The Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) has advocated homegrown solutions to address the economic challenges currently bedeviling the country. “The economic challenges that we are facing should rather bring forth our entrepreneurial spirit as we find homegrown solutions to them,” Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong made the call at the 2022 Annual Thanksgiving Service of the JGC and Zoomlion on Friday, December 9, 2022, at the group’s head office at Ashalley Botwe in Accra. According to him, it is now time for Ghanaians to increase domestic production and ensure that “we consume what we produce in order to reduce the incessant pressure on the Ghana cedi.” To this end, he stressed the need for the nation to prioritise localisation, stating optimistically that “we shall come out of this situation victorious through the grace of the Almighty God.” 2022, he bemoaned, has been characterised by harsh economic challenges, adding that these have had negative impacts on businesses and individuals. “In these circumstances, there is the inclination to gloss over the goodness of the Lord and not appreciate Him for divine preservation. Let’s remember that through it all, the Lord has been good and faithful to us,” he reminded Ghanaians. Dr. Agyepong was upbeat that Ghana would eventually come out of its economic doldrums. He commended the government for its policy initiatives to boost local productive capacity and the protection of local industries by cutting down on imports. “Indeed, the government’s decision to restrict the importation of commodities such as vegetable oil, rice, poultry, fruit juices, and ceramic tiles, is a step in the right direction towards self-sustenance,” he said. However, the executive chairman of JGC called for an extension of the restriction to cover anything that is being produced by locals and for which “we have comparative advantage.” “In this regard, we need to boost the domestic avenues for their production, and these avenues would create ample job opportunities for our youth. “As we applaud government over its domestication efforts, we are humbly asking government to be committed and very firm on this policy. We don’t want a situation where people will invest heavily in local industries only to be derailed by a lack of commitment on the part of government,” Dr. Agyepong pleaded. In the wake of the current economic circumstances, Dr. Agyepong applauded the hard work, patience, support and resilience of Ghanaians. “By our nature and cultural orientation, Ghanaians are typically industrious, peace-loving, united and supportive. We are well-known, and ever will be, for these virtues. Ghanaians have been known to love their country, and able to work hard to manage their own affairs when given the opportunity. Regardless of how unsatisfactory conditions are, our people have been loyal to our beloved country,” he expressed. “As we strengthen our feet in the paths of domestication, we are entreated to work harder than ever before, to do quality work and produce quality commodities.” Furthermore, Dr. Agyepong stressed the need for Ghanaians to have a healthy attitude towards Ghana-made products and patronise them. This, he explained, will help the Ghanaian economy to bounce back. “We must all cherish, support, and sustain the modest gains that we have made over this period. May I use this opportunity to also encourage other businesses to support the efforts and initiatives of the government. I will continue to admonish the youth to also put their hands on deck, launch out and take advantage of opportunities being provided by government through its various youth-related initiatives like YouStart, planting for food and jobs to contribute their quota to national development,” he stated. "...I wish to take the opportunity to stand on my behalf and that of my wife Adelaide and the entire Agyepong and allied families to thank you all sincerely for the outpouring of love and support during the demise and final funeral rites of my late father, Opanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong", he appreciated. He further said, "Words fail me as I recall the great support and services you rendered to make the final journey of my father memorable and spectacular. To avoid a situation where I mention one and leave out others, let me just say thank you to you all. However, I cannot have this platform without thanking the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Vice Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and their wives, Former Presidents John Agyekum Kufour and John Dramani Mahama for their presence at the funeral. It was one of the most humbling moments of my life and I will never forget it". Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has applauded the National Lottery Authority (NLA) for its sustained efforts at maintaining its institution as a national treasure over the past 60 years, and particularly, for the Authority’s sense of commitment to fulfilling its obligation embedded in the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722), to take care of the needy, the aged, orphans and the destitute. The President was speaking at the Grand Durbar of NLA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration when he addressed the Management, Staff, leadership, and guests from the World Lottery Association and African Lotteries Association on Friday 9 December 2022, at the forecourt of the office complex of the NLA in Accra. The NLA has over the years, supported communities, individuals, hospitals, schools, security services, leprosaria, mental institutions, youth, and sports organizations amongst others. They have been beneficiaries of medical aid, medical outreaches, medical equipment like incubators, toilet facilities, mechanized boreholes across the country, refurbished schools, a smart lab, recreational centers, and several donations of cash, food items, and other supplies amongst many others through its Good Causes Foundation.  The Foundation operates four pillars, namely, Education, Health, Youth and Sports Development, and Arts and Culture. “Giving back to society through your Good Causes Foundation complements the efforts of government in the development of our country and it is worthy of emulation by others,” President Akufo-Addo said. Elaborating further on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the NLA, President Akufo-Addo, urged the NLA to follow strictly, the high standards of the World Lottery Association (WLA) on CSR and Good Causes. “Proceeds from lotteries the world over are known to support good causes in society. According to the World Lottery Association earnings have funded more than 1.5 million scholarships and grants. “The WLA global data compendium has indicated that total revenues for WLA member lotteries amounted to 284 billion United States dollars in 2020, whiles in the same year, the total of funds returned to society came to 74.9 billion United States dollars” President Akufo-Addo stated. These statistics, according to President Akufo-Addo, clearly define the focus of the global body, WLA, and that the NLA although doing well, should step up its efforts. The President further emphasized the NLA should be up to the challenge as right here in Africa, Cote d’Ivoire has blazed the trail in line with the standards set by WLA and the NLA ought to be inspired by the Loterie Nationale de Cote d’Ivoire (LONACI) of Cote d’Ivoire. Responsible Gaming The President also charged the Board of Directors and the Management of NLA to ensure Responsible Gaming in the country and to endeavour to be transparent with all Ghanaians who patronize their games and services. As a revenue, generating institution, President Akufo-Addo, says the NLA has a responsibility to continue to exercise the highest form of transparency and integrity in the conduct of its draws if the organization is to continue to enjoy the confidence the Ghanaian people have reposed in them. “As an institution tasked with revenue generation, I will implore you to ensure that you exercise the highest form of transparency and integrity in the conduct of your draws to uphold the confidence that the public continues to have in you" “The onus to achieve this does not only lie in your ability to generate revenue for the government and give back to society but more importantly, in ensuring that the Ghanaians who play your lottery games receive a true reflection of the daily results published” Akufo-Addo added. Enriching lives The NLA’s ability to ensure responsible and transparent gaming according to President Akufo-Addo is the surest way for their “promise of enriching lives through games” to hold true meaning. “I urge you also to implement stringent policies on responsible gaming, chiefly, to prevent minus and under-age persons from patronizing your games and to help sanitize the lottery and betting space. “The Ghanaian people are expectant of reforms that will help you live up to your vision of becoming the organization of choice and blueprint print for lottery in Africa” President Akufo-Addo admonished. Illegal lottery President of the World Lottery Association (WLA) Rebecca Paul, who traveled to Ghana to support the 60th-anniversary celebration of the NLA, ahead of the celebration, paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House. In her remarks, she stated that WLA is ready to support all the efforts Ghana is currently making to stop illegal gaming activities in the country. According to Madam Paul, the WLA has two dominant objectives and they are giving back to good courses in the countries where they have representation by way of membership and fighting all forms of illegal gaming and lottery activities. “Part of what the World Lottery Association does is to help set up standards that our members meet and certainly, one of the most important is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards which you (Ghana) are applying for and working towards. “One of the things that are most threatening to lottery that gives back to good courses are those illegal folks who do nothing. They don’t pay any taxes, they don’t give any money to good causes and they don’t follow the same rules and standards that those of us who are government-sanctioned follow” the WLA President, Rebecca Paul said. “We are working with all the lotteries across Africa, [including Ghana] on those two initiatives [CSR and responsible gaming] which are two of our most important and we are just elated to be here in Ghana” the WLA president added. Renewed Commitment The Board Chairman of NLA, His Eminence, Torgbui Francis Nnonyo, in his address, welcomed the charge of the President and indicated that the NLA will work hard to be a leader in the subregion. “The Board of NLA, together with Management will ensure the growth of this organization, and we are even more determined to ensure that NLA’s flag flies high among its peers and lives up to its vision to become the organization of choice on the African continent” The Director-General of NLA, Mr.Samuel Awuku the Authority was more resolute than ever to take up the challenges that lie ahead. “We are excited about this new phase and of what the future holds as we forge ahead in our journey. We believe there will be bigger hurdles to cross and while we acknowledge the work that lies ahead, we remain resolute with a renewed commitment to do much better for our cherished patrons.” Sammy Awuku stated. He also commended the Management, Staff, and other stakeholders for contributing to the success story of NLA. “As is typical of every great institution, it has not been all roses on our journey, but the NLA keeps innovating to bring out the best of the institution and its stakeholders.  The dedicated service and tireless sacrifices borne by Management and Staff, our loyal Lotto Marketing Companies and Retailers as well as the policies and reforms, taken by successive Boards and Director-Generals have molded this foremost organization”. Below are some pictures: Story by: Think News Online

Two armed robbers have been shot dead with one being arrested in connection with the Chinese woman-Caprice robbery incident which occurredon December 9, Police has disclosed. According to the Police, it managed to gun down the two armed robbers and arrested one after it took the fight to their hideout. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the Ghana Police Service said "Police have shot dead two armed robbers and arrested one in connection with the robbery attack at Caprice in Accra on Friday 9th December, 2022 where a female victim was attacked, shot and robbed" "Sustained police intelligence operations since 9th December 2022, took the fight to the robbery gang at their hideout (name of location withheld for now)" "The robbers engaged the police in a shoot out and in the process two were shot dead and one was arrested" The statement further revealed that one police officer sustained a gunshot injury to his thigh and is currently receiving medical attention. The police intelligence operations says it will not stop until it finally arrest all the robbers connected to the robbery. Background It will be recalled that a Chinese woman identified as Li Yu Zhen was robbed and shot by some unknown men at Caprice near Atinka Media Village in Accra. The Chinese woman in her mid 50 was driving a Toyota Prado when the unfortunate incident occurred. Two fingers of the Chinese woman were severed as a result of the shooting. Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com, the victim, Li Yu Zhen said "I went to the West Hill Mall Standard Charatered Bank to deposit money. On returning, the robbers trailed me from West Hills to here, crossed and shot at me" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s currency took the title of the world’s best performer against the dollar this week amid optimism the debt-distressed country is moving closer to unlocking an International Monetary Fund bailout. The cedi has rallied 10% in the past five days, the biggest advance among about 150 currencies tracked by Bloomberg. That’s a turnaround for an exchange rate that had lost half of its value this year and occupied the bottom slot in the charts. The gains came even as the African nation put its local-currency sovereign bonds in what Fitch Ratings described as a “default-like process,” and the holders of its dollar bonds braced for capital losses. The restructuring is needed to put Ghana’s debt on a sustainable path and secure a $3 billion IMF loan. “The currency was the cheapest in Africa, more than 30% undervalued versus its 25-year history last week, so some rebound after the huge fall recently isn’t that surprising,” said Charles Robertson, the global chief economist at Renaissance Capital Ltd. in London. “Also we have the IMF in town, which should pave the way for dollar support.” World Beater Investors are returning to some of the riskiest corners of emerging markets amid the dollar’s biggest quarterly decline since 2010. They’re betting that a Federal Reserve pivot to a lesshawkish monetary stance will continue to weigh on the greenback in the coming months. The cedi advanced Friday to 12.9648 per dollar, the strongest level since October on a closing basis. It’s still down 52% this year. Optimism on the cedi “is a combination of a somewhat more hawkish central bank, some progress on the restructuring front and a bit of buying the news,” said Simon Quijano-Evans, the chief economist at Gemcorp Capital Management Ltd. in London. Other emerging currencies that outperformed this week include the Vietnamese dong, Chilean peso, Costa Rican colon and Chinese yuan. Story by: Srinivasan Sivabalan Photographer: Cristina Aldehuela/Bloomberg

Argentine Goalkeeper, Emi Martinez has described the officiating official who handled Argentina's quarter final game against Netherlands as useless. The Goalkeeper made these known while speaking to French television channel, BEIN Sport. He said "The referee is useless. I think he (Luis Van Gaal) needs to keep his mouth shut" Argentina captain, Lionel Messi also said referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz should not have officiated Argentina's tempestuous shoot-out victory over the Netherlands in the World Cup quarter-finals at Lusail Stadium. Lionel Messi has asked FIFA to drop the referee. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akufo Dampare has urged Chairman of JOSPONG Group of Companies, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, to look beyond the challenges and criticism the companies faces and stayed focus to provide developmental solutions to the nation problems. The IGP made this call when he joined the JOSPONG Group of Companies to praise God at its annual Thanksgiving Services on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Nmai-Dzorn near Ashaley-Botwe in Accra. Speaking as the Guest of Honour on the theme “Celebrating God Goodness,” Dr Dampare charged the Chairman of JOSPONG Group of Companies to dust of unnecessary criticism and remain focus in whatever he is doing to bring the ultimate needs of the country. While commending the JSPONG GROUP for the effort made over the years to bring innovative developmental intervention and continue to dedicate his work to God, the IGP decried the failure and laxity of Christians to turn what he termed ‘theoretical Christianity’ into practicality. He said the principle of commitment to God held on for many years has not only propelled Dr. Agyepong to just a praying Christian but has transformed that into beneficial productive ventures, saying, “We have come very far.” Dr. Dampare found it very difficult to understand that with a total percentage of 70% Christians in the country, Ghana has remained the way it is. He bemoaned the fact that there was a growing interest amongst Christians who would only seize any moment in the church against turning theory into producing goods. He said theoretical Christianity has accounted for the country’s current state in the scheme of world developers. He indicated that Ghana’s stance as a consumption nation has done no good to her, especially when countries Ghana began with have progressed in terms of development. He decried why citizens have dwelled on the theoretical aspect of Christianity to retarding both personality and the nation at large. The IGP indicated that, that situation has taken the best part of the individual to the detriment of future generations. “If after prayer, you can think about eating, then it means everything is not prayer”, Dr. Dampare stressed. The week-long thanksgiving service is on the theme: “Celebrating God’s Goodness” and was centred on Psalm 66:16. The event attracted special personalities including the immediate past Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Ghana Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, the immediate past General Secretary of the Church of Pentecost, Ghana Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah (rtd), Inspector General of Police, with Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, as the special guest of honour and his entourage, past and present Members of Parliament, chiefs and queen mother’s amongst others. The Executive Chairman of the JGC,, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, used the opportunity to thank everyone who sympathised with him during the demise and burial of his late father. But making a statement on the current challenges that have bedeviled the country with its corresponding harsh economic challenges, he assured Ghanaians that with a committed attitude, the fortunes of Ghana could be turned around. In reference to the cost of fuel which impact spares no facet of the economy, he believed that the future was bright regardless. He said the current situation should spur the country to do more with home-grown policies while completely curtailing the appetite for excessive importation. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Germany and Real Madrid play-maker, Mesut Özil has taken a swipe at some sports pundits over their recent commentary on Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo. According to Mesut Özil, those pundits have no career and thus should stop trying to get attention using Ronaldo's name. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the football great tweeted "I really don't get where this constant negativity from the press about Cristiano comes from ... The Media is just trying to get clicks, and pundits who don't have a career anymore just want to get attention with his big name and try to make him look bad..." He also hit hard at the media over its sensational stories for clicks, stressing that such behaviours are unprofessional. "He is soon 38 years old - so what's the surprise that he doesn't score 50 goals a season anymore? Every football fan out there should be happy to have seen him playing world class football for 20 years" "I don't think anyone from the new generation will be able to match his numbers again. He will forever be in his own category. 🐐 Everyone should show more respect to one of the greatest athletes in sports history..." It will be recalled that news broke of Ronaldo threatening to leave the training grounds of the Portuguese National Team. Such allegations comes after the super star's name could not make it to the first eleven which faced the Swiss few days ago. However, an official statement from Portuguese FA has revealed that such allegations are untrue and ought to be disregarded. “Reports claiming Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos are not true — FPF clarifies that at no time did Cristiano threaten to leave the national team in Qatar” it said. Below are some tweets: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio has on Friday, 9th December, 2022, closed the maiden edition of the 4-day National Land Conference with a call on stakeholders to play their respective roles in making land administration in Ghana better. "I can assure you that the political will exists, but the government alone cannot do it. We need the concerted effort of everyone, else this conference would have been a waste of time. Let us come together to play our respective roles to make land administration better. We have the political will to transform land administration" he stressed. The Deputy Minister noted that after three impactful high-level policy dialogues, and over 20 presentations during technical sessions, he is confident that most, if not all of the objectives of the conference have been met. He indicated that the report emanating from the conference shall inform the next steps that the Ministry and its agencies in collaboration with the development partners and Civil Society Organizations will take in view of making land administration more transparent and efficient. Having played an instrumental role in organizing the conference, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio assured that the next steps for the Ministry is to continually coordinate and facilitate the implementation of recommendations from the conference, while urging all participants to employ the same level of passion with which they have discussed the issues to implement the proposed solutions. "We will immediately commence steps to establish a multi-stakeholder platform to monitor the implementation of the Conference recommendations" he added. Hon. Owusu-Bio appreciated all the partners and sponsors of the conference, not forgetting the stakeholders from Academia, Civil Society, Revered Chiefs and Queens, Public Sector and Private Sector land professionals, and government representatives for their participation in the conference. On his part, the National Chairman of the Lands Commission, Mr. Alex Quaynor assured that all the information gathered from their deliberations at the conference will be used to review the 1999 land policy and bring out concrete plans to be put to action. He stated that as far as the mandate to ensure the proper administration of the country’s land resource is concerned, they will await next instructions from the Ministry and government to put them into effect. As recommendations, the 4-day conference among others calls on government to prioritize the systematic surveying and mapping of customary and state land boundaries and the boundaries of metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to reduce the numerous land ownership disputes in the country; to set out comprehensive program for the registration of title in land as mandated by the 1992 constitution and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036). It also beacons government to comprehensively map the country at large, medium and small scales to facilitate land use planning and spatial development for rapid economic development and provide resources for a holistic and participatory approach to land use planning. The conference recommendation also seeks government's efforts to support of all key stakeholders to raise awareness of the citizenry on the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925) and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036). Story by: Nadia Aidoo

After months of closure the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has Friday, 9th December, 2022 reopened the Accra Zoo to the general public, urging all Ghanaians and the diaspora to patronise the Zoo even as the festive season approaches. "As we approach the festive season, I want to encourage all of us, both Ghanaians and foreigners alike and particularly our dear students to patronise and interact with nature. The Accra Zoo, I can assure you is safe and you are all warmly welcome to visit" The Zoo was shut down in August on the instructions of the Minister after an intruder was attacked by the lions. Before this unfortunate incident, renovations were ongoing to intensify security systems, provide more facilities to ensure the comfort of visitors and make the Zoo more interesting and exciting. Speaking at the reopening ceremony, the Minister underscored the importance of Zoos and ecotourism in general to the socio-economic development of the country, empathising that they provide an effective economic incentive of conservation and protecting the ecosystem and biodiversity, while creating jobs and generating income to support the national economy. He exemplified that in Africa, Zoos and ecotourisms have become a major boost to the economies of country's like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda and Zambia and hoped that Ghana's Zoo will also place the country on such heights. Zoos he noted are therefore, very crucial to the conservation of terrestrial life and ecosystems, which Ghana is enjoined by Sustainable Development Goal 15 to protect and conserve. Due to the many advantages, the Sector Minister disclosed that Government is adopting strategic measures to promote zoos and ecotourism in the country, adding that plans are far advanced to upgrade the three (3) regional zoos in Accra, Tamale and Takoradi, to international standards and eventually establish zoos in all sixteen (16) regions of the country. Whiles assuring the safeness of the Zoo, Hon. Jinapor employed opportunity to call on the private sector to partner Government on the ambitious agenda, to bring zoos closer to the people and promote ecotourism. He announced that as part of measures to protect wildlife resources, Cabinet has approved a new Wildlife Resources Management Bill, to be laid in Parliament in the next couple of weeks, to among others, provide a new legal framework for the management of the wildlife resources. He highly commended his Deputy responsible for Lands and Forestry, the CEO of the Forestry Commission and the Forestry Commission staff for their tireless efforts in ensuring excellent leadership direction in the management of the forest and wildlife resources of the country. The Chief Executive of Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey in his welcome statement highlighted some recent developments of the Zoo, detailing that the Zoo now has a new visitors lounge with benches, street lights, access routes, camera traps installation at the lions den, bold signages with clear instructions, wider and higher cages and two iron gates constructed to intensify security in the Zoo. He pointed out that security check points have been mounted close to the lions enclosure for constant monitoring to prevent future unfortunate occurrences. The CEO also disclosed that the Zoo has a Bat Research Center, established to study bat diseases and behavior and the only captive bat breeding population and research Center in the world. The Accra Zoo has a total of 108 animals made up of monkeys, Antelopes, Birds, Crocodiles, Snakes, Lions, porcupines, Ostrich, Geese, among others with an average visitation of 32,000 annually. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Chinese woman identified as Li Yu Zhen has been robbed and shot by some unknown men at Avenor Junction near Atinka Media Village in Accra. The Chinese woman in her mid 50 was driving a Toyota Prado when the unfortunate incident occurred. Two fingers of the Chinese woman were severed as a result of the shooting. Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com, the victim, Li Yu Zhen said "I went to the West Hill Mall Standard Charatered Bank to deposit money. On returning, the robbers trailed me from West Hills to here, crossed and shot at me" She added that one of the robbers was unmasked. Some young men managed to rescue the Chinese woman and drove her to the Entrance University hospital for first aid. The registration number of the motorcycle was given as AS 22. Watch the videos below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, has hit hard at the minority caucus in Parliament for invoking censure motion for parochial and partisan interests. He said censure motions are very serious parliamentary business, and are to be invoked in very serious cases that borders on the integrity of Ministers of State. The Minister was contributing to the Debate on a motion to censure the Finance Minister, Hon. Ken Ofori Atta. The motion, which was filed by the minority caucus in parliament, alleged, among others, that the Finance Minister had engaged in conflict interest, and had made unconstitutional withdrawals from the consolidated Fund. After the initial debate on the motion, the Speaker referred it to an eight-member committee to investigate the allegations and report to plenary. The Committee presented its report on Thursday, 8th November, 2022, paving way for the final debate on the motion. Contributing to the motion, Mr. Jinapor said censure motions were developed by the UK Parliament to replace impeachment proceedings against the executive, which was deemed cumbersome. He said they were to be adopted only in the most grievous cases, as its lead to a Minister losing his office. He said even though censure motions in the UK are no longer used to remove Ministers, they are seldom used. Referring to the practice in the United States, he said although the US Constitution allows Senate to censure its own members, since the American Constitution was adopted in 1789, the practice has been used only nine (9) times. According to Hon. Jinapor, the allegations contained in the minority’s censure motion do not meet the litmus test for censure motions. Citing the case of Okudzeto Ablakwa v Obetsebi Lamptey, he said the Constitution has assigned the power to investigate allegations of conflict of interest to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). He queried how allegations of conflict of interest, which has already been investigate by CHRAJ, could form a basis of a censure motion. He said he was not surprised that the Committee established by the Speaker found that allegation as unmeritorious and asked the Finance Minister not to comment on same. Touching on the other grounds, Hon. Jinapor said the Committee that investigated the allegations made no adverse findings against Mr. Ofori Atta. He called on the minority not to set a bad precedent with the motion, which will eventually affect the efficient functioning of Government in future. After the debate, the majority caucus walked out and did not take part in the voting. The motion was eventually lost after it failed to meet the required two-thirds threshold for a vote of censure to be passed. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The third African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation (ARMH) week has been held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, in Accra. The ARMH seeks to represent an important platform for strengthening regulatory systems on the continent. Speaking at opening ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana, Delese Mimi Darko said "The AMRH forms part of the broader African Union Framework on Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa (PMPA). At its core, the goal of the AMRH is to facilitate and coordinate the harmonization of medicines regulation and increase access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medicines in Africa. There are numerous reasons why this is crucial but none more glaring than the recent ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic" Explaining further, Madam Mimi Darko revealed that since tye last AMRH week held in 2020, the conversations on COVID-19 have shifted from addressing the urgent short-term needs to building the long-term resiliency of our continent on pandemic preparedness. She stressed that it is no surprise that vaccine production is at the centre of this need, culminating in the establishment of the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM). "PAVM’s laudable continental strategy and framework for action is focused on 8 bold initiatives that have been transposed into annual priorities for action. For this year attention is on regulatory process harmonisation, strengthening National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and strengthening the Regional Centres of Regulatory Excellence (RCORE) platform to facilitate vaccine regulatory oversight" Tauting some remarkable achievements, Madam Darko hinted that the FDA over the past 25 years with support from such strategic partners have attained ISO 9001-2015 certification for its technical and administrative operations and the ISO/IEC 17025-2017 accreditation for 58 tests covering allopathic medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and food. "Thus, giving the FDA the highest testing scope under one roof in Africa. As a Regional Centre of Regulatory Excellence, we have trained more than 52 African regulators in clinical trial oversight, pharmacovigilance, and marketing authorization" "Since 2020 we have been designated as a Maturity Level 3 agency based on the World Health Organization’s Global Benchmarking Tool and we are working assiduously to achieve ML4. In August 2022 the Drugs Physico-chemical Laboratory of the CLSR attained WHO-Prequalification status. These are no mean feats and as we bask in the light of these achievements, we also acknowledge the responsibility this places on us to support other NRAs" The CEO also disclosed that her outfit has shown its commitment to such a responsibility by training 12 countries in medicines authorisation and registration, seven (7) countries in pharmacovigilance and eleven (11) countries in clinical trial oversight across Africa. She stressed that the momentum for joint learning and mentorship is rife adding that FDA is keen to grow along with many other NRAs to achieve the audacious vision of a robust medicines regulatory regime in Africa. "The AMRH has been instrumental in the operationalization of the PAVM and I have no doubt that this same fastidiousness would be extended to the realization of the African Medicines Agency (AMA). Indeed, these are moments in history, and we are privileged to play our parts in laying the foundations for this ambitious task" "To all partners, we thank you for the commitment demonstrated toward developing a strong medicine regulatory environment. You would agree with me that the vision of a harmonized and robust continental medicines regime is only achievable through collaboration" Reading a speech on behalf of the Regional Director, WHO, Regional Office for Africa, Dr. Rebecca Matshidiso Moeti, the Representative of WHO, Dr. Elizabeth Juma said "It is a significant milestone in regulatory harmonization, that this AMRH week is being celebrated in Accra, Ghana, because 16 years ago, WHO established the African Vaccines Regulatory Forum (AVAREF) in this same city and country, with the sole purpose of promoting regulatory harmonization and capacity building. AVAREF remains a technical working group supporting clinical trials of vaccines and registration of products in emergencies" She added that substantial progress has been observed over the past 3 years of the Regulatory capacity of National Regulatory Agencies in the African Region. She noted that in line with the Regional Framework for Regulation of Medical Products 2016–2025, WHO continued to build technical capacity of regulators through evaluating, sharing best practices and training on WHO guidelines. "The AMRH being implemented in five RECs has been able to deliver positive results in helping countries in establishing robust legal frameworks, and harmonize regulatory requirements, standards, processes, and capacity-building. Expansion of the scope from generic medicines to new chemical entities, vaccines, and medical devices/IVDs, and the reduction of timelines for granting marketing authorizations are a few to mention" "Regional economic communities are involved in harmonization initiatives to increase access to good quality, safe and effective medicines through harmonizing medicines regulations, and expediting registration of essential medicines" She mentioned that WHO has been working with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Africa Union Development Agency (AUDA)/NEPAD) on the best strategy and modalities to expedite the signing/ratification of the AMA Treaty and its operationalization. "It has allocated $1 million USD for the AU-WHO joint work plan for the establishment and operationalization of the African Medicines Agency (AMA). The WHO will continue providing technical support in the operationalization of AMA through participation in different fora established under the AMRH program to support AMA operationalization and the secondment of competent technical staff to AUC" "Despite substantial progress in improving access to good quality safe and efficacious medicines, challenges remain, and countries are at different stages with these challenges. The COVID-19 Pandemic highlighted some gaps in our health systems including our Regulatory systems and taught us some very useful lessons which require us to build resilience into our health systems to deal with the next pandemic when it occurs" Current Issues in Regulation of Health Products on the Continent She said "In July 2022, Gambia saw an increased number of children dying from Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Following investigations, Di-Ethylene glycol (DEG) was found in 4 different paediatric syrups. One would ask what went wrong with the regulatory process which resulted in the introduction of these toxic substances on the market in the Gambia" She hinted that it is important to invest in the regulatory process to safeguard public health and save lives. "For instance, 72,000 to 169,000 deaths are caused by substandard and falsified antibiotics in children under 5 suffering from pneumonia. Similarly, 31,000 to 116,000 deaths are caused by substandard and falsified antimalarials in sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated US$38.5million annual spending on these products" Vulnerability of the health product value chain in Africa She explained that Africa is 70% dependent on imported pharmaceuticals. She added that to reduce dependence on imported medical products, African leaders expressed their will to boost local manufacturing capacity. "The 74th World Health Assembly resolution on Strengthening Local Production of Medicines and Other Health Technologies to Improve Access urges Member States to engage in North–South and South–South development cooperation, partnerships and networks to build and improve the transfer of technology. The resolution was co-sponsored by more than 100 Member States, including all the African countries." Progress to date "All countries in WHO African region currently have NRAs (or at least an administrative unit performing some or all the functions of an NRA) but their organizational set-up and functionality is variable. Countries should view the establishment of the AMA (African Medicines Agency) as an opportunity to improve NRAs’ capacity in Africa" "To date five African National Regulatory Authorities - Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania operate at Maturity Level (ML) 3 commensurate with stable, wellfunctioning and integrated regulatory systems. Both Egypt and South Africa perform at maturity level 3 for vaccines regulation and are vaccines manufacturers. The NRAs with strong capacities and operating at ML 3 will be instrumental for the continental regulatory functions to be performed by AMA" Call to action Touching on the call to action, she said "There is need to invest in regulatory systems strengthening for effective AMA and in ensuring supply and access to safe, effective, and quality assured medical products. Harmonization initiatives need to relook and rethink the harmonization process and need to develop innovative ways to promote harmonization in Africa" "Strengthening of the AMRH partnership platform (the WHO Coalition of Interested Parties Regional Steering Group) and ensuring fair distribution of partners’ support to NRAs and REC’s MRH initiatives. Representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Kwaku Agyeman Manu, the Special Advisor to Minister of Health on Human resource, Dr. Baffour Awuah said "Natural Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) plays a critical role in ensuring access to quality assured products such as vaccines, when need expedited development, manufacture, and deployment especially in the event of a public health crisis" He added that many African governments have realised and agree that there is an urgent need to strengthen manufacturing capacities on the continent for vaccines and other medical products. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith