An NGO, Network for Women Rights in Ghana, NETRIGHT has urged policymakers to involve women in decision making especially in the financial sector to help them contribute to policy formulation that will be beneficial to their businesses.

At a forum in Accra, the convener Professor Akosua Darkwah noted that empowering women for economic change will not only accelerate the growth of women owned – businesses but also increase productivity.

This she believes will propel the country’s drive achieving sustainable debt management and socio-economic stability. Given the current economic situation and the accompanying IMF conditionalities, the private sector continues to face numerous challenges including increased taxation.

This the Convener of NETRIGHT Professor Akosua Darkwah indicates has become burdensome for Women-owned businesses. She said debt restructuring should be scrutinized thoroughly to especially help those in the rural areas.

Professor Darkwah called on the government to support women entrepreneurs by making the accessibility of funds less stressful. Adding her voice, Head of Marketing at Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Grace Akosua Dzeble acknowledged the contribution of the informal sector to GDP. She added that”Ghana is an icon of Africa and if we help the private sector to grow, we will be able to access the African Market “.

She suggested a government policy where at least one hundred businesses will be supported financially while putting in place structures of assessing the businesses’ impact and how the monies will be recouped after a year, to be reinvested into another set of business ventures. ” This will help boost the sector”.

The forum explored the economic situation and advocated gender-transformative social policies to address these challenges.

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The Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central who doubles as the Interior Minister, Henry Quartey says the government has shown an unwavering commitment to resourcing the Ghana Police Service.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 320-housing-units for the Ghana Police Service today, July 23, 2024, Mr. Henry Quartey said the Police Service has undergone significant retooling under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo for the past seven years.

This includes; the provision of essential logistics such as vehicles, motorbikes, and various equipment necessary for the police service to carry out its mandate.

“On behalf of the Interior Ministry and the Ghana Police Service, I am proud to highlight that your government has not only committed to providing these resources but has also demonstrated a continued interest in the welfare of our police officers and their families” the Minister for the Interior said.

According to him, one crucial aspect of officers’ welfare that the government has focused on, is the provision of modern and decent residential accommodation.

Over the years, the government has steadily increased the housing stock for the service with modern and comfortable homes.

Last year, your government provided the Ghana Police Service with a total of 516 modern housing units, built under phases one and two of the security services housing projects through a private partnership at Kwabenya. “This included 434 one-bedroom apartments and 82 two-bedroom apartments” he added

“And we are witnessing the commissioning of phase three of the security services housing project for the Ghana Police Service” he added.

Mr Henry Quartey indicated that, the phase involves 320 housing units, comprising 112 two-bedroom apartments and 208 three-bedroom apartments. Additionally, this housing complex includes facilities such as a kindergarten, a social center, a multi-purpose sporting facility, and a 250-kilowatt power plant.

Similar initiatives have been undertaken by government to provide modern office and residential accommodations in other parts of the country, including Tema, Kumasi, and Wa.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Works and Housing, the contractor Amadi Holdings, the Ghana Police Service, and all other stakeholders who have contributed to this achievement.

He urged all police officers and other security agencies to continue working diligently to keep our country safe and prosperous.

He then appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that this new building is maintained with discipline and proper sanitation, avoiding the clutter often seen in police barracks.

Furthermore, he stated that he has discussed with the Chief Fire Officer and the IGP, and it has been decided that a fire station will be established at the police depot to attend to emergencies.

“Mr. President, your efforts have undoubtedly made our security and intelligence agencies stronger, more visible, well-equipped, and well-retooled. This legacy will remain in the minds of Ghanaians for many years to come.”

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According to the NRSA, many of these fatalities resulted from wrongful overtaking and drivers’ failure to observe traffic signs.

A summary of the provisional national traffic crash and casualty statistics indicates that in all, 6,653 road traffic crashes were reported from January to June 2024.

The crashes involved 11,283 vehicles of all categories – Private, Commercial, Motorbikes and Cycles, and 8,798 casualties, making 1,237 fatalities or deaths and 7,561 injuries.

Knockdowns, however decreased by 4%, 4.5%, 3.8% and 1% respectively from January to June 2024, whilst persons killed increased by 13% when compared to the same period in 2023.

In June 2024, 21 persons, making 12%, killed were below 18 years whilst 150 (88%) were reported to have been adults, above 18 years. Likewise, from January to June, 149 (12%) persons killed were below the age of 18 years whilst 1088 (88%) were reported to have been adults (above 18 years).

This indicates that for every seven (7) adults, above 18 years killed, a child below 18 years is killed revealing a relatively high road traffic death ratio of 7:1, for adults than for children within the period. This is partly due to the high risk of exposure of adults to traffic incidences as compared to children.

According to the statistics, Bono Region recorded the highest percentage increase in crashes by 41.5%, from January to June 2024, compared to the same period of 2023. Upper East Region recorded the highest percentage decrease with 41.2%.

Oti Region had the highest percentage increase of 500% followed by the Savannah Region with 288.9% increase. Upper West recorded no change and Northern Region recorded the highest decrease in Injuries sustained by 100% each in the number of injuries sustained within the period.

Generally, except for persons killed which recorded an increase of 13%, there have been decreases in all other indicators from January to June 2024 when compared to the same period of 2023. However, Greater Accra Region recorded a significant drop in fatalities of 11.7% compared to 2023.

Ashanti Region, on the other hand, recorded a hike in deaths of 131, resulting in 67.5% increase compared to same period in 2023. Despite Greater Accra experiencing more than double (200%) the number of crashes recorded in the Eastern Region over the past six months, the Eastern Region still surpasses Greater Accra in terms of deaths.

From the analyses, for every 100 crashes, Eastern Region recorded 27 deaths as against 10 deaths for the Greater Accra Region.

In a statement, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Ghana called on the government to urgently constitute a committee to thoroughly investigate the entire chain of events leading to recent road accidents and make its findings public.

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The Majority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed his commitment to addressing the challenges confronting the power distributor, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

He made the pledge when he was sworn-in as Board Chairman of ECG, by the outgoing Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

This follows his appointment by President Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Accepting his new position as Board Chair of ECG, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, asserted that whilst the government has made significant improvements in electricity provision, there is still more to be accomplished.

“As a citizen, I’ve witnessed how power instability has hindered our nation’s economic growth. These aren’t just statistics – they’re the daily realities that have shaped our relationship with electricity. While the situation has improved greatly under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, we must admit that there is still considerable room for improvement”, the Effutu MP stated.

While acknowledging the exemplary leadership and visionary efforts of past board chairs and sector Ministers of the ECG, Mr. Afenyo Markin also expressed his dedication to driving thoughtful reforms and innovation within ECG. 

He said “We stand on the shoulders of these efforts, learning from both their successes and their challenges. Our task now is not to start anew but to continue this trajectory of thoughtful reform and innovation. Let us celebrate and build upon the work of those who have led the way, as we chart a new course forward for ECG.”

The new Board Chair of the ECG further proposed a plan built on four pillars: operational efficiency, financial sustainability, employee empowerment and regulatory compliance. 

Mr. Afenyo-Markin replaces Mr. Herbert Krapa, who is now the Minister of State at the Energy Ministry.

The Deputy Majority Whip in Parliament, Mr. Habib Iddrisu was also sworn-in alongside the Majority Leader, as a Board member of the ECG. 

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The sixth African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meetings has opened in Accra with a call on African governments to invest in STEM education and digital learning platforms. 

The meetings will end on July 21, with the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Unions, where leaders will discuss critical issues affecting the continent, including peace and security, economic development, and social integration.

The African leaders are among other things discussing how the continent can build resilient educational systems, that prioritize inclusion, quality and lifelong learning, fit for 21st century education.

The Executive will also discuss the Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy” and “African Digital Compact” which was unanimously endorsed by the African ICT and Communications Ministers last month.

In an address, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway called for a review of educational curriculum across the continent that fits the current world and promotes inclusion, creativity and critical thinking. She said the Government of Ghana has shown commitment to building an educational system that prepares children for the future.

The asked leaders to harness their strengths to reform the educational sector.

Madam Ayorkor Botchway said ‘certain endearing lessons have emerged from our experiences with STEM education which we hope to share for you kind consideration. By investing in our educators, we have been able to improve their skills and knowledge thereby enhancing their ability to build the capacity of the next generation of citizens’.

“The nature of our educational curriculum must be reviewed. An outdated curriculum cannot meet the needs of today’s generation. It is essential to undertake thorough reviews and where necessary redesign educational curriculum across all levels, “she noted.

The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that the goal should be to foster critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and creativity as these are skills are essential for thriving in the 21st century.  She added that inclusivity, must be at the height of Africa’s educational policies.

Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete, raised the issue with the continent’s financial challenges which are a result of high indebtedness and dwindling foreign direct investments, worsened by climate change and rising food and energy costs.

He explained that Climate change is costing Africa, about 5 percent of GDP and it is also increasing adding that the global level playing field also remains uneven, especially for Africa. Despite these obstacles, Africa has enormous potential which includes significant arable land, coveted natural and critical mineral resources, major energy renewable potential, a youthful population and a sizable market.

To change the narrative, Mr. Gatete said leaders must build a robust educational system which ensures that three-quarters of African youth have digital skills.

“We must translate this potential into actions, starting with transforming our educational system. Education must be integrated into our industrial policy. We must make deliberate effort to ensure that three-quarters of Africa’s youth without digital skills are equipped to meaningfully participate in the workforce of the future”, he noted.

Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, among other things, pleaded with leaders to redeem their financial pledges for the establishment of the African Humanitarian Agency.

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The Bank of Ghana (BoG), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has closed down Dek-Nock Investments, located at Nungua and Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region, for operating without a licence.

According to the bank, the closure is in accordance with Section 20(2)(g) of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930).

A statement by the Central Bank disclosed that Dek-Nock Investments was engaged in unauthorised deposit-taking, contrary to Section 6(1) of Act 930.

“Dek-Nock Investments was engaged in unauthorised deposit-taking contrary to Section 6(1) of Act 930. 

The Ghana Police Service is conducting further investigations into the operations of Dek-Nock Investments.

All customers of Dek-Nock Investments are urged to remain calm while investigations continue. The general public and all stakeholders will be kept informed of the next line of action.

In collaboration with the respective Law Enforcement Agencies, the Bank of Ghana will continue to clamp down on illegal deposit-taking operations and all offenders shall be dealt with in accordance with
the law,” portions of the statement read.

All customers of Dek-Nock Investments have been urged to remain calm while investigations continue.

The general public and all stakeholders will be kept informed of the next line of action.

“In collaboration with the respective Law Enforcement Agencies, the Bank of Ghana will continue to clamp down on illegal deposit-taking operations, and all offenders shall be dealt with in accordance with
the law,” the statement concluded.

The bank assured the public of its commitment to promoting the integrity and stability of the financial system.

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The Company confirmed that on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at approximately 7.51pm, the check-in systems at Terminal 3, KIA experienced a disruption which lasted for about an hour.

A statement issued in Accra by the Airport Company said the issue resulted in some delays in passenger processing and airline turn-around times. 

It said the root cause of the disruption was identified as a fibre optic system failure due to ongoing excavation works by Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) along the fibre path of Telecel Ghana Limited between Cantonments and Teshie Nungua. 

“Contrary to some speculations, the disruption was not related to a power outage (dumsor),” it added.

The statement said passengers were promptly notified of the situation with regular updates provided through intermittent announcements. 

It said despite the initial challenge, the situation was efficiently managed using the backup internet service, allowing airlines to eventually depart for their respective destinations.

It assured passengers of its commitment to provide a seamless facilitation through all GACL operated airports.

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The two events will respectively take place at the Accra International Conference Center from July 18 to July 21, 2024.

The African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting will assess the progress of the Continental Integration Agenda and evaluate the efficiency of the harmonisation of policies between the African Union and the regional economic communities.

“The meeting is also crucial in enhancing the coordination of the implementation of a clear division of labour and effective collaboration between the African Union, regional economic communities, regional mechanisms and member states to rally on the principle of subsidiarity, complementarity and cooperative advantage,” said Mr Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration at a press briefing in Accra.

Ghana was approved to host the African Union media meetings in July 2024 at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States and Government of the AU held in Addis on February 17 and February 18, this year.

As part of preparations, a National Planning Committee which became operational in April 2024 was constituted to oversee the preparations of the necessary logistics arrangements for the meetings.

The Deputy Minister noted that the meetings provided an opportunity for Ghana to demonstrate its commitment to the acceleration of the integration agenda of the continent and also help to promote continental unity.

“It may be further recalled that it has been 17 long years since the Republic of Ghana had the privilege to host the African Union Summit in Accra under the able leadership of Ghana’s former President John Agyekum Kufour. And that was in 2007.”

The theme for the event is “Educate an African fit for the 21st century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa”.

SOURCE: GNA

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The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, Mr. David Agboado, has hinted of a 15 per cent increase in transport fares, effective Monday, July 22, 2024.

The Association attributes this fare hike primarily to the rising cost of fuel, which is being sold currently at GHC 15 per liter with some oil marketing companies now selling products at prices exceeding GH₵15 per liter.

Speaking in an interview, the PRO of the Association explained that the additional increase in prices of essential items such as spare parts, crucial for the transport business, have further necessitated this decision.

Mr. Agboado, expressed concerns about the adverse effects these rising costs are having on the transport sector, thereby justifying the fare increase.

“We will be increasing transport fares by Monday by 15%. The reason is that fuel prices have gone high. All that we use in servicing our vehicles has gone high. That necessitated the 15% increment. Transport Ministry is not aware and we don’t need to sit with Transport Ministry before we increase our transport fares. We keep saying this,” he stressed.

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Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey paid a working visit to the Republic of Malta on Monday, 15th July, 2024, during which she held bilateral meetings with the President of Malta, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Robert Abela, and the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Dr. Ian Borg.

The two sides acknowledged the strong and cordial relations between Ghana and Malta, which have led to high-level visits from both sides, discussed strengthening existing bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation, such as renewable energy, tourism, aviation, the health sector among others.

At the end of the fruitful deliberations, the leaders agreed to further enhance cooperation between Ghana and Malta through initiatives that would increase trade, joint ventures in renewable energy, collaborative efforts in the tourism and aviation industries, educational exchanges, and the sharing of best practices in governance and economic development.

They also underscored the need to take concrete steps to implement the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements that have been signed, to ensure that the commitments translate into mutually beneficial outcomes.

Madam Ayorkor Botchwey seized the opportunity to inform of her candidature for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and shared her vision for the organisation.

She emphasised the need for a transformative agenda focused on building resilience to tackle contemporary challenges such as stagnant economies, growing inequality, high youth unemployment, climate disasters and threats to democracy and human rights.

Malta plays an active role within the Commonwealth, thus, its leaders expressed readiness to continue to contribute to enhancing the organisation’s relevance for it to achieve tangible outcomes that benefit all Member Countries.

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