An energy policy expert,JK Owusu-Boakye,aka General Abito, has advised the government through the Ministry of sanitation to urgently engage Zoomliion ( a leading waste management firm), to set up industrial plants to turn waste to electricity generation, turn smoke to sterilize vapour and residue waste as asphalt for road construction.
According to him, apart from safeguarding the environment, it would also go a long way to create jobs and skills for thousands of Ghanaian youth.
General Abito said Singapore generates 250,000 containers of waste daily, 365 days and generate electricity for the city – country and over 60,000 employment, dem stile smoke into atmospheric vapour and used residue as road asphalt.
According to him,this is a game changing waste to energy mechanism, making the city-country clean and out of waste.”This can be done in Ghana (Accra) to get it cleaned as the president said.
Fortunately, for Ghana we have Zoomlion Waste Management Company, that can turn this policy to workable practice of cleaning Accra and our communities, what are we waiting for?, he asked.
The Energy policy consultant explained that, Zoomlion is in every district in Ghana, and as local giant in the Waste Management, there is no gainsaying that Ghana can turn a waste menace to positive socio-economic gains for development in its energy transition agenda 2050.
He advised that Zoomlion should partner the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to create a Youth in Waste-to- Energy module to capture this new ‘clean city of waste’ ,employment generation policy in Ghana set on the lines of what is in Singapore.
The Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Mr Osei Assibey Antwi, has lauded the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his relentless efforts in driving the digitalisation agenda across various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
“In an era where technology is reshaping governance and public service delivery, the National Service Authority has leveraged the Vice President’s digitalisation drive to improve its general operations, emerging as a beacon of innovation and efficiency,he said.
Addressing the media in Accra on Friday, Mr. Assibey Antwi highlighted the significant impact of the digitization initiatives spearheaded by the Vice President, particularly in the public sector, where it has led to the ‘cleansing’ and increased efficiency of the sector.
Impact of the Digitalization Initiative
According to the Director-General, the digitisation agenda, which forms a crucial part of the government’s broader vision for national development, has brought about transformative changes that are reshaping the landscape of public administration in Ghana.
He observed that introducing biometric systems, digital payment platforms, and the synchronisation of databases across government agencies have enhanced efficiency and rooted out longstanding issues of fraud and corruption.
“Dr Bawumia’s commitment to digitalising the public sector has been a game-changer. Mr Assibey Antwi remarked.
He stated that during a visit to the National Service Authority, Vice President Dr Bawumia commended the Authority for its impressive achievement through digitalization.
He encouraged other sectors to adopt digital transformation and utilize technology to drive development and enhance service delivery.
The NSA has also made significant advancements in data management through its Electronic School List Submissions initiative.
By developing ‘Flare’, a secure online platform that allows accredited institutions to submit school lists and connect with user agencies seeking skilled graduates for employment, the initiative has enhanced transparency and efficiency in managing class lists.
Osei Assibey Antwi,Executive Director
“It has mitigated issues such as data breaches and processing errors, while also providing educational institutions with the benefit of real-time processing updates and a streamlined submission process,” he stated.
“The Payment of Personnel Allowances via Ghana Pay initiative has further streamlined allowance disbursement.
The Ghana Pay platform enables direct payments to personnel’s bank accounts, offering a more reliable and user-friendly alternative to the previously problematic Ezwich payment platform,” he outlined.
Regarding revenue, he said financial management has also been revolutionised with the introduction of seamless billing and the IGF Administration App. This app, he mentioned, integrates with the Ghana.GOV payment platform, automating invoicing and receipt generation while offering various payment options.
Impact on deployment
Mr Assibey Antwi further explained that the impact of the digitisation drive has been felt across various facets of national life, pointing out that the National Service Authority (NSA) had greatly benefited from the digitalisation agenda, particularly in the areas of personnel management and deployment.
Recounting the introduction of an online portal for the registration and deployment of national service personnel, he explained that it had significantly streamlined their operations, reduced delays, and minimised the human element in the allocation process.
Efficient Operations
The DG stated that the Authority has become more efficient in its operations due to digitalisation, adding that the online system has made it easier for personnel to register, select their preferred regions, and receive their postings without the usual bureaucratic hurdles.
This level of transparency and efficiency was previously unheard of, and it’s all due to the digital reforms championed by Dr Bawumia,” he recalled.
He emphasised that the benefits of digitisation extended beyond financial savings and operational efficiency as it had also enhanced transparency and accountability, fostering greater public trust in government institutions and therefore urged other sectors to embrace the digital transformation and leverage technology to drive development and improve service delivery.
Mr. Assibey Antwi called on Ghanaians to support the government’s digitisation agenda, recognising it as a critical tool for national development and expressed optimism that with continued investment in digital infrastructure and a commitment to innovation, Ghana was on the path to becoming a fully digitised economy, capable of competing on the global stage.
“The future is digital, and we must all embrace it.
The Vice President has laid a solid foundation, and it is now up to all of us to build on it and ensure that Ghana reaps the full benefits of this digital revolution, he indicated.
Some good examples of the benefits of Dr Bawumia’s digitalization agenda to the nation are the introduction of a single enhanced ID card (Ghana card) as an enabler and the advancement of DVLA operations through digitalization.
Others are the modernization of SSNIT operations through digitalization, revamping of STEM education and the coupled with the supply of electronic devices to students and teachers to promote effective teaching and learning at all levels of education among others.
A former Canadian Minister of Industry (in charge of Digitalisation, Science & Technology) and President of the Treasury Board, Canada, Tony Peter Clement, has advised developing nations to adopt Ghana’s ambitious digitalisation agenda.
According to him, the Government of Ghana has succeeded in using the digital revolution, ensuring accountability and transparency in all sectors of the local economy.
Clement and Dr. Bawumia sandwiched by others
Peter Clement was addressing the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA Forum 2024) held in Accra, where he spoke on the topic: “The Future is Digital: Advancing New Solutions for a Better World.”
The well-attended conference was organised by the Co-Chair of the Democrats Union of Africa, Louisa Atta-Agyemang (Mrs), who doubles as Ghana’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Deputy Chief Executive responsible for Operations.
Tony Clement referenced the Mobile Money Interoperability and the biometric national identification systems as some of the prudent measures that have strengthened Ghana’s economic growth.
He underscored the need for developing nations to go the extra mile and bridge the rural and urban digital divide and also enhance cybersecurity.
Tony Clement PC further pushed for effective public-private-partnership in accelerating Ghana’s digital revolution.
Mobile Money Interoperability
In May 2018, Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia officially launched the Mobile Money Interoperability system through the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhlPSS).
The system deepens financial inclusion and promotes cashless transaction in Ghana, which serves as a viable vehicle for financial intermediation, through which businesses and individuals can accept mobile money from other network users seamlessly.
The system is eliminating the complexities and inconveniences associated with transfers across the various mobile money networks operated in the country.
These challenges include difficulties in opening bank accounts, high costs in maintaining a bank account relative to customers income levels and financial literacy.
The system creates convenience and ropes mobile money users into the financial ecosystem and further enables customers to transfer funds from one mobile money wallet to another across all networks.
The system reduces the cost of initiating transactions across networks as customers no longer need the services of a third-party payment provider.
Customers are able to send and receive money directly from one another irrespective of the network they are on, allowing them more convenience and security..From Nana Akua Afriyie, Kumasi
Accra, June 27, 2024 –MTN Ghana has announced the start of a major network upgrade across the country to improve customer experience and reduce carbon emissions. The upgrade will involve replacing existing mobile network infrastructure with more efficient and environmentally friendly equipment. The project will be completed in August 2024.
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of MTN Ghana, Thomas Motlepa, emphasized the importance of having a state-of-the-art network to support the business’s evolution into a platform player. He stated that this upgrade will result in a more reliable and robust service for customers.
homas Motlepa, Chief Technical Officer of MTN Ghana.
“The plan also involves replacing older equipment with modern, lighter and more energy-efficient ones, which will result in a clean-up of our towers”, the CTO said.
Mr Motlepa said, “Although this modernization project is not expected to negatively impact network performance, customers may experience intermittent disruption in some services as with any technology upgrade. We wouldkindlyrequest that our cherished customers bear with us as we undertake this important exercise”.
Customers who experience any disruption to any service can call 100 or reach out via any of MTN’s social media handles.
MTN is on track to invest $1 billion in its network by 2025 as promised. The company continues to expand its coverage,improve customer data experience, and promote sustainable practices.
End.
Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
City authorities in Kumasi on Wednesday (22 May) inaugurated the Youth Climate Action (YCA) Fund to empower young innovators to combat the climate crisis.
Hon.Samuel Pyne speaking at the launching ceremony
This initiative, spearheaded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, pledges $50,000 to support inventive projects proposed by talented individuals aged 15-24, as announced at the Mayors Innovation Studio during the COP28 UAE Local Climate Action Summit last year.
Under the Youth Climate Action Fund brand mayors will set up a microgrant program in their city and invite youth aged 15 through 24 and their supporting organizations to develop and submit project proposals.
These proposals should align with the city’s established climate goals and reflect innovative plans for youth to engage in climate-related activities that can demonstrate community impact.
Youth proposals will be reviewed by mayoral advisory committees, which will select the most promising projects for funding and implementation by the youth groups. The program initially provides US$50,000 to participating city halls to fund projects that are in line with the city’s climate action strategies.
Interested youth groups are encouraged to access the fund by downloading the application form from www.kma.gov.gh starting 22 May and submitting completed forms either online or in person at the KMA Main Office in Adum before 27 June 2024.
Applications will undergo rigorous evaluation by a panel of experts, with the most innovative and impactful proposals securing funding for implementation.
The YCA Fund, slated to operate until September 2024, holds the potential for extension contingent upon performance and impact, with the KMA eligible for an additional $100,000 based on effective outcomes.
City Mayor Samuel Pyne urged the youth to seize this opportunity to contribute to climate solutions, affirming their pivotal role as future leaders and change agents. He implored them to apply for the fund, engage actively, and collaborate in constructing a sustainable and resilient future for Kumasi and beyond.
MTN Ghana is celebrating the International Day of Girls in ICT with the theme “Leadership”. The focus this year is on the importance of strong female role models in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. The International Day of Girls in ICT is observed on April 25th each year and is an initiative supported by ITU Member States to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT).
ICT Student from Aburi Girls SHS asking a question during their tour of MTN Network Monitoring Center
This year, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, MTN Ghana hosted ICT students from Aburi Girls SHS at the MTN House for a facility visit and interaction with female engineers. Additionally, the MTN Ghana Foundation will partner with Mobile Web Ghana, an ICT company, to encourage girls in junior high schools in and around the Agbogba community to pursue STEM careers.
MTN Chief Finance Officer, Antoinette Kwofie and Women in Technology rep interacting with mentees
Adwoa Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, congratulated women and institutions in Ghana that are championing the cause of girls in ICT. She called on Corporate Ghana to join the efforts in increasing female representation in ICT/STEM. She emphasized MTN Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy, noting that providing girls with equal access to digital training and education is crucial in shaping a strong digital future.
A group picture with the Girls in ICT from Aburi SHS at MTN House
MTN Ghana has been promoting Girls in ICT in basic and senior high schools as well as the tertiary institutions for several years now. The company has so far invested GHs 12.6 million to support the Girls in ICT project led by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, benefiting over 8,000 girls across Ghana.
The MTN Ghana Foundation has also established Robotics and ICT facilities in collaboration with institutions and communities to bridge the digital gap. Recently, the MTN Ghana Foundation handed over a state-of-the-art Robotics Centre to the Mamfe Methodist Girls SHS at a cost of GHC2,280,489. The facility includes a 100-seater hall for Robotics training and practice, a research room equipped with computers for teachers and students, robotics equipment, furniture, and internet access. MTN Ghana Foundation also provides training and coding workshops for girls in Basic and Senior High Schools.
The Foundation’s strategy is to focus largely on digital skills training and facilitation with the goal of preparing the youth for emerging job opportunities.Media Contacts:,Adwoa Wiafe,Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer,Georgina Asare FiagbenuSenior Manager Corporate Communications Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com
Ghana Network on Environment, Society and Corporate Accountability (GHANESCA), has urged the 43 member organisations (NGOs) to use available media platforms to publish their daily activities so that their sponsors can see their activities.
Dr Frank Baffour -Ata was speaking at a two-day capacity-building and training workshop for Ghana Network on Environment, Society and Corporate Accountability (GHANESCA) in Kumasi.
The workshop, which was held from 15 to 16th April 2024, was on the theme: “Strengthening Members’ Capacity for Efficient and Sustainable Organisations.”
He said NGOs sponsors are largely based in foreign countries and the only way through which they can be seen and heard the activities of NGOs is when they are published on the various media platforms.
“NGOs sponsors are sitting in other countries and they are not magicians to see what you are doing here in Ghana. The only way to convince them is to frequently publish your activities on available media platforms,” he stressed.
Speaking on the theme: “Effective Media Engagement and Communication for effecient and sustainable organizations”, a lecturer at the Department of Environmental Science at KNUST, Dr. Frank Baffour-Ata, underscored the benefits associated with media engagements.
He said effective media engagement helps to build trust between NGOs and donors. It helps to convince them that funds released are used appropriately.
He reminded the participants to let the public know about pressing issues such as environmental challenges and humanitarian crises.
Besides, he reminded them that though engagement with the media is pivotal in their operations, that shouldn’t mar their vision as NGOs.
A renowned lawyer and lecturer, Dr. Renee Ako Sitsofe Morhe, who also spoke on the theme: “Promoting Human Rights, Gender Equality and Women and Girls by NGOs”, charged the participants to follow complaint procedures or partner human rights lawyers whenever the need arises.
She said NGOs could team up to address the concerns of the people.
According to her, environmental degradations, for instance, which has become Ghana’s bane is another area where NGOs can come together and sue the government because it has signed international protocols.
She reminded the participants that it is their democratic rights to demonstrate peacefully on environmental issues to draw the attention of the government.
On his part,Mr Richard Adjei-Poku, who is the founder, and Executive Director of Livelihood & Environment Ghana-LEG, also a grant advisor of the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) took participants through GGF grant application and reporting process. Mr Adjei-Poku advised participants to register in at least two of the social media platforms (LinkedIn and Facebook) so that GGF and other donors may see their viability.
LEG is a research and advocacy not-for-profit and non-governmental organization established in 20 years ago to promote community rights and mineral governance, provide sustainable livelihood of marginalized people in society and enhance environmental sustainable.
Profile:
GHANESCA is a 43 member organizations from all the sixteen regions of Ghana from different sectors including mining, oil and gas, gender, climate change, environment, agriculture, women’s rights, forestry and academia who have come together to promote mineral sector policy and governance, human rights, environmental Justice and climate change, gender mainstreaming, sustainable liveluhood, women and girls empowerment and inclusion, biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.
MTN Group, in partnership with Huawei, officially inaugurated the Technology Innovation Lab at MTN Group’s headquarters. This milestone marks a significant advancement in their ongoing collaboration across diverse digital fields. Initially announced during MWC 2024, when the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding, the establishment of the lab aims to further deepen their collaboration, accelerating digital transformation and sustainable development across Africa.
The Technology Innovation Lab is poised to be a catalyst for digital progress in Africa. By fostering cross-regional collaboration, it will stimulate the African digital ecosystem and promote the rapid development, deployment, and adoption of cutting-edge innovative solutions.
This lab plays a crucial role in MTN’s evolution, moving beyond the traditional telecommunications operator role to become a leading provider of comprehensive technology services. Research and development within the lab will concentrate on vital areas including 5G and 5G-A technologies, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, cloud computing, FTTH, automation and digital financial services – all catalysts for Africa’s digital future.
During a tour of the facilities at the launch event, visitors were treated to several world-class technology use cases across Network, Fintech, Information Technology (IT) and Security (IS).
Ralph Mupita, President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, stated: “This lab further demonstrates our commitment to developing relevant, sustainable, and transformative solutions designed specifically for the African context and signifies a strategic investment in Africa’s future – It’s about solutions born in Africa, for Africa. It will catalyse the growth of the digital economy, fostering innovation and generating long-lasting opportunities to empower communities and advance the continent’s development.”
Mazen Mroué, Chief Technology and Information Officer at MTN Group emphasized during the ceremony: “The Technology Innovation Lab is more than just a hub for tech; it’s a platform for collaboration, demonstrating our technology capabilities resulting from the continuous investment made by MTN during the last 30 years. It is a space where the best minds can come together, share ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. By working closely, we can leverage each other’s strengths and the collective brilliance of Africa’s innovators to create solutions that will transform lives. This collaborative spirit is what will unlock the true potential of this lab.”
Cao Ming, President of Huawei’s Wireless Solutions, stated: “We will collaborate with MTN to create leading products and solutions for the African market, and together explore new business models to lead the industry forward. We believe that the establishment of the innovation lab will accelerate the development of Africa’s digital economy and build a more prosperous and sustainable African continent.”
The Technology Innovation Lab will serve as a hub for experimentation, demonstration, and skill-building. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources designed to support cutting-edge research and development initiatives. The Lab is open to MTNers, partners and other stakeholders based on prior reservation to access the facility. This stands as a testament to MTN and Huawei’s dedication to the future of Africa. It will pave the way for unparalleled innovation, digital inclusion, and economic progress across the continent.
The Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to authorise an investigation into the reported theft of Biometric Voters Registration (BVR) kits.
Dr. Omane Boamah emphasised that conducting a probe into the alleged theft would enhance trust in the Commission ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The former Communications Minister took to Facebook on Friday, March 22, to express his concern regarding the reported stolen items at the EC.
Dr. Edward Omane Mad.Jean Mensah -EC Boss
He stressed the need for the EC to address this issue effectively to prevent its recurrence in the future.
“I also hope the Electoral Commission is ready and willing to allow for full scale unbiased investigations into the Biometric Voters Registration (BVR) kits that were stolen.”
“We must all work to achieve a free, fair and transparent election,” he wrote. Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data-Driven Audit, Fraud Detection, and Prevention in Environmental Agencies-Carl Mensah Ahadzi Writes
The use of cutting-edge technology to aid professionals in environmental agencies’ audit, fraud detection, and prevention programs is what is known as artificial intelligence (AI).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data are increasingly being utilized in environmental agencies to enhance audit, fraud detection, and prevention programs.
AI enables experts to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as identifying significant features in large spatial data sets and establishing complex relationships between variables like pollution and public health.
Carl Mensah Ahadzi
The internet era has brought new challenges to the environmental audit process, with the increasing quantity and variety of data available.
Digital environmental audit is characterized by the use of electronic data, a focus on data-intensive fields, and an increased capacity to store, assess, and interpret data for evidence-based conclusions. Big data analytics enable deep and rich data analytics, making it increasingly the area of focus for audit and fraud prevention activities.
The environment encourages the use of big data to promote continuous improvement in audit and fraud detection, focusing resources in targeted areas to reduce harm or losses from fraud. Critics argue that big data may be an expensive initial outlay with no guaranteed cost reduction or efficiencies, and may lead to a focus on a narrow field of study.
As our understanding of big data develops, a broader opportunity to promote collaborative interdisciplinary research and application will emerge, ensuring continuous innovation and a multi-faceted aspect to how fraud prevention measures are developed and deployed.
AI can analyze complex data, leading to significant advancements in resource usage and efficiency.
It can also enable predictive risk analysis, promoting proactive measures of environmental protection. Autonomous drones equipped with real-time processing and detection software provide instant tangible data to environmental auditors, allowing them to work more efficiently during the audit walk phase.
Advancements in image analysis and machine learning allow for the identification of fresh dumping grounds, which could be crucial in the scrutiny placed upon companies and corporations that provide detailed and digitized environmental statement reports.
Similarly, data mining combines artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics, and database systems to discover patterns in large data sets.
By continuously monitoring environmental data, experts can integrate these sources and find essential data more rapidly. Big data-driven fraud detection techniques involve a big data environment that continuously collects and integrates diverse sources of information, using techniques such as pattern detection and anomaly detection, which are also known as profiling and exception analysis.
Data-driven fraud detection methods have revolutionized environmental audit and inspection activities, enabling efficient storage and organization of transactional data.
Analytical applications can be used to store and analyze data without the need for additional software, allowing users to perform simple or complex analysis using data mining tools or fraud diagnostic tools.
However, the use of IT technology can conflict with privacy concerns, such as the right to confidential communication when investigating electronic data of suspects. However, the ability to collect and visually analyze fraud data with advanced fraud diagnostic tools can significantly enhance fraud and error detection efficiency.
Predictive analytics for early fraud detection is another important aspect of data analysis. With the increasing deployment of sensors and advanced monitoring methodologies in environmental agencies, massive amounts of data are being collected around the clock.
Predictive analytics can be utilized to inspect this big data either in real time or on a periodic basis, recognizing the probability of fraudulent activities at the early stage. Common predictive models in fraud detection include decision trees, regression analysis, and neural networks, which can identify patterns in data by analyzing relationships between different factors. By scanning through enormous data sets, predictive analytics can find cases of known fraud and minimize false positives.
More so, fraud and revenue leakage cases are common in local authorities, and they are using advanced technologies to detect and prevent fraud. Real-time monitoring and alert systems, such as the National Benefit Fraud Hotline and online fraud reporting platforms, help public awareness about benefit fraud. Social network analysis on large datasets helps investigators narrow down the most interested individuals and develop investigation focal points effectively. Machine learning models like random forest algorithms have been implemented to increase operational efficiency and generate high accuracy in risk prediction.
Link analysis and social network analysis are used for fraud investigation, identifying anomalies and suspicious activities that might not be apparent in traditional inspection or detective work.
By visualizing and interpreting networks, investigators can see the complete picture of how different elements within a network interact with one another, providing a more comprehensive way of understanding certain activities and allowing for the detection of behaviors that would usually remain hidden if only individual elements are examined in isolation.
It should be stated unequivocally that, the application of AI and big data in preventing fraud in environmental agencies requires careful and strategic implementation. Preventative strategies should consider data privacy and security, ensuring that personal data is protected and accurately processed.
A top-down strategy is always recommended in implementing AI and big data technologies, with leaders identifying objectives and potential AI solutions first. Compliance with rapidly changing laws and regulations is also crucial, and machine learning (ML) can be used in practice to learn from data.
Therefore, it is my believe that integrating AI and Big Data Analytics into the finance and audit of environmental management can block leakages, prevent fraud and revolutionize altogether in the sector.
The Author is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana. He is PhD candidate at the Girne American University, he also has an MBA in Finance from the Central University of Ghana and Two (2) Bachelor’s Degrees in Commerce and Law from University of Cape Coast and KNUST respectively.
Complimentary to these are Certifications in Big Data/ Data Science from IBM, Certified Scrum Master from Scrum Alliance, and BlockChain from the Blockchain Council. He works currently as the Chief Compliance Manager at the Forestry Commission of Ghana.
