The Multifaceted Nature of Power Purchase Agreement-Driven Financial Liabilities Power Purchase Agreements are intricate legal and risk sharing documents outlining the terms and conditions under which power is produced and sold to utilities like the Electricity Company of Ghana. These agreements are under pass-through cost mechanisms which encompass various financial obligations beyond the monthly invoices for electricity supplied by the Independent Power Generators. Key clauses in the PPAs that result in financial liabilities include:
Changes in Law: PPAs often contain provisions allowing IPPs to pass on increased costs due to changes in law, such as new taxes or levies – Growth and Sustainability Levy, Emissions Levy, Energy Commission’s Variable Charge, etcetera. These additional costs form part of the increased costs clearly defined in the PPAs and must be passed-on through the tariff to ECG, impacting the overall financial obligation. The Ministry of Finance managers falls short of these industry basics; Fuel Price Variations: The cost of fuel significantly influences financial liabilities under a PPA. Escalations in fuel prices increase operational costs for IPPs, which are subsequently reflected in the energy charge of invoices sent to ECG. As experts in our business, we recognize the impact on the tariff and pass it on;

Idle Capacity Charges: Under-utilization of contracted capacity leads to idle capacity charges. When ECG does not fully utilize the power capacity contracted under the PPA, it must still make payment for the idle capacity, resulting in additional legitimate financial liabilities;
Interest on Delayed Payments: Delays in honoring monthly invoices attract interest charges. The cumulative effect of these interest charges substantially increases the arrears owed to IPPs; Exchange Rate Losses: Many PPAs are denominated in foreign currencies, introducing exchange rate risks. Adverse currency movements can lead to exchange rate losses, often passed on to ECG; and Loan Interest Surcharges and Other Claims: IPPs may incur loan interest surcharges and other financial claims covered under the PPA. There were instances where IPPs contracted loan to be able to service debts that were due for payment, as a result of payment default by ECG. These additional costs further complicate the financial landscape of the power sector accounting.

A Critical Examination of the Finance Minister’s Claims Indeed, the debt owed the Independent Power Producers is in excess of US$2 billion, until a meaningful and win-win deal is reached and sealed.  The Finance Minister’s assertion that he has “reconciled or restructured” the IPPs’ arrears to US$1 billion is questionable and oversimplifies the underlying financial obligations. Given the multifaceted nature of financial liabilities under PPAs, a mere aggregation of the monthly invoices does not capture the full extent of ECG’s commitments. Let’s take propaganda out of this sensitive case and act ethically. To provide a more accurate and reliable picture, the finance minister should offer a detailed breakdown of the “so-called” US$1 billion figure, including all PPA-related claims, as I have pointed out above. It is worrying to learn that these are figures audit firms of high reputation have certified. 

Importance of Full Disclosure

To achieve greater accountability and transparency in the power sector, the finance minister must present a realistic picture, no matter the frightening outlook, and make full disclosure of the financial situation. This involves providing a detailed reconciliation that includes:
A Breakdown of All Components Contributing to the Arrears: This should include interest charges on delayed payments, idle capacity charges, exchange rate losses, and any additional claims under the PPAs; An Explanation of How Changes in Law and Fuel Price Variations Have Been Accounted For: This will ensure that all financial obligations are transparently reported; and Clarification of the Methodology Used to Arrive at the USD 1 Billion Figure: This will help ensure that all financial obligations under the PPAs are accurately reflected.

Challenges and Recommendations

To ensure that any debt restructuring proposal is credible, acceptable and not rip-off any serious investor of their benefits, it is essential to conduct a careful scenario and sensitivity analyses on the options proposed. This ensures a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved. The use of the high office of a finance minister for political propaganda undermines the credibility of financial management in the sector.
As stewards of investors’ interest, we implement comprehensive accounting practices. This goes beyond simplistic revenue recognition models and requires meticulous consideration of all contractual obligations stipulated in the PPAs.
Proper accounting for power in Ghana’s energy sector extends far beyond the monthly invoices received and paid by ECG. The Finance Minister’s claims regarding the reconciliation of IPPs arrears need to be substantiated with a detailed breakdown that reflects the true financial liabilities arising from PPAs. As stewards of shareholder interests, it is imperative to account for every amount and provide full transparency. The complexities inherent in PPA-driven financial obligations demand a comprehensive approach to accounting, one that goes beyond simplistic revenue recognition models. Only through such rigorous and ethical accounting practices can we hope to achieve financial clarity and stability in Ghana’s power sector.

Written By: Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Power Systems Economist & CEO, IPPG

More stories here

With the world’s focus shifting towards responsible business practices, integrating the ESG framework is not just a choice but a necessity for the energy industry.

Incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into the energy sector is crucial for sustainable development.

Giving preference for combined cycle power plants for power generation aligns with this framework due to their higher efficiency, productive and optimum use of fuel and lower emissions compared to the aged and simple cycle plants, which emit a lot of greenhouse gases into the environment.

The preference of combined cycle power plants, as operated by the Independent Power Generators, Ghana support environmental sustainability, reduces carbon footprint, and contributes to Ghana’s commitment to cleaner energy generation.

Additionally, it promotes economic efficiency by optimising resource utilisation and enhancing energy security.

Environmental Sustainability

Ghana’s energy industry must prioritise environmental sustainability to mitigate the impacts of climate change and preserve natural resources.

Embracing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can reduce carbon emissions and promote a cleaner, greener energy future.

Also, implementing energy efficiency measures and minimising waste generation are crucial steps towards environmental stewardship.

Social Responsibility

The energy sector plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of Ghana.

It is essential to prioritise social responsibility by fostering inclusive growth and community engagement.

This can be achieved through initiatives such as job creation, skills development, and supporting local businesses.

Furthermore, promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce ensures equal opportunities for all stakeholders, contributing to a more equitable society.

Governance and Transparency

Transparent governance practices are fundamental to building trust and accountability within the energy industry.

Establishing robust corporate governance structures and adhering to ethical business conduct enhance investor confidence and reduce the risk of corruption.

Moreover, implementing mechanisms for stakeholder engagement and dialogue fosters transparency and ensures that the needs and concerns of all stakeholders are addressed.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the benefits of adopting the ESG framework, Ghana’s energy sector may encounter challenges in its implementation.

These challenges include limited access to finance to reconfigure the VRA’s simple cycle power plants, technological constraints, and regulatory barriers.

However, overcoming these challenges presents opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

By leveraging public-private partnerships and harnessing the expertise of Independent Power Generators, Ghana, Ghana can accelerate its transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

Integrating the ESG framework into Ghana’s energy sector is essential for fostering long-term sustainability and resilience.

By prioritising environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and transparent governance practices, the energy industry can contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic development while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

Through collective action and commitment, Ghana can emerge as a regional leader in sustainable energy practices, setting a positive example for the African continent and beyond.

By Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor

CEO, Independent Power Generators, Ghana

More stories here

The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament kicks off on 13th January, 2024 with hosts Côte d’Ivoire facing off against Guinea-Bissau in what is expected to be one of the most openly contested tournament in recent times.

It will be just the third time where we will see 24 teams take part since the expansion in 2019, with even more sides now looking to get their hands on the famous trophy.

Some of the favorites tipped to win the AFCON Trophy;

Senegal

Senegal decisively moved past their previous defeat to Algeria, leaving it firmly behind. In the final, a 4-2 penalty shootout against Egypt marked a historic moment as talisman Sadio Mané not only secured victory with the winning penalty but also achieved a milestone by becoming his country’s all-time leading goalscorer. This accomplishment earned him the distinction of being the first Senegalese player ever named AFCON Player of the Tournament.

Considered favorites to clinch the trophy in 2024 and aiming to achieve the rare feat of back-to-back tournament victories, the Lions of Teranga boast a roster of top-quality players. This includes renowned names such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, and Premier League stars Nico Jackson, Pape Matar Sarr, and Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Morocco

Following an outstanding World Cup campaign in 2022, where Morocco achieved the historic feat of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, attention now turns to the Atlas Lions. The focus is on whether they can replicate this success at the African Cup of Nations and potentially go even further.

Under the continued leadership of Walid Regragui, the team faces the challenge of improving upon their recent disappointing performances at AFCON. Morocco has not advanced beyond the quarter-final stage since 2004, when they finished as runners-up to hosts Tunisia.

