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France celebrates National Day 2024 in Ghana

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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President Akufo-Addo speaking at the 2024 France National Day

The French Embassy in Ghana has celebrated the 2024 edition of France’s National Day at a memorable event that highlighted both the Francophonie and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Held at the gardens of the Résidence de France on Saturday, July 13, 2024 the people of France hosted the good people of Ghana, led by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to celebrate this year’s National Day.

The celebration, which started early in the evening and ran until midnight, was spiced up with live band performances and a display of the culture.

French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules Armand Aniambossou speaking at the 2024 France National Day celebration

In his address, the French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules Armand Aniambossou indicated that a national day is an opportunity to come together and lift high the motto of the French Republic, adding that “Tonight, more than ever, we must remember and celebrate our shared values.”

The Ambassador was delighted that President Akufo-Addo joined him to share in the moment. He said the gesture was a testament to the fruitful friendship between France and Ghana, which has steadily grown stronger in recent years.

AFD PROJECTS

The ambassador highlighted the longstanding partnership existing between France and Ghana and mentioned in particular the presence of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) on Ghanaian soil for more than 40 years.

According to him, since 2023, through AFD Group financing, France has taken steps to upscale its efforts in Northern Ghana, in the agricultural sector, particularly in the production of shea butter, an activity mainly carried out by women’s cooperatives, among others.

MEMBERSHIP

Ghana has applied for full membership of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). Ambassador Jules Armand Aniambossou announced that the change in status will, hopefully, be made official at the 19th Francophonie Summit, to be held in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris on October 4th and 5th, 2024.

He noted that France had consistently supported Ghana’s candidature, in conjunction with Ghanaian ministries, academic stakeholders, universities, regional French-language education centres and others.

Beyond the existing partnerships, the Ambassador announced that in 2024, France intends to strengthen the role of women in international institutions by setting up a course for French-speaking women.

He explained that it will enable them to increase their leadership and participation in the field of peace and security.

On the economic front, he said that France had demonstrated its full support for Ghana during the crisis, citing the role of the Paris Club in Ghana’s bilateral debt restructuring.

He also mentioned France’s investment in Ghana’s creative arts industry and the sports sector before thanking sponsors of the 2024 National Day celebration to end his address.

On his part, President Akufo-Addo reiterated Ghana’s appreciation to the people and government of France for their support in the debt restructuring.

He thanked the Paris Club, “whose official creditor committee is co-chaired by the Republic of France and the People’s Republic of China, for the satisfactory work that has brought a solution to Ghana’s debt restructuring, as the Ambassador said, in record’s time. I have personally already expressed my appreciation and thanks to President Macron and President Xi Jinping.”

The French National Day is celebrated on July 14 each year, on the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille Prison in Paris in 1789.

Nnamdi Kanu’s health deteriorating, release him unconditionally –IPOB

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admin
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Nnamdi Kanu

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, yesterday, raised the alarm that the health of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is fast deteriorating, calling for his  unconditional release. The pro-Biafra group in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, warned that the life of Mazi Kanu is in danger in the solitary confinement of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Abuja.

The separatist group alleged that the Nigerian government is intentionally provoking IPoB by Mazi Kanu’s continued detention, warning against the danger of anything happening to him while in captivity.

IPoB’s statement read: “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, led by its resolute leader, Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu once again call for the unconditional release of our leader from DSS solidarity confinement over his deteriorating health condition.

“The Nigerian government is intentionally provoking IPoB, by refusing to release our leader even when the Nigerian and International Courts have ordered for his unconditional release.

“IPoB wishes to reiterate that the life of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is in danger in the solitary confinement of the DSS in Abuja. We have persistently called on the Nigerian government to release our leader as both international and local law institutions have ordered his release.

“Many prominent Nigerians, religious, traditional, and political leaders, including 50 members of the National Assembly, have equally called for his release. But Tinubu’s government has refused to listen to the voice of reason by refusing to release Mazi Kanu, just like his predecessor, Buhari.”

Credit: vanguardngr.com

First Sky Group to constructs 50 churches, mission houses for AG Ghana

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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First Sky Group officials performing the sod-cutting ceremony

The First Sky Group, in partnership with the Assembly of God Church Ghana (AG), have performed a sod-cutting ceremony in the Ningo Prampram District in the Greater Accra Region to construct 50 churches and 52-bedroom mission houses within five months.

The Legacy Temple Project is aimed at encouraging individuals, families and institutions to adopt the building of worship centres across the country for God.

The groundbreaking project is a dream come through and vision of the Chairman of the First Sky Group, Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse, who promised God eight years ago to set aside 30% of all yearly profit made by the group for Kingdom work.

Speaking at the Sod-Cutting Ceremony, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam, described Deacon Emeritus Kutortse as ‘David of our time’, who thirsts for God’s word and Kingdom advancement.

Rev. Wengam highlighted the significance of this project, adding that about 60% of their churches are located in rural areas, making it difficult to build decent places of worship.

He indicated that the church is embarking on a transformative agenda, also known as the Reach Agenda, spearheaded by the Church Planting Commission and the Rebuild Agenda, which focuses on building temples under the Legacy Project.

He called on corporate Ghana and individuals to support the Legacy Project, adding that the initiative allows for the construction and completion of temples across the country.

He expressed his gratitude to the First Sky Group, stating “I am calling on Christendom to emulate what the First Sky Group has done.”

He also commended the Group for their ongoing support, having already built 72 temples for the church.

The General Superintendent noted that pastors were severely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing them with accommodation is a commendable effort.

The Chairman of the First Sky Group, Deacon Emeritus Eric Seddy Kutortse, said the idea for the project was conceived eight years ago by the Group’s management board.

The board decided to allocate 30% of the profits from all their subsidiaries to support kingdom advancement projects and humanitarian efforts.

The chairman said the Group has already constructed 72 chapels across the country.

“The attachment of the two-bedroom houses to the church buildings is a means to dignify priesthood by providing decent accommodation for pastors posted to these communities,”

Deacon Emeritus Kutortse said, adding that the completion of this extensive project was anticipated by the end of the year.

Elaborating on the project, a member of the Project Committee, Mr. John Awate, announced that a four-member committee has been established to oversee the construction.

Mr. Awate said each church building, with a capacity to hold between 200 and 450 congregants, which include a children’s worship center, a general office, a pastor’s office, and other essential facilities

Rev. Andrews N. Awintia, Regional Superintendent for Accra East of the Assemblies of God Church, also expressed his thanks to the Chairman of First Sky Group for this generous gesture.

The Legacy Project stands as a testament to First Sky Group’s dedication to community development and support for religious institutions, paving the way for improved worship spaces and better living conditions for pastors in rural Ghana.

Govt targets 50% tax on banks to fund minimum wage

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admin
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The Nigerian government plans to implement a 50 percent tax on the profits banks earned from foreign exchange revaluation in 2023 to fund an increase in workers’ minimum wage.

This comes as President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday submitted proposed changes to the 2023 Finance Act to the National Assembly for approval.

An All Progressives Congress member, Imran Muhammed, disclosed this in a post on Wednesday.

“The government intends to implement a 50 percent tax on the profits that banks earn from foreign exchange revaluation in the year 2023.

“There shall be levied and paid to the benefit of the Federal Government of Nigeria a tax of 50 percent on the realized profits from all foreign exchange transactions of banks within the 2023 financial year.”

DAILY POST reports that on Wednesday, Tinubu proposed a N6.2 trillion 2024 supplementary budget. The Proposal which passed second reading at the Senate on Wednesday contained an amendment to the 2023 Finance Act to include a windfall tax on Foreign exchange gains by Nigerian banks.

The government said the tax would be used to fund the supplementary budget which includes N3 trillion recurrent expenditure and N3.2 trillion capital expenditure.

The N3 trillion recurrent expenditure is expected to tackle the country’s minimum wage impasse.

Recall that on June 14, 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria floated the Naira at the foreign exchange market which led to the devaluation of the country’s currency.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Reps to slash salaries by 50% to address hardship

By
admin
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House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has resolved to support the Federal Government with N648 million for six months by slashing their salaries by 50% to support food sufficiency across the country and to address the high cost of food.

This followed the adoption of an amendment to a motion’s prayer moved by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on the need for lawmakers to sacrifice 50% of their N600,000 monthly salaries to support Nigerians given the hardship in the land.

Kalu’s amended prayer was to a motion moved by Ibrahim Isiaka from Ogun State appealing to proponents of the planned nationwide protests to abandon the idea and engage the government in dialogue.

The House of Representatives has resolved to support the Federal Government with N648 million for six months by slashing their salaries by 50% to support food sufficiency across the country and to address the high cost of food.

This followed the adoption of an amendment to a motion’s prayer moved by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on the need for lawmakers to sacrifice 50% of their N600,000 monthly salaries to support Nigerians given the hardship in the land.

Kalu’s amended prayer was to a motion moved by Ibrahim Isiaka from Ogun State appealing to proponents of the planned nationwide protests to abandon the idea and engage the government in dialogue.

The Deputy Speaker said the salary cut is to be used to support the federal government’s efforts to address the rising cost of food in the country with the view to ameliorating the hardship Nigerians are going through.

While making this resolution, the lawmakers also begged Nigerians to exercise more patience with President Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration in addressing challenges and hardships faced by citizens.

The motion was adopted and referred to the committees on Humanitarian Affairs, Finance and Budget for compliance.

