News
Flokefama, GAMLS and SMLM-G sign MOU to promote standardisation of diagnostic procedures across the country
On September 28, 2024, Flokefama Company Limited marked a significant achievement in its efforts to promote standardization in the in-vitro diagnostics field in Ghana and beyond.
This milestone was reached through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the leadership of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) and the board of directors of the Society of Medical Laboratory Managers, Ghana (SMLM-G).
The MOU outlines a collaborative partnership between the parties, focusing on joint ventures that will foster mutual benefits. Under this agreement, Flokefama will offer platforms for continuous professional development and the enhancement of medical laboratory practices across Ghana.
In return, GAMLS and SMLM-G will work alongside Flokefama to ensure the standardization of diagnostic procedures across the country, particularly by endorsing standardized diagnostic test kits, as recommended by the Ministry of Health.
Additionally, the partnership includes plans to establish a research laboratory, which will serve professionals in the field as well as students. Flokefama’s promotion of the Biozek brand of products from Holland, which the company distributes, will also receive support from GAMLS and SMLM-G through thorough research findings that may be shared with policymakers.
Dr. Abu Abudu Rahaman, President of GAMLS, expressed deep gratitude to Flokefama’s management for their significant contributions to addressing challenges in the diagnostics field.
He praised Flokefama’s leadership, especially following his return from a health summit in China, a trip sponsored entirely by Flokefama.
Dr. David Sackey, Board Chairman of SMLM-G, shared his optimism regarding the partnership, emphasizing his appreciation for Flokefama’s sponsorship of their annual congress. He also reaffirmed that SMLM-G would reciprocate by endorsing Flokefama’s products.
Mr. Emmanuel Kwabena Kenney, Chief Executive Officer of Flokefama, reiterated the company’s commitment to championing standardization and collaborating with key stakeholders in the healthcare sector to improve health outcomes for the people of Ghana.
He emphasized that this MOU is part of a larger strategic vision to support the growth of the health sector.
The MOU was signed on behalf of Flokefama by Mr. Emmanuel Kwabena Kenney (CEO) and Mrs. Davida Kenney (General Manager).
Dr. Abu Abudu Rahaman (President) and Dr. Jennifer Adolley Annan signed on behalf of GAMLS, while Dr. David Sackey (Board Chairman) and Torgbui Dr. Robert Adedze Kpodo (Board Member) signed for the Society of Medical Laboratory Managers, Ghana.
News
Over GH₵80m was collected in betting tax, Amin Adam got it wrong – Finance Minister
Ghana’s Minister for Finance Ato Forson says the claim by former Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam that the erstwhile administration never implemented the betting tax is not factual.
Speaking at a new conference on Tuesday, March 11, shortly after the Finance Minister presented the new government’s first budget statement and abolished the e-levy, betting tax among others, the former Finance Minister said the NPP government never enforced the controversial tax on lottery and sports betting winnings.
Dr Amin Adam said it was deceptive for the NDC government to claim to abolish a tax that was never collected although the law was passed in 2023.
“Betting tax that they said they have abolished, we never collected Betting Tax. So to come and tell Ghanaians that you have abolished something that you have not implemented, is to deceive the people of Ghana.”
Responding to the claims in an interview with Evans Mensah on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday night, the Finance Minister said his colleague on the other side appears not to be on top of that issue.
“I don’t think he’s on top of that matter because my checks revealed that it was implemented in the second half of 2024. And my checks also reveal that year-to-date, the government of Ghana has collected over GH₵80 million from betting tax, so I don’t know what he’s talking about. It is not the fact. The fact on the ground does not support his assertion. Clearly, the betting tax was implemented,” he insisted.
News
Whoever created BoG’s GH₵53bn negative equity mess should be held responsible – Dr. Atuahene
Banking consultant Richmond Atuahene has called for accountability over the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) GH₵53 billion negative equity, insisting that those responsible for the mess must be held accountable.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, March 12, he called for those responsible for breaching financial regulations to be summoned before Parliament to explain their actions.
“There was a law that stated they should not exceed a 5% fiscal financing threshold, yet they went as high as 60%. This is a clear violation, and they cannot claim ignorance. The Governor, the Minister, and those involved must be held accountable for their actions,” he asserted
His comment comes after the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, advised BoG to explore internal cost-cutting measures instead of relying on taxpayer funds for a GH₵53 billion bailout to address its negative equity position.
Dr. Atuahene supported the Finance Minister’s stance that the government cannot afford to recapitalise the central bank at this time, given the nation’s fiscal constraints.
“Like the Minister said, you don’t create a mess and leave it for others to clean up. Whoever created this mess must take personal responsibility. When they engaged in the monetisation of fiscal deficits in 2021 and 2022, some of us warned them about the consequences, but they didn’t listen,” he stated.
Dr. Atuahene stressed that rather than relying on external funding, the Bank of Ghana should explore internal restructuring, cost-cutting, and asset sales, including a sale-leaseback arrangement on some of its properties, to raise the necessary capital.
He also highlighted the potential damage to Ghana’s international credibility if the Bank of Ghana remains in a financially distressed position.
“This affects Ghana’s credibility. BoG has correspondent relationships with the Bank of England, the Federal Reserve, and the African Development Bank. If it continues to operate in a capital-deficient state, international institutions may lose confidence in our financial system,” he warned.
Dr. Atuahene also criticised the central bank for insisting that it is “policy solvent,” arguing that capital solvency is more critical in this situation.
“You can claim policy solvency all you want, but if you are capital insolvent, it means you cannot function properly. BoG has been making losses year after year. They made losses in 2023, and they are making losses in 2024. How long will this continue?” he questioned.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