Many of their stars from the World Cup will be looking to put their names up in lights once more, including goalkeeper Bono, Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Nayef Aguerd, Hakim Ziyech and Amine Harit to name a few.

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire, despite winning the competition in 2015, has faced challenges progressing beyond the quarter-final stage. The team is now pinning their hopes on home advantage as they aim to become the first host nation to clinch the tournament since Egypt in 2006.

In the last tournament, the team showcased strength by going unbeaten in the group stages. However, their journey was cut short in the first knockout round, experiencing a heartbreak with a 4-5 penalty shootout defeat to eventual runners-up Egypt. This premature exit left many anticipating a deeper run, adding a sense of unfinished business to their AFCON endeavors.

After failing to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup, this home tournament is set to be one where they can give back to their fans and hopefully become three time AFCON champions after their success in 1992 and 2015.

Nigeria

Despite being drawn alongside hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria will be confident of making it out of the group and going far into the tournament.

The Super Eagles have some incredible firepower with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho all able to change a game at the flick of a switch, but will need to improve on their disappointing 2021 campaign that saw them knocked out in the last 16 at the hands of Tunisia.

Egypt

Egypt, a legendary team in the African Cup of Nations, boasts the highest number of tournament trophies, surpassing any other nation in terms of victories.

Despite facing a setback with a penalty shootout loss against Senegal (4-2) in the last AFCON, Egypt exhibited an incredible performance. As they enter the 2024 AFCON, the team is eager to make a powerful statement on the field.

Renowned for having some of the most loyal fans and a rich history in the game, Egypt is anticipated to compete fiercely in the upcoming tournament. Their formidable presence and commitment are poised to leave a lasting impact on the AFCON 2024.

Burkina Faso

Not many people have given Burkina Faso a chance for this year’s AFCON, but if their performances in recent tournaments is anything to go by, then they may be the dark horses once again. In the last 10 years, Burkina Faso have made it to at least the semi-final stage in three of the four tournaments they have qualified for, finishing as runners-up to Nigeria in 2013, before a third place finish in 2017 and finishing fourth last time out in 2021.

MORE STORIES HERE

There have over the years been an unending call to the current section of music talents in Ghana to embrace live band performances of their songs and gradually a few are living up to the call and task. Notable among them are Samini, Stonebwoy, Ayisi and Sarkodie. All these artists have on many occasions performed shows with live band music to prove their prowess and versatility.

A recent electrifying performance by Ghanaian hip-life artist Fimfim with the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra at the National Theatre for the unveiling of his album “Boasiako” has left an indelible mark on the faces of Ghanaian music lovers.

The seamless blend of symphony and rap during that magical night has not only captivated Ghanaians but also garnered commendation from the Originator of Hiplife in Ghana, Reggie Rockstone. Reggie Rockstone could not hide his admiration for the performance by the young Artist during a social media post.

This exceptional showcase has sparked a thought-provoking consideration: Should more Ghanaian artists, like Highlife sensation Kuame Eugene, the talented Kidi, rap maestro Sarkodie, dancehall artists like Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, consider incorporating symphony orchestras into their performances? Such collaborations could potentially propel them onto the global stage, gaining recognition at prestigious awards like the Grammys.

Ghanaian artists, celebrated for their creativity and versatility, possess the potential to infuse classical elements into their compositions, offering a fresh perspective to their works. The marriage of modern genres with the refined sound of a symphony orchestra promises a unique and unforgettable experience for both artists and audiences alike.

This collaboration has the power to contribute to the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage. Imagine top artists like Sarkodie, Kuame Eugene, Kidi, Shatta Wale, and Stonebwoy harmonizing with a symphony orchestra is a prospect that excites music lovers and could further elevate Ghana’s cultural imprint.

In conversations with Ghanaians, the sentiment is clear – blending our musical styles with symphony orchestras aligns with global preferences and could be a strategic move for international recognition, particularly at the Grammys.

JeuQid, an emerging underground artist, emphasizes the need for Ghanaian musicians to embrace their unique style. He advocates for blending hip-life with Symphony, echoing the successful fusion demonstrated by Fimfim at his concert a few months ago. This, he believes, is a departure from mimicking Nigerian trends and an assertion of Ghana’s musical identity.

In essence, the magical performance by Fimfim has not only set an example but has ignited a conversation about the potential of Ghanaian artists collaborating with symphony orchestras.

According to Fimfim a true pioneer of the Ghanaian music scene expressed his vision of his collaboration saying he has always believed that music has the power to connect people across different worlds. Performing “ Boasiako” with the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra is a dream come true and it’s my way of bringing the magic of music to an even broader audience.

As the music industry continues to evolve, such innovative ventures could be the key to not only captivating local audiences but making a resounding impact on the global stage.

Proponents of multitasking in media operations may have a case. Their call is clearly hinged on man-made or artificial obstacles within the fold. The all-in-one operational module abates or skips some of the frustrations. 

The character of media operations is a division of labour. Operators are trained specialists who handle segments of the production chain.

This takes the form of the production process in product manufacturing companies. A unit finishes its job, and passes it on to the other units to handle the subsequent phases of production until it is finalized.

There are various steps to be taken towards completion in media production. For instance, in television operations, the conventional style has been the deployment of the quartet made up of the camera operator, the sound technician, the lighting person, and the news reporter. They are the crew members who go to the field to fish for stories. 

The reporter would write the story, after which the script is voiced, but video editing to be done by another person trained for that role. It is at the editing bench that the voice and the footage are merged, having filtered the material to supposedly acceptable standards. 

All the activities that take place after the material are gathered by the field crew, are labelled as post-production. It extends to the studio controls and the actual newscasting, forming the outlets for television content. 

These rules are true in other media platforms such as radio and online. Radio broadcasts are managed by sound technicians in the studios, and IT support is required in the online business, like in other allied fields. 

Now the problem is this. There are green-eyed suspicions within the fold concerning which material was assembled for others to work upon. If those who are not the primary sources guess it could be an ice-breaker or treasure trove for the source, they drag their feet or could well sabotage the process. Countless items have either been delayed or gone missing on  deliberate actions or inactions.  

The part that generates more barricades is specialization. Others in the chain activity more often than not assume there is something juicy in the project which the producer had failed to disclose, hence the extraordinary interest in a subject area, personality or organization. The others then constitute themselves into a stumbling block to scuttle it and cause embarrassment to the producer. 

Those who think the other side of the wall is greener, nobody is stopping them from jumping to the other side of the fence to take their imaginary claims. Everybody is at liberty to switch roles through some training, at which point flying figments could be put to rest. It doesn’t help to remain in the duct as a blockade whilst playing a traditional role in the composition. 

In all production chains, the whole chain is as weak as its weakest point. It is a nagging and upsetting obstacle within media operations which requires constant monitoring by management of media houses and external clientele. 

More stories here

The quieter the sirens, the louder our voices can be in building a better future for Ghana.

I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. Imagine a classroom filled with eager students, poised to absorb knowledge like sponges. Now, imagine their place of studies being bombarded by sirens blaring from the motorcades of our honorable Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers. This is the reality at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), and it’s a situation that’s causing quite a stir.

In this letter, I address you, Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, bringing to your attention a matter that not only affects the students and lecturers at GIJ but also reflects the need for a balance between security and the right to a conducive learning environment.

As we approach the commencement of a new academic year at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the road leading to Parliament House (Adjacent to the British High Commission, Abdul Nasser Rd. Ridge, Accra) often frequented by our nation’s elected representatives has become a corridor of clamor. The loud sirens and motorcade convoys accompanying these dignitaries have transformed our tranquil academic vicinity into a hub of noise pollution.

After all, GIJ is not just a place of learning; it’s a sanctuary for aspiring journalists and communicators, individuals dedicated to shaping the future of our nation. But how can we craft the stories of tomorrow if our classrooms are besieged by the CACOPHONY of sirens?

It is imperative to acknowledge that both students at GIJ and our parliamentary representatives are essential stakeholders in the future of our nation. We, the students, attend GIJ with the sincere desire to learn, contribute, and serve our country. Similarly, our elected officials convene in Parliament to deliberate and make decisions that shape our nation’s destiny. However, the relentless noise pollution generated by these motorcades disrupts our educational pursuits, disturbs our concentration, and creates an unfavorable learning environment.

Mr. Speaker, this letter is not an indictment but a plea—a plea for consideration, for understanding, and for a harmonious resolution. We fully recognize the necessity of security measures for our elected officials, and we hold deep respect for their roles in our democracy. Nevertheless, we believe that a middle ground can be reached—one that upholds the sanctity of both our parliamentary proceedings and the educational mission of GIJ.

In the spirit of compromise and shared responsibility, we propose exploring alternative routes or quieter modes of transportation for our MPs and Ministers. By doing so, we can mitigate the disturbance caused by motorcade sirens without compromising the security and dignity of our leaders.

In closing, I extend my profound respect for your office and the diligent work undertaken therein. May this letter be a catalyst for positive change, one that paves the way for a GIJ where the pursuit of knowledge and the deliberation of our leaders can coexist harmoniously.

Yours sincerely,

Adjei Dickens Ofori Asare

(Concerned Student) 

More stories here

The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, the nation’s state broadcaster, is 88 years old this month. It is a great milestone in the Ghanaian media space.

The 88th anniversary of the nation’s premier media institution brings to the fore the real diagnosis of the institution, by way of its relevance, reputation, prospects, leadership, and challenges.

One of the relevant issues to be looked at during this 88th year and beyond is the State of the State Broadcaster. This is key because it is the exact time for the GBC to tread in a well-defined route of professional and effective broadcasting delivery to the nation as per its primary objective.

GBC over the years enjoyed absolute monopoly within the Ghanaian airwaves until the early 1990s when it was faced with severe competition. Competition, we say, is very good for good reasons. One, it provides avenues for quality and excellent customer delivery, in this case, the production and provision of highly qualitative content for the audience.

The competition GBC faced meant that its audience then had the option to choose either to continue to listen and view its programmes or choose other stations. This was apparent about the importance for GBC because it needed to provide reassurance that it had to win the largest audience share but woefully this was not the case.

88 years on, it is still struggling to keep its head above the waters. This is against the backdrop of huge experienced and professional human capital, gargantuan infrastructure around the country and governmental support the state broadcaster enjoys.

There has rather been substantial audience penetration by the other later stations into the Ghanaian broadcasting arena. For some reason, these stations, according to available statistics, have a larger audience share and provide satisfactory broadcasting, even though not too professional as compared to the GBC, to the cross-section of the Ghanaian listening and viewing population.

So what went wrong? This could be attributed to the following but not limited to governmental interferences, leadership, logistics, funding among many others and quite recently brain drain.

These have been the bane of the GBC, even though successive governments have over the years promised to help the institution grow to become one of the world’s best broadcasting institutions. Government interference, which brings to mind the issue of media ownership and control which in most cases provides avenues for dictatorship and editorial manipulation.

When this happens, GBC would be compelled to dance to the tune of the government and not to inward plan which apparently would lead to the loss of audience but in the broadcasting industry all is about how wide you transmit, how large is your audience, how relevant your content is to your audience and what impart you exert on society.

Governmental interference has also contributed to poor leadership delivery as over the years as many as 15 Director Generals have led the corporation and about seven of these were at post for as little as two years. The question is how effective the best planner can be for just two years considering such a huge institution like the GBC.

GBC is also seen to be lacking behind in the technological age of broadcasting. Equipment appears so absolute and difficult to use. In today’s world of broadcasting, Artificial Intelligence. Generational Shifts, Voice-Controlled Devices, NextGen TV, Technology, Augmented Reality Graphics, Over-The-Top Technology, and Virtual Cloud Technology among others make broadcasting more exciting and viable.

Broadcasting thrives also on social media but until quite recently, GBC was not active on social media. On many occasions, even the GBC tune-in facility would not work and Facebook live streaming was down. Such little mishaps turn the audience away and they may not come back, especially the audience who primarily patronise via the internet.

By and large, the staff of GBC have done very well by working under such difficult conditions.

Ethics, professionalism and courtesy have always been their hallmark.

With only one radio station (Radio ZOY) in 1935, GBC can now boast of 18 FM stations and seven TV stations, across the country with each FM Station now broadcast in a specific local language.

With ingenuity, the role of the state broadcaster has been played very well with important functions that include influencing public opinion, determining the political agenda, providing a link between the government and the people, and positively on society. Not it has not been able to do properly perhaps, is acting as a government watchdog for obvious reasons.

To date, the state broadcaster still has some programmes that are as old as 30 years and over. Talking point, Adult Education among others are very old but educational and inspiring programmes are still aired.

GBC must utilise its huge rich human capital to find means of raising enough income to support its activities. For instance, the renowned GBC Training School could be upgraded to enrol broadcasters to be trained for fees on a larger scale as done by other international broadcasting organisations. This arguably would be a good regular income for the corporation and also help defray most of its accumulated high debt. owned.

Kudos to the management and staff of GBC. Posterity will forever remember you for at least helping to keep this national asset running.

Read More Here

The representation of such voices who in some form assume the position of food baskets has remained in the shadows because, the transition did not consider them. Before the pandemic, such voices were heard via forums, townhall meetings and sprinter groups which provided them fresher ideas and incentives to better their lot; unfortunately, the position has had to remain in the primitive situation where women are isolated as a result of gender inequality. So as the world and the UN continue to explore the margins of a digital age where everything is done on a virtual platform, it is imperative to find the unfortunate threats the female gender faces on the back of Agriculture, water, fisheries and other industries impacted by the sudden experience of the world where most are primary laborers or secondary laborers. The principle established goes to confirm how such unfortunate impacts affect the yields of the women who happened to have been denied education, and are unable to access the incentives migrated unto digital platforms made possible via the advent of the COVID virus.

There is also the need to anticipate the real status of women in the digital age and ascertain how they can play vital roles in them. Laith (2023) maintained that, in the digital age, the real-world status of women and girls has become indivisible from its online counterpart. We are living in 2023, we can’t separate gender equality and technology.  Women are still systematically underrepresented in technology and innovation. This means not only missing out on high-paying jobs, but also on the chance to shape the digital world in which we are increasingly living. Although targeted efforts have given women and girls access to new opportunities, Laith claims that many doors remain barred because of the pervasive influence of gendered norms. When it comes to science and technology, the stereotyping in our societies restricts women’s participation and educational opportunities. So we don’t even have the foundation to increase the influence of women in the tech industry.

According to the UN Women Newsletter (2023), Women and girls remain underrepresented across the creation, use and regulation of technology. They are less likely to use digital services or pursue careers in technology, and they are far more likely to face online harassment and violence. This limits not only their own digital empowerment, but also the transformative potential of technology as a whole–exclusion women’s from the digital sphere has cost low- and middle-income countries $1 trillion in GDP over the last decade.

We are at a crossroads in the face of escalating global crises: allow technology to widen existing disparities and further concentrate power in the hands of the few, or put it to work for a safer, more sustainable, and more equitable future for all.  It further gives four steps to achieve equality in the digital space, i.e., closing all gaps in digital access and skills, support women and girls in STEM, creation of Tech that addresses the needs of women and girls, and further address technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

It is important that we agree to challenge isolation of women in the digital space. In order to achieve this, the first to do is to define government policy for inclusion properly in the context of the society. This is defined to mean the world must accept to develop or encourage policy to guide the use of digital platforms by all and sundry especially women. The sad reality of the physical world where women are verbally abused, colonized, there is a high level of patriarchal system replicated on virtual platforms. This returns us to the conversation of inequality established above where women in rural communities were ignored during the pandemic because they could barely afford the internet or do not have access to the platforms that even provides same opportunities. There is the need to consciously provide policy and committed implementation to migrate as many as possible, the girl child or the woman who is vulnerable and lives within the rural community where most of the food and raw materials emanate from to such digital platforms. This drives productivity and yields globally.

Happy International Women’s Day.

Written By: Mrs. Gifty Oware-Mensah, Deputy Executive Director, National Service Scheme and CEO, Berry Ladies Football Club.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON NEWS COMMENTARY

States have a responsibility to promote an environment where civil society, activists, and media practitioners can operate freely. Where defenders’ rights to civil and political participation are respected and everybody can enjoy their human rights.

That responsibility includes repealing discriminatory laws and policies that put Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) defenders at risk and not persecuting defenders doing their legitimate human rights work.

Ghana is governed by law, and the state is a signatory to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, hence the need to respect the rights of individuals, including minority groups, women, and children, by political actors.

The impunity with which people attack fellow human beings expressing their inalienable rights and the persistent stigmatisation of such minority groups is not the way to go as a country which claims to be practicing democracy.
The situation, undoubtedly, creates a conducive environment for vile attacks on LGBT defenders, who are among other marginalised groups, including refugees and migrants’ rights defenders and defenders of sexual abuse survivors.

