Home Blog Page 85

Minister of Education pledges completion of UHAS projects

0

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, has assured Management and staff of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) of Government’s commitment to completing all projects of the University.

The projects include GETFund initiated laboratory complex, Ho Campus and the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health (FNBSPH) Departments and Administration Block at Fodome, Hohoe Campus, which are 72 and 58 per cents complete respectively.

Mr Iddrisu who paid a courtesy call on Management of the University at its main campus at Sokode-Lokoe, expressed excitement about the fact that among the tertiary institutions in Ghana, UHAS was the only University wholly dedicated to the training of healthcare professionals to improve the quality of life of all and sundry.

He pledged to facilitate the allocation of adequate financial clearance to the University for the recruitment of the much-needed staff.

Mr Iddrisu assured Management of his commitment to ensuring that the University was provided with additional student accommodation facilities and the commencement of engagements towards the 3rd Phase of the China Aided project for the University.

He said he would work with all stakeholders to ensure the promotion of high-quality health education in Ghana.

He urged UHAS to stay committed to the UNESCO values of equity, inclusion and lifelong learning.

Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University, earlier, welcomed the Minister and gave a brief overview of the University, highlighting pressing challenges facing UHAS.

She said the GETFund project was the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the laboratory complex, when completed would boost the capacity of the University to increase student numbers and advance teaching, learning and health research.

Prof Aziato emphasized that the stalled GETFund initiated project, particularly, the construction of departments and administration block for the FNBSPH was a matter of great concern to the University.

She said currently, the incubating facilities at the Volta Regional Hospital where the FNBSPH was located were not conducive for effective teaching and learning and required urgent attention.

Prof Aziato also drew the attention of the Minister to the poor state of UHAS main campus internal roads, which needed to be constructed urgently as well as the inadequate residential facilities for students at both campuses, particularly students at the Hohoe Campus.

Professor Frank Edwin, Pro-Vice Chancellor, reiterated the importance of the financial clearance for the recruitment of staff, especially to man the biggest Simulation Centre in West Africa, which had the potential to train healthcare professionals across the sub-region and to also increase revenue base for the University.

Law students urged to avoid over-reliance on AI generated solutions for assignments  

0

Law students have been advised to be prudent in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) generated solutions for their assignments. 

“In this era of artificial intelligence, some students entirely resort to AI generated solutions when given assignments.  

“Assuming you can get through with that at the faculty level, which is not so likely, as we will fish you out by our hard-working lecturers, the law school entrance examination may expose such lazy students.  

“The robust entrance examination is such that the indolent students may not get through to enter the law school,” Dr. Chris Adomako-Kwakye, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) cautioned. 

Addressing the fourth LLB Induction and Awards ceremony organised for new Bachelor of Laws (LLB) students of the Faculty of Law at KNUST, he emphasized the need for students not to procrastinate to make the study of law easier “by starting to read now.”      

Dr Adomako-Kwakye said the realization of academic successes depended on students’ personal inputs adding that “as law students, hard work is not an option but a necessary element for your academic success.” 

He admitted that the study of law required more dedication and hard work because of the volumes of materials students would be dealing with.  

To this end, he entreated inductees to work hard and build a dedicated life with emphasis on their studies throughout their academic journey. 

Professor Mrs Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, indicated that the University envisioned to provide high caliber graduates with knowledge and expertise to support the industrial and socio-economic development of Ghana, Africa, and the world. 

She pledged that the KNUST was dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for academic excellence and total development as global professionals with the requisite knowledge to serve humanity. 

Prof Dickson was optimistic students would excel in their legal education once they applied themselves well to the instructions and guidance. 

The Vice-Chancellor reminded inductees that the study of law just like any other profession required personal discipline; staying focused on their studies and keeping to personal as well as institution rules for success and excellence. 

Her Ladyship Justice Mrs Hannah Taylor, a Supervising High Court Judge, administered the induction oath. 

The occasion was also used to award continuing students for distinguishing themselves in subject areas. 

Petroleum industry players urged to be prudent in managing financial resources in their operations.

0

Players in the petroleum industry have been advised to be prudent in the management of financial resources in their operations.

They must work hard to use minimum resources in the extraction process to avoid expending more money in their business operations.

Mr. Theophilus Nyarko Ahwireng, Chairperson and Managing Director of MODEC Production Service Ghana JV Ltd, explained that in undertaking such exercises, one must be prudent in spending.

“If one is careful, along the extraction value chain, from licensing, exploration, appraisal, development, production and decommissioning, it is possible at each of these stages to optimize financial resources and get the needed value.”

He was speaking at a public lecture organized by the College of Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi.

Mr Ahwireng argued that, managing the cost of petroleum was far more important than its discovery, adding that, without proper cost management, industries might witness the use of advanced technology in extracting oil offshore, but revenues that would be generated would merely cover operational expenses.

The lecture was under the theme “Capturing the Optimum Value of Petroleum Resources: Looking Beyond the Fiscal Elements.”

He stressed the need for countries to look beyond royalties, additional oil entitlements, taxes, and government participation, and build robust frameworks to fully harness these natural resources.

Nations must, therefore, conduct comprehensive review of their economic structure which was essential for identifying pathways to sustainability.

He cited countries such as Norway, Trinidad and Tobago and the West African Gas Pipeline Project from Nigeria, which had strategically managed resources to position their economies positively.

Mr Ahwireng said when Ghana took over from the Jubilee Oil Field, it had for more than a decade generated and supplied oil products for electricity worth several millions of dollars.

Again, petroleum exploring countries must be disciplined; adhering to policies, legislation, guidelines, best practices, systems, and processes.

He stressed the need for clear mandates for state actors, emphasizing the importance of alignment among revenue managers, resource managers and policymakers.

There should be quality development solutions employed, optimization of activities along the petroleum value chain as well as the management of petroleum cost.

Mr Ahwireng believed this created significant value, greater than all revenues from the fiscal incentives.

ICUMS data integrity fully intact; operator assures stakeholders 

0

Ghana Link Network Services Limited, operator of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUM), has assured port stakeholders of the system’s data integrity. 

“ICUMS data integrity is fully intact, Ghana Link confirms that all attached documents and historical records from 2020 to 2024 remain intact within the ICUMS system.”  

This was contained in a statement from the company available to the Ghana News Agency. 

It stressed that no data had been lost following the temporary system interruption on October 23, 2024, adding that the company acknowledged the concerns raised by the Transport Forum Ghana LBG. 

It noted that some users might have experienced temporary access issues due to a scheduled system optimization, emphasising that despite that, all data was securely stored and remained retrievable. 

“We emphasise that the October 23, 2024, system event was not a failure or deliberate shutdown. Instead, it was a brief service interruption caused by a planned upgrade of storage infrastructure to improve system performance, data security, and storage efficiency.” 

It indicated that the system was restored within a short period, and operations resumed as expected. 

Ghana Link, it added, upholds the highest data protection and security standards, ensuring full compliance with Ghana’s Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843). 

It stresses that “At no point has there been any breach of data confidentiality. The recent upgrade was executed with the utmost care to enhance system reliability and security. Support for Freight Forwarders and Businesses.” 

It further reassured freight forwarders, businesses, and stakeholders that all trade records, customs entries, and attached documents remain accessible through ICUMS. 

It, however, encouraged any users experiencing difficulties retrieving their files to reach out to the ICUMS Support Team on 0302750140/0596921182 or email: [email protected] for assistance. 

The statement added that Ghana Link and the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) Customs Division remained committed to delivering a robust, secure, and efficient trade facilitation system. 

It gave the assurance that they would continue to engage stakeholders and ensure seamless operations within Ghana’s trade and customs ecosystem. 

Dr Zakari Mumuni appointed as First Deputy Governor of BoG

0

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr Zakari Mumuni as the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). 

Information available to the Ghana News Agency said Dr Mumuni’s confirmation awaits approval from the Council of State.

With over two decades of experience in central banking, macroeconomic policy analysis, and financial market development, Dr Mumuni is expected to bring expertise and strategic insight to Ghana’s monetary policy.

If approved, he will play a key role in stabilizing the nation’s financial sector amid ongoing economic challenges.

Dr Mumuni is currently the Director of the Financial Markets Department at the Bank of Ghana and a member of its Monetary Policy Committee. 

Throughout his career, he has held crucial roles, including Head of Modelling and Forecasting in the Research Department and Special Assistant to the Governor. 

His expertise in macroeconomic forecasting, debt sustainability analysis, and monetary policy implementation makes him a strong candidate for the position.

His academic credentials include a PhD in Economics from the University of Nottingham, an MPhil from the University of Ghana, and extensive research publications on inflation targeting and monetary policy

Dr Mumuni is a distinguished academic and researcher known for his contributions to the field of economics, particularly in the areas of monetary policy and inflation targeting. 

His recent work has focused on the implications of inflation targeting in low-income countries, with a specific emphasis on its effectiveness within the Ghanaian context.

Dr Mumuni’s affiliation with the Bank of Ghana in 2020 highlights his practical engagement with monetary policy, allowing him to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world economic challenges. 

His publications, including “Inflation targeting and monetary policy in Ghana” and “Inflation targeting in low-income countries: Does IT work?”, have been well-received in reputable academic journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing the understanding of economic strategies in developing nations.

National Celebrations Planning Committee rolls out activities for Ghana’s 68th Independence Day

0

To commemorate Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, the National Celebrations Planning Committee (NCPC) has finalised activities for the period.

The NCPC in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said the planned activities included the commemoration of the 28th February Crossroad Shooting Incident on Friday, February 28.

Finals of a nationwide school quiz competition on Sunday March 02, 2025. Finals of a nationwide debate competition on Tuesday March 04.

It said the President’s School Children Awards Programme would be held on Wednesday March 05, 2025.

The statement said a ceremonial parade at the forecourt of the Presidency was slated for Thursday, March 06, 2025.

Touching on 28th February events, the statement said beginning this week, the Communications Sub-committee of the NCPC would roll-out an information and educational content for television, radio, and social media, ahead of the February 28 Wreath Laying Ceremony.

It said with this new approach they hope to Reset the interest and participation of the youth and the general populace in the significant national event whilst remembering and honouring the nation’s heroes.

It said to this end: “We will be sharing interesting historical content on the happenings leading up to the 28th February 1948 shooting of three ex-service men”.

The statement said the Communications Sub-committee would host an X-space conversation on the ‘Changing face of Civil Protests in Ghana: Lessons from the past and present.’

It said radio, television, online and print media were encouraged to host and publish conversations to promote the anniversary theme and other activities to deepen public participation.

The statement said the wreath laying ceremony would take place at the Nationalism Park at 0800 hours on February 28.

It noted that the event would be broadcast live and streamed on multiple platforms.

It encouraged the media, bloggers, and the public to actively participate by sharing information with their viewers, listeners, and readers.

It said the NCPC looked forward to their participation and engagement and would update Ghanaians on the remaining activities later.

MTN FA Cup Round of 16: Golden Kick stun Hearts of Oak to book quarterfinals spot.

0

Accra Hearts of Oak were thrown out of this year’s MTN FA Cup by Division One League side Golden Kick FC in the Round of 16.


After the regulation time ended goalless, Golden Kick FC maintained their calm during the penalty shootouts to edge the 12-time winners, Hearts of Oak, 4-3 to progress to the quarterfinals
Hearts of Oak played the majority of the second half with a man down after Theophilus Collison was sent off, which hampered their chances of winning the game.


In other matches, Division One side Attram De Visser stunned Premier League opponents Bibiani Gold Stars to advance to the quarterfinals.


After regulation time ended scoreless, Attram De Visser won the penalty shootouts 4-3 to edge Bibiani Gold Stars, who are second on the league table.


Another shock in the Round of 16 happened at the TNA Stadium after Medeama SC lost 4-2 on penalties to Division One side PAC Academy.


But it was easy pickings for Premier League side Berekum Chelsea as they hammered Division One side Northern City 4-1 at the Golden City Park to progress to the next round.


The all-Premier League affair between Young Apostles and Karela United ended in a 1-0 win for the latter.
Habilu Alhassan’s deflected first-half strike was enough to secure a win for Karela United, who progress to the quarterfinals.


Meanwhile, the last Round of 16 fixture between Asante Kotoko and Sekondi Eleven Wise has been postponed with a new date to be announced.
Results from the round of 16:


Attram De Visser 0-0 Gold Stars (Attram De Visser won 4-3 on penalties)


Golden Kick 0-0 Hearts of Oak (Golden Kick progress 4-3 on penalties)


Medeama 1-1 Pac Academy (PAC progress 4-2 on penalties)


Karela United 1-0 Young Apostles


Berekum Chelsea 4-1 Northern City


Techiman Liberty Youth 0-0 Bechem United (Bechem United won 4-3 on penalties)


True Democracy 0-0 Nania (True Democracy won 4-3 on penalties)

National Celebrations Planning Committee rolls out activities for Ghana’s 68th Independence Day.

0

To commemorate Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, the National Celebrations Planning Committee (NCPC) has finalised activities for the period.


The NCPC in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said the planned activities included the commemoration of the 28th February Crossroad Shooting Incident on Friday, February 28.


Finals of a nationwide school quiz competition on Sunday March 02, 2025. Finals of a nationwide debate competition on Tuesday March 04.


It said the President’s School Children Awards Programme would be held on Wednesday March 05, 2025.
The statement said a ceremonial parade at the forecourt of the Presidency was slated for Thursday, March 06, 2025.


Touching on 28th February events, the statement said beginning this week, the Communications Sub-committee of the NCPC would roll-out an information and educational content for television, radio, and social media, ahead of the February 28 Wreath Laying Ceremony.


It said with this new approach they hope to Reset the interest and participation of the youth and the general populace in the significant national event whilst remembering and honouring the nation’s heroes.


It said to this end: “We will be sharing interesting historical content on the happenings leading up to the 28th February 1948 shooting of three ex-service men”.


The statement said the Communications Sub-committee would host an X-space conversation on the ‘Changing face of Civil Protests in Ghana: Lessons from the past and present.’


It said radio, television, online and print media were encouraged to host and publish conversations to promote the anniversary theme and other activities to deepen public participation.


The statement said the wreath laying ceremony would take place at the Nationalism Park at 0800 hours on February 28.
It noted that the event would be broadcast live and streamed on multiple platforms.


It encouraged the media, bloggers, and the public to actively participate by sharing information with their viewers, listeners, and readers.
It said the NCPC looked forward to their participation and engagement and would update Ghanaians on the remaining activities later.

Dr Zakari Mumuni appointed as First Deputy Governor of BoG.

0

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr Zakari Mumuni as the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).


Information available to the Ghana News Agency said Dr Mumuni’s confirmation awaits approval from the Council of State.


With over two decades of experience in central banking, macroeconomic policy analysis, and financial market development, Dr Mumuni is expected to bring expertise and strategic insight to Ghana’s monetary policy.


If approved, he will play a key role in stabilizing the nation’s financial sector amid ongoing economic challenges.


Dr Mumuni is currently the Director of the Financial Markets Department at the Bank of Ghana and a member of its Monetary Policy Committee.


Throughout his career, he has held crucial roles, including Head of Modelling and Forecasting in the Research Department and Special Assistant to the Governor.


His expertise in macroeconomic forecasting, debt sustainability analysis, and monetary policy implementation makes him a strong candidate for the position.


His academic credentials include a PhD in Economics from the University of Nottingham, an MPhil from the University of Ghana, and extensive research publications on inflation targeting and monetary policy
Dr Mumuni is a distinguished academic and researcher known for his contributions to the field of economics, particularly in the areas of monetary policy and inflation targeting.


His recent work has focused on the implications of inflation targeting in low-income countries, with a specific emphasis on its effectiveness within the Ghanaian context.


Dr Mumuni’s affiliation with the Bank of Ghana in 2020 highlights his practical engagement with monetary policy, allowing him to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world economic challenges.


His publications, including “Inflation targeting and monetary policy in Ghana” and “Inflation targeting in low-income countries: Does IT work?”, have been well-received in reputable academic journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing the understanding of economic strategies in developing nations.

Okyeame Kwame endorses King Paluta for Artiste of Year award.

0

Legendary Ghanaian Hiplife musician, Okyeame Kwame, has backed music sensation King Paluta to win the coveted “Artiste of the Year’ award at the upcoming Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).


With nominees for this year’s awards set to be announced in the coming weeks, King Paluta has been tipped as a heavy favourite to win the prestigious Artiste of the Year accolade.


King Paluta had a stellar 2024 with his “Give Time Some Time” album, which racked up over 100 million across various digital streaming platforms.


Okyeame Kwame, who has been a staunch supporter of King Paluta, had some kind words for the young musician following the release of his “Magic” visualiser.


“Artiste of the year. Signed, sealed, and delivered. You are wearing the love equation by OK. Medaase,” Okyeame Kwame wrote on Instagram.


King Paluta, who won the New Artiste of the Year last year, has released some amazing household hits, including “Yahitte,” “Aseda,” “Makoma,” and “For the Popping,” and many more.


He has also featured on some groundbreaking hits, including ‘Odo Bi Ye Bad’ by Rapp Fada, ‘NLF Remix’ by Camidoh, ‘Soja Go, Soja Come’ by Eno Barony, ‘Special Love’ by Wendy Shay, ‘Sika’ by DJ Vyrusky & KiDi, and ‘Muscatella’ by Tulenkey.