Day: March 5, 2024

Resource Conservation Initiative (RESCONI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has recommended to stakeholders in the wildlife sector to collectively explore innovative methodologies to facilitate the protection and conservation of Ghana’s wildlife resources.

The stakeholders, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies, and the local populace, especially the youth, must effectively collaborate in finding innovative and cutting-edge digital technologies to protect wildlife, it said.

‘This will spark synergies to inspire cross-sector collaborations that foster the application of novel digital innovations and technologies to manage the wildlife resources of the country sustainably,’ a release by the NGO said on Monday.

The World Wildlife Day 2024 was celebrated on the theme; ‘Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.’

The release said digital innovation offered co
untries with internet connectivity such as Ghana the opportunity to unleash the power of digital technologies and services in the sustainable management of wildlife resources and address human-wildlife conflicts.

Using Global Positioning System (GPS) collars and transmitters in wildlife conservation in Ghana was important to ensure the ease of access to accurate and efficient data for decision-making in support of wildlife management, it said.

‘The revolutionary role of using geo-location data through GPS collars and transmitters in appreciating the behaviour of wild animals, estimating migratory routes and habitat utilization is unprecedented,’ the release said.

It said conservationists, through those tracking devices, made valuable decisions to conserve threatened species; thus the gradual embrace of digitization in wildlife conservation.

‘It is, therefore, important that Ghana, a country immersed in nature’s magnificence, should bridge conservation, digital technology and innovation in the sustainable
management of its wildlife resources.’

‘As we celebrate World Wildlife Day, it is important to highlight the role of Global Positioning System (GPS) Collars and Transmitters in wildlife conservation in Ghana.’

The release noted the well-established fact that conservation efforts had reached an unprecedented high level of advancement in the use of digital technology.

‘When GPS collars and transmitters are attached to animals, conservationists can retrieve significant data on how different wildlife species interact with their environment as this enables the development of specific conservation plans and priorities aimed at defining wildlife populations and habitats.’

‘These devices have contributed to understanding and protecting threatened species within the Protected Areas, Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs) and other conservation areas under the protection and management of communities, and civil society organisations amongst others.’

There is a gradual shift of conservation efforts to data-en
hanced strategies.

Its usage helps to identify high-risk areas of poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, habitat depletion, the concentration of land-use activities, climate change and the mitigation of biodiversity threats.

Despite the current role of digitization in wildlife conservation in Ghana, there is a need to reminiscence the challenges associated with data privacy, the high cost of monitoring devices, the size of tracking devices relative to animal behaviour and the analysis of large datasets.

‘It stands to reason that future proposals must include high investments into the application of these monitoring devices, exposing high numbers of the student population… to the use of e-platforms, use of micro-weight devices, and application of Artificial Intelligence to retrieve, analyze and predict effective conservation strategies for the country,’ the release noted.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) tonight with Boeing Company purchase order of some 20 Boeing 777X-9 passenger aircrafts.

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Mesfin Tassew and Drad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial and Sales Marketing signed the MoU.

During the signing ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tassew said that the purchase order makes Ethiopian the first to order the largest twin-engine aircraft in Africa.

The least price of the total 20 Boeing 777X-9 passenger aircrafts will cost Ethiopian about 11 billion US dollars, it was indicated.

The CEO added that this ultra-modern aircraft is the largest in the history of Ethiopian Airlines.

According to Mesfin, of the 20 Boeing 777X-9 passenger aircrafts, the order of 8 aircrafts have been confirmed.

He also revealed that Ethiopian will receive three of the aircrafts in 2027, another three in 2029 and the remaining two by 2030.

The CEO pointed out that Ethiopian purchase orders
from Boeing thus far have reached 104.

Ethiopian Air Force Commander and Board chairperson of Ethiopian Airlines , Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa and US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Jose Massinga as well as other dignitaries attended the signing ceremony.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, says Ghana is ready to leverage her historical ties with Canada through the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business to promote investment in the extractive sector.

The Minister gave the assurance at the 25th Annual African Mining Breakfast and 22nd Annual Investment in African Mining Seminar held in Toronto, Canada.

‘It’s time Ghana and Canada ramp up their collaboration with investment in the extractive sector as the focal point of the renewed relations,’ Mr Jinapor stated.

‘We must leverage these cordial relations to promote business and trade between Canada and African countries.’

‘That’s why the work of Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and this Seminar are very consequential; for there is no better sector to promote trade and business than the extractive sector, which has proven to generate significant rent for its owners and stakeholders.’

Mr Jinapor highlighted the various components of Ghana’s mining architecture and encouraged potent
ial investors to take advantage of it and invest in Ghana.

He mentioned Ghana’s stable political environment, friendly mining policy climate, legislation and fiscal framework as some of the conducive factors.

‘Our modern day lives depend largely on minerals and mining, which provides the components for the manufacturing industry. And this has become even more profound as the world works towards a green energy transition.’

The Minister said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Ghana, provided a common marketplace for trade and Investment.

Africa’s mineral endowment placed the continent in a unique position, particularly on the journey towards green energy.

‘I am hopeful that this breakfast and seminar will renew the cordial relations between Africa and Canada, and encourage more businesses to invest in Africa’s mining industry,’ the Minister stated.

To realise the goal of the Africa Mining Vision, Mr Jinapor called on African countries to utilise their mineral endowments for
sustainable development.

The Government of Ghana, under President Akufo-Addo, is promoting three main policies within the mining industry: diversification of the mineral resources, value addition, and enhancing local content and local participation, the Minister said.

Mr Peter Marrone, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Allied Gold Corporation, urged African governments to create conducive policy framework since many investors around the world were looking up to Africa for opportunity to invest in the extractive industry.

Africa had a youthful population, therefore its mining industry should present the best opportunities for them to benefit, he noted.

He urged African governments to keep their countries competitive to obtain the right investment from the major mining companies globally.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Addis Ababa: The Government of Ethiopia has been investing on innovation and technology infrastructure to ensure quality healthcare services, according to Ministry of Health.

In his keynote speech to the 8th National Healthcare Innovation and Quality Summit that opened today, Health State Minister Dr. Ayele Teshome said the number and type of innovation interventions implemented in Ethiopia have increased in recent years.

Not all, but some of these interventions were successful and have significantly improved the health system, he added.

According to him, innovations in medical technology, treatments and procedures are critical in improving quality and continuity of care.

Innovations such as digitization and automation in the health information system contribute significantly to identifying potential safety issues, preventing medical errors and ensuring accountability and learning opportunities.

Furthermore, innovation can help to address healthcare disparities and promote equity by improving access to c
are for under-served population as well as overcome geographical barriers.

Dr. Ayele also noted that over the past ten years various reform programs have been carried and remarkable achievements obtained through innovation based solutions in the health sector.

Innovation and Technology State Minister Bayissa Bedada said on his part that science and technology and innovation play a crucial role in achieving 2030 sustainable development goals and Agenda 2063.

The Government of Ethiopia has been carrying out various activities realizing that innovation contributes to national economy of the county, he stated.

Bayissa added that the government has also been tirelessly working on legal frameworks, infrastructural and human development that would enable the sector become competitive and effective.

On behalf of WHO Ethiopia Country Representative Dr. Dlamini, Dr. Bejoy Nambiar said the organization is committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in achieving strategic objectives of harnessing innovation for h
ealth systems quality, equity, and safety.

The three-day summit under the theme: “Promoting Health System Innovation to Enhance Healthcare Quality, Safety and Equity” has attracted various stakeholders from the country and other international organizations working on health.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has reiterated the Government’s policy direction to add value to its natural resources rather than focusing on mere production.

He said the government was pursuing a deliberate and conscious policy to ensure that the indigenes benefited from the country’s resource endowment.

The Minister, thus, cited Ghana’s recent Lithium Agreement with Atlantic Lithium Limited, an Australian mining firm, as a case in point, which emphasised value addition in the entire value chain.

The Minister made the disclosure at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Mine Ministers Summit ongoing in Toronto, Canada.

Participants in the three-day summit were drawn from Germany, Finland, Ghana, Peru, and Canada to brainstorm on responsible and sustainable natural resources around the globe.

A total of 22 Mine Ministers across the globe were attending the summit, including captains of mining industries from Anglo-American Associatio
ns, Euro Asia Resource Groups, civil society organisations, policymakers and thought leaders.

The Minister also emphasised the government’s decision to explore more of the country’s green minerals and promote energy transition policies to safeguard the environment in view of the rampaging global warming.

Mr Jinapor promoted Ghana’s vibrant mining industry and encouraged investors to take advantage of the country’s stable and peaceful democracy to invest in Ghana.

The summit, dubbed: ‘International Mines Ministers Summit’ was structured to enable the ministers and other stakeholders to deliberate on the various sub-themes coined from the main theme, ‘Striking a Balance for Success: Responsible Mining and the Energy Transition.’

In his contribution to the first session on the theme, ‘Sharing a Path to Success: Building a Framework for Collaboration,’ Mr Jinapor highlighted the far-reaching policies being implemented by the Government and the resilient partnership between the government and mining companies
through the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

He also emphasised the Government’s paradigm shift from ‘digging and shipping’ of natural resources to value addition to reaping more benefits.

The Minister stressed the importance of strong collaboration between government and large-scale mining companies, serving as the fundamental basis for a mutually beneficial avenue for all.

Mr Jinapor underscored the government’s commitment to ensure responsible and sustainable mining practices, not just at the mineral discovery stage but throughout the entire value chain, noting that it’s non-negotiable.

He said the paradigm shift in Ghana’s mining policy from mere production of minerals to value addition was encapsulated in the recent Lithium Agreement, with the government ensuring the establishment of a refinery plant in Ghana and promoting Ghanaian ownership through listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange.

While bemoaning the relatively insignificant benefits African countries derived from their mineral resources, Mr Jinapor cal
led for an ‘affirmative action,’ which would enable mineral resource host countries to benefit more equitably from their natural resource endowment.

That policy, he said, must be deliberate and conscious with the interest of the host countries paramount.

Mr Jinapor re-echoed his long-held view that African countries must take the initiative to contribute to the fight against climate change and be rewarded to motivate them to pursue that path.

While acknowledging energy transition as a noble goal, the Minister underlined the need for producers of the raw materials for clean energy should benefit significantly from the minerals.

The Minister joined his counterparts on the sidelines of the Summit to close the Toronto Stock Exchange amid thunderous applause from global participants.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Addis Ababa: An international conference is deliberating on cyber security and digital transformation at Skylight Hotel, in Addis Ababa.

A two-day conference was opened this morning, by Tigist Hamid, Director General of Information Network Security Administration (INSA) and Berhanu Beyene, President of Ethiopian Cyber Security Association (ECySA).

The conference aimed at discussing the importance of digital transformation for strengthening the national cyber ecosystem in Ethiopia, it was indicated.

It is anticipated to give inputs to Ethiopia’s endeavor for creating a strong cyber security climate that would help to protect its national sovereignty.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have reaffirmed, their unwavering positions and decisions of the GCC Supreme Council supporting the Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and the preservation of peace and security of the Kingdom of Morocco.

These unwavering positions, also supporting the autonomy initiative as the only solution to the Sahara conflict within the framework of the kingdom’s sovereignty and national and territorial integrity, were reaffirmed at the end of the joint working session.

The session brought together at the headquarters of the GCC Secretariat General in Riyadh, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Their

Highnesses and Excellencies the ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, chairman of the current session of the GCC, underlined that the Council countries reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Morocca
n sovereignty over the Sahara and their firm attachment to the kingdom’s territorial integrity, as well as their support for relevant UN decisions.

For his part, the GCC Secretary General reiterated the Council’s positions and resolutions supporting the Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, highlighting the importance of the strategic cooperation between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco.

This meeting is part of the strong relations and the comprehensive and renewed strategic partnership between Morocco and the GCC countries, the foundations of which were laid by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and his brothers the leaders of the GCC member countries, since the Morocco-GCC Summit, held on April 20, 2016 in Riyadh.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Addis Ababa: Addressing the challenges of cyber security requires a holistic approach involving collaboration among governments, private sector, and international organizations, Information Network Security Administration (INSA) Director-General Tigist Hamid said.

A two-day cyber security and digital transformation conference organized by INSA and Ethiopian Cyber Security Association kicked off today.

In her opening remark, Director-General of INSA, Tigist Hamid said that technology underpins every aspect of the society, from financial transactions to vital infrastructure and this reliance puts everyone at risk for never-before-seen dangers.

‘The rise of AI and the increase of cyber-attacks are known risks within the international community; yet, it does come as a surprise that both of these topics fall within the top five risks for 2024,’ she emphasized.

Citing the World Economic Forum, 2024 Report, Tigist pointed out that cyber security came in number four in the short-term and eighth in the long-term r
elating to global risks ranked by severity, and she added ‘while we should be happy about technological advancements, we also need to be cautious about the risks associated with improper technological understanding.’

‘In 2024, the cyber security landscape continues to present significant, evolving challenges. We should reassess our security strategies while becoming more nimble, adaptive, and proactive to stay ahead of the curve. The adversaries we face are not confined by borders; they navigate the virtual realm with stealth and sophistication. We must fortify our defenses, collaborate across sectors and borders, and remain vigilant in the face of this persistent danger,’ she stressed.

Furthermore, the Director-General pointed out the need for holistic approach that involves the collaboration among governments, private sector, and international organizations to address the challenges of cyber insecurity.

By the end of 2024, the cost of cyber-attacks on the global economy would top 10.5 trillion USD, she s
tated, and added that cyber security has evidently become a very critical concern that needs the attention of researchers, academicians, and organizations to confidentially ensure the protection and security.

‘The quantity, the complexity, the severity of cyber-attacks have also escalated at national level. In Ethiopia, 4,623 cyber-attack attempts were recorded during the first-half of the 2016 fiscal year. In the same period, the percentage of high risk cyber-attacks has more than doubled to 115 percent as compared to the first-six months of 2015 fiscal year report,’ Tigist elaborated.

According to the Director-General, majority of the institutions targeted by cyber attackers included banks and financial institutions, security and intelligence agencies, media outlets, critical government agencies, federal and regional offices as well as institutions of higher learning.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Koforidua Youth Centre is all set to host this year’s national Independence Day Anniversary, on March 06.

Pictures by James Amoh Junior.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Abdul-Mumin Issah, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), has called on parents and guardians to train their children to adopt the appropriate cultural values and practices to enable them to respect their Ghanaian and African identity.

He said early parent-child interactions were vital to children’s development and imbibed in them a sense of belonging, self-worth, and patriotism amid globalisation and social media.

He made the call when he gave the keynote address at the 67th pre-Independence Day Anniversary march passed by kindergarten (KG) schools within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

It was on the theme: ‘Imbibing Patriotism in Early Stage: The Key to Growth and Development of the Learner and the Country as a Whole’.

Mr Issah noted that: ‘It is disheartening to see on social media, students of today in our society speaking ill of national leaders and the nation at large.’

He said it was the responsibility of parents to impart good moral values in their children, saying; ‘When ch
ildren are imparted with the best from the beginning, it sticks and becomes very difficult to adulterate.’

?He continued: ‘I urge all of us here to make it a point to imbibe good morals and love for the nation into the hearts of these young ones for us to achieve the change we desire as a nation.’

The MCE also advised the children to stay away from bad friends, truancy and any attitude or lifestyle that could have negative consequences on their future.

Touching on the theme, the MCE indicated that it was only through patriotism by the citizenry that the country could achieve its development goals.

Mr Issah said: ‘Patriotism teaches us to love our country and embrace the whole of humanity, and enlightens people about their predominant duties towards the nation through supreme sacrifice for the country.

‘The sacrifices made by our leaders to attain independence must not go in vain, because without patriotism, we will continue to be slaves to debts and other unseen vices from the foreign front.’

According
to him, the theme for the celebration also aligned with the STMA’s efforts in promoting preschool education in the Metropolis, adding it served as the foundation of well-structured educational systems that impacted the lives of children.

The MCE said the STMA would continue to deliver on its mandate and commitment to improve upon access and quality of education in the Metropolis through the provision of needed infrastructure, and other teaching and learning materials.

Mrs Sally Nelly Coleman, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Director of Education, expressed gratitude to the STMA for their support and contributions in improving teaching and learning as well as access to early childhood development education in the Metropolis.

She said this year’s KG schools celebration was the 31st edition, and that her office would put in place measures to sustain the activity in the years ahead.

A total of 31 KG schools participated in the march pass which was characterised by cultural performances, masquerade dance and
other entertaining activities to promote the rich Ghanaian culture.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs Georgina Theodora Woode, a former Chief Justice, has encouraged the youth to have an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset to create jobs for themselves and improve their livelihoods.

She said the youth would be doing themselves and the nation a disservice if they idled around in the name of searching for non-existent jobs and urged them to refrain from acts that hindered national development.

Mrs Woode, also a Member of the Council of State, was speaking at a seven-day conference of the Life International Church at Achimota in Accra to pray for peace ahead of the 2024 election.

She said acts such as corruption, lawlessness, examination malpractices and indiscipline were some of the factors that contributed to the nation’s under-development.

She attributed the country’s socio-economic woes to Christians’ rush for monetary gains instead of seeking their spiritual upliftment.

The Reverend Dr Gordon Kisseih, General Overseer of the Life International Church, urged religious leaders to help the Governme
nt in the fight against corruption.

He charged the youth to desist from the temptation of being used by politicians to foment trouble.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Faith-based stakeholders have reacted strongly to the passage of the Anti-LGBTTQAP+ Bill, otherwise christened as ‘Human Sexual Rights and Family Values ACT, 2024 by Parliament.

They were happy about Parliament’s resilience in passing the Bill, which is awaiting Presidential assent.

The stakeholders said the practice in general was against the practices of Ghanaians and Africans and is being foisted on the continent by Western countries and assigns, who are expressing their displeasure with the Legislator’s action.

They contended that their belief systems, including tradition, culture and value systems strongly abhorred the practice or phenomenon of same-sex behaviours, which animals even frowned upon.

They praised the Parliamentarians for doing justice to the Bill, which took three years to pass on February 29 in a unanimous vote.

The belief systems in Christianity, Islam, Chieftaincy and traditional worship and practice, all abhorred the same-sex phenomenon in the country, which is being fought on the
altar of human rights by Western countries.

Right Rev. Dr Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (rtd), Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, sharing his view on the matter, said ‘It is untenable to impose sexual practices that are deemed evil on us.’

Rev. Dr Lt. Col. Agbeko disclosed these to the Ghana News Agency in the aftermath of the passage of the Bill, saying ‘We Africans are pro-life.’

‘Life is not about us alone; we must pass it on to others and generations unborn through procreation.’

What happens behind your closed door is none of our business but when it comes to society, LGBTQ+ is unacceptable in Ghana,’ he asserted.

Mr Raphael Kofi Nana Dunyo, an Octogenarian and a traditionalist from Dagbamete within the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region said the act could be classified as unacceptable practice in their setting, insisting customs in Ghana forbade LGBTQ+.

‘Our belief, as traditionalists, does not support such practices for centuries. So, this pa
ssage is in place,’ he told the GNA.

He further explained that such practices would never be entertained within their jurisdiction ‘since the gods prohibit that.’

Togbega Patamia Dzekley VII, Paramount Chief of Battor Traditional Area, said the same-sex phenomenon was an abomination to the traditional and cultural belief systems of the nation.

He was of the conviction that ‘No traditional leader or authority will consent to same-sex considerations.’

He asked how the Royal Family of Britain could maintain succession for the Monarchy, if they had practised same-sex marriages, saying ‘Same-sex is ungodly, defiles the concept of human existence and must not be promoted under human rights.’

He said emerging threats and commentaries from Western countries were an attestation of the extension of the ‘slave trade’ and the use of financial muscle to foist a sacrilegious practice on Ghanaians.

‘We will prefer to go hungry as a country than accept same-sex marriage and appealed to President Akufo-Addo to assent to
the Bill,’ Togbega Dzekley said.

Mr James Gawu, spokesperson of Togbui Saba V, the ‘Dufia’ of Nogokpo in the Volta Region, explained that the LGBTQ+ activities had a lot of questions to answer.

‘What happens to the generation after us? Is the same-sex agenda an attempt to reduce the human population and replace it with robots,?’ he queried.

He said the passage of the bill must be accepted by all, adding ‘The practice is an abomination before the gods of the land and seas.’

‘Our forebears never did this. The first question that comes to mind is the creation story. Are the same-sex adherents saying they are wiser than God?’

Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamidu, Volta Regional Chief Imam, sharing a position of the Quran on same-sex rights, said the Holy Book urged adherents to use their mouths and hearts to correct wrongdoing in society to avoid curses or calamities from falling on humanity.

He said same-sex activities were forewarned in the Quran, Chapter 7: 80-84, about Lot’s wife in Sodom and Gomorrah and the ensuin
g repercussions.

He said both the Quran and the Bible vividly captured the punishment for these sacrilegious behaviours and wondered why these were being perpetrated on the altar of human rights.

Alhaji Hamidu said the youth of Islam were being sensitised on the same-sex matter as a means of saving the next generation.

Meanwhile, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Board Chair of Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana, said in the media that the ‘Anti-LGBTTQAP+ Bill is obnoxious and dangerous for our democracy and human rights.’

Development partners have indicated debilitating consequences for the country if the Bill becomes Law.

Source: Ghana News Agency