Category: Business

The Sunyani Area of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has set a target to recover GhC45 million out of the GhC167 million owed by its customers in the Bono and Ahafo regions, through a comprehensive revenue mobilisation exercise.?

Mr Eugene Odoi Addo, the Sunyani Area Manager of NEDCo, told the media in an interview prior to the commencement of the two-week exercise in the Berekum East Municipality of the Bono Region that officials would visit customers to collect outstanding debts.?

He said the challenge posed by illegal connections in the regions was significant, resulting in huge revenue losses for NEDCo.

He urged individuals and groups engaging in such unpatriotic and criminal activities to stop to avoid imminent legal consequences.?

The NEDCo disconnection team went to the Berekum College of Education on the first day to disconnect power to the female dormitory because of an outstanding debt of about GhC100,000.00?

The team further cut off the power supply to the Happy Hospital,
a private healthcare facility at Berekum, for non-payment of bills.

However, the team did not disconnect the local station of the Ghana National Fire Service because the management in charge requested an additional period to settle its outstanding debt.?

At Domfete, a town in the Berekum West District, power supply to the local Weddi Africa Tomato Processing Factory, a company operating under the One-District, One-Factory initiative, was disconnected for failing to settle an outstanding debt of GhC304,900.00 owed to NEDCo.??

Source: Ghana News Agency

This year’s Women’s Expo Ghana will be held from March 8 to 10 at the Atlantic Mall in Accra, organisers have said.

The 8th edition of the Women’s Expo, intended to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), is on the theme, ‘Elevating Visibility of Businesses of Emerging Women Entrepreneurs and Empowering Women’s Choices in Health’, a statement sent to the Ghana News Agency said.

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, commemorated on March 8 worldwide, the event would place emphasis on celebrating not only the successes of the hard-working women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses, but also the countless hours of hard work, the sacrifices made, and the challenges they have overcome, it explained.

Women’s Expo Ghana 2024 will be held in partnership with the VTF Programme, Network of Women Entrepreneurs (NETWET) and Invest in Africa (IIA) Ghana.

The partnership is in line with the mission of the organisation to promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing a common platform to sho
wcase their enterprises through trade shows and exhibitions.

The primary objective of the Expo is to afford these emerging women entrepreneurs an opportunity to create awareness and visibility for themselves and their businesses, network, as well as explore other emerging business openings.

Nana Adwoa Kwegyir-Aggrey, the Event Director of Women’s Expo said: ‘We recognise the creativity and determination that have propelled these women to turn their dreams into reality to make a lasting impact on the business landscape. That is why we bring them together to celebrate them on International Women’s Day.’

Ms Linda Agyei, the Executive Director of the VTF Programme, lauded the organisers of the event adding: ‘The VTF Programme considers the event not only as a perfect platform for exposure, confidence building and visibility for our NETWET members but for networking and forming strategic partnerships as well.’

Ms Carol Annang, Country Director of Invest in Africa Ghana (IIA), commended Women’s Expo Ghana for t
heir foresight and continued support for women-owned SMEs.

She underscored the fact that ‘success comes through partnerships.’

Activities outlined for the three-day event include; free health screening and medical review, free family planning and female reproductive health services, the statement said.

Participants will also benefit from Discussion Circles on Selfcare and Women’s Choices in Health, Family Planning and Female Reproductive Health Services, Digital and Social Media Marketing, Customer Service, Insurance for Small Businesses and Pension Planning for Women Entrepreneurs.

This year’s event is supported by Atlantic Mall, Bracebridge Consultancy, Karley Mettle Consult, Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) SSNIT Seed, Lydia, Secure, Ebony Condoms, DrugNet, Ghanaweb, MX24TV, PCGTV, Vibmedia and Nelsik Mall.

Since its inception in 2015, the Women’s Expo Ghana has hosted more than 1,000 women entrepreneurs and about 10,000 visitors.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Urban, semi urban and interuban transportation costs have been harmonized by the government of Cameroon.

In a decision signed by the Minister of trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana on Monday February 26, 2024, semi urban and interuban transport fares by cars and buses will be calculated per distance covered.

Transportation will be free for children aged 0-7 years. Those aged 8-10 years and persons with reduced mobility will be charged FCFA 8 per kilometer while passengers aged 11-21 years will be charged FCFA 10 per kilometer. For those above 21, they will be charged FCFA 16 per kilometer.

The decision is part of a series of measures taken to absorb the impact of fuel prices increased at the start of the month of February by the government.

Concerning urban transport fares, passengers will have to pay FCFA 350 during the day and FCFA 400 at night.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

To facilitate the importation of 190,000 tons of rice from India this coming March and April 2024, the Cameroon Government has offered a special incentive to importers with approved quotas.

The information relayed by the communication unit of the Ministry of trade, indicates that 5% import duty will be exempted from the Indian rice. This follows a consultation meeting held on February 21, 2024, in Yaounde, between the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and the concerned economic operators.

This reduction on import duty by the government which was initially set at 20%, will not only ensure the availability of this staple but will also control its price on the local market amid escalating inflation.

According to the General Directorate of Taxation at the Ministry of Finance, through fiscal measures such as tax reductions, the government forgoes around FCFA 52 billion annually to ensure a steady supply of rice at affordable prices.

However, in recent years, there has been governmental discourse
on reducing or even eliminating fiscal expenditures on mass consumption products like rice, fish and wheat. These products have led to significant revenue losses, becoming unbearable for the public treasury.

Regardless of how, the government’s decision to exempt 190,000 tons of Indian rice from import duty raises worry as It exacerbates state revenue losses on a product already under-taxed in a context where the government is striving to increase its non-oil revenues; and the exemption is applied to a specific cargo rather than all rice imports, potentially creating unfair market competition.

Rice is a preponderant item on the menu of most Cameroonians. In 2022 for instance, Cameroon spent above FCFA 147 billion to purchase 496,700 tons of rice from India. That is a total of 55% of rice imported by the country according to official figures reported by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).

Source: Cameroon News Agency

To facilitate the importation of 190,000 tons of rice from India this coming March and April 2024, the Cameroon Government has offered a special incentive to importers with approved quotas.

The information relayed by the communication unit of the Ministry of trade, indicates that 5% import duty will be exempted from the Indian rice. This follows a consultation meeting held on February 21, 2024, in Yaounde, between the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and the concerned economic operators.

This reduction on import duty by the government which was initially set at 20%, will not only ensure the availability of this staple but will also control its price on the local market amid escalating inflation.

According to the General Directorate of Taxation at the Ministry of Finance, through fiscal measures such as tax reductions, the government forgoes around FCFA 52 billion annually to ensure a steady supply of rice at affordable prices.

However, in recent years, there has been governmental discourse
on reducing or even eliminating fiscal expenditures on mass consumption products like rice, fish and wheat. These products have led to significant revenue losses, becoming unbearable for the public treasury.

Regardless of how, the government’s decision to exempt 190,000 tons of Indian rice from import duty raises worry as It exacerbates state revenue losses on a product already under-taxed in a context where the government is striving to increase its non-oil revenues; and the exemption is applied to a specific cargo rather than all rice imports, potentially creating unfair market competition.

Rice is a preponderant item on the menu of most Cameroonians. In 2022 for instance, Cameroon spent above FCFA 147 billion to purchase 496,700 tons of rice from India. That is a total of 55% of rice imported by the country according to official figures reported by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).

Source: Cameroon News Agency

The Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) has said members will look forward to the implementation of the various investments President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo mentioned in his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The President presenting the SONA to Parliament on Tuesday said the Jamestown fishing harbour would be commissioned this year, and that the remaining 250 of the 300 automated premix fuel dispensers would also be installed by September, to help address the diversion and hoarding of the commodity.

Nana Kweigyah, the President of CaFGOAG, reacting to the SONA, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the funding of fisheries infrastructure, including the harbours, landing sites, and premix fuel automated dispensers, were very good investments.

He said that even though the initiatives were good, the Association looked forward to their expansion to other fishing communities.

Touching on premix fuel, he said it was important for the government to address the erratic supply to fi
shing communities, which was the source of all the problems associated with the product.

On the implementation of the closed season as a measure to replenish Ghana’s fish stock, Nana Kweigyah said a significant number of fishers disagreed with the intervention.

He, therefore, urged the government to address the concerns of the fishers, focusing on the short-term cost arising from the temporary loss of food and income and its associated socio-economic consequences.

He reminded the government that it was a serious human rights issue that must be handled immediately, suggesting that consideration could be given to supporting unconditional cash transfers to fishers during the closed season to sustain the intervention.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG), has opened a new branch in Hohoe in the Volta Region.

The new branch, which is the second in the region, is also to meet the needs of customers across the chain and serve them with dispatch.

Mr Daniel Wilson Addo, Managing Director, CBG, said the opening of the Hohoe Branch was an affirmation of the promise made to customers and stakeholders of bringing banking closer to them.

He said Hohoe was a cosmopolitan city with a lot of businesses, adding that, ‘we are particularly focused on small businesses, so we think it is a matter of course to open this branch here.’

Mr Addo said it was clear to the CBG that the people of Hohoe were expected to see a different kind of banking paradigm than what it had always espoused.

He said the CBG had redefined banking in the country, electronic banking solutions and approach to customer service ethos.

Mr Addo said all had combined to make the CBG, Ghana’s most trusted Bank in its five years of existence with branches spread th
roughout the country to continue bringing banking closer to the people.

He said looking forward, he saw a CBG that continued to lead the way in banking and making all the required innovations to keep them forward.

Madam Maureen Abla Amematekpor, CBG Board Member, assured customers that the CBG was their trusted financial partner.

She said the Bank was committed to understanding customers’ unique needs and providing tailored solutions towards them.

Madam Amematekpor commended the staff’s hard work and commitment to excellence, adding that their dedication to providing exceptional service was instrumental in the Bank’s success.

Togbega Gabusu VII, Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area, called on citizens especially within the Area to take advantage of the services and products of the Bank.

He called on the staff to work hard and exceed the expectations of the customers, adding that the paramountcy would work together with the Bank for its success.

Dr Adwoa Kwegyiriba, Principal of the St Francis Colleg
e of Education, called on the Bank to forge a bigger collaboration with the college to put up a hostel for students to access proper accommodation.

CBG is an indigenous Ghanaian Universal Bank licensed by the Bank of Ghana under the Specialised Deposit Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930).

The Bank which has been in operations since 2018, operates as a universal Bank with more than 114 branches in 13 regions of Ghana.

It has strong government support, a large SME client network and a pool of diverse talents.

Source: Ghana News Agency

r Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the Minister of Transport, has assured Parliament that the Ministry will continue to engage Delta Airlines to release new aircraft for its operations in Ghana.

The Minister said his team had had discussions with officials of the Airline to improve its service on the Accra-New York route, which had come under criticism.

This follows an urgent question by Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase, as to what led to Delta Airlines flight from Accra to New York making an emergency landing at Praia Da Vitoria (a municipality in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores).

He wanted to know what measures the Ministry was putting in place to ensure that Delta Airlines stopped using old aircraft in Ghana.

Mr Ofori-Asiamah explained that though some of the Airline’s aircraft on the Accra-New York route could be old, once it was approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as air wealthy it would be difficult to tell the Airline not to bring
it here.

‘The government is in discussion with three other airlines who have applied to service the Accra-New York route,’ he said.

The Minister gave the third quarter of 2024 as when those talks would possibly conclude when pushed by some of the MPs to give a definite timeline to the conclusion of those discussions.

Source: Ghana News Agency

CFAO Mobility Ghana has unveiled its newest Service Centre in a groundbreaking move that underlines its commitment to customer-centric excellence.

Nestled strategically on Spintex Road, the Service Centre sits right next to the iconic Action Chapel.

Steeped in a rich 115-year legacy, CFAO Mobility Ghana stands as a pioneer in mobility solutions, boasting an enviable portfolio featuring automotive giants like Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki coupled with world-class aftersales service.

In a news brief, the Company noted that the main Service Centre occupied half an acre of the space.

It said the Centre had an ample parking space covering 800 square metres, which ensured that the customer’s experience, from arrival to departure, was nothing short of seamless.

‘The facility has a spacious and comfortable customer waiting area, with eight technician work bays, stocked with the latest tools and technology. This cutting-edge facility isn’t just another service centre – it’s a haven for aftersales excellen
ce,’ the Company emphasised.

‘At the heart of this new hub lies a commitment to unparalleled service. The facility offers a spectrum of services, from general vehicle servicing to specialised maintenance works catering specifically to Mitsubishi and Suzuki vehicles.

‘It’s more than an expansion; it’s a testament to CFAO Mobility Ghana’s dedication to meeting the dynamic demands of the market,’ the Company said.

It added: ‘This strategic expansion aligns seamlessly with CFAO Mobility Ghana’s customer-centric philosophy embedded in our customer care policy. We are committed to expanding our footprint to remain close to our customers.

‘At CFAO Mobility Ghana, the journey doesn’t end with the drive; it begins with the assurance of expert care and service. This new chapter on Spintex Road isn’t just a service centre; it’s an experience, an ode to CFAO’s unwavering commitment to automotive excellence.’

Mr Adedamola Adelabu, the Managing Director and Country Delegate of CFAO Mobility Ghana, in his opening speec
h, stated that the inauguration of the new facility reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to the core values of Agility, Entrepreneurship, Diversity and Performance.

He encouraged the team, saying: ‘Let us go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service, exceeding the expectations of our customers at every turn.’

Dr Adam Tettey Larbie, the National Service Manager, highlighted some important features of the new service centre, that met international standards.

‘Safety is emphasised through the design and operations of the facility, which boasts ten working bays with a capacity to handle up to 70 cars in a day, while customers also have the opportunity to observe the work being done on their vehicles,’ he said.

To find the New Spintex Service Centre, customers coming from the Airport should take the turning in front of Action Chapel, and then locate the CFAO Spintex Service Centre on the right.

Customers coming from the East Legon Tunnel, can find the facility on the right, just before Action Chapel.

Th
e Service centre is open from Monday to Friday from 0730 hours to 1700 hours, each day.

For inquiries and more information, one can reach the Company on 0303957067 or 0303957081.

Source: Ghana News Agency

In recent years, Africa has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of online sports betting, bringing with it a wave of excitement, opportunity, and, of course, risk.

This trend is largely fueled by advancements in technology and increased internet connectivity, making it easier for people across the continent to engage in this thrilling pastime.

Among the various aspects of betting, the meaning of high odds is crucial; these represent a lower probability of an event occurring but promise higher rewards if the predictions turn out correct.

With a burgeoning youth demographic enthusiastically embracing technological innovations, Africa is rapidly becoming a hotbed for online sports betting. The ubiquitous nature of mobile devices means that bets can be placed conveniently, anytime and anywhere, leading to an unprecedented increase in participation rates.

The industry’s momentum is further propelled by the integration of mobile money services, simplifying transactions and lowering the entry barrier
for prospective bettors who might not have traditional banking access.

Exploring the vibrant world of online sports betting in Africa

The sports betting landscape in Africa is characterized by its rapid growth and incredible diversity, ranging from football and rugby to cricket and beyond. This growth is a true testament to cross-cultural communication and community. Many Africans have discovered sports betting to be a way to connect more deeply with their favorite sports, while others see it as an avenue for leisurely entertainment.

However, the charm of big wins carries with it the necessity for responsible betting, underscoring the importance of balance in this rapidly expanding industry.

How sports betting is changing the game for fans and athletes alike

Online betting platforms have heralded a new era for sports enthusiasts and athletes, offering more than just the opportunity to place bets. These platforms provide in-depth analytics and insights into games, enhancing fans’ engagement and altering t
he way athletes and games are viewed.

On the flip side, this has also increased the pressure on players and teams, as their performance directly impacts the outcomes of countless bets worldwide. The increased attention can benefit lesser-known sports, but it also raises questions about maintaining integrity and fairness in the game.

Bridging cultures through the global fascination with sports betting

The universal appeal of sports betting has the unique ability to bridge diverse cultures, connecting individuals across continents through their shared passion. The adoption of international betting practices by local markets, and vice versa, illustrates a fascinating exchange of cultures.

Illustrative is the story of a Kenyan football fan betting on a match in the English Premier League, or a European bettor placing a wager on an African cup match. This cross-cultural engagement highlights the unifying language of betting, transcending geographical and cultural barriers.

The impact of online betting on loca
l sports and communities

One cannot overlook the profound impact that online betting has had on local sports leagues and communities throughout Africa. The enthusiasm generated by betting has significantly increased viewership and engagement in local sports, providing a much-needed boost.

Moreover, the economic benefits are undeniable, with both winners and betting companies contributing to the local economy. Yet, this boom also necessitates a careful approach to managing the social challenges it brings, particularly the risk of gambling addiction among the youth.

Technological advances and the future of sports betting

The journey of sports betting from traditional bookmakers to the digital platforms of today is a fascinating saga of evolution and innovation. Technology has not only made betting more accessible but has also enriched the experience with features like live betting and instant updates, making it more engaging than ever before. This transition represents a significant shift in how fans intera
ct with their favorite sports, marking a new chapter in the long and storied history of sports betting.

Source: Ghana News Agency