News
Government urged to create a supportive environment for local businesses
Mr Jeroen Verheul
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, Mr Jeroen Verheul has tasked government to create a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive.
Speaking at the official closing ceremony of the SNV GrEEn Project in Accra, the diplomat said the reduction of inflation and interest rate must be tackled by the government to achieve this goal.
The SNV GrEEn Project is a four-year action plan implemented in the Ashanti and Western regions under the anchor of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.
The project was funded by the European Union in Ghana and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands.
Juxtaposing the results of the GrEEn Project, Mr Jeroen Verheul cited that such achievement “is a drop in the ocean” because Ghana would need 500, 000 jobs annually to help the population overcome the high rate of unemployment.
“We need 500, 000 jobs per year and SNV has produced 6, 000 jobs over four years, however we need to scale up through the support of the environment which is a key element for entrepreneurs to flourish,” he stated.
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is a not-for-profit international development organisation creating a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services.
Since its commissioning in 2019, the Project aimed to enhance employability and entrepreneurship opportunities within Ghana’s green economy, contributing to the development of a climate-resilient local economy.
The primary objective of the Project was to address the root causes of irregular migration amongst Ghanaians, by promoting green and climate-resilient local economic development.
This initiative provided affordable financing aid to SMEs and micro businesses, especially in the sustainable and circular economy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Asaasepa Naturals, Mrs Matilda Stemn, noted that the project has aided her set up a factory and purchase some equipment to upscale her business.
However, Mrs Stemn, also a beneficiary of the Project, mentioned that accessing loans was a challenge for SMEs on increasing productivity despite the fact that they have the raw materials and machineries at their disposal.
Present at the ceremony were the Country Director of SNV Ghana, Mrs Barbara Nkoala amongst other dignitaries.
SNV specialises in three sectors: agri-food, energy and water systems and is present in over 25 countries.
By Yunusah Essandoh
News
You won’t regret, I’ll make you proud – Newly elected GBA president
The newly elected President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, has vowed to lead the Association towards a united and progressive future.
Speaking after her historic election in Kumasi on Wednesday, Ghartey pledged to resolve divisions and end factions within the GBA, emphasising the importance of unity.
She stressed that the Association’s success depends on the collective effort of all members and called for a shared commitment to advancing the GBA’s goals.
According to her, “The Bar has spoken and from this day forward it is a united Bar in service. No divisions, no factions. It is over. It is time that we put shoulders to the plough and work to deliver what we believe should be the bar in progress.”
“This indeed is something new, something novel that the bar for the first time has entrusted leadership to the ladies and I know that with God’s help, we shall make you proud,” she said.
“We shall serve you with all our ability and we shall make sure that you will never regret this choice,” she stated.
Mrs Ghartey’s election is being hailed as a transformative moment for the GBA, as it ushers in new leadership that is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the legal profession in Ghana.
She polled 1,278 votes to beat her closest contender Agbesi Dzakpasu who polled 1060.
Mrs Ghartey, a seasoned lawyer of over 30 years’ standing at the Bar and with an extensive track record of service to the GBA, was running for national president for the third time.
Her two previous attempts ended in a narrow loss to Tony Forson, the immediate past president of the GBA, and Yaw Boafo, the current national president, by thin margins of 67 and 65 votes, respectively.
Undeterred by these setbacks, Mrs Ghartey who is also the wife of former Attorney General, Joe Ghartey, spent the past six years consistently voicing her intention to lead the GBA.
In the Vice Presidential race, Victoria Barth polled 1624 of the total votes to win the race defeating Ebenezer Kwaitoo who polled 495 votes.
Victoria Barth is an accomplished legal professional, well known for her stellar academic career at the Ghana School of Law, where she has mentored and taught many young lawyers.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Alan Kyeremateng nominates Kwame Owusu Danso as running mate
Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has nominated a young lawyer and media practitioner as his running mate.
Revealing his running mate, he said “I have nominated a young person, a lawyer by profession, a political activist, and his name is Kwame Owusu Danso, as my running mate.”
Speaking after submitting his nomination to contest for the Presidency at the Electoral Commission today, he noted that someone who is a youth advocate, Kwame Owusu Danso would bring his expertise to his candidacy for the needed transformation.
Mr.Kyerematen highlighted that Mr.Owusu Danso’s selection aligns with the aspirations of Ghana’s youth who are seeking greater inclusion in governance decisions.
Additionally, he stressed that Mr.Danso’s is a youth icon, recognized for his versatility and broad talents across corporate management, law, broadcast journalism, music, and civil society activism.
He is optimistic that God will guide their footsteps to victory come December 7,2024, adding that by this step, MFC is providing a platform for a non-partisan candidate to be elected as President.
Mr.Kyerematen further noted that Mr.Danso’s consistent history of advocating for public causes, especially in promoting quality governance, further strengthens his credibility.
His work with renowned professionals such as Dr. Lloyd Amoah of the University of Ghana, and governance experts like Dr. Kojo Asante and Dr. Franklin Oduro of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), underscores his commitment to transparency and accountability.
Mr.Owusu Danso as a founding member of the Forum for Accountable Governance (FAG), Danso has been dedicated to issues such as anti-corruption, electoral reforms, environmental governance, and human rights over the period.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
