Business

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful

 

President John Dramani Mahama has named Mr Sammy Gyamfi Esq. as the acting Managing Director of the state-owned Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

The appointment was announced in a press statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, 17th January.

In his new role, Mr Gyamfi will oversee the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board, a key pledge outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto.

Sammy Gyamfi and President John Mahama

The Gold Board is expected to play a significant role in the government’s broader economic revitalisation agenda.The creation of the Gold Board will be carried out under the guidance of the Minister for Finance.

It is intended to ensure the sustainable management and marketing of Ghana’s gold resources, delivering maximum benefits to the Ghanaian people.

Key areas of focus will include formalising the small-scale gold mining sector and providing essential support services for the mining industry.

Mr Sammy Gyamfi is a qualified lawyer and Economic Policy Analyst. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Laws degree, both obtained from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

PRESS RELEASE

Accra, Ghana – 15 January 2025 – The Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025 is set to take place from 30 January to 1 February 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme “Delivering Africa’s Single Market through Infrastructure: Invest. Connect. Integrate.”

This annual event brings together Africa’s political and business leaders to discuss and push forward the agenda of turning Africa into the world’s largest single market, in terms of member states. It is organised by the Africa Prosperity Network in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Secretariat and the patronage of the Office of the President of Ghana, the host nation.

This year’s event will bring together nearly 3,000 participants, including African heads of state, giants of industry, CEOs, ministers of state, policymakers, thought leaders and development partners. Key discussions will centre on leveraging infrastructure to build a unified African market of 1.4 billion consumers and fostering innovation to promote integrated economic growth and shared prosperity.

Day One (30 January) will commence with the opening of the Projet Afrique Exhibition and official side events and the opening ceremony of APD 2025, featuring international dignitaries.

Key discussions by renowned experts will be had on infrastructure funding, transport and logistics for free movement across Africa. The day concludes with a Welcome Reception at the prestigious Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City,Accra

Day Two (31 January) focuses on crucial topics including sustainable energy solutions, digital infrastructure, manufacturing capacity, STEM education, healthcare systems, and sustainable urban development. Day Two will also have an open forum with contributions from all participants on the theme. These sessions will form the foundation for the summit’s outcome document with recommendations.

The final day (1 February) marks the High-Level Heads of State and Business Leaders’ Dialogue, culminating in a Presidential Roundtable discussion on policy frameworks for private sector participation in building Africa’s single market.

At least six heads of state have confirmed their participation. The day will feature two significant fireside conversations on BADEA’s US$50 billion Investment Fund and with one of Africa’s most celebrated industrialists.

The summit concludes on the night of the third day with the prestigious Africa Prosperity Champions Awards and Presidential Gala Dinner at Kempinski Hotel, Accra. honouring individuals and organisations for their distinguished contributions to Africa’s prosperity and integration. The black-tie gala dinner will celebrate achievements that inspire the continent’s progress toward its 2063 vision of building the Africa we want.
Event Details and Registration:
• Tickets and Gala Dinner: africaprosperitynetwork.com
• Email: protocol@africaprosperity.network
• Phone: +233 302737879

Media Enquiries:
Joel Krampa, Communication Lead
Email: j.krampa@africaprosperity.network | Tel: +233 201369105

Signed.

Communication Directorate
Africa Prosperity Network

For more details, visit: www.africaprosperitynetwork.com

 

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has issued a stern warning to those linking him to a recent market burning incident in the Ashanti Region.

Chairman Wontumi has vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged burn market contract and has threatened to take legal action against anyone who mentions his name in connection with the incident.

According to reports, a suspect connected to the market burning scheme is a close associate of Chairman Wontumi, prompting speculation about his involvement.

However, Chairman Wontumi has dismissed the allegations as “palpable false” and warned that he will sue anyone who continues to spread the rumor.

“I know nothing about this,” Chairman Wontumi stated.

“Whoever mentions my name shall be sued in court”, he stressed.

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Accra, January 9, 2025 – Mothers who gave birth during the festive season expressed surprise and gratitude as the MTN Ghana Foundation distributed 600 hampers to mothers in 30 hospitals across the 16 regions of Ghana.

The hampers, containing essential items such as newborn clothing, detergents, toys, blankets, and personal care products, were presented to mothers at the various hospitals, including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra Region, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Ashanti Region, the Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Northern Region, Wiawso Government Hospital in the Western North Region, and the Dambai Hospital in the Oti Region.

The recipients expressed their gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for the kind gesture. One of them, Madam Sylvia Essuman said the hamper will help ease the financial burden of the mothers. Another beneficiary, Madam Gifty Amoah described the donation as a pleasant surprise. “We were not expecting this, but we are very happy, thank you MTN”, she said.

Madam Victoria Jamoo, Senior Midwife at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, observed that the donation would go a long way in supporting new mothers who often struggle to afford essential baby items.

Speaking during the presentation in Accra, Mr. Samuel Bartels, representing the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer for MTN Ghana said, “This initiative is our way of sharing in the joy of new mothers and congratulating them on the arrival of their babies. We believe that these little ones will grow up to achieve greatness, and we are excited to be a part of their journey.”

MTN staff volunteers in Western, Western-North, Central, Eastern, Oti and Volta regions were led by Prince Owusu-Nyarko, Senior Manager, Regional Sales while Kwami Aseye Akude, Manager – Retail Experience led the volunteers in Northern, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti, Northeast, Savanna, Upper East, and Upper West Regions.

