Business

 

President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, have officially commissioned Prempeh I International Airport, Kumasi formerly known as the Kumasi International Airport.

The ceremony, graced by traditional authorities, government officials, and prominent figures of the New Patriotic Party, unfolded in Kumasi in the Ashanti region, on Friday, May 10.

Addressing the occasion, President Akufo-Addo expressed his elation, saying the commissioning underscores his administration’s steadfast dedication to bolstering Ghana’s infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its people and to position the nation as a beacon of progress and prosperity in Africa.

He emphasised that the timing of the commissioning, coinciding with the 25th-anniversary celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s enstoolment, is not a mere coincidence but a fitting homage to the rich cultural heritage and historical legacy of the Ashanti kingdom.

President Akufo-Addo in a chat with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
President Akufo-Addo said that renaming the Kumasi International Airport to honour Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I and commissioning it alongside the Asantehene’s anniversary milestone, reflects the profound respect and reverence his government accords to traditional institutions.

“The transformation of Kumasi Airport into Prempeh I International Airport, Kumasi represents more than just bricks and mortar. It embodies the spirit of renovation, excellence and collaboration that defines the Ghanaian people.

“Through meticulous planning, hard work and dedication, we have turned the vision into reality and today we reap the fruits of our neighbour,” he said.

Front view of the Airport

The President said that his decision to rename the Kumasi International Airport after the 14th Asantehene was unequivocal, emphasising that all admirers and historians concur that Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I played a pivotal role in consolidating the Ashanti kingdom during his reign in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

“During his reign, he faced significant challenges including colonial encroachment and internal strife but his leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the destiny of the Ashanti people.”

He recounted that during the heightened tensions between the Ashantis and the British, culminating in the Sagrenti War, won by the British, and leading to Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh’s arrest and subsequent exile to Sierra Leone and the Seychelles, his final steps on Ghanaian soil were taken on the very grounds on which the airport now stands.

 

This, he urged the Ghana Airport Company Limited, to ensure the preservation of the premises as a historic site.

President Akufo-Addo emphasised that Prempeh I is revered as a symbol of Ashanti pride, independence, and sovereignty, emphasising that the airport’s commissioning serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy.

He expressed optimism that the airport would alleviate the travails of numerous travellers and businesses in the Ashanti region and beyond.

 

“The airport will now serve as an important gateway, forging stronger economic ties, supporting international trades and tourism and promoting cultural exchanges,” he said.

He urged Ghanaians, particularly residents of Kumasi, to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the airport for growth and development.

The President said that with the commissioning of the Prempeh I International Airport, Kumasi, the nation embarks on a new chapter towards progress and prosperity.

“Let us work hand-in-hand to build a future that is bright, prosperous and full of promise for generations to come,” President Akufo-Addo said.Source: Prince Adu-Owusu

Source: tntnewspapergh.com

MTN Ghana and Mobile Money LTD have announced their sponsorship of the 2024 3i Africa Summit, scheduled to take place from May 13th to May 15th, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

 

The CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett

The 3i Africa Summit is a collaborative initiative by the Bank of Ghana, the Development Bank of Ghana, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore to showcase and stimulate Africa’s Fintech and digital potential. It is being organized under the theme “Unleashing Africa’s FinTech and Digital Economic Potential” and is focused on transforming Africa’s economic landscape through sustainable, long-term capital allocation.

Shaibu Haruna,

Commenting on the reason for the sponsorship, the CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, said, “MTN’s objective is to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress by leveraging our footprint, infrastructure, and technology platforms”.

He further stated, “The partnership with the 3i Africa summit confirms MTN’s commitment to Africa’s digital transformation”. Blewett believes that the insights and contributions shared at this summit will foster collaborative efforts toward harnessing technology’s transformative power for the benefit of all Africans.

Shaibu Haruna, CEO of Mobile Money LTD, added that the common goal of Mobile Money LTD is to bridge the gap between FinTech and Banking to promote financial inclusion.

He stated that the partnership between MobileMoney LTD and 3i Africa illustrates their shared commitment to a sustainable future. By providing financial and digital solutions for both consumers and businesses, FinTech can be used to promote economic growth in Africa.

MTN executives from Ghana and MTN Group will participate in discussions on topics such as infrastructure investment, interoperability of payment systems, and Africa’s FinTech Revolution.

Among the distinguished speakers from MTN are Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, Shaibu Haruna, CEO of Mobile Money Limited Ghana, Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer MTN Ghana, and Dario Bianchi, Chief Digital Officer -MTN Ghana.

Serigne Dioum CEO- of Group Fintech and Cedric Nguessan- of MTN Group Finco Payments and E-Commerce from MTN Group will be speaking whilst Eli Hini, CEO of MoMo PSB, Nigeria will also be part of the discussions.

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Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer

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

 

Source: tntnewspapergh.com

Accra, May 8th, 2024 – Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana, has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women of Impact Honourees by Evoke Impact. This award celebrates outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities through their consistent dedication to work. It also honours women who have broken barriers in non-traditional roles and are paving the way for future generations of female leaders.

The citation presented to Antoinette reads—”It is with great honor and admiration that Evoke Impact recognizes you as one of the Outstanding Women of Impact 2024, celebrating your outstanding achievements and transformative leadership in the field of finance.

As an Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana, you have shattered barriers and set new standards of excellence in the industry. Your visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to driving financial innovation have not only propelled MTN Ghana to new heights but have also inspired countless individuals in Ghana and beyond.

Your passion for excellence, coupled with your tireless advocacy for women’s empowerment, has earned you numerous accolades and recognition, including CFO of the Year, Woman CFO of the Year, and Finance Personality of the Year. Your impact extends far beyond the boardroom, as you continue to mentor and empower the next generation of female leaders”.

Antoinette expressed her appreciation to the organizers for recognizing her with the Women of Impact award. She promised to continue to support and mentor young women to help them advance in their professional careers. The award ceremony was hosted by Evoke Impact and was attended by prominent individuals, dignitaries, and change-makers in Ghana.

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Media Contacts:
Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com

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

 

Some trader associations in Kumasi have vowed to campaign against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 general election “if the government fails to complete all the abandoned markets in the Ashanti Region.”

The associations, including the Second-hand Cloth Sellers Association, Santasi Traders Union, Suame Magazine Workers Union, Mamponteng Traders Association, Central Market Traders Association, and the Kumasi Lotto Sellers Association, jointly issued a release on Monday, May 6, and threatened to collaborate with other aggrieved associations to stage a five-day protest if their demands are not granted.

In the interim, the associations have also appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Ashanti Queen Mother, Nana Konadu Yiadom, to intervene to prompt the government to act on their demands.

The aggrieved traders also warned that the barricades on the Kejetia Second Phase project be removed before they take that action by themselves.

“We are by this press release urging the Contracta company to remove all the barricades from the Kejetia second phase projects before we do it by ourselves because we will not think twice to take it off to do our businesses there if our demand is not heard.”

Below is the full press release.

PRESS RELEASE BY ALL TRADERS GROUPS IN THE ASHANTI REGION IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GREAT ASANTE MAN YOUTH UNION.

6th May, 2024

Good morning esteemed members of the media,

We, the entirety of traders in the Kumasi and its environs, including the Second-hand Cloth Sellers Association, Santasi Traders Union, Suame Magazine Workers Union, Mamponteng Traders Association, Central Market Traders Association, Kumasi Lotto Sellers Association, have jointly decided to initiate a campaign against the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 general election if the government fails to complete all the abandoned markets in the Ashanti Region, including the much-awaited Phase Two of the Kejetia Market.

Over the past one year, six months, progress on these projects has come to a halt due to the renegotiation of a loan agreement following the country’s decision to opt for a financial bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while other markets including Mamponteng market, Krofrom market and Santasi market has been abandoned since former President Kufuor era.

Presently, we have four major markets left abandoned by the NPP government:

1. Krofrom Market
2. Mamponteng Market
3. Santasi Market
4. Phase Two of the Kejetia Market.

We, the aforementioned traders’ unions within the Ashanti Region, have continuously voiced our concerns regarding the challenges we face in conducting business at our current locations.

The government’s failure to meet completion targets has left us disheartened and frustrated. We fail to comprehend why a project would be initiated only to be abandoned, leaving our fellow traders to sell their goods in unsuitable conditions.

Our livelihoods are greatly affected by adverse weather conditions; each rainfall turns our marketplaces into muddy quagmires, while the scorching sun blankets the area in dust, making it difficult for us to operate effectively.

The Ashanti Region, a stronghold of the NPP, rightfully expects swift development, especially in Kumasi. However, the lack of progress on these crucial projects has left us deeply disappointed.

We, the aforementioned traders’ union, earnestly appeal to His Majesty, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, once more to intervene on our behalf.

We humbly implore Asantehene to lend his support and influence towards the restoration and completion of all abandoned markets in the region.

Furthermore, we extend our plea to the Ashanti Queen Mother, Nana Konadu Yiadom, who holds jurisdiction over all markets in the Ashanti Kingdom.

We believe that her background as a former trader will foster a deeper understanding of our plight and inspire her to champion our cause.

If our demand did not yield any result, we the aforementioned traders together with Asanteman Youth Union will joined the five days demonstration by our brothers and sisters of Central Market and second hand cloth sellers to demonstrate against the government.

We on this press release urging the contracta company to remove all the barricades from the Kejetia second phase projects before we do it by ourselves because we will not think twice to take it off to do our businesses there if our demand did not heard.

Thank you, Asanteman.
Thank you, Ghana.

Together, let us strive for a better future for all traders and citizens alike.

Source:Kabah Atawoge

 

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has expressed concern over the inconsistent power supply in Ghana, known as “dumsor”, and its impact on media houses.

He highlighted that the irregular power supply is negatively affecting the international standing of Ghanaian journalists.

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour

At the World Press Freedom Day 2024 event at the Koforidua Technical University on Friday, May 3, the GJA President mentioned instances of some broadcast equipment being damaged due to power outages.

He pointed out that media houses are now faced with the challenge of procuring costly generators amidst rising fuel prices.

“One key feature of WPFD is the release of the global press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders, which gauges press freedom performances of countries. The introduction of economic indicators in the computation of the index has contributed to lowering Ghana’s performance.

“That is why we are worried about the current erratic electricity supply that is eroding the economic fortunes of media houses. Reports suggest damage to broadcast equipment as a result of the erratic power outages. Media houses now have to grapple with the procurement of expensive generators at a time when fuel prices are skyrocketing,” he stated.

Mr. Dwumfour echoed the call for the Electricity Company of Ghana to provide a power supply timetable to prevent economic losses for media houses.

“We want to add our voice to the numerous calls on the Electricity Company of Ghana to provide a timetable on electricity supply to save media houses from economic losses that would ultimately affect the press freedom ranking of the country,” he said.
Source:Leticia Osei

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