Day: April 13, 2024

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team has reached a staff-level agreement on the second review of Ghana’s loan-support programme, allowing the Executive Board to consider and approve about US$360 million for the country.

This comes following a conclusion of meetings held between Ghanaian Authorities and the IMF staff team between April 2 and April 12, 2024 in Accra on the country’s Extended Credit Facility arrangement.

At the end of the mission, Mr Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana, in a statement said: ‘Upon completion of the Executive Board review, Ghana would have access to SDR 269.1 million (about US$ 360 million).’

That would bring the total IMF financial support disbursed under the ECF arrangement since May 2023 to SDR 1,171.9 million (about US$ 1,560 million), the statement noted.

‘This staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and Executive Board consideration once the necessary financing assurances have been received,’ Mr Roudet said in the statement.

However,
the Mission Chief noted that given Ghana’s strong progress under the IMF-supported programme, the next key step for the country is to reach an agreement with its official bilateral creditors.

‘We look forward to the authorities’ continued efforts to reach an agreement with all creditors in line with programme parameters,’ he said.

On Ghana’s performance under the IMF-supported programme, the Mission Chief stated that most quantitative targets had been met, with good progress made on the key structural reform milestones.

‘The authorities’ policies and reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while laying the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth are already generating positive results,’ he stated.

Providing some figures to that effect, he stated that the fiscal primary balance on a commitment basis improved by over four percentage points of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023.

Mr Roudet also indicated that the country was on track to achieving a fiscal primary surpl
us of 0.5 per cent of GDP in 2024.

‘Spending has remained within budget limits, while the authorities have significantly expanded social protection programs to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable,’ he stated.

‘Ghana has met its non-oil revenue mobilisation target, while making progress in implementing ambitious structural fiscal reforms to bolster domestic revenues, strengthen public financial and debt management, and enhance transparency,’ he noted.

Mr Roudet also stated that Ghana’s external sector has improved significantly, with international reserve accumulation ahead of program objectives, financial stability has been preserved, with banks posting solid profits in 2023.

IMF staff held meetings with Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison, and their teams, representatives from various government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Source: Ghana News Agency

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team has reached a staff-level agreement on the second review of Ghana’s loan-support programme, allowing the Executive Board to consider and approve about US$360 million for the country.

This comes following a conclusion of meetings held between Ghanaian Authorities and the IMF staff team between April 2 and April 12, 2024 in Accra on the country’s Extended Credit Facility arrangement.

At the end of the mission, Mr Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana, in a statement said: ‘Upon completion of the Executive Board review, Ghana would have access to SDR 269.1 million (about US$ 360 million).’

That would bring the total IMF financial support disbursed under the ECF arrangement since May 2023 to SDR 1,171.9 million (about US$ 1,560 million), the statement noted.

‘This staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and Executive Board consideration once the necessary financing assurances have been received,’ Mr Roudet said in the statement.

However,
the Mission Chief noted that given Ghana’s strong progress under the IMF-supported programme, the next key step for the country is to reach an agreement with its official bilateral creditors.

‘We look forward to the authorities’ continued efforts to reach an agreement with all creditors in line with programme parameters,’ he said.

On Ghana’s performance under the IMF-supported programme, the Mission Chief stated that most quantitative targets had been met, with good progress made on the key structural reform milestones.

‘The authorities’ policies and reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while laying the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth are already generating positive results,’ he stated.

Providing some figures to that effect, he stated that the fiscal primary balance on a commitment basis improved by over four percentage points of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023.

Mr Roudet also indicated that the country was on track to achieving a fiscal primary surpl
us of 0.5 per cent of GDP in 2024.

‘Spending has remained within budget limits, while the authorities have significantly expanded social protection programs to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable,’ he stated.

‘Ghana has met its non-oil revenue mobilisation target, while making progress in implementing ambitious structural fiscal reforms to bolster domestic revenues, strengthen public financial and debt management, and enhance transparency,’ he noted.

Mr Roudet also stated that Ghana’s external sector has improved significantly, with international reserve accumulation ahead of program objectives, financial stability has been preserved, with banks posting solid profits in 2023.

IMF staff held meetings with Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison, and their teams, representatives from various government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Source: Ghana News Agency

By Charity Nginyu

Tragedy struck today in Soa, in the Centre region of Cameroon, as a building collapse claimed the life of a young girl while miraculously sparing the lives of other family members.

The incident occurred in an abandoned and under-construction two-story building where a family had been residing.

Eyewitnesses recount the harrowing moments following the collapse. ‘I was on the scene and helped to rescue some of the victims from the rubble,’ said Graffin Nkou, an eyewitness.

Among the casualties, a young girl, aged between 14 and 15, tragically lost her life as she was crushed by falling debris.

However, amidst the chaos, three young children were miraculously rescued. Among them was a baby girl who was playing in the courtyard at the time of the collapse, along with her two brothers who were trapped under the debris and later rescued by emergency responders. Sources say they are receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

The most miraculous survival story of all is that of their old
er brother, believed to be under 20 years old. Despite being trapped under two collapsed slabs while sitting on his bed, he managed to survive thanks to the swift intervention of the local community. The collapsed slabs, sources reveal formed a protective barrier around him, shielding him from further harm.

‘It was thanks to his cellphone that we were able to locate him,’ explained Graffin. ‘He signaled his position, and we, the community, dug tirelessly until we reached him.’

Source: Cameroon News Agency

By Charity Nginyu

Tragedy struck today in Soa, in the Centre region of Cameroon, as a building collapse claimed the life of a young girl while miraculously sparing the lives of other family members.

The incident occurred in an abandoned and under-construction two-story building where a family had been residing.

Eyewitnesses recount the harrowing moments following the collapse. ‘I was on the scene and helped to rescue some of the victims from the rubble,’ said Graffin Nkou, an eyewitness.

Among the casualties, a young girl, aged between 14 and 15, tragically lost her life as she was crushed by falling debris.

However, amidst the chaos, three young children were miraculously rescued. Among them was a baby girl who was playing in the courtyard at the time of the collapse, along with her two brothers who were trapped under the debris and later rescued by emergency responders. Sources say they are receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

The most miraculous survival story of all is that of their old
er brother, believed to be under 20 years old. Despite being trapped under two collapsed slabs while sitting on his bed, he managed to survive thanks to the swift intervention of the local community. The collapsed slabs, sources reveal formed a protective barrier around him, shielding him from further harm.

‘It was thanks to his cellphone that we were able to locate him,’ explained Graffin. ‘He signaled his position, and we, the community, dug tirelessly until we reached him.’

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Three trucks of smuggled cocoa beans have been intercepted by the Kpando Municipal Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Kpando Torkor in the Volta Region.

The registration numbers of the vehicles, which were intercepted between 0040 and 0400 hours on Friday, April 12, are GE 1782-U, AS 7907-22 and GT 5932-12.

Superintendent Michael Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs, GIS said the Officer in-Charge of the GIS in the Kpando Municipal Command, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Peter Austin Hall, and a team of Officers were deployed based on intelligence to Kpando Torkor.

He said a boat suspected to be coming from the Afram Plains was loaded with bags of cocoa beans.

Superintendent Amoako-Atta said the Officers covertly observed the offloading of the cocoa beans into the three trucks, which were parked close to the landing site, ready to be smuggled through an unapproved route at Wli to Togo.

He said the suspects; Wahab Abdulai, Nicholas Agbesi and Fodume, all aged 42, were arrested.

Superintendent Amoako-Atta said the suspects and the trucks had been handed over to the Kpando Police for further action.

He noted that the GIS remained resolute in the protection of borders and prevention of cross-border crimes.

Superintendent Amoako-Atta applauded border residents and the public for continuously collaborating with the Service through information-sharing.

He urged citizens to report suspicious persons and activities to the GIS and other security agencies in line with the ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Addis Ababa: Some 14 million youth have participated in the national voluntary service program to foster their contribution in Ethiopia’s aspiration of development and prosperity, according to the Ministry of Peace.

The Ethiopian national voluntary youth service program was launched in 2020 to mobilize volunteers across the country, it was indicated.

Essentially, the government of Ethiopia has introduced the program with the objective of fostering a sense of national unity, social cohesion, peace and stability, volunteerism and public service.

In response to this voluntary youth service program request, 14 million youths have participated in the program, the National Volunteer Service Lead Executive with the Ministry Gemechis Eticha told ENA.

Tremendous youths of the country have received training in eight rounds since the inception of the national voluntary youth service program.

The Ministry of Peace has trained 48,000 young people so far, he indicated

According to him, the engagement of the youth vol
unteers has brought about positive results and enabled the youth to play their role in national reconciliation and develop a sense of patriotism.

The lead executive added that the volunteers are playing an important role in nurturing peace and they are providing services that would solve social problems and benefit the society.

He also figured out that this year alone, some five million young people participated in the forums organized under the theme: ‘Adwa for sustainable peace and nation building.’

Stressing the need for consolidating the nation-state building and realizing lasting peace, Gemechis said a national voluntary youth service program has been put into action and will be reinforced through generations.

As a result, the Ethiopian youth voluntary association is being formed for this purpose, mentioning that 34,000 members have been registered so far.

The 9th round of the national voluntary service training is anticipated to be started next week and it will bring about 1,500 young volunteers, i
t was learned.

Finally, Gemechis called on non-governmental organizations and the community to support the government’s efforts to strengthen voluntary services in Ethiopia

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Some 14 million youth have participated in the national voluntary service program to foster their contribution in Ethiopia’s aspiration of development and prosperity, according to the Ministry of Peace.

The Ethiopian national voluntary youth service program was launched in 2020 to mobilize volunteers across the country, it was indicated.

Essentially, the government of Ethiopia has introduced the program with the objective of fostering a sense of national unity, social cohesion, peace and stability, volunteerism and public service.

In response to this voluntary youth service program request, 14 million youths have participated in the program, the National Volunteer Service Lead Executive with the Ministry Gemechis Eticha told ENA.

Tremendous youths of the country have received training in eight rounds since the inception of the national voluntary youth service program.

The Ministry of Peace has trained 48,000 young people so far, he indicated

According to him, the engagement of the youth vol
unteers has brought about positive results and enabled the youth to play their role in national reconciliation and develop a sense of patriotism.

The lead executive added that the volunteers are playing an important role in nurturing peace and they are providing services that would solve social problems and benefit the society.

He also figured out that this year alone, some five million young people participated in the forums organized under the theme: ‘Adwa for sustainable peace and nation building.’

Stressing the need for consolidating the nation-state building and realizing lasting peace, Gemechis said a national voluntary youth service program has been put into action and will be reinforced through generations.

As a result, the Ethiopian youth voluntary association is being formed for this purpose, mentioning that 34,000 members have been registered so far.

The 9th round of the national voluntary service training is anticipated to be started next week and it will bring about 1,500 young volunteers, i
t was learned.

Finally, Gemechis called on non-governmental organizations and the community to support the government’s efforts to strengthen voluntary services in Ethiopia

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the Minister of Transport, has touted the achievements chalked in the transport sector over the past seven years under his leadership.

He said despite the numerous challenges, the sector since 2017 had seen tremendous transformation in aviation, maritime and road transports.

Speaking at the opening session of the 2024 strategic meeting of the Ministry in Cape Coast, the Minister highlighted some of the major achievements in the aviation sector including the upgrade of the Tamale Airport to an international status.

He said it had also rehabilitated phase one of the Sunyani Airport, completed the Kotoka International Airport Terminal Three project, established an independent body responsible for aircraft incident and accident investigations and prevention, and now expanding the Kumasi Airport to international status.

In the maritime space, Mr Asiamah said it had constructed a new liquid bulk terminal at the Takoradi Port and completed the construction of a container terminal at Tema
Port.

He added that 12 fish landing sites along the coast and a fishing port for Elmina had been constructed while a port for James Town was near completion, and the Meridian Port Services Terminal retooled with 15 modern ships and other logistics.

‘We are developing the Boankra integrated logistics terminal, which is ongoing, removed tree stamps along parts of the Volta Lake, completed an assessment of the Volta Lake, acquired a total of seven high speed patrol and rescue boats and trash skimmers to remove rubbish from waterbodies and protected sea life,’ he added.

In road transportation, Mr Asiamah said the government acquired 200 intercity buses for Metro Mass Transit and 100 intercity buses for STC.

The Ministry had also passed the National Road Safety Authority Act 2019 (Act 993) and the National Road Safety Authority Regulation 2022, and digitalised and improved services of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

In addition, the National Transport Policy has been revised, the National E
lectric Vehicle Policy developed, and again, championed the ‘arrive alive and stay alive campaign to ensure road safety.’

The two-day strategic meeting assembled all relevant stakeholders to review the performance of the sector from 2017 to date, reflecting on the achievements, development issues and identifying areas for improvement.

This, among others, seeks to enable the various agencies and stakeholders under the sector to align their vision towards that of the President’s to improve the quality of life and spur development.

As part of the meeting, the stakeholders underwent a leadership and management training session to equip them with the skills to navigate the evolving landscape of the transport sector.

Despite the achievements, the Minister acknowledged that the sector was faced with countless challenges including a growing demand for the reduction of urban traffic crashes and fatalities.

He said there was also the pressing need to reduce Ghana’s carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of clima
te change as well as deal with the deteriorating condition of the Volta Lake.

Beyond that, Mr Asiamah alluded to some institutional framework challenges which needed urgent rectification.

‘We can only move forward if we take steps to address development issues facing the sector,’ he observed, adding that the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Shippers Authority and the DVLA were at various stages of reviewing their Acts to address some identified challenges and adopt emerging practices in the industry.

‘It is important that we speed up the processes and in particular, the engagement with various stakeholders to ensure that the reviews are all-encompassing and can withstand the test of time,’ he said.

The Sector Minister commended and thanked all stakeholders for peacefully collaborating with him over the years.

Dr Evans Aggrey Darko, Head of Civil Service, reflecting on the successes achieved, commended the sector for the growth despite the bottlenecks.

He noted that each stakeholder had a crucial ro
le to play in shaping the future of transportation in Ghana.

He added that it was imperative to embrace the global technological advancement in the sector, citing autonomous vehicles to smart infrastructure, among others.

‘We must foster a culture of excellence, efficiency and continuous improvement in the public sector,’ he noted.

Mr Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister, underscored the importance of the sector to human life and economic outcomes and commended government and the Ministry for the various initiatives propelling the advancement of the sector.

‘It is my prayer that the challenges confronting the sector will find lasting and sustainable solutions through this strategic review meeting. I, therefore, pray you to show active interest in the ensuing discussions,’ she stated.

‘Let us all bring on board contributions from our various rich and diverse backgrounds so as to collectively put our shoulders to the wheel for optimum results,’ she added.

Stakeholders including transport
operators, NRSA and staff of the sector ministry praised the minister for demonstrating exemplary leadership.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Former Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan has called on the leadership of the National Sports Authority (NSA).

The move was to officially inform them about the invite them about the impending All Regional Games fixed for Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Mr. Dodzie Numekevor, the Director General of NSA in his remarks said the authority would make its facilities available for the event, adding that the authority would offer technical support to the organisers.

He urged the organisers to use the official logo of the NSA for all their promotional materials without any hindrance, adding that they had given approval for the event.

Mr. Seth Panwum Boyoyo, Board Chairman of the NSA said the project was in line with the core mandate of the authority and that it was appropriate for the authority to support the initiative.

Officials present at the meeting were the Deputy Director General of the NSA, Mr. Majeed Bawa, former Black Stars player Bafuor Gyan and other members of the Regio
nal Games Team.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Daniel Titus Glover, the Greater Accra Regional Minister designate, has called on the youth of Tema Newtown to allow investigations to be carried out by the Police on the shooting of some youth in the area by the Navy.

The incident occurred on Friday night when a clash ensued between the Navy and the youth groups who were on a final procession to celebrate the Kplejoo festival.

Mr Glover made the call after conferring with the Tema Traditional Council on Saturday on the issue that had created tension in the town.

He said, ‘We came here basically to speak to the Traditional Council, console them, and also address the youth. You can see the tension is so high in town because of the killings and the injuries.’

He added that even though the incident was so painful, they want the due process to continue; therefore, the youth should support him, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, and the Tema Regional Police Commander to ensure they are able to address the problem fast.

‘Police are doing their investigations
; the Metro Security Council will sit on the issue from Monday and will be referred to us in the region, then quickly, we will look at them,’ he stated.

He gave the assurance that there would be no recurrence of such an incident in Tema Newtown, stating, however, that, ‘the Navy should know how to comport themselves; I am appealing to them; I was part of the festival; last Saturday I danced with my people; the Police are able to comport themselves, so when they are meeting the crowd, they should at least slow down.’

The Regional Minister designate noted that I was at the Hospital with the Police commander on Friday night after the incident occurred, saying, ‘I saw the two dead and the three seriously injured, one with a pellet inside the thigh and the other two seriously injured. From there, I went to the naval base to meet the flag officer commanding to have a brief discussion.’

He pleaded with the media not to inflame passions with the incident but to help calm the youth.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Two men were reported dead and three injured when some Kplejoo groups clashed with the Navy at Tema Newtown during the final procession of the Kplejoo festival.

The Ghana News Agency (GNA) gathered that as part of the festival, the groups on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2024, went on their usual annual procession throughout the streets of Tema Newtown.

The groups, who were allegedly stopped from using the street in front of the Eastern Naval Base, defied the orders of the Navy and took that route.

This, the GNA learnt, led to a clash between the two, during which some members of the youth group started throwing bottles, and the Navy counterparts responded with some gunshots towards them.

The shooting, however, led to the deaths of the two, whose bodies have been deposited at the mortuary, while the three are on admission at the Tema General Hospital.

Mr. Adjei Tetteh, one of the injured victims, told the GNA at his bedside that he was part of the Asafo group and was in charge of the barrier mounted a
t the Tema Newtown bridge area.

He said per instructions, they were supposed to send the metal barricades to the naval base junction when it was 20:00 hours so that, those going towards community one could easily get transportation without any problem.

He indicated that upon reaching the naval junction, he could hear some gunshots from afar, and the navy personnel were preventing people from using the road in front of the base, adding that the gunshots became intense, so, he decided to run away, only for him to realise that his feet had become stiff with blood oozing out.

Meanwhile, the Navy has assured that it will soon issue a press release on the issue as indicated by officials at the base.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) says the Tier Three Pension scheme is not discriminatory, rather designed to benefit all classes of informal sector workers in the country.

Mr Williams Ohene-Adjei, the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regional Manager of the NPRA who said this, therefore advised head potters, market women, truck, and wheelbarrow pushers as well as food vendors to capitalise, register and join the scheme for their future good.

He was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a sensitization forum on pensions for workers in the informal sector at Goaso, the Ahafo Regional capital.

The Bono Regional Office of the NPRA in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation organised the day’s forum to sensitize the more than 500 participants on the relevant and the need for them to join the pension scheme.

Mr Ohene-Adjei indicated the authority’s commitment to streamline the pension industry by ensuring that informal sector workers, especially
artisanal workers had the opportunity to register, contribute and benefit from pensions.

That would also guarantee future financial security for hairdressers, dressmakers, seamstresses, masons, and carpenters as well as mechanics and wielders.

Mr Ohene-Adjei stressed that the tier three pension contributors had the right and privilege to join a trustee of their choices and added that their financial contributions were always secured for the future.

He advised those yet to register and join the tier three scheme to erode their minds from the wrong perception about pension schemes, and do so, stressing ‘you will never regret in life if you join and contribute to the tier three scheme.’

Mr Samuel Baffour-Awauh, Corporate Affairs Officer at the NPRA who took the participants through the Tier Three pension scheme, said they could contribute to the scheme as low as GHC5 every month and advised them to plan their businesses well and make the contributions.

In an open forum, many of the participants who spoke ex
pressed appreciation to the Authority for the sensitization which had enlightened them.

Source: Ghana News Agency