According to the MCE, the student who will be honoured with the Region’s top prize did not deserve the award as he secured relatively weaker scores in the exams than his colleague.

[contextly_sidebar id=”zAxlLQs3RjZzKCOmHYPWDsZbQAiMO8DF”]In the petition, the MCE insisted that the award should instead be given to one Miss Yakubu Hasantu, a student from his Municipality whom he said had attained seven Ones in the BECE.

Miss Hasanatu, according to the petition sighted by Citi News had attended a scheduled interview ahead of the naming of the award winner and had initially been informed that she would receive the award.

However, she later received news that another candidate had been chosen instead, despite having earned better scores.

The MCE is, therefore, calling on the president to ensure that the right person is awarded to ensure fairness and justice.

“She was invited for an interview which she attended. After the interview, she was informed that she has been selected for the award. Her parents were duly informed to prepare her for the award. Surprisingly, I got information that, she has been replaced by someone who obtained five ones.”

“It is against this backdrop that I have tendered in this petition on her behalf for your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana to intervene for the right thing to be done, for justice and fairness to prevail in this matter, please,” the MCE added in the petition.

The president every year awards students who excel in the BECE from the 10 regions of the country on the 6th of March.

This serves as motivation for others to improve in their studies.

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By: Mohammed Aminu M Alabira/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The award, presented to the station by the Ghana Revenue Authority [GRA], is in recognition of its consistent discussions on tax issues which affected revenue mobilization for the year under review.

Citi FM was presented with a citation and a plaque.

Portions of the citation read, “You went out of your way to bring issues on taxation to the fore for discussion. You set the agenda that got relevant information to your listeners.”

It added, “Your station contacted officials of the GRA for their side of the stories when issues arose thus ensuring that balanced reportage was aired.”

Citi FM was among other fifteen companies honoured for their distinguished contributions to the GRA in the past year.

Citi FM maintains position as top English Radio station – GeoPoll

The station for the second consecutive time emerged as the leading English-speaking radio station in the 2017 GeoPoll ranking.

For 2017, Citi FM came second with a daily audience share of 84,000, as against Peace FM’s, 111,000, whereas Joy FM came third with 83,000.

The Ranking also noted that, Citi FM saw the highest improvement in increasing its audience share. In Quarter Two, Citi FM increased its share from 9% to 11% and in Quarter Four as well.

The station’s ranking is a huge improvement from 2016, where it came third nationally, but was still the topmost English station, whiles Peace FM came first, with Adom FM being second. According to the ranking, in quarter three of 2017, Citi FM was leading with a 13% share compared to 12% for Peace FM.

But Peace FM led in the average audience numbers in all four quarters throughout the year.

Citi FM picks two awards at CIMG Awards

Citi FM 97.3 in September 2017, picked up two awards at the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) for the year 2016.

The awards which were for the Citi Breakfast Show and citifmonline.com according to CIMG is in “recognition of your excellence in strategic marketing in the year 2016.”

Whereas the Citi Breakfast Show was adjudged the Radio Programme of the Year, citifmonline.com was named as the Emerging Digital Media Organization.

This was the third time in four years the Citi Breakfast Show was adjudged the Radio Programme of the Year, a demonstration of the show’s consistency in delivery quality radio service to discerning listeners in the country.

Citi FM wins 6 GJA awards; anti-galamsey campaign recognized

The station in December 2017, also strengthened its position as one of Ghana’s leading radio brands as it bagged six awards at the Ghana Journalists Association [GJA] Awards at the Banquet Hall in Accra.

The station’s anti-galamsey campaign, ‘Stop Galamsey Now’, which was launched in 2017, came up for special mention at the ceremony, with the station picking up an award for its unrelenting fight against the menace.

Citi FM’s flagship programme, the Citi Breakfast Show, was named the best talkshow on radio, adding to the award it won at the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) awards in September this year.

Citi FM also picked up honours for Best Political Reporting as well as an Anti-Corruption Award for the station.

Host of the station’s news analysis programme, The Big Issue, Umaru Sanda Amadu, also picked up an award for his work in development journalism, which is contributing towards the attainments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Another of the station’s reporters, Kojo Agyeman, who emerged first runner-up in the 2017 edition of the Ghana Mining Industry Awards, was also given a special award for his reports.

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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/ citibusinessnews.com/Ghana

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This year’s award was under the theme “Cause Related Marketing: Panacea for National Behavioural Change.

The citation for the award read, “For your hard work and dedication, coupled with continuous innovations, bespoke services, managing marketing effectiveness, staff development and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives you were singled out to pick this maiden gong”.

Commenting on the award, Raymond Kwakye-Bismarck, MD, Izwe Loans, said the company over the past six years has served over 100,000 customers, and currently holds in excess of GHS 130 million in retail deposits and bonds.

“Our consistent growth has been supported by many loyal investors who form the foundation of our strong corporate and retail deposit base, as well as our Corporate Note Programme listed on Ghana Alternative Exchange (GAX)”, he explained.

Mr. Kwakye-Bismarck said going forward the company will further pursue a diversification of its product mix to off-payroll products while continuing to maintain its established payroll business.

“Within this year and 2018, the company is pursuing a total loan portfolio of 20% off-payroll and 80% on-payroll”, he said.

“Car4Cash an asset backed loan product has been recently added to our bouquet of products. It seeks to provide loans to individuals and Small businesses using a very simple means of assessment. It is the first of several off-payroll products we intend to roll out in the next 18 months” he said.

Currently Izwe’s loan portfolio is focused on developmental activities such as education, business, family, housing and agriculture.

The company currently has 10 branches across the country; Accra (3 branches), Kumasi (2 branches), Takoradi, Tamale, Ho, Sunyani and Koforidua.

Izwe Loans Limited is a subsidiary of Izwe Africa Group; it is licensed and regulated by the Bank of Ghana.
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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Mr. Amewu was acknowledged for his significant role in the fight against illegal mining since he was appointed to serve in the Akufo-Addo government.

Mr. Amewu, who received a plaque and a citation, said the incumbent government is determined to improve the country’s economy, and charged Ghanaians in the diaspora to remain calm, saying government will not fail on its numerous promises.

[contextly_sidebar id=”uyNDuvN3rFpYWHo4kC5M3EGpqpUMQzJN”]He emphasized that, the President is aware of the support given to him and the party, and will ensure that many more opportunities are created for all Ghanaians.

The war against illegal mining has seen Government take some drastic decisions including a temporary ban on all forms of small scale mining.

Mining equipment worth millions of cedis have been seized with some destroyed. Several illegal miners have also been arrested by operation vanguard, awaiting prosecution.

Others have voluntarily abandoned the many illegal mining sites, including those who were operating on water bodies and in forest reserves.

Since the intense campaign backed by the media commenced, some water bodies, which were hitherto heavily polluted and almost unusable, are now returning to their natural state.

Bawumia commends Amewu for bravery in galamsey fight

Among the many individuals and groups to have commended Mr. Amewu for his instrumental role in the galamsey fight, is the Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.

At a ceremony in the Volta Region some months ago, the Vice President described Mr. Amewu as a gem who deserved commendation for his hard work.

Dr. Bawumia was speaking as a Special Guest at a ceremony held by the Gbi Traditional Area under the auspices of the Paramount Chief Togbega Gabusu, to honour John Peter Amewu on his ministerial appointment and the zeal he exhibits in discharging his work at the Ministry of Land and Natural resources.

Addressing the gathering, Togbega Gabusu commended John Peter Amewu for his hard work, and encouraged other natives of the land to emulate him.

About John Peter Amewu

John-Peter Amewu is 48 years old, and holds an MBA (Finance) from University of Ghana. He also has a Post Graduate Degree (Executive MBA in International Energy Industry Management), and Masters in Petroleum Law and Policy from University of Dundee (UK).

He has more than 15 years’ experience in Government, Private Sector, Civil Society and International Development Organizations.

He has participated and undergone several mining professional training and attained various certificates from some Australia’s prestigious Universities (University of Sydney and University of Western Australia).

He is a Cost Engineer by profession with broader knowledge in the Energy and Mining Industry. He is a Co-founder of Africa Center for Energy Policy – ACEP; and also worked as the Director of Policy and Research where he provided pro-active and comprehensive policy related advice to support a variety of Government and Private Sector Projects.

He is the Chairman of Board of Directors of major private institutions in Ghana and a professional international consultant in his area of expertise (Mining and Petroleum). His contributions in providing solutions to the problems in the Energy Sector in Ghana have earned him both local and international acclamation and recognition.

He was the Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) before he became a Minister. He is married with three children.
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By: Kojo Agyeman & Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The Awards was organised by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana (EFG), with the endorsement of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Business Development.

The purpose of the Awards was to identify, recognise and award leading entrepreneurs and corporate executives who have demonstrated vision and business excellence in a manner that has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Ghanaian economy and raised the standard and quality of life in Ghana.

The Group CEO of the Year Award was one of the top three awards among 40 awards presented.

It was a befitting, crowning moment for a business leader whose leadership has turned an ailing financial services company in 2004 into a diversified group of companies.

Speaking to journalists after receiving the award, Mr. Adu-Sarkodee attributed the recognition to the grace of God and the power of vision.

“We have a vision that keeps us focused. It’s a vision that transcends time, economic windstorms and business challenges. It keeps us on the track of success, and God is at the centre of that vision,” Mr. Adu-Sarkodee said.

The CDH boss dedicated the award to the management and staff of the CDH Group.

“I dedicate this award to the industrious, dedicated and efficient team I’m working with across the CDH Group. They have resiliently partnered me to move CDH from an intensive care unit in 2004 to a successful group of companies today,” the business leader added.

He also said “…the journey has been long, and we give all the glory to God for prospering the CDH Group in many ways, but we believe our best days are yet to come.”

In the year under review, the able and prudent leadership of Mr. Adu-Sarkodee led to the winning of a number of awards and recognitions by some of the companies in the CDH Group.

For instance, after leading a successful change management and rebranding of the Accra City Hotel, it won three awards in one year: Best 4-Star Hotel in Greater Accra Region (by Ghana Tourism Board), the Best 4-Star Hotel in Ghana (Ghana Hotels Association) and the Gold Star Award in Customer Service.

Currently, the Hotel is the first and only ISO Certified hotel in Ghana, and one of the few in West Africa.

Under his excellent leadership, Ivory Finance Company (now CDH Savings and Loans Limited) was recapitalised and repositioned as a savings and loans company (a 2nd tier financial institution) in Ghana.

CDH Savings and Loans Limited, in 2016, received an award for contributing to the development of the financial services sector at the 9th Ghana Business and Financial Services Excellence Awards in 2016. The savings and loans company has been a consistent member of the prestigious Ghana Club 100.

Still in 2016, the CDH Balanced Fund – managed by CDH Asset Management Limited, was adjudged the top-performing balanced fund in Ghana by a self-reported data by peers in the mutual fund industry.

Several companies including the Phoenix Life Assurance Limited, CDH Engineering Solutions Limited, CDH Balanced Fund Limited, Global Cinemas and Gilead Medical Centre have been established under the leadership of Mr. Adu-Sarkodee.

Through his efficient and effective leadership, all the subsidiaries and associated companies of CDH Group made profits in 2016.

The CDH Group directly employees close to 800 people.

The CDH Group is a truly diversified group of companies with several subsidiaries and associated businesses: CDH Savings and Loans Limited, CDH Asset Management Limited, CDH Securities Limited, CDH Quarry Limited, CDH Commodities Limited and CDH Engineering Solutions Limited.

Other subsidiaries are Phoenix Health Insurance Limited, Phoenix Life Assurance Limited and Phoenix Insurance Limited. The rest are Accra City Hotel (former Novotel), RBF, Global Cinemas and Gilead Medical Centre.
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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post CDH boss is Group CEO of Year 2016 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The world class IT-consulting & technology firm was awarded for providing technical support in trade facilitation in Ghana.

This award adds to the many awards that West Blue Consulting has received both locally and international since it started operations in Ghana.

The IT-consulting firm which is the only company providing Single Window in Ghana was recently awarded by the World Customs Organization (WCO) through the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority for rendering exceptional service to the international community.

The maiden edition of the Ghana Maritime & Shipping Awards was organized by Ninetyeightz Events, which is the brain behind the widely acclaimed National Aviation Awards held last year.

The awards identifies, and publicly recognize outstanding performers as well as contributors to the country’s maritime industry, at the institutional, enterprise and individual levels.

Valentina Minta, Chief Executive of West Blue Consulting expressed appreciation to the organizers for recognizing their work with the award, stating “We are proud to be a recipient of the award in Ghana.”

She dedicated the award to all who dare to dream and to the staff of West Blue for their dedication and hard work.

Ms Minta also express appreciation to government of Ghana for the support to a Ghanaian owned company, assuring that the company would continue to work with the government and stakeholders to ensure the nation enjoys the full benefits of a facilitated trade environment to make business convenient in Ghana.

Single Window Achievement

West Blue Consulting, in partnership with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, launched the Ghana National Single Window (GNSW) project.

Under the project, import clearance transactions at the Tema Port and the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) have reduced from two weeks to two hours to increase government’s revenue at the ports.

Ghana’s ranking has increased in the World Bank Trading Across Border Reports from 167 in 2015 to 154 in 2017; and in the Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-region, Ghana ranked first in West Africa and Top 10 in Sub Saharan Africa, coming in at the 9th position out of the 47 countries ranked in the region.

The country also made tremendous improvements in the Global Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking, rising 12 places from 100th in 2014 to 88th in 2016 out of 160 countries.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post West Blue Wins Maritime & Shipping Award appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Ms. Effah beat over 120 other students to pick up the top prize with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.63.

[contextly_sidebar id=”EmOcJnvRY1Q2IQM5WupqS4r9uNNTpO61″]CWG Ghana presented a gift to the student in furtherance of the company’s bid to promote the value of attaining academic excellence.

Speaking after the presentation ceremony, the Country Manager of CWG Ghana, Mrs. Harriet Yartey, pointed out that the annual award presentation event highlighted CWG’s emphasis on hard work and qualitative education.

“Excellence is an integral part of the CWG corporate culture and that has defined CWG’s business approach and service delivery over the years. Our business scope covers a range of sectors from banking to telecoms and recently SMEs, and it is all about the quality of our workforce” She said.

“We boast an array of professionals whose expertise has formed the core of service providers across Africa. Our premium on quality workforce explains our emphasis on quality education,” she further noted.

Mrs. Yartey assured that, CWG Ghana will continue to support students at the university and will soon extend it to other tertiary institutions.

The winner, Ms. Effah, thanked CWG for the honour.

“I am humbled and I give all the glory to God. I didn’t imagine myself in the field of computer science, but due to circumstances beyond my control I found myself here, fell in love with it and now I am the proud winner of this very special award.”

“I was also inspired by the teaching assistants who helped lecturers. They were good at what they did and I told myself that I can do it too. Computer science, in today’s world of technology, can be applied anywhere including medicine and pharmacy,” she noted.

About CWG Ghana

CWG Ghana Limited, a member of the pan-African Information Communication Technology Company, Computer Warehouse Group Plc., is a full service IT company providing products and services that cut across the ICT value chain of hardware, software and communications.

CWG Ghana therefore has a diversified customer base and is represented in various sectors of the Ghanaian economy, such as telecoms, banking & financial services, oil & gas, and services.
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By: Jessica Aryee/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post CWG Ghana awards UG’s best graduating student in Computer Science appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The award was conferred on her in South Africa on Tuesday November 23, 2016. The awards are the leading African recognition program honoring excellence in the private and public sector.

[contextly_sidebar id=”k7TosHOWsf7yncGcGwdlkN4OYbsB6pVc”]The program covers 23 economic sectors and has for the past sixteen years independently recognized leaders who are at the pinnacle of their industry.

Nominees undergo a rigorous multi-tiered judging process and quality assurance provided by KPMG with winners being selected through a regional process across Africa.

Ethel thus was acknowledged as the Ghana winner, the West African winner and finally the Continental winner.

The award comes a few months after her company won the IT Consulting Firm of the Year at the Ghana Telecom and IT Awards.

“I am extremely excited and honored to have received this award beating competitors across the whole of Africa. I insist that Africa must not ignore its inherent advantages in creating strong entrepreneurial ecosystems,” Ethel pointed out in an interview with citifmoinline.com.

“The Africa tech ecosystem will not be a silicon type system but a far stronger contender globally.”

About Ethel Cofie’s

Named one of the Top 5 Women impacting IT in Africa, Ethel Cofie is CEO and Founder of EDEL Technology Consulting , an IT Consulting Company in West Africa and Europe who was recently named IT Consulting Firm of the year by the Telecoms and IT Industry.

She is also Founder of Women in Tech Africa , Africa’s largest women in tech group with members in over 30 Africa countries and in the diaspora and growing.

She created women in tech week, a global event which started in 2016 which impacts over 10,000 women globally.

She has been featured on BBC and has had her opinion pieces published on CNN on the topics of technology in emerging markets, and women leadership.

When she is not running EDEL or Women in Tech Africa, She is advising and consulting on technology growth in emerging markets and bringing more women into technology careers across Africa.
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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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According to him, Ghana has lost a “tireless public servant, an admirable unifier and giant of our political landscape over the past 30-plus years. PV Obeng has been a passionate nationalist and patriot, full of practical ideas, solutions and optimism, for the good of Ghana and Ghanaians.”

The President made this known in a statement he issued on Sunday.

He expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Mr. Obeng’s wife, Mrs. Rose Obeng, all members of his family “as well as those of my government and the NDC party.”

He noted that the late PV Obeng will be missed dearly.

Mr Obeng died on Saturday of suspected asthma attack. His remains have been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA ON THE DEATH OF MR. PAUL VICTOR OBENG

This is a very sad and tragic moment for me, for Ghana and for Ghanaians.

The sudden death of my Senior Adviser and Mentor, Mr. Paul Victor Obeng, has left us in a state of shock and disbelief. The energetic encourager we all simply called PV is no more.

At this moment, my deepest condolences and sympathies, as well as those of my Government, the NDC party, and indeed the whole nation are with his widow, Mrs. Rose Obeng, and all members of his family.

We have lost a tireless public servant, an admirable unifier and giant of our political landscape over the past 30-plus years. PV Obeng has been a passionate nationalist and patriot, full of practical ideas, solutions and optimism, for the good of Ghana and Ghanaians.

I have leaned on him many times for advice, guidance and support. He was always there to bring his vast experience, institutional knowledge and great connections across many sections of Ghanaian society, to bear on any challenges we have faced.

Just last Thursday at the National Economic Forum in Senchi he was ebullient,

forward-looking and full of vigour, as he offered his wise counsel throughout the proceedings and to the conclusion of that important event.

I will miss him dearly.

With his affable, jovial and engaging manner you could always count on him to bring some unique perspectives into discussions. At this sad moment, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and the entire family.

By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @osamidan

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In a statement signed by the Deputy Minister of Information & Media Relations, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the tape has been ‘’doctored’’.

‘’Having listened to the tape in question and also listened to the original tape, we can state without fear of contradiction that the purported tape which has formed the basis for unjustified vilification of the President by detractors is doctored.

Nowhere in the President’s speech did he accuse Ashantis or residents of Kumasi of ingratitude. He only referred to detractors who have made it their stock in trade never to acknowledge the good works of this government but resort to deliberate cynicism, unfounded pessimism and outright calumny to create the impression of a collapsed state,’’ the statement said.

President Mahama has come under intense criticism for allegedly describing residents in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region as “unappreciative” people who have failed to acknowledge the good works by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

He was heard on a tape recording saying, ”no matter how nice the dance of the fowl is, it never impresses the hawk – when the fowl dances for the hawk, the hawk never finds it beautiful. Don’t let this deter us because for you in Kumasi, even if we construct roads tarred with gold, you will still say we’ve done nothing.”

But the government is accusing detractors and political opponents of mischief.

‘’The mischievous elements behind the doctored tape cut out portions of this statement to make it appear as though the President said “…. as for you people, even if we cover all the ground with gold in Kumasi, you will not appreciate it”. This editing of the President’s speech creates the impression that he has singled out the people of Kumasi for criticism when in fact it can be clearly determined from the original recording that the President was making reference to cynics in general. There was also no tribal or ethnic undertone to the statement as has been claimed by the purveyors of this mischief,’’ the statement said.

Minister of Information, Mahama Ayariga in an earlier interview on the Citi Breakfast Show said the comment by the President was not meant for the residents in the Ashanti Region alone.

He pointed out that although people have not taken kindly to what the President said, “I don’t think there is really any problem with the way that the President put it out.”

“It is not about the Ashantis and it is not just about the people in Kumasi,” he said.

Click here to read government’s responds

By: Evans Effah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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