The Minister of Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has warned that the approval of Ghana’s request for bailout by the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will not offer a magic solution to the current economic crisis. “Ghana’s IMF Board approval is far from a magic solution,” Mr Ofori-Atta stressed. “What it is, however, is that it is a crucial first step on the necessary journey of strong reforms, inclusive growth and relentless pursuit of a growth agenda geared towards restoring our economy to a place of strength, prosperity and resilience.” The Finance Minister was speaking at a joint press conference held by the Fund in the wake of the Executive Board’s approval of the $3 billion support. The approval was secured on Wednesday, May 17 with the first tranche of $600 million expected to be received within a week. The second tranche of $360 is expected in by November or December, a government official hinted. Ofori-Atta sworn in as Finance Minister a day after approval Mr Ofori-Atta expressed gratitude to Ghana’s bilateral partners for ensuring that the West African country got approval from the Executive Board. Right after Wednesday’s approval, Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva congratulated President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. “Congratulations to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his team on the $3 billion IMF-supported program approved by our Executive Board,” she tweeted. “We stand with Ghana as it implements reforms to address the current economic and financial crisis and help build a better future for all Ghanaians,” she assured. Credit: 3news.com

The Bui Power Authority has been adjudged Energy Company of the Year at the Ghana-West African Business Excellence Awards 2023. The 2023 Awards honored outstanding achievements by organizations and individuals in Ghana and the West African economic region. The Ghana-West African Business Excellence Awards provides a platform for recognizing individuals and companies that foster an investor-friendly environment. It also looks providing a platform for companies and individuals who are significantly contributing to the development of various sectors in Ghana and West Africa in general. The event was held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra. The awards night was sponsored by the West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Strategic Accountancy Africa. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that an officer with the Ghana Immigration Service has saved the lives of two Police Officers from near death attack at Sefwi-Wiawso. According to sources, on Saturday, 13th May 2023 at about 0900hrs, AICO II Nurudeen Abul-Ganiew Takra, stationed at the Western North Immigration Regional office rescued two Police officers in uniform who were under attack from unknown young man at the Anglican Church Park in Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region. It is emerging that AICO II Nurudeen reported to the office that he was returning home from town when noticed some commotion around the Anglican Church Park near the Wiawso District Police Stations. He became curious and approached the scene and saw a police officer in the rank of Inspector laying unconscious on the ground and a corporal under attack with AK 47 rifle on the ground. He noted that before he could get closer the attacker clubbed the corporal on the head and he also fell unconscious. With both officers on the ground and onlookers scared to get closer, the attacker was embolden to attempt to pick the rifle to cause more havoc but Nurudeen was quicker to pick the AK 47. The attacker advanced violently towards Nurudeen with a pestle. Sensing danger, he fired a warning shot but the attacker did not retreat and kept advancing and actually attempted to hit him with the pestle. With extreme caution, because the crowd was building up, he shot the attacker’s right thigh to immobilize him. The noise and commotion attracted a number of people including Police Officers to the scene who assisted to arrest the attacker. The items retrieved from him include a sharp knife, locally made catapult, and a pestle which he used to attack his victims. It was later gathered, that the two Police officers whose names are not yet known were detailed to respond to a distress call from worshippers from the Anglican Church. It was reported that an unknown person entered the church and attacked the worshippers inflicting knife wounds to two members. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

Lead campaigner for the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, Samuel Nartey George, says his advocacy has come at a huge cost to him even before the bill is passed into law or otherwise. The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram is sponsoring the Private Members’ Bill with seven other MPs. Speaking on Eko Sii Sen on Asempa FM on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the vociferous legislator who has been re-elected to represent the opposition National Democratic Congress in the 2024 election in his constituency, claimed that he has been unfairly put on a money laundering list because of his advocacy. According to him, the situation has made it difficult for him to engage in financial transactions whenever he travels outside the country. Even though he was given a reason for the blacklisting, the MP considers it as merely a cover-up, insisting that the blacklisting and some other experiences he’s gone through in some countries are clearly as a result of his anti-LGBTQ campaign. “I went to do a programme in LSE [London School of Economics] for example, and I needed a student account. The University gave me a letter, but the bank refused to open an account for me. As we speak, I can’t change even one dollar anywhere in the world. They’ve put me on a money laundering list. They claim I am laundering money for evangelical conservatives in the US" “I can’t change money anywhere, I have done some travels in the UK and Dubai. You know over there, when you want to exchange the money they’ll swipe your passport, so once they do that the countenance of the cashier changes when my name appears, then they hand the passport back to you and say we can’t change the money for you, sorry" When the host, Philip Osei Bonsu [A.k.a OB] asked him how he carries out financial transactions when he travels out of the country, the MP said, “You have to find the currency of the country you are travelling to, or you have to find a Ghanaian and beg him or her to change the money for you or you use your bank card. I can’t travel with money” the MP reiterated. The MP also spoke about how he’s been unfairly handled when he travels outside despite being a diplomatic passport holder since the LGBTQ advocacy started. “Even when I travel with my diplomatic passport, you get pulled out of the line, you think that maybe they want to give you a special service because you’re carrying a diplomatic passport, they put you in a room for two hours; they just leave you sitting there and embarrass you…because you’ve gotten off a plane with Ghanaians and people see security people come and surround you and walk you into a room, search your bags and all of that just to harass you” he claimed. Sam George, who spoke painfully about the sacrifices, losses and experiences he and his colleagues have endured for pursuing the bill, said “I will write a book after, and I will chronicle everything especially when we are done. And it’s not just me. I can make reference to some because they are already published. Suhuyini [NDC MP for Tamale North] was rejected for a visa to Holland and the reason for rejection was that he lacked social ties to Ghana" “A sitting Member of Parliament lacks social ties? On that particular matter, I had to tweet at the Dutch Ambassador and tell him that I was also going to make a list of all Dutch businesses in Ghana and call for a boycott of all Dutch businesses. Then he came back and made for me what was the silliest excuse ever. That it was an administrative error" “Then I sent back a tweet to him and said that even shows how poor he is at being an ambassador. If an application of a diplomatic passport holder coming from the office of the Speaker of Parliament for an official trip can be subject to an administrative error, what is happening to several other ordinary Ghanaians who are paying so much and you’re rejecting their visas? Are we to assume that there’s so much administrative error there? The next day they granted him [Alhassan Suhuyini] the visa” the MP narrated. Despite these issues, the MP says he’s not perturbed in seeing the bill passed into law. “They don’t know me well. Those things give me the hunger to pass this bill. It is those things that spur me on because the more you try to break me, the harder I will come at you. Like we say in our faith, I have put my hands on the plough, there’s no turning back. I have crossed the Rubicon, I have bent that bridge, and I can’t go back”, he stated emphatically" About the Bill The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, will see culprits face a jail term of up to ten years depending on the crime, if passed in its current state. Portions of the Bill state that individuals of the same sex who engage in sexual intercourse are; “liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than seven hundred and fifty penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than five years or both.” The Bill further suggests that persons who engage in activities that “promote, support, express sympathy for or call for a change of public opinion towards an act prohibited under the Bill,” are liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than five years or not more than ten years. The other Members of Parliament sponsoring the bill alongside Sam George, are Emmanuel Bedzrah (MP, Ho West) Della Adjoa Sowah (MP, Kpando), John Ntim Fordjour (MP, Assin South), Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (MP, Tamale North), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP, Krachi West), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP, La Dadekotopon) and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP, South Dayi). Sam George, in defense of the bill, has stated repeatedly that homosexuality is not a fundamental human right but a human preference which is in breach of the 1992 Constitution. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has assured Ghanaians that with the advent of the Jospong Group Rice Project, the importation of rice into the country will be minimised if not stop completely. "Where we (JGC) see a problem we confront it and solve it and this project that we have begun walahi talahi the rice importation must end," he vowed. Dr. Agyepong was speaking at a two-day Ghana Food Security Conference under the theme "Enhancing Food Security: The role of Ghanaian Scientists" in Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region. He encouraged the stakeholders particularly rice farmers and scientists not to despair because there are no adequate policies to support the initiative but rather be hopeful that when "fruits begin to yeild", policies will change to favour them. "Whether policy is supporting or not, never be discouraged, let us do our part and when we begin to yield fruits, policies will change to favour us," he assured. Quoting former president Barack Obama, he further challenged the government to choose hope over the fear that if it bans the importation of rice, Ghanaians will go hungry but rather be hopeful that the Ghanaian farmer will be challenged and empowered to produce quality rice for the country. The CEO of the Asian African Consortium (AAC), Mrs. Adelaide Siaw Agyepong who is leading the Jospong Group Rice Project noted that science, research and development have traditionally been the drivers of innovation and productivity and are central to everything done in the world. According to her, if immediate measures to enhance food production are not undertaken, the cost of Africa's yearly food import might rise from $50 billion to US$110 billion by 2030. "When there is a food crisis, the poor suffer the most since they are unable to obtain food due to price hikes" she noted . She said this motivated the Jospong Group of Companies and the AAC in partnership with the CSIR to "perceive" the need to bridge Ghana's food security gaps. On his part, the Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Prof. Paul Bosu, was hopeful that the two day conference will chart a course towards realizing Ghana's goal of achieving food security and become self-sufficient in rice production. "We in Ghana have all that we need to become food secured," he stressed. He reiterated that the CSIR and the AAC recently signed an MoU to work together towards the vision of helping Ghana to become food secured. "We need to support government to achieve its objective of feeding the Ghanaian population and earn more foreign exchange, " he charged the stakeholders. The General Secretary of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Labi, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost noted that, this initiative has come at the right time to help Ghana achieve the Sustainable Development Goal two: “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”. He noted that the conference theme, "Enhancing Food Security: The Role of Ghanaian Scientists" is crucial in Ghana's development discourse, especially at a time when the economy is distressed. "While we await IMF assistance, it is critical that steps be taken locally to strengthen our country's economic issues," he noted. The Church commend the CSIR, whose key mandate is to drive national development and global competitiveness in industry through scientific and technological research, for partnering with Jospong Group. He noted that the conference is rightly in sync with the 5-year vision of the Church of Pentecost, which has the theme "Possessing the Nations". "The overarching goal is to equip members who will possess their nations by transforming every worldview, thought, and behaviour with the values, principles, and lifestyles of the Kingdom of God, thereby turning many to Christ'" he mentioned. The conference aimed at establishing an Inter-Institutional Technical Teams with clear roles and responsibilities to drive the production of selected commodities (i.e Rice, Jute, Maize, Soya Beans, Tomato, Onion, etc), and establish timelines for deliverables. He added that it will conduct a thorough analysis of the key areas of operations for each commodity including breeding, good agronomic practices, mechanization, innovation etc and develop action plans to address any identified gaps. The conference brought together Many partners from universities, experienced civil servants from all persuasions and agencies and other partners from Nigeria and Thailand. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Finance says regular interactions and briefings with the media on Ghana's progress of IMF programme are essential in fostering a transparent, and accountable government as well as governance. These remarks were made by the Ministry of Finance during an interaction with some selected Journalists at a technical briefing on Ghana's IMF Programme in Accra. Addressing Journalists, Chief Director, Ministry of Finance, Eva Esselba Mends said "In light of this, the Ministry of Finance is committed to enhancing our engagement with the media" "We believe that regular interactions and briefings such as this are essential in fostering a transparent and accountable government" She added that her Ministry through the interactions with the media will help the public updated on Ghana's progress. "Your feedback and insights are invaluable to us, and we hope that trough these engagements, we can create and sustain an environment of open exchange of ideas" She revealed that the Ministry of Finance has fully aligned with the Ministry of Information's #Verifyfirst campaign, recognizing the potential harm that false information can cause to the public and the overall development of the nation. "By providing you with accurate and verified information, we aim to ensure that Ghanaians have access to reliable sources of news and updates" "Today, we are commencing the first in the series of updates to Ghanaians on our US$3 billion Extended Credit Facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)" "We expect to sustain this partnership with the Ghanaian people and you as you prove timely and accurate information on this new path toward economic stability and building a resilient economy" "Our engagement with you today, is being led by our able Hon. Minister of State and is support by a Team of Technical officers from the Ministry" "We acknowledge that the media is vital to effective economic governance in our society, acting as a bridge between the government and the people. It is through your efforts that the citizens of Ghana stay informed, make informed decisions and actively participate in the development of our nation" "We understand the power of transparency and believe that by working together, we can achieve our shared goals of economic growth, financial stability, and improved living standards for all Ghanaians" Madam Mends is an alumnus of University of Ghana, Legon, where she studied Political Science with Economics. She is a PFM expert and has extensive experience in Economic and Public Policy Formulation and Analysis, Budget Management, Aid Management, Fiscal Decentralization and Social Protection. She joined the Ministry of Finance, Ghana, as a National Service Person in 1991 and in the past 28 years has risen through the ranks from Assistant Economic Officer to Chief Economic Officer. As Head of the Americas Desk, she led the Technical team for the qualification of Ghana for the First Millennium Challenge Account. She was also part of the Technical team that developed and managed the Multi –Donor budget support programme. Madam Mends is currently the Chief Director for the Ministry of Finance. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL) has organised a 3-day training conference for it's District Officers across the country aimed at equipping all operational staff with modern trends of work and to help improve on their capacity towards the growth of the Office. Opening the 3-day training conference on Tuesday, 16th May, 2023, the Administrator of OASL, Mrs. Maame Ama Edumadze-Acquah revealed that the conference is also meant to bring all District Officers together, for knowledge sharing which will enhance collaboration, as well as help find better ways of working for the collective growth of the Office. The Administrator opined that as intermediaries between the Regions and other staff, Management deems the Conference an opportunity to interact with the operational staff, to afford them the opportunity to table their needs and grievances. Management she said in turn will find practical solutions to these grievances. "This we believe will create an open and conducive environment for us all to work". Highlighting some of the points for discussion at the conference, the Administrator mentioned, the OASL Operational and Communication Policy, the OASL Act and its Legislative Instrument, Modern Trends in Audit, Basic Accounting Techniques, Effective Revenue Mobilisation among others as topics thoughtfully selected to ensure that all participants are well-equipped to improve work output at their various stations as well as share the knowledge with colleagues. Another area of discussion Madam Maame Ama touched on was the OASL Rev App which was launched in October last year. She noted that times are changing and so is the OASL. "Management is doing its best to equip all Offices with the necessary equipment for the process and we count on your support to make this programme a success" She assured the officers that the resource persons selected for the 3-day conference have been carefully sourced both internally and externally to ensure that the best is achieved adding that the sessions will also be interactive to ensure that all appreciate what is taught. She hammered home that in recent times, trainings are not done for the sake of it but also for appraisal purposes. Explaining that the Office of the Head of Civil Service wants to ensure that all trainings have impact on staff work output. Thus, during promotional interviews, practical questions on trainings are asked and interviewees are expected to express how they have applied the knowledge. On behalf of Management, she appreciated the hard work of all who have endeared themselves to the task like the Nkawkaw, Donkorkrom, Kodie, Sunyani West, Axim, Kenyasi among others while she urged them to keep up the good work as she promised that Management will continue to give the necessary support as and when needed. She admonished the officers to remember the purpose of the training even as they learn as she believes, it will go a long to make these Officers better ambassadors of the OASL. "We look forward to seeing the impact of what we have learnt in our work" she added. Story by: Nadia Aidoo

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has launched the 2023 edition of the Green Ghana Day in Kumasi, which has been slated for 9th June 2023, with a call on all Ghanaians and residents in the country to come out in their numbers and support the national tree planting exercise. He said the Green Ghana Day presents an opportunity to show patriotism, exhibit our commitment to the protection of our forest resources, and to demonstrate our resolve to leave our children with a richer and greener Ghana. The Asantehene lauded Government for initiating the Green Ghana Project. He underscored the importance of trees to environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and the survival of the planet. He said it was because these benefits that he committed to plant some 2.5 million trees towards the protection of Lake Bosomtwe, in the Ashanti Region. The Green Ghana Day was first launched by Government in 2021, under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, as part of an aggressive afforestation and reforestation agenda, to restore the lost forest cover of the country. The maiden edition targeted to plant five million (5,000,000) trees, but over seven million (7,000,000) trees were planted. Last year, over twenty-six million (26,000,000) trees were planted, exceeding the target of twenty million (20,000,000). The Asantehene bemoaned the wanton destruction of forests due to illegal mining and illegal logging. He said chief and members of the local communities cannot feign ignorance about those involved in this destruction. He promised to drive around the Ashanti Region and call all chiefs whose lands have been degraded to come and answer. “Government cannot do it alone. We must all get involved and support Government to come to grips with these matters,” Otumfuo said. On his part, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, said over years, there has not been any concerted effort to restore our lost forest cover. He said between 2010 and 2015 alone, the country lost one hundred and sixty thousand, two hundred and ten hectares (160,210 ha) of forest. But between 1963 and 2016, only one hundred and fifty-seven thousand, three hundred hectares (157,300 ha) of forest was cultivated. The Minister said even though Government has, since 2017, been taking several measures to restore our lost forest cover, the Green Ghana Project was necessary to create enhanced national awareness of the necessity for collective action towards restoration of degraded landscapes in the country, inculcate values of planting and nurturing of trees among citizens, particularly younger generation, mitigate climate change and beautify communities and the environment. He thanked all those who have supported the Programme for the past two years and reiterated the call for all residents in the country to come out in their numbers to support the tree planting exercise on June 9, 2023. Speaking at the launch of the third edition of the Green Ghana Day, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey said, for the past two years, Ashanti Region has been planting the most trees on Green Ghana Days. He said over eighty-one percent of the trees planted in 2021 have survived while seventy-two percent (72%) of the those planted last year have survived. The event was also attended by the Chairman of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Council as well as the Vice Chancellor of the University. Story by: Nadia Aidoo

An Accra Circuit Court 1 has sentenced a Nigerian to eight years imprisonment for impersonating former CID boss, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah in order to defraud a police officer, among others on social media. Bright Daniels, who at the time of committing the crime, was a convicted prisoner at the Nsawam Prisons, denied the offence. He was taken through a full trial and found culpable. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, giving the facts in Court said the complainant was COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, a former Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. Daniels, an ex-convict is a Nigerian, who served a seven-year jail term at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons. His accomplice, Livinus Amadianaeze Ugwu, also an ex-convict and a Nigerian, is on the run, the Court heard. DSP Nyamekye said in April 2021, COP Addo-Danquah’s attention was drawn to a fake Facebook Messenger account created in her name and bearing her picture that was being used to solicit money from police personnel under the pretext of getting them slots to United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) Missions in Somalia and Sudan. He said the user of the said fake Facebook account contacted the victims and directed them to pay money via Airtel/Tigo cash to phone number 0271701436. Detective Chief Inspector Baffoe paid GHC10,000.00 through Airtel/Tigo cash to the number and the amount was subsequently withdrawn by Daniels. The prosecution said investigations revealed that the phone number was traced to the environs of the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons in the Easter Region. Further investigations revealed that Daniels was the user of the number. After a search conducted by the police, a Samsung Galaxy A02 phone which Daniels used to chat with Ugwu and a Tecno feature phone that was used to receive the money from Detective Chief Inspector Baffoe was retrieved. DSP Nyamekye said Forensic Examination conducted on the devices revealed that Daniels and Ugwu conspired to use the name and photograph of the COP Addo-Danquah to collect money from Police personnel under the pretext of getting them a slot to travel to the United Nations and African Union Mission in Somalia. Daniels then acquired the SIM card with 0271701436 that was used to receive money from their victims.He admitted the offence and after investigations, he was charged and put before this court. Source: GNA

Ghanaian socialite Hajia 4Reall is set to be released on home detention but will have a GPS ankle monitor on her leg as she faces prosecution in a romance scam case in the United States (US). Hajia 4Reall to be released on $500,000 bond with GPS tracking ankle monitor. The 30-year-old influencer has been extradited from the UK to the US for allegedly defrauding elderly, single American men and women to the tune of $2 million in a depraved lonely hearts scam. The United States Attorney’s Office said she’s being prosecuted for her role in a series of romance schemes and for laundering the proceeds of those schemes. Hajia 4Reall faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of the charges, which include wire fraud, money laundering, receipt of stolen money and conspiracy. According to the New York Post, she pleaded not guilty to all the charges during her first court appearances in the US. The report further cited Hajia 4Reall’s lawyer as saying she was set to be “released on home detention to her aunt’s New Jersey residence in the coming days on $500,000 bond, with GPS tracking via an ankle monitor.” Hajia 4Reall’s lawyer, Adam Cortez, also disclosed that there were six alleged victims involved in the case. “At this time all we know is that there are six alleged victims and only two dealt with a woman and only one of them claims that he dealt with Ms. Montrage,” he said. Meanwhile, a statement from the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York said she allegedly scammed one of her victims with a fake marriage. She is alleged to have sent the victim a tribal marriage certificate purporting to show that they were married in Ghana and took $89,000 from her victim. “As to one victim, MONTRAGE used her real name and spoke to the victim several times by phone. MONTRAGE sent the victim a tribal marriage certificate purporting to show that MONTRAGE and the victim had been married in Ghana,” the US Attorney’s Office said on its website. “The victim sent MONTRAGE approximately 82 wire transfers totaling approximately $89,000 to purportedly help with costs associated with MONTRAGE’s father’s farm in Ghana". “In total, MONTRAGE controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the Enterprise.” Hajia 4 Reall is presumed innocent until proven guilty, though. Credit: Pulse GH

News coming in indicates that Ghana has secured the $3billion financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This came to light following a meeting which was held on May 17 in Washington, USA. Thinknewsonline.com has further gathered that following the Washington meeting, the Executive Board of the IMF approved Ghana's programme over the next three years. In other developments, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be holding a virtual press conference on May 18 where it will update journalists with detqils into the outcomes of the Executive Board meeting concerning Ghana's request for an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement. The press briefing will have key participants including Stephane Roudet, the IMF Mission Chief for Ghana; Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana's Minister of Finance; Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana; and Tatiana Mossot, Senior Communications Officer at the IMF. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Jospong Group of companies has held a health screening for its staff. The health screening which was under the theme “Our staff our heroes’ was held at its headquarters in Accra for staff of its subsidiaries. The initiative, which forms part of activities to mark the Jospong Groups Employees Month slated for May every year, is to keep the staff in good health. The Managing Director of Zoomlion Private Services, Mr. Edwin Amoako, explained that due to work complex work schedules and commitment of staff to meet their needs of the market, they tend to deprioritize medical check-ups therefore the Jospong Group initiated the health screening to enable the staff to take some time off to check their health status. “Staff are dedicated to going the extra mile to meet the changing needs of clients and customers and therefore hardly get the chance to go for routine check-ups, so as part of our employee’s month we instituted a health screening initiative to enable them do some needed health checks,” Mr. Amoako explained. He added that apart from the health screening, the staff were also advised on how to keep their bodies in shape through exercising and good dietary habits. The Human Capital Manager of Zoomlion, Eric Osei Annor, noted that it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that its staff are in good health if it wants to maximize their human capital. Therefore, we put this together because “We want to ensure that staff are healthy and safe” “Through this exercise I got to know that my blood level is low,” narrated a staff. “The screening has been helpful; I was advised to check my health status regularly and not wait till I fall sick” another employee noted. The Jospong Group of Companies, which has over 60 subsidiaries, instituted the Jospong Group Employees Month was initiated to recognize and celebrate staff of the group. The Jospong Group of Companies is one of the most diversified holdings companies in Ghana with operations in other African countries and Asia. The company has business interest in about 14 sectors of the economy with its biggest operations in Waste management, ICT and Banking as well as Automobile and Equipment. Jospong Group’s core business is to identify gaps, churn out innovative businesses and build capacities to provide value, and nurture them to become market leaders; fit to play on both the local and international markets. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith