The Executive Director of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, Esq., who serves as the Special Envoy of the Climate Vulnerability Forum (CVF), is leading an influential coalition of 48 countries and the EPA to attend the Conference of the Parties (COP28) hosted in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Kokofu is engaging with global leaders and stakeholders at COP 28 to inspire hope and reinforce the urgency with which the world must address climate change collectively.
His presence signifies a strong commitment to taking decisive action on climate change toward a sustainable future.
According to Dr. Kokofu, one primary objective as a Special Envoy of CVF is to amplify voices from vulnerable nations that often go unheard amidst larger delegations at COP meetings.
By sharing firsthand experiences and highlighting specific challenges faced by these countries, he brings attention to their unique vulnerabilities while emphasizing the urgency of addressing the challenges.
Dr.Henry Kwabena Kokofu,EPA boss
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is a significant global event where nations come together to discuss and address the pressing issue of climate change.
The CVF is an influential coalition comprising 48 countries that are excessively impacted by climate change.
These nations face severe challenges such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food insecurity due to changing climatic conditions.
The CVF plays a crucial role in advocating for their interests and highlighting the urgent need for global action on climate change.
The EPA has organized a series of key events and themes on climate change to be discussed in both Ghana’s Pavilion at B6/73 and the conference center of the Expo City of Dubai.
Dr. Kokofu holds a PhD (Environmental Science), LLD (Honoris causa), and a Master Class Certificate in Leadership and Management. He also holds LLM (Oil & Gas Law), BL (Barrister at Law), MSc (Agroforestry), MSc (Defense and International Politics), BSc (Natural Resources), and LLB (Bachelor of Laws).
Henry has excelled in various professional fields, including law, natural resource science, environmental science, defense and security, international politics, and public administration.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has revealed that management will consider revising the reopening date for first-year students in the Senior High Schools (SHS).
According to the Public Relations Officer of the GES, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, her outfit had taken note of the concerns of Pre-Tertiary Teacher Unions regarding the limited time parents had for preparations.
The concerns follow the release of the Computerized Schools Selection Process on November 28, with SHS students expected to start classes on December 4.
Reacting to the concern on JoyNews, she explained that her outfit had long published the academic calendar for second-cycle institutions. Hence, they assumed parents were prepared. Nevertheless, they would take a second look at what can be done to address the situation.
“Before the release of placement, we had already published the academic calendar so the first December for first years was already cast and so as a parent, if you knew that your child would be going to the boarding house at least you are working within that time frame. We were only waiting for the school placement to be out but in terms of preparation, we knew that they had started.
“But again once they have given us this feedback, management will look at it and whatever comes out of it will be communicated to the public,” she said.
Also, the Executive Director at the Institute of Education Studies, Dr. Peter Anti-Partey, urges the GES to postpone the reopening to early next year for parents to adequately prepare.
“Adjust it in such a way that everybody will be a little bit okay. I don’t know how they are going to do this because you cannot move it to the following week. If you move it to the following week, it means the students are about to spend about one week on campus. It does not help because some of them will be traveling so you go to school for one week and you come back home for Christmas. It does not help.
“So, I think that maybe the best option will be either to maintain this or move the reopening of the first years to early next year so that everybody would be prepared for that,” he said
TheNewTrust newspaper has gathered that all is set for the
2 Days Church Workers and Couples’ Conference 2023 by Great Eternal Harvest International Ministry.
The conference which will be hosted by Archbishop Prof. Dr. Asafo-Agyei Anane Frempong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asafo-Agyei Hospital, is slated for 5th and 6th December 2023 (time: 5pm – 8pm).
The conference will be held at Harvest Cathedral
inside the premises of Asafo-Agyei Hospital at Ahodwo-Daban, and it has the following as speakers:
Dr. Charles Thomas, USA; Rev. Dr. Alexander Obeng, Ghana; and Archbishop Prof. Dr. Asafo-Agyei Anane Frempong, CEO Asafo-Agyei Hospital.
. .
Details:
Great Eternal Harvest Int. Ministry presents:
2 days church workers and couples ‘ conference 2023
Dates – 5th and 6th December . Time 5pm – 8pm
Archbishop Prof. Dr. Asafo-Agyei Anane Frempong, CEO Asafo-Agyei Hospital
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
Ephesians 1:3
In a bid to secure fair compensation for their services, Mobile Money (MoMo) agents across Ghana will implement a temporary measure limiting cash withdrawals to a maximum of GH¢1,000 per transaction, effective December 1, 2023.
The decision was announced in a joint statement issued by four MoMo Associations: the Northern MoMo Agents Association of Ghana (NOMAAG), the Mobile Money Advocacy Group (MOMAG), the Mobile Money Agents Association Ghana (MMAAG), and the ABAG.
The Associations explained that this temporary measure is intended to draw attention to their longstanding concerns regarding inadequate compensation for their services.
They emphasized that the move is not meant to inconvenience customers but rather to highlight the need for a sustainable business model for MoMo agents.
“During this period, we will continue to actively engage with service providers to address the commission review concerns raised,” the Associations stated. “If, within the one-month period, there is no favourable adjustment, we will regrettably have to implement further action plans.”
The Associations called on all stakeholders, including customers, to support their efforts towards achieving fair compensation for MoMo agents. They emphasized that the sustainability of MoMo services in Ghana hinges on ensuring a fair and equitable system for all parties involved.
“We urge you to join us in mobilizing support for fair compensation to Mobile Money Agents,” the Associations appealed.
The decision to cap cash withdrawals is likely to have an impact on MoMo users, particularly those who rely on these services for large transactions.
However, the Associations expressed hope that customers will understand the rationale behind this temporary measure and support their efforts to secure fair compensation.
The MoMo sector has grown significantly in recent years, becoming a crucial component of Ghana’s financial landscape.
MoMo agents play a pivotal role in facilitating these transactions, making their concerns regarding compensation a pressing issue.
The National Media Commission (NMC) has written a strongly worded letter to the National Communications Authority (NCA), requesting the suspension of the authorization of Onua TV and Onua FM over their alleged incessant attacks on personalities.
The NMC states that the suspension or revocation of the licenses of the two stations has become imperative because “the two stations have become the soundtrack to hateful rhetoric carefully orchestrated to incite ethnic division, provoke mutiny in the armed forces and prey upon the youth for insurrection against the state.”
According to the NMC, the two stations have “systematically sought to subvert critical national institutions including the Council of State and the Ghana Armed Forces in a manner that constitutes clear and present danger to the public interest.”
The NMC stated that the imposition of a fine would not be sufficient under the circumstances, hence the decision for the NCA to suspend their operations.
A letter signed by the Executive Secretary, George Sarpong, to the NCA said, “Article 164 of the Constitution subjects media rights to laws that are reasonably required in the interest of national security and public order among other things. In line with that, section 13(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, (Act 775) empowers the authority to suspend a frequency authorisation where “the suspension or revocation is necessary … in the public interest.”
“We also confirm in terms of section 13(f) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, (Act 775), that the imposition of a fine will not be sufficient under the circumstances considering the dangerous nature of the content, the persistent defiance of advice, the presenter’s unprofessional practice, management’s incapacity in implementing regulatory rules and the Board’s nonchalance in supervising the stations.”
The NMC cited instances where the stations have expressed the wish to have the Chairman of the Council of State killed.
“Such stereotyping and tribal bigotry if unchecked will ultimately lead to ethnic conflict, undermine national cohesion and destabilize the state.”
Meanwhile, the management of both companies has sued NMC for alleged harassment.
Read the full notice from the NMC to the NCA below:
The Director General
National Communications Authority
Accra
November 28, 2023
Dear Sir,
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION OF AUTHORISATION: ONUA TV & ONUA FM
We write with reference to our Memorandum of Cooperation adopted pursuant to section 3(d) of the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769) to notify you of the need to suspend the authorisation of Onua TV and Onua Fm.
The two stations have become the soundtrack to hateful rhetoric carefully orchestrated to incite ethnic division, provoke mutiny in the armed forces and prey upon the youth for insurrection against the state.
They have systematically sought to subvert critical national institutions including the Council of State and the Ghana Armed Forces in a manner that constitutes clear and present danger to the public interest.
In one instance, they expressed the wish to have the Chairman of the Council of State killed. The Chairman, Nana Otuo Serebour, is the Omanhene of Juaben and President of the Juaben Traditional Council in Ashanti with subjects across the entire nation. Beyond the natural disgust of the stations’ wish, the public order implications of wishing a traditional ruler dead is obvious.
In another instance, the stations through the same presenter insulted the Chiefs and people of the Wiawso Traditional Area forcing them to hold a durbar to perform traditional rituals to declare him persona non grata in their community.
In yet another broadcast, he insulted the Western Regional Minister as a person without sense who acts like “Esrem politician.” Esrem is the twi reference for the Northern, Savannah, North East, Upper West and Upper East Regions. Such stereotyping and tribal bigotry if unchecked will ultimately lead to ethnic conflict, undermine national cohesion and destabilize the state.
More recently, the stations sought to instigate the Ghana Armed Forces against the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other Commanders. The stations called the CDS and his Commanders “beasts” and alleged they embezzled monies meant for peace keepers. They offered no evidence for the claims. The attacks on the military commanders come in the wake of coup d’etats and mutinies in Niger, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guinea, Gabon and twice in Mali. Currently, there is disquiet in Sierra Leone after gunmen attacked a military barracks. The specific attacks on the CDS and his commanders is reminiscent of the January 1994 broadcast of Rwandan radio attacks on the UNAMIR Commander Romeo Dallaire as part of the genocide playbook.
Attempts at Correction
Many attempts have been made to correct the stations and to prevent them from their harmful broadcast. All has been to no avail.
When they attacked the Council of State, the Council magnanimously invited them together with NMC and other stakeholders to a discussion. At that forum, the representative of the stations’ management promised to ensure they complied with professional requirements in broadcasting. They reneged on this promise and continued with their dangerous broadcast.
When they called for insurrection against the state, the NMC warned them and asked them to retract the broadcast and apologise to the people of Ghana. They ignored the warning and refused to apologise. The management of the stations wrote to NMC in which they expressed no objection to the behaviour and rather questioned the legality of NMC’s regulatory action. The Commission then stepped up the complaint to the Board of Directors of the stations. The board found nothing wrong with the behaviour of the stations.
In the recent broadcast in which they sought to incite mutiny in the Ghana Armed Forces, the Commission once again wrote to the Board giving them seven days to get the stations to apologise and retract the broadcast. Once again, the Board refused to get the stations to retract their broadcasts. At the end of the seven days, the Commission extended the time for another seven days. At the expiration of the second seven days making a total of 14 days, the station has refused to apologise.
It is therefore clear that the dangerous broadcast is deliberate and is sanctioned by the management and board. This means we cannot rely on the station to change its ways unless regulatory intervention is applied. It is upon this basis that we issue this notice.
Regulatory impact
The suspension of the authorization of the two stations will not impact the broadcasting industry in any negative way. Ghana is recognised globally as one of the best nations with diverse and plural media. Ghana’s per capita radio and television access is far higher than most democracies in the world. Indeed, some industry analysts argue, debatably, that the broadcasting market is saturated. This means the deliberate decision by 2 stations to withdraw from broadcast by their unprofessional and dangerous practice, will not affect citizens in any way.
Legal basis
Article 164 of the Constitution subjects media rights to laws that are reasonably required in the interest of national security and public order among other things. In line with that, section 13(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, (Act 775) empowers the authority to suspend a frequency authorization where “the suspension or revocation is necessary … in the public interest.”
We also confirm in terms of section 13(f) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, (Act 775), that the imposition of a fine will not be sufficient under the circumstances considering the dangerous nature of the content, the persistent defiance of advice, the presenter’s unprofessional practice, management’s incapacity in implementing regulatory rules and the Board’s nonchalance in supervising the stations.
As regulators, we cannot wait anymore for the worst to happen.
Dr. Theo Acheampong writes: DR BAWUMIAH IS RIGHT: A PERSONAL CREDIT-SCORING SYSTEM DOES NOT EXIST, AND IT IS A MUST TO DEEPEN FINANCIAL ACCESS
Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumiah of the ruling NPP administration recently remarked, “Ghana will introduce a credit scoring system next year for citizens [individuals], which will help citizens access personal loans and help financial institutions control the allocation of risks and costs”.
He further indicated that “right now our CREDIT-SCORING SYSTEM DOES NOT EXIST so everybody is seen as risky and the interest rates are high….But we are going to move into INDIVIDUALISED CREDIT SCORING…and that the Ghana Card will become the anchor for the credit system”.
According to the Bank of Ghana’s 2022 Credit Reporting Activity Report, there are currently three (3) licenced credit bureaus namely; XDS Data Ghana Limited, HudsonPrice Data Solutions Limited and Dun and Bradstreet Credit Bureau Limited.
These companies operate under the Credit Reporting Act, 2007 (Act 726) and are involved in collecting credit data and providing credit referencing services to financial institutions.
Furthermore, a total number of twenty-two (22) institutions and companies designated as data providers and authorized users of the credit reporting system were at various stages of full compliance (pp.8-9).
Pages 9 of the same report published by the Bank of Ghana notes that “Banks generally complied with data submission requirements and actively used the services of credit bureaus”.
Furthermore, 9.1 million searches were conducted by authorised users on individual borrowers or potential individual borrowers in 2022. Another 277,315 searches were conducted on businesses or corporate borrowers. By far, most of the searches were on individual borrowers (97%) compared with 3% of businesses.
However, it is important to note that the products and services offered by the Credit Bureaus are not INDIVIDUALISED CREDIT SCORING. Rather, these come in six (forms), namely:
a. “Consumer Basic Trace Report: This contains information on personal details, credit account summary, address history, guarantor details and telephone history. This is designed to help the lender in completing “know your customer” (KYC) documentation on the customer.
b. Consumer Basic Credit Report: This contains personal information, credit account summary, detailed credit facility status, and monthly payment behaviour.
c. Basic Commercial Report: It contains company registration details, directors and credit account summary.
It is designed to provide background information on companies and basic information on credit exposure.
d. Consumer Credit Report – This contains the credit profile overview, credit profile summary, credit facility details, and demographic information.
This report provides information on the credit exposure and repayment history of borrowers and empowers lenders to make better credit risk decisions.
e. Commercial Credit Report – This presents the credit history, demographic information and company profiles, and
f. Industry Reports – These include a variety of products to enhance the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures of financial institutions with respect to banks’ business customers.”
In other words, the current data provided by the credit bureaus are amalgamated reports comprising different data points such as personal details, credit account summary, address history, guarantor details and telephone history. The companies, for one reason or another, are unable to combine this information into a COMPOSITE CREDIT SCORE such as offered by the likes of companies like Experian and TransUnion here in the UK where I am based, and which can allow the pricing of individual financial products and services. In terms of evidence, I have attached my Experian score, which currently sits at 961 out of 999 and is rated excellent. With this single number, I can access various products, including credit cards, loans, insurance, and other financial products.
Dr Bawumiah is right in the sense that an INDIVIDUALISED CREDIT SCORING does not exist in Ghana.
I am by no means an IT expert, but leveraging the Ghana Card to become the anchor of the credit system and, thereby, meet the ultimate goal of a personalised credit score is a sensible idea that all must support.
We must commend such policies. The policy debates have already started ahead of the 2024 elections, and some of us are here to interrogate them in detail and offer alternative pathways. It is our civic duty!
LET’S ALL ELEVATE THE DEBATE!
You can access the Bank of Ghana’s 2022 Credit Reporting Activity Report https://www.bog.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Credit-Reporting-Activity-Report-2022.pdf
The shift to a 24-hour economy policy by the next NDC/MAHAMA government has the potential to boost economic growth and productivity. With businesses running around the clock, there is an opportunity for increased output and efficiency. This heightened productivity can attract both domestic and foreign investments, aiding in the country’s economic development and potentially reducing Ghana’s high unemployment rate.
Moreover, the NDC government will establish an appropriate regulatory framework that will be crucial in protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair labour practices. Addressing working hours, overtime compensation, and occupational health and safety issues will be essential.
The 24-hour policy is the game changer in delivering economic prosperity to all Ghanians.
There’s HOPE for the future.
There’s HOPE for all Ghanians.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP, Damango, is attending the World’s Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai to discuss measures to combat environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
The conference, which the United Arab Emirates is hosting, brings together decision-makers and stakeholders from all over the world to address the urgent issue of climate change.
Minister Jinapor’s participation in the conference underscores Ghana’s commitment to addressing climate change and its impacts on the country’s natural resources.
The Minister is expected to speak at the SDG Global South Pavilion event on the theme “Ghana’s Path Towards Net Zero and Zero Energy Poverty”.During the conference, Minister Jinapor would engage in discussions focused on enhancing global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, adapt to climate variability, and promote green initiatives.
The minister would deliver a speech on the theme “Accelerating Forest and Nature Finance Towards 1.5°C.”
.It is anticipated that the minister will highlight Ghana’s efforts to protect its forests, promote renewable energy, and implement sustainable land use practices to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Ghana has been proactive in addressing climate change, with the government implementing policies and initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and resilience.
Green Ghana Day was introduced in 2021 by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo as part of an aggressive national afforestation and reforestation programme to restore the lost forest cover of Ghana and to contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change.
The maiden edition was held on June 11, 2021, where an estimated 10 million tree seedlings were planted across the nation.In addition to his active participation in panel discussions and workshops, Minister Jinapor will also hold meetings with other attending dignitaries and international organizations.
These meetings would provide an opportunity to strengthen collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development in Ghana and across the African continent.
The Climate Change Conference in Dubai served as a crucial forum for global leaders to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions to address climate change.
The conference also provides an opportunity for Ghana to showcase its rich environmental heritage and the efforts being made to preserve and sustainably manage its natural resources.
Accra, Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has implemented an upward review of its voice and data prices by 15% for most of its products and services for both pre-paid and post-paid customers.
The new pricing takes effect today, 28th November 2023. The price review impacts Voice, SMS, and Data as well as Fiber Broadband and Fixed Wireless Access (4G Router/Turbonet) customers.
The review has become necessary due to increased operational costs. The review will allow MTN Ghana to continue to make the investments required to sustain its business going forward.
Explaining the reason for the increase, the Chief Commercial Officer for MTN Ghana, Mr. Noel Kojo-Ganson, indicated that it was due to market pressures: “We are very mindful of the challenging economic conditions and the increasing cost of inputs for our business.
The price review is necessary to enable us to continue to sustain the business and make the needed investments in the network and new innovations to enhance customer experience”.
MTN Ghana would like to assure its cherished customers that it would continue to focus on delivering reliable, innovative, and improved customer experience. Our customers remain our key priority and we will continue to innovate and give the best value and experience to them.
To this end, MTN Ghana’s promotions, offers and loyalty schemes including the existing 50% bonus for 4G customers on myMTN App and Momo App will remain.
MTN Ghana remains committed to pursuing its Ambition 2025 strategy which is anchored on five pillars – Fintech Solutions, Digital Services / Ayoba, Enterprise, Network As A Service, and an API Marketplace – to deliver a bold new digital world to customers.
More information can be accessed on MTN’s website, www.mtn.com.gh, or our social media platforms.
End
Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
