noted that the training was in tandem with the concept of harmonising ECOWAS metrological activities and will help improve trading among the different countries.

The participants were excited about the training and said they were going back to apply what they had studied during their time in Ghana.

“The training was well organised and came at an important time. Since our Metrology Laboratory in the Gambia has not been accredited, this training will help us get accreditation in the future,” Ms. Therese Munchu Gomez, Quality Manager, National Metrology Laboratory of the Gambia, stated.

Participants at the training include Metrology officers from Standards institutions from Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mali, Benin, Togo, Guinea Bisseau, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea Niger and Senegal.

GNA

The healing Jesus is real and alive in Rwanda!

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September 22, 2022

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The crowds grew wild – cheers, screams, joy overflowing. Each miracle brought new degrees of excitement as they came up the stage to testify. It was simply amazing to watch! Conditions which would medically require surgeries costing thousands of dollars were completely healed in split seconds!

The healing Jesus is real and alive in Rwanda!

What is particularly special about the Rwanda experience is that unlike any other country to have experienced these mammoth campaigns, this is the first time the Evangelist is visiting a country twice. The first time the campaigns were in Huye and Musanze.
This time, Muhanga and Kigali.

Also noteworthy is the fact that the Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills had pastors deliver 3000 plus Makarios libraries (a 60-set compilation of his books) translated into their language to many pastors and ministers in Rwanda when the covid restrictions were eased. What a beautiful blessing. Rwanda must be special.

The people are stirred up, expectations through the roof and as always, it’s a wonderful and complete package – many souls are being saved, people are healed and delivered and the pastors empowered to continue tending the flock.

“…and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God bless the Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills and the campaign team for reaching out to the forgotten, unreached and untouched parts of the world, fulfilling the scriptures literally.

The 3 day Muhanga campaign just ended. The capital city, Kigali is ready to take over the baton. It’s exhilarating!

Ghana needs an immediate domestic economy that is owned and run by Ghanaians, according to bankers.

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September 22, 2022

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According to Mr. John Awuah, CEO of the Ghana Association of Bankers, Covid has taught Ghana to concentrate on creating a domestic economy that is run and owned by Ghanaians.

To that purpose, he claimed that banks are backing government programs like the YouStart policy.

“The COVID-19 epidemic has, in part, shown us the need of having a locally owned and operated economy in Ghana.

During a signing ceremony with 13 Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to support the implementation of the commercial component of the GH10 billion YouStart entrepreneurship program, Mr. Awuah told the GNA, “This signing is an attestation that the public and private sectors can work together to create value and the entrepreneurial nation we’ve all been yearning for.”

Dr. John Kumah, a deputy minister of finance, stated that the YouStart initiative relied heavily on bank backing but aimed to intentionally expand start-ups and make them contribute to the government’s target of creating three million jobs.

At a signing ceremony with 13 Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to promote the commercial implementation of the GH10 billion YouStart entrepreneurship program, he made this statement.

Dr John Kumah said the partnership was critical in the Government’s quest to build future entrepreneurs and make Ghana an entrepreneurial State.

He, therefore, urged the PFIs to sustain their support to the programme and ensure its extension to entrepreneurs with businesses in rural areas to help create jobs and uplift many living in those areas from poverty.

The funds would be used to meet the working capital requirement of businesses, support their expansion needs and purchase of equipment or machinery to enhance productivity and create more well-paid jobs, especially for the youth.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance, signed for the Government, with Managing Directors of the 13 PFIs signing for their respective banks.

Mr John Awuah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB), signed for the coordinating institution of the PFIs, which is GAB.

In his speech at the programme, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance, said the signing of the agreement showed the commitment on the part of the Government and the private sector to strengthen links between education and job market stakeholders.

He explained that the partnership would provide access to finance, skills, and markets for young Ghanaian entrepreneurs and increase the ability of the private sector to create decent and sustainable jobs.

“Fundamentally, we had to adopt this approach because the pandemic taught us, we must re-orient our approach towards structural transformation and react with a clear plan to reap the benefits of our population dividend by building an Entrepreneurial State,” Mr Ofori-Atta said.

He noted that the three components of the YouStart programme (Commercial, module, District Entrepreneurship and YouStart Grace Modules) were to ensure that “no one is left behind in building Ghana as an entrepreneurial nation.

He noted that the Banks had worked with the Finance Ministry to design the YouStart programme to help propel businesses forward, particularly younger and smaller businesses.

“It is a positive development. We only must ensure that what we’ve put on paper, when it gets to execution, we all come to the table in a way the agreement has been signed,” Mr Awuah encouraged.

Amid calls for Man Utd to leave, Ronaldo extended a transfer invitation to Udinese.

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September 22, 2022

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Cristiano Ronaldo has received a transfer invitation from Udinese after spending much of the summer pushing for a move away from Manchester United.

Wanted to leave Old Trafford
Window shut with no deal done
Still has admirers in Italy

WHAT HAPPENED? The Portuguese forward was eager to find a way out of Old Trafford during the last window as he sought to remain on a Champions League stage and in contention for major silverware. No deal was done, forcing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to stay put, but the former Juventus star has been asked to consider a return to Italy by Udinese goalkeeper Marco Silvestri.

Ronaldo has stated on his future: “My ambition is great. I want to be present at the World Cup and European Championships. I feel very motivated. My journey is not finished yet.”

Reacting to DAZN sharing those comments, Silvestri said: “Come to Udinese.” That message drew a response from the Serie A outfit, as they posted an eye emoji.

Instagram

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Ronaldo has been struggling for starts since seeing exit routes blocked off in Manchester, but his goal account for the 2022-23 campaign was opened when recording a first Europa League strike of his remarkable career.

WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO? The all-time great is only under contract at Old Trafford until 2023, so will either drop into the free agent pool next summer or make another bid to sever ties with United during the January transfer window.

Memphis acknowledges passing up the chance to leave Barcelona amid Chelsea rumors

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September 22, 2022

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Memphis Depay has admitted that he snubbed the chance to sever ties with Barcelona over the summer, with Chelsea credited with interest at one stage.

Dutch forward seeing limited game time
Approached during summer window
Opted to stay and fight for his place

WHAT HAPPENED? The Netherlands international forward has previously spent time in England with Manchester United, but struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford and had to rebuild his reputation in France with Lyon. His exploits there earned him a move to Camp Nou as a free agent in 2021, but game time has been limited with La Liga giants and there was talk of another switch being made in the last transfer window.

WHAT THEY SAID: Memphis has told Marca of receiving approaches but choosing to knock them back: “I had two starts in the last two weeks in La Liga. It is not enough. I went off after 60 minutes but I want more. In the last 25 minutes of the match there are more spaces and there is always an opportunity to take advantage of that.

“I love competition and I do not run from it. I love being at Barcelona. Other clubs knocked at my door and I looked at my options. I decided to stay and fight for my chance at Barcelona.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Depay has taken in 41 appearances for Barca, with 14 goals recorded across those outings, and is under contract in Catalunya through to the summer of 2023.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

(C)Getty Images

De Jong Memphis Cádiz Barcelona Liga 10092022

Getty

WHAT NEXT FOR DEPAY? He has started two La Liga games for the Blaugrana this season, but has seen just 116 minutes of game time for a side that has enjoyed an unbeaten start to their domestic campaign under the guidance of club legend Xavi.

Global investor community must not overlook Africa’s huge development prospects – President

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September 22, 2022

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– President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the global investor community to establish a strong presence in Africa given the huge development prospects on the continent.

“Africa needs you, and you need Africa,” he said, adding that the continent, in spite of its development challenges, was well placed to do business with the investor community.

The continent was busily building the world’s largest single market of 1.3 billion people, expected to facilitate trade and payment systems, he said.

President Akufo-Addo said this when he addressed the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America.

“Already, goods and services are flowing more freely across our artificial borders,” he said, with a renewed commitment towards an inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and economic integration.

President Akufo-Addo said it had become clear today more than ever before, the importance of the strength and unity of Africa, with the leaders working assiduously to shed that image of a helpless and hapless continent.

In line with the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa’s ambition was to transform its food systems over the next decade.

“What we require now is support from the investor community for the rolling out of this lucrative agro industry,” he added.

The President urged African leaders to see the crisis that confronted the continent as an opportunity to achieve a breakthrough in the development agenda of the people.

“Incidentally, 2022 is billed as Africa’s year to take action on food and nutrition development goals.”

“We see the current geo-political crisis as an opportunity to rely less on food imports from outside the continent, and use better, our 60 per cent of the global share of arable lands to increase food production.”

President Akufo-Addo noted that the continent had come to realise the devastating impact of relying on Russia and Ukraine for 70 per cent of its wheat consumption.

The recent crisis between the two countries, he said, had come with its attendant negative consequences on Africa, hence the need for the continent to champion its own cause to enhance food security and sufficiency.

“We have enough land, enough water, enough gas and enough manpower to produce enough fertilizer, food and energy for ourselves and for others,” he said.

On economic empowerment, the President said the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, with its office in Accra, was driving intra-African trade and creating unparalleled momentum for economic diversity and transformation.

He cited how Ghana, for instance, had taken measures to process more of its cocoa, refining more of its gold, and determined to exploit the entire value chain of the country’s huge lithium deposit.

“Ghana is also building an integrated bauxite and aluminium industry, as well as an integrated iron and steel industry, building new oil refineries, and had, so far, attracted six of the world’s biggest automobile manufacturers to assemble and set up manufacturing plants in Ghana prior to producing them in the country,” the President said.

Several African countries had inflation rates surging three to four times higher than what they were two years ago, he said, and that Ghana was experiencing the highest inflation for 21 years.

The 77^th session of the UN General Assembly opened on Tuesday, September 13, with the high level debate running from September 20-26.

This year’s theme: “A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Unlocking Challenges,” acknowledges the shared roots of crises such as COVID-19, climate change and conflict, as well as the need for solutions that build global sustainability and resilience.

An integrated bauxite and aluminum complex is being built in Ghana, and more of our cocoa is being processed there- Akufo-Addo

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September 22, 2022

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said at the 77TH session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday September 21 that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose Secretariat is located in Accra, Ghana’s capital, is driving intra-Africa trade and creating an unparalleled momentum for our continent’s economic diversity and transformation.

He claimed that industrialization is the way to go and that Ghana has adopted legislative measures to increase the value of its natural resources thanks to the increased incentive provided by the single market.

For instance, “we are processing more of our cocoa, refining more of our gold, and we are determined to use the full value chain of our enormous lithium deposits,” he said.

We are hard at work developing an integrated bauxite and aluminum business, an integrated iron and steel industry, new oil refineries, and have already convinced six (6) of the largest automakers in the world to establish assembling plants in Ghana before beginning production there.

In line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa’s ambition is to transform the food systems over the next decade, anchored in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth, Mr Akufo-Addo intimated.

“What we require now is support from the investor community for the rolling out of Africa’s lucrative agro-industry, and for the community to see agribusiness in Africa as much more an opportunity than the perceived, exaggerated risk which has been the false, but dominant narrative,” he said.

Through YouStart, Akufo-Addo hopes to produce future millionaires, according to John Kumah.

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September 22, 2022

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A Deputy Minister of Finance Dr John Kumah has said that the YouStart programme was to deliberately grow start-ups and make them contribute to the Government’s agenda of creating three million jobs but depend largely on the support of banks.

He said this during a signing ceremony with 13 Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to support the implementation of the commercial part of the GH¢10 billion YouStart entrepreneurship programme.

According to Dr. John Kumah, the cooperation is essential to the Government’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship and transform Ghana into an entrepreneurial State.

In order to assist create jobs and pull many people living in those areas out of poverty, he asked the PFIs to continue supporting the initiative and guarantee that it is extended to entrepreneurs who own businesses in rural areas.

The money would be used to purchase equipment or machinery to increase production and generate more high-paying jobs, particularly for young people, as well as to support firms’ requirements for expansion.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance, signed for the Government, with Managing Directors of the 13 PFIs signing for their respective banks.

Mr John Awuah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB), signed for the coordinating institution of the PFIs, which is GAB.

In his speech at the programme, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance, said the signing of the agreement showed the commitment on the part of the Government and the private sector to strengthen links between education and job market stakeholders.

He explained that the partnership would provide access to finance, skills, and markets for young Ghanaian entrepreneurs and increase the ability of the private sector to create decent and sustainable jobs.

“Fundamentally, we had to adopt this approach because the pandemic taught us, we must re-orient our approach towards structural transformation and react with a clear plan to reap the benefits of our population dividend by building an Entrepreneurial State,” Mr Ofori-Atta said.

He noted that the three components of the YouStart programme (Commercial, module, District Entrepreneurship and YouStart Grace Modules) were to ensure that “no one is left behind in building Ghana as an entrepreneurial nation.

The CEO of GAB, told the Ghana News Agency that the banks saw the support as a responsibility to help grow businesses with financial and other needed support to build the economy.

“Part of the COVID-19 pandemic has taught as that we need to have a homegrown economy, one that is owned and managed by Ghanaians. This signing is an attestation that the public and private sector can work together to create value and the entrepreneurial nation we’ve all been yearning for,” Mr Awuah said.

He noted that the Banks had worked with the Finance Ministry to design the YouStart programme to help propel businesses forward, particularly younger and smaller businesses.

“It is a positive development. We only must ensure that what we’ve put on paper, when it gets to execution, we all come to the table in a way the agreement has been signed,” Mr Awuah encouraged.

Providing a brief on the programme, Mr Andy Ameckson, Acting Coordinator, YouStart, said under the commercial part, Banks would provide loans to beneficiary businesses at interest rates lower than the market rate.

“There will not be any collateral for businesses to access loan under the programme, and the recovery is also dependent on them [beneficiaries],” Mr Ameckson pointed out.

The pilot phase of the YouStart programme was implemented in February 2022, involving 85 young entrepreneurs, and currently awaiting the availability of the President for the launch and full-scale implementation of all three modules.

The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) are the implementing agencies of the programme, whose goal is to create a Wealthy, Inclusive, Sustainable, Empowered and Resilient (WISER) society.

They would be supported by the National Youth Authority, Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service and Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) in its roll-out.

According to John Kumah of YouStart, the government’s collaboration with banks is essential for cultivating future entrepreneurs.

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September 22, 2022

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The government has signed an agreement with 13 Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to support the implementation of the commercial part of the GH¢10 billion YouStart entrepreneurship programme.

Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, a deputy minister of finance, said the alliance was essential to the government’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship and transform Ghana into an entrepreneurial State.

According to Dr. Kumah, the YouStart program aims to intentionally expand start-ups so that they can help the government’s initiative to create three million jobs, although they heavily rely on bank financing.

In order to assist create jobs and pull many people living in those areas out of poverty, he asked the PFIs to continue supporting the initiative and guarantee that it is extended to entrepreneurs who own businesses in rural areas.

Through the partnership, the PFIs would provide a loan facility of about GH¢5 billion in the next three years, ranging from GH¢100,000 and GH¢500,000 to businesses under the programme.