By Samuel Boadi
AMAZONKINDLE, an electronic book capable of holding as many as 1,500 books was on Friday introduced to Class 6 students of OrphanAid Africa Community Centre School at Ahienyah, near Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region.
Worldreader.org, the non-governmental organisation from the United States of America, whose brainchild is the programme, told DAILY GUIDE that it chose the village for the trial in order to acquaint itself with problems that might arise from the use of the books particularly among pupils in order to effect an appropriate updating.
“Ghana is the first country in the world to benefit from such a technology. It uses very little electricity. The battery could last for 2 weeks after charging it for an hour,” project co-founders - Mike Sundermeyer and David Risher have said.
After some short tutorials by the project co-founders, the children were seen easily operating the device with little supervision, accessing and reading several downloaded books. The kindle also has a dictionary and audio reader in addition to a selection of optional text sizes.
Worldreader.org is a foundation which aims at providing library books to children in the remotest parts of the globe.
“Education and literacy are key drivers to economic stability and growth. We need to embrace and develop these tools to ginger wider reading at little or no cost”. Mr Sundermeyer said the NGO will contact telecommunications companies in Ghana and for that matter the whole of Africa, to collaborate with Worldreader.org so as for their customers to access e-books via their mobile phones.
Already, the project co-founders have been in consultation with the Ministry of Education as well as the telecommunications networks to see how best the project could be channeled effectively to all schools in the country.
“This is just the beginning. We will in the near future download books on all the professional courses as well as academic materials onto it. With the kindle, a student at whatever level of education could access a horde of books, read extensively and research well.”
“E-readers can dramatically improve people’s access to books, and we’re proud of our ability to work swiftly to bring this new technology to the Ghanaian people”, Mr Risher indicated to this paper.
Selling at $250 in the US and other parts of Europe, the kindle would be highly subsidised and in most cases supplied freely to schools in Africa.
“Imagine carrying a lot of books in one single device. This is the beauty of the kindle. More important is its ability to design and download all syllabi and courses of study in Ghanaian schools at all levels. Again, it doesn’t need any bulky paper, ink and hard covers. This is paper-free and wholly digitalised.”
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Aluworks Floats 75m Ordinary Shares
By Samuel Boadi
ALUWORKS is offering 75,000,000 ordinary shares of no par value at GH¢0.40 per share to current and prospective shareholders to raise GH¢30,000 to recapitalize its operations.
The offer is in the ratio of 9 new shares for every 5 existing shares, representing a 9 percent discount off the current market price of GH¢0. 44 per share as at Friday, March 12, 2010.
A.W.B. Barnor, Managing Director of the company, disclosed this on Monday in Accra at a meeting with the press.
According to him, the offer would initially be opened to shareholders.
“In the first instance, current shareholders are allowed 9 shares for every 5 that they already own. They may apply for more than their normal allotment if they so wish. Any shareholder who decides not to partake in the offer must fill an appropriate form to declare so, and must understand that such shares would be allocated to other interested parties,” he added.
Open to both resident and non-resident Ghanaians as well as foreigners, the offer, which began yesterday, ends at 5 pm on Friday, April 16, 2010 while trading in the rights, which also started yesterday, ends on April 9, 2010.
“The GSE has approved the listing of the 75,000,000 new shares to be issued on the first official list and as such trading in these shares would commence on May 12, 2010. Shareholders who wish to exercise their rights and renounces should contact NTHC Securities Limited, Adabraka, the manager and sponsoring broker of the ALW Rights Issue for assistance and direction,” he emphasized.
Explaining further, Mr Barnor said the performance of Aluworks on the GSE shows a creditable price trend since the listing of the company.
“From a listing price of GH¢0.1350 per share in November 1996, the equity grew gradually to hit an all-time high of GH¢1.25 on April 14, 2004.
“As at Friday, March 12, 2010, Aluworks traded at GH¢0.44, signifying a total growth of more than 225 percent over its listing price.
“In addition, the equity has been one of the most actively traded stocks on the exchange over the years,” Mr Barnor reiterated.
The MD added that the dividend history of Aluworks suggest that until 2007, the company had one of the best dividend payment records in the country, explaining that “it paid dividends each year until 2007. The average dividend pay-out was 68 percent.”
W.E. Inkumsah, Board Chairman of Aluworks, in a speech, said the company, which was set up in the late 1970s, started with one 15,000 tonne caster and a 30,000 tone cold mill, noting that “slowly it has increased to three casters of 15,000 tonnes each.”
He stated that there has not been an increase in cold mill capacity since that time, but the 30,000 tonne cold mill has served the company very well over the years because of the very high level of regular maintenance.
“The current cold mill capacity simply needs to be increased to meet the increasing demand that the company expects over the next few years.
“Half of the proceeds of the rights issue will be used to procure a brand new cold mill. The current cold mill will also undergo refurbishment. When that is finished and commissioned, we boast of a 50,000 tonne capacity that will be sufficient to meet the needs of West Africa and beyond.”
In 2006, when the country experienced deep energy crisis, which led to an increased disruption of supply from our traditional local supplier of ingots, the company had to import ingots with an attendant 33 percent increase in cost, which reduced the company’s profit margin.
ALUWORKS is offering 75,000,000 ordinary shares of no par value at GH¢0.40 per share to current and prospective shareholders to raise GH¢30,000 to recapitalize its operations.
The offer is in the ratio of 9 new shares for every 5 existing shares, representing a 9 percent discount off the current market price of GH¢0. 44 per share as at Friday, March 12, 2010.
A.W.B. Barnor, Managing Director of the company, disclosed this on Monday in Accra at a meeting with the press.
According to him, the offer would initially be opened to shareholders.
“In the first instance, current shareholders are allowed 9 shares for every 5 that they already own. They may apply for more than their normal allotment if they so wish. Any shareholder who decides not to partake in the offer must fill an appropriate form to declare so, and must understand that such shares would be allocated to other interested parties,” he added.
Open to both resident and non-resident Ghanaians as well as foreigners, the offer, which began yesterday, ends at 5 pm on Friday, April 16, 2010 while trading in the rights, which also started yesterday, ends on April 9, 2010.
“The GSE has approved the listing of the 75,000,000 new shares to be issued on the first official list and as such trading in these shares would commence on May 12, 2010. Shareholders who wish to exercise their rights and renounces should contact NTHC Securities Limited, Adabraka, the manager and sponsoring broker of the ALW Rights Issue for assistance and direction,” he emphasized.
Explaining further, Mr Barnor said the performance of Aluworks on the GSE shows a creditable price trend since the listing of the company.
“From a listing price of GH¢0.1350 per share in November 1996, the equity grew gradually to hit an all-time high of GH¢1.25 on April 14, 2004.
“As at Friday, March 12, 2010, Aluworks traded at GH¢0.44, signifying a total growth of more than 225 percent over its listing price.
“In addition, the equity has been one of the most actively traded stocks on the exchange over the years,” Mr Barnor reiterated.
The MD added that the dividend history of Aluworks suggest that until 2007, the company had one of the best dividend payment records in the country, explaining that “it paid dividends each year until 2007. The average dividend pay-out was 68 percent.”
W.E. Inkumsah, Board Chairman of Aluworks, in a speech, said the company, which was set up in the late 1970s, started with one 15,000 tonne caster and a 30,000 tone cold mill, noting that “slowly it has increased to three casters of 15,000 tonnes each.”
He stated that there has not been an increase in cold mill capacity since that time, but the 30,000 tonne cold mill has served the company very well over the years because of the very high level of regular maintenance.
“The current cold mill capacity simply needs to be increased to meet the increasing demand that the company expects over the next few years.
“Half of the proceeds of the rights issue will be used to procure a brand new cold mill. The current cold mill will also undergo refurbishment. When that is finished and commissioned, we boast of a 50,000 tonne capacity that will be sufficient to meet the needs of West Africa and beyond.”
In 2006, when the country experienced deep energy crisis, which led to an increased disruption of supply from our traditional local supplier of ingots, the company had to import ingots with an attendant 33 percent increase in cost, which reduced the company’s profit margin.
Afriqiyah Awards Travel Agents
By Samuel Boadi
AFRIQIYAH AIRLINES, a Libyan carrier, on Monday honoured working travel agents who have supported its operations in Ghana with mouth-watering awards.
Ibrahim Hafida, Afriqiyah’s country manager for Ghana, who presented the awards on behalf of his outfit to representatives of the agencies, at the short but splendid ceremony, heaped praises on Seasons Travels, Kessben Travels, Kumasi Travels, Euro Tours, Satguru, Doscar Travels and also Nasa Travels for their immeasurable contribution to Afriqiyah’s success in 2009.
Other awardees included Escaville Travels and Logic Tours.
Mr Hafida appealed to the agencies to continue their good relationship with Afriqiyah adding the airline had more appreciation packages in the pipeline for them.
He also urged them to woo more customers aboard the airline this year so they could enjoy the exceptional fares, unrivalled services and cozy atmosphere.
AFRIQIYAH AIRLINES, a Libyan carrier, on Monday honoured working travel agents who have supported its operations in Ghana with mouth-watering awards.
Ibrahim Hafida, Afriqiyah’s country manager for Ghana, who presented the awards on behalf of his outfit to representatives of the agencies, at the short but splendid ceremony, heaped praises on Seasons Travels, Kessben Travels, Kumasi Travels, Euro Tours, Satguru, Doscar Travels and also Nasa Travels for their immeasurable contribution to Afriqiyah’s success in 2009.
Other awardees included Escaville Travels and Logic Tours.
Mr Hafida appealed to the agencies to continue their good relationship with Afriqiyah adding the airline had more appreciation packages in the pipeline for them.
He also urged them to woo more customers aboard the airline this year so they could enjoy the exceptional fares, unrivalled services and cozy atmosphere.
Victory Bible Church Chalks 25 • Sets Up Mutual Fund, Others
By Samuel Boadi
THE LAUNCH of Victory Bible Church International’s 25th anniversary made history at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra at the weekend when its founder and Presiding Bishop, Rev. Nii Apiakai Tackie-Yarboi, dedicated the ceremony to the birthing of a mutual fund that will take care of members’ financial needs.
“The church has started a mutual fund called Victory Gold Club. This club is to make available financial resources to church members to run their businesses and meet other needs,” Rev Tackie-Yarboi emphasised.
According to him, the church which has in the last 25 years planted over 75 local and twenty-five foreign churches in addition to establishing a scholarship scheme to take care of its members’ educational needs, is bent on setting up a university college that will train cutting edge leaders who will contribute to the growth and development of Ghana and the rest of the world.
Additionally, Rev Tackie-Yarboi comments: “The church also, has a scheme that is taking care of widows and orphans. The victory care, which operates from the UK donated to the Tsunami and recently Haiti victims and have programmes for prison inmates in various correctional centres in the boroughs we find our churches.”
The church founder continued that the church will continue to share the good news and spread to other continents of the world.
“We will want the church to be more visible and relevant particularly in identifying projects that we can undertake to help make greater impact on the lives of people.”
On June 2, 1985, the church began as a small group known as Jesus People Outreach Centre at Kokomlemle with 62 people, 4 founding pastors and seven founding deacons. The pastors included the founder, Clement Amankwa Asihene, Elijah Patrick Saforo and Emmanuel Ackun.
Rev John Adotey, president of the Apostolic Church of Ghana and chairman of the Ghana Pentecostal Council (GPC), in a goodwill message, expressed gratitude to God for raising people for His Kingdom through Victory Bible Church International and its able leaders.
Advising church leaders to demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities and shun retreating into the trenches of evil, Rev Adotey also urged Christians to apply the teachings of the Bible in their encounter with people in their communities, workplaces and also in the nuclear family setting.
He appealed to them to allow Christ to be known through good acts instead of immoral ones.
Other ministers of the gospel who graced the occasion were Rev Charles Agyin-Asare of the Word Miracle Church International and Rev Joyce Aryee of Salt and Light Ministries.
THE LAUNCH of Victory Bible Church International’s 25th anniversary made history at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra at the weekend when its founder and Presiding Bishop, Rev. Nii Apiakai Tackie-Yarboi, dedicated the ceremony to the birthing of a mutual fund that will take care of members’ financial needs.
“The church has started a mutual fund called Victory Gold Club. This club is to make available financial resources to church members to run their businesses and meet other needs,” Rev Tackie-Yarboi emphasised.
According to him, the church which has in the last 25 years planted over 75 local and twenty-five foreign churches in addition to establishing a scholarship scheme to take care of its members’ educational needs, is bent on setting up a university college that will train cutting edge leaders who will contribute to the growth and development of Ghana and the rest of the world.
Additionally, Rev Tackie-Yarboi comments: “The church also, has a scheme that is taking care of widows and orphans. The victory care, which operates from the UK donated to the Tsunami and recently Haiti victims and have programmes for prison inmates in various correctional centres in the boroughs we find our churches.”
The church founder continued that the church will continue to share the good news and spread to other continents of the world.
“We will want the church to be more visible and relevant particularly in identifying projects that we can undertake to help make greater impact on the lives of people.”
On June 2, 1985, the church began as a small group known as Jesus People Outreach Centre at Kokomlemle with 62 people, 4 founding pastors and seven founding deacons. The pastors included the founder, Clement Amankwa Asihene, Elijah Patrick Saforo and Emmanuel Ackun.
Rev John Adotey, president of the Apostolic Church of Ghana and chairman of the Ghana Pentecostal Council (GPC), in a goodwill message, expressed gratitude to God for raising people for His Kingdom through Victory Bible Church International and its able leaders.
Advising church leaders to demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities and shun retreating into the trenches of evil, Rev Adotey also urged Christians to apply the teachings of the Bible in their encounter with people in their communities, workplaces and also in the nuclear family setting.
He appealed to them to allow Christ to be known through good acts instead of immoral ones.
Other ministers of the gospel who graced the occasion were Rev Charles Agyin-Asare of the Word Miracle Church International and Rev Joyce Aryee of Salt and Light Ministries.
Viasat 1 Targets # 1 Position
By Samuel Boadi
RUNE SKOGENG, CEO of Viasat 1 Broadcasting Ghana Limited, says the company is working seriously to emerge number one on the broadcast telecommunications landscape in Ghana.
At a short interaction Friday with marketing executives in Accra on the company’s strategies, Mr Skogeng said Viasat 1, which is part of the international broadcasting media group Modern Times Group MTG AB, will employ local content structures to overcome market leaders.
“We are prepared to introduce globally acclaimed programmes that are targeted at the youth aged between 15 and 45. In doing so we would ensure that good morals are not sacrificed among our child viewers particularly.”
Some of Viasat 1’s television shows include America’s Next Top Model, the Bernie MacShow, Baldwin Hills, Emcee Africa, Kassai and Leuk, Transformers, Generations, the Cosby Show, Studio 53, the Orprah Winfrey Show, Bones, Urbo, etc.
The station also shows the European Premier League.
As a leading international broadcasting group with the second largest geographical broadcast footprint in Europe, MTG’s Viasat Broadcasting is the largest free-TV and satellite premium pay-TV operator in Scandinavia and the Baltics.
It additionally operates free-TV channels in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Ghana, pay-TV channels throughout Central & Eastern Europe and in the United States and a satellite premium pay-TV platform in Ukraine.
MTG’s TV assets are broadcast in a total of 30 countries and have 125 million viewers. MTG is also the major shareholder in Russia’s largest independent television broadcaster (CTC Media - Nasdaq: CTCM), and the number one commercial radio operator in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
RUNE SKOGENG, CEO of Viasat 1 Broadcasting Ghana Limited, says the company is working seriously to emerge number one on the broadcast telecommunications landscape in Ghana.
At a short interaction Friday with marketing executives in Accra on the company’s strategies, Mr Skogeng said Viasat 1, which is part of the international broadcasting media group Modern Times Group MTG AB, will employ local content structures to overcome market leaders.
“We are prepared to introduce globally acclaimed programmes that are targeted at the youth aged between 15 and 45. In doing so we would ensure that good morals are not sacrificed among our child viewers particularly.”
Some of Viasat 1’s television shows include America’s Next Top Model, the Bernie MacShow, Baldwin Hills, Emcee Africa, Kassai and Leuk, Transformers, Generations, the Cosby Show, Studio 53, the Orprah Winfrey Show, Bones, Urbo, etc.
The station also shows the European Premier League.
As a leading international broadcasting group with the second largest geographical broadcast footprint in Europe, MTG’s Viasat Broadcasting is the largest free-TV and satellite premium pay-TV operator in Scandinavia and the Baltics.
It additionally operates free-TV channels in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Ghana, pay-TV channels throughout Central & Eastern Europe and in the United States and a satellite premium pay-TV platform in Ukraine.
MTG’s TV assets are broadcast in a total of 30 countries and have 125 million viewers. MTG is also the major shareholder in Russia’s largest independent television broadcaster (CTC Media - Nasdaq: CTCM), and the number one commercial radio operator in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Maritime Trade Records Deficit
By Samuel Boadi
GHANA RECORDED a maritime trade deficit of 1,437,688 metric tons in the third quarter of 2009, a recent Ghana Shippers Authority quarterly journal has revealed.
While maritime export and import trades accounted for 755,264 and 2,192,952 metric tons respectively for the period, the export volume recorded, however, showed an 8.0 percent increase over the 2008 figure which stood at 697,967 metric tons for the same period.
Total transit import for the period July to September 2009 was 88,046 metric tons, while the transit export was 3,638 metric tons.
The journal stated that a greater share of the national maritime trade involving cargo trade was handled by the Tema Port which loaded and discharged over two million metric tons representing over 71 percent of total maritime trade.
The Takoradi Port, on the other hand, handled 869,631 metric tons, representing 29 percent of national maritime trade. It continued that 280,850 metric tons, representing 37 percent of total export trade for the period, constituted liner exports.
Out of the total liner exports, the Tema Port recorded a decrease as it handled 186,496 metric tons in 2009, compared with 233,270 metric tons that passed through it in 2008.
The Takoradi Port accounted for 94,354 metric tons of the total liner exports for 2009, as against the 97,730 metric tons in the third quarter of 2008, showing a slight decrease.
471,421 metric tons of the export trade representing 62 percent of total export trade was registered. The Takoradi Port recorded the largest export tonnage of 467,467 metric tons of dry bulk exports, as against the 3,945 metric tons handled by the Tema Port in the third quarter of 2009.
Liquid bulk exports accounted for only 1 per cent of total export trade in the third quarter of 2009, compared with the 24 percent it recorded in the same period in 2008. And, the liquid bulk exports involved the transportation of crude oil, oil products, and liquid chemicals, such as caustic soda, vegetable oils and wine.
On the maritime import side, a total of 2,192,952 metric tons was recorded representing 74 percent, as against the 3,155,169 metric tons for 2008.
The Tema Port recorded a slight drop in tonnage with 1,885,151 metric tons it handled during the period, as against the 1,990,709 metric tons it recorded in 2008.
Takoradi Port also posted a lower figure of 307,801 metric tons of total imports for the third quarter of 2009, compared with the 1,124,460 metric tons in 2008 - GNA
GHANA RECORDED a maritime trade deficit of 1,437,688 metric tons in the third quarter of 2009, a recent Ghana Shippers Authority quarterly journal has revealed.
While maritime export and import trades accounted for 755,264 and 2,192,952 metric tons respectively for the period, the export volume recorded, however, showed an 8.0 percent increase over the 2008 figure which stood at 697,967 metric tons for the same period.
Total transit import for the period July to September 2009 was 88,046 metric tons, while the transit export was 3,638 metric tons.
The journal stated that a greater share of the national maritime trade involving cargo trade was handled by the Tema Port which loaded and discharged over two million metric tons representing over 71 percent of total maritime trade.
The Takoradi Port, on the other hand, handled 869,631 metric tons, representing 29 percent of national maritime trade. It continued that 280,850 metric tons, representing 37 percent of total export trade for the period, constituted liner exports.
Out of the total liner exports, the Tema Port recorded a decrease as it handled 186,496 metric tons in 2009, compared with 233,270 metric tons that passed through it in 2008.
The Takoradi Port accounted for 94,354 metric tons of the total liner exports for 2009, as against the 97,730 metric tons in the third quarter of 2008, showing a slight decrease.
471,421 metric tons of the export trade representing 62 percent of total export trade was registered. The Takoradi Port recorded the largest export tonnage of 467,467 metric tons of dry bulk exports, as against the 3,945 metric tons handled by the Tema Port in the third quarter of 2009.
Liquid bulk exports accounted for only 1 per cent of total export trade in the third quarter of 2009, compared with the 24 percent it recorded in the same period in 2008. And, the liquid bulk exports involved the transportation of crude oil, oil products, and liquid chemicals, such as caustic soda, vegetable oils and wine.
On the maritime import side, a total of 2,192,952 metric tons was recorded representing 74 percent, as against the 3,155,169 metric tons for 2008.
The Tema Port recorded a slight drop in tonnage with 1,885,151 metric tons it handled during the period, as against the 1,990,709 metric tons it recorded in 2008.
Takoradi Port also posted a lower figure of 307,801 metric tons of total imports for the third quarter of 2009, compared with the 1,124,460 metric tons in 2008 - GNA
Kosmos Withholds Jubilee Sale • Goes Into Drilling
By Samuel Boadi
FOR THE first time Kosmos Energy is venturing into the drilling of oil after so many years of exclusively exploring the commodity, sources close to the company have disclosed to BUSINESS GUIDE.
This has been accentuated by the company’s agreement which ended in January 2010 without a substantive buyer. Kosmos Energy had wanted to sell off its 30 percent stake in the Jubilee Oilfield off West Cape Three Points to ExxonMobil for an amount of $4 million but Government intervened with objections describing the development as illegal.
Government on the other hand, wanted the concession to go to China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC). This led to a misunderstanding between it and Kosmos.
Indications therefore are that Kosmos Energy is streamlining its arrangements with Tullow Oil over its new ambitions in order to engender a smooth drilling operation.
In January, this year, the Financial Times (FT) reported that the Texas-based oil and gas exploration company was being investigated for corruption by US and Ghanaian officials.
According to the report, the authorities were looking into allegations of a relationship involving Kosmos and its local partner EO, that helped the US oil company to secure control of the Jubilee oil field. EO is supposedly a company owned by two political allies of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
The FT continued that the case risked complicating efforts by Kosmos Energy to sell its stake in the Jubilee oil field to another Texas-based US oil company, ExxonMobil, in a deal valued at $4 billion. But Kosmos denied any wrongdoing.
Though FT said Ghana was preparing to file criminal charges against EO, nothing has ever since been heard about it.
A privately-held international oil exploration and production company focused on emerging and frontier basins offshore West Africa, Kosmos is led by a seasoned management and technical team formerly with Triton Energy - Jim Musselman and Brian Maxted.
The team has a proven track record of discovering and developing significant oil and gas reserves offshore West Africa and in other international basins. Warburg Pincus led the company’s initial $300 million equity financing in 2004, and also led a $500 million follow-on equity financing in 2008.
Since formation, Kosmos has experienced significant exploration success with two sizable oil discoveries that include Jubilee Field, the first commercial discovery in Ghana and the second largest discovery worldwide in 2007. Kosmos is currently working with its industry partners to plan for the development of Jubilee Field and also continues to evaluate its large acreage blocks in other countries in West Africa.
FOR THE first time Kosmos Energy is venturing into the drilling of oil after so many years of exclusively exploring the commodity, sources close to the company have disclosed to BUSINESS GUIDE.
This has been accentuated by the company’s agreement which ended in January 2010 without a substantive buyer. Kosmos Energy had wanted to sell off its 30 percent stake in the Jubilee Oilfield off West Cape Three Points to ExxonMobil for an amount of $4 million but Government intervened with objections describing the development as illegal.
Government on the other hand, wanted the concession to go to China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC). This led to a misunderstanding between it and Kosmos.
Indications therefore are that Kosmos Energy is streamlining its arrangements with Tullow Oil over its new ambitions in order to engender a smooth drilling operation.
In January, this year, the Financial Times (FT) reported that the Texas-based oil and gas exploration company was being investigated for corruption by US and Ghanaian officials.
According to the report, the authorities were looking into allegations of a relationship involving Kosmos and its local partner EO, that helped the US oil company to secure control of the Jubilee oil field. EO is supposedly a company owned by two political allies of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
The FT continued that the case risked complicating efforts by Kosmos Energy to sell its stake in the Jubilee oil field to another Texas-based US oil company, ExxonMobil, in a deal valued at $4 billion. But Kosmos denied any wrongdoing.
Though FT said Ghana was preparing to file criminal charges against EO, nothing has ever since been heard about it.
A privately-held international oil exploration and production company focused on emerging and frontier basins offshore West Africa, Kosmos is led by a seasoned management and technical team formerly with Triton Energy - Jim Musselman and Brian Maxted.
The team has a proven track record of discovering and developing significant oil and gas reserves offshore West Africa and in other international basins. Warburg Pincus led the company’s initial $300 million equity financing in 2004, and also led a $500 million follow-on equity financing in 2008.
Since formation, Kosmos has experienced significant exploration success with two sizable oil discoveries that include Jubilee Field, the first commercial discovery in Ghana and the second largest discovery worldwide in 2007. Kosmos is currently working with its industry partners to plan for the development of Jubilee Field and also continues to evaluate its large acreage blocks in other countries in West Africa.
e-Ghana Creates 3,000 Jobs By June
By Samuel Boadi
MORE THAN 6 business outsourcing organisations have expressed their readiness to relocate to Ghana by the end of this month.
This is expected to result in the creation of some 3,000 jobs through business process outsourcing (BPO) in the ICT sector by the middle of this year, officials of Ghana’s IT Enabled Services (ITES) have noted.
Umar Alhassan, Director of ITES, who stated this at a media sensitisation workshop Thursday in Accra, said the companies’ appetite for investing in Ghana was whetted by Ghana’s impressive showing at this year’s Global Outsourcing Summit in Orlando, USA, which was organised by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP).
Mentioning some of the investors as Aegis, APAC, Teletech, Procter & Gamble and also ACE – many of whom are American companies, he said their services will include customer services, call centre operations, software development, insurance and data entry among others.
The eGhana project, launched in April 2006, aims at leveraging ICT and public-private ownerships to among other things contribute to improved efficiency and transparency of government functions through e-government applications.
Veronica Boateng, Director of Application Systems Department of GICTeD, in a presentation, said based on the positive progression of the e-Ghana project, the Ghana Information and Communication Technology Directorate (GICTeD) has completed processing tender documents for the procurement of facilities for the establishment of a government information portal for all government agencies.
The tender documents, she confirmed, have been submitted to the World Bank for approval to cover the procurement of equipment and software for the project and this formed part of e-Ghana’s objective of enhancing the use of the internet to enhance information delivery among the various government agencies.
She further mentioned that initially some four e-services would be piloted. These include a content management system for managing hosted content on the portal; a payment gateway to allow portal applications to receive payment from patrons; e-forms application as well as a document management system.
Furthermore, Mrs Boateng said the project would greatly support an effective, efficient and increased domestic revenue mobilisation to grow the economy and stimulate development. the automation of Ghana’s revenue agencies under the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
From November 2006 spanning a period of five years, the project has been funded with a $40 million International Development Assistance (IDA) credit and a $2 million support from the Ghana Government, Nelson O. Osae, Coordinator of e-Ghana has revealed.
Beneficiaries cover government machinery, the business sector through increased investment opportunities and reduced transactions costs as well as the general public through better government services, increased technical capacity and opportunities for employment.
MORE THAN 6 business outsourcing organisations have expressed their readiness to relocate to Ghana by the end of this month.
This is expected to result in the creation of some 3,000 jobs through business process outsourcing (BPO) in the ICT sector by the middle of this year, officials of Ghana’s IT Enabled Services (ITES) have noted.
Umar Alhassan, Director of ITES, who stated this at a media sensitisation workshop Thursday in Accra, said the companies’ appetite for investing in Ghana was whetted by Ghana’s impressive showing at this year’s Global Outsourcing Summit in Orlando, USA, which was organised by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP).
Mentioning some of the investors as Aegis, APAC, Teletech, Procter & Gamble and also ACE – many of whom are American companies, he said their services will include customer services, call centre operations, software development, insurance and data entry among others.
The eGhana project, launched in April 2006, aims at leveraging ICT and public-private ownerships to among other things contribute to improved efficiency and transparency of government functions through e-government applications.
Veronica Boateng, Director of Application Systems Department of GICTeD, in a presentation, said based on the positive progression of the e-Ghana project, the Ghana Information and Communication Technology Directorate (GICTeD) has completed processing tender documents for the procurement of facilities for the establishment of a government information portal for all government agencies.
The tender documents, she confirmed, have been submitted to the World Bank for approval to cover the procurement of equipment and software for the project and this formed part of e-Ghana’s objective of enhancing the use of the internet to enhance information delivery among the various government agencies.
She further mentioned that initially some four e-services would be piloted. These include a content management system for managing hosted content on the portal; a payment gateway to allow portal applications to receive payment from patrons; e-forms application as well as a document management system.
Furthermore, Mrs Boateng said the project would greatly support an effective, efficient and increased domestic revenue mobilisation to grow the economy and stimulate development. the automation of Ghana’s revenue agencies under the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
From November 2006 spanning a period of five years, the project has been funded with a $40 million International Development Assistance (IDA) credit and a $2 million support from the Ghana Government, Nelson O. Osae, Coordinator of e-Ghana has revealed.
Beneficiaries cover government machinery, the business sector through increased investment opportunities and reduced transactions costs as well as the general public through better government services, increased technical capacity and opportunities for employment.
NYEP Sacks 43,300
By Samuel Boadi
OVER 23,000 teaching assistants, 13,000 health assistants, 4,500 interns and 2,800 community protection assistants have been asked to vacate their posts under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to pave way for other applicants to also benefit.
Abuga Pele, former MP for Chiana Paga and CEO of NYEP, disclosed this to the media Wednesday in Accra, stated that the measure has become necessary in order to de-clog the programme.
“It is not in the interest of the youth who join the programme to stay in it perpetually since it is not a formal job and does not provide a lifetime job such as social security, pensions, etc. The government therefore does not want to consign the youth to a situation where they have to live on stipends for life. I must emphasise that it is a stop-gap measure designed to prepare them for the job market and permanent job placements.”
Noting that the programme had so far registered nearly one million youth, Mr Pele indicated that the programme has given room for those who want to re-apply to do so for a second consideration but only if the need and opportunity arose.
According to him, the second opportunity was created because there was no immediate exit plan prepared for these youth by the previous administration.
“What was not though of by the previous administration was an exit plan for these youth who have served the two-year tenure. So the questions agitating the minds of the public relate to the fate of those youth who exit again into the unemployed situation where they emerged from.”
It is against this backdrop that the CEO mentioned the NYEP had developed and was implementing exit plans in collaboration with the relevant ministries and agencies, as well as professionals in the field, to enable the exit of the current beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries, in a structured way and into a more meaning life.
Currently, NYEP owes exiting interns 2 months salary while in the case of community protection assistants they are being owed 4 months salary. And the programme needs GH¢4.4 million monthly to offset these debts.
Touching on the exit plan for health extension workers, he said his outfit and the Ministry of Health as well as its agencies had had thorough discussions on the health extension workers for which reason 30 percent of the beneficiaries would be absorbed into diploma and certificate courses to upgrade them. Out of this number, those who have the requisite qualifications would be admitted into a diploma course while those who do not have the qualification but have exhibited competence would be admitted into certificate courses.
Fifty percent of the beneficiaries would be absorbed directly into the Ghana health Services as ward assistants while 10 percent would be absorbed by private health institutions through memoranda of understanding. The last 10 percent would be given priority in the trades and vocation module of NYEP. Additionally, some countries have also approached the programme to outsource the beneficiaries to them and discussion is ongoing to explore its feasibility in Botswana among others.
In the case of community education and teaching assistants, Mr Pele said the Ministry of Education would absorb them in colleges of education, untrained teacher diploma in basic education (with sponsorship), pupil teacher recruitment, technical and vocational institutions for apprenticeship and recruitment by private institutions. Those who have not been absorbed by the Ministry of Education would be given priority under the trades and vocation module of NYEP.
A number of youth in the community protection assistants who have exhibited good character and have minimum qualification, have been screened and selected for subsequent enlistment into the police service. The rest are to be absorbed into private security services across the country.
“All youth under the interns’ module who have had the two year tenure have been exited as at the end of January 2010. Many have been absorbed by their respective organisations while the rest are encouraged to re-apply for consideration,” the NYEP boss revealed.
Saluting the exitees for their outstanding contributions to the country, he said a bill - NYEP Bill, would soon be placed in Parliament to really give meaning to youth employment in Ghana.
OVER 23,000 teaching assistants, 13,000 health assistants, 4,500 interns and 2,800 community protection assistants have been asked to vacate their posts under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to pave way for other applicants to also benefit.
Abuga Pele, former MP for Chiana Paga and CEO of NYEP, disclosed this to the media Wednesday in Accra, stated that the measure has become necessary in order to de-clog the programme.
“It is not in the interest of the youth who join the programme to stay in it perpetually since it is not a formal job and does not provide a lifetime job such as social security, pensions, etc. The government therefore does not want to consign the youth to a situation where they have to live on stipends for life. I must emphasise that it is a stop-gap measure designed to prepare them for the job market and permanent job placements.”
Noting that the programme had so far registered nearly one million youth, Mr Pele indicated that the programme has given room for those who want to re-apply to do so for a second consideration but only if the need and opportunity arose.
According to him, the second opportunity was created because there was no immediate exit plan prepared for these youth by the previous administration.
“What was not though of by the previous administration was an exit plan for these youth who have served the two-year tenure. So the questions agitating the minds of the public relate to the fate of those youth who exit again into the unemployed situation where they emerged from.”
It is against this backdrop that the CEO mentioned the NYEP had developed and was implementing exit plans in collaboration with the relevant ministries and agencies, as well as professionals in the field, to enable the exit of the current beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries, in a structured way and into a more meaning life.
Currently, NYEP owes exiting interns 2 months salary while in the case of community protection assistants they are being owed 4 months salary. And the programme needs GH¢4.4 million monthly to offset these debts.
Touching on the exit plan for health extension workers, he said his outfit and the Ministry of Health as well as its agencies had had thorough discussions on the health extension workers for which reason 30 percent of the beneficiaries would be absorbed into diploma and certificate courses to upgrade them. Out of this number, those who have the requisite qualifications would be admitted into a diploma course while those who do not have the qualification but have exhibited competence would be admitted into certificate courses.
Fifty percent of the beneficiaries would be absorbed directly into the Ghana health Services as ward assistants while 10 percent would be absorbed by private health institutions through memoranda of understanding. The last 10 percent would be given priority in the trades and vocation module of NYEP. Additionally, some countries have also approached the programme to outsource the beneficiaries to them and discussion is ongoing to explore its feasibility in Botswana among others.