Credit: dailypost.ng

BADEA to step up funding efforts to support Africa’s development

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Officials of BADEA in a group photo

The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), which celebrates its golden jubilee anniversary this year, will over the next 50 years focus on enhancing its own efforts and mobilising additional funding support from other financial institutions in the Arab region for the development of Africa.

This was disclosed by Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of BADEA, at a press briefing Thursday, 18 July, 2024.

BADEA will officially outdoor this new vision when it launches the Arab-Africa Financial Consortium (AAFC) in Accra on Sunday, 21 July, 2024 as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations under the theme: “BADEA Prosperity Partnership: 50 Years of Africa-Arab Cooperation.”

The Arab-Africa Financial Consortium, which will be launched at a “Leaders’ Breakfast” attended by African Heads of State and government participating in the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, on Sunday, as well as heads and representatives of multilateral financial institutions from both Africa and the Arab region, is expected to serve as a significant alternative pool of funding for African states and private sector entities.

Addressing members of media on Thursday 18 July at the Kempinski Hotel, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, said that BADEA stands ready with its current capital base of US$20 billion to support projects and a special session with private sector operators has been organised at Kempinski Sunday on how these funds can be accessed.

“We do believe that this (the Arab-Africa Financial Consortium) will be a game-changer in terms of resource mobilisation in the interest of the continent and also in developing and supporting direct investments to support the development of the continent.”

He added, “The bank has been funding projects since its inception from its own resources and that has been possible because of the generosity of its shareholders who have always increased the capital of the bank.”

BADEA’s President referred to the successful launch of its first bond in the capital market, adding “the bank intends to be a regular issuer on the capital market to be able to raise more resources for the African continent at very competitive pricing.”

Several Heads of State and business leaders from the Arab world and the African continent are billed to attend the 50th anniversary celebration and the ceremony to launch AAFC, which is a side event of the AU’s 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, both of which take place Sunday, 21 July, 2024.

About BADEA

In the Arab world, BADEA is a member of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) – a consortium of 10 Arab Development Institutions that leverage their collective resources and expertise to maximise development impact across the world.

Most recently, in November, 2023 the ACG pledged USD 50bn in new investments towards Africa by 2030, demonstrating a strong commitment of the Arab partners towards the African region and its development priorities.

On the African continent, BADEA is also an observer member in the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI).

AAMFI embodies Africa’s collective resolve to shape its financial future. BADEA, therefore, sits at a strategic intersection between the development interests of the 2 regions.

The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) was established under the resolution of the 6th Arab Summit Conference at Algiers (28 November 1973). The bank began operations in March 1975.

BADEA is a financial institution owned by eighteen Arab countries members of the League of Arab States (LAS), which signed its Establishing Agreement on 18 February 1974.

The bank is an independent international institution enjoying full international legal status and complete autonomy in administrative and financial matters. It is governed by the provisions of its Establishing Agreement and the principles of international law.

The Arab Coordination Group (ACG), an alliance of Arab development institutions established to promote and coordinate financial and technical assistance to developing countries, primarily in the Arab world and Africa, is partnering with BADEA to launch the Arab – Africa Financial Consortium (AAFC).

Samsung Digital Watches Becoming Life-Saving Accessories

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 R910 (44mm)

In a groundbreaking move merging technology and health care, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has introduced a new era of digital watches designed not just for telling time, but for potentially saving lives.

Samsung has leveraged its technological prowess to develop advanced features in its Galaxy 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra models aimed at promoting proactive health management.

These next-generation watches are equipped with capabilities that extend beyond traditional fitness tracking.

They boast automated BP monitoring and bioelectrical impedance analysis, providing users with real-time health insights at their fingertips. This functionality enables timely intervention and empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards managing their cardiovascular health.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra includes a feature that monitors sleep patterns and detects sleep apnea—a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

This disorder not only disrupts sleep but is also intricately linked to hypertension. By detecting early signs of sleep apnea, Samsung’s technology offers users the opportunity to seek appropriate medical attention promptly, potentially mitigating associated health risks.

At the forefront of this technological innovation is artificial intelligence (AI), which enhances the accuracy and speed of health diagnostics.

Samsung’s commitment to integrating AI into its products signifies a significant leap forward in personalized healthcare delivery. Darlington Akogo, a global leader in AI, highlighted AI’s role in revolutionizing healthcare during the recent Galaxy Unpacked event in Ghana.

He emphasized that AI-driven insights could aid in better understanding human biology and chemistry, thereby facilitating more informed health decisions.

TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, articulated the company’s vision for these advancements at a global launch event in Paris.

He underscored Samsung’s legacy of innovation in mobile technology and expressed excitement about combining foldable device designs with AI capabilities.

This synergy, he believes, will unlock unprecedented possibilities for users worldwide, transforming how they engage with technology to manage their health.

These innovations serve as a testament to Samsung’s dedication to leveraging technology for the betterment of global health, offering users powerful tools to monitor and improve their well-being.

As technology continues to evolve, the potential for digital watches to serve as life-saving accessories appears brighter than ever before.

US musician sentenced to 13yrs in Russian prison

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Russian citizen Veronika Grabanchuk and US citizen Michael Travis Leake

US citizen Michael Travis Leake has been sentenced to 13 years in a Russian prison for “attempted drug smuggling”, Moscow’s court service said.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Mr Leake, a former paratrooper and musician, tried to sell drugs he had obtained from an accomplice between January and June 2023.

It was not clear how Mr Leake, who is one of about a dozen Americans currently held in Russian detention, pleaded.

Washington has urged its citizens to leave Russia immediately, citing the threat of arrest amid the highest tensions between the two countries since the Cold War.

Mr Leake was accused of packaging the drugs for sale before giving them to another defendant in the case, a Russian woman named Veronika Grabanchuk.

Citing the investigation, Russian news agency Interfax reported that both Mr Leake and Ms Grabanchuk made four attempts to sell over 40g of mephedrone.

In June, Russian state television broadcast footage from Mr Leake’s trial that showed him locked in a metal cage.

In a separate video shared online, he said he “didn’t know” why he was detained.

Appearing confused, he said he did not believe he had done what he was accused of, because he did not know what the charges were.

A musician and music producer in his early 50’s, Mr Leake was a member of Lovi Noch, meaning catch the night, an “American fronted rock band” based in Moscow. He is reported to have lived in Russia for many years.

Credit: bbc.com

Music producer Spiky wins $250,000 damages in copyright case against CAF

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Spiky

The Commercial Court 7 in Accra on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, gave a verdict on the copyright infringement case between music producer Spiky and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The court found CAF guilty in the case for not seeking permission from Spiky before using the beat of his music titled, ‘Okomfo Anokye,’ as part of promotional materials for the 2018 CAF awards.

Justice Emmanuel Loddoh who presided over the case, awarded damages of Ghana Cedis equivalent of USD250,000 and a legal cost of GHS 40,000 against CAF.

According to Spiky (born Kwabena Ofei-Kwadey Nkrumah), CAF’s act was total disrespect for his intellectual property rights, causing him to lose money from any licensing of his music for commercial use.

Before suing CAF, Spiky had called them out in 2019, for copyright infringement in a series of tweets. He noted that even though CAF had sent an email admitting to using his work without his consent and had apologised, they did not reply to him when he made a demand for compensation.

CAF, while admitting to failing to the offence, said the musical work was “available online for free download without any restrictions or conditions, to use for the artwork posted on CAF’s social media platforms.”

They also denied using the soundtrack for commercial purposes, citing that the CAF Awards was not a profit-making venture. They further explained that they deleted the work from their social media accounts and apologised to Spiky.

Expressing his excitement on social media, Spiky, also a tech expert, wrote: “A win for the creative industry: CAF vs Spiky’s.”

KOD’s Nineteen57 to clothe TGMA Unsung winners

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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0
Kofi Okyere Darko

Nineteen57, a fashion brand owned by media personality and creative entrepreneur, Kofi Okyere Darko, will be providing clothing for the Unsung winners of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

Kofi Okyere Darko, made this announcement when he hosted the TGMA Industry Mixer held at the Palm Convention Centre in Accra on July 13, 2024.

Before introducing the 2024 TGMA Unsung winner, Kwesi Amewuga on stage to perform on the night, he mentioned how the idea to clothe Kwesi struck him during the rapper’s act at the 2024 TGMA.

“This guy I saw perform on the big night and I tell you when I saw him, I said he should be wearing Nineteen57, which got me thinking. From next year, the eventual winner in the Unsung category gets to be clothed by Nineteen57 in the year under review, right from the year they win. I believe in giving people opportunities and that is what Telecel Ghana Music Awards has been doing for the industry for the past 25 years,” he said.

Unlocking inspiration from Ghana’s year of independence – a milestone serving as the fuel that drives Pan-African liberation, Nineteen57 has in the past years become of of the leading menswear brands in the West African region.

Nineteen57 is originally crafted around timeless gentleman themed apparels and is a style hub for the simple yet sophisticated modern man.

Nineteen57 bears a unique understanding of its market and this knowledge ensures that the brand constantly and consistently offers great trend-led products to their clientele. The fashion brand believes in a customer-focused philosophy – “a lifestyle hub for today’s gentlemen.

The label instills the believe that every gentleman can enjoy the wholesome appeal that the world of fashion has to offer, so irrespective of shape or size of the customer there is an unwavering commitment to make him look and feel in vogue.

The Nineteen57 merchandise include kaftan, T-shirts, caps, shirts, caps, among others.

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