Since the inception of the Baby Hamper Project in 2011, the MTN Ghana Foundation has distributed over 3,500 hampers to new mothers across Ghana. The initiative is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable and making a positive impact in the lives of Ghanaians.

 

 

Media Contacts:

Samuel Bartels
Senior Manager Regulatory & Government Affairs

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu
Corporate Communications Senior Manager
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com

 

Kwabena Frimpong, an Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management expert, has proposed comprehensive safety reforms to prevent tragedies like the recent Kantamanto Market fire.

He emphasized the need for electrical audits, emergency preparedness training for traders, and improved waste management systems as crucial steps to mitigate fire risks in Ghana’s markets.

The devastating 2 January fire at the West Africa’s biggest secondhand clothing hub, left traders and business owners with significant losses. Eventhough some traders have started rebuilding their shops, Mr Kwabena Frimpong stressed the urgent call for action.

Kwabena Frimpong

He noted in a statement that factors such as electrical faults, flammable materials, improper waste management, and limited safety infrastructure often contribute to such incidents. Frimpong also raised concerns about the possibility of arson, highlighting motivations ranging from financial struggles to land development ambitions.

Frimpong recommended structural upgrades to markets, incorporating fire-resistant materials, accessible hydrants, and clear emergency exits. He also advocated for forming market safety committees to oversee safety measures and liaise with authorities. Additionally, he urged market stakeholders to enhance security by employing round-the-clock personnel and installing monitored CCTV cameras to deter malicious activities.

Read the full statement below

For Immediate Release

Statement on Kantamanto Market Fire: Addressing Causes, Prevention, and Recovery

As an Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management expert, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the traders and business owners who have been severely affected by the fire that devastated parts of the Kantamanto Market on January 2nd,2024. The loss of livelihoods, goods, and years of hard work is a tragedy not only for the individuals involved but for the entire nation.

Likely Causes of the Fire

Based on initial observations and general market dynamics, fires of this nature are often caused by a combination of:

1. Electrical Faults: Poor wiring systems, overloaded circuits, and lack of routine maintenance are significant contributors to market fires.

2. Flammable Materials: Markets like Kantamanto often have high concentrations of flammable goods, such as textiles, cardboard, and plastics, which exacerbate the spread of fire.

3. Improper Waste Management: Accumulated waste can act as fuel for fires, making them harder to control.

4. Limited Safety Infrastructure: Inadequate fire extinguishers, absence of fire hydrants, and poor access for fire services delay response times and amplify damage.

5. Incident of Arson use;
   Arson is the intentional act of setting fire to a property, such as a building, vehicle, or other structure. Eventhough, it’s serious crime that can result in significant property damage, injury, or even loss of life but people are still involved by one of these reasons as their motivation;

a. Insurance scam: The market owner might be struggling financially and see arson as a way to collect insurance money.
b. Rebuilding and renovation: By burning down the old market, the owner might be able to rebuild and renovate, potentially increasing the market’s value or attracting new customers.
c. Land development: The owner might want to redevelop the land for a more lucrative purpose, such as building apartments, offices, or a shopping mall.
d. Competition elimination: In a highly competitive market, one owner might use arson to eliminate rival businesses and gain a monopoly.
e. Desperation and frustration: In some cases, an owner might feel overwhelmed by debt, regulations, or other challenges, leading them to make a desperate and destructive decision.

 

A thorough investigation will provide a definitive cause, but these factors should inform immediate preventive action.

Recommendations for Future Prevention

To mitigate the risk of such incidents recurring, I propose the following measures:

1. Electrical System Audits: Conduct comprehensive inspections of market wiring and implement modern, fire-resistant electrical systems.

2. Emergency Preparedness Training: Equip traders with basic fire prevention and firefighting knowledge, including how to use extinguishers and identify early fire hazards.

3. Improved Waste Management: Establish regular waste collection and disposal systems to minimize flammable materials within markets.

4. Infrastructure Upgrades: Redesign markets with fire safety in mind, including clear emergency exits, fire-resistant building materials, and accessible hydrants.

5. Market Safety Committees: Form committees to oversee safety measures, conduct periodic checks, and engage with authorities for improvements.

6. Preventing Incident of Arson usage:

To safeguard their investments and prevent incidents of arson, all markets nationwide should consider implementing the following measures:

a. Employing 24/7 self-sponsored security personnel or Engage the Ghana Police Services to ensure constant protection.
b. Installing and maintaining high-quality, monitored CCTV cameras to deter potential threats and aid in investigations.

Words of Encouragement

To the traders and business owners who have lost their livelihoods, I want to emphasize that this is not the end of your story. Your resilience has been tested, but I believe that with the support of the community, government, and private sector, you will rise again. Challenges like these, though painful, provide an opportunity for renewal and growth.

A Call to Action

This incident underscores the urgent need to prioritize safety and preparedness in all our public spaces and markets across the country. I call on all stakeholders, including government, market associations, and individual traders, to work collaboratively to create a safer environment for everyone.

By taking these proactive steps and measures, market stakeholders can significantly enhance security and create a safer environment for traders and customers alike

Together, we can turn this tragedy into a catalyst for sustainable development and a model for fire safety in markets across Ghana.

Signed,
Kwabena Frimpong
Msc Occupational Safety, Health & Environmental Management

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH