Hands Across Africa Launched

It was a passion filled night, infused with overwhelming enthusiasm, with a genuine desire to impact positively on young people in Africa.

Inspired by Mr Seth Yeboah Ocran, CEO of YOKS Investment Company Limited in partnership with Ambassador Taj Weekes and Angela, Taj Weekes, leaders of the They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO) to operationalize a charity concert to raise funds to support disadvantaged young people in various communities in Ghana; particularly in the Greater Accra region.

The Hands Across Africa Festival and Expo, seeks to serve as a cross-continent initiative with the objective to leverage the platform of reggae music and to extend support to young people on the downside of social and development issues.

Through youth sports talent exposure, support, promotion and capacity building.

During the launch, Mr. Seth Yeboah Ocran,YOKS Investment Limited and Executive Director of TOCO foundation, expressed that the event is to bring much needed change and shape the future outlook of marginalized children in the Ghanaian society.

Indicating that “TOCO Foundation, YOKS Investment Limited and the Ghana Tourism Authority are collaborating to bring to Ghana what is intended to an ongoing effort with a tangible impact on Ghanaian youth. Its overarching philosophy is that children are our collective heritage; one we can safeguard with inclusion and affirmation strategies.”

Mr. Seth Yeboah Ocran continued to stipulate that Hands Across Africa Festival & Expo leverages its platform to help the youth to broaden their horizon, through this exposure, imagine new possibilities, which can create a shift in the trajectory of their lives.

In his address, Ambassador Taj Weekes, founder of TOCO Foundation communicated that, the benefit of the initiative will help to connect bridges of opportunities for young people.

“I think I speak for many when I say that the opportunity to walk this soil is the dream for most people of African descent. And it is this inherent longing that makes the Ghanaian people, the landscapes and the sense of community so familiar for us.”

“We thank you tremendously for the opportunity to widen our TOCO community, and in so doing, build new bridges that connect people with each other, and link youth with opportunity and in some small way, transform lives,” Ambassador Taj Weekes expressed.

The initiative which has overwhelming support of the Ghana Tourism Authority, had its able and affable CEO, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, to address the anticipating and enthusiastic audience at the launch saying, AGOOO, AGOOO, AGOOO, as a prelude to his address, as he expressed that, the initiative aligns with the ‘Give back Ghana’ pillar of Beyond The Return for which reason the Authority will accord TOCO Foundation the needed support.

TOCO Foundation is a USA/Ghana based non-profit organization with a mission to raise awareness and address the issues that affect the youth through advocacy and social support. The organisation’s broad focus also includes the sustainable agriculture, environment, health and wellness, diabetes and gender equity and the popular, TOCO Youth Tournament – a college player showcase, which aims at exhibiting Ghana’s football talent for US college coaches in the hope of securing football scholarships.

The Africa Festival and Expo & Youth Tournament will take place in the months of July and September respectively this year.

By: Hector Wulff, Ghana News Service

AGI President Addresses India-Ghana Business Summit

Dr. Humphrey Kwesi Ayim Darke,
President, AGI

It was a night of great business focused presentations, coupled with intense diplomacy and comradery among captains of industry, over a sumptuous dinner, at the just ended India-Ghana Business Summit, held at Kempinski Hotel,Gold Coast City, Accra Ghana, under theme:

 “ Strengthening India - Ghana Business Relations, Post COVID''.

The summit which was organised by the India High commission, in partnership with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) was highly subscribed by both members the India and Ghana business communities.

In his address, the President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Dr. Humphrey Kwesi Ayim Darke engaged the anticipating audience of captains of industry, government representatives and media, expressing that, Ghana is home to many Indians, 

as he appreciates how a great number of Indians have made Ghana their home with their treasures and investments, urging the Indian business community to move beyond family businesses to enlist on the Ghana stock exchange and the Alternative Market, beyond limitations and families.

Dr. Humphrey Kwesi Ayim Darke,

advocated for partnerships in technical cooperation, particularly in the area of agribusiness, in terms of value addition and processing. 

Indicating that agriculture is one area which requires serious intervention for economic transformation.

The AGI president, expressed with subtle vehemence on the need to place export  tariff on the primary raw agriculture products (non cash crops) to encourage processing, job creation, value addition, domestic tax generation and structural transformation of the economy And food security for the nation.

On the issue of policy inconsistencies and restoration of the benchmark values, Dr. Humphrey Kwesi Ayim Darke, added that government has given assurances to ensure policy consistency and to deal with the benchmark values albatross, by end of the year, assuring industry that, AGI shall constantly engaged government to make sure that the proper thing is done for industrialization and harmony in the economy.

In his concluding remark, the AGI President encouraged members of the Indian business community to associate themselves with the association towards industrial longevity and sustainability.

Queen Mother Dazzles At 2022 Jewelry Art Show

Hail The Creative Queen Mother!

Naa Fynnba Korkai Atiapa I, Developmental and Benkumfa Queen Mother of Ngleshie Alata Lafa, traditional area, the Chief Creator of Wendy L' artisane, whose creations coupled with body arts and jewelry named Ocean Treasure Jewelry, glitterized and electrified audience at the 2022 Jewelry Art Show.

Dubbed:Box of trinkets.

The creative Queen in an interview with Ghana News Service was happy about the success of the event though at shot notice and indicated how the event seeks to serve as a international platform to showcase African creativity and talent.

AGRITECH West Africa 2022 Opens In Grand Style

Deputy Minister for Agriculture Hon. Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru opens AGRITECH West Africa 2022 pioneered by the Agriculture Community of West Africa States (ACOWAS), being held at the Accra International Conference Centre in a grand style from 23-25 of March, 2020.

In his opening address, He indicated that agricultural exhibition must be embraced by stakeholders because it serves as a platform to share ideas, experiences and challenges as well. 

The Minister in his usual humble self, took time to visit all the 60 exhibition stands acquainting himself with various exhibits such as agricultural machinery, technology, food processing equipments, fertilizers and many others.

Ghana Action Forum Held With Extreme Creativity, In Style And Absolute Splendor

Over 200 delegates, on 3rd the march 2022, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra Ghana, participated in the Ghana Action Forum.

The Ghana Action Forum organized by Ahaspora, GH-PAC USA and Diaspora Drive, the Ghana Action Forum under the theme ‘Bridging Home & Abroad for Ghana’s Development’, endorsed by Beyond the Return, with key partners including Diaspora Affairs under the Office of the President and Ghana Tourism Development Company and ably sponsored by  Fidelity Bank, Expresspay, European Union GrEEn Project, British High Commission, Enterprise Insurance and Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, along with the event's strong corporate and governmental support, the Ghana Action Forum pulled some of Ghana’s top industry leaders to participate in panel conversations and keynote speeches highlighting key challenges, opportunities and proposing strategic solutions to engage diasporan’s with Ghana.

Notably among them were, 

Mr. Akwesi Awua-Ababio, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Mr. Akwesi Agyeman, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, 

Miss Kosi Yankey, Executive Director, Ghana Enterprise Agency, 

Mr. Yaw Afriyie, Deputy CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre

Miss Lucy Quist,Managing Director, Morgan Stanley, 

Mr. Kofi Fadzie, from Master Card Foundation, 

Mr. Kofi Anku, an Investor and Business Executive, 

Miss Freda Obeng-Ampofo, Founder and Chief Mixer, Kaemi Cosmetics, 

Miss Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Finance Officer, MTN, 

Jamila Abdulai, Creator of Circumspect. com, 

Ben Anim-Antwi, Founding Member, Future of Ghana Ltd. 

Lexy Owusu-Boahin, MD, LX HR Solutions, 

Dentaa Amoateng, CEO, GUBA Enterprise, 

Anna-Franklee Ampomah, International Sports and Culture Management Consultant, 

William Nartey, CEO, Blackbridge Consulting Group Ltd.

Adjetey Anang, An Award Winning Actor, 

DELLA$IE, A Creative and CEO, Born in NYC and Panalove LLC and Dr. Sangu Delle, 

In his remarks, before the keynotes address by the Special Guest of Honour, the Second Lady of Ghana, HE. Samira Bawumia, Dr. Sangu Delle passionately lamented about the poor rate of development witnessed in Ghana especially with unemployment on the rise.

Describing it as a “crisis”, Dr. Delle said unemployment would soon become the single most dominant challenge towards Ghana’s development.

“This is a crisis. It’s an absolute calamity that’s going to happen if it’s not addressed,” he lamented vehemently.

He, therefore, advised that “we should cease complaining and do something,” adding that we need to learn from the example of others.

On the need for Ghanaian diasporans to contribute to national development, Dr. Delle indicated with vehemence, that Ghana, as a country, needs to have a clear world view of how she intends mobilising the diaspora for national development by having in place “sensible policies.”

The climax of the event  was graced by Her Excellency, the intelligent, beautiful, fashionable and affable Second Lady of Ghana,Hajia Samira Bawumia, as the Special Guest of Honour, who shared wonderful and memorable pleasantries with participants of the forum, calling on Ghanaians, especially those in the diaspora, to take keener interests in the development of the nation, while participating fully in its development.

Her Excellency the Second Lady expressed in her keynote address that, with government radically pursuing a digitalisation agenda, there was the need for all agencies, institutions and initiatives to continue to implore various areas of investments, especially as government aims at transforming the nation’s economy through digitalisation.

“We can only build a strong and vibrant economy if we have a strong digital system,” she stated, while adding that there is much more to be done in making digitalisation a common feature for Ghanaians.

“I urge Ghanaians and the diaspora to participate fully in the development of Ghana. 

We need the participation of all.

“It could be your ideas, money and skills, and more importantly your need to maintain your connection with your mother country,” she stated.

The Second lady expressed optimistically that, “Challenges, though significant, let’s be assured, are not insurmountable,” and that, “We can make great strides towards a brighter future. Now is the time to work together to build.”

Marking the closures of the day long Forum of ideas and impact orientedness.

GUNA CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE RUSSIA CEASEFIRE AND ON AMERICA CEASE THREAT ​

We have deeply observed the destruction of peaceful existence in Ukraine by Russia and have analyzed how this onslaught if not well managed could escalate with the consequences of claiming more innocent lives in the end.

As a Peace, Security, and Development advocate organization in Ghana, we call on President Putin of Russia and the Russian parliament to reconsider their decision to ceasefire in Ukraine, given the untold sufferings, the bombardment has rendered on the innocent people of Ukraine and foreigners at large.

In much the same way, the Ghana United Nations Association (GUNA) is also calling on America and Europe to contribute to the de-escalation of war by ceasing to set up any form of the military base within Ukraine and the region at large.

Our concern of a possible spillover is very worrying. Moreso, we echo the inaudible voices of children and mothers, the aged and the socially disadvantaged as well as the innocent citizens and foreigners as the reason to cease the war in Ukraine and use genuine dialogue to resolve all issues between the two countries.

It is our firm belief that the Russian parliament will heed our plea and call back their troops in Ukraine.

Let peace, stability, and development reign.

​Signed

Rt. Hon. Peter Nanfuri (Fmr. IGP, BNI Boss)(President of GUNA)

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA ORGANISATION (NIDO)GHANA CHAPTER CELEBRATES WITH GHANA ON 65 INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY.

 

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Ghana Chapter on behalf of Nigerians in Ghana joyfully celebrates with the good people of Ghana as they celebrate 65 years of Nationhood. 

 Nigerians in Ghana are proud of  the giant strides Ghana has achieved in all strata of society in the last six decades and half. Most importantly, we are very appreciative of the symbiotic relationship that has existed between the two countries over the years which are exemplified through our common values, culture and tradition. 

We are confident that the years ahead shall be full of growth, development and prosperity for the Republic of Ghana. 

We pray that the unity that is exhibited in the country will continue and  encompass it’s neighbours. 

 We believe that United we stand, divided we fall 

We say Ayekoo!to our Ghanaian brothers and sisters. 

Sincerely, 

REV.TONY WHITE – SECRETARY 

AMB. SAMUEL B.T OJO – CORPORATE AFFAIRS 

For NIDO GHANA