Restrictions on movement limit security options for defenders, who are often living and working in hostile environments. Countries, particularly Ghana’s human rights defenders, peacefully fighting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in different ways are subjected to all sorts of attacks and threats.

I hope my beloved country, Ghana, will take steps to check open hatred and incessant verbal attacks on human rights activists to prevent the situation from degenerating into physical attacks, arbitrarily arrest, detention, and ransacking of homes and offices of LGBTQ groups as it is happening elsewhere.

It also means establishing and properly resourcing protection programmes and focal points within governments and other institutions to protect defenders, with specific awareness and education programmes tailored to the needs of homosexual rights defenders.
Religious beliefs and cultural norms are often raised as reasons for attacking both defenders and the LGBT community, especially in Ghana, yet LGBT and gender diverse persons have always been valued members of faith and cultural traditions around the world.

It is disheartening that extremist Muslims and Christians have formed pressure groups to threaten and attack human rights defenders of LGBTQ persons. Let all join hands to halt incessant discrimination against LGBTI people and also name and shame security operatives who went and closed the recently inaugurated office of LGBT+ Rights Ghana, a non-profit organisation.

On May 20, 2022, police arrested 21 LGBTI activists for what they described as unlawful assembly during a training session. They were released on bail in June, and their charges were dismissed on August 5.

Subsequently, the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill was introduced in parliament in June in the form of a private member-sponsored bill. The goal is to further criminalise LGBTI people and introduce prison sentences for anyone expressing support or “sympathy” towards LGBTI people.

This repressive legislation, which appears to have received overwhelming support from the religious community, is a blow to Ghana’s reputation as the beacon of democracy in Africa.

More stories here

Being loyal is more than a virtue. It is about being faithful, unwavering, dependable and remaining constant in our beliefs. Being a Dean and a lecturer in the university, I want to throw more light on the Loyalty concept and its importance for organisational growth.

One important way of accessing the importance of Loyalty is that it is very easy to recognize the absence of it – CHAOS.  When there is no loyalty in an organisation, what you have is confusion and anarchy.

Oxford Learners Dictionary defines loyalty as the quality of being constant, or faithful in your support of somebody or something. It is therefore, a cardinal attribute that enables a leader to entrust others with authority or responsibility and be able to predict the outcome.

The Bible describes God as FAITHFUL, which clearly shows that God Himself is Loyal and expects believers to be loyal. 1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful”. Faithfulness or loyalty is thus, the principal qualification that is expected of leaders and servants of God. God is constant – the same yesterday, today and forever.

Nature also teaches us about the essence of loyalty or faithfulness. For instance, the sun constantly rises from the east and sets in the west. Life, death and air are also constant.  Thus, there is nothing wrong with loyalty or faithfulness.

During a recent personal branding workshop, we were required to complete a simple exercise by requesting our network of friends and colleagues to provide three keywords to describe us whenever our names came to mind. I wasn’t surprised when a few sent words includimg loyalty, faithfulness, dependable, etc.

In the corporate environment, Loyalty has been proven to be an important trait or attribute. Indeed, a friend responsible for executive recruitment recently stated that, in a search for Board of Directors and CEOs, the cardinal consideration is loyalty to (faith or belief in) vision, mission, core values or strategic ambition of the organization. This is very rational since leaders usually expect their team to stand with them both in good and bad times – Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint, Proverbs 25:19 KJV.

Which president of a country knowingly, will appoint disloyal ministers to his cabinet?

Who will marry or go into partnership with a disloyal or unfaithful person?

Which business can be successful without faithful and loyal leaders to promote the vision of the company?. Building a global brand is therefore not an easy or a perfect journey. No wonder the first sentence of our national pledge admonishes Ghanaians to be faithful and loyal.

The leadership of Bishop Dag Heward Mills has for some time now come under public ‘attack’ trending on social media. My understanding of loyalty is far from what I’ve been hearing around. Someone has gotten something wrong somewhere. Hence, let us focus on the main things and leave Bishop Dag Heward-Mills alone to focus on the vision of taking the Gospel to the nations.

There are souls perishing!

Dr. Joseph K. Adjei, PhD, University Lecturer