In the case of community education and teaching assistants, Mr Pele said the Ministry of Education would absorb them in colleges of education, untrained teacher diploma in basic education (with sponsorship), pupil teacher recruitment, technical and vocational institutions for apprenticeship and recruitment by private institutions. Those who have not been absorbed by the Ministry of Education would be given priority under the trades and vocation module of NYEP.
A number of youth in the community protection assistants who have exhibited good character and have minimum qualification, have been screened and selected for subsequent enlistment into the police service. The rest are to be absorbed into private security services across the country.
“All youth under the interns’ module who have had the two year tenure have been exited as at the end of January 2010. Many have been absorbed by their respective organisations while the rest are encouraged to re-apply for consideration,” the NYEP boss revealed.
Saluting the exitees for their outstanding contributions to the country, he said a bill - NYEP Bill, would soon be placed in Parliament to really give meaning to youth employment in Ghana.
Ga Dzase Clashes With Ga Mantse
By Samuel Boadi
THE OFFICE of the Ga Paramount Stool Dzase yesterday vented its spleen on Nii Tackie Tawiah III, Ga Mantse, for what it described as the unguarded utterances and insinuations of the latter to the Presidency recently.
Led by Nii Yaote Oto-Ga, Ga Paramount Stool Dzasetse, members of the Ga Dzase, entirely clad in red and chanting war songs, registered their displeasure to the media and rendered an apology to President John Evans Atta Mills on behalf of all people of Ga “for the unwarranted effusions against the highest office of the country.”
“We wish to state categorically that the Ga paramount Stool Dzase, the only legitimate and customarily mandated and recognized body of king-makers of the Paramount Stool have not at any time installed anyone as Ga Mantse since the demise of our illustrious Boni Nii Amugi II, for the Ga State.”
“Therefore anyone parading himself as ‘Ga Mantse’ is illegitimate and does not have the authority and mandate of the Paramount Stool Dzase. We wish to advise the general public and all state institutions that presently there is no accredited Ga Mantse on the Royal Stool. Any reference or attribution to the position presently to any person is wrong and flies in the face of the sensibilities of Ga peoples and all references to a ‘Ga Mantse’ must cease forthwith.”
Further underlining their position on this matter, the Ga Dzase said “the installation of a Ga Mantse without our initiation, direction, participation and approval, is null and void ab-initio and of no consequence.”
According to Nii Oto-Ga, the present public outcry against the actions and unguarded utterances of Nii Tackie Tawiah clearly vindicated the Dzatse’s position that is pertinent to undergo appropriate traditional rites and education, which included grooming, public speaking, comportment, right behaviours and attitudes for the occupant of the stool.
“Due to the falsehood and clandestine haste that characterized the purported enstoolment of the false claimant, these were blatantly ignored…We condemn in no uncertain terms his posturing for recognition that he does not deserve. He is so persuaded by his inordinate and vain ambition such that he is totally unaware that he is betraying his utter frustration and fatal desperation.”
THE OFFICE of the Ga Paramount Stool Dzase yesterday vented its spleen on Nii Tackie Tawiah III, Ga Mantse, for what it described as the unguarded utterances and insinuations of the latter to the Presidency recently.
Led by Nii Yaote Oto-Ga, Ga Paramount Stool Dzasetse, members of the Ga Dzase, entirely clad in red and chanting war songs, registered their displeasure to the media and rendered an apology to President John Evans Atta Mills on behalf of all people of Ga “for the unwarranted effusions against the highest office of the country.”
“We wish to state categorically that the Ga paramount Stool Dzase, the only legitimate and customarily mandated and recognized body of king-makers of the Paramount Stool have not at any time installed anyone as Ga Mantse since the demise of our illustrious Boni Nii Amugi II, for the Ga State.”
“Therefore anyone parading himself as ‘Ga Mantse’ is illegitimate and does not have the authority and mandate of the Paramount Stool Dzase. We wish to advise the general public and all state institutions that presently there is no accredited Ga Mantse on the Royal Stool. Any reference or attribution to the position presently to any person is wrong and flies in the face of the sensibilities of Ga peoples and all references to a ‘Ga Mantse’ must cease forthwith.”
Further underlining their position on this matter, the Ga Dzase said “the installation of a Ga Mantse without our initiation, direction, participation and approval, is null and void ab-initio and of no consequence.”
According to Nii Oto-Ga, the present public outcry against the actions and unguarded utterances of Nii Tackie Tawiah clearly vindicated the Dzatse’s position that is pertinent to undergo appropriate traditional rites and education, which included grooming, public speaking, comportment, right behaviours and attitudes for the occupant of the stool.
“Due to the falsehood and clandestine haste that characterized the purported enstoolment of the false claimant, these were blatantly ignored…We condemn in no uncertain terms his posturing for recognition that he does not deserve. He is so persuaded by his inordinate and vain ambition such that he is totally unaware that he is betraying his utter frustration and fatal desperation.”
FDB Boss Must Go – PNF
By Samuel Boadi
A PRESSURE group, Progressive Nationalist Forum (PNF), has petitioned President Mills to remove Seth Opuni, CEO of the Food & Drugs Board (FDB) from office as soon as practicable due to his extravagant lifestyle which is believed to have cost the board huge sums of money.
According to the group, Dr Opuni’s alleged renting of a residential accommodation in Accra (near Kanda) for US$84,000 (US$3,500 per month for 24 months) flouted Government’s policy on rent.
“The deeds of the FDB boss in renting a house at such an outrageous price in a location like the Kanda Highway and further going into negotiations to increase the rent of FDB offices in Accra to nearly 100 percent without recourse to proper procedures flouted the general laid down regulations of a quasi-governmental organisation like FDB. It is highly ridiculous that a huge amount is spent on rent for a CEO just for his comfort.”
PNF further stated that the CEO’s wastefulness is premised on the fact that the current governing board of the organisation has been rendered non-functional as a result of the interdiction of some of its members.
The petition, dated March 9, 2010 and signed by Richard Kwesi Nyamah, spokesperson for PNF, expressed suspicion: “We have cause to believe that since our petition to CHRAJ on the above subject matter, there have been attempts by the CEO of FDB to doctor the evidence by backdating them to make right the wrongs committed.”
“We pray you to impress upon Dr Opuni to resign from his office to enable investigations to go on without undue pressure from his person and or his office. If he fails to resign, he should be dismissed.”
PNF additionally appealed to government to carry out its own investigations into the allegations, independent of the CHRAJ investigations and also dissolve the current board as well as reconstitute it per the constitution to enable FDB function properly.
“Last but not the least, that the discretionary powers of heads of government organisations, agencies and boards should be reviewed, especially with regards to expending powers of CEOs. Most heads of state agencies are spending more than GH¢5,000 without recourse to their boards as per the Financial Administrations Act.”
It additionally indicated that Dr Opuni’s wastefulness “is a cause for concern as it makes room for abuse of office, conflict of interest, corruption and underhand dealings at the expense of the state.”
In an earlier letter to CHRAJ on the same subject matter, PNF emphasised “It is worthy of note that under the Rents Act, a government institution particularly does not need to pay up for rent covering more than three (3) months on tenancy. In the case of the FDB, they paid two years rent advance.”
It concluded that such a habit constituted a gross misapplication of official authority to squander the poor taxpayer’s money. “Such a thing taking place without recourse to the governing board of FDB smacks of irregularities and raises many questions of under dealings and misappropriation of government funds.”
A PRESSURE group, Progressive Nationalist Forum (PNF), has petitioned President Mills to remove Seth Opuni, CEO of the Food & Drugs Board (FDB) from office as soon as practicable due to his extravagant lifestyle which is believed to have cost the board huge sums of money.
According to the group, Dr Opuni’s alleged renting of a residential accommodation in Accra (near Kanda) for US$84,000 (US$3,500 per month for 24 months) flouted Government’s policy on rent.
“The deeds of the FDB boss in renting a house at such an outrageous price in a location like the Kanda Highway and further going into negotiations to increase the rent of FDB offices in Accra to nearly 100 percent without recourse to proper procedures flouted the general laid down regulations of a quasi-governmental organisation like FDB. It is highly ridiculous that a huge amount is spent on rent for a CEO just for his comfort.”
PNF further stated that the CEO’s wastefulness is premised on the fact that the current governing board of the organisation has been rendered non-functional as a result of the interdiction of some of its members.
The petition, dated March 9, 2010 and signed by Richard Kwesi Nyamah, spokesperson for PNF, expressed suspicion: “We have cause to believe that since our petition to CHRAJ on the above subject matter, there have been attempts by the CEO of FDB to doctor the evidence by backdating them to make right the wrongs committed.”
“We pray you to impress upon Dr Opuni to resign from his office to enable investigations to go on without undue pressure from his person and or his office. If he fails to resign, he should be dismissed.”
PNF additionally appealed to government to carry out its own investigations into the allegations, independent of the CHRAJ investigations and also dissolve the current board as well as reconstitute it per the constitution to enable FDB function properly.
“Last but not the least, that the discretionary powers of heads of government organisations, agencies and boards should be reviewed, especially with regards to expending powers of CEOs. Most heads of state agencies are spending more than GH¢5,000 without recourse to their boards as per the Financial Administrations Act.”
It additionally indicated that Dr Opuni’s wastefulness “is a cause for concern as it makes room for abuse of office, conflict of interest, corruption and underhand dealings at the expense of the state.”
In an earlier letter to CHRAJ on the same subject matter, PNF emphasised “It is worthy of note that under the Rents Act, a government institution particularly does not need to pay up for rent covering more than three (3) months on tenancy. In the case of the FDB, they paid two years rent advance.”
It concluded that such a habit constituted a gross misapplication of official authority to squander the poor taxpayer’s money. “Such a thing taking place without recourse to the governing board of FDB smacks of irregularities and raises many questions of under dealings and misappropriation of government funds.”
Salaries C’ssion Re-Evaluates Jobs
By Samuel Boadi
ABOUT 150 jobs are expected to be re-evaluated this year for their inclusion on the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP), George Smith-Graham, Chief Executive of the Fair Wages & Salaries Commission (FWSC) has noted.
The exercise, which could cost between $20,000 and $30,000, has become necessary following negotiations between some worker organisations and FWSC in order to fine-tune their collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in tandem with the SSPP.
Mr Smith-Graham stated that the current pay policy, which already covers some 1,806 jobs, does not recognise the educational background and work experience of workers, adding that it rather focuses on 13 factors captioned under knowledge and skill; responsibility; work conditions and environment and efforts of employees.
Also, he said his outfit would very soon negotiate base pay and its relativities, standardize and harmonize allowances and also develop public service-wide performance management systems.
The 5-year implementation programme of the SSPP, which started from September 2009, is expected to be completed by September 2014.
On allowances, he said those under category 1 have already been consolidated into the evaluation of civil servants, stressing that “they would not be paid separately again.”
“Category 2 deals with special conditions that require compensation including acting, inducements, height and tools allowances. Category 3, which covers staff welfare such as funeral and medical grants, night subsistence and transfer allowance, are yet to be standardized.
“Government has not taken any decision yet on category 4, which covers housing, utility, houseboys, maid servants and car maintenance,” he said.
A survey by CoEN Consulting Limited, a consultancy firm that helped to draft SSPP, revealed that the health service personnel were well paid than those in the judiciary service.
The 25-level grading and salary structure is aimed at creating one vertical structure for all public servants to ensure that jobs with same ob value range are entitled to same pay range to allow government to manage wage bill effectively to link pay to productivity.
Unlike the Ghana Universal Salary Structure (GUSS), which had no legal structure, the SSPP was established through the promulgation of FWSC Act, 2007 (Act 737).
“No institution can opt out of SSPP,” J.Y. Amankrah, Director of Pay Policy, Analysis and Research at FWSC emphasized during a presentation.
Currently, about 453,000 people constitute the workforce of the civil service.
Organised labour, he hinted, proposed a salary increment prior to the implementation of SSPP by July this year.
“It is being discussed with the Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning (MOFEP), but if the proposals are likely to disrupt the micro-economic stability, then the increment would not take place,” he added.
Also, FWSC would determine the contribution of the public sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.
Mr. Amankrah therefore called on organizations, which are considering restructuring, to contact FWSC to determine new salary structures of any new portfolios to be created.
ABOUT 150 jobs are expected to be re-evaluated this year for their inclusion on the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP), George Smith-Graham, Chief Executive of the Fair Wages & Salaries Commission (FWSC) has noted.
The exercise, which could cost between $20,000 and $30,000, has become necessary following negotiations between some worker organisations and FWSC in order to fine-tune their collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in tandem with the SSPP.
Mr Smith-Graham stated that the current pay policy, which already covers some 1,806 jobs, does not recognise the educational background and work experience of workers, adding that it rather focuses on 13 factors captioned under knowledge and skill; responsibility; work conditions and environment and efforts of employees.
Also, he said his outfit would very soon negotiate base pay and its relativities, standardize and harmonize allowances and also develop public service-wide performance management systems.
The 5-year implementation programme of the SSPP, which started from September 2009, is expected to be completed by September 2014.
On allowances, he said those under category 1 have already been consolidated into the evaluation of civil servants, stressing that “they would not be paid separately again.”
“Category 2 deals with special conditions that require compensation including acting, inducements, height and tools allowances. Category 3, which covers staff welfare such as funeral and medical grants, night subsistence and transfer allowance, are yet to be standardized.
“Government has not taken any decision yet on category 4, which covers housing, utility, houseboys, maid servants and car maintenance,” he said.
A survey by CoEN Consulting Limited, a consultancy firm that helped to draft SSPP, revealed that the health service personnel were well paid than those in the judiciary service.
The 25-level grading and salary structure is aimed at creating one vertical structure for all public servants to ensure that jobs with same ob value range are entitled to same pay range to allow government to manage wage bill effectively to link pay to productivity.
Unlike the Ghana Universal Salary Structure (GUSS), which had no legal structure, the SSPP was established through the promulgation of FWSC Act, 2007 (Act 737).
“No institution can opt out of SSPP,” J.Y. Amankrah, Director of Pay Policy, Analysis and Research at FWSC emphasized during a presentation.
Currently, about 453,000 people constitute the workforce of the civil service.
Organised labour, he hinted, proposed a salary increment prior to the implementation of SSPP by July this year.
“It is being discussed with the Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning (MOFEP), but if the proposals are likely to disrupt the micro-economic stability, then the increment would not take place,” he added.
Also, FWSC would determine the contribution of the public sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.
Mr. Amankrah therefore called on organizations, which are considering restructuring, to contact FWSC to determine new salary structures of any new portfolios to be created.
Air Namibia Celebrates 100 Days In Ghana
By Samuel Boadi
AFTER JUST 100 days of operating in Ghana, Air Namibia, has indicated it is aiming at linking West and Southern African sub-regions in trade, tourism and business.
The airline, which started operations in Ghana from November 20, 2009, has been offering direct flights to Johannesburg, South Africa from Accra then onwards to Windhoek 5 times a week.
Air Namibia boasts of highly competitive fares with 24 business class seats and 120 seats in the economy class on our Boeing 737-800.
With the airline, baggage is not an issue, as unlike most airlines. Passengers are assured of 40kg (business class) or 30kg (economy class) of free baggage allowance.
Although not entirely new to Ghana, Air Namibia has been in existence for 63 years and is proud of its excellent customer service standards, on ground and in-flight as well as opportunity for online reservations and bookings. Additionally, online ticketing and check in are available.
“We have won the Feather Awards as Best Regional airline for excellent customer service for airlines operating into and from Johannesburg International Airport 5 times even though it has been organised for six times,” a statement from the company stated.
With its offices located on the 1st floor of Silver Star Tower, Airport City, Accra, the airline’s offices are equipped with customer friendly and hard working staff that cater to every need of clients. ‘With Air Namibia, GMT is more than just normal time.’
Its on-time departures and arrivals which are free of hassle not only making it easy for one to make connecting flights but also endear one to become a part of its generous frequent flyer program called rewards, which ensures great savings for regular customers.
“Indeed, Air Namibia’s first 100 days in Ghana are but a glimpse into the future of a dynamic airline that is here to stay and offer the best services to the people of Ghana and West Africa as a whole,” the statement added.
(Pix saved as Air Namibia in bus)
AFTER JUST 100 days of operating in Ghana, Air Namibia, has indicated it is aiming at linking West and Southern African sub-regions in trade, tourism and business.
The airline, which started operations in Ghana from November 20, 2009, has been offering direct flights to Johannesburg, South Africa from Accra then onwards to Windhoek 5 times a week.
Air Namibia boasts of highly competitive fares with 24 business class seats and 120 seats in the economy class on our Boeing 737-800.
With the airline, baggage is not an issue, as unlike most airlines. Passengers are assured of 40kg (business class) or 30kg (economy class) of free baggage allowance.
Although not entirely new to Ghana, Air Namibia has been in existence for 63 years and is proud of its excellent customer service standards, on ground and in-flight as well as opportunity for online reservations and bookings. Additionally, online ticketing and check in are available.
“We have won the Feather Awards as Best Regional airline for excellent customer service for airlines operating into and from Johannesburg International Airport 5 times even though it has been organised for six times,” a statement from the company stated.
With its offices located on the 1st floor of Silver Star Tower, Airport City, Accra, the airline’s offices are equipped with customer friendly and hard working staff that cater to every need of clients. ‘With Air Namibia, GMT is more than just normal time.’
Its on-time departures and arrivals which are free of hassle not only making it easy for one to make connecting flights but also endear one to become a part of its generous frequent flyer program called rewards, which ensures great savings for regular customers.
“Indeed, Air Namibia’s first 100 days in Ghana are but a glimpse into the future of a dynamic airline that is here to stay and offer the best services to the people of Ghana and West Africa as a whole,” the statement added.
(Pix saved as Air Namibia in bus)
EDIF Focuses On Agric Sector
By Samuel Boadi
IN ORDER to give attention to the agricultural sector in its activities henceforth, the Export Development & Investment Fund (EDIF) has been renamed the Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF).
Minister of Trade & Industry, Hannah Tetteh, who disclosed this Friday in Accra, said the move would enable the agricultural sector to access funds from EDAIF to expand production and agro-processing.
In furtherance of the EDIF Law (Act 582), passed on October 4, 2000 to provide financial resources for the development and promotion of Ghana’s export trade,
EDAIF’s main policy now concentrates on supporting exporters including those in the agricultural sector with funds at concessionary rates to make Ghana’s exports competitive on the international market.
Ms Tetteh therefore called on financial institutions to provide funding for industry players, since Government alone could not shoulder the needs of industry.
“Even though the country has recorded an increase in the number of financial institutions in recent years, the provision of credit to the productive sectors of the economy remains a challenge and it appears that our banks are mainly interested in providing credit to importers and large multinational business enterprises,” she added.
She indicated that her outfit would facilitate dialogue among banks, government and the private sector, especially the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) in order to access funds, especially medium-term financing facilities.”
“Diversifying and expanding Ghana’s export base through the promotion of non-traditional exports is critical to achieving middle income status. There is the need for Ghana to be more aggressive in its export development activities, Ms. Tetteh emphasized.
This, she explained, was due to the fact that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African markets offer huge opportunities for Ghanaian producers, hence the need “to work hard to increase our share of exports to this market.”
Government, she noted, will collaborate with countries in the sub-region to remove the barriers that are militating against the export of Ghanaian products to the ECOWAS market.
IN ORDER to give attention to the agricultural sector in its activities henceforth, the Export Development & Investment Fund (EDIF) has been renamed the Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF).
Minister of Trade & Industry, Hannah Tetteh, who disclosed this Friday in Accra, said the move would enable the agricultural sector to access funds from EDAIF to expand production and agro-processing.
In furtherance of the EDIF Law (Act 582), passed on October 4, 2000 to provide financial resources for the development and promotion of Ghana’s export trade,
EDAIF’s main policy now concentrates on supporting exporters including those in the agricultural sector with funds at concessionary rates to make Ghana’s exports competitive on the international market.
Ms Tetteh therefore called on financial institutions to provide funding for industry players, since Government alone could not shoulder the needs of industry.
“Even though the country has recorded an increase in the number of financial institutions in recent years, the provision of credit to the productive sectors of the economy remains a challenge and it appears that our banks are mainly interested in providing credit to importers and large multinational business enterprises,” she added.
She indicated that her outfit would facilitate dialogue among banks, government and the private sector, especially the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) in order to access funds, especially medium-term financing facilities.”
“Diversifying and expanding Ghana’s export base through the promotion of non-traditional exports is critical to achieving middle income status. There is the need for Ghana to be more aggressive in its export development activities, Ms. Tetteh emphasized.
This, she explained, was due to the fact that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African markets offer huge opportunities for Ghanaian producers, hence the need “to work hard to increase our share of exports to this market.”
Government, she noted, will collaborate with countries in the sub-region to remove the barriers that are militating against the export of Ghanaian products to the ECOWAS market.
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