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GCB Bank Celebrates 65th Anniversary with CSR Projects

Daniel Opare
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GCB Bank, Ghana’s premier indigenous bank is celebrating its 65th Anniversary with the launch of CSR projects across the country at a total cost of GHC100,000.00.

The projects include the provision of theatre beds and lamps to the Winneba Municipal Hospital, the refurbishment of the Children and Maternity Wards at Akim Oda Government Hospital, Cladding and seating for the Baby Unit at Tema Polyclinic, Construction of Boreholes at both the SDA Health Assistant Training School, Asanta in Axim and Community-Based Health and Planning (CHIPS) compound at Asufufu in the Sunyani Municipality.

The rest are donation of equipment to Social Welfare School at Ho, medical outreach at a selected market in Accra, painting of the Children’s Ward at the Tamale West Hospital and construction of a fence wall for Sefwi Asafo Nursing Training College in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality.

Established in 1953 as the Bank of the Gold Coast, it was renamed Ghana Commercial Bank in 1957 when Ghana gained independence and Bank of Ghana was established as the Central Bank.

In 1996 the bank listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange and in 2014 it rebranded from Ghana Commercial Bank to GCB Bank Limited to refresh its image and project a renewed sense of dynamism as it entered a new phase of its strategic growth.

In 2017, driven by the Bank’s vision of being the leading Bank in all the markets it operates through the provision of first class banking solutions for customers and value for all stakeholders, GCB Bank acquired two indigenous banks signifying the bank’s ambition and strong asset base.

Named Ghana’s Safest Bank in 2017 by Global Finance and one of eight safest banks in Sub-Saharan Africa, GCB Bank’s strategic focus at inception was to provide banking services to Ghana, then an emerging nation for socio-economic development by paying special attention to Ghanaian traders, business people and farmers who could not elicit support from the expatriate banks.

Over the years, it has been the country’s major partner in driving socio-economic growth by partnering government to execute major initiatives. In 2017, GCB Bank voted GHS1 billion to support Ghana’s One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative and also established a dedicated business unit to provide advisory services to develop business proposals from prospective investors.

Commenting on the choice of CSR as the focal point for its 65th Anniversary, the Managing Director of GCB Bank, Anselm Ray Sowah stated that it was an act in line with GCB’s focus on consistently impacting society and changing lives.

“Our historical dictate was to help drive Ghana’s socio-economic transformation and while we pursue our core mandate of providing expert financial solutions across the country, we are mindful of the need to assist with the transformation of the communities we operate in. These anniversary projects are just a few of the many projects we have undertaken this year and over the years”, he stated.   

“We are also humbled by the support we have enjoyed from Ghanaians over the years and these CSR initiatives are a way of expressing appreciation. We have set our sights on total market dominance through first class banking services and we ask them to partner us, as we scale even greater heights” – he added.

GCB’s banking operations is clustered into nine administrative zones across the country and the bank is undertaking a CSR activity in each zone. These projects were recommended by the respective Zonal Heads based on the immediate societal impact and are to be completed within 60 days.

 

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com

 

 

Akufo-Addo announces massive road development for Western Region

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Sunday, 10th June, 2018, ended his 3-day tour of the Western Region with an announcement of massive road constructions to be undertaken in the region this year.

According to President Akufo-Addo, despite the mantra of “unprecedented infrastructural development” touted by the predecessor Mahama government in the run-up to the 2016 elections, a major problem of the Chiefs and peoples of every region he has visited so far, including the Western Region, since becoming President of the Republic in January 2017, is the poor nature of road infrastructure.

In response to this, President Akufo-Addo, in the course of his Western Regional tour, cut the sod for the construction of the 24.3 kilometre Kojina-Chirano-Akoti road in Bibiani; the 25 kilometre Asankragwa-Fordjuorkrom road in Breman; and the 16 kilometre Kejibir-Mpohor road.

With the 71 kilometre Elubo-Enchi road, begun in 2011, not completed, and with contractors having abandoned site, President Akufo-Addo told a gathering of Chiefs from Nzema East, Ellembelle, Jomoro, Ahanta West, Kwesimintsim, Effia, Takoradi, Sekondi, Essikado-Ketan and Shama, that has secured funds to complete the road

“The 71 kilometre stretch of road from Elubo to Enchi will be financed by the Sinohydro financing facility – a facility which has been negotiated by my government. This will ensure that this road is constructed once and for all,” he added, to a rapturous applause from the Chiefs.

The President indicated also that the Sinohydro Facility will be used to construct an interchange at the PTC Roundabout in Takoradi.

“At a meeting on Tuesday, 5th June, 2018, Cabinet took the decision that all Sekondi-Takoradi town roads are going to be tarred, and it will begin this year. When I say Sekondi-Takoradi town roads, I am referring to all the constituencies in Sekondi Takoradi, including Essikado,” he added.

Other roads to be constructed with the Sinohydro facility include the Benchemaa -Nkwanta-Asuontaa-Oseikojokrom road; Ewiase-Bosomoise road; Wiawso-Amfie-Aboboyaa road; Asafo-Acheachen road;

Datano-Ahokwaa-Suhenso road; Asawinso-Kojina-Essakrom road; Kessekrom – Adiembra road; and Penakrom-Futa road.

The construction of the 27 kilometre Sanko to Cape Three Points Road, a request made by the Omanhene of Dixcove, Obrempong Hima Dekyi IV, the President said, has had engineering studies completed by the Ghana Highways Authority, and the procurement processes for the road will be completed soon.  

Fertiliser Pant, GNPC HQ

In fulfilment of a campaign promise in 2016 for the establishment of a fertiliser plant in Jomoro, President Akufo-Addo told the Chiefs that “at long last, we have now been able to complete the negotiations with the Moroccan Government.”

He continued, “The Moroccan company, OCTP, which is the largest fertiliser producing company in Africa, has been in Ghana on 3 separate occasions, and very soon we will announce plans for the construction of the fertiliser plant in Jomoro.”

On the manifesto pledge to site the headquarters of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) in Takoradi, President Akufo-Addo noted that the Board of GNPC has made the decision that the Operational Headquarters of GNPC in Takoradi.

Touching on the financing of projects in the 1-District-1-Factory initiative, President Akufo-Addo revealed that enterprises that are going to have an export content are being supported by the EXIM Bank.

“Soon, we are going to get the Ghana Commercial Bank, and the Venture Capital Fund to pull together to be able to support the 1D-1F project. This will ensure that financing, which is a major problem, will be solved. 1-District-1-Factory is going to have a major impact on the development of our country, and we are determined to do it,” he added.

Earlier in the day, President Akufo-Addo inspected ongoing works on the construction of the sea defence wall in Dixcove, and urged the contractors to complete the project on schedule.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com 

Thousands of Ghanaians sign on to MTN mobile money to make pension contributions

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Close to 100,000 Ghanaians have subscribed to making personal pension contributions through MTN Mobile Money and United Pensions Trust’s personal pension scheme dubbed ‘My Own Pension’. 

With over 80 per cent of Ghana’s labor force being in the informal sector, ‘My Own Pension’ which is a tier 3 mobile pension and savings product is expected to create an opportunity for more Ghanaians to have a structured pension system. ‘My Own Pension’ reiterates MTN Ghana’s commitment to engender financial inclusion, social protection and the improvement of living standards for Ghanaians from all sectors and diverse economic backgrounds using technology. The service was launch in Accra in May in partnership with Fidelity Bank and Bora Capital Advisors.

Commenting on the progress made so far after the launch, Mr. Eli Hini, General Manager for MTN Ghana Mobile Financial Services said, “ We are very satisfied with the response received so far from the public, and this tells us that we are gradually achieving success with our quest to drive financial inclusion in Ghana”. “As the leader in the Telecoms Market, we will continue to collaborate with likeminded organizations   to make our customers lives a whole lot brighter” he added.

The Chairman for United Pensions Trustees, Mr. Harold Awuah-Darko encouraged persons who are yet to sign onto the scheme to do so and enjoy the benefits it provides. He said, “The more you invest in your pension, the more money you would have working for you and as a result you generate more returns.” Mr. Awuah-Darko also commended MTN for sharing in their vision of making pensions available to everyone everywhere.

The intervention by MTN Ghana, United Pension Trustees and the key partners was also applauded by the Director General of Management Development and Productivity center, Mr. Kwaku Odame- Takyi who spoke on behalf of the Minister for Labor Relations Mr. Ignatius Baffuor Awuah at the launch. He said, “Government is very supportive of any initiative that aids in fulfilling the National Pensions Act, 2008(Act 766) and drives inclusivity for everyone especially those in the informal sector.”

‘My-Own Pension’ scheme is fast, easy and affordable and has optional products ranging from life, health and motor insurance which can be arranged for interested clients. Contribution to the scheme begins with as low as GHS 1 daily, GHS 5 weekly and GHS 20 monthly. There is also the option of doing voluntary payments where a contributor’s chosen contribution is automatically deducted at the end of the selected frequency through his/her MTN Mobile Money account. 

To subscribe to the service, MTN Mobile Money subscribers will have to dial *170#, select Pension and Insurance, select MY OWN PENSION, and continue to follow the steps.

MTN Ghana is committed to providing its customers with a brighter life through innovative services that enable them live a connected lifestyle.  
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Italy shuts ports to migrant rescue ship

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A rescue vessel carrying 629 migrants is stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy's new interior minister refused permission for it to dock.

Matteo Salvini, leader of the right-wing League, said Malta should accept the Aquarius but he was rejected.

Malta says the German charity SOS Méditerranée picked up the migrants in Libyan waters, which means they fall under Italy's jurisdiction.

Italy is the main entry for migrants crossing from North Africa to Europe.

The League promised voters during Italy's recent general election that it would take a tough stance on immigration.

SOS Méditerranée, which runs the Aquarius, said the ship had been instructed by the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to stand by in its current position, 35 nautical miles from Italy and 27 nautical miles from Malta.

It reports that the migrants were picked up in six different rescue operations off Libya's coast.

"Our objective is the disembarkation in a port of safety of the 629 people now on board the Aquarius – some we rescued yesterday night in difficult conditions," charity spokesperson Mathilde Auvillain was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.

The UN refugee agency in Italy has called on "states and actors involved" to "rapidly find solutions to allow migrants and refugees on board the Aquarius to disembark safely and quickly".

Who is on the ship?
Many of the migrants were rescued in waters controlled by Libya, a common route for undocumented migrants attempting to enter Europe from sub-Saharan Africa.

Some 400 were rescued by the Italian Navy, the Italian coastguard and merchant vessels before being transferred to the Aquarius.


Among those saved and brought on board the Aquarius are 123 unaccompanied minors, 11 younger children and seven pregnant women, SOS Méditerranée says.

The minors are aged between 13 and 17 and come from Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Sudan, according to a journalist on the ship, Anelise Borges.

Tweeting during the night, she added that the situation on board was calm and most of the people rescued were asleep.

BBC

Kasena- Nankana: Medical student donates computers, sets up library for community

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Bruno Felalaga, a medical student from Brown University in Rhode Island, has made a donation of five desktop computers, a fully furnished library and other academic valuables to Kajelo, a community in the Kasena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.

The donation also includes a solar power system which would serve as an alternative source of electricity whenever there is unstable power supply to the library facility.

The kind gesture is part of efforts by Mr. Felalaga to help students in the community to have easy access to IT tools for proper teaching and learning of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

It is also intended to bridge the gap between students from urban and rural communities in the area of ICT and provide conducive environment for students in study outside of the classroom.

At a short handing –over ceremony held at the premises of the Kajelo Junior High School on Friday, the young medical student said alarming situations hindering the academic progress of students in rural communities within the district moved him to solicit help from friends and well-wishers in the United Kingdom to execute the project.

Citing himself as an example of an individual who has tasted the sour part of schooling in a deprived community, Mr. Felalaga who is part of the Davis Foundation said limited resources in such areas have had debilitating effects on performances of students.

He said education is the way through which Kajelo could develop its human resource if it wanted to produce the next group of future leaders in the community. He admonished the student to take advantage of the facilities and eschew habits that will lead them off their journey to education.

Eric Tambola, a representative of the students conveyed their words of gratitude to Davis Foundation for the donation. He said the gesture had come at a time when it was most needed. According to him, the lack of ICT equipment for student to have hands-on experience the subject has resulted in a record of low performance.

Mr. Tampola who will among other instructors manage the Library hinted that measures will be put in place to curb habits and other acts that can shorten the life span of the computers and books.

The assemblyman for the area, Hilary Aniakwo, also thanked Bruno Felalaga and the Davis Foundation for responding positively to needs of the community, saying their donation will go a long way to help in the tuition of ICT.

He expressed hopes that the donation will motivate students in the community and their teachers to work hard.

Mr. Aniakwo promised to ensure that the donation is put to judicious use to help achieve the intended purpose. He advised students to deal carefully with the items in the library so as not cause damage to them.  To the community members, the assemblyman urged them to work closely with caretakers of the library to help maintain it.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com |Senyalah Castro Cazo

 

England U21s win third straight Toulon Tournament

Daniel Opare
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England Under-21s came from behind to beat Mexico and secure their third successive Toulon Tournament title.

After a successful summer for the England age groups in 2017, the Young Lions continued to show their ability in tournament football with a 2-1 win in Martigues.

Coached by Aidy Boothroyd, the side came from behind to beat Scotland in the semi-final and did the same after Roberto Alvarado put Mexico in front inside 80 seconds.

Dael Fry drew them level and Kieran Dowell completed the turnaround before the interval as England completed a hat-trick of Toulon successes.

The two nations shared a goalless draw before both progressing to the last four from Group A – but there would be goals in the second meeting of the sides.

Mexico failed to rally in the closing stages as England saw out the final few minutes in mature fashion to continue their recent successes in international football.

The Independent 

UN condemns Central African Republic hospital raids

Daniel Opare
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The UN has condemned intimidation of staff and patients by armed groups in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Men armed with machetes, knives and other crude weapons entered hospitals in the past few months, the UN said, most recently in the town of Bambari.

Terrified relatives had moved patients from Bambari hospital even though they still needed treatment.

The UN said it was unclear who was carrying out the attacks, suspected of being ethnically motivated.

The conflict has led to a 70% increase in the number of internally displaced people since January 2017, the UN says.

The UN's humanitarian co-ordinator in the CAR, Najat Rochdi, said in a statement he would "hold these armed groups directly responsiblefor any medical complications and life-threatening conditions of patients."

Humanitarian workers have also been targeted in Bambari, with nine of their compounds attacked and looted last month alone.

The country has been in a state of chaos since mainly Muslim rebels drove President Francois Bozize from power more than five years ago.

The UN was criticised after 28 people died in April when UN peacekeepers and local security forces attempted to clear a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood of armed groups, leading to deadly clashes in the capital Bangui.

bbc

Tema: 10 arrested for selling contaminated fuel

Daniel Opare
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The Asset Recovery Team from the Jubilee House has arrested ten people in Tema for dealing in contaminated fuel.

The ten were rounded up by a joint team of police and military in a yard mixing diesel with premix fuel to mean petrol and sell to fuel stations.

The act is a serious offence due to the highly contaminated nature of the communication which is hazardous and breaks down automobile engines in no time after usage. When Atinka News got to the scene, the product was filled in plastic drums and gallons while they were still mixing the remaining for sale to the general public.

The Executive Secretary for the Asset Recovery Team from the Jubilee House, Evans Adjei Mensah speaking to Atinka News on the issue said the team rushed to the yard with security personnel after on an intelligence and met the suspects who were running away but were apprehended. He noted that the act is a serious offence by law since it destroys auto engines when the product is used, citing an instance where some vehicles in Kasoa sometimes ago as a result of using similar fuel.

Mr. Mensah noted that a sample of the product has been given to the NPA for test and if proved positive, the offenders will be dealt with accordingly. He warned perpetrators of such wicked act to desist from it since their team will not countenance any such thing. 

He expressed shock at meeting police personnel at the premises who claimed they came for fuel from such dubious characters. He stated that the team will not hesitate to cause arrest of the uniform men the next time they meet them because they appear to condone the dubious act instead of helping to stop it as part of their mandate. 

The suspects are currently in police custody while investigation proceed to determine the next line of action. 
 

Ghana | atinkaonline.com | Edward Sebbie 

UG Medical Center gets $50mn approval from Cabinet

Daniel Opare
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Cabinet has approved $50 million for the second phase of the University of Ghana Medical Centre.

The Health Minister, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, told Parliament last Wednesday that the $50 million was the estimated cost of the second phase.

He said the Ministry of Health would lay the request for the amount in Parliament next week for approval.

Mr Agyeman-Manu was answering a question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Adaklu, Mr Kwame Goveens Agbodza, as to when the completed phase of the new hospital would be fully operationalised.

He said part of the $50 million would be used to procure drugs and non-drug consumables, as well as secure, reliable power supply for the hospital.

He said the procurement of the consumables and reliable power supply would guarantee the operationalisation of the hospital by the end of July 2018.

Phase one

Mr Agyeman-Manu confirmed that the first phase of the hospital had been virtually completed.

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UG Medical Center gets $50mn approval from Cabinet

UG Medical Center gets $50mn approval from Cabinet

Source: Graphic.com

Date: 09-06-2018 Time: 04:06:42:am

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Cabinet has approved $50 million for the second phase of the University of Ghana Medical Centre.

The Health Minister, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, told Parliament last Wednesday that the $50 million was the estimated cost of the second phase.

He said the Ministry of Health would lay the request for the amount in Parliament next week for approval.

Mr Agyeman-Manu was answering a question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Adaklu, Mr Kwame Goveens Agbodza, as to when the completed phase of the new hospital would be fully operationalised.

He said part of the $50 million would be used to procure drugs and non-drug consumables, as well as secure, reliable power supply for the hospital.

He said the procurement of the consumables and reliable power supply would guarantee the operationalisation of the hospital by the end of July 2018.

Phase one

Mr Agyeman-Manu confirmed that the first phase of the hospital had been virtually completed.

“From the preparations we have done so far, I want to confirm that the information that the Minister for Information put in the public domain is correct and the hospital will start operating in the course of July,” he said.

He said the Presidency, under the leadership of the Chief of Staff, had constituted a technical team to see to the operationalisation of the hospital.

“The team has recently presented its report, and some proposals have been made. Plans are underway to appoint the required immediate staff for the facility, as well as the management structure to run the hospital,” he said.

He, however, indicated that the government still owed the contractor $10 million for the first phase of the project.

graphic.com

Jean-Pierre Bemba: Congo warlord's conviction overturned

Daniel Opare
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has overturned the conviction for war crimes and crimes against humanity of former Democratic Republic of Congo Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba.

Bemba was found guilty in 2016 of crimes committed in the neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR) from 2002 to 2003.

He was accused of failing to prevent his rebels killing and raping.

But a judge has now said he cannot be held responsible for their actions.

Christine Van den Wijngaert also said the judges in the 2016 case had failed to take into account his attempts to stop the crimes once he was made aware they were taking place.

The decision to overturn the 18-year sentence was greeted with cheers from his supporters in the gallery.

But human rights group Amnesty International said it was a "huge blow" for the victims of a "horrifying campaign of rape and sexual violence", as it called on the authorities to redouble their efforts to prosecute those who had carried it out.

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda described the ruling as "regrettable and troubling".

Before Friday's decision, the ICC had issued verdicts in six cases, with ninec people being convicted and one acquitted, according to its website. ​

More than 5,000 survivors took part in the proceedings against Bemba, said Amnesty's head of international justice, Solomon Sacco.

"For these brave individuals, as well as thousands of other victims in CAR, the pursuit of truth, justice and reparations will continue," he said.

bbc

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