News
New Times Corporation observes one-week for ‘Kofigo’
Mr William Alou (left), Mrs Akpeko (Wife) and his Son, Abel
The management and staff of New Times Corporation (NTC) held a one-week remembrance ceremony for the late Maxwell Dodzi Akpeko.
Mr Akpeko was an Electrician with the Technical Services Department of the corporation and died on September 6 after a short illness.
Staff of the corporation (both the Ghanaian Times and the Spectator) as well as the family of the late ‘Kofigo’ as affectionately called,came together to remember him.
The Acting Managing Director of NTC, Mr Dave Agbenu described Mr Akpeko as a brother who was always in his company and shared fond memories.
“We had very good acquaintance when he joined the corporation and we could have a conversation the whole day,” he stated.
He urged the staff to take their health seriously saying the physical wellbeing of everyone was very important.
“As we are aging, we are prone to sickness and must do well to seek medical attention anytime we are sick,” he stated.
Mr Agbenu who doubles as the Editor of the Ghanaian Times newspaper said “to lose two workers suddenly is too much pain, we should take our healthcare seriously”.
In her sermon, the Acting Editor of the Spectator, Mrs Georgina Quaittoo urged the staff and family of the deceased to trust in the Lord to ‘heal their wounds.’
She said death was inevitable but when it occured, putting ones hope in God was the only way for everyone to get back to their feet.
“As we grief, we should know God is with us, get close to him and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal saviour.
The Secretary of the Professional and Managerial Staff Union (PMSU), Mr Andrew Parker described the late Kofigo as a quiet person and loved to work with everyone.
He said, no one could escape death, hence the need for everyone to give their lives to Christ “so that we may be remembered in eternity”
Present were Acting Administration and Human Resource Manager, Mr Suleman Osman, Channel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson.
Also present at the event were the wife of the deceased, Mrs Cecilia Akpeko, son, Abel Akpeko and brother, William Alou.
The remains of the late Mr Akpeko who had worked with the corporation since December 1,1998 until his demise on September 6 2023 will be laid to rest at the La Cemetery on September 30 after burial service at his residence at Alajo, a suburb of Accra.
By Michael D. Abayateye
News
Ghana achieves 98% participation in Eurobond debt restructuring
The Ministry of Finance has announced the successful completion of its Eurobond debt exchange and consent solicitation process.
The initiative, which aims to restructure Ghana’s Eurobond debt, has received overwhelming support from bondholders, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic recovery efforts.
Launched on September 5, 2024, the offer invited eligible holders of Ghana’s Eurobonds to exchange their existing bonds for new ones under two menu options—Par and Disco.
As of the final expiration deadline on September 30, 2024, 98.6% of bondholders, representing the recognized principal amount of the existing bonds, participated in the offer.
During the bondholder meetings on Thursday, October 3, holders of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 WB-Guaranteed Notes passed extraordinary resolutions with over 90% representation, enabling the restructuring process to proceed smoothly.
Meanwhile, for Aggregated CAC Notes, consents exceeded 98.7%, meeting the required thresholds for the exchange.
A majority of bondholders (91% of the principal amount) opted for the Disco menu of new notes, while 7.6% chose the Par menu, which remained under its cap of U.S. $1.6 billion, leaving a balance of U.S. $605 million available for future allocation.
Subject to the terms of the exchange, a total of U.S. $126 million in consent fees will be distributed to eligible bondholders who submitted their instructions by the early consent deadline.
The new bonds are expected to be issued on or around October 9, 2024, with full settlement to follow shortly thereafter.
The successful completion of this exchange is a critical step in Ghana’s broader debt restructuring efforts under its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, further strengthening the country’s path towards debt sustainability and normalizing relations with international capital markets.
The Government of Ghana expressed gratitude to bondholders for their participation and support, emphasizing that this successful outcome reflects a shared commitment to restoring the country’s economic stability.
In preparation for the issue date, all existing Eurobonds, including those for which no consent or exchange instructions were given, will be blocked from trading to ensure a smooth final settlement.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Update on Nana Asante Bediatuo’s health
The Office of the President has responded to news making rounds regarding the health of Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo.
According to the office in a statement, they wish to inform the public about the health status of Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to the President.
They revealed that following the conclusion of the meeting of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, in the United States of America, where he served as a key member of President Akufo-Addo’s delegation.
The statement added that Nana Bediatuo Asante stayed behind to conduct further government business.
They added that he then began to feel unwell, and was subsequently admitted to hospital.
According to the statement, he is currently in stable condition and responding well to treatment. The medical team added that, Nana Bediatuo Asante’s recovery is on track, and we remain hopeful for his swift return to full strength.
“We ask for continued prayers and support for him and his family during this difficult period. Further updates will be provided when necessary,” he concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme