Category: General

The United Kingdom based leadership development organisation TEXEM UK, has applauded one of its alumnus, Dr Usman Jankara, on his appointment as Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Finance and Administration) at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

In a statement on its website www.texem.co.uk, TEXEM’s Director Special Projects, Caroline Lucas said Jankara’s journey stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Lucas said that having participated in the TEXEM programme titled ‘Strategic Leadership for Success in an Unknown Tomorrow’ in August 2021; Jankara has demonstrated a profound commitment to continuous learning and development.

‘His expertise in strategic leadership will undoubtedly propel NAICOM towards unprecedented success as it navigates the dynamic landscape of the insurance industry.

‘With a tenure spanning over eight years and four months at NAICOM, Dr. Jankara brings a wealth of experience and insight to his new role.

‘As the former Assistant Director of Corporate Strategy and Special Duties, he played a pivotal role in shaping the commission’s strategic direction and enhancing its operational efficiency,’ she said.

Lucas recalled that prior to his new appointment, Jankara held various esteemed positions, including his tenure as the Assistant Director/Head of Corporate Strategy and Special Duties.

‘His extensive background in general administration and executive assistance underscores his versatile skill set and multifaceted approach to problem-solving.

‘As the former Assistant Director of Corporate Strategy and Special Duties, he played a pivotal role in shaping NAICOM’s strategic direction and enhancing its operational efficiency.

‘As Dr. Jankara assumes his new role as the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Finance and Administration), he stands at the precipice of a transformative era in the Nigerian insurance industry,’ she said.

Lucas added that Jankara’s visionary leadership, coupled with his unparalleled exper
tise and unwavering dedication, will undoubtedly chart a course towards greater innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability within the Nigerian insurance sector.

‘In the helm of strategic leadership, Dr. Usman Jankara illuminates the path towards a brighter, more inclusive future for Nigeria’s insurance sector,’ the director said.

In his own statement, TEXEM’s founder, Dr Alim Abubakre said Jankara’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders across the globe, reaffirming the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose in driving meaningful change.

‘He has honed his expertise as an astute insurance regulator committed to upholding the highest standards of market conduct supervision and ensuring the safety and soundness of the Nigerian insurance industry.

‘TEXEM UK extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Usman Jankara on his well-deserved appointment and wishes him continued success in his endeavours to reshape the future of insurance leadership in Nigeria,’ Abubakre said.

Source: News Agenc
y of Nigeria

The Ghana Armed Forces says it is investigating the shooting incident that took the life of a soldier, Lance Corporal Michael Danso, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Millennium City, Kasoa.

A statement issued and signed by Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie, Director General, Department of Public Relations, GAF, said the investigation found that the shooting was a result of a land dispute at the Millennium City, for which the Police had earlier advised all parties to stay off the property until the issue was resolved.

It said the deceased escorted Lance Corporal Omar Rahman, who owned a half plot of land at the Millennium City, when he was shot by an alleged land guard named one Benlord Ababio.

The statement said L/Cpl Rahman who was informed that some persons were working on the said piece of land, went there with the deceased and another colleague soldier, L/Cpl Ametus Matthew, to the site where they confirmed the information.

Rahman and his colleagues upon reaching the land, stopped the people from w
orking and proceeded to the Millennium City Police Station to report the issue.

Whilst at the Police Station, the acclaimed owner of the land arrived with two others alleged to be land guards who confronted the soldiers and fired at the deceased who was then trying to park his vehicle.

Realizing that one of the soldiers accompanying L/Cpl Rahman had been shot, the police disarmed and arrested the person who fired the weapon.

The statement said the body of the deceased soldier had since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue.

The GAF condemned the attack and extended its empathy to the soldiers’ family, colleagues, friends, and loved ones, as it worked with the police to conduct further investigations.

It said the public would be informed of the outcome of the investigations in time.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Human Rights Court 1 has dismissed the interlocutory injunction application filed by Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG) and others against the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) over the approval given for the registration of 14 GMO crops for food, feed, and processing in Ghana.

The court presided over by Her Ladyship, Justice Barbara Tetteh-Charway in dismissing the application on Tuesday April 30, 2024, acknowledged the NBA’s diligence in executing its statutory mandate in ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of GMOs crops within Ghana’s agricultural sector.

Food Sovereignty Ghana and others on April 10, 2024, filed the motion for interlocutory injunction to restrain the National Biosafety Committee and 4 others from ‘releasing into the Ghanaian ecosystem any GM product’.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the by the Public Relations Unit of NBA and copied to the Ghana News Agency.

The statement said the court also claimed that seeking information from the NBA would have averted t
he filing of the present application. The landmark ruling marks a significant milestone for actors in the biotechnology and agricultural innovation space and affirms that science-based functional biosafety systems are important to expand producer choice, inspire consumer confidence, facilitate trade, and promote agricultural research and development.

The ruling of the substantive matter is scheduled for Friday May 24, 2024.

‘The NBA wishes to assure Ghanaians that it remains committed to ensuring the safety of modern biotechnology in Ghana as well as continuous engagement with stakeholders in a transparent manner,’ the statement said.

The NBA is a government agency established by the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831) to promote sustainable socio-economic development through the efficient and transparent regulation of modern biotechnology particularly Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

The Authority has the mandate to ensure the safe use, handling, and transportation of GMOs in the country and also provide
an adequate level of protection in the field of safe development transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organism resulting from biotechnology that may have an adverse effect on health and environment.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Municipal Chief Executive of Tarkwa Nsuaem (MCE), Mr Benjamin Kessie has stated that they will not release the Tarkwa and Aboso stadium to the National Sports Authority (NSA) when completed.

He said, ‘The history about the Sports Authority is not the best, they have not been able to manage the state stadiums, and moreover, this is not a state stadium. NSA does not have the exclusive right to be managing every stadium, it is not in the Act’

According to Mr Kessie, through series of engagements the Municipal Assembly, Apinto Divisional Council and other stakeholders have put together a comprehensive management plan for the edifice.

‘The Tarkwa and Aboso stadium is for the residents of Tarkwa Nsuaem, and solely funded by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) for a community. We think it is appropriate to involve people within the same community to manage it’ he pointed out.

Mr Kessie revealed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) when the GFGF had the final stakeholders meeting and site inspection at th
e Tarkwa and Aboso stadium.

The MCE said, ‘We must meet at the board room to resolve certain differences.’ Our traditional leaders have raised concerns about naming the facility and others which l think is laudable, so we will meet and see how to go about those important issues.

In fact, I am impressed with what I have seen and satisfied with the work done. We are only asking that whatever observations we have made even at this final stage should be considered before the commissioning’

The Gyaasehene of the Apinto Divisional Council, Nana Adarkwa Bediako III, reiterated that ‘the maintenance culture in NSA has not been encouraging, the records are visible, and we do not want this beautiful facility to go into their hands

At best they can advise, we have the competence and together with the municipal assembly we will be able to put together a solid team to manage this facility.’

The Executive Secretary of the GFGF, Mr Abdel-Razak Yakubu, on his part said, they have a lot of stakeholders on this project, l
ike the Ghana National Ambulance Service, National Disaster Management Organization, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Health Service, Electricity Company of Ghana, Ghana Water Company Limited, traditional authorities, media, among others.

He said the services of all these institutions would be required for the smooth and safe running of the stadium when the Foundation hands over, ‘so we invited them to come around, take a tour and give us feedback. They have pointed out a few things that need to be corrected.’

Most of the stakeholders who interacted with the GNA after the meeting were amazed with the kind of work done so far and lauded the GFGF.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Prof. Edem Eniang, Executive Director, Biodiversity Preservation Centre in Uyo, has expressed disappointment at continued engagement of some Nigerians in tree felling and wildlife killing for commercial purposes.

Eniang told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday that in spite of warnings, some Nigerians had continued in the acts, making the effects of climate change to be worse.

According to him, trees serve as physical barriers capable of reducing wind speed and redirecting its force.

‘ Thereby helping to prevent soil erosion, which can damage crops and destroy wildlife habitats.’

He added that trees could reduce the likelihood of damage to buildings and other structures by strong winds.

He said that wildlife species being killed were capable of attracting eco-tourism traffic to the nation and aid in generating foreign exchange earnings.

He advised Nigerians to refrain from the acts and rather engage in tree planting and general biodiversity conservation.

‘In Nigeria, the challenge of
endangered species conservation has become a matter of urgent concern requiring positive actions from governments at all levels and all individuals.

‘ We must all work together to address this situation for a better future, balanced ecosystem, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in our country by 2050.

‘ We have disregarded, disrupted and altered the planetary boundaries within our spheres of influence, allowing our daily activities as humans to have a negative impact on the environment or ecosystems.

‘Acid rain is now a reality; our water is acidified, and if we do not take action, 2025 will bring even worse consequences with increased temperatures and more severe wind disasters.

‘Currently, the only opportunity we have to view our wildlife species is presented by those sold at the bushmeat markets, whereas those are the same species that could have drawn eco-tourism traffic and bring in the much-needed foreign exchange.

‘Unfortunately, they are, on daily basis, displayed at wildlife market
s or at pepper soup joints, where they are being sold indiscriminately.

‘We are cooking crocodiles, antelopes, gorillas, chimpanzees, dolphins, African manatees and more. This is unacceptable,’ he said.

Eniang said that, to safeguard Nigeria’s endangered wildlife species, the Federal Government should consistently educate Nigerians about the dangers of killing them.

He said that due to reckless killing of some wildlife species, animals such as Forest elephants, Atlantic humpback dolphins, African manatees, red-capped mangabeys, colobine monkeys and pangolins were on the verge of extinction.

‘ also species such as the Ukpam stingray, snakefish, two-headed snake (Calabar ground python), Angwantibo, Nigerian-Cameroonian chimpanzee, Cross River gorilla and the Slater’s monkey, declared in 2000 as the 15th most important monkey on the planet, are all on the brink of extinction.

‘ Cheetahs, Giraffs and hunting dogs have disappeared from Nigeria.

‘Since the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, ma
ny Nigerians cannot afford the cost of PMS, diesel and kerosine; so, they have embraced firewood to cook.

‘This development has increased the rate at which trees are brought down and converted to charcoal. Nigerians must desist from it,’ he said.

Eniang urged Nigerians to make conscious efforts in the preservation of Nigeria’s fauna and flora endowments for wealth creation and environmental preservation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A 10-million Canadian Dollar project dubbed ‘Strengthening Investments in Gender Responsive Climate Adaptation’ (SIGRA) has been launched in Accra.

The overall objective of the five-year project (2023-2028) is to improve resilience of Ghanaians, particularly women, girls, and vulnerable groups through increased investments in inclusive and gender responsive climate adaption initiatives.

Under the SIGRA project, five districts, selected based on economic vulnerability and climate change risks, would be supported.

Two districts in the Volta and three districts in Northern Regions.

SIGRA has come at a time when Ghana has been affected by severe deterioration of climate change in her agriculture, livelihood, and food security.

Impact of climate change in Ghana has intensified from the coast towards Northern Savanah.

About 60 per cent of women employed in agriculture are faced with significant hurdles in accessing and controlling resources and assets along the agricultural value chain.

Speaking at the laun
ch of the SIGRA project, Mr Cyril Quist, a Principal Planning Officer, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), said the launch marked an exiting chapter of the long-standing engagement with Global Affairs, Cananda, and Cowater International, which began about three years ago.

Mr Quist said the SIGRA project would include the provision of technical assistance and support to strengthen governance and national system with key central level Ministries, Department and Agencies.

‘SIGRA would also support regional governance stakeholders in the Volta and Northern Regions, and it would strengthen the capacities of the targeted districts to plan and report on climate adaptation initiatives.’

He said additional activities of SIGRA would involve strengthening the participation and influence of women in governing decision making and climate adaptation issues.

According to Mr Quist, the project would focus on soil conservation, restoration, irrigation, forestation, land management and the promotion
of relevant climate change technologies, among others.

‘This is what we need right now in order to accelerate actions in achieving the goals of the SIGRA project.

‘It is our hope that all relevant actors and stakeholders would render their full support and technical expertise to the success of the SIGRA project,’ he added.

Harshita Bisht, Project Manager of SIGRA, said the project would strengthen capacities of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to support sub – national planning.

According to Madam Bisht, the SIGRA project would involve MDAs and Municipal, Metropolitan and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to access climate finance.

She explained that grants up to 40,000 Canadian Dollar a year for a period of three years was up for beneficiaries who would design, implement, monitor, and report on gender responsive climate adaptation projects.

The SIGRA Project Manager stressed on the need to increase awareness at community level on gender inclusive adaptation.

She said SIGRA would increase capabil
ities around locally led climate finance as well as building on existing institutional systems and best practices to address climate finance gaps.

Dr Rose Mensah -Kutin, West Africa Regional Director of ABANTU for Development, in a presentation on Civil Society Organisations perspective on gender equality and climate adaptation in Ghana, said the impacts of climate change and gender had resulted in disruption of livelihood systems and displacement of communities.

That, she said had denied access to clean water and sanitation facilities and contaminated water bodies.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Boni Foundation in partnership with the Assembly member of Alakple Electoral Area has donated some educational materials to pupils of Alakple Roman Catholic Basic School to support their teaching and learning.

The donation, worth about GHS15,000.00, included packs of exercise books, erasers, crayons, boxes of pencils, pens, and straight rulers.

Mr Benedict Agbolegbe, the Assembly member, presenting the items, said the aim was to ensure learners had access to the necessary educational materials to aid learning.

‘It is our ultimate goal to give support to where it is most needed, and today is a special day because my beloved pupils are major beneficiaries of today’s donations.’

Mr Jerry Deyegbe, the Chief Executive Officer, Boni Foundation, said the gesture was part of their civic social responsibility to bring smiles to the students.

The benevolence of the Foundation has been notable in the area over the years.

Mr Bernard Effa, Headteacher of the school, who received the items expressed gratitude to
the Foundation and the Assemblyman for considering pupils of the school for the donation.

‘These items will help augment parents’ efforts and promote education success for the pupils.’

Pupils present promised to put the items to good use.

Present at the donation ceremony was Madam Janet Kporku, Chairperson of the School’s Parent Teachers Association, who lauded the donors for the support to promote education in Alakple,’

The Alakple R.C. Basic School has a population of more than 500 pupils and a staff strength of about 10.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National African Peer Review Mechanism (NAPRM), in collaboration with the Commission for Civic Education, has engaged the district oversight committees in the Upper East Region, on corporate governance to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The stakeholders, including business associations, community and faith-based organisations, were drawn from 10 municipal and district and assemblies in the region.

At the workshop held in Bolgatanga, they were taken through an overview of the NAPRM activities, the role of the district oversight committees (DOCs), and corporate governance in enhancing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises readiness for the AfCFTA market.

It aimed at equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills to fully utilise the opportunities the AfCFTA offers, while empowering them for a better implementation,?being the local structures the APRM works with through the NCCE.

Mr Samuel Asare Akuamoah, a member of the Governing Council, NAPRM, and Deputy Cha
irman of NCCE, touched on the necessity of the workshop following a targeted review it undertook in 2023.

The review examined key corporate governance and intra-African trade challenges that must be addressed to facilitate the AfCFTA implementation in Ghana.

It was carried out on the theme: ‘Corporate Governance as a Catalyst for the Implementation of the AfCFTA in the Republic of Ghana’.

Findings of the Targeted Review were that most citizens had inadequate knowledge of the United Nations Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals, and African Union Agenda 2063 aspirations, including the AfCFTA.?

Those were likely to affect citizens ownership and participation in the implementation of the global development frameworks at the community level and undermine the private sector’s ability to take advantage of the business opportunities, hence the need for the sensitisation, he said.

Madam Winnifred Asare, the Acting Executive Secretary, NAPRM-Governing Council, indicated that the district oversight commit
tees, having been educated, were expected to sensitise the business community at the local level.

That, she said, would also enable them to identify opportunities in the AfCFTA and benefit from it.?

‘AfCFTA is a very big market for everybody, and the understanding of the business community at the local level is key to us, so we are hoping that the committees will be a mouthpiece of the African Peer Review Mechanism to build the capacities of the business community at the local level,’ she stated.

Alhaji Osman Alhassan Suhuyini, Member, Institute of Directors, reiterated that good corporate governance was essential to the success of every business and called on the DOCs to abide by the laid-down rules and regulations in their organisations.

Mr Evans Adeba, a participant, said the workshop had been insightful, giving him valuable information to guide him and the business community in utilizing the opportunities of the AFCFTA.

‘I will endeavor to sensitise my colleagues back home,’ he added.

Source: Ghana
News Agency

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has urged employers of labour to use the occasion of the International Labour Day to demonstrate love for Nigerian workers.

The Director-General of NTAC, Dr Yusuf Yakub, said this in a statement signed by Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity on Wednesday in Abuja.

The former lawmaker, said Nigerian workers should be appreciated for their contributions to national development.

‘On May 1 every year, the entire world recognises the central role workers play in harnessing the productive capacities available to different workforces across endeavours, and countries.

‘The efforts are to ensure that the global economy is sustained and that the place of man as the centrepiece of global activities is preserved.

‘We choose to pause for a day to honour those whose hands fertilises the earth, whose brains birth grand ideas that rule our world and whose efforts power the wheels of daily living and activities across countries ,homes, professions and
the like.

‘This year’s May day is no different from the others gone by,’ he said.

Yakub added: ‘It is however, another opportunity to celebrate our workers, to wish them well, to show that we care and to give them a soothing pat on the back for the days they stay out when others are home.

‘For the times they lose sleep when others are in bed and for the efforts they make daily to ensure that the machine of daily life and living does not grind to a sudden halt!

‘Today offers us the rare opportunity to bring to the front burner, issues concerning our workers, their welfare and their general well-being.

‘As we join other parts of the world to celebrate May Day as a nation, the celebration offers us the opportunity to, in all honesty.’

‘Review issues concerning the Nigerian worker and appreciate the sacrifice and commitment he/she makes to national progress and development.

‘ I wish to congratulate our leaders and the Nigerian workers on the occasion of the 2024 workers’ day celebration’.

Source: News Ag
ency of Nigeria