In this eposide, Digital Marketing and Communications Professional, Stephen Nana Osei Boadi shares insights on the overview and trends in Ghana’s digital landscape.

The post Citi Business Edition: Naasei Boadi on understanding Ghana’s digital landscape appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The management of the facility is optimistic that the move will also reduce the stress its clients go through in their quest to seek healthcare.

The Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Brigadier General Michael Akwasi Yeboah-Agyapong, who made this known at the commissioning of an ultra-modern dialysis centre for the hospital by GBC Bank Limited, said the facility had put in place a system to allow for paperless transactions between patients, doctors and pharmacists.

“Our hospital is fully paperless. If you come to the hospital, you don’t hold any paper. You will see your doctor, you don’t need a prescription, you just go to the pharmacy and you take your medication,” he said.

While a few institutions in the country are migrating to a paperless regime to ensure efficient service delivery, many are yet to adopt the system despite the proof of its efficiency.

Most government institutions including the judiciary and health facilities still rely heavily on paper in undertaking their services.

Although there have been past instances of arson to destroy paper-recorded information or evidence, the approach towards going paperless has not been much embraced in the country.

‘Paperless at the port’  

The government began the implementation of its promised paperless clearing system at the Tema port in September  2017, to speed up the process of clearing goods from two weeks to four hours, and ensure order at the port, whilst blocking revenue leakages.

‘About the dialysis unit project’

The GCB-sponsored Renal Dialysis Unit was built at a cost of $232,000 to deliver Kidney related services.

It consists of six dialysis machines, two ultrasound machines, defibrillators with monitors and printers, a water purification plant amongst others.

The Unit is co-located with the Intensive Care Unit and has the capacity for expansion.

Brig. Gen Yeboah-Agyapong noted that some staff of the hospital have been made to undergo refresher courses to enable them to use the equipment.

He added that due to the many cases of people who need various kidney-related services, the hospital decided to commence using the facility even before its formal opening.

He said the facility has even before it’s outdooring, attended to a total of seven cases with an accumulated total of 32 sessions.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The Final round had the 10 speakers battle it out for the ultimate price of representing Ghana in the International Public speaking competition to be held in the United Kingdom(UK).

The day finally ended with Daniel Mawunge Kweku Amanor from Presbyterian  Boys’ Senior High School taking the third spot with 262 points, Jasmine Tekyi-Acheampong from Achimota SHS coming in second with 268 points and Prisca Amponsah from Aburi Girls SHS  taking the first place with 272 points.’

Below are the names of the 10 speakers and their topics;

Papa Nyan Neizer from Presbyterian  Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC) -The media controls how and what we think.

Danielle Nyameye Ghansah from Aburi Girls’ SHS – To be grown up is a state of mind.

Enoch Nii ArmahTagoe from Accra Academy – Poverty is a state of mind.

Prisca Amponsah from Aburi Girls’ SHS – Talking to someone and speaking with someone.

Daniel Mawunge Kweku Amanor from Presbyterian  Boys’ SHS (Presec)- Real wealth is never measured in money or possession.

Deborah Korkor Macauley from Achimota SHS- Cities are for people, not cars.

Jasmine Tekyi-Acheampong from Achimota SHS – What more human quality do we need and why?.

Mate Paa Kwesi Narh from Achimota SHS- Advertising targetting children is immoral.

Gloria Akwa Achimota SHS – Being young is overrated.

Akua Aduwaa Brifo from Aburi Girls SHS- The world is a smaller place these days.

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By: Farida Yusif/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Aburi Girls’ Prisca Amponsah wins Young Debaters competition appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

In a statement marking International Anti-Corruption Day, the CDD urged President Nana Akufo-Addo “to take decisive and concrete action on the growing list corruption cases in the country.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”J0zIuzGk2EQKUzm7J1QUrcUmVYLUD8Pc”]This list includes allegations of corruption against two deputy chiefs of staff. the sale of contaminated fuel involving the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company, government’s handling of the review of the AMERI Power Deal and the accusations of cronyism levelled against the Finance Minister over the issuance of a bond.

The Akufo-Addo Administration was also hit with a scandal when Boakye Agyarko, now Energy Minister, was accused by some Minority MPs of trying to bribe them to enable him to pass his vetting.

Probes into some of these cases have been seen to be unsatisfactory by some stakeholders.

For instance, the eight-member investigative committee set up to determine the circumstances that led to the controversial sale of 5 million litres of contaminated fuel to two unlicensed firms by BOST has been alleged to have not had a single meeting by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Bongo Constituency, Edward Bawa.

Some signals coming from the government, like the Special Prosecutor Bill being passed or the President’s directive to have all corruption allegations against government officials probed, have been viewed by some as adequate steps in the anti-graft efforts.

But the CDD has said the government’s commitment to fighting corruption should go “beyond the rhetoric, the mere setting up of institutions and enactment of laws.”

Commitment to the anti-corruption could come in the form adequately resourcing anti-corruption bodies, the CDD noted.

“While we recognize weaknesses in some existing anti-corruption legislations, the Center is of the view that sufficiently resourcing existing public anti-corruption institutions, such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Economic and Organized Crimes Office (EOCO), Auditor General Office, State Prosecution Department, and the recently enacted Special Prosecutor’s Office; strengthening their independence; and having leadership with integrity for these institutions can lead to significant progress in the fight against corruption in Ghana.”

“On its part, CDD-Ghana and its CSO partners, as well as the media will continue to be at the forefront of the campaign against corruption in the country. CDD-Ghana and its partners will again continue to unearth and magnify cases of corruption, educate the public, advocate stiffer punishments for officials who engage in corruption and present policy guides to aid stakeholders demand for accountability in the fight against corruption,” the statement concluded.

Find below the CDD’s full statement

INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY, 9TH DECEMBER 2017

STATEMENT BY THE GHANA CENTER FOR DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT

The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) calls on the government to seize the current pro-anticorruption political moment to take decisive and concrete action on the growing list corruption cases in the country. On the occasion of this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, which is being commemorated under the theme, “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security,” CDD-Ghana urges the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to take advantage of the collective public support in the fight against corruption to tackle pervasive corruption in Ghana.

This year’s international anti-corruption day advocates for resilient collaborative efforts by all sectors in the economy to eliminate corruption. Accordingly, the Center calls on the government, all state anti-corruption bodies, the private sector, media, civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens to unite in the fight against corruption and create a zero tolerance approach to corruption.

The Center believes government’s commitment to fighting corruption goes beyond the rhetoric, the mere setting up of institutions and enactment of laws. While we recognize weaknesses in some existing anti-corruption legislations, the Center is of the view that sufficiently resourcing existing public anti-corruption institutions, such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Economic and Organized Crimes Office (EOCO), Auditor General Office, State Prosecution Department, and the recently enacted Special Prosecutor’s Office; strengthening their independence; and having leadership with integrity for these institutions can lead to significant progress in the fight against corruption in Ghana.

We equally believe that government’s ‘Ghana beyond Aid’ agenda and the mission of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can only be met if resources are not plundered for private gains and that public institutions are transparent and accountable. As noted by António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, “We can only achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development if every nation has strong, transparent and inclusive institutions, based on the rule of law and supported by the public.”

It is important to note that Ghanaians are no longer passively watching corrupt acts manifest before their eyes. The latest Afrobarometer Survey (2017) revealed that a vast majority (64%) of Ghanaians want corrupt officials prosecuted, stolen monies recovered and offenders named and shamed. This is a clear indication that citizens are united in their views for corrupt officials to be punished and looted resources retrieved. CDD-Ghana therefore, calls on the government and all anti-graft state institutions to be cognizant of the willingness of Ghanaian citizens to fight corruption, and put mechanisms in place to empower citizens to voice out “NO” to corrupt acts.

On its part, CDD-Ghana and its CSO partners, as well as the media will continue to be at the forefront of the campaign against corruption in the country. CDD-Ghana and its partners will again continue to unearth and magnify cases of corruption, educate the public, advocate stiffer punishments for officials who engage in corruption and present policy guides to aid stakeholders demand for accountability in the fight against corruption. We believe that we can unite in our collective quest to address the growing menace of corruption in our society so as to channel national resources to propel development.

Efua Idan Osam

CDD-Ghana Communications Officer

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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He said despite the important role that technology can play in ensuring effective justice delivery, the manual system must not be ignored.

He opined that the introduction of information technology into the legal system (e-court system), brings with itself a number of disadvantages, saying, “Technology cannot do everything for us; how do we use technology to answer a question which is asked in cross-examination? It’s the human mind”.

“There are certain matters which we can use technology, for example, pleadings, statements, defence: all these things can be done electronically, but in the end, the judge has to write his judgment. How does he do it? He is going to do it on paper”, he added.

Justice VCRAC Crabbe made the comment in Cape Coast at the annual lectures of the Legal Luminaries Platform of Law Students of the University of Cape Coast.

The programme, which brought together students and faculty members of the College of Legal Studies of the University of Cape Coast and senior high school students from some schools within Cape Coast, is the third since the College’s inception.

There have been calls for the country to accelerate efforts at implementing an e-court system which will see the courts use technologies like audio recording, audio, and computer conferencing through systems such as biometric identification, as well as dictation capturing software to help save time and writing of judgments.

However, VCRAC Crabbe warns that Ghana should be cautious in fully migrating to an e-court system, indicating that, “Don’t forget that these electronic systems have their difficulties and we have to guard against that, and I think one of the things we have to do is to consider the disadvantages and if the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, then we had better be careful because we know some of these things can be hacked”.

The retired Chief Justice also suggested the need for all stakeholders to reach a consensus on the intake of students at both training institutions and the Ghana Law School, proposing that a general agreement by all parties will end the admission brouhaha that is recently a subject of a legal tussle.

He noted, “The problem we are facing is a question of numbers, and I think the time has come for a dialogue between the Council of Legal education and all that are interested in legal education, especially the universities and the university colleges to come together to dialogue”.

He however noted that many people now want to enter the law profession, hence the need to regulate entrance into the profession.

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By: Jospeh Ackon Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The bank which is among the fastest growing indigenous banks in the country announced the partnership today, August 2, 2017. The EPL will start next Sunday.

Speaking to Citi Sports after the announcement, the Managing Director of Premium Bank, Mr. Kwasi Tumi stated that bank will use the partnership to connect with fans of the EPL in Ghana.

“Premium bank has chosen to be associated with the EPL, principally because the fan base is also our customer base. They are young enterprising people who are trying to establish businesses. We think that supporting teams in the EPL builds character and endurance,” he noted.

Mr. Tumi disclosed that he is an Arsenal fan who supports the team.

“Look at me, I am an Arsenal fan. We will be organizing a couple of events at centers where matches would be watched. We want to get closer to the fans and form a better bond with them”.

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By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana

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At a press conference today [Tuesday], the Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, claimed that a non-executive director on the board of investment firm, Franklin Templeton that purchased majority of the bonds is also the Chairman of the Enterprise Group; a company closely aligned to the private interests of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

[contextly_sidebar id=”3DxxJIWdFcYL7WatFEYCuswiP1iJitTX”]Ato Forson alleged that, the bond was conveniently prepared for the Minister’s friends and business partners to have easy access and enjoy the high eighteen percent to nineteen percent interest on the bond.

“Honourable Trevor Trefgarne  is also a Director of Franklin Templeton which is the main participant in the recent bond issue. Putting this apparent fact together, we have a reason to believe that there was a relational interest between our Finance Minister and his good friend Trevor Trefgarne which creates a potential lack of transparency and a conflict of interest. As we all know, the constitution of the republic provides unequivocally that a public officer should not put themselves in a situation where their private interest conflicts with their public obligation. There is no record available to us to the effect that the Finance Minister made known publicly his relational interest that conflicts very much, so in the interest in his company with Trevor Trefgarne  to the extent to which the relation might have potentially affected the decision to sell majority of the bonds to Franklin Templeton.”

“There is no disclosure as to the extent to which the determination of the price of the bond could have been affected by the relationship between the Finance Minister and his friends; Franklin Templeton. Now that a  good link has been established between the Finance Minister and his friend, Trevor, it is clear that the Finance Minister issued the bond in a way that will favour his friends, family and business partners. This situation is best described as cronyism and nepotism,” Ato Forson said.

Government on Monday April 3, 2017, announced it was successful in the auction of a total of 2.25 billion dollars in four bonds.

The first two bonds, totaling 1.13 billion dollars, was issued at 15 and 7 years period with the same coupon of 19.75%.

In addition, the Ministry of Finance raised the cedi equivalent of USD1.12 billion in 5 and 10 year bonds via a tap-in arrangement.

Meanwhile, one of the Deputy Ministers for Finance, Charles Adu Boahen on the Citi Breakfast Show today [Tuesday], defended the bond issue and shed more light on it.

“The average interest rate on our local debt is about 22% and if we borrow, we just borrowed at about 19.5% so if we borrowed at 19.5% to pay off your short-term money at 22%, then we have made a saving on the interest rate differential. We’ve also reduced the roll over pressures on our team in terms of having to go out there to scramble to find money, and that also reduces the demand for short-term instruments which actually improves your interest rates because it is a demand, supply situation.”

The Minority further alleged that, the Addison Committee which reviewed the AMERI deal had been compromised with their decision to accept a fully sponsored trip to Dubai from AMERI, a situation the Minority Spokesperson Cassiel Ato Forson described as embarrassing.

“We heard the honourable Minister of Information, Honourable Mustapha Hamid confirm to the public that the Addison committee which was tasked to investigate Ameri power purchase agreement, traveled to Dubai under the sponsorship of Ameri. The information available to the public now is that, some members of committee, traveled to Dubai on a first class ticket via Emirates Airline 787. They were hosted at  a first class hotel. They were suppose to be there by 3 days, but they extended it for  a week for reasons best known to them…”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

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According to him, this has saved the country a whopping $300 million.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Z2Ba5AXV8mIuLLqPqTh0dkQ5UTkyMTWI”]“We have saved the country $300 million by reviewing and prioritizing the existing power purchasing agreements. We’ve essentially cancelled about 20 of them, we’ve asked four of them to go ahead and the rest to delay by two or three years and in so doing, we have managed to reduce government’s liabilities,” he noted.

The Akufo-Addo government had argued that some of the power agreements the Mahama government entered into were bloated, and were not value for money.

They complained that, the Ameri Power deal was bloated by about $150 million, and have threatened to review the agreement.

Speaking on Monday at a Joy FM Town Hall meeting, Dr. Bawumia added that, government has secured financing for two major electrification projects, which would extend electricity to over 800 communities when implemented.

He also stated that, they further intend to put government buildings on solar plants instead of piling up debts for government.

“We have in the energy sector taken some major decisions. Anyone who is coming to produce power in Ghana and says we want a power purchase agreement, we are saying that you cannot charge us more than ten cents per kilowatt hour…We’ve also secured financing for two major electrification projects, the Hunan and China projects, and this when implemented, will extend electricity to over 800 communities,” the Vice President added.

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post We’ve cancelled 20 power deals – Bawumia appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to her, a meeting held on Saturday 18th March by the Kassena-Nankana municipal director and the Regional director of education with management of the school, resolved to call back the suspended students after a series of deliberations.

[contextly_sidebar id=”uI4HuQgAuCkMF3r0BRHVkCWVpmzTvGoL”]Mrs. Yizura said all suspended final year students should report to school but must apologize and sign a bond of good behaviour.

“The suspended final year students are to report to the school on Monday, 20th March, 2017, not early than 10:00 am. They are to come with application letters for re-admission and come with only their parents or guardians, we don’t want siblings, friends or borrowed parents.”

“When they come, they will sign a bond to be of  good behavior and their parents will also sign as witnesses, then they will write a letter of apology to the municipal director of education Mrs. Anne Kye-eebo,  headmistress of the school Mrs. Francisca Yizura, staff, the prefectural board and the Student Representative council (SRC).”

This was approved by the  Regional director of education, Mrs. Sabina Obeng, Municipal director of education Mrs. Anne Kye-eebo, and management of NAVASCO.

Mrs. Yizura admonished students in second cycle institutions across the country to follow due procedure in getting their grievances addressed but not resort to threats of vandalism.

On Tuesday, March 14, the Municipal Director of education for Kassena-Nankana, Anne Kye-eebo, suspended all final years students of the school for gross misconduct and insubordination leaving the affected students to search for their own accommodation.

While some sought for refuge in nearby public places, others stayed with their relatives and friends in Navrongo whilst writing their West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination(WASSCE).

Alleged rape case

Unconfirmed reports were that some female students were raped at public places by some community members in their quest to seek shelter in the night after the suspension.

But reacting to the matter, headmistress of the school, Mrs.Yizura, said it will be investigated when the students finally report.

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By: Frederick Awuni/Citifmonline.com/Ghana

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