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Serene Insurance opens new office in Takoradi

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BERNICE BESSEY
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The new office

Serene Insurance has inaugurated a new branch office in Takoradi. This latest expansion marks the company’s tenth operational office in Ghana and reflects its ongoing commitment to growth and strategic positioning within the industry.

The opening ceremony, held on July 24, 2024, was attended by key stakeholders including Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse, Executive Chairman of First Sky Group and Mrs. Mercy Naa Koshie Boampong, CEO of Serene Insurance.

The new Takoradi branch is part of Serene Insurance’s broader strategy to increase its national footprint, supported by a network of over 200 active agents.

In his remarks, Mr. Kutortse emphasised the company’s dedication to regional development and job creation.

“This branch signifies our commitment to overcoming barriers to economic upliftment in the Western Region, including creating jobs for the local youth,” he stated.

“We aim to be a strategic partner in the region’s progress towards prosperity and development.”

Mrs. Boampong hinged on the significance of the new office in Takoradi, as a symbol of Serene Insurance’s expansion and growth.

Nana Asante Kojo II, Chief of Assakae, being assisted by Mr. Kutortse and other dignitaries to formally open the Takoradi branch office of Serene Insurance

“Since our inception over six years ago, we have built a reputation for providing reliable and cost-effective insurance solutions.

“Our presence here underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional service and building enduring relationships with our clients,” she said.

The CEO also announced the upcoming launch of two new products by the end of 2024, the enhanced motor Insurance Policy and the Events Liability Policy.

The Events Liability Policy, in particular, will offer coverage for liabilities associated with events, including damage to insured property and public liability claims.

Justice Peprah Agyei, Western Regional Manager of the National Insurance Commission (NIC), praised Serene Insurance’s expansion as a positive step for the region. “Insurance plays a crucial role in national economic development.

Serene Insurance’s move into the Western Region is commendable and will enhance access to insurance services while promoting inclusivity,” he noted.

The Chief of Assakae, Nana Asante Kojo II, expressed his approval of Serene Insurance’s initiative and hoped for further expansion across the Western Region to improve access and job creation.

Western Regional Minister and MP for Takoradi, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, welcomed the new branch, noting that it would boost competition and improve the quality of insurance products available to both existing and prospective clients.

US hands $500m military aid boost to Philippines amid China tensions

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Philippine Army Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr

The United States has announced that it will provide $500m in military funding to the Philippines, as the pair eyes ongoing tensions with China.

The announcement came on Tuesday, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Manila. The two officials launched an Asia Pacific tour over the weekend, aimed at boosting Washington’s influence in the region in a bid to challenge the “strategic challenge” Beijing poses.

“We’re now allocating an additional $500m in foreign military financing to the Philippines to boost security collaboration with our oldest treaty ally in this region,” Blinken told a news conference alongside Manila’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

Blinken described the aid as a “once in a generation investment” to help modernise the Philippine armed forces and coastguard.

Austin said the funds demonstrate the commitment of the US to take “bold steps to strengthen our alliance”.

“We are here to build on an extraordinary foundation. We are working to advance our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he declared. “This level of funding is unprecedented.”

Teodoro called the aid a “tremendous boost” to Manila’s defence capabilities. Manalo said the Philippines welcomes the “iron-clad commitment” shown by the US to the pair’s alliance.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Skin changes that happen when you grow old

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A skin

Wrinkles

They’re gonna show up as you age, but you might be able to slow the process with healthy food, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise. Protect yourself from the sun and watch out for strong soaps that strip natural oils from your skin. Don’t smoke — it makes them worse. Wrinkles aren’t bad for you, but most people aren’t wild about the way they look. Chemical peels, injections, laser treatments, and surgery can get rid of some.

Saggy Skin

The first places you notice droopy skin are often your jawline and neck. You might hear it called turkey neck. Sunscreen and moisturizer can help hold it off. And exercises for your neck, jaw, and throat muscles may also help. Surgery and other treatments can help get rid of it.

Age Spots

Also called liver spots, these small dark patches often show up in places that get lots of sun, like your face, hands, shoulders, and arms. They’re more common if you’re over 50, but you can get them if you’re younger and you spend a lot of time outside. They don’t require treatment, but your doctor may take a sample to make sure it isn’t cancer. They can lighten them with bleaching products or remove them if you want. To prevent them, use sunscreen and avoid the sun.

Skin Tags

These small flaps of tissue hang from your skin by a kind of stalk. You’ll usually find them on your chest, back, neck, armpits, or around your groin. They aren’t dangerous, but they can get irritated if your clothes or jewelry rub against them. If one bothers you, the doctor might cut it off, freeze it off, or burn it off with an electric current or laser.

Varicose Veins

Weakened blood vessels can start to swell and twist or bulge. They mostly show up on your legs and feet. They don’t usually signal a serious problem, but they can be linked to inflamed veins that result in superficial blood clots. And they often ache. Your doctor may give you a pair of compression socks or stockings to add pressure and help get rid of them. If that doesn’t work, they might suggest minor surgery.

Spider Veins

These small bundles of broken blood vessels often pop up on your legs, ankles, feet, and maybe even your face. Causes include a backup of blood, hormone changes, or an injury. They don’t point to a major health problem, but they can burn. Try tight compression stockings to put the squeeze on them. If that doesn’t help, your doctor might suggest a minor surgical procedure.

Itchy Skin

Aging skin gets drier. That can bring on the itch. See your doctor if it lasts more than 2 weeks or covers your body. It could be a sign of something more serious like kidney disease, lack of iron, thyroid, or liver problems. The doctor will examine you and might take blood to help figure out the cause and what’s best to treat it.

Leg Ulcers

Blood flow problems make it easy for the skin on your lower legs and feet to get injured. If bacteria get in the broken skin, the whole area can become infected. If you have a health condition like diabetes that makes you heal slower, you might wind up with an open sore, or ulcer. The doctor will keep the wound clean, and in most cases, put pressure on the area. You may need surgery if the ulcers don’t go away.

Bruising

When tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin break, you get a bruise. As you get older, your skin gets thinner and loses fat, which can make you bruise more easily. It’s usually nothing to worry about, but it could be a sign of something more serious. Some blood-thinning meds can also cause more or bigger bruises, so tell your doctor about any drugs you take.

Skin Cancer

Damaged skin cells can grow out of control and become cancerous. One main cause is ultraviolet (UV) light from years of exposure to the sun or tanning beds. But you can get cancer in places where the sun doesn’t shine. That means your genes and toxins in the world around you also play a role. Your doctor may treat cancerous lesions with creams, injections, pills, surgeries, laser treatments, or radiation therapy. Depending on the type of skin cancer, you may need chemotherapy or other kinds of treatment, as well.

Actinic Keratosis

Ultraviolet light from the sun or from a manmade source like a tanning bed causes these raised, crusty growths. You’ll probably have more than one. Most turn red, but some can be tan or pinkish. See your doctor if you spot them: They can turn into cancer if not treated. The doctor may prescribe a cream, remove them with surgery, or freeze or burn them off.

Source: webmd.com

Clarification From Moringa About Former CEO’s Allegations

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Part of the factory

Introduction

Moringa SCA SICAR/Moringa Mauritius Africa (‘Moringa’) is deeply concerned by the numerous publications in print and online media of allegations made by Issa Ouedraogo (‘Issa’) against it. The allegations deliberately misrepresent both Moringa’s business practices and legal proceedings that have unfolded between Moringa as investors, and Issa. Issa has maliciously designed these publications to cast aspersions on Moringa’s integrity in the business marketplace and sadly, on the ethical conduct of Moringa’s legal representatives, Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah (‘BELA’). Moringa therefore wishes to address Issa’s allegations and to correct the inaccuracies and misrepresentations made to the public.

Presentation
Moringa is an investment fund launched in 2013 that aims to finance agroforestry projects in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America to support the development of sustainable agricultural value chains and reduce poverty in often isolated rural zones. In Africa, Moringa has invested in agribusinesses to reinforce their financial structure, supply chain and modernize their plant. In Ghana, B-Bovid buys fresh fruits bunches from smallholders and processes them into red crude palm oil for the local market.

Investment
In 2018, Moringa invested over ₡24,000,000 (the equivalent of $5,000,000 at the time) in B-Bovid Limited (‘B-Bovid’), a palm oil processing company that Issa founded. At the time, B-Bovid owed money a bank, and both B-Bovid and Issa’s properties, which had been used to secure the debt, were to be sold to pay the debt. Moringa and Issa Ouedraogo therefore entered into an Investment Agreement and a Shareholder’s Agreement, for Moringa to invest in B-Bovid and become a large majority shareholder.

BELA’S First Instruction
Moringa’s Paris-based lawyers engaged BELA to provide legal advice on the investment to ensure compliance with Ghanaian law. BELA’s role was confined to conducting due diligence on B-Bovid, reviewing transaction documents, and amending B-Bovid’s constitution to reflect the terms of the agreements between Moringa and Issa. BELA did not negotiate the commercial terms of the transaction or the investment documents between Moringa and Issa Ouedraogo.

Issa’s Mismanagement
Moringa invested in B-Bovid on the basis of a business plan set out in the Investment Agreement and Shareholders’ Agreement, under which B-Bovid was to meet specified financial and operational targets under Issa’s leadership as CEO. However, after Moringa’s investment, B-Bovid (under Issa’s leadership), consistently failed to meet the agreed operational and financial targets, which was the purpose of the investment.

Issa failed to properly manage B-Bovid and placed the company on the verge of insolvency. Moringa then discovered that Issa’s mismanagement had started well before Moringa’s investment, so that the representations made by Issa, and on which Moringa had based their investment, were inaccurate. Nevertheless, in an effort to ensure the sustainability of B-Bovid, Moringa was compelled to extend a loan to B- Bovid, in addition to the investment already made into the company.

Further Investment
In 2019, Moringa engaged BELA to advise on a debt investment in B-Bovid, a EUR 1,200,000 Convertible Loan Agreement with B-Bovid to enable the company make up for shortfalls in the 2019 financial year, provide an opportunity for growth in its operations in the 2020 financial year and also, to finance the company’s needs as budgeted in the business plan. Moringa simultaneously entered into a Share Charge Agreement with Issa and B-Bovid, under which Issa charged all his present and future shares in B-Bovid as security for the loan.

Issa’s Removal as CEO
Despite the fresh capital injection, B-Bovid, under Issa’s leadership, again failed to meet all the key operational and financial targets required under the business plan. This was wholly attributable to Issa’s underperformance and mismanagement of B- Bovid. Indeed, it soon became clear to Moringa that Issa Ouedraogo simply lacked the requisite skills to run B-Bovid as a profitable business. This led to discussions about appointing a new and better qualified CEO, so that Issa would take on the role of President of B-Bovid but on the same salary he enjoyed as CEO, and also maintain his role as director and Chairman of B-Bovid’s board. Issa however refused to resign as CEO, and eventually, was duly removed by B-Bovid’s board. Issa’s removal was lawful and was in B-Bovid’s best interest. B-Bovid’s board also subsequently removed Issa Ouedraogo as an authorised signatory to the company’s bank accounts because he had announced that he would use any means, including illegitimate actions, to challenge the board’s decision.

Issa’s Misbehaviour
Following Issa’s removal as CEO, he refused to vacate his office and stationed armed security personnel at B-Bovid’s premises with instructions to prevent the new CEO and Moringa’s representatives from accessing premises. He forbade B-Bovid’s management personnel from communicating with Moringa’s appointed directors and effectively engaged in a forcible takeover of the company’s operations, managing/operating B-Bovid to the total exclusion of Moringa, its majority shareholder. He directed B-Bovid’s customers to pay proceeds from the company’s sales into his personal bank accounts and took a number of unilateral decisions without consulting or involving Moringa. Eventually, Issa unilaterally shut down the Company and purported to place the company’s workers on redundancy, with no compensation. Moringa has always tried to ensure continuity of operations and to support B-Bovid’s employees. Moringa continued to pay workers’ salaries for a year while operations were halted by Issa.

Arbitral proceedings
1. On 16 June 2021, Moringa instructed BELA to institute arbitration proceedings against Issa, pursuant to the provisions of the Shareholders’ Agreement and the Investment Agreement. This was after Moringa had extensively attempted amicable settlement with Issa, who refused to cooperate. The reliefs sought by Moringa include a declaration that Issa was validly removed as CEO and a perpetual injunction restraining him from holding himself out or acting as the CEO of the Company. Moringa also filed an injunction application to prevent Issa from interfering in B-Bovid’s management during the arbitration proceedings. The High Court granted the injunction, restraining both Issa and the new CEO from interfering in the administration and management of B-Bovid until arbitration proceedings had concluded. Subsequently, the Court appointed a Receiver/Manager as interim CEO until the arbitration had been determined. Despite the injunction and the appointment of a Receiver/Manager, Issa continued to refuse to allow Moringa’s appointed directors access to the Company’s premises. The High Court appointed Receiver took over a factory where some of the critical machines, equipment and vehicles had been burnt into ashes. The Receiver was therefore compelled to establish a permanent security detail at B-Bovid’s factory premises to ensure safety and security, because lssa continues to threaten workers and farmers of B-Bovid.
Enforcement of Share Charge Agreement
2. In April 2021, Moringa instructed BELA to assist with enforcing the Share Charge Agreement because B-Bovid had breached the loan agreement. BELA, acting on those instructions, enforced the Share Charge Agreement and facilitated the transfer of Issa’s shares to Moringa, in accordance with the Borrowers and Lenders Act, 2020 (Act 1052). This is because under article 14 of the Shareholders’ Agreement, that Agreement became automatically terminated and extinguished Issa’s right to serve on the company’s board of directors. The shareholders of B-Bovid therefore held an Extraordinary General Meeting in 2022 to approve a new constitution, which removed all references to the Shareholders Agreement, since it no longer existed.
Unfounded Allegations Against BELA
3. Similarly, the accusations of unethical behaviour and conflicts of interest against BELA are without merit. BELA has filed a full response to Issa’s allegations with the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council, which shows that Issa’s allegations are unfounded and that BELA has strictly complied with legal and professional ethical obligations. What Issa is trying to do, is to give himself the power to dictate who our lawyers should be and how they should comply with our instructions. That cannot be allowed.

Moringa’s Commitment
4. Moringa reaffirms its commitment to ethical business practices and the pursuit of justice. We entreat the discerning public to ignore Issa Ouedraogo’s smear campaign against Moringa and trust in the legal process to unveil the truth. Moringa remains dedicated to resolving the ongoing disputes constructively, in accordance with legal standards, and in the best interest of B-Bovid and all involved parties.
5. After the arbitration, Moringa will continue developing B-Bovid’s activities in Ghana as part of its poverty reduction strategy, which is Moringa’s priority.

Southampton complete deal for forward Brereton Diaz

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Ben Brereton Diaz

Southampton have completed the signing of forward Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal for about £7m.

The Chile striker has signed a four-year deal at St Mary’s to end a 12-month stay at the Spanish club.

Brereton Diaz moved to La Liga on a free transfer after his contract expired at Blackburn but failed to score in 20 appearances.

“I’m absolutely buzzing. It’s been smooth these past couple of days, and I’m happy to get everything sorted and signed,” he said.

“I’m really excited to meet everyone – it’s great to be involved with this great club.

“Watching the club when I was younger, it was always in the Premier League. Everything has aligned together and I think it’s an amazing club. I can’t wait to get started.”

Brereton Diaz spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, scoring six goals in 14 Premier League appearances.

Southampton had been looking for a new forward after Che Adams opted to join Torino this month having rejected new contract offers from Saints.

Brereton Diaz started his career at Nottingham Forest before spending five years at Blackburn Rovers, scoring 47 goals in 177 appearances.

He switched international allegiance to Chile after coming through England’s youth set-up and made his debut in 2021.

The 25-year-old played in Chile’s three games at the Copa America last month as La Roja finished third in Group A, behind Argentina and Canada.

He joins summer signings Adam Lallana, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara and Flynn Downes as Saints prepare for their Premier League return after winning last season’s Championship play-offs.

Credit: bbc.com

Editorial: Stealing Of Streetlights Must Be Checked

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Credit- Graphic.com.gh The Accra-Tema motorway at night

Motorists have over the years been complaining about the absence of streetlights on the major roads of Accra and other parts of the country, which has led to frequent accidents and putting pedestrians at risk of theft.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has attributed the malfunctioning and lack of streetlights on the Accra-Tema Motorway to vandalism and thievery by unpatriotic citizens.

Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Highway Authority stated that some Ghanaians have been stealing streetlights, resulting in total darkness at night on that stretch. He also noted that the unknown individuals have also been removing metal covers and underground cables connecting the streetlights, exacerbating the issue. He advocated for stringent penalties for individuals who steal streetlights and underground cables to serve as a deterrent.

Mr Wentum assured that approval has been granted for the procurement of new streetlights and revealed that the Contractor is working diligently to make the stretch motorable and reduce traffic congestion significantly.

The Chronicle feels sickened by the nonchalant attitude of the authorities who are in charge of the streetlights and allow them to be vandalized or stolen only to go through another ritual of procuring of new streetlights. What we all lose sight of is that it is the tax payer who funds this new procurement to replace them.

Most often, the streetlights that are left non-functional for years become easy target for unscrupulous people to steal. It is about time that we question those who are supposed to ensure regular maintenance and prompt repair of the streetlights, so that when there found culpable we punish and surcharge them.

The absence of streetlights has led to frequent accidents and has made pedestrians vulnerable to theft, particularly during the night. This situation demands immediate attention and action from both the authorities and the public.

The issue of malfunctioning and lack of streetlights raise serious concerns that compromises the safety and security of motorists and pedestrians. While the theft of streetlight components is a significant problem, it is also imperative to address the broader issue of non-functional streetlights, which exacerbates the challenges on these roads.

The stealing of streetlights, metal covers and underground cables lead to total darkness on the roads. Such acts of vandalism not only endanger lives but also undermine public infrastructure meant for the collective good.

It is crucial to recognize that the issue is twofold. Firstly, there is the deliberate destruction and theft of streetlight components by unscrupulous individuals which must be met with stringent penalties.

The enforcement of these penalties is essential to deter such activities and protect public infrastructure. Authorities must work hand in hand to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and punished to serve as a deterrent to others.

There is also the issue of streetlights that are non-functional due to reasons unrelated to theft. This is a critical aspect of public safety and should not be overlooked. The malfunctioning of streetlights, whether due to theft or technical issues, creates a hazardous environment for motorists and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents and crime.

The issue of non-functional streetlights is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive approach. While addressing vandalism and theft with stringent penalties and robust enforcement, it is equally important to ensure regular maintenance and prompt repair of streetlights.

‘I’ll decide after Olympics’ – Alvarez on Man City future

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Julian Alvarez

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez says he will make a decision about his future at the club after the Paris 2024 Games.

Alvarez, 24, is due to make his third start for Argentina at the Olympics when they face Ukraine on Tuesday (16:00 BST) in Lyon.

In March 2023, Alvarez signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at City until 2028.

“There is a lot of talk,” said Alvarez before the Ukraine match when asked about his City future.

“I am focused here [at the Olympics] because it is a short tournament. At Manchester City I feel very good, I played a lot of minutes.

“But we will see after the Games. First, if I can, I will take a few days off. Then we will decide.”

Alvarez was a substitute when City lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United in May and has since been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.

“Maybe it’s annoying to be out in big games, players always want to help on the pitch,” he added. “But my season was good, so I’m very happy.”

Boss Pep Guardiola, who is in the United States with City on a pre-season tour, said he was aware Alvarez was thinking about his future.

“I don’t think about replacing,” added Guardiola., external

“I know he wants to play in important moments, but the other players [want that] too.

“We have 18 or 19 players who want to play in the important games.

“I read he has to think about it, so OK, think about it and after that he will inform us what he wants to do.”

Credit: bbc.com

No Chelsea action against Fernandez for derogatory song

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Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea will take no action against Enzo Fernandez for singing a derogatory song about France’s black players, after he apologised to several French team-mates.

Fernandez was accused of “uninhibited racism” by Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana for a video posted to his social media account after Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final on 14 July.

The Argentina midfielder, 23, landed in Atlanta in the United States on Monday and addressed the incident.

Chelsea instigated an internal disciplinary procedure which is now closed with no action taken, the Press Association reports.

Fernandez has made a voluntary contribution to an anti-discrimination charity. The amount will be matched by Chelsea.

A complaint was also made to world governing body Fifa.

The video Fernandez posted featured a song sung by some of the Argentina squad about France’s black players, which the French Football Federation (FFF) said included an alleged “racist and discriminatory” chant.

Chelsea have seven France players who are black or mixed race in their first-team squad. Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Fofana were all part of the travelling group on Chelsea’s US tour.

Fofana, who has one cap for France, had posted an image of the video on Instagram, describing it as “uninhibited racism”.

Credit: bbc.com

Fulham agree club record fee for Smith Rowe; Everton sign O’Brien

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Emile Smith Rowe

Fulham have reached an agreement with Arsenal to sign midfielder Emile Smith Rowe for an initial £27m with the potential of £7m in add-ons.

Smith Rowe is a club record signing for Fulham and sources say the add-ons are based on Cup and European success for the Cottagers.

The 23-year-old has been left out of Arsenal’s past two pre-season matches as the deal was completed.

Smith Rowe is an academy graduate and a popular figure among supporters but has dropped down the pecking order at Arsenal behind Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.

The midfielder has three England caps, the last of which came in 2022.

Meanwhile, Everton have signed centre-back Jake O’Brien from Lyon on a four-year deal until 2028.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland defender made 27 appearances for the Ligue 1 side last season.

He becomes Everton’s fifth summer signing after the arrival of midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom and the return of Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds.

“I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton,” O’Brien said.

Credit: bbc.com

Ato Arthur addresses AU meeting in Accra

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Dr Ato Arthur speaking at the meeting

The meeting of the Bureau of the African Union – Specialized Technical Committee on Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development and Decentralization (AU-STC No. 8.) has been held in Accra, Ghana.

The high-level meeting brought together experts and distinguished guests from Tunisia, Congo, Uganda, Ghana, and Lesotho to discuss pivotal issues in Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development, and Decentralization.

On behalf of the President of Ghana, the Minister of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, and the Local Government Service Council, Dr Nana Ato Arthur, Head of the Local Government Service in Ghana, conveyed the honour of hosting the meeting of the Bureau of the African Union – Specialized Technical Committee.

He described the efforts of member states towards the meeting as a testament to their collective commitment to advance the Agenda 2063, particularly in public service, local government, urban development, and decentralization.

He said the meeting was to discuss the implementation of the decisions of the AU Fourth Ordinary Session, the status of the sub-committee’s work plan (2022-2024) and the upcoming Africa Urban Forum in Addis Ababa.

He emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and digital governance and encouraged open dialogue and collaboration to ensure sustainable development.  He emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and digital governance and encouraged open dialogue and collaboration to ensure sustainable development.

Dr. Ato Arthur admitted that the African Union-Specialized Technical Committee (AU-STC No.8) was instituted at the opportune time, especially in recent times, when issues on climate change, digital governance, the use of artificial intelligence and local economic development had gained currency.

The AU-STC No.8, according to Dr Arthur, had key roles to play in addressing some of the imminent threats to building an effective Public Service, Decentralisation and Urban Development in Africa.

He expressed the hope that the deliberations would contribute meaningfully to the realization of the aspirations of the Agenda 2063-The Africa We Want.  Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission (PAPS AUC), expressed gratitude to the government and the people of Ghana for hosting the meeting and the hospitality extended to the team and admitted that the mandate of the STC No. 8 remains enormous and therefore required more partnership to achieve the objectives of the AU’s Agenda 2063.

Ambassador Bankole was convinced that the recommendations of experts would undoubtedly contribute to the achievement of the set objectives expected from the meeting.

He entreated members to commit to enhancing public service, local governance, urban development and decentralization for the fundamental progress of the African Continent.

Riding on the AU anthem, “we do not just gather to celebrate our achievements together but also to dedicate ourselves to rise together to reaffirm our commitment and defend our liberty and unity”, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Mr Martin Adjei Mensah-Korsah expressed optimism that the momentum of member states will not be lost until all the outstanding works are completed and the objectives achieved.

He assured members of Ghana’s commitment towards the goals and objectives of the Bureau.

The high-level participants included the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Tunisia who doubles as the Chairman of AU STC No. 8, Hon. Leila Chikhaoui Mahdaoui; the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr Armani Abou-Zeid; the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS AUC), Bankole Adeoye and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to Ethiopia and the permanent representative to the AU, Sekete.

The meeting was organised jointly by the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development and the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service (OHLGS).

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