Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Philip Addison, has called on African and Caribbean economies to work to bridge the infrastructural and economic bottlenecks that exist between the two economic areas. He has therefore called for more investment I air and Maritime to bring the two economic zones closer together to do business. The Governor held the view that investment in an African-Caribbean airline will lead to unprecedented integration between the two culturally related economic blocks. He made this call during a panel discussion on the second day of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) yesterday. Dr Addison said, “trade is largely influenced by the size of our economy. Trade is  also inversely proportional to the geographic distance between the two trading blocs. So, the biggest problem that we have with African-Caribbean trade is about the distance – major infrastructural bottlenecks.” He also noted that there were other areas of mutual cooperation in which the two blocs could derive benefits, such as incorporation if technology into the payments system. The Governor further advised African governments to implement policies that will serve as buffers against economic shocks. He said, “we all need to put into place policies that enhance our buffers against the shocks that emanate from the global environment.” It includes improving resource mobilisation locally, it includes putting into place policies that will enhance savings to finance development and growth in our regions and it also includes policies that will help develop our local domestic finance market,” he noted. All of these, Dr Addison believes, are indirectly very critical to bridging the issues of poverty and unemployment under control. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The African continent would be unable to achieve its growth objectives unless it had strong development financial institutions, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana said today in Accra as he performed the formal opening of the 30 th Annual General Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). The Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2023) is also being held to celebrate the 30 th anniversary of the establishment of the Bank, which was founded in 1993. President Akufo-Addo told participants that Africa’s financial development institutions had remained highly undercapitalised, saying those institutions needed to be properly capitalised and to have effective coordination with the African Union (AU) in order to be able to deliver effectively for the continent. Noting that a bank like the China Exim Bank had a capital of $54 billion while Afreximbank had only $6 billion, he urged African countries and Africans to contribute to Afreximbank’s general capital initiative by subscribing to their allotted shares. President Akufo-Addo commended Afreximbank for its catalytic role in Africa and urged it to strive to further improve its rating with the credit rating agencies in order to enhance its operations and be able to work consistently for Africa and the African Diaspora. He pledged to work for Afreximbank to be admitted to a special status at the AU in recognition of its role and contributions to the continent and described AAM2023 as a truly intercontinental event with the participation of several Caribbean countries that had become full members of the Bank following the signing of partnerships agreements with the institution. The President further welcomed the Bank’s support for Ghana, noting that its first transaction was with the Ghana Cocoa Board and that, beyond that, Afreximbank had provided timely support to Ghana through its Counter-Cyclical Liquidity Facility (COTRAFL) which it had put together at a time when global financial institutions were exiting Africa. “When dealing with powerful global financial financial institutions, it is important to have your own powerful financial institutions,” said the President. Earlier, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said that the Bank was delivering on the blueprint laid out by the pioneers of the OAU for Africa’s socio-economic transformation. The pioneers had set priority key goals to establish a free trade area among the various African countries; to establish a Pan-African Payments and Clearing Union; to establish a common external tariff to protect the emergent industries and set up a raw material price stabilisation fund; to develop trade among African countries by the organisation and participation in African trade fairs and exhibitions and by granting transport and transit facilities; and to progressively free national currencies from all non-technical external attachments and the establishment of a Pan-African monetary Zone, he said. “For sixty years, this well-articulated road map remained a map and gathered dust,” said President Oramah. “But thanks to the vision of African leaders who founded Afreximbank 30 years ago, one by one, they are being delivered within the framework of ‘Team Africa’, comprising the African Union and its Agencies, the AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank as the underpinning banker”. “Today, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is up and running, which will save the continent 5 billion US dollars in intra-African transfer changes. It will also expedite and enable payments for intra-African trade in African currencies,” he said. “Very soon, we will domesticate all intra-African payments and extend the same to the CARICOM, where just a few days ago, the Association of CARICOM Central Banks adopted PAPSS as their preferred payment infrastructure for a pilot project. By this singular move, we are one step closer to a full integration of African and CARICOM economies” He added that, in response to the founding fathers’ aspiration to develop trade among African States by organising and participating in African trade fairs, Afreximbank, in 2018, worked in partnership with the African Union to introduce biennial Intra-African Trade Fairs (IATF). Afreximbank pre-funded the organisation of the trade fairs, of which two had been held in Cairo and Durban, South Africa, attracting an aggregate of about 40,000 visitors and about 75 billion US dollars in deals. With the AfCFTA Secretariat joining the partnership following its establishment, the IATF, branded the AfCFTA Marketplace, had become the largest gathering of African businesses and traders, he continued. The third edition would hold in Cairo from 9 to 15 November 2023. It was also because Africa had Afreximbank that an integrated regional transit guarantee scheme for the continent had been birthed to ease the movement of goods across the 110 borders that divide Africa, said Prof. Oramah. Under the Scheme, goods could move across multiple African borders under one transit bond, significantly reducing border delays and transit costs. Prof. Oramah also noted that the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in 2018, and its entry into force a year later, fulfilled another key aspiration of the continent’s founding leaders, saying that to make that Agreement work for Africa, a financial backbone was necessary. “Afreximbank’s existence will give the AfCFTA the best chance of success”. He announced that, to deal with the considerable intra-African trade finance gap, Afreximbank disbursed over 20 billion US dollars in the five years to 2021 and projected to double those disbursements to 40 billion US dollars in the five years to 2026. Prof. Oramah added that it was Afreximbank: that arranged the 2.9 billion US dollar bundle of credit and guarantees that made it possible for Egyptian contractors to begin executing the largest intra-African construction contract for a dam in Tanzania; that supported, phosphate fertiliser imports from Morocco to Nigeria and Ethiopia with hundreds of millions of US dollars; and that enabled Vista Bank, Burkina Faso, to complete the acquisition of some BNP subsidiaries in West Africa. Afreximbank and the AfCFTA Secretariat had also established the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund to, among others, compensate eligible countries for tariff revenue losses arising from the new trade regime while also supporting the private sector to adjust in an orderly manner to the new arrangement under the AfCFTA, he continued. Prof. Oramah added that Afreximbank was working with the African Regional Standards Organization to harmonise trade standards across Africa and had used Afreximbank mobilised grant funding to harmonise over 155 standards covering priority areas of automobile, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. The Bank was working with Bureau Veritas of France to build testing, inspection, and certification centres across Africa under the branded Africa Quality Assurance Centres, he said. The first project had been completed in West Africa and others were underway in North and East Africa. In his speech, Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Chairman of CARICOM, noted that the countries of Africa and the Caribbean shared similar challenges but had not been maximising the hands dealt them by geography. Prime Minister Davis expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended to the Caribbean delegation to AAM2023, noting that many people in the Caribbean traced their ancestral ties to Ghana and Africa. He added that the new linkages between Afreximbank and the Caribbean represented a strong testament to the shared goal of pan-African prosperity. He highlighted the risks posed to Caribbean states by climate change and said that those countries were on the frontlines of the of the threat of climate change. Speaking on behalf of Azali Assoumni, President of Comoros and Chairman of the African Union, Assoumany Aboudou Salam, Special Adviser to the President and former Minister of Finance of Comoros, said that it was time to think about relaunching of Africa’s economies. He said that Africa needed strong visionary leaders that were committed to working for the welfare of all Africans, adding that there should be an emphasis in investing in technology in order to stimulate economic development and job creation for the continent’s youth. Albert Muchanga, the AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining, speaking on behalf of Musa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, congratulated Afreximbank on its 30 th anniversary and said that the AU was a great friend and supporter of all African financial institutions. He commended Afreximbank for its role in pioneering a relationship with the Caribbean countries and said that Africa would still have to go deeper in its integration with the Caribbean. Earlier, Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance of Ghana, had welcomed participants to AAM2023 and noted that in its 30 years, Afreximbank had made significant contributions in building prosperity for all Africans. He commended the Bank and its President for the decisive role it had played in supporting African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, including making available $7 billion to help address COVID-19 related challenges and setting up the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust. The opening ceremony also featured a poem delivery by South African artiste Lebo Mashile, an enactment of the life of famed Mali Empire ruler Mansa Musa, and a hologram featuring the words of Kwame Nkrumah. AAM2023, which ends on 21 June, is being attended by political and business leaders, bankers and other trade and trade finance practitioners from across Africa and beyond, including leaders of several member countries of the Caribbean Community. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has revealed that Afreximbank guaranteed the procurement of 400 million doses of Johnson and Johnson COVID19 vaccines. According to him, the move provided access to 30% of Africa’s population and some Caribbean countries. Speaking at the 30th Anniversary Celebration and 30th Annual Meetings of shareholders of Afreximbank held in Accra on Monday, he said "Additionally, in a landmark transaction, with Strive Masiyiwa, of US$2 billion financing deal in 2021, Afreximbank guaranteed the procurement of 400 million doses of Johnson and Johnson COVID19 vaccines that provided access to 30% of Africa’s population and some Caribbean countries. He added that the leadership Prof. Oramah, Afrexim Bank disbursed over US$7 billion to assist African economies in addressing the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. "Our aspirations must be to build on a deeper sense of shared responsibility and ensure our institutions are supported enough to crowd in trillions of dollars worth of financing into Africa" "Indeed, with a mandate that combines social, economic, financial, and environmental goals, under the guidance of President Oramah, can contribute an incredible amount of work toward our collective goal of achieving a prosperous Africa within the next 30 years of the Bank’s existence" The Finance Minister also revealed that in 1961, Korea’s GDP was US$82 per capita and 60 years later in 2022 it was about US$33,400. We have 30 years to achieve this for our 1.4 billion people. "In essence, our ambition must be to ensure we position the Bank as a bridge extending forward so that our people can walk across to a place where they have a better sense of agency about the course of their lives" "Ladies and Gentlemen, as we contemplate the effects of the recent “poly-crises” and deliberate on the future of our EXIM bank, it is increasingly clear that now is the moment of fierce urgency to deliver on our Bank’s vision of building prosperity and improving the fortunes of 1.4 billion lives on our Continent- a continent that by 2050 would have a quarter of the world’s population, and about 850 million youth" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof. Benedict O. Oramah has urged Africans to fight against the weakening of its multilateral institutions. He made these remarks while speaking at the 30th Anniversary Celebration and 30th Annual Meetings of shareholders of Afreximbank held in Accra on Monday. Prof. Oramah said "Before I close, permit me to remind us that although we celebrate 30 years today, the journey to the next 30 years will require that we win the battle against those who are doing everything to weaken African multilateral institutions" "We may say no to them and ensure we do not willing tools in destroying what Africa’s pioneer leaders toiled to build" "Your Excellencies, a celebration of 30 years would not have been possible without the enduring foundation laid by many. Permit me, therefore, to pay special tribute to the shareholders, our Board and the pioneer President, Mr Christopher Edordu, and his successor Mr Jean Louis Ekra. Thank you all for making this possible" Prof. Oramah also paid tribute late Dr Babacar Ndiaye for his vision, courage and hardwork of the architect of Afreximbank project, the late Dr Babacar Ndiaye. "It is a day like this that we must remember the vision, courage and hardwork of the architect of Afreximbank project, the late Dr Babacar Ndiaye. May his soul rest in peace" Prof. Oramah hinted that as Africa prepares to face the new world of opportunities, challenges, and threats over the next 30 years, it has to do so on a stronger footing of over 60 participating States whose aspirations are its responsibilities. "We do so as a stronger institution that looks forward to another 30 years with enthusiasm. The Bank has remained financially strong. In the past 30 years, it has disbursed over 100 billion US dollars. Every African must be proud that a seed sown 30 years ago with less than 150 million US dollars in total assets and almost an equal amount of equity has blossomed into an institution with about 32 billion US dollars in total assets and guarantees and about 6 billion US dollars in Shareholders’ funds" "An institution that posted just about 12 million US dollars in total revenues in 1995 returned over 1.5 billion in revenues in 2022. These results are indicative of opportunities in Africa; they prove without doubt that development work can be done profitably. Again, they validate the assumptions of the founding fathers of the Bank 30 years ago" Explaining further, Prof. Oramah noted that it took the Bank 30 years to reach 30 billion in total assets and guarantee. "I look ahead with confidence and declare that the Bank will double its size to 60 billion in less than 6 years. I make this projection with faith in your trust and confidence, and also because we commence the journey into the next 30 years on a platform of a "mother" that has birthed many off-springs, offering services from project preparation to market access services, operating in our new larger continent of Afri-Caribbean" "Today, Your Excellencies, Honourable Prime Ministers, we formally unveil the Afreximbank Group, providing the platform for the emergence of a Trade and Project Finance Supermarket the founders of the Bank aspired for" Prof. Oramah cited fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), an impact equity fund created to provide long term funding for export manufacturing, intra-Africa trade and value-added services; AfrexInsure, Afreximbank's insurance management subsidiary and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a payment infrastructure provider that promotes cross-border payments for goods and services in Africa's 42 currencies as part of Afreximbank’s subsidiaries and special initiatives. "The Afreximbank's Customer Due Diligence Repository Platform, also called the MANSA Initiative, that is dealing with the challenges of compliance. Afreximbank's Project Preparation Fund (PPF) to deal with the funding constraints to the preparation of bankable strategic development projects. The Africa Credit Opportunity Fund (ACOF), a credit fund that supports trade growth in Africa through investing in credit instruments" "African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) to provide world-class healthcare services across the continent, African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) to ensure that “made in Africa” goods meet the required health and safety standards in global markets" He extended his utmost gratitude President Akufo-Addo, government and the people of Ghana for the warm hospitality and strong partnership with the Bank. The 30th Anniversary Celebration and 30th Annual Meetings of shareholders of Afreximbank brought together some Heads of State, Prime Ministers, their representatives, former Presidents, and Vice Presidents. Others include; Commissioners of the African Union Commission, the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, the CEO of AU NEPAD, the Executive Director of the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as leaders of African and international policy institutions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has reiterated government's commitment to restoring Ghana's economic fortunes within the shortest possible time. According to the Finance Minister, it will do so through a combination of front-loaded fiscal adjustment and structural reforms while creating the conditions for private sector-led growth. Addressing Journalists on Sunday in Accra, he said "W are certainly at the beginning of a promising journey towards not just recovery, but also resetting our economy. As a number of you have said to me- we have turned the corner" "Government is committed to restoring Ghana's economic fortunes within the shortest possible time through a combination of front-loaded fiscal adjustment and structural reforms while creating the conditions for private sector-led growth" "Going forward, we will continue to count on the support of all Ghanaians, including the general public, to achieve the objectives set out in the IMF-backed PC-PEG" "We engaged the IMF Technical Mission last week (8th to 15th June, 2023) to discuss recent economic developments and the implementation of the IMF-supported PC-PEG." "In this regard, we undertook a joint assessment of Ghana’s preparedness for the 1st Review of the Programme scheduled for September, 2023" He hinted that it will pave the way for the IMF Board to consider and approve the 1st Review and the disbursement of the second tranche of US$ 600 million in November, 2023. "As the IMF attested to in their Press Release on 15th June, 2023, “Against a complex global economic backdrop, the Ghanaian economy is showing signs of stabilisation, with softening inflation, an increase in international reserves, and less volatile exchange rate” As a people, we must continue to be inspired by the momentum that propelled us to secure support in near-record time to implement the PC-PEG. We have a history of accomplishments in these situations. In 2017, we re-negotiated a derailed IMF programme, imposed stringent conditions on ourselves and collectively achieved them ahead of schedule." "From a macro-fiscal standpoint, the results were remarkable. Between the period 2017- 2019,  the  Economic growth double; with an average of 7% annually, Inflation coming down to single digits (7.9% in 2019 from 15.4% in 2016), he fiscal deficit, which was about 6.5% was brought down to 5%; and echange rate depreciation reduced significantly to under 5% in 2017, averaging 8.7% between 2017 and 2019" The Finanace Minister hinted that alongside these achievements, Ghana made significant investments in education, health, infrastructure and revitalized the financial sector to promote private sector entrepreneurship. "We re-emerged as a bright Star on the regional and global stage, prior to the Pandemic" "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are being called upon to do this again and surpass this stellar performance. We must push past these ‘dark clouds’ that suddenly gathered and reclaim our manifest destiny" "We must resolve and resort to our collective inner strength and overcome this new challenge for our country" "We must do this, inspired by assurance that the Good Book provides in Joel 2:25, that, I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten" ""We shall surely be restored, if we persist on this path to recovery and transformation. The Lord has Rescued us, we will Recover all, he will Restore what the locusts have destroyed, and Ghana shall experience His Revival"

President Akufo-Addo has charged Management of Afreximbank to work towards the development and implementation of an aggressive strategy to upgrade the Bank’s credit rating from BBB to A. According to President Akufo-Addo, this can be achieved through the strengthening of the governance and management structures as well as personnel. He tasked others countries who are well to do go beyond their allocated shares to contribute more towards the capitalization of the Bank. Speaking at the 30th Annual Afrimbank Annual Conference in Accra, he said "I wish to call on all African countries to contribute towards improving the capitalization of the Africa Export-Import Bank" President Akufo-Addo encouraged his colleague heads of states to consider whether the current $6 billion capital of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) was sufficient to catalyze the creation of a market on a continent whose combined market GDP is around $3.4 trillion. "The development financing institutions on the continent remain highly undercapitalized, especially when compared to similar organizations in other jurisdictions, such as the Japan Bank for International Cooperation which has about $19 billion in share capital, and the Export-Import Bank of China which has market capital worth about $54 billion" "If African countries are able to gain control over monies got from the extractive sector and plug the leakages from the extractive sector, the continent would be better placed to finance the Afreximbank." "If we are able to gain greater control over the huge earnings that emanate from our extractive sector and plug the hole that permit significant outflows of illicit funds from the continent, we will be in a better position to assemble the monies necessary to strengthen the capital of Afreximbank.” President Akufo-Addo believes that the improvement in the levels of engagement of Africa’s developing financial institutions hinges on better coordination and enhanced accountability. "The importance of strengthening coordination with these institutions to ensure that they are working consistently for Africa and the African Diaspora and supporting the development agenda" "I want to encourage the AU Commission to expedite the process of admitting the Afrximbank as a specialized agency of the AU, noting that the Bank will paly a very important role in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Award winning actress, Yvonne Nelson has revealed that she aborted a pregnancy for Sarkodie in 2010 after a short relationship. According to her, she took the decision following Sarkodie’s decision not to take responsibility of the child. Narrating the incident on pages 88-95 of Chapter eight of her new book, “I am not Yvonne Nelson” launched at Peduase Lodge yesterday, June 19, Yvonne said Sarkodie and his manager at the time accompanied her to a clinic at Mamprobi to get the foetus removed. That was after a failed attempt with pills recommended by a friend. In the book, she stated that she went to meet Sarkodie at Tema, who was still living with his mother. “I sensed the intensity of his emotions when I broke the news to him. I could hear his heart pounding, and when he finally found his voice, he faltered. His message was, however, unambiguous. He didn’t want the pregnancy. That would damage him and his career. The only option was to get rid of it. “Sarkodie was a budding musician with the potential to become one of the biggest artists in Ghana and beyond. At the time, however, the future looked uncertain, and his way through the maze of life still appeared too foggy to predict. Success was not guaranteed. He was still living with his mother and was not ready to carry a burden while he was being carried by his mother" “I wouldn’t call what had developed between us a serious relationship. I gravitated toward people in the music industry. For the longest time in my life, music was my getaway from all the unpleasant things life threw at me. So, I liked his talent. We started talking and got close. “The first thing that hit me when he said no to keeping the pregnancy was my own life. I had grown up without a father in my life. I had often been reminded of how I had been borne by mistake. “I was still wondering if the man whose name I bore was my father. How was I going to bring another being into this world to live like me, someone whose father would reject him or her as Mr Nelson had rejected me? “ If there was a way to spare someone else the trauma I was contending with, why would I reject the option, especially when I was psychologically and emotionally prepared to be a mother?” part of the Chapter reads. “I am not Yvonne Nelson”  is an autobiography about Yvonne Nelson where the actress, who is the CEO of YN productions talks about her challenges growing up and how they have shaped her. The launch was graced by players in the creative industry including John Dumelo, Adjetey Anang, Sammy Forson and singer, Becca. Credit: Graphic online

Some scores of NDC faithful in the Assin North Constituency have expressed disappointment in NPP and Chairman Wontumi over attempts to play politics with the death of its branch women's organiser. According to the NDC supporters, Chairman Wontumi paid a visit to the bereaved family of the NDC branch women's organiser and promised to support them with Fifty (50) bags of cement, GHc5000 among other building materials. In a video sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Chairman Wontumi said "I am here alongside, Charles Opoku and we are pledging 50 bags of cement, roofing sheets and GHc5000 among others to the bereaved family. It will be recalled that the late branch women's organiser lost her life after a pick-up ran over some NDC supporters who were embarking on a walk. It is emerging that the move by Chairman Wontumi and Charles Opoku are capitalising on the situation to win votes of the NDC family for the NPP. The deceased was said to be putting up a building until she met her untimely death. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, His Excellency, Hailemariam Desalegn has described issues of security in the African Continent as worsening. According to him, the trend is not only worsening but also a worry to the African continent. Speaking at the 30th Afreximbank Annual Meeting held in Accra, he said "The general landscape of the security in Africa is worsening rather than improving" He cited terrorism, violence extremism as well as radicalisation as a growing trend in Africa. He also noted Burkina Faso, Benin among others could be impacted by terrorist actions. "It is an increasing visibility everywhere. Even in the whole of Africa, Al-shabab is stilling increasing its impact" He stressed that security in Africa still needs more attention. His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn further noted that climate change in some parts of Africa tends to affect farmers. "Demographic issues are also playing part. Africa is a young continent and the growth of young population is exponential happening" "If we do not address this issue of demography properly, then I think that will also create some problems as well as riots" "The manifestation of the root problems which have not been addressed" He noted governance deficit as one of the biggest root problems which has not been addressed. "In 2063, we want to see a peaceful and prosperous Africa" "Africa should not always be seen as the junior partner in the global settings. Africa has to play its role at the global stage as well" He charged African leaders to focus on itself ensure it achieves the Agenda 2063. "We need to focus internally and solve our issues. Africa is rich with resources and we don't need to beg for financial assistance" On his part, Senior Lecturer, Ghana Armed Forces Command snd Staff College, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Major General Dr. Emmanuel Kotia said "The issue of security is very important. Without security, no country can develop. When you don't develop, there is no way any country will provide for the living conditions of the people" He noted that security, development and the living conditions of the people are not only interrelated but has an effect on the citizenry. "The problem with Africa is that we look at issues that have struck us without envisaging on what is coming next and what is affecting other countries" He charged African countries not to stand aloof and allow terrorism to take over the continent. He added that some deprived communities in African countries must be looked at, stressing that terrorists use most of their recruits to cause problems. "Most countries in Africa do not have National Security strategies and with those who even have, they cannot implement it to the latter. We do not have peace councils" He praised Ghana for developing a national security strategy. "If we envisage and look at that aspect, there are mechanism which we step up and deal with terrorism." He charged after to come together and fight against terrorism. H.E Hailemariam Desalegn and Major General Dr. Emmanuel Kotia shared their views on the topics; building prosperity for Africans; the challenges of Peace and Security. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Executive Director, Afica Education Watch, Kofi Asare has revealed that the right to free compulsory universal basic education is under threat in Ghana. According to Mr. Asare, there are about one million children in between four and eighteen who are supposed to be in school but are not. In an interview monitored by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "Government is not investing adequately in basic schools and so access to opportunities continue to narrow by the day" He added that over the past 4 to 5 years, government expenditure towards basic education keeps declining. "8 years ago, about 30% of the pre-tertiary discretionary budget was going to basic education and secondary education was getting 70%" "Today, basic education is struggling to get 10% of the pre-tertiary discretionary budget simply because of an extravagant free senior high school programme" He stressed that it was important for government to note that the country cannot prioritize secondary education and neglect basic education. "If we fail to build basic schools, our children cannot enrol in schools, complete and come and enjoy free education" He reminded government that the continuous decline in investment in basic education and the over emphasis and overspending of secondary education is affecting Ghana's ability to guarantee free basic education as a right. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

NDC's Parliamentary Candidate for the Assin North Constituency, James Gyakye Quayson has taken a swipe at the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the criminal charges levelled against him. According to him, the state is playing gimmicks in court. In an interview monitored by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "Maybe, I may be blind or moght not understand the system or not in tune" "So are you telling me that all of my supporters don't understand what is going on?" "You don't follow somebody who is going down the drain." "Even if they want to give me a bedroom in the court, Assin North will still vote for me" "If they want to see me in court every hour, which means, I can’t leave, they should give me a chamber to sleep there" The Parliamentary Candidate hinted that he was going stand tall and fight for his people. Background It will be recalled that Mr. Quayson was kicked out from parliament after the Supreme Court of Ghana. The Supreme Court ruled that he was ineligible to contest in the 2020 parliamentary election because he failed to renounce his Canadian citizenship in time. The State, on February 12, 2022, charged James Gyakye Quayson with five counts; deceit of a public officer, forgery of a passport, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says his humbling life experience has taught him not to take things for granted in life. Addressing thousands of NPP members who stormed the headquarters of the NPP to support him for the filing and submission of nomination forms to contest the NPP flagbearership on Friday, Dr. Bawumia spoke of his life experiences as a child growing up in Sakasaka in Tamale, through to his academic and professional journey abroad and how these experiences have helped him to respect and care for people. "My life experience tells me never to take anything for granted and always to have respect for people no matter their stature in life ; no matter how big or how small they are," Dr. Bawumia said. "The cleaner or driver you meet today can be a Vice President or President tomorrow. I care about the poor, I care about the vulnerable and the excluded. I care about the Lepers, I care about the sick, the sickle cell sufferers and cancer patients, I care about the disabled, I care about the Kayayei, I care about street children, and I care about the unemployed amongst others. This is the true essence of life; to address the problems of the weakest among us and to help them lift themselves up." Highlighting what will be his own vision as President, Dr. Bawumia also spoke about his belief in the virtues of honesty and hardwork and how he has been honest and worked hard to assist President Akufo-Addo towards achieving his vision for Ghana. "I am not afraid of hard work. In fact, I enjoy hard work," said the Vice President. "My experience in life tells me that honesty and hard work pays. I worked hard for H.E. President Kufuor as Deputy Governor at the Bank of Ghana and I have worked hard as Vice President in assisting the President, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, achieve his vision." "Together, we started the process of transforming Ghana into a country ready for the fourth Industrial Revolution. I brought honesty, hard work, dedication and discipline to my role as Vice President." He continued: "I also have my own vision for Ghana. I believe that it is time to move Ghana to the next level by building on the foundations we have put in place so far." Dr. Bawumia then shared a summary of his vision for Ghana and promised to elaborate on the vision in his Manifesto for the 2024 elections; indicating his confidence to emerge flagbearer of the NPP. The Vice President also shared with the ecstatic audience many other policies he intends to implement when elected President of Ghana. "Together with you, I want to see a Ghana where we leverage technology, data and systems for inclusive economic growth. I want to make Ghana the digital hub of Africa. I want us to bridge the digital divide and apply digital technology and artificial intelligence for the transformation of healthcare, education, and public service delivery amongst others." "Together with you, I want to see a Ghana where we cater and care for the the poor, vulnerable, excluded and sick people", he stated. Credit: Peacefmonline.com