Saturday, November 1, 2025
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 4

New global report calls for evidence-based literacy instruction to tackle learning crisis

0

A new global report has called for urgent, evidence-based interventions to address the growing literacy crisis among children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where an estimated 70 percent of pupils are unable to read and understand simple text.

The paper, titled “Effective Reading Instruction in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: What the Evidence Shows,” was launched at the ADEA Triennale in Accra, Ghana. Drawing on more than 120 studies—50 of which were conducted in African countries—the report identifies the essential skills that children must acquire, and that teachers must be trained to teach, in order to build strong literacy foundations.

Endorsed by the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP)—co-hosted by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UNICEF and the World Bank—the report highlights the widening gap between schooling and learning outcomes. It notes that in Sub-Saharan Africa, the learning poverty rate stands at 89 percent, with the majority of pupils unable to identify basic letter sounds or read simple words even after three years of schooling.

“Too many children are in school but not yet learning to read,” said Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF’s Global Director for Education and Adolescent Development. “This report underscores how literacy lies at the heart of every child’s learning journey. Investing in the early years is critical if we are to transform Africa’s education systems and deliver on the continent’s commitments to children.”

The study underscores that literacy acquisition depends on two main competencies: decoding—the ability to connect letters to their sounds—and language comprehension, which involves understanding the meaning of words and sentences. It further outlines six key sub-skills that underpin reading proficiency: oral language development, phonological awareness, systematic phonics instruction, reading fluency, comprehension strategies, and writing.

According to Nompumelelo Mohohlwane, co-author of the report and Deputy Director at South Africa’s Department of Basic Education, “Children do not learn to read naturally; they must be explicitly taught. Identifying the specific skills required across languages, including African languages, is a major contribution to improving literacy instruction.”

Luis Benveniste, World Bank Global Director for Education and Skills, added: “Literacy is the cornerstone of education, employability and lifelong learning. When children master reading early, they achieve better learning outcomes and are better prepared for the demands of the modern job market.”

The report urges policymakers to make national commitments to evidence-based literacy instruction, select appropriate languages of instruction, and ensure that teaching is explicit, systematic and adapted to local contexts. It also calls for sustained investment in teacher training, structured materials, and professional development.

“These approaches offer policymakers a practical, evidence-informed roadmap for improving reading outcomes,” said Nathanael Bevan, Deputy Director of Research at the FCDO. “They can be adapted to local languages, cultures and educational goals.”

A follow-up “how-to” guide, along with translated versions of the report in Spanish, French, Arabic and Hindi, will be released in November to support implementation at the national and regional levels.

Housing :Building smarter, living greener: The future of real estate

0

The global real estate landscape is evolving rapidly, and Ghana is no exception. As the nation struggles with urban expansion, housing shortages, and environmental threats, a new wave of innovation is emerging, fuelled by smart technology and sustainable development.

This edition’s theme, “Building Smarter, Living Greener”, reflects a bold vision for the future: one where innovation and sustainability go together to reshape how Ghanaians build, buy, and live.

Ghana’s cities, especially Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, are experiencing rapid urbanization. With this surge comes a demand for housing that is not only affordable but also efficient, resilient, and intelligent. Conventional housing models no longer suffice in a world where climate change, energy costs, and technological disruptions dominate the conversation.

Smart housing: homes equipped with technology to optimize energy use, improve security, and enhance quality of life. From smart lighting and remote-controlled appliances to water conservation systems and solar-powered electricity, these features are no longer luxuries; they are necessities in modern urban living.

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword. It’s a requirement. As Ghana continues to feel the effects of climate change, rising temperatures, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, the real estate sector must lead the way in adopting eco-friendly practices.

Sustainable construction means using materials that reduce environmental impact. It means prioritizing energy-efficient designs, promoting natural ventilation, harvesting rainwater, and installing solar panels. But it also goes deeper, into how we plan our communities, use land, and connect buildings with nature through green spaces and landscaping.

Prop Tech (Property Technology) is revolutionizing how properties are built, sold, and managed. From virtual property tours and AI-driven property matching to smart construction tools and digital mortgage processing, Ghana is witnessing a gradual but steady rise in tech-enabled real estate.

Developers are increasingly integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices, building management systems, and remote monitoring solutions into their projects. These not only reduce long-term operational costs but also offer residents unmatched convenience and security.

Ghana faces unique challenges: complex land acquisition processes, expensive imported materials, limited access to mortgage financing, and regulatory bottlenecks. However, these hurdles are also propelling innovation. Developers are experimenting with recycled materials, compressed earth blocks, modular homes, and alternative financing models like co-investment and rent-to-own schemes.

Several pioneering projects are already setting the pace. Eco-conscious residential communities are popping up on the outskirts of Accra. Young startups are piloting green tech in underserved areas. The Ministry of Works and Housing has begun promoting energy codes for buildings, signalling a policy shift in Favor of sustainable construction.

The future of real estate in Ghana depends not just on developers or policymakers; it requires a coalition of stake holders: architects, engineers, environmentalists, financiers, and homebuyers. It’s about rethinking the housing value chain from concept to construction, from financing to furnishing. Educating the public on the benefits of smart and green homes, creating accessible financing structures for sustainable buildings, and incentivizing innovation must become national priorities.

As Housing in Ghana Magazine continues to spotlight thought leaders and groundbreaking developments, this edition sets the tone for a new era, one where Ghana positions itself as a leader in smart, sustainable housing on the African continent. By building smarter and living greener, we’re not only creating better homes, but we’re also securing a better future.

Source: Housing In Ghana Magazine

Housing in Ghana magazine is a publication under the Housing in Ghana Foundation, an organization that is committed to promoting and facilitating access to quality housing solutions across Ghana. The bi-annual magazine publication serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals, families investors as well as other key industry players seeking information on real estate trends and news, property listings and investment opportunities within the country. Email: [email protected] 0555444665 | 0599663344

On Cue with Kafui Dey: The trust factor: why authenticity beats optics every time

0

– Followers crave honesty more than polish

Let’s face it: in today’s Africa, everyone is performing. From the politician livestreaming his charity visit (with a camera crew larger than the crowd) to the entrepreneur whose “office” is a café corner with perfect lighting — we are living in the era of optics.

But here’s the secret sauce of lasting influence: trust. And trust doesn’t come from polish; it comes from being real.

We’ve all been fooled before — the glossy Instagram life, the smooth-talking “consultant,” the pitch deck that promises to end poverty and make a profit by Tuesday. But after the filters fade and the buzzwords deflate, what remains is authenticity. People are drawn not to those who look perfect, but to those who sound truthful.

The problem with looking too good

Perfection, ironically, is suspicious. When everything about you screams “curated,” audiences start to wonder: what’s behind the curtain? It’s like meeting someone whose shirt is always crisp, smile always ready, and story always rehearsed — you begin to sense they’re performing a version of themselves.

Across Africa’s growing influencer culture, many brands still chase optics over authenticity. They want the perfect “look” — the sleek logo, the drone shots, the fancy catchphrases — but forget that today’s audiences, especially Gen Z, have PhDs in spotting fake energy. They crave vulnerability, not varnish.

The irony? The moment you drop the act, people lean in. Whether you’re a CEO on LinkedIn or an MC at a corporate gala, showing that you’re human — that you fumble, laugh at yourself, and occasionally sweat under pressure — builds a bond that no designer suit can buy.

The African advantage

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: African audiences are some of the most emotionally intelligent in the world. We grew up reading tone — the sigh before a parent’s “come here,” the long pause in a boss’s “it’s fine,” the silence that says you’re in trouble. We know when someone is faking it.

This cultural radar means authenticity travels faster here than any algorithm. An entrepreneur who says, “We’re still figuring it out” will earn more respect than one who insists, “We’re dominating the market” — when everyone can see the office door is still being painted. Ghanaians, Kenyans, South Africans — across the continent, people respect effort, progress, and honesty far more than polished pretense.

Authenticity as a strategy

Being authentic is not the same as being careless. It’s not about “keeping it real” by oversharing or ignoring professionalism. It’s about consistency — your values, tone, and behavior lining up across time and context.

Here’s how professionals build that trust:

  1. Admit what you don’t know. Saying “I’ll find out” is not a weakness — it’s a credibility booster.
  2. Show your process. Share the behind-the-scenes story, not just the success shot. People respect the journey, not the highlight reel.
  3. Speak like a person, not a press release. Drop the jargon. If your grandmother can’t understand your elevator pitch, it’s not impressive — it’s unclear.
  4. Keep your promises small but solid. Audiences forgive mistakes, but not broken trust. Under-promise, over-deliver, and stay consistent.

When authenticity meets influence

True influence is quiet at first. It builds in boardrooms, classrooms, and DMs — one honest conversation at a time. It’s not about shouting to be seen; it’s about being steady enough to be remembered.

The MC who jokes when the microphone fails, the startup founder who admits a pivot, the politician who says, “We got it wrong this time” — these are the voices people rally around.

Because when the world feels full of noise, authenticity sounds like music.

In business and leadership, polish attracts — but truth keeps. And as every seasoned communicator eventually learns, the most magnetic thing you can be is yourself — just the best-edited version.

So, by all means, keep your brand clean. Just don’t bleach out your humanity.

Because followers might double-tap your optics —
…but they’ll stand by your authenticity.

Key Takeaways

  • Authenticity builds long-term trust, aesthetics only create short-term attention.
  • African audiences have a strong “authenticity radar” — they value effort over ego.
  • Consistency, clarity, and humility are stronger credibility builders than perfection.
  • Influence grows quietly — through honesty, not hype.

>>> Need training? Email [email protected]

Africa-China 2.0 with Paul FRIMPONG: Selective reciprocity: How Ghana can turn China’s Zero-Tariff policy into a win-win strategy

0

A New Chapter in Africa–China Trade Relations

In June 2025, China unveiled a landmark decision to grant zero-tariff access to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

Announced at a high-level meeting in Changsha, the policy extends duty-free treatment to 98 percent of taxable products, symbolizing Beijing’s deepening commitment to South–South cooperation through trade rather than aid. For Ghana, this marks both a historic opportunity and a strategic policy test.

The initiative promises to unlock vast new prospects for Ghanaian exports — from processed cocoa, cashew, and shea butter to horticultural and light-manufactured products — at a time when the country is actively pursuing an export-led, productivity-driven agenda under its 24-Hour Economy initiative. Yet beneath the optimism lies a complex economic puzzle.

Ghana is not classified as a Least Developed Country (LDC), meaning that under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, China’s offer could eventually require reciprocity — tariff concessions by Ghana in return.

This article argues that Ghana must pursue “smart reciprocity” — a data-driven, selective approach that satisfies WTO obligations while protecting domestic producers. Handled strategically, China’s zero-tariff initiative could evolve from a generous gesture into a mutually beneficial framework that advances Ghana’s industrialization and strengthens its 24-Hour Economy vision.

Ghana’s Trade Profile and Economic Context

Ghana’s trade relationship with China has expanded remarkably over the past two decades. China is now Ghana’s largest trading partner, accounting for roughly 17–20 percent of total imports and serving as a major destination for Ghanaian exports, albeit at a much smaller scale.

The structure of trade, however, remains highly asymmetric. Ghana primarily exports raw commodities—gold, crude oil, cocoa beans, and timber—while importing a wide range of manufactured goods, including machinery, textiles, electronics, steel, and construction materials.

This imbalance reflects a deeper structural challenge: Ghana’s economy is still largely dependent on primary commodity exports, which are vulnerable to price shocks and offer limited value addition. The government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative seeks to address this by fostering continuous industrial productivity, encouraging export diversification, and positioning Ghana as a regional manufacturing and logistics hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Within this context, China’s zero-tariff policy could serve as a timely catalyst—providing Ghana with a powerful incentive to restructure its export base, deepen industrial linkages, and transition from a raw-material exporter to a producer of value-added goods for the Chinese market.

Opportunities – The Promise of China’s Zero-Tariff Policy

China’s zero-tariff policy presents Ghana with a significant opportunity to restructure its export profile and strengthen its integration into global value chains. The removal of tariffs on almost all product lines opens vast potential for non-traditional exports, including processed cocoa, shea butter, cashew, fruits, textiles, and handicrafts.

These sectors already possess comparative advantages but have struggled with limited access to competitive markets. Duty-free entry into the Chinese market could ignite new demand, stimulate rural livelihoods, and drive job creation across multiple value chains.

Beyond goods, the initiative also has implications for foreign direct investment (FDI). Ghana could leverage the policy to attract Chinese manufacturers seeking to relocate or expand production within Africa, using Ghana as a base to serve both the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Chinese market. Such industrial linkages would support local production, technology transfer, and skills upgrading—key pillars of sustainable growth.

Most importantly, the zero-tariff framework aligns with the objectives of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, which aims to boost productivity through continuous industrial activity. By expanding export capacity and fostering new industrial clusters, Ghana can transform market access into real economic empowerment rather than symbolic trade gains.

Challenges – WTO Rules, Reciprocity, and Risks

While China’s zero-tariff policy carries enormous promise, it also presents complex challenges for Ghana. Chief among them is the issue of WTO compliance. Because Ghana is not classified as a Least Developed Country (LDC), unconditional preferential access to the Chinese market could be seen as inconsistent with the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle under the World Trade Organization’s rules. This means that, sooner or later, Beijing may expect reciprocity—requiring Ghana to extend tariff concessions on certain Chinese goods in return.

However, reciprocity without strategic design risks deepening Ghana’s trade imbalance. The country already imports far more from China than it exports, and broad tariff concessions could flood the local market with Chinese goods. This would undermine domestic manufacturing challenge the competitiveness of emerging sectors central to Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy.

Moreover, Ghana’s institutional capacity to monitor and enforce trade rules—such as rules of origin and anti-dumping mechanisms—remains limited. Without careful calibration, the zero-tariff arrangement could inadvertently widen structural vulnerabilities rather than narrow them.

The Path Forward – Designing Smart Reciprocity

To turn opportunity into tangible progress, Ghana must adopt a strategic and data-driven approach to reciprocity—one that protects its domestic economy while aligning with WTO obligations. A blanket tariff concession to China would expose local industries to unfair competition. Instead, Ghana should pursue Selective Reciprocity, a pragmatic framework that balances openness with protection.

Under this approach, policymakers would begin by analyzing Ghana’s import basket from China using detailed trade data. The goal would be to identify product categories that Ghana imports in very low volumes or does not produce domestically—for instance, specialized machinery or intermediate industrial components.

Ghana could then offer tariff exemptions only on these items, satisfying WTO reciprocity requirements while avoiding harm to sensitive local industries such as textiles, ceramics, and food processing.

Reciprocity should also go beyond tariffs. Ghana can negotiate industrial and technological reciprocity—securing Chinese investments in manufacturing, renewable energy, and agro-processing. This would promote technology transfer, skills development, and job creation, ensuring that trade fosters long-term capacity-building rather than dependency.

Finally, aligning this strategy with the 24-Hour Economy initiative can reinforce Ghana’s ambition to become a continuous-production hub. By coupling selective trade liberalization with industrial collaboration, Ghana can transform China’s zero-tariff policy from a goodwill gesture into a lever for industrial transformation and export diversification.

Policy Recommendations

To maximize the benefits of China’s zero-tariff policy, Ghana should consider the following actions:

  • Adopt Data-Driven Reciprocity: Base tariff decisions on empirical trade data to identify low-risk product lines.
  • Negotiate Industrial Partnerships: Tie tariff concessions to Chinese commitments in local manufacturing, skills transfer, and green investment.
  • Safeguard Sensitive Sectors: Maintain protective measures for industries critical to job creation and value addition.
  • Enhance Export Capacity: Expand export financing, logistics, and certification support for Ghanaian firms targeting the Chinese market.
  • Strengthen Institutional Coordination: Align efforts across GEPA, MOTI, GRA, etc to ensure coherent trade policy implementation.

Conclusion – Making Trade Work for Transformation

China’s zero-tariff initiative is more than a diplomatic gesture—it is a strategic opening that could redefine Ghana’s trade and industrial future. Yet, the ultimate outcome depends on how Ghana manages reciprocity. A well-calibrated, data-driven approach can transform potential risks into opportunities for structural transformation. Ghana must act not as a passive recipient of goodwill but as an active partner shaping the terms of engagement. With strategic reciprocity, the country can turn this policy into a cornerstone of its 24-Hour Economy, advancing inclusive growth, industrial resilience, and sustainable prosperity.

Paul is the Founder & Executive Director, Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory

E: [email protected]

Standard Chartered fosters career excellence for PWDs through RISE/E mentorship

0

Standard Chartered continues to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) through its flagship Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship (RISE/E) programme.

Delivered in partnership with Sightsavers Ghana, the initiative equips young entrepreneurs and job seekers, particularly women and PWDs, with employability skills.

At a session held at the Bank’s headquarters last week, participants received practical training on interview preparation, including dos and don’ts for succeeding in today’s competitive job market.

Breakout sessions followed, allowing participants to engage directly with mentors on their career aspirations and pathways to employment. The programme underscores the Bank’s belief that sustainable inclusion goes beyond technical skills to nurture confidence, resilience, and professional excellence.

This effort builds on Standard Chartered’s broader track record of initiatives aimed at enhancing employability and career readiness for PWDs. Last year, the Bank hosted a two-day Career Fair in partnership with leading organisations, providing more than 60 PWD candidates and 20 entrepreneurs with skills in CV writing, personal branding, interview techniques, and entrepreneurship, while also connecting them with employers committed to inclusive work environments.

The Bank also championed Career Connect workshops through the Ghana Business and Disability Network (GBDN), which it chairs, offering tailored career guidance and placement opportunities. In addition, PWD entrepreneurs have been supported through entrepreneurship fairs that create opportunities to showcase and sell their products.

Standard Chartered’s leadership in disability inclusion has also been recognised on the global stage, with the Bank representing Ghana at the International Labour Organisation’s Global Business and Disability Network Conference in Geneva in 2024, following its election as the inaugural Chair of the Ghana BDN.

The Standard Chartered Foundation has further committed to investing $650,000 in cedi equivalent over three years to scale the growth and impact of this important initiative.

By equipping PWDs with the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive, the Bank is not only advancing workplace inclusion but also shaping a workforce that reflects the diversity and resilience.

Absa ReadytoWork supports informed career decisions for young professionals

0

Today’s world of work is evolving. Young people are increasingly redefining what a career looks like, choosing between the security of traditional 9-to-5 roles and the freedom of side hustles that promote creativity, flexibility, and independence.

Recognising this dynamic shift, Absa Bank Ghana, through its flagship ReadytoWork programme, hosted a thought-provoking webinar themed “Side Hustle or 9-to-5”, aimed at helping young professionals make informed career choices.

The interactive session, moderated by Mr Cyril Nai, Head of Internal Communications and Sponsorships at Absa Bank, featured two inspiring speakers: Mr Julian Boakye, Learning and Development Partner at Absa Bank, and Mr Joel Anaman, Career Coach and Founder of Mande AI. The speakers unpacked the mindset, skills, and strategies young people need to succeed, whether in formal employment or entrepreneurial ventures.

Opening the discussion, Mr Boakye emphasised that success in any career path, whether corporate or entrepreneurial, rests on mastering what he called “power skills”—the soft skills that drive professional excellence.

“The top skill young people need today is the ability to connect with strangers professionally,” he noted. “Whether you are convincing an employer to hire you or a customer to buy your product, that ability to connect opens doors,” said Mr Boakye.

He further explained that communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence remain timeless essentials. However, technical competencies such as data analytics, coding, and generative AI fluency are becoming equally critical for employability. “Balancing these human and technical capabilities keeps professionals relevant and adaptable,” he asserted.

Adding his perspective, Mr Joel Anaman referenced the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, which identifies resilience, adaptability, and curiosity as top skills for the next decade.

“Curiosity is key,” said Mr Anaman. “When you feel uncertain, the ability to seek information and learn quickly from others, or via digital tools, gives you the clarity to act. That separates those who grow from those who get stuck.”

Drawing from his personal journey across pharmacy, technology, and entrepreneurship, Mr Anaman encouraged participants to embrace change with confidence. “The future is never guaranteed,” he said. “Your best insurance is personal excellence; being exceptionally good at what you do and building meaningful networks.”

Both speakers urged the youth to be intentional about aligning their education with long-term aspirations and to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.

The session concluded with an invitation for young participants to join the upcoming Absa–Mastercard Foundation Youth Entrepreneurship Forum on 14 November 2025, which will explore pathways for innovation, collaboration, and access to funding.

According to Priscilla Yeboah, Head of Citizenship at Absa Bank Ghana LTD, “Absa is empowering Africa’s youth through its ReadytoWork programme. Driven by our ‘Financial Inclusion Through Entrepreneurship’ strategy, we aim to create opportunities that enable individuals and communities to thrive.”

ReadytoWork is an educational and skills development programme designed to equip young people with the knowledge and capabilities needed to transition seamlessly from education into the world of work. It offers a range of online learning modules covering essential areas such as work skills, people skills, money skills, entrepreneurship, and creative thinking.

Beyond the fundamentals, ReadytoWork also provides advanced training in emerging and high-demand fields, including digital literacy, blockchain technologies, the gig economy, project management, and computational thinking.

Through initiatives like ReadytoWork, Absa continues to reaffirm its commitment to empowering Africa’s tomorrow together, one story at a time.

Standard Chartered fosters career excellence for PWDs through RISE/E mentorship and training

0

Standard Chartered continues to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) through its flagship Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship (RISE/E) programme. Delivered in partnership with Sightsavers Ghana, the initiative equips young entrepreneurs and job seekers, particularly women and PWDs, with employability skills.

At a session held at the Bank’s headquarters last week, participants received practical training on interview preparation, including dos and don’ts for succeeding in today’s competitive job market. Breakout sessions followed, allowing participants to engage directly with mentors on their career aspirations and pathways to employment. The programme underscores the Bank’s belief that sustainable inclusion goes beyond technical skills to nurture confidence, resilience, and professional excellence.

This effort builds on Standard Chartered’s broader track record of initiatives aimed at enhancing employability and career readiness for PWDs. Last year, the Bank hosted a two-day Career Fair in partnership with leading organisations, providing more than 60 PWD candidates and 20 entrepreneurs with skills in CV writing, personal branding, interview techniques, and entrepreneurship, while also connecting them with employers committed to inclusive work environments.

The Bank also championed Career Connect workshops through the Ghana Business and Disability Network (GBDN), which it chairs, offering tailored career guidance and placement opportunities. In addition, PWD entrepreneurs have been supported through entrepreneurship fairs that create opportunities to showcase and sell their products.

Standard Chartered’s leadership in disability inclusion has also been recognised on the global stage, with the Bank representing Ghana at the International Labour Organisation’s Global Business and Disability Network Conference in Geneva in 2024, following its election as the inaugural Chair of the Ghana BDN.

The Standard Chartered Foundation has further committed to investing $650,000 in cedi equivalent over three years to scale the growth and impact of this important initiative.

By equipping PWDs with the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive, the Bank is not only advancing workplace inclusion but also shaping a workforce that reflects the diversity and resilience.

IndiaFest 2025 celebrates deepening Ghana-India bonds 

0

By Kingsley Webora TANKEH

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has outlined an ambitious vision for cross-cultural collaboration – suggesting the creation of a uniquely Ghanaian form of yoga.

Speaking at IndiaFest, organised by the Indian High Commission in Accra, the minister recounted trying yoga herself at the Indian High Commissioner’s invitation and confirmed her ministry will “be pushing the frontiers of yoga” by advocating for its adoption into Ghanaian traditional dances.

“It is possible for us to integrate yoga movements with some of our traditional movements,” Mrs .Gomashie declared. “That way, we are bridging the gap even more. It is possible for us to have yoga movements that are authentically Ghanaian but give the same results for our people.”

The proposal was met with applause from a captivated audience that filled Accra stadium. This symbolises deepening ties between the two nations, moving beyond diplomacy into the realms of culture, wellness and daily life.

The event, now in its second year, is not just a festival with rhythmic beats of Bollywood music and the vibrant hues of traditional saris but serve also a powerful testament to a decades-old friendship and active Indian community in Ghana.

Both speakers alluded to the renewed momentum in Ghana-India relations, fuelled by the historic visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July which elevated relations between the two Non-Aligned nations to comprehensive partnership. status

Mrs. Gomashie, who was present at that visit, reminded the audience of the partnership’s deep historical roots. “India was part of leading countries to create a representative office in the Gold Coast in 1953,” she stated, highlighting the personal bond between Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement.

“Just recently, I sat right there listening to Prime Minister Modi as a Member of Parliament,” she recalled, noting one of the four memoranda of understanding signed was a cultural exchange programme.

“Such exchanges will undoubtedly strengthen our friendship and create opportunities for cooperation,” she noted.

The Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Manish Gupta, echoed similar sentiments, calling the festival a “celebration of the values we together cherish” and a “spotlight on the vibrant India-Ghana bilateral ties”. He noted that the festival “gives a glimpse of a mini India”.

However, he thanked the minister, noting her background as an artist and actor being crucial for deepening cultural relations between the two countries. “A person like you gives such great importance in promoting the cultural values, building cultural bridges,” Mr. Gupta said.

She noted that the impact of Indian culture on Ghana is already palpable and growing. Mrs. Gomashie pointed to the widespread popularity of Bollywood films and historical dramas, which have influenced Ghanaian fashion, textiles and culinary traditions.

She praised the Indian community for creating employment and skills-training opportunities for Ghanaian youth and thanked the Indian government for annually sponsoring Ghanaian creatives for training programmes in India.

As the festival coincided with the Indian Festival of Lights, Diwali, Mr. Gupta extended warm greetings to the audience, hoping the lights will “illuminate our lives”.

The occurrence of fires: Causes and suggested solutions

0

By Ing. Gideon Etornam AMENUVEVE

The occurrence of fire at homes and markets are not new in Ghana and elsewhere, but the frequency and the impart raises a serious concern.

The causes of these fires are not far-fetched. It is a common knowledge to any safety student or professional, that fire can be prevented from separating the components in the fire triangle namely a combustible material, source of heat and oxygen in sufficient quantities.

Let’s interrogate some of the causes of these fires:

  1. Setting fire at inappropriate places with presence of combustible materials
    2.      Illegal electrical connections
    3.      The use of inferior cables and extension cords and overloading of the extension cords
    4.      Use of deteriorated gas cylinders and worn out hoses or leads
    5.      Not switching off gargets not in used when no one is present
    6.      The use of candles and coils not placed in the right receptacles
    7.      Smoking at inappropriate places and improper disposal of cigarette butts

    Fire precaution (premises) regulation, 2003, L.I 1724, stipulates or requires, factories and public premises to have fire detection and firefighting equipment’s.

The amended regulation L.I 2249 further requires all private homes to have the fire detection and firefighting equipment’s i.e. Smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers and may be to add fire blankets. Whilst, the factories and offices and public places have these equipment, most homes as of now do not have these fire detections and fighting gargets.

The above deficiencies were to be cured by the introduction of the Dwumdza Project, which was being introduced by the fire service or I think the ministry of interior during the previous government of president Mahama of which I was one of the participants in the interview conducted by Acreaty for the position of the MD, but, the project was halted or stalled due to the change in government.

Although, I do not think, the state should go ahead to supply all private homes as it was in the case of the Dwumdza Project, I think with education and sensitization, all homes must be entreated to have these equipment’s, since, fires are best fought at the incipient stage and these gargets would go a long way to detect and prevent fires, even when they start can be controlled and quenched at the incipient stage.

Fire Service’s respond to fires is most often slow due to their proximity and lack of accessible roads to the fire scenes. But what I suggest is the creation of much awareness and education, starting from the primary schools to the tertiary levels, since ignorance, it is said kills faster than any known disease.

National service personnel can be provided with basic fire training and deployed in various markets as part of their service and could be absorbed in the Ghana National Fire Service as and when vacancies come up in the service.

The writer is a Chartered safety professional (CMIOSH), Lead Risk Manager and Professional Engineer (PE-GhIE). [email protected]

How Trump could win over the developing world

0
Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2025. www.project-syndicate.org

By Vera SONGWE

US President Donald Trump’s administration has just offered a gift to finance ministers from developing countries. By proposing a $20 billion currency swap line for Argentina, it has implicitly aligned itself with those arguing for a new issuance of special drawing rights (SDRs), the International Monetary Fund’s reserve asset.

Of course, many ministers, busy discussing their tight fiscal frameworks with the IMF, may have missed this. Fortunately, the gift is still on the table. The IMF and developing countries should endorse the US Treasury’s offer to Argentina but also ask for a global issuance of new SDRs.

By taking up this idea, the United States could achieve a major strategic victory, even though Trump’s reasons for offering help to Argentina are primarily to support an important country for the US and strengthen ties with an ally, President Javier Milei.

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, and four years since the last such issuance, developing countries have drawn down most of their SDRs. By January 2023, more than 23 low-income and 21 middle-income countries had used their entire 2021 allocation. In Africa, 19 countries were so desperate for liquidity that they drew down more than 100% of their allocations.

The benefits of SDR allocations cannot be overstated. Though small and uneven, the 2021 issuance helped countries procure COVID-19 vaccines, provide relief to businesses, launch safety-net programs to sustain lives and livelihoods, and mobilize investments in new vaccine manufacturing capacity. In many cases, these measures helped avert deeper social crises and unrest.

But while the 2021 allocation helped countries steady the bridge, it was not large enough to help them cross it. Of the $650 billion – the largest allocation in the IMF’s history – Africa received about $33 billion, and Argentina $3.1 billion.

In neither case was the sum large enough. Argentina was able to meet its debt obligations to the IMF, using 100% of its SDR allocations to pay the IMF, but it still faced massive debt-service payments.

Now, the US Treasury is proposing a swap nearly six times larger than the 2021 allocation. Support on such a scale would provide meaningful relief, and if combined with a robust package of policy reforms, it could help Argentina break its long-running cycle of unsuccessful IMF bailout programs.

A similarly proportionate allocation to Africa – over $200 billion – could allow many countries to start tackling inflation, improve infrastructure, and keep up in the AI race. Moreover, some would be able to invest in ascending the value chain in the critical-minerals sector, which would redound to America’s benefit.

And all African countries could come together to support regional institutions, strengthening their balance sheets and allowing for greater leverage in investments (consistent with the Hybrid Capital proposal from the African Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank).

In any case, Africa, Argentina, and many developing economies around the world need additional resources to manage the liquidity crunch stemming from increased fiscal stress, mounting global imbalances, the high costs of capital, and the massive subsidies offered by the developed world to attract and keep capital.

A new SDR issuance under a US-led G20 would showcase American leadership on an issue that has frustrated others who have tried to address it. Moreover, with G7 members increasingly struggling to manage their own fiscal stress, it would alleviate the need for them to make transfers to developing countries. In the US, Japan, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, interest payments alone now represent 3% of GDP (see Table 1 below).

According to the IMF, Japan’s debt-service cost at current rates is expected to exceed $180 billion in 2025 – more than ten times its development aid budget.

One of the many advantages of SDRs is that they are non-debt-creating reserve assets until monetized; and even then, the cost of conversion is still lower than borrowing at concessional rates. This makes SDRs a commonsense way to provide low-cost capital to all lower-middle-income and middle-income countries.

Rather than provide a swap line – where US taxpayers are essentially sending money to Argentina – the US could provide broad-based support to many countries under one framework.

It could still withhold allocations from the handful of countries that it may not want to support, and it would avoid the risk of lending to a party that may default (as in Argentina’s case). In fact, by shoring up other economies, the US would still be supporting Argentina, given Argentina’s reliance on exports.

The US still holds a unique leadership role in the world. It could use its power not only to roll out a global safety net at a time when one is urgently needed, but also to ensure that the next allocation is large enough to give countries the liquidity they need to invest in growth and jobs, reduce migration, and escape from debt distress.

The Trump administration’s proposed Argentina swap line could be a step in the right direction. But there is a better way. The US could spare taxpayers from lending money to other countries, while still providing those countries with support. Doing so would deliver a major strategic and economic victory, giving the US a big win at the very start of its G20 presidency.

Vera Songwe, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, is Founder and Chair of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility and Co-Chair of the Expert Review on Debt, Nature, and Climate.

1...345...4,875Page 4 of 4,875

Recent Posts

Most Popular

How I Chose My Mentor: The Man I Call Sensei.

I have found a mentor. Not a cheerleader, not a consultant, not a coach: a mentor. Someone whose presence, though infrequent in conversation, remains...

How Interdependence Redefines Influence in Today’s World

Power is changing its form. The traditional image of a nation standing tall behind its borders, projecting strength through armies and diplomacy, now faces...

Togo,  AfCFTA Secretariat reschedule Biashara Afrika to March next year

Togo and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have announced the rescheduling of the third edition of the Biashara Afrika Forum, the...

Rock City Hotel, Sanlam Allianz host breast cancer awareness, screening exercise

Rock City Hotel, in partnership with Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Ghana LTD, has successfully held its Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Event, reaffirming their...

ADB holds Branch Managers Strategy Session

The Agricultural Development Bank PLC (ADB) has held a two-day strategic session for its branch managers, aimed at driving service excellence and setting the...
© The Business & Financial Times. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.