Inesfly Arica appoints new Sales Director

David Afugani

Inesfly Africa Limited, manufacturers of Inesfly Insecticide paint and insecticide solutions has appointed Mr David Afugani as the new Sales Director.

His appointment is part of the company’s efforts to boost sales and to expand its operations in and out of Ghana.

In addition, the move is to help translate the company’s business objectives into commercial strategy and lead key innovative projects to dominate and expand aggressively in the next few years.

David joins Inesfly Africa, which specializes in public health, hospitality and agriculture products, with a high level of experience.

David, whose appointment took effect from August 1, 2016, joins Inesfly Africa from Labara Ghana where he was Head of Commercial. He has also held senior management roles with blue-chip multinationals companies including Kickstart International, Rlg Group, Airtel Ghana, GGBL and BAT Ghana, where he led those companies to undertake successful restructuring, sales, distributions and rebranding projects.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Michael Sjodin, CEO of Inesfly Africa, expressed optimism that the appointment would help drive the business to the next level, stressing that “David’s academic background and performance track record in diverse industries in corporate Ghana makes him a great asset to this business.’’

NDC launches campaign with "one-touch" victory prediction

By Edmund Mingle

The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday, officially launched its political campaign in a bid to retain power in the December 2016 general election, as the party predicts a one touch victory.

Launched amidst the gathering of thousands of members of the party who converged at the Cape Coast Stadium in the Central Region, paves the way for the party to roll outs its activities towards for the election.

Amidst an electrified atmosphere, President John Dramani Mahama expressed confidence of leading the party to another victory.

The campaign launch is the first political activity to be undertaken in the magnificent Cape Coast stadium which was built and commissioned in May this year by the government in fulfilment of a campaign promise.

Prior to the start of the campaign the President undertook an nationwide “Accounting to the People” tour in which many completed projects in various sectors of the economy, where inaugurated.

The campaign launch, which had the theme, “Changing lives, transforming Ghana,” comes ahead of the launch of the party’s 2016 manifesto that is expected to take place in about three weeks.

President Mahama, then Vice President, took office in July 2012 after President John Mills passed on six months to the elections. He went on to win the 2012 elections, and hopes to win a second term after what the party describes as a successful first term. 

President Mahama, addressing the multitude of supporters, believed the sterling performance of the government, evidenced in the many significant projects, provision of jobs and welfare improvement initiatives created by his administration, in spite of the difficult challenges, would convince Ghanaians to retain the government.

President Mahama, who four days ago wore military uniform to a commissioning and interaction event at Burma Camp, which was said to depict his combat readiness, expressed confidence of a second presidential victory.

Giving an account of his administration’s performance he said significant development results has been achieved in spite of the socio-economic challenges including the six month election petition, industrial strikes, market fires, adverse international market factors and energy crisis that faced the government.

He said the progress made was a result of the bold decisions taken by the government, and promised that the government would continue in that path in the next four year.

“Our programme with the IMF ends next year, and we will come out with a more robust economy,” he said.

He gave a long list of achievements of the government in the various areas of the economy, saying the interventions of the government continue to yield dividends, and particularly mentioned job creation initiatives, infrastructure development, free education and industry development programmes.

He admitted that a lot remain to be done in the area of infrastructure, but said “we must not cut our nose to spite our face. We must acknowledge the progress.”

He was optimistic that by the time he completed his second term, Ghana would be one of the countries with the best road network in Africa.

He said those who accused the government of not enriching Ghanaians were wrong because investing in infrastructure and other social amenities, were investments that would enhance both local and national economy for the benefit of the citizens.

President Mahama deplored the frequent attacks on the Electoral Commission by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing the practice as a strategy of an intolerant loser who tries to discredit the referee. 

He urged the members of the party to be focused and campaign on the track record of the government to secure the votes of the electorate.

“We must not be complacent. It will be a difficult battle, but we have what it takes to win,” he said.

He promised to lead the victory, saying “I will not fail the NDC.”

Thunderous chants and cheers of “JM Toaso” meaning “JM continue” filled the stadium as the President addressed the crowd.

Former President Jerry John Rawlings, Founder of NDC, in what happened to be one of his shortest speeches, was optimistic the NDC would win the elections, but not on a silver platter.

He acknowledged that NDC faces a “challenge and demanding task,” especially when the NPP, the main opposition party, cannot be “under estimated.”

According to him, the NDC needs to avoid provocation by the NPP.

“It is important that we fight them on our terms, not their terms

“Our virtues and principles of accountability, probity, transparency, accountability and development should be our terms which the NPP cannot stand.

“We know who they are and where they came from. We don’t have to mimic them. We will run into problems if we do that,” he advised.

Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, in his address, described the change promised by the opposition NPP has “Kaakaamotobi change” that would scare Ghanaians and retrogress the development of the country.

According to him, transformational change was already taking place under the Mahama administration, and therefore there was no need for the NPP to campaign for change.

“A change that will pose as threat to the country should not be accepted by Ghanaians.

Kofi Portuphy, Chairman of the NDC described President Mahama as an “unbeatable candidate” who has led the country to achieve significant progress in the last four years.

Alban Bagbin, Majority Leader in Parliament said the 2016 election is there for our taking by the NDC, adding that the other parties “cannot stand the might of our great NDC party.”

He said his conviction was based on a number of reasons including the strong unity of the party, solid performance record, and the party’s credible and realistic manifesto message.

“We government had performed creditably well and we only have to guard against complacency,” he said.

Kofi Adam, NDC Campaign Coordinator, described the NDC as a “solid united family” as a result of the good management and leadership qualities of the President which has transcended into the transformational management of the country being offered the nation.

He urged Ghanaians to support the ruling government to continue leading the country to achieve progress since voting for the opposition New Patriotic Party would amount to be “unproductive.”

Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, Central Regional Minister, in his welcome address, lauded the choice of the region of the campaign launched describing the event as a homecoming since the NDC was launched in the region in 1992.

Leading members of the party, representing the various regions, took turns to address the gathering in which they touted the development projects and initiatives that continue to improve the economies of the respective regions.

They are urged Ghanaians to retain the party and avoid being deceived opponents of the NDC.

In addition, key Ministers of State also gave account of the progress of the various sectors particularly energy, education, finance, health, agriculture, works and housing.

Govt increases allowances for Ghanaian troops on peacekeeping

President Mahama, in military uniform for the first time,
 taking the salute at the event

By Edmund Mingle

President John Dramani Mahama yesterday announced an increase of a one dollar per day in the peacekeeping allowance for Ghanaian troops on peacekeeping operations across the world.

It increases the current United Nations Peace-Keeping allowance of 30 dollars a day to 31 dollars a day. The peace-keeping allowance was last topped up by the government in 2009.

Addressing military and civilian personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), at Burma Camp in Accra yesterday, he also assured the military of measures to streamline the payment of the allowances, so as to address the payment problems that sometimