Home Blog Page 1406

Spain “won’t relax” at Euro 2024 as people regard us as “favourites” -says Mikel Oyarzabal

By
admin
-
0
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal

Spain “won’t relax” at Euro 2024 now people are regarding them as “favourites”, says forward Mikel Oyarzabal.

They topped Group B before beating Georgia 4-1 to set up Friday’s quarter-final against hosts Germany (17:00 BST).

Oyarzabal says Spain’s performances at the European Championship have changed people’s perceptions – with previous doubters now backing them to go the distance.

“They say it now, but three weeks ago nobody said that about us,” the Real Sociedad forward said.

“We’re sticking to the same idea and keeping on going in the same way, trusting ourselves, knowing we can compete against anyone.”

Spain had gone 44 years without a major trophy before winning Euro 2008 – which was the first of three in a row, as they then triumphed at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

Their first trophy since then came when they won the Nations League in 2023 with a team who have impressed in Germany, and Oyarzabal says Spain are “capable of competing against anyone”.

“For me and for any us here, we’ve got the best national team possible,” said Oyarzabal.

“We’ve got the best players, the best team-mates. We’re all for one, there are no divisions within the team, we all feel important.”

If Spain are to find a path to the final, they will first have to get past a “tough” Germany side who won their group and beat Denmark in the last 16.

Credit: bbc.com

Matthijs de Ligt ‘gives green light to Man United move’

By
admin
-
0
Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt has reportedly given the green light to a Manchester United move this summer.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that De Ligt has given his approval to the move after direct contacts between his camp and the Red Devils.

It’s also said that personal terms are not expected to be an issue, as his agent Rafaela Pimenta is only negotiating with the Red Devils.

The Bayern Munich star has previously worked with Erik ten Hag when the pair were together at Dutch giants Ajax.

United are now said to be in talks with the Bundesliga side over a deal structure.

United have long been linked with the Dutchman, with reports earlier this week suggesting Ten Hag was ‘seriously considering a move’.

A report from Dutch publication De Telegraaf, claimed that United had sent terms to De Ligt. The former Ajax star has been earmarked as one of United’s top defensive targets this summer, alongside Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice.

After taking over at Ajax in 2018, Ten Hag made De Ligt the club’s youngest-ever captain as they went on to win both the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup in the 2018-19 season.

They also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in the same campaign.

De Ligt joined Juventus that summer, before joining Bayern Munich three years later.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Ghana Secures $4.7bn Debt Cancellation … After successful Eurobond negotiations

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
-
0
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam addressing the media in Accra yesterday

The Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has stated that Ghana has successfully renegotiated Eurobonds totalling $13.1 billion. This, according to him, has resulted in a debt cancellation of approximately $4.7 billion and expected savings of $4.4 billion in debt servicing over the next three years.

These initiatives, Dr. Adam emphasised reflect Ghana’s commitment to fiscal consolidation and sustainable debt management.
According to him, the government has also successfully secured a debt service relief amounting to $2.8 billion between 2023 and 2026 from bilateral creditors, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to achieve fiscal sustainability and economic recovery.

Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, the Minister for Finance, announced this at a joint press conference involving the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Accra yesterday.
Official Bilateral Debt Restructuring

Following Ghana’s declaration of a debt standstill in December 2022, negotiations were launched to restructure official bilateral loans totalling $5.1 billion. The Minister highlighted the extensive collaborative efforts that led to this favourable outcome, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in navigating global economic challenges.

Minister Adam stated, “we reached agreement with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) under the G20 Common Framework on 11th June, 2024 to restructure Ghana’s official bilateral loans totalling $5.1 billion with an estimated debt service relief of $2.8 billion between 2023- 2026.”
The agreement encompasses a revised payment schedule and lowered interest rates, affording Ghana the flexibility to prioritise strategic investments in infrastructure, social programs and economic diversification.

Minister Adam emphasised the beneficial effects of debt relief on Ghana’s macro-economic stability and long-term debt sustainability.
With decreased debt servicing commitments, Ghana is now better equipped to expedite its economic recovery, bolster resilience against external economic fluctuations and promote inclusive growth.

Current State of the Economy
Dr. Amin Adam commended Ghana’s economic resilience amid global challenges, citing a notable Real GDP growth rate of 4.7% in Q1 2024 marking a substantial recovery compared to previous periods.

He emphasised sectoral growth dynamics, stating “Industry led growth with a remarkable 6.8%, followed by Agriculture at 4.1% and Services at 3.3%.”
Regarding inflation and currency stability, Dr. Adam noted, “Inflation has significantly reduced to 23.1% in May 2024 from a peak of 54.1% in December 2022, underscoring the effectiveness of our fiscal consolidation measures and prudent monetary policies.”

He outlined strategies to stabilise the Cedi, including “tight monetary policies by the BoG and strategic engagements with multilateral partners,” expecting substantial financial inflows to bolster reserves and support external balances.
IMF-Supported Programme Implementation

Turning to the IMF-supported Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), Dr. Adam highlighted Ghana’s commitment to program objectives, noting the successful completion of the 2nd Review in June 2024.

“The approval by the IMF Executive Board for the 2nd Review signifies international recognition of Ghana’s strong performance under the program,” he stated.
The disbursement of the 3rd tranche of the IMF bailout totalling $360 million was announced, bringing total disbursements to $1.6 billion since the program’s inception in May 2023.

Dr. Adam emphasised the structural reforms integral to the program’s success, stating “We have made significant strides in enhancing public financial management systems, implementing regulatory reforms in the banking sector and reinforcing institutional frameworks to ensure economic resilience and sustainability.”
Debt Restructuring Programme

Dr. Adam acknowledged Ghana’s progress in debt restructuring initiatives, initiated in 2022 to alleviate financial burdens and extended repayment periods. The Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), completed in September 2023, saw an impressive participation rate of approximately 95%, restructuring GHS 203.4 billion in domestic debt.
Expressing gratitude, he noted, “The success of the DDEP was made possible by the unwavering support of all Ghanaians, reflecting a collective commitment to our economic recovery.”

Commercial Debt Restructuring
Addressing the restructuring of Eurobonds, Dr. Adam highlighted Ghana’s swift negotiations and impressive outcomes. “We successfully negotiated a principal haircut of 37%, amounting to a market value loss of 45%, without contingent compensation mechanisms,” he stated.

This achievement, he noted, “is significant, given the ambitious timeline and the fact that it is the fastest agreement reached under the Common Framework since its inception in 2020.”

He indicated that this landmark achievement demonstrates the confidence in our country’s leadership and administration’s ability to steer economic recovery, marking the first instance in recent memory where a debt restructuring has been both requested and concluded by the same administration.
Energy Sector Reforms

Highlighting ongoing reforms in the energy sector, Dr. Adam said government has been negotiating with the energy sector Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to restructure legacy debt of over a US$1 billion owed to the IPPs and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to address the accumulation of arrears in the energy sector and work towards implementing critically needed reforms to make the sector more financially sustainable.

“The key objective of the exercise was centred on the restructuring of legacy debt, necessary amendments to the PPAs and other project documents arising from the restructuring exercise, as well as ensuring that ECG remains current on its payment obligations to IPPs under the respective PPAs going forward, he concluded.
After months of negotiations, significant progress was made in the energy sector including:
“i. Agreements were reached on debt restructuring and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) terms with Amandi, Cenpower, Early Power, CENIT and AKSA.

ii. Revised documentation for Amandi, Cenpower and Early Power is pending Parliamentary approval, with efforts underway to secure necessary regulatory and ministerial approvals by the end of July 2024.

iii. Finalizing the Sunon Asogli restructuring package is currently underway.
iv. ECG and GNPC have finalized commercial terms for master gas supply arrangements crucial to the restructuring, enabling GNPC to supply fuel to ECG for distribution to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) under a tolling arrangement.

v. Negotiations with Karpowership are actively progressing towards concluding the restructuring process promptly”.

Bawumia presents name of running mate to NEC

By
MAXWELL OFORI
-
0
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (in suit) in a group photograph with some National Executives of the NPP at Asylum Down yesterday

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been summoned to an emergency meeting on Thursday, July 4, 2024 to discuss the choice of running mate for their flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawunia.

The emergency meeting follows Dr. Bawumia’s visit to the Asylum Down headquarters on Monday, July 1, 2024 to submit the name of his preferred choice.

The Chronicle understands that the vice president submitted the name of the Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, as his preferred running mate for the December 2024 polls.

Dr. Bawumia, who had earlier asked for time extension to enable him to consult broadly on his choice, could not have made the name public without the prior approval of the party hierarchy.

Article 12(b) of the constitution of the NPP indicates that the party’s presidential candidate [flag bearer] shall, in consultation with the National Council, nominate the vice presidential candidate [running mate], who shall be a known and active member for at least five years.

The Chronicle is informed that the Thursday meeting will be in two parts. A NEC meeting and then a National Council (NC) meeting will follow.

Following the outcome of the meeting on Thursday, if the name submitted is endorsed by NEC and NC, Dr. Bawumia is expected to make a public announcement to outdoor his running mate this month.

CONSULTATION

The NPP flag bearer had embarked on numerous consultations over who would be his partner to break the eight. He has had to deal with public campaigns from individuals of the party who were deemed fit to support his candidature.

However, last week, he met with the majority caucus in parliament to inform them about his choice and had their support.

He had earlier informed his current boss, President Akufo-Addo, about choosing the Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, as his running mate, and received the endorsement and blessings of the man who brought him into mainstream politics.

APPROVAL

Though Dr. Bawumia’s meeting at the party’s headquarters was closed-door, the National Organiser of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, has confirmed that their flag bearer “formally informed National Officers of the NPP of his nomination of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as his running mate in the upcoming 2024 general elections.”
He, however, added that “the nomination, however, awaits the decision of the National Council, which is the final approving organ of the NPP.”

I will strive to remain transparent, accountable to Ghanaians -Speaker

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
-
0
The Speaker exchanging pleasantries with the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace

The Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin has assured Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene of his determination to remain transparent and accountable to the Ghanaian electorate in general as he steers the affairs of the 8th Parliament to a successful end.

The Speaker gave the assurance when he called on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace last Sunday, at the start of a three-day visit to the Ashanti Region as part of nationwide activities, marking the 30th-anniversary celebration of the Fourth Republic.

He also expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for his wise counsel over the years and urged other opinion leaders to emulate the shining example of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.

Otumfuo on his part commended the Speaker for his selflessness and long standing in the political career and championing the welfare of the people and our democracy.

The Asantehene, cautioned politicians against overly monetising the electoral process, noting the practice of monetisation breeds corruption in the political landscape.

He urged the Members of Parliament to remain in constant touch with their constituents to maintain a sense of conviviality among them and between the governing and the governed classes.

The Speaker was accompanied by his wife, Linda Ofosuaa, the Second Deputy Speaker, Hon Andrew Adomako Asiamah, the MP for Asokwa, Hon Patricia Appiagyei, the MP for Sekyere Afram Plains, Hon Alexander Adomako Ntim, the MP for Asante Akim Central, Hon Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Clerks of Parliament and other Parliamentary staff.

Gideon Boako donates GH¢1k each for apprentice graduates

By
admin
-
0
Dr Gideon Boako being assisted by a chief to present the money to one of the beneficiaries

The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Tano North constituency, Dr. Gideon Boako, has made a significant cash donation to 50 newly graduated apprentices.

Each of the beneficiaries received GH¢1,000 in support of their burgeoning careers.

The recipients of this generous donation are primarily dressmakers, hairdressers and makeup artists. This financial assistance aims to provide them with a solid foundation as they embark on their professional journeys.

Dr. Boako emphasied that his motivation for this donation is to empower the human capacity within the Tano North constituency and believes that by investing in the skills and potential of these young professionals, he can contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the community.

In addition to economic empowerment, Dr. Boako expressed his desire to foster unity within the constituency. He highlighted the importance of working together without division, aiming for the collective good and progress of Tano North.

He added that he expects the effort to have a lasting positive impact on both the individuals who received the donations and the wider constituency.

Editorial: Congratulations To UGMC!

By
THE CHRONICLE
-
0
Editorial

The University of Ghana Medical Centre Limited (UGMC) says it has successfully performed its first set of six kidney transplant surgeries. According to a statement issued by the centre over the weekend, the UGMC conducted the six kidney transplant surgeries with the utmost precision, care and expertise, under the leadership of a highly skilled and dedicated local and foreign medical team.

According to the Head of Urology at UGMC, Dr. Emmanuel Asante, the procedures were performed seamlessly, demonstrating the Centre’s capabilities in complex surgical interventions and post-operative care.

The Chief Executive Officer of the first class facility, Dr. Kwame Anim Boamah, is reported to have stated in an interview that the successful completion of the first set of six kidney transplants underscores the Centre’s commitment to pushing beyond boundaries, achieving medical excellence and improving the lives of patients through cutting-edge interventions and compassionate care.

The UGMC says it looks forward to continuing its mission of advancing healthcare standards and innovative practices in the field of transplantation.

The UGMC is an academic medical centre offering world-class patient care, training and research in Ghana, West Africa, and beyond.

The Chronicle is happy to learn about this development happening not in a foreign land but in our homeland, Ghana. This is one of the stories taxpayers would like to hear, not those that discourage citizens.

The Chronicle is very much delighted by the latest development because kidney patients may not have to travel abroad for similar kidney surgery, which will attract extra expenses.

We believe that commendations are in order, particularly to the visionaries and down to the last person at the UGMC, through whose hard work, selflessness and love for country this edifice is saving the lives of people in the country.

The Ghanaian taxpayer expects to see prudent utilisation of the taxes they pay; otherwise, hell will break loose should any government attempt to ask for more money.

Many times, a section of the public has bemoaned the political class seeking healthcare in South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom and other places. The excuse has always been the standard of healthcare facilities in the country.

We think that narrative will gradually change, owing to the good work a facility like the UGMC is doing. And lest we forget, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge, not too long ago also conducted a historic surgery.

Specialists at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital in 2022 successfully separated Siamese twins. They were born at Nsawam in the Eastern Region on March 30, 2021 but were transferred to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, immediately for the necessary medical interventions.

They were joined at the head and the procedure to separate them is the first of its kind in Ghana, for a case of twins conjoined at the head.

Just two years after this successful surgery, The Chronicle is happy that UGMC has also done same and Ghanaians should be proud of their investment in the hospital.

22,000 beneficiaries receive Digital Skills Training

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
-
0
Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekuful with GIFEC officials, partners and some beneficiaries in a group picture

About 22,000 people are undergoing Digital Skills Training through the Digital Transformation Project in collaboration with GIFEC, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other partners across the country.

Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekuful, the Minister for Communication and Digitalisation announced this   in Kumasi, last week.

According to her, the three years project slated to end in September 2024, targeted the training of about 17,000 with 35% female to complement the ministry’s girl child in ICT project, which includes persons with Disabilities.

She explained that the project is geared towards boosting Digital Skills through Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) to enhance the livelihoods and increase the adoption of digitalisation by providing capacity building for hundreds of ICT teachers and other trainers each year.

The Minister said the project was set to provide Technical and other resource support to the training of thousands of Girls in ICT each year and training over thousand kids.

The Minister stated that, the project is also training thousands in ICT skills for Entrepreneurship and women Empowerment while implementing the Digital Transformation Centres project with GIZ to benefit about 20,000 Ghanaians.

The Minister was optimistic that the project would significantly enhance digital inclusion by broadening access to data skills and technology, which are crucial in the digital era.

Ms Susan Teltscher, from International Telecommunication Union (ITU), commended the management of the project and said the success of the project would ensure continued collaboration in future.

Mrs. Eva Poku, the Administrator of GIFEC, said Digital technology had transformed the way we learn, work and communicate making it essential for everyone to acquire the fundamental digital skills.

She indicated that digital skills are no longer just a convenience, but a necessity in a society where Technology affects every aspect of our daily lives.

Empowering School Managers: Transformative Leadership  For The Contemporary Educational Landscape

By
admin
-
0
Wisdom Koudjo Klu

In a rapidly evolving era marked by technological advancements, changing societal needs, and the dynamic field of education, the role of school managers is more crucial than ever before. Today’s school administrators go beyond mere administrative duties; they are visionary leaders, skilled organizers, and agents of change.

To effectively navigate the complex educational landscape, school managers must embrace transformative leadership, foster an innovative culture, and prioritize the holistic development of students and other stakeholders.

Transformative leadership goes beyond traditional management approaches. It focuses on empowering and inspiring all members of the school community to achieve their highest potential. These leaders are lauded for their ability to envision a brighter future and mobilize resources and people to turn that vision into reality. They are adaptable, forward-thinking, and committed to ongoing improvement within the school.

 Key Tactics for Transformative Leadership

It is imperative that, school leaders create a progressive vision for their schools. This necessitates outlining a distinctive and captivating direction that coincides with overarching educational objectives. Effectively conveying this vision will motivate and involve all individuals, requiring a thorough comprehension of the specific requirements and ambitions within the school community. The purpose should strike a chord with students, educators, parents, and the broader community.

Also, the need to empower educators is essential in cultivating an environment where they feel appreciated and motivated to showcase initiative. This includes advocating for professional growth, providing chances for leadership, delegating tasks, encouraging innovation,  acknowledging and rewarding originality and excellence. These initiatives will inspire educators to perform exceptionally in their positions.

More so,  school managers adopting new technologies and teaching methods into their schools can improve educational outcomes. This encapsulates using digital resources, blended learning, and data analytics. Embracing innovation is crucial to keeping education relevant and effective.

Finally, emotional intelligence is important for building stronger relationships and showing empathy in schools. Addressing the emotional needs of students and staff will help create a supportive environment. School leaders with emotional intelligence can resolve conflicts and build trust effectively, creating a positive atmosphere. 

Nurturing a Culture of Innovation

Encouraging creativity, experimentation, and risk-taking is key to advancing education, with innovation at its core. It is the responsibility of school leaders to create an environment that supports these qualities.

Specific actions to promote innovation include:

  • Allocate resources strategically to support innovative projects and initiatives by revising budget priorities if necessary. Effective resource allocation requires careful planning and a willingness to invest in long-term goals over short-term gains, ensuring that financial, human, and material resources align with the school’s innovation agenda.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of new initiatives by implementing strong feedback mechanisms and utilize data-driven insights to refine and improve educational practices continuously. It is crucial to gather comprehensive feedback from students, teachers, and other stakeholders, making regular assessments and adjustments based on this feedback essential for sustaining innovation.
  • Foster teamwork between educators, students, and the broader community to promote sharing of ideas, resources, and best practices. It is true that collaboration creates a sense of unity and common goals. It makes it easier to share new and innovative ideas. This involves removing obstacles and encouraging cross-disciplinary problem-solving and learning methods.

Prioritizing Comprehensive Development

Key areas to focus on include:

  • Promote the mental and emotional well-being of students through initiatives like providing access to counselling services, promoting physical health, and creating a safe school environment. Educational strategies should prioritize student well-being by focusing on building resilience, coping skills, and a positive self-image. School leaders should Implement programs like mindfulness training, stress management workshops, and peer support networks to improve student well-being.
  • Integrate character education in the curriculum to teach values like integrity, empathy, and resilience. Encourage community service and activities that promote social responsibility. Character education helps students develop a moral compass and social skills needed for success in diverse settings. Integrate values education into daily lessons to make it a vital part of the school experience.
  • Offer a variety of extracurricular activities to cater to students’ different talents and interests, encouraging involvement in sports, arts, clubs, and other pursuits that aid in personal growth. These activities allow students to explore their passions, gain new skills, and form social connections, all of which are essential to a holistic education. Additionally, fostering strong partnerships with parents is vital for student success, as it reinforces learning at home and creates a supportive community around the school. Schools can engage parents through regular communication, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and inclusive decision-making processes.

 Leading towards the Future

Today’s educational leaders face big challenges, but there are also great opportunities for those willing to embrace change and innovation. By implementing a transformative leadership approach, promoting a culture of innovation, and focusing on the holistic development of students, school administrators can take their institutions to higher standards of achievement.

It is clear that the role of school leaders will continue to change in the future. Those who have the vision, skills, and determination to lead in this ever-evolving landscape will influence the direction of education and society as a whole.

By Wisdom Koudjo Klu,

wisdomklu@gmail.com 

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.

70% of cancer deaths occur in low/middle income countries –BCI CEO 

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
-
0
Students of Mancell Senior High Technical School

Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International and Peace and Love Hospital, says according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 70% of cancer deaths occur in lower and middle income countries.

According to her, the WHO report also indicated that most of the women affected with Breast Cancer are below the age of 50 years in Ghana and stressed the need to educate and sensitise the young women on the need for early detection from the Health facilities.

Dr. Wiafe Addai made the disclosure at Breast Cancer Education Clinical Screening and Empowerment at Mancell Senior High Technical School in Kumasi to sensitise and engage the students.

According to her, more than 4,650 new cases are diagnosed in Ghana annually since 2020 with 2,020 dying annually since 2020.

She added that every 50 seconds, a woman somewhere dies from Breast Cancer and every 14 seconds a woman somewhere is diagnosed with breast cancer.

According to the CEO of Breast Cancer International, engaging students cannot be underestimated, because when they are educated and well informed about the disease, they would be able to also educate the elderly.

She argued that the young ladies should get first-hand information about Breast Cancer and educate their parents to do away with the perceptions that Breast Cancer is caused by witchcraft or it is spiritual.

Quoting WHO, she said Cancer kills more than the combination of HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis and called for serious discussions on the pressing causes and treatment and prevention of cancer as most people still have the perceptions that the disease is spiritual or caused by witchcraft.

Mrs. Beatrice Addai disclosed that, Breast Cancer International is partnering with a student’s group from Pennsylvania led by Stephen Everi and a group from Washington DC to empower women and girls and to also guide them towards career choice through donation of books and other learning materials.

1...1,4051,4061,407...3,050Page 1,406 of 3,050

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle