Ghana’s credit ratings upgraded from 'B minus' to B

Daniel Opare
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The global and international credit ratings agency, Standards and Poor (S&P) global has affirmed Ghana’s stronger macroeconomic fundamentals. The rating agency has upgraded Ghana’s credit score from ‘B’ minus to ‘B’ with a stable outlook. 

At the same time, they have revised Ghana’s  transfer and convertibility (T&C) assessment to 'B+' from 'B'.

In it’s latest release on the credit ratings of Ghana on  Friday, 14th September, S&P Global indicated that “The upgrade reflects our assessment that Ghana's monetary policy effectiveness has improved, albeit from a low base, and will support the credibility of the inflation-targeting framework over the period”. 

The stable outlook balances Ghana's fairly robust growth prospects, decreasing inflation, and narrower current account deficits against risks from still-high budget deficits and a high stock of public sector debt.

“We could lower our ratings if Ghana's economic growth is significantly lower than we expect and if its policymaking effectiveness were to weaken, for
example if fiscal deficits were to be materially larger than our expectations. We could consider raising our ratings if Ghana implements and adheres to measures that materially alleviate pressures on public finances and reduce public debt levels beyond our expectations. We could also see prospects for an upgrade if the current account deficit narrows faster than we expect and external debt and gross external financing needs are significantly reduced” – the report indicates. 

In justifying the rational for the new upgrade, the report mentions among others that “The upgrade reflects our assessment that Ghana's monetary policy effectiveness has improved, albeit from a low base, and will support the credibility of the
inflation-targeting framework over the period.

Having peaked at a seven-year high of 19.2% (year-on-year) in March 2016, headline inflation has continued to decline to 10% by mid-year 2018, supported by a relatively tight monetary policy stance. In our view, the Bank of Ghana's (BoG) policy rate has also been fairly effectively transmitted through the financial system to market participants.

The government's recapitalization of the banking system in 2018 is a fiscal expense weighing on our fiscal assessment, but should ultimately strengthen the banks and allow them to support financial intermediation in the economy.. The ratings are supported by our monetary policy assessment and our view of Ghana's fairly robust economic growth prospects.

The ratings remain constrained by weak public finances from both a stock and flow perspective, sizable contingent liabilities, the country's low GDP per capita, and high external debt levels”.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com 

Private investors to take over Komenda Sugar Factory –Akufo Addo

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President Akufo Addo has revealed that government intends to leave both the running of the Komenda Sugar Factory and the cultivation of sugarcane to feed the factory in the hands of private investors.

The decision, he says is part of government’s agenda to revive the $35 million Indian Exim Bank facility that has been inactive since it was launched in May 2016.

Speaking on  day one of his 4-day working visit to the Central Region, he indicated that the move is to ensure efficiency at the factory as history over the years has shown that such partnership yields better results when compared to 100% state-owned enterprises.

The factory, when fully operational, could produce 97% of Ghana’s sugar requirement, while out grower sugarcane farmers, mostly in the Central and Western Regions, could also be gainfully employed.

Government, he added will create the avenue for research institutions which are interested in coming up with the best variety of sugarcane to feed the factory to do so in order for the factory to run at its optimum level.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com 

Five-year-old girl donates to Orphanage on her birthday 

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A five-year-old girl, Angel Nana Afia Mintah Dwumfour, has donated items worth 4,000 Ghana Cedis to  the ‘Save Them Young Mission’ to support the care of seventy vulnerable children.

The donation, which was made Thursday, was part of activities to celebrate her birthday. Angel was accompanied by her parents, grandmother, and friends.

Items donated included bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil, detergents, toiletries, medical supplies, assorted drinks and an unspecified amount of cash.

Father of Angel, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfor, presenting the items on behalf of his daughter, noted that it was her daughter’s wish to share the special day with vulnerable children hence the donation. 

“Donating to this home is the wish of Angle Afia to celebrate her birthday with friends of this home,” Mr. Dwumfour said.

He pleaded with the individuals and organizations offer support to various orphanages across the country to give hope to vulnerable children.

 “These children have become orphans and vulnerable through no fault of theirs so let support them,” Mr. Dwumfor pleaded.

Receiving the items on behalf of ‘Save Them Young Mission’, Madam Janet Amanor, thanked Angel and his friends for the kind gesture extended unto them and promised to ensure that the items are put to the beneficial use of all.

Madam Amanor appealed to the public and other private institutions to also extend support to the home.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com|Kennedy Obeng

EC introduces online voter registration

Daniel Opare
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The Electoral Commission (EC) has introduced an online voter registration system.

Beginning with the limited voter registration exercise ahead of the December 27 referendum for the creation of new regions, new voters can now go to district offices of the EC and register online.

The registration which will take place from Sunday, September 16, 2018 to Tuesday, September 25, 2018 will be held in the 47 district offices of the Commission carved out for the referendum.

Addressing a press conference in Accra Friday, Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensah said the registration exercise is part of the Commission’s preparations towards the December 27 referendum to be held in the 47 districts of the proposed six regions.

“As part of the Commission’s preparations, a limited registration exercise will take place throughout the country as required by law. Ahead of the referendum, the country will be zoned into two for the purposes of this exercise. Zone one will affect areas carved out for the referendum and will be held in 47 districts of the proposed six regions. Zone two will include the non-affected areas.”

“The limited voter registration exercise will be done online through the Commission’s Voter Management System (VMS). The registration will take place in the 47 district offices of the electoral commission carved out for the referendum. The registration exercise will take place on Sunday, September 16 to Tuesday September 25, 2018. Applicants are required to satisfy the criteria for eligibility,” she explained.

Graphic.com

MoneyGram, Zeepay launch MoneyGram 2 MobileMoney service

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MoneyGram Money Transfer in partnership with Zeepay Ghana has launched the Moneygram 2 MobileMoney service.

The service allows customers to send their remittances directly into any mobile wallet in Ghana. Key mobile wallets include ZeePay wallets; Airtel-Tigo Mobile Money Wallets, Vodafone Mobile Money Wallets, and MTN.

In other words , the  service makes it possible for over 11 million Ghanaians to receive money directly into their mobile money wallets nationwide and cash out across over 150,000 Agent network. 

The Regional Head, Anglophone West Africa for MoneyGram, Patrick A. Appiah said they partnered Zeepay to launch the MoneyGram 2 Mobile money service in order to improve last mile access. 

Mr. Patrick Appiah explained the MoneyGram 2 mobile money service is a platform that gives customers the best money transaction service.

He added the introduction of the MoneyGram 2 mobile money service is to support existing and prospective customers to transfer money wherever they may be and also facilitate mobile banking service among users.  

He said in order to access the MoneyGram 2 mobile money service, all you have to do is to have a mobile money account, address and contact of the sender. 

Founded in 2014, Zeepay’s key services currently include MM retail payments, digital receipt of international remittances, P2P transfers between banks and mobile money wallets, as well as supporting other third party related payment transactions. Zeepay was awarded StartUp of the Year at the Premium Bank Ghana StartUp Awards in July 2017, and have received over USD 200,000 in angel funding by 2015,” the report further noted.

In June 2017, the company announced a collaboration with Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications, the National Board for Small Scale Industries, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund to launch a Digital for Inclusion program, with the aim of improving Ghana’s digital economy through interconnection which is focused on smallholder cocoa communities and the Zongo communities.


Ghana | Atinkaonline.com 
 

10 advantages of dating older men

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We, girls, might have a problem with getting older because it usually means more wrinkles, less abs, and a bunch of health problems to deal with. Guys, on the other hand, are like good wine that only gets better with age. They finally realize who they are, want they want in life, and what kind of relationship they need. They have seen and tried a lot to not be distracted by each and every gorgeous girl passing by or adventurous job opportunity (unless, of course, that’s their thing). When you date an older guy you can be sure that even if he changes, it won’t be radical and what you see is pretty much what you get. Here are 10 advantages of dating older men.

 
He knows about chivalry

And practices it daily! Courtesy is something not many young guys know about as it is considered old-fashion and, to be fair, in this new age of feminism this may even be frowned upon by women. Yet, this is not an issue for an older guy because he knows how to be a gentleman and practice chivalry without making it look offensive. Besides, if you won’t like it, you can always just say so! There’s nothing better than being sincere about your feelings, no matter who you are dating.


He’s mature

Admit it, dating peers can become troublesome in so many ways when you pretty much know what you want, but they are still struggling to figure things out. And we’re not talking about big questions like ‘Who am I’, but rather smaller things like ‘What kind of job do I want’ or ‘What do I want from relationships.’ Okay, those might not be easier questions, but still older man are usually more self-conscious about their desires and abilities, which makes us, girls, feel more secure, too.


He’s financially secure

He might not be a rich guy, but he definitely knows a lot about money and where to get them if need be. He also knows how to support himself and how to build relationships without making money an issue. Because he’s from an older generation, his first impulse will be to pay for you pretty much everywhere, which is generally a pretty cool and admirable thing to do. But you can always share the bills!

He knows what he’s doing in bed

This doesn’t mean that he knows everything, of course, as each woman’s pleasure is individual, but he definitely knows much more than your peers!


He’s not afraid to meet your parents

He’s not afraid of pretty much anything younger men like to get all nervous about. He’s been around a bunch of parents before and knows how to behave with them. You also won’t scare him with a notion of a family dinner once in a while or some relative’s wedding you need to attend.

He’s experienced

He’s experienced in everything from making a dinner choice to planning a trip together. He may be less adventurous and more grounded, but he’s seen and tried a lot to know exactly what he’s offering you and what to expect. His vast personal experience will allow him to give you a unique advice in whatever problem or issue you’re facing.

He’s intelligent

Intelligence often comes from experience, that’s why if you want to have an intelligent conversation, an older guy is your best bet. An older gentleman is used to reading books because he comes from an age before social media and Google took over the world. That’s why he’s smart and has a vocabulary of an adult man and not a teenage boy. If you like that in a man, then an older guy is a perfect choice for you!

He’s not jealous
Or at least he’s less jealous than most guys you’ve dated before. Jealousy comes from lack of trust and low self-esteem, but an older guy understands why he has chosen you and that relationships are built on trust and respect. He’ll never make a jealous scene and if something bothers him, he’ll just talk about it with you. Like all grown-up men do.

He’s true to himself
An older man has already been through enough ups and downs that helped form his character, that’s why he always stays true to himself. On one hand, it won’t be easy to change his mind concerning certain subjects, but on the other hand, he’s emotionally stable and knows what to expect from himself, especially in a relationship.

He appreciates your personality

Young people may be a bit more focused on appearance, but as we get older we understand that looks are not everything and the inside of the package is what really matters. He will certainly enjoy it if you like to take care of yourself and go to the gym to keep fit, but he will also appreciate your personality in more ways than you could imagine.

herbeauty.co


 

Photos: 'All white' at Atukwei Okai's burial service

Daniel Opare
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The burial service  for the late Professor Atukwei Okai was held  Friday at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC) in Accra.

Professor Atukwei Okai, a former Secretary-General of the Pan African Writer’s Association (PAWA), passed on in Accra on July 14 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The renowned poet will be buried at the New Military Cemetery, Burma Camp, and will be followed by the final funeral rites at the forecourt of the State House. The prescribed dress code is all white.

Professor Atukwei Okai died at age 77 and was survived by a wife and five daughters.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

Akufo-Addo embarks on 4-day tour of Central Region

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will from Friday, 14th September, 2018, embark on a 4-day working visit of the Central Region.

Following visits to the Brong-Ahafo, Western, Volta, Northern, Upper East, Upper West as well as the Ashanti Regions, the tour is a continuation of the President’s ongoing nationwide visits.

The Central regional tour will see the President visit the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem, Cape Coast, Gomoa West, Mfantseman, Agona West and Effutu constituencies.          

Beginning with a Durbar of Chiefs and people of the Komenda Traditional Area, President Akufo-Addo will pay a familiarization visit to the Komenda Sugar Factory, and inspect and commission the Peterfield Citrus factory also in Komenda, under the “1-District-1-Factory” initiative.

The President will also cut the sod for the establishment of a Tourism Enclave Re-development Scheme in Elmina.

As part of his activities in the Region, he will inspect a 300-acre sweet potato farm under the “1-District- 1-Factory” initiative at Gomoa Bewadze, and commission a 20 Mega Watts Solar Farm at Onyadze, in the Gomoa West constituency.

The visit will also include interactions with Chiefs and Religious leaders in Apam, Mankessim, Nyakrom and Agona Swedru.

In Winneba, President Akufo-Addo will be the Special Guest of Honour at the investiture and induction ceremony of the 4th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, and also commission the largest lecture theatre in Ghana.

The President will end the tour on Monday, 17th August, 2018.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com 

 


 

GAVI Champion for Africa, Dr. Elumelu, Join Global Health Leaders to Champion Increased Vaccine Coverage in Under-Immunised Nations‎

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Dr. Awele Elumelu, GAVI Champion for Africa and Founder, Avon Medical Practice, joined other global health leaders at a Photo Exhibition organised by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, for increased vaccine coverage in under-immunised nations. The event tagged “Vaccine Heroes” was held on September 10, 2018, in Geneva, Switzerland.‎

Following the announcement made earlier in January 2018 on the sidelines of the global World Economic Forum in Davos, of Dr. Elumelu as GAVI Champion for Immunisation in Africa, the GAVI Photo Exhibition ‎convened GAVI representatives who reiterated their commitment to saving the lives of children around the world. 

Speaking at the Gavi event, Dr. Awele Elumelu commended the great efforts and achievements by the Vaccine Heroes, Health Workers and the GAVI team in spreading the message and adoption of immunisation globally. In her words: "Immunisation is one sure way to prevent diseases, save our children and advance our economy. It is an honour to champion the importance of immunisation that saves the lives of children around Africa and the world. I am particularly pleased to be doing so with innovative organisations like the ones that make up the Gavi Alliance," she said.

 
Dr. Elumelu further advocated the urgent and important need for the health of children and committed to working with the global Vaccine Alliance to expand the coverage of immunisation across Africa and in her native country, Nigeria. ‎

“In our own capacity, at Avon Medical and Avon HMO, we are working to provide quality, effective and accessible healthcare and insurance to most citizens in Africa's most populous country, Nigeria. This is our Group’s way of contributing to the work of GAVI. I look forward to doing more work and bringing about more private and public partnerships to promote immunisation and better coverage for children in and out of Africa”.

 In attendance was Director General, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus who spoke about the importance of vaccines as the backbone of health systems. According to him: "There is no health for all without vaccines for all”.

Organised by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the event gathered leaders in the global health sector, including Anuradha Gupta, Deputy CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; Clemens Adams, Director, United Nations; and Seth Berkley, CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.


Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

 

CBG staff to write assessment tests for re-employment

Daniel Opare
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The management of the Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited, as part of its reforms, has asked its staff to write assessment tests in order to keep their jobs.

The assessment tests have been scheduled for 15 and 16 September 2018 respectively.

Letters sent to the staff by CBG indicates that there will be 10 test locations across the country for staff to attend the assessment.

It stated that tests venues will be selected for applicants based on their proximity to the test locations.

Ghana’s Central Bank, Bank of Ghana (BoG), merged The Royal Bank, The BIEGE bank, Sovereign bank, Construction Bank and Unibank to form the Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited.

This decision of BoG comes after the failure of the five banks to meet the GHS400 Million minimum capital requirement.

Announcing the merger, Wednesday August 1 2018, BoG's governor Dr. Ernest Addison noted that the merger forms part of the Central Bank’s financial sector streamline plan.

 

Read letter below:

Dear Applicants,





Having successfully concluded the submission of your credentials towards employment in CBG; we are pleased to inform you that you will soon be receiving invitations to attend assessment tests scheduled for September 15 – 16, 2018.

For your convenience, there are 10 test locations across the country. Your test venue will be selected for you based on proximity to your location.


Please note that the assessment will be conducted online and is expected to last for one (1) hour.

Over the course of the next 48 hours, you will receive personalised invitations, informing you of your test venue and the competency area you have been mapped to.

The competency area has been determined by your previous responsibilities in the member banks as well as its alignment to CBG’s strategic goals.

Kindly check your mail for these details and in the event you do not receive the mails, please check the spam folder of your mailbox.


Should you have any enquiries or complaints, kindly send an email to recruitmentsupport @cbg.com.gh





We wish you all the best.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa 

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