The Macallan, the world’s ultra-prestige single malt whisky, held an exclusive experience at the Country Club, Trasacco Valley in Accra recently. Known for its lush greenery, highly valued residential options, and its popular eponymous Ernesto’s Restaurant, the eco-friendly destination hosted an array of Ghana’s affluent who embody the distinctive character and craftsmanship that the whisky brand is known for. In a welcome address, Edrington's Customer Marketing Manager for West & North Africa, Abayomi Ajao, said: "This was a night of conviviality and friendship, for us to gather and experience The Macallan.” He expressed that it was an honour to host some of Ghana's most eminent individuals, who are distinguished in their craft, adding that, “The Macallan's unparalleled quality is a result of such exceptional mastery and precision. Today, we have demonstrated this through an immersive experience. One of our six pillars is the peerless spirit - from the production process and location to the passion and people involved. Our esteemed guests are deserving of such an experience from the world's most valuable single malt whisky." We are an incomparable whisky brand representing the pinnacle of single malt whisky globally, the best of Scottish traditional yet innovative spirit. In the same way, Ghana, as a country, embodies a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, creativity and tradition, making it one of Africa's most exceptional countries,” Ajao added. The prestige expressions featured at the event included The Macallan M Decanter, The Macallan Reflexion, The Macallan 30-Year-Old DC, 25-Year-Old and Rare Casks, to name a few. The Macallan Brand Ambassador for Lebanon, West, and Central Africa, Sandra Gedeon, gave a heartfelt speech about the familial nature of the gathering and The Macallan’s dedication to sustainability. “We need to take a moment to embrace gatherings such as this where we experience the Macallan as a family. With a strong nearly 200-year heritage, we are proud of our commitment to wood. It is a robust and long process from cutting the trees, to drying and seasoning them. ll these speak to our attention to detail and excellence. And this is a common trait for everyone in this room,” Sandra said. She took guests through a four-course dinner menu and whisky pairing, including its rare collection, The Reflexion. Hosted by compere extraordinaire, Jerry Adjorlolo, alongside the Macallan Brand Ambassador, the stunning event had guests enjoying performances by a top-rated orchestra. The luxurious décor that provided the serene atmosphere at the experience was facilitated by renowned events management company, Lionheart. William Osei-Poku, owner, KOP Engineering Limited; Philip Ayesu, Chairman, Philip’s Holdings; Joseph Ampofo, Managing Director, Enterprise Trustees Limited; Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfuo, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Hollard Ghana; Senior Area Manager, Lebanon, North & West Africa, Edrington, Charbel Jabbour, and other high net worth individuals were also in attendance. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, the organizers of the VGMAs, Robert Klah, slammed Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo during a discussion on the United Showbiz. The controversy surrounding some nominations in this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) was tabled for discussion and Robert Klah, who represented the scheme was displeased with Arnold’s tone and line of questioning. Arnold, a pundit on the show, questioned what criteria were used in selecting some artistes (DJ Azonto and Chief One) for the Best New Artiste category. “Show us how DJ Azonto and Chief One managed to earn their spot in that category. Tell us the songs that were used to push them to that spot,” Arnold asked. Robert, who felt disrespected by the tone in which Arnold posed the question, hit back in an angry tone. "Is it a demand? If this is how you want to be talking, I won’t listen to you. If you like you can die! Speak well so that we can have a conversation. Relax! And bring up your concerns. Relax! I don’t know where you’re carrying this to, because, at the end of the day, I can choose not to listen to you and my employers will even be happy with me and they will even give me an increment in pay. I am not even here to please you, Arnold." The host, MzGee, asked Robert to stay calm and not perceive Arnold’s question as a personal attack. The Charterhouse PRO responded:“Anybody can speak and I will listen. The whole Ghana can speak and I will listen but I can choose not to mind you because at the end of the day, I am not getting any value from you. You have to learn how to speak. Stop shouting and relax! I drove my own car; I brought my own fuel to this place so don’t just speak because you think that I am available.” A persistent Arnold went on his knees and asked the same question but in a soft tone mixed with humour. “Robert, in all humility, ‘I’d like to know what songs earned Chief One and DZ Azonto a spot in the Best New Artiste category?"Robert, this time around, answered the question.“In the year under review, our research captured tremendous works from these folks. Unfortunately, they couldn’t make the cut in terms of the songs but they were very prominent. So in the wisdom of the board and the guideline, they were given the opportunity to feature in the Best New Artist of the Year category. Source: www.ghanaweb.

Ghana’s Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has divulged that Ghana has made significant progress in its discussions for debt treatment with the Paris Club and other bilateral creditors. This was shared after a meeting on 21st March, 2023, with Ghana’s creditors. The Paris Club, together with other creditors including China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, agreed at the meeting to form the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and deliver financing assurances to the IMF as soon as possible, in order to clear the path for an IMF executive board approval of Ghana's programme by early May. Mr Ofori-Atta, leading a high level government delegation to China last week, also requested for China to Co-chair the Official Creditor Committee. The Finance Minister of China, Mr. Liu Kun, on his part said that his country has confidence in the management of the Ghanaian economy, and that his country felt a responsibility to be of help as Ghana seeks debt servicing relief. At a meeting in Beijing, Mr. Kun said the Chinese authorities “have confidence in Ghana's economic management and its long term economic viability.” Mr. Kun said he wanted to ensure that Ghana’s external debt treatment request was considered expeditiously and was thus accompanied to the meeting with Mr. Ofori-Atta by a high level delegation including Mr. Wu Fuli, Chairman of China Exim-Bank. Minister Kun said: "We know that these are short-term challenges which we, as responsible creditors, remain committed to resolving.” “The long standing and prosperous relationship between Ghana and China imposes on us a responsibility to help,” the Chinese Finance minister added. He said that just like other African countries, Ghana was facing economic difficulties from a once in a lifetime pandemic, geopolitical tensions and interest rates hikes in advanced countries with a contagion effect on developing countries. The Chinese officials committed to help Ghana resolve the current short-term liquidity challenges and continue to support Ghana's medium and long-term development aspirations. They said China believed in promoting debt sustainability and sustainable development, and would advocate for more concessional and grant funding for Ghana, especially at this time. "Ghana needs more concessional and grant fund from creditors,” said Mr. Zhang Wencai, Vice President of China Exim bank, adding that “the Multilateral Banks should therefore do more for Ghana.” This week, all eyes are on Ghana’s parliament which will consider three key revenue measures whose approval is expected to rake in ghc4.4 billion in domestic revenues. It is one of the major actions on the part of Ghana, critical to trigger IMF Executive Board approval of a $3 billion dollar facility for the country to ease its current economic difficulties. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Presidential Hopeful for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama says a collective approach will secure victory for the party in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. He made these known while addressing Journalists after being vetted by the Electoral Committee of the NDC party. He said "It is my hope that my colleagues with whom I am standing for the Presidential Primaries, we will come together as one after I have emerged as Presidential Candidate and we will rally together in order to ensure that NDC wins the victory in the 2024 elections" He disclosed that the new NDC administration when voted into office in January 2025 will have two main agendas for the country. "First, we will be taking steps to revitalise our enemy and put it back on its feet" "And of course, haven served under Prof. Atta Mills and one term under my own leadership, we all saw how we managed to repair our economy and for the fist time in the history of Ghana, in 2016, we financed the government of Ghana budget without a single cedi from the Bank of Ghana" "Today, this administration currently owes Bank of Ghana Fifty (50) Billion cedis" Candidate Mahama stressed that his government will bring discipline back into the country's finances. "Secondly, we will repair our governance system" "To guarantee that the media will work freely without harassment from any quarters, to guarantee that corruption will be fought without the President clearing anybody, to guarantee that the anti corruption agencies will have a free mandate to carry out work against anybody" Sharing her thoughts on the remarks made by Presidential Hopeful, John Dramani Mahama, the Member of Parliament (MP), Krowor Constituency, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey was confident that the NDC Delegates will elect Candidate Mahama as Flagbearer of the party. She said "Mahama is more than ready. He is the most experienced. He is a foot that has gone to a certain path that Ghanaians are expecting that once given the mandate by the party on May 13, he is taking up, hitting the ground running and then we will go into 2024, God will grant us victory" She added that Candidate Mahama when elected as President will take Ghana from the mess it find ourselves onto a better level where all Ghanaians will know that there is a difference between Presidents and the President. Borrowing Reacting to borrowing by the Akufo-Addo government, she said "Once you start borrowing, it means that you are living beyond your means and anybody who lives beyond his or her means does not have a future" Politics of insults She said "No one should endorse politics of insults. Once you do that it means you are preparing for a crack which cannot be mended" "When you insult your opponents and the time comes for us to campaign, how do you bring them on board. Let us stop the insults and malignant." Trobu Branch Women's Organiser, NDC, Ethel Landy said "I will ensure that my branch and I will get to the grassroots and speak to them to vote for Mahama come May 13" "We are experiencing the worse governance under the Akufo-Addo administration. We will not sleep if Mahama does not win the Primaries" She stressed that Ghana's economy under this government is nothing to write home about. "I am appealing to all NDC followers to exhibit good behaviours in order to keep the good image of the party." Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A number of companies in Thailand has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC). These companies numbering about ten are in the Thailand rice value chain, and it is in relation with the Ghana-Thailand Rice Project. The companies, which cut across the rice value chain, include fertilizer producers, dealers of rice milling equipment, seedling research centres, among others, are Smart Engineering Consultants Company, FairAgora Asia Ltd., New Kaset Thai Company Ltd., TAMCO Trading International Co. Ltd., Glofert Growing Growth, and Hypro Foods World Co Ltd. The rest are Aneksin Motor Partnership Limited, TNP Billionair Group, SQI Group Company Limited Biomatlink Company Limited and Deler International Rice Machinery Co. The MoUs were signed with the companies on the sidelines of a Thailand-Ghana Business Conference at Grand Fortune, Bangkok in Thailand on Sunday, March 19, 2023. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Asian African Consortium (AAC) Mrs Adelaide Araba Siaw Agyepong, initialed for the JGC while the various Chief Executives Officers (CEOs) signed for their companies. Present at the signing ceremony were the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture in charge of Crops, Yaw Addo Frimpong, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mrs Florence B. Akonor, Honorary Consul of Ghana in Thailand, Dr Sicha Singsomboon, and the Founder and Executive Chairman of the JGC, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong. The business conference, which brought together captains of Thailand rice industry and several companies and a Ghanaian delegation, led by the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), was on the theme: “Ghana-Thailand Business Forum; Partnership for Sustainable Rice Production in Ghana.” Members of the Ghana delegation included experts and researchers in various fields drawn from the University of Ghana, Legon, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), the Ghana Rice Farmers Association, the Competitive African Rice Platform, traditional rulers, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) and private entrepreneurs with the focus on rice, fertilizer, maize, cassava and poultry as well as executives of the JGC. Speaking to journalists shortly after the signing ceremony, the CEO of AAC, Mrs Adelaide Araba Siaw Agyepong, commended the Thai companies for their interest to work with the group for the success of the Ghana integrated rice project. “Once we have signed MoUs with you (referring to the Thailand rice companies), it means that we have reposed trust and confidence in your companies, so we will need your full support," she urged. According to her, the partnership forged with them will mutually benefit both parties, and added that “we work with speed and will be doing same with your companies.” In this regard, she asked the Thai companies to travel to Ghana and study the country. “A team will be working with you (the Thai rice companies) to ensure that we begin the implementation of the rice project in Ghana immediately,” she said. Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mrs Florence B. Akonor, allayed the fears of the Thai people that the partnership will see them at the losing end. “The partnership we are forging with your companies is a win-win situation for Ghana and Thailand,” she said. “Ghana is a safe place to invest, and that your investments will be protected,” she asserted. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana has announced payments of outstanding bonds. According to government, the payments cover coupons on both the 2-year note that matured on 20th February, 2023, and the 20-year note due on 20th February, 2023. In a release signed by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Financ, it said "Payment on the principal of the 2-year note maturing on 20th February, 2023; as well as payments on subsequent maturities, will be communicated in due course" The Ministry of Finance says it thanks all stakeholders for their patience and co-operation, as government continues to work towards the restoration of macro-economic stability. Below is a copy of my release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on all bilateral creditors to support Ghana's efforts to restore debt sustainability, as the country works towards presenting its economic programme for IMF Board approval. Speaking at a news conference in Washington DC, the Director of Communications at the IMF, Julie Kozack, stressed the importance of Ghana securing financing assurances from partners and creditors, as a necessary step towards the presentation of its program request to the IMF's Executive Board for approval. "We're calling on bilateral creditors to support Ghana's effort to restore debt sustainability, form an official creditor committee, and deliver the necessary financing assurances as soon as possible," Kozack said. "While the IMF is engaging the Ghanaian authorities on the progress made on its request, the Fund is also seeking the assurances from Ghana's partners." A self-imposed deadline of March ending has enabled Ghana complete most of its prior actions in record time, including a Domestic Debt Exchange Programme. Whilst Board Approval before the end of March is unlikely, it is obvious that the government’s “self-imposed” deadline has enabled rapid progress on all fronts, making board approval highly likely within the next month or two. Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is currently leading a government delegation to China, hoping to secure financing assurances and reach a deal with the Asian economic giant to restructure Ghana's debt of ¢1.7 billion. A tweet by Mr Ofori-Atta this morning stated, “So far had very positive and encouraging meetings in China! Looking forward to securing external assurances very soon, even as we pass our outstanding domestic revenue bills back home. Great progress on all fronts… #ResolvingTogether #GhanaFirst” On their part, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Wang Wenbin stated at a Regular Press Conference on Wednesday 22nd March, 2023, that China attaches great importance to resolving Ghana’s debt issues and understands the difficulties facing the country at the moment. Confirming the ongoing visit to China of a high-powered government delegation led by Ken Ofori-Atta, Mr Wenbin stated, “We would like to enhance communication with Ghana to work out a proper settlement through consultation.” With the support of bilateral creditors and partners, Ghana is working towards restoring debt sustainability and securing the IMF's support for its economic programme. The IMF programme aims to support Ghana's efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability, protect the vulnerable, preserve financial stability, and lay the foundation for strong and inclusive growth under the Ghanaian government’s Post Covid Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG). Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta says discussions with the Chinese government on the country’s debt restructuring programme have been positive. According to him, Ghana will soon secure external assurances from China. Mr. Ofori-Atta in a tweet on Friday, March 24, also expressed optimism about the government passing the three new tax bills in Parliament. He added that the government is making significant progress on securing a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “So far had very positive and encouraging meetings in China! Looking forward to securing external assurances very soon, even as we pass our outstanding domestic revenue bills back home. Great progress on all fronts.”Mr Ofori-Atta discussed the bilateral talks with China on debt restructuring as well as seek financial assurances for Ghana’s programme with the IMF. The objective of the engagement is not debt cancelation but maintained that the issue will be discussed. The engagements are expected to end today. The Ghana delegation is made up of Technical Officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bank of Ghana. The team also engaged representatives of the Chinese government and their counterparts from China’s Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs as well as the Central Bank of China. Passing revenue measures as pre-condition for IMF Programme Government is hoping to get parliament’s approval for three revenue bills which are key requirements for securing a deal with the IMF. The bills are the Income Tax Amendment Bill, the Excise Duty Amendment Bill and the Growth and Sustainability Amendment Bill, all expected to rake in about GH¢4 billion annually. Earlier negotiations with Paris Club Members According to government, there has been some significant progress made in negotiations with the Paris Club. Details on China’s Debt Ghana is hoping to restructure $5. 7 billion of its external debts,  with China holding a third of the figure, amounting to $1.7 billion dollars. Ghana’s total debt owed its external creditors is pegged at $29.2 billion. The structure of Ghana’s External Debt showed that Ghana owes China about 1.7 Billion Dollars. Eurobonds is 13.1 Billion Dollars, Multilateral accounts for about 8.1 Billion Dollars. The rest are Paris Club Countries – $1.9 billion and other creditors accounting for $3.2 billion. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

Asante Gold has announced the appointment of Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, chief executive officer of Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) to the company’s board of directors. Edward Koranteng is a lawyer and an experienced corporate and investment banker with over 23 years working experience. Since 2021, as CEO of MIIF, a sovereign minerals wealth fund, he oversees the management of Ghana’s equity interest in mining companies and manages all royalties paid to the state from mining activities. Prior to his appointment to MIIF, Koranteng was the business head for East, Central and Southern Africa for Ghana International Bank plc (GHIB) in the United Kingdom, and was stationed primarily in Nairobi, Kenya where he was also responsible for GHIB’s energy and mining portfolio and led various financing projects in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and Malawi. Prior to that, Koranteng worked with the Chase Bank Group (Kenya), now SBM Bank of Mauritius, which included Genghis Investment Bank, as the Group Head for Energy, Oil, Gas and Mining. He has held executive and senior managerial positions covering corporate, oil and gas and mining for Ecobank Ghana, Access Bank Ghana and Fidelity Bank. He began his career as a management consultant with PriceWaterhouseCoopers in 1999 in Ghana. He holds a Master of Laws Degree in International Banking and Finance from the University of Leeds. "The board will derive significant benefit from these two new appointments. Dave’s appointment follows naturally from his role as Asante’s chief executive officer for the past year and previously as Chief Operating Officer" "Edward’s appointment reflects both his deep experience in mine finance and his perspective as a representative of MIIF, a significant Asante shareholder and a strong supporter of Asante’s gold mining operations in Ghana,” Douglas MacQuarrie, chair of the board said. David Anthony has more than 40 years of experience in mine project development and operation at the senior management and executive levels. He worked with Barrick in Africa for 10 years and became COO of African Barrick Gold. He has also worked in Canada, Ecuador, Brazil, Indonesia, Chile and Argentina to design, deliver and operate open pit and underground mines. Prior to Asante, he was chief operating officer of Cardinal Resources Limited before its takeover by Shandong Gold for more than US$500 million. At the time, Cardinal was developing the 5 million oz (reserve) Namdini Gold Mine in Ghana. About Asante Gold Asante is a gold exploration, development and operating company with a high-quality portfolio of projects and mines in Ghana. Asante is currently operating the Bibiani and Chirano Gold Mines with combined forecast production of approximately 400,000 ounces of gold for 2023. The company continues with detailed technical studies at its Kubi Gold Project for early production. All mines and exploration projects are located on the prolific Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts. Asante has an experienced and skilled team of mine finders, builders and operators, with extensive experience in Ghana. The company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Credit: Asaase Radio

Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quarshie, Director General of Public Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has disclosed that there is a general appreciation among Ghanaians over their recent operation in Ashaiman. Ghana Armed ForcesHe said despite the public outcry by some people on the brutish nature of the operation, they have received massive commendation for Speaking at the Annual General Meeting and National Public Relations and Communication Summit of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, held at Kwahu-Nkwatia in the Eastern Region on the theme: ‘Staying Credible Through Rough Patches,’ Brigadier General Aggrey-Quarshie explained that the soldiers did what they did because Ashaiman has gained notoriety as a den for criminals. He said, behind the scenes, the military has been patted at the back for its operations, despite the loud public outcry after their operation. "I am not defending or justifying our actions but the number of calls that I have received and the institution has received, thanking us for the actions in Ashaiman, you won’t believe “People are asking us ‘General, when will you do that again?’ Because, if you live within that enclave and at certain times of the day you couldn’t go to certain areas and these things happen, you will appreciate,” he stated. Ghana Armed ForcesBrigadier General Aggrey-Quarshie was of the view that the issue could have been handled differently if the soldiers themselves had not taken pictures and videos and posted them on social media. "The funny thing is that some of the pictures you saw were taken by soldiers and posted on their Facebook and WhatsApp pages…but for that, some of the issues may not have come out. But I just want you to know that there are a lot of people who are happy that we entered those areas in Ashaiman. Maybe if you live around that place, you will appreciate,” he stressed. The military in a sanctioned operation some weeks ago descended on some residents of Ashaiman at dawn and subjected them to brutalities after one of their own, Trooper Imoro, was killed in the area by thugs who accosted him for his phone and bag at night. Credit: Pulse GH

The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah could not hold back his tears as his dispatch rider, L/Cpl Mustapha Mohammed was laid to rest. Clad in black, the Minister of Information joined the Ghana Police Service and bereaved family of late L/Cpl Mustapha Mohammed at a funeral service held in his memory. Late Mohammed lost his life after he was crashed to death by a truck. It is emerging that he was chasing a Toyota Corolla car at Ofankor through which he met his untimely death. Late L/Cpl Mustapha Mohammed was the official dispatch rider for the Minister of Information. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has sent a strong caution to the general public about a recent major incidence of contamination of two brands of eyedrops on the Ghanaian market. These eyedrops according to the FDA are Ezricare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears owned by Global Pharma. In a release signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, she said "Global Pharma has since issued a voluntary recall of the products. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) has classified the incident as an outbreak" "According to the USCDC, the eyedrops were found to contain the drug-resistant bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa and is suspected to have led to three deaths and vision loss in eight patients" The release further mentioned that the products are not registered with the Ghana FDA. The statement further noted that the eyedrops should not be commercially available on the Ghanaian market. "However, the FDA advises the public who may be in possession of these drugs through other means to immediately stop using the recalled products, Ezricare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears, and submit them to any of the FDA offices nationwide" The FDA says anyone who has used these recalled products and is experiencing any symptoms should contact a healthcare professional immediately. "Reported symptoms include yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, eye pain or discomfort, redness, feeling of something in the eye, increase sensitivity to light and blurred visions" The FDA assures the public that it is taking all necessary measures to ensure that only safe and effective medical products are available in Ghana. The public is encouraged to report any adverse effects or quality problems related to the use of medical products to the FDA through its MEDSAFETY APP. Below are copies of the press release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith