The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu Bio, responsible for Lands and Forestry, has reaffirmed government's resolve to protect the Achimota Forest. "The Achimota Forest has not been sold, it's not for sale and will not be sold. It is intact" he assured. He continued that the Forest itself has not been declassified but rather the peripherals which he said the Owoo family is constitutionally entitled to as compensation. According the Deputy Minister, giving the monetary value of the parcel of land, government would have paid more in compensation to the custodial owners of the portions in EI 144. "Government is also committed to ensuring that whatever happens to the peripheral potions of the land, did not affect the ecological integrity of the forest" he pointed out. Speaking to the media during a tour of the Forest, on Thursday 19th May 2022, the Deputy Minister explained that the media tour is specifically to show the general public the various activities currently ongoing in the Forest to maintain the integrity and structure of it. As part of efforts to maintain the Forest, Hon. Benito said different species of trees including Melina trees have been planted to give a boarder to the forest reserve and protect it from intruders and also and make it much greener. He continued, that aside the afforestation drive, there are many other efforts government is embarking on to conserve the forest, which is contrary to the reports being circulated. He also re-echoed government's intention to revamp the forest into a national park where Ghanaians can visit to enjoy the beauty of nature, as seen in other parts of the world. The Deputy Minister said the Achimota Forest remains an integral part of government's plan to protect the ecosystem and the vegetative cover of the country. Hon. Owusu-Bio also said moving forward, all prospective plans of government regarding the Achimota Forest will be handled with utmost transparency and integrity. He also used the tour to call on the media and the public to support government's flagship afforestation  program, the Green Ghana Day scheduled for June 10th 2022. The CEO of Forestry Commission, Mr John Allotey said the trees in the Achimota Forest could be classified as shrubs but the commission through the Youth in Afforestation Program have been planting trees since 2017 to make it "a real forest reserve". The CEO also led the team to visit trees planted during the 2021 Green Ghana Day including that of the sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, which is doing very well. On the tour, the media got the opportunity to see at first hand, seedling preparations towards the Green Ghana Day. The team also visited the nursery where the CEO of the Forestry Commission said there are over 100 nurseries of that kind nationwide, preped and ready for the June 10 Green Ghana Day. As part of the tour the team which includes the the Technical Director for Forestry, Mr. Joseph Osaikwan and the Technical Director for Lands, Mr. Maxwell Adu-Nsarfoa visited the Zoo and other areas such as the peripherals of the reserve. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Trade promotion organizations from Jamaica, Malaysia and Zimbabwe received this year’s top prizes for launching innovative programmes in their countries that help small firms to benefit from trade opportunities. The 2022 World Trade Promotion Awards were announced at the World Trade Promotion Organizations Conference and Awards in Accra. For the category of best use of a partnership, Jamaica Promotions Organization (JAMPRO) emerged as winner. Qatar Development Bank and Export Development and Promotion Agency (TASDEER) took the runner up slot. For best use of information technology, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) carried the day while Advantage Austria and Canada - Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, Global Affairs Canada went home as the runner-up. For best initiative for inclusive and sustainable trade, Zimtrade from Zimbabwe was adjudged the winner while Sri Lanka Export Development Board managed the runner up slot. According to Organisers, these awards recognize bold, innovative trade promotion organizations at a time of uncertainty. Trade promotion organizations everywhere have been stepping up to provide a lifeline to businesses who so desperately need it,’ Ms. Coke-Hamilton added. "These awards offer examples of scalable solutions to inspire trade promotion organizations everywhere." The competition, open to all national trade promotion organizations, recognizes excellence in trade support services. The organizations must show that their initiatives help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to become competitive in international markets. The jury included the former winners from Georgia, Costa Rica and Sweden; the previous conference host, France; and the current host, Ghana. Other national shortlisted countries were: Brazil, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia (partnerships); United Republic of Tanzania (information technology); Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Zambia (sustainable and inclusive trade). At a glance: Award-winning initiatives for trade promotion BEST USE OF A PARTNERSHIP Winner: Jamaica – Jamaica Promotions Organization (JAMPRO) Initiative: Export Max III Export capacity of 50 SMEs grew through training, mentorship pairings and group financing through this initiative. Jampro teamed up with the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation for this initiative. Working with partners meant that JAMPRO could tackle inter-related issues for firms such as capacity building, access to finance, quality and sustainability standards and market growth. Among the companies, there was 28% sales growth and 100 new buyers; 50% of the non-exporters are now exporting. New markets were opened in Canada, USA, Panama, Japan, Brazil, Grenada, Barbados and other countries. Runner-up: Qatar – Qatar Development Bank and Export Development and Promotion Agency (TASDEER) Initiative: ‘Go Global’ Export Accelerator Tasdeer and the Qatar Development Bank set up a hub for industrial services, preparing 15 key companies through capacity building, export promotion, certifications, reduced shipping rates and more. Already, 13 of 15 of the companies have international market orders, totalling $13million, with 311 leads for commercial deals. The accelerator is now serving an additional 15 companies with lessons learned from the pilot programme. BEST USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Winner: Malaysia – Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Initiative: 17th Edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase – Virtual Edition By digitizing the Malaysia International Halal Showcase in 2021, SME exports continued to grow in the halal industry despite Covid-19 disruptions. The virtual showcase opened up new markets and made business connections more convenient and cost-effective. Runner-up: Austria – Advantage Austria Initiative: Marketplace Austria for Food and Beverage 2020/2021 Food producers matched up with wholesalers abroad during COVID travel restrictions in an innovative push from Advantage Austria. At a time when travel restrictions nearly stopped the flow of SME exports, Advantage Austria combined virtual business meetings with face-to-face tastings by expanding its B2B platform and using its international office network. The initiative connected 150 food producers with 250 buyers in 38 countries. It was one of the few business-to-business activities in lockdown. The initiative also reduced costs, staff time and the environmental footprint for business matchmaking. Runner-up: Canada – Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, Global Affairs Canada Initiative: Market Potential Finder Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service recognized that its small firms were not taking advantage of new trade agreements. The service trained 800 trade commissioners on free trade agreement benefits, so they could match firms with new markets. Post-training surveys showed that 87% of the commissioners found that the training increased their knowledge of FTAs and that they used the results in working with clients. This effort aligns with Canada’s goal to achieve 50% more exports overseas by 2025. It diversifies trade and supply chains. BEST INITIATIVE FOR INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TRADE Winner: Zimbabwe – Zimtrade Initiative: Eagle’s Nest Youth Export Incubator A reality TV contest for young entrepreneurs brought national awareness for exports in this unusual initiative. Zimtrade found a creative approach to reach youth – where 62% of the population are younger than 25 years old. About 70 000 viewers followed the series, with continued access to the 13 episodes on social media. A pitch contest brought 100 shortlisted firms for training. Then, 50 semi-finalists were trained in marketing and branding, quality control, financing and intellectual property management. Finally, 17 finalists received further training. The winner received full financial support for international exhibitions and learning visits; mentorship with international experts; a listing in Zimbabwe’s online export shop; and a financial package from Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe. The next annual edition will focus on small businesses from rural and marginalized communities. Runner-up: Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka Export Development Board Initiative: Export Coaching Programme for SMEs Few companies in Sri Lanka’s new export development programme were managing to break into export markets. They needed training and information. The Sri Lanka Export Development Board trained 11 officers – ten of them women – as coaches. They guided companies and brought an independent panel to award the best 10 pitches from companies. Following the training, 40% of companies identified export market entry requirements. The programme improved rural development, with four farmer clusters as a supply base. It brought opportunities to women and youth in rural areas. International Trade Centre The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets. It thereby contributes to sustainable economic development within the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Ghana Export Promotion Authority The Ghana Export Promotion Authority is the national trade promotion organization of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. It facilitates, develops and promotes Made In Ghana products in the competitive global economy. It plays a leading role in developing a strong market position for non-traditional exports. A previous winner of the WTPO awards, GEPA was selected by trade promotion organizations from around the world to host this year’s edition of the World Trade Promotion Organizations conference and awards. United Nations in Ghana The UN works in partnership with the Government and people of Ghana (development partners, private sector, academia and civil society) for sustainable economic and social development, peace and human rights and towards achieving Ghana’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. It is a proud supporter of the World Trade Promotion Conference and Awards in Accra. Its information centre is supporting the outreach and coverage of this event. Below are some pictures: Story by: Natalie Domeisen

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has halted all illegal stone quarry activities at Oblogo in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality of the Greater Accra Region and has issued a directive to the Municipal Assembly to immediate demolish all illegal structured. The Deputy Minister during a working visit to the site on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, expressed disappointment and concern over illegal developments at the place. He said it has become necessary for the Ministry to take decisive, pragmatic and proactive steps to avert ‘a reoccurrence of Appiatse”. It is on record that the Ministry nor the Minerals Commission has not processed any application or granted any legal mineral license for quarry operations in the area. According to him, the area has been declared as an earth-quake prone zone and certain activities shouldn’t take place in those areas including quarry and sand winning activities. He emphasized that data from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) suggest that any form of human activities at the place can trigger landslides or manslide which has the potential to cause damage to lives and property consequently the Ministry is proposing to embark on a demolition of the illegal structures. “It is important to caution residents here to move since in the event of an earthquake, the consequences will be catastrophic If it happens, government will be blamed“, he advised. “We are going to pull down these buildings because we would not allow another Appiatse to happen in this area,“ Hon. Mireku Duker also ordered the arrest of three artisans who were busily erecting a structure and were handed over to the police for statements to be taken. The tour by the Hon. Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources followed a presentation by the GGSA on the dangers associated with the place forth-night ago on the geo hazards associated with the place. In a meeting earlier this year, the GGSA warned that the country could be in for another disaster if drastic measures were not taken to guard the place and protect it from encroachment. Below are some pictures: Story by: Fafa Nyame

Six persons have been arrested at Tuba in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region for undertaking illegal construction of residential properties in the area. The six persons who were mainly artisans were apprehended by personnel from the Weija-Gbawe District Police Command on Wednesday, 18th May 2022 during an unannounced working visit by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon.George Mireku Duker. The six, all men with ages ranging from 25 to 30 years, were arrested for the construction of illegal structures. The arrest is one of many decisive steps being taken by the Ministry to tackle the issues of encroachment, illegal structure development and sand winning at the earthquake prone area. At a media briefing after a tour of the area, Hon. George Mireku Duker stated that the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and possible prosecution. He instructed the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly to work closely with the police to arrest the owners of the various illegal projects ongoing in the enclave . He warned that the Ministry will clampdown on all illegal activities at the site including sand-winning and development of unauthorized structures . He further issued a directive for the Assembly to as a matter of urgency demolish all illegal structures in the Ga south Municipality which has been established as an earthquake prone areas. Hon. George Mireku Duker wondered why people will choose to erect structure and conduct activities at the place despite several warnings by the National Disaster Management Organization and its allied agencies. He said the Ministry will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that lives and properties are protected. It will be recalled that NADMO in 2017 described parts of the place ‘imminent risks’ and therefore called for the demolition of illegal structures at the Weija Hills and indicated that the move will help avoid future mudslide as happened in Sierra Leone in which at least 499 people were killed. Below are some pictures: Story by: Fafa Nyame

Following the recommendations of the Sole Inquirer to a find lasting solution to the Bulgarian Embassy land case, government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has set up a three-member Committee to be chaired by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio. This move comes as an outcome from the meeting between the Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria with accreditation to Ghana, H. E. Yanko V. Yordanov and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor on Tuesday, 18th May, 2022. Addressing the media, Hon. Jinapor gave an assurance that government and the Ministry are committed to work together to find amicable solutions which will completely put the matter to rest, just as the Sole Inquirer has recommended. "you will recall that Justice Retired Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta recommended that I use my good office to find an amicable solution to this issue and this is what has culminated to this meeting with the Bulgarian Ambassador" The Minister said the meeting has further strengthened the already long standing and cordial relationship between the two countries and hoped that a more far reaching outcome will evolve from the encounter. "I look foward to building a relationship that goes way beyond the land matters into discussing bigger issues" The Hon. Minister expressed his profound gratitude to the Envoy for his leadership, sense of solidarity and corporation and on behalf of the Government and people of Bulgaria the Minister also thanked the President for showing tremendous skills and diplomacy in his leadership and his involvement in dealing with the matter. He assured the Envoy that the desire of the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in solving the matter is one that he in his capacity as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, will follow through to the latter. The Bulgarian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Yanko Yordanov in his initial comment thanked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the President of the Republic for their personal intervention and commitment in resolving the impasse between the Bulgarian Embassy and the Private Developer. "Bulgaria is thankful to each and every Ghanaian institution, Parliament and especially the Presidency and I'm very hopeful that with the support of these institutions, we will find a lasting solution to this" H.E Yordanov also assured the Minister that people affected in the Bulgarian Embassy demolition and to an extent, Bulgaria, understand that the Government of Ghana had no involvement in the demolition exercise and therefore should be rest assured that the situation will not mar the 60 years of relations between the two countries. The three-member Committee also Mr. Maxwell Adu-Nsarfoa, Technical Director for Lands at the Ministry and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as members. Below are some pictures: Story by: Nadia Aidoo

Three Ghanaian citizens, Issifu Seidu Issifu Seidu Kudus Gbeadese, Elikem Kotoko and Stephen Kwabena Attuh on Wednesday sent a request to the Canadian High Commission asking for copies of reports of any possible investigations carried on the alleged robbery attack on Evelyn Aidoo known as Serwaa Broni. According to the three, their request is hinged on the need to pursue an impeachment petition against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo which was submitted to Parliament on the 21st of April, 2022. In a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said " Any such reports in the possession of the Canadian High Commission, would provide additional materials that would support their petition taking cognisance of the fact that the matter brought before the police under the investigations of Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah who was then the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service was swept under the carpet" The three, earlier submitted a petition to the Speaker of Parliament demanding an inquiry into allegations by the said Evelyn Aidoo. The three added that Hopeson Adorye who was then the Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of the Airport staged an armed robbery attack on Serwaa Broni with the tacital approval of the President who functions as Chairman of the National Security Council, to retrieve alleged nude pictures of the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo from the lady's phone and other electronic gadgets. The request notes that the Canadian High Commission could not be drawn into meddling in the internal security matters and politics of Ghana. “We are minded by your obligations as a Mission representing your country, Canada, as per International Law. We are therefore not inviting you to meddle in the internal security matters and politics of Ghana, but to strictly execute your mandate within the remits of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and Vienna Convention of Consular Relations of 1963”. The three citizens are therefore praying the High Commission that any relevant reports that may have been compiled on the reported attacks on Miss Serwaa Broni should be served to the people of Ghana. Below are copies of the petition: Story by: News Desk Report

Over 15 Hearts of Oak players have been hospitalised over strange disease in various hospitals in Accra, according to reports. The unknown illness is set to affect the Phobians' preparations for their match-week 29 game against Bibiani Gold Stars on Wednesday at the Accra Sports Stadium. Key players like Seidu Suraj and Amankwah Baafi have been hospitalised over the strange illness. Ansah Botchway was rushed to a clinic in Mamprobi on Sunday night while midfielder Nurudeen Abdul Aziz is on admission at the Universal Clinic in Madina. Former Black Satellites skipper Afriyie Barnieh first reported coughing, cold and malaria before he was rushed for treatment. Only five players reported for training on Monday after most of the players could not attend the training session ahead their league game against Gold Stars. However, Sulley Muntari, Samuel Inkoom and Gladson Awako are not among those affected by the illness. Food poisioning has been ruled out of the illness as the above named players also ate the same food they had before their game against Dreams FC over the weekend. The players suspect they might have caught their illness as the team's camp hotel which is said to be mosquito infested as they have might have had some bites from the malaria-causing insect. It is however not known if the club has managed to bring the issue under control with 24 hours before their match against the visiting team who might have already started their journey to Accra. Source: Footballghana.com

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is cautioning Christians and the citizenry in general against embarking on trips to the Gao Region of Northern Mali. The warning comes on the back of recent kidnappings and executions of travelers in that part of the subregion. “In view of recent abductions and executions of travelers, especially Christians (including Ghanaians) in the Gao Region of Northern Mali, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration advises against all traveling to Gao and its surrounding areas in North Eastern Mali”, a statement from the Ministry advised. The Ministry said commercial transport operators and drivers who still ply the Gao route from Ghana are particularly advised, as a matter of urgency, to suspend all operations in that part of Mali. Ghanaians in the Gao Region are also advised to leave immediately for their safety and security. Those who, for any reason, are unable to leave are advised to minimize their movement, monitor developments in the local security situation, and follow precautions based on their own best judgment. “Those who choose to depart the Gao Region are advised to exercise the utmost caution as they move to a departure point, only when judged to be safe to do so”, the Ministry further warned. Meanwhile, the government says its ability to facilitate the departure of Ghanaian nationals from the Gao Region is very limited but urges those requiring assistance to leave should contact the following numbers: +223 71762020, +223 20295768, and +233 77807676. Below is a copy of the release: Source: Citinewsroom

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has firmly refuted claims that government has put the Achimota forest up for sale saying "disregard these reports as they are false, Baseless and non-factual" This declaration follows some news report circulating on various media platforms that the government has issued an Executive Instrument (EI 144) to declassify the Achimota Forest and in the process of selling the property. According to the reports, the President Akufo-Addo under Executive Instrument 144 has lifted the 1927 classification of the Achimota Forest in the Greater Accra Region as a Forest Reserve, paving way for its redesignation, reclassification, sale and development by other interests. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister disclosed that what the propagators of these reports failed to add is that the E.I. 144 was published together with another (Amendment) Instrument, 2022, E.I. 154, The Forests, (Achimota Firewood Plantation Forest Reserve) which states emphatically that the area of the forest shall remain a forest reserve and that both instruments contain adequate provisions that seek to protect the ecological integrity of the Forest Reserve. Hon. Jinapor further clarified that what the EI 144 does is to make the peripheral portions of the Forest Reserve, which had already been granted to the Owoo Family in September, 2013, portions of which have already been developed, cease to be a Forest Reserve, to ensure a development that is consistent with the area of the Forest Reserve. Hon. Samuel Jinapor elaboratively expounded the matter, providing all the facts leading to the publications of these two Executive Instruments. Having provided these facts, the Hon. Minister stated emphatically that "No development can take place without the express approval of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, taking into consideration the ecological integrity of the Forest" He further added that "The Achimota Forest remains an integral part of Government’s plan for the protection of our forest cover, and our agenda for aggressive afforestation and reforestation" The Minister continued "Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, will continue to protect the Achimota Forest and prevent it from being further encroached and also committed to ensuring that whatever happens on the peripheral portions of the land, does not affect the ecological integrity of the Forest" The Lands Minister reecohed that the Green Ghana Day which has been scheduled for June 10, 2022 to plant 20 million trees comes off unabated as Ghana's contribution towards the fight against climate change and global warming. Story by: Nadia Aidoo

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has dismissed reports on social media that the Achimota Forest reserve in Accra has been sold. He said the natural resource is not for sale and will not be sold. News circulated on social media on Tuesday May 17 that the government has sold the Achimota Forest. Reports indicated that President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo granted Executive Approval for the Forest Reserve land, classified as a protected National Forest Reserve since 1930 to be redeveloped and sold for other purposes. Vice President of Imani Africa who is also private legal practitioner, Kofi Bentil in a Facebook post said ” Bye Bye Achimota Forest. Sold! What is this??!” But in a Facebook post reacting to these claims, Mr Jinapor who is lawmaker for Damongo said “Achimota Forest is not and will NOT be sold!!!!!!!” Below is a screenshot: Story by: Laud Nartey

Government has lauded the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for its boldness and courage to take on new business ideas at the risk of potential failure in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to government, it is happy institutions, small businesses and organizations did not hang around waiting for the virus to disappear before they got back to work. In a speech read on behalf of President Akufo-Addo by the Minister for Trade and Industries, Alan Kyerematen, he said “You would agree that some of the best social interventions were born during these grim times. Institutions, small businesses and organizations did not hang around waiting for the virus to disappear before they got back to work. On the contrary, with the support of technology, they opened up to new ideas to promote their businesses, try new business ideas and adapt to the new times. I have been particularly amazed at the tenacity displayed by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The boldness and courage to take on new business ideas at the risk of potential failure if all doesn’t go well in these unusual times” President Akufo-Addo also mentioned that trade among nations seems to have been hardest hit by the pandemic, following preventive measures countries put in place to reduce the spread of the virus. He added that despite all these odds the country faced, it was not an excuse to put life in a pause mode. “In actual fact, it was a time to dig into our creativity and innovation and make the best of the situation we found ourselves in” “Ladies and gentlemen, a more appropriate and relevant theme couldn’t have been chosen for this conference in these trying times - “Bold solutions for resilience and recovery” resonates globally as economies struggle to bounce back and keep their heads above water. Events of the past two years and indeed these last months have been tough to put it mildly” “When COVID-19 hit initially, it was considered as a health crisis but quickly transformed into an austere and hard-hitting economic and employment crisis. For the vulnerable and marginalized in our societies, the stark disparities immediately showed. Indeed, the disruption was so severe compelling many countries to implement unprecedented measures to mitigate the effects on their economies or risk going under” He stressed that Ghana was no different, adding that the Akufo-Addo led government had the arduous task of juggling a number of concerns while ensuring that human lives; above everything, remained a priority. The Akufo-Addo administration noted that it believes the objective of the ITC, to help Trade Promotion Organisations worldwide to effectively support MSMEs is a laudable one. “We are fully aware, that without the support of a system that would cushion an organisation in terms of capacity-building, funding and requisite resources, bouncing back would be hard to say the least.” “In 2020, the Ghana Enterprises Agency formerly called the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), supervised the disbursement of GHc600million to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Government-initiated Coronavirus Alleviation Programme and Business Support Scheme. In 2021, Ghana’s economy grew at a provisional rate of 5.2% in the first three quarters" He noted that to get back on track following the hard knocks the country suffered post the pandemic and Russian-Ukraine adversities, the NPP government will undertake difficult but necessary fiscal policies and measures, to consolidate the 2021 fiscal gains and engender higher growth rates, ostensibly to create further job opportunities. “Government will continue to work hard to address the issues we face – but I am confident that for MSMEs especially, the implementation of the government's GH¢100 billion Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Programme, will facilitate a faster rebound” “Over the past year, my Government has implemented a number of policies and programmes to accelerate our economic recovery from the ravages of COVID-19. We have introduced measures to improve fiscal consolidation, and ensure debt sustainability” “The International Organisation of Employers indicates that the private sector generates 90% of jobs worldwide, contributing to greater economic and social equity, integration and political stability” He revealed that MSMEs indeed play a key role in employing majority of the world’s workforce. “This is why the WTPO conference, which intends to discuss ways in which Trade Promotion Organisations such as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, can best support the private, informal sector to enhance productivity levels, is welcome news.” “TPOs who are here present today I believe, are also very receptive and willing to absorb insights from impactful conversations which will further empower their progress in dealing with MSMEs in their various countries.” “I am told that in 2018 in Paris, Ghana was an award recipient in the category of Best use of Information Technology and at the same time won the bid to host the event. Kudos to Ghana Export Promotion Authority for putting Ghana on this enviable pedestal” “Once again, this year’s WTPO conference will recognize TPOs which have displayed initiatives showcasing how bold, agile and resilient they have been. Including Organizations that have been able to withstand shocks amid good governance and organisational values” President Akufo-Addo says he believes the recognition that comes from the awards, will spur other TPOs on to chart competitive paths in times of uncertainty, dare organizations to do things differently, while embracing a greater purpose and above all learning to build on values that come with rapidly changing circumstances. “On this note I say a big congratulations to all the nominees and award winners of tonight’s awards and I hope you keep up the good work in supporting MSMEs during these trying times” On his part, the Minister for Trade and Industries, Alan Kyerematen said "For TPOs to effectively play the role that is expected of them, a number of critical driving factors need to be addressed. First, governments around the world particularly in developing countries, must now put trade at the center of their development agenda. Trade must be mainstreamed in national development plans. Programmes and projects that enhance trade must be aggressively pursued by TPOs" He added that, TPOs must identify specific areas where global trade disruptions have created opportunities for scaling up local production in their national economy, and build partnerships with private sector business associations to take advantage of such opportunities. The Trade and Industry Minister noted that TPOs should identify existing or potential exporting companies that can leverage opportunities for exports, particularly to regional markets arising from trade disruptions in the supply of goods to those markets. "TPOs should facilitate the use of regional value chains to exploit market opportunities around the world for MSMEs. Trade and Investment Promotion Organizations where they operate independently of each other, must enhance the level of collaboration between them, to attract investments into the domestic economy that will facilitate both domestic and foreign trade" "TPOs must enhance the use and deployment of digital platforms in facilitating trade across borders. The role of regional markets and intra-regional trade must be prioritized by TPOs in programming technical support and assistance for MSMEs. In this regard, TPOs on the African continent must work actively to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement" "As we are no doubt aware, the AfCFTA presents Africa with the best opportunity, not only to enhance the level of intra-African trade, but to leverage the collective strengths of African enterprises to deepen Africa’s participation in global trade" Taking his turn, Secretary-General, AfCFTA Secretariat, His Excellency Wamkele Mene said "By most estimates, 2022 will be a critical year in which the imbalances induced by the pandemic will begin to resolve and normal business activities restored. Now is the time to rebuild our economies and secure Africa’s future. In this scenario, Africa’s priority should be promoting economic stimulus strategies and mobilising investments with high multiplier effects for more robust recovery and job creation He reminded the gathering of how, other parts of the world are able to provide significant stimulus packages to effectively restart their economies. He noted that since the pandemic struck, the US and UKhave disbursed trillions of dollars in stimulus aid, to re-inject growth and dynamism into their economies. He was saddened that same cannot be said for Africa as none of the countries have the capacity to do likewise. "As I have said on previous occasions, Africa’s stimulus package and, therefore, its best chance at robust economic recovery is the AfCFTA; the effective implementation of this agreement such that trade becomes the driver of economic recovery and a significant contributor to Africa’s growth and development is crucial at this time. Currently, African countries do not trade with each other that much, with no more than 18 percent of trade taking place between African countries. In contrast, in Europe, about 70 percent of trade happens within the continent, and in Asia it’s 51 percent" "So, as we transition from the pandemic to a new normal marked by renewed efforts at continental integration, let us work together to strengthen our integration including through digitalization. This will enhance intra-African trade; build resilience to future crises; and ensure the continent emerges more connected, and more inclusive" He reiterated that the success of the continental integration will ultimately depend on the equitable distribution of the gains, ensuring that no group, sector or country feels marginalised or excluded from the benefits of the Africa’s continental integration. He stressed that it will help to address the root causes of conflicts, give hope to our citizenry and set us on the road towards prosperity. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) Afua Asabea Asare said "The global response to adversities between Russia and Ukraine have brought about profound new uncertainties in an already uncertain world." "More pronounced because this is at a time when the world is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and fragile from battling the COVID-19 pandemic, which already exacted a heavy toll on humanity - 6.2 million lives lost globally" "Amidst this sobering backdrop, what has been taken for granted all along is now clear: our interconnected and interdependent global system is incredibly fragile and vulnerable" "It is therefore no wonder that countries, communities and corporations are keen to build resilience capabilities across multiple dimensions – human, financial, operational and technological" "We can all testify that at the pinnacle of COVID-19, it is small businesses that have been the cornerstone of progress and sustainability. Risks are threats, but they also bring opportunities" The CEO reminded the gathering that the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, an Agency of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is committed to supporting small businesses build on their capacities and build the kind of resilience that will enable them compete favourably on international markets. "Indeed the success of Ghana’s National Export Development Strategy, launched in 2020 under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry to achieve export earnings of USD25.3billion by 2029, is based on three significant pillars. Boosting productivity levels of exports, creating an enabling business environment to encourage increased exports and building the capacity of persons in the value chain of Exports to enable them compete favourably in international markets" The Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Pamela Coke-Hamilton, on her part charged trade organizations to pay more attention to trade promotion to change the status quo. She was confident that the two days event will challenge investors do more and help boost the economy of their respective countries. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Thirteen (13) players who were on the books of Inter Allies and featured in the match of convenience with Ashantigold at the end of the 2021/2022 season have been handed various bans for their roles in the match fixing scandal. Four players, namely; Mohammed Zakari, Richard Acquaah, Shaibu Taufiq and Felix Abuska have each received 24 month bans for their involvement in the said game. Five others; Danso Wiredu Mensah (goalkeeper), Alex Aso, Abdul Kadir Mohammed, Isah Ali, Andy Okpe, were also banned 24 months for failing to appear before the GFA’s Disciplinary Committee. Hashmin Musah, who scored two intentional own goals to scupper the fixed result was handed a reduced 6-month ban for his whistle blower role, while Richmond Lamptey, who now plays for Asante Kotoko, was given a 30-month ban for attempting to stake a bet on the fixed result. The match in question ended 7-0 in favour of AshGold with Inter Allies defender. However, after the encounter, Musah, admitted in a radio interview that his own goals were scored deliberately to scupper a 5-1 bet that some people had placed on the match. Both clubs have since been demoted to Ghana’s Division Two, the country’s 3rd tier league, and each fined Ghs 100,000. The decisions were contained in a ruling released by the GFA’s Disciplinary Committee. Source: citisportsonline.com