The Minority Members on the Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee of Parliament have won by a majority decision to reject the GH¢80 million additional budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for the National Cathedral of Ghana. The allocation was contained in the Appropriations Bill of the 2023 fiscal policy. According to Ranking Member on the Committee Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, officials of the Ministry failed to convince them about the allocation and also account for the over GH¢300 million already spent on the project. He said officials of the Ministry of Finance could also not give ample reason for the allocation. The Minority members on the Committee, therefore, called for voting to decide the matter. As of the time of voting, they were more than the Majority members. The Minority, therefore, won by an 11-10 majority votes.Nonetheless, the other allocations of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture were approved. "We asked for a vote and I think today God was on the people of Ghana’s side. We voted and we were in the majority.” The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency, however, expressed concerns that the Majority may use their numbers to overturn this decision when it gets to the plenary. For now, he assured, Ghanaians should be content that no more funds will be pumped into the controversial project from the government coffers. Credit: 3news.com

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has assured private plantation developers of the continuous support and full backing of government and his Ministry on their enterprise as it falls in line with government’s determination to provide climate change solutions. Hon. Jinapor gave this assurance when he joined the plantation developers during a sensitisation forum organised for the private developers by the Ghana Forest Investment Programme, (GFIP) under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The awareness creation on plantation loan scheme programme is on the sidelines of the Sector Minister's one day tour of the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, 20th December, 2022. He noted that government has absolute trust in the private sector even as it is giving out loans from its Forest Investment Project to engage in plantation enterprises, because he said "we believe in private sector as anything you do in human endeavour, wether medicine, commerce, agriculture, plantation or anything, when you have the private sector at the fulcrum or the pivote around which your enterprise revolve, you can be rest assured that you will be sucessfully" The Sector Minister said that the Ministry’s presence at their meeting to create awareness on plantation loan scheme is a testimony of government's commitment to their endeavour, adding that this support to private sector to establish commercial forest plantation will yield a common goal which is  the provision of industrial timber, restoration of degraded landscape, job creation for the youth and provision of ecological services which he is especially happy about. He indicated that this financing is also a vehicle for Government to realize its vision to protect the remaining forests, increase its forest estate, improve the lives of community members working in the rural landscape and pilot the viability of contracting commercial loans for plantation development. He encouraged the private developers saying that the work they are involved in, although difficult, is a very important one and with a government that believes in the private sector he urge them to get actively involved and make it work for the common good. Stating the objective of the loan scheme to private sector plantation developers, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, the Deputy Minister responsible for Lands and Forestry, disclosed that in line with the achievements the Ghana Forest Investment Programme (GFIP) and in order to consolidate the gains made under the original GFIP programme, a financing of USD 19.39 million loan and grant was extended to Ghana in January 2019 and out of this total sum, USD 7.0 million is being loaned out to support small to medium scale plantation development through a concessionary loan scheme. He opined that the objective of the scheme is to stimulate private sector investment in commercial forest plantation, which he said will be achieved through the provision of financial assistance and technical support to small and medium-scale forest plantation investors. The Deputy Minister informed the developers that there are terms and conditions to aquire the loan and the most pertinent among all is ownership of the Lands on which they have the plantation. He appreciated the efforts of the sector Minister and the Ministry for the tireless efforts in getting the loan scheme approved, noting that he is certain the private sector will do a good job with this opportunity given. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has on Tuesday, 20th December, 2022 called on the Queen mothers of the Asanteman traditional council to assist government in the fight against illegal mining in their various traditional areas. He said the fight against illegal mining is a collective one and as such cannot be won without the efforts and support of important stakeholders like Queen mothers as he belives in the power women wields, particularly women with traditional authority, "If you want to conquer the world let the women lead and you will have the world under your feat". He added Speaking at a meeting with the Queen mothers in Kumasi on the sidelines of his one day tour of the Ashanti Region, Hon. Jinapor said "I have been here to court the support of the Otumfo and the Chiefs of the Asanteman and it will be unacceptable on my part not to court your support because without you we cannot win this fight" He bemoaned how troubling the wanton distruction of lands and natural resources of the country, particularly riverbodies have become rampant and by this hearty remark, employed on the Queen mothers to mechanise ways that will help government fight the distructive menace. He reiterated government's stands on mining activities in general saying that "government as I have always said is not against mining, we love our gold and other minerals and the jewellery we make out of them but what we are against is the illegal way of going about the act and that is what we want you to help us fight against". The Lands and Natural Resources Minister assured the Queen mothers of government's support, adding that he will ensure the Minerals Commission provide them with needed resources to engage in the combat against illegal mining and also assured to engage them in the Green Ghana Project in the coming year. The Queen mother of the Mampong, Traditional Area Nana Agyakuma Difie who spoke on behalf of the Queen mothers assured the Minister of their support and rallied the other mothers to support government in curbing the menace as she indicated that if the Natural resources of the country deteriorate, it will go against them and their generations. She requested the Minister to support the Queen mothers with all resources they may require to respond to thier call of fighting against the menace. The Queen mothers who were drawn from Bono, Ahafo, Bono East, and Adansi collectively thanked the lands Minister for the meeting and gave their comments to corroborate the plea made by the Mampong Queen mother on their behalf. The meeting also among others discussed, the planting of Rosewood in large quantities and the effort of government to partner Queen mothers of the Asanteman Council to pilot the planting of bamboo and their active involvement in the 2023 Green Ghana Project. Meanwhile, the Honorable Minister made a whistle stop at the Kumasi Zoo where he tasked the Forestry Commission to as a matter of urgency refurbish the Kumasi Zoo with a walkway, summer huts and a facility to serve as staff changing room for workers. Engaging the staff, he appreciated their efforts in keeping the Zoo running while encouraging them to keep up the good work and assured them of government's commitment, adding that their challenges and welfare issues will be taken into active consideration. Dr. Meyir Yiyele Ziekah, the Zoo Manager and Resident Vetinary Doctor at the Zoo thanked the Minister for his visit and hoped that their challenges tabled before him will be addressed. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). Kwame Asuah Takyi, Esq. has been honoured at the 11th edition of the Ghana Leadership Awards at a ceremony in Accra. He received awards in two categories comprising the Public Servant of the Year for his outstanding leadership, strength and dedicated public service across Ghana; and the Governance and Civil Leadership Award for his extraordinary Service to Ghana and humanity. The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI) who could not hide his joy after receiving the award expressed appreciation to the organizers for the recognition and the honour done him among a wide array of persons in the country. He further stated that he is motivated by the award not to relent on his oars but rather to do better for the people of Ghana from his little corner. He dedicated the award to the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo for the opportunity to serve the good people of Ghana and also the Interior Minister, Hon Ambrose Dery under whose supervision he serves. He also dedicated the award which is a plague and certificates to his family for the support given him all these years, and to all hardworking men and women of GIS urging them to also do their best to make the Service proud. Among the recipients were the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Commissioner of Customs among others. In a related development, the CGI has been awarded the International Association of Women Police (IAWP), male category award for his outstanding contribution in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for both men and women. In a citation accompanying the award, IAWP stated that the CGI since assuming office in 2017 has consciously promoted the cause of women in a traditionally male-dominated institution. Mr Takyi had demonstrated his commitment to enhancing the role of women in policy by introducing a new approach that includes gender sensitive recruitment standards and implementing a progressive campaign for women to become actively engaged within specialist areas such as tactical and operational response units of the GIS. IAWP President, Deborah Fried in presenting the award said ‘we are once again so pleased to acknowledge the supportive efforts of a male colleague who has not only advocated for women in policing but sends a strong community message that diversity is valued.’ Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

The biggest photography library in Africa, with a collection of over 30,000 books, has opened in Ghana's capital city, Accra. According to theguardian.com, the Dikan Centre library was founded by Ghanaian photographer and filmmaker Paul Ninson. The report indicated that the Dikan Center is the first of its kind in Ghana and that it comprises a photo studio as well as classrooms that provide space for workshops and a fellowship programme for African documentarians and visual artists. The library also has an exhibition space that will host regular shows with Ahennie, a series by the late Ghanaian documentary photographer, Emmanuel Bobbie, being the first to be hosted. The report also indicated that the library was crowdfunded with the support of the author of Humans of New York, Brandon Stanton whom Paul Ninson met while living in New York. The over 30,000 books in the Dikan Centre include those of pioneering black photographers, such as Gordon Parks, who was the first African American photographer to have a staff position at Life magazine. In addition to publications including National Geographic, there are rare books, including one signed by Stephen Hill, who was governor of Gold Coast, as Ghana was known before independence, dated 1852. The report also indicated that Paul Ninson started collecting photography books while schooling at the International Centre of Photography in New York. "I started buying African photo books, with the idea of sharing them with young photographers back home, but as my collection grew, it dawned on me that I could create a library dedicated to photography and visual education, so I started reaching out to booksellers for donations. I also received donations from private galleries and collectors,” theguardian.com quoted Ninson. Credit: Ghanaweb

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Affram Plains, Betty K. Mensah has urged government to have a legislative instrument that will address the challenges of poverty and inequality in the country. She made these known while speaking to Thinknewsonline.com at a National Dialogue to discuss the findings of the 2023 Budget Analysis organized by SEND Ghana. The MP who also doubles as a memberof the select committee on health said "Having this legislative instrument will help address inequality in a manner that every government intervention initiated will not lose sight of the poor and vulnerable in the society making it bridge the inequality gap in the country" She charged Government to provide enough funding to implementing agencies. Madam Mensah tasked government to ensure that resources given to the agencies are effectively utilised. She stressed that when enough resources are provided, it will help the vulnerable in the society to enjoy the benefits. NGOs and CSOs were also charged to always make available information gathered to Government in order to help run a smooth system. "I will be very grateful if you also invite the Ministry of Finance and point out some of your findings to them. You are regarded in this country as a credible organisation that runs independent checks. So open up and this will help Government" A member of the Peasant Farmers, Bismark Nortey hinted that allocations made in the budget are not adequate. "We are not making enough allocation. The allocations to the Agriculture is not up to the 10% expected, rather the country is doing 2%. "The Agriculture growth of this country is not doing well. The cocoa sector is doing -20% and crops are doing 0.5%. The poultry and livestock are all collapsing. Maize and soya have become so expensive" He added that if care is not taken, the ordinary Ghanaian will not be able to purchase rice, soya and maize. Way Forward The media charged Members of Parliament (MPs) in the various sectors to avail themselves to address issues when called upon. The Senior Programme Officer of SEND Ghana, Harriet Nuamah Agyemang also tasked the media to develop keen interest in pressing national issues and desist from always seeking financial assistance before availing themselves. She appealed to Government to ensure that funds allocated in the budget are used for its intended purposes. Member of Parliament, Amenfi West Constituency, Eric Afful, commended SEND Ghana for organising such an important national dialogue to discuss the findings of the 2023 Budget Analysis. "I want SEND Ghana to do one thing. Their presentations are are mostly on funds and allocations. They should also look at the details of programmes money has been allocated to" The Member of Parliament revealed that huge sums of monies have been allocated to the Planting for Foods and Jobs (PFJ), Water and Sanitation, Free SHS, School Feeding among others. "Are we achieving the objectives of the monies allocated? SEND Ghana must probe more into these" he added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Government has announced a suspension of debt service payments under certain categories of its external debt, pending an orderly restructuring as the country builds up to an Executive Board approval for a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The suspension includes payment obligations on Eurobonds, commercial term loans, and most bilateral debt. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Monday, December 19, 2022, the move is part of a comprehensive debt sustainability programme by government to evaluate its debt portfolio and put in place appropriate measures that will help bring the country’s debt situation to sustainable levels with a debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) target of 55 per cent by 2028. “We are also evaluating certain specific debts related to projects with the highest socio-economic impact for Ghana which may have to be excluded. This suspension is an interim emergency measure pending future agreements with all relevant creditors”, the statement explained. This suspension, it is said in the statement will not include the payments of multilateral debt, new debts (whether multilateral or otherwise) contracted after December 19, 2022, or debts related to certain short term trade facilities. The statement added that the government stands ready to engage in discussions with all of its external creditors through a fair, transparent and comprehensive debt restructuring exercise in line with international best practices. Already, the announcement of the suspension is generating a high level of support from the investor community with some anonymous sources describing it as a “friendly match”, indicating that government should make it a point to share detailed economic and financial information through out the process. Meanwhile, government has also taken steps to restructure its domestic debt through an exchange programme. The programme, launched on December 5, 2022, is designed to offer relief to the country’s fiscal accounts through an exchange in coupon package on domestically issued bonds providing a solid foundation for Ghana to in the long-term downsize its debt and reboot the economy. So far, the announcement has in part helped the cedi stage a remarkable rebound against its major trading partners, as the demand for forex has significantly reduced, thereby helping government to conserve its foreign reserves that have come under serious pressure in recent months. Analysts expect that the suspension of external debt payments will help the cedi continue its upward trajectory against major trading currencies. Story by: Thinknewsroom

The operative word of music is play. You get to play music with other people, and you get to play music by yourself. It’s a great refuge from the world sometimes and it’s a great way of putting a smile on someone else’s face. You play something and you give joy to somebody else. It’s great. Growing up, music is all I had, in a way. We didn’t have television at home. We had music and we had the piano. I don’t think there was ever a point growing up where I said to myself ‘I love music,’ but when I was four or five years old, I thought, ‘Hey if I just bang on those keys it makes an interesting noise. “It was a game and music is a game of sound. To me, it’s still a game of sound. If you play the wrong note but you listen in the right way, you go, ‘Hang on that’s really interesting. I never thought that could work.’ You forever get to discover things. You forever get to feel something. You get to communicate on a profound level with the musician in your orchestra, you get to communicate and make the audience feel something. That’s to me a life well lived. Every day you have the opportunity to just spend a few moments feeling something.” These are the words of Hans Zimmer, a composer, interstellar, and one of the film industry’s most influential composers, whose career spans three decades and encompasses over 150 films. According to Warren Young, Musicians’ brains are wired differently than non-musicians. Performing music is realized early in life, to be their absolutely favorite thing to do with their free time. Also, studying music from a young age gives musicians an intense internal desire to keep growing and improving as a musician. Once the appropriate levels of performance training are received, then opportunities will present themselves. A famous musician once said: "water finds its own level". This is very true, as high-level musicians seek opportunities to play music with top musicians at their level or better. Also, "a band is only as good as its weakest member"... This quote summarizes that lower level musicians bring the quality down when top players are involved. Guided by the above statements from the celebrated Musicians, Peter, who was born into a Catholic family, and had both parents who were into music, becomes the first in Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, to be awarded a PhD in music, and the first to receive a PhD in his family by dint of hard work, dedication and perseverance. At a tender age of nine years, Peter developed interest in music and had his first electronic keyboard from the United Kingdom and began music lessons at the Saint Theresa Preparatory School – North Kaneshie during his school days. He took music lessons from Mr. Peter Nii Dan-Okine and transferred his knowledge unto the piano. Young Peter’s love for music can be traced to his father (John Twum-Barimah) who played drums in church during offering time at the St. Marouns’ Church, Osu-Re and his mother Celestina Twum–Barimah (a soprano singer of both the Singing Ministry of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and a chorister at the St. Bakhita choir, Amasaman -Accra. At the time, young Peter Twum-Barimah was completing Junior Secondary School in 2001 now Junior High School, his love for the piano became so strong that he had begun playing in public, especially at family gatherings and at Youth Mass and Service at the Christ the King Catholic Church – Cantonments in Accra. From there, he proceeded to the Saint Martin’ Secondary School, now Saint Martin’s Senior High School and studied Music as part of his electives in the General Arts class and sat for the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education now the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and passed successively. Having obtained good grades, the celebrated Dr. Twum-Barimah advanced to the Methodist University College, Ghana in 2005 to read the Church Music Certificate Programme and after completion in 2006 the desire to explore his passion for music was now starting. The easy-going Peter Twum-Barimah continued to Ghana’s premiere University (University of Ghana, Legon) to read a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (Music, Dance and Theatre Studies). After successful completion of his programme, Peter passed all examinations, where he was awarded a First Class Honours in Music with Theatre Arts in 2012 (he was the only single major music student graduating that year). All along his musical education, Dr. Peter has been playing the piano at Catholic Archdiocesan events and other high-profile programmes related to the Catholic Church in Ghana. In pursuant to drink deep, Dr. Peter enrolled in his second degree at the University of Ghana, which awarded him with a Master of Philosophy Degree in Music (MPHIL-Music). Dr. Peter Twum-Barimah’s interest in music was getting stronger and was much appreciated by his audience during his performance(s). During his MPhil Music studies, he was invited by one Abednego Botwe (Director of Music, Christ Anglican Church, University of Ghana, Legon) to assist in playing their new church organ. Peter took this humble assignment judiciously and has performed extensively especially with regards to concerts with the Christ Church Choir on several occasions till date. Dr. Peter following the changing trends in the music industry and the quest to drink deeper knowledge in his music passion, enrolled in the new four-year Music PhD structure of the University of Ghana in 2017. This demanded a lot of hard work and with lots of efforts, Peter was relentless till he completed all required examinations leading to a successful completion. And was subsequently awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Degree. His graduation reception was well attended by lots of Catholics and Anglicans, friends, family, colleagues, choirmasters and music directors, organists, and well-wishers at the Christ Church Hall - University of Ghana. Dr. Peter’s area of specialization is music theory and Composition, and he has interest also in choral works, analytical studies and hopes to branch into the area of church music in the future. His aspirations are to encourage both prospective students and students to admonish the studying of music as a divine call and to embrace it whole heartedly, to assist music directors who need help in running their choirs with his experience in the field of choral music and music education, and lastly to train a lot of church organists and directors to enhance the liturgy with good music. Dr. Twum-Barimah’s motivation is from God Almighty, and he is of the view that it is by the Grace of God that has made him come this far, as he takes inspiration from composers such as; George Frederick Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Josef Haydn, Dr. Ephraim Amu, Kenn Kafui and Anthony Kobina Yebuah. Currently, Dr. Peter Twum-Barimah is the Principal Organist and Deputy Music Director of the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka – Accra- Ghana and Co-Music Director of the Christ Anglican Church – University of Ghana, Legon, Accra -Ghana. He is also a consultant in choral music and music theory and the teaching of piano. He is a faculty member at the Department of Music, University of Ghana - Legon and aims to promote good music whenever he is called upon. He advises the youth especially to all those who wish to enter the music industry irrespective of the ensemble or musical institution to be humble and respectful and persevere in life to achieve their dreams. Acknowledging the those who have played various roles in his educational career, Dr. Twum-Barimah said “I am very grateful to the following personalities and groups for supporting me in my music career, making me achieve this height: Ambassador Isaac Osei & Mrs. Marian Osei, Pastor Mrs. Lamptey, Pastor Stephen Gabbah, the Very Rev. Fr. Dr. John Kobina Louis, Mr. Anthony Kobina Yebuah, Mr. Michael Morant Ezan, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Anane-Mensah,  Lieutenant-General Peter Augustine Blay, Professor Joshua Alfred Amuah, Professor John Franklyn Wiredu, the Holy Spirit Cathedral Patrons Council, the Holy Spirit and Christ Church Choirs, the Maestros Catholicam and the Faculty of the Department of Music- University of Ghana – Legon.” Reiterating the words of Debra Allred, Dr. Peter Twum-Barimah who maintained that music fulfills his soul and makes him feel confident and it enriches his life and the life of others, opined that a doctorate of musical arts is the highest level one can achieve. Those who choose to go this route almost always enter the teaching field in some capacity. Music, or Musicology is the art of combining sounds, represented as musical notes, in a succession or simultaneously in an aesthetically pleasant and rhythmical form and the integration of these aspects in a complete piece. Music uses musical instruments or the human voice to create art. Music is divided in genres that are characterized by similar melody, harmonic, rhythmic, form, orchestration, literary text where applicable and other compositional aspects. Music studies are very complex and can be focused on mastering a certain musical instrument, or mastering composition, conducting and orchestra or being an expert in music history. The study of music has many sub-disciplines like: ethnomusicology, historical musicology, music theory, music analysis, musical composition, musical critic and others. Students enrolled in a Music degree will gain skills like: creativity, ability to work independently and become more responsible, organized and orderly persons. By studying music, students will be able to express themselves to a range of audiences. They will be able to perform and select repertoires suited to particular performance contexts. Below are some pictures: Story by Innocent Samuel Appiah

The Ministry of Finance has disclosed that International holders of Ghana’s Eurobonds have come together to form a bondholder creditor committee (the “Committee”). According to the Finance Ministry, the decision comes following the public statements by the Government of Ghana of its intention to seek a restructuring of its external debt. In a statement issued by the Finance Ministry, it said "The Committee is representative of a diverse group of institutional investors including mutual funds, asset managers, insurance firms, hedge funds, and family offices" The statement also mentioned that the Steering Members of the Committee include holders, acting either directly or for and on behalf of the funds or the accounts they manage. The release stressed that the Steering Members of the Committee include Abrdn, Amundi (UK) Limited, BlackRock, Greylock Capital Management and Ninety One. The Finance Ministry noted that the Committee is focused on the orderly and comprehensive resolution of Ghana’s debt challenges, recognizing that such resolution will require fair burden-sharing and collaboration among the Ghanaian authorities, private creditors (both domestic and international) and official sector creditors. "The Committee welcomes the authorities’ ongoing engagement with the International Monetary Fund (the “IMF”) and the recent announcement of the Staff Level Agreement" "The Committee notes that a process of good faith negotiation would avoid unilateral actions and would require, inter alia, the timely exchange of detailed economic and financial information among the committee, the Ghanaian authorities and the IMF, and would need to be anchored in reasonably feasible economic adjustment by the Ghanaian authorities." The Ministry stated that the Committee endorses the Institute of International Finance’s Principles for Stable Capital Flows and Fair Debt Restructuring, which provide meaningful guidance for successful sovereign debt restructurings. The Committee, he explained stands ready for a swift engagement on that basis. It hinted that the committee aims at securing an outcome that is both equitable to creditors and responsive to the economic and social challenges facing Ghana. "A key factor in measuring the success of Ghana’s debt resolution would be the timely restoration of international market access, which remains critical for Ghana to meet its development objectives" The Committee has appointed Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP as legal advisor and Rothschild & Co as financial advisor. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana National Gas Company and the national gas companies of Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone signed a historic MOU with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)and the Office National de Hydrocarbures and Des Mines of Morocco (OHNYM). This was on Tuesday, December 6 in Rabat Morocco.The Ghana National Gas Company, having cemented itself as the nation’s premier midstream gas business company that owns and operates the infrastructure required for gathering, processing, transporting and marketing of national gas resources in Ghana and internationally entered into this agreement which has the potential to transform the economic landscape of all countries involved. The Company Secretary and General Manager in charge of the Commercial Legal division of Ghana Gas, Mrs. Sylvia Assimeng Archer, led the Ghana Gas delegation to Morocco and signed the MOU on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Ben K.D Asante.The MOU is with regards to a Nigeria Morocco Gas Pipeline, a 5600-kilometer trans-African line that will connect Nigeria to Morocco, traversing Ghana and other Ecowas countries along the route. The idea for the pipeline, a joint initiative between the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Kingdom of Morocco was conceived in 2016. Plans are afoot to further extend this line to Europe in the future. To highlight the key role Ghana plays in this, Takoradi has been earmarked as one of the three sites to house compressor stations along the pipeline. The myriad potential benefits of this pipeline which is to boost economic livelihoods of the populace of the countries involved cannot be overstated. These will include energy self-sufficiency, economic integration and strengthening of the industrial sectors, with resultant job creation. Natural gas will support economic development in agriculture, hydrocarbons and mines.This will certainly result in a general increase in the standard of living of the 340 million people this project is expected to impact. Ghana Gas is well positioned to be able and collaborative partner to work towards the successful implementation of the project. Sylvia Archer, in her remarks on behalf of the CEO, Dr. Ben Asante, emphasised the historic nature of this milestone agreement and its overarching importance to all the countries involved. She commended the NNPC and ONHYM for their leadership and partnership in the project and affirmed the commitment of Ghana Gas Company to ensuring the success of this endeavor. Mr. Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GGCEO) of NNPC, said Africa stands to benefit immensely from the execution of the project which extends beyond the supply of gas to energize the countries along the route. Mr. Baboucarr Njie, the Managing Director of Gambia’s National Petroleum Company (GNPC), highlighted the fact that his country’s prospecting for hydrocarbons has been encouraged by recent similar discoveries in neighboring Senegal and Mauritania. He added that the opportunity presented by the NMGP project will tremendously boost their chances to discover natural gas in the Gambia. Once completed, the pipeline is expected to transport about three billion cubic feet of gas per day from Nigeria to Morocco, and eventually onward to Europe. Credit: 3news.com

Parent's Nest International School (PNIS), a solely-owned Ghanaian private school has held its first graduation ceremony in a grand style. The graduation ceremony, which came off on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the school's premises, was in honour of their( 1st B.E.C.E graduands) 9th Graders and the in 6th Grade and Reception graduates. Located at the heart of Tema Community 18 within the Greater Accra Region, PNIS blends the Ghanaian and United Kingdom's curriculum coupled with particular focus on instilling virtues of God-fearing and discipline, in their pupils. The graduation ceremony was on the theme; "Strengthening Our Education Through Resilience for Optimum Growth." The event was graced by many of the parents of the graduating learners amongst other invited dignitaries. The Chairman for the occasion was Mr. Isaac Vanderpuije and co-chaired by Mr. Nicholas de-Heer. Delivering an address, the Director of PNIS, Mrs. Yvonne Norglo Borquaye, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to teachers for exhibiting tenacity and resilience in their bid to keep the learners focused on their goal. She said in addition to academic, Parent's Nest International School equally focuses on “child development for comprehensive growth.” “Every year, we focus on aspects of development that will help us train our learners in all areas possible to prepare them to be leaders they aspire to become. Our focus has not always been academics only but other aspects that will help our children in future," she indicated. Mrs. Norglo Borquaye expressed gratitude to the parents for their support in ensuring that PNIS delivers quality education to learners. She used the opportunity to implore parents and guardians to help groom their children in all areas of their growth, adding that "We as a school do this alone.” “…We need your help and support to ensure a holistic development, not only for the period they are here with us but hereafter because Parent's Nest is a family more than a school," she urged. "Let us come together to help and prepare these children that we love so much for the best life ahead of them," she appealed. Quoting Nikki Giovanni Jnr., a poet and an educator who said: "Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the error that counts." On his part, the Education Director for Tema West, Mr. MacCarthy Mensah, noted that it takes a deliberate effort to guide learners acquire knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and believes which require a set of interrelated conditions that will set them on the path of success. He added that it takes one's willingness to contribute to national development. He explained that that venture comes with its own challenges, however, it behoves instructors and parents and other stakeholders in education not to give up in educating these young ones who are the future of the country. “…we live in an era where challenges hit us daily. However, compromising the education of these little ones will be too high a price to pay, hence the theme, "Strengthening Our Education through Resilience for Optimum Growth" is timely," he noted. According to Mr. Mensah, the foundation of educating these young ones should begin with equipping the school with appropriate facilities to enhance effective teaching and learning since the more “we read, the more we learn,” adding that “our libraries should be well stocked with appropriate books and learning materials." “Our science and ICT labs should be well equipped to improve upon the study of science and technology considering that we live in a global village," he indicated. He called for urgent steps to raise the professional status of teaching staff in order to promote quality education. A parent called on other parents to make PNIS their only choice as everything that encompasses education could be found at PNIS. The Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area, Nii Gontein Teiko Tsuru II, urged the school authorities not to concentrate only on foreign languages as the practice encourages loss of identity. He entreated the authorities to at least choose one Ghanaian language to ensure self-identity in the children. He further promised to assist the school acquire a larger space to train more children. The Principal of PNIS, Mrs. Beatrice Aggrey, admonished parents to assist the school to train their wards by helping them do their assignments. She said the school alone cannot give the children a holistic education, therefore, assistance in that direction will be necessary. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The AndrewsMary Choir, a vibrant youth choir on Sunday shook the Pro-Cathedral with an outstanding chorale performance to crown the December 2022 edition of the worship and praise programme dubbed an Hour in His Presence. The December 2022 chorale edition which took place at the St. Andrews Anglican Church, Abossey Okai on Sunday saw an impressive number of chorale music lovers gather to praise and worship their maker. The AndrewsMary made of over 20 youths took turns and sang their hearts out. The AndrewsMary Choir left no stone unturned as they also sang President Akufo-Addo's favourite song 'Asem papabi'. The AndrewsMary Choir is a blend of young choristers from the St. Andrews Anglican Church, Abossey Okai and St. Mary's Anglican Church, Akoto Lante, both in Accra. The December 2022 Chorale edition of the Hour in his presence programme also had choral artist, Master Edwin Hussein perform alongside his brother as guest artists on the night. Parish Priest of the St. Andrews Anglican Church, Rev'd Canon Dr. Patrick Okaijah-Bortier described the performance of the AndrewsMary Choir as phenomenal. He spoke highly of the exploits of the AndrewsMary Choir with pride and affection. Some patrons lauded the AndrewsMary Choir for their amazing performance on the night. The patrons challenged the AndrewsMary Choir to capitalise on their chorale performance adding that more efforts will push them higher. As the Hour in his presence programme enters its fourth (4th) year in January 2023, it is emerging that lot of surprises are expected to be unleashed. The event was powered by the Assisting Parish Priest of the St. Andrews Anglican Church, Abossey Okai, Rev'd Fr. Nii Lante Kumi-Bruce. The event was also streamed live on St. Andrews Anglican Church's Facebook page for its online audiences both in Ghana and abroad to catch a glimpse of the December 2022 chorale edition of an Hour in his presence. Assisting Parish Priest, St. Andrews Anglican Church, Rev'd Fr. Kumi-Bruce and his son, Eurosax did the magic behind the organ at the December 2022 Chorale edition of the Hour in his presence. Below are some videos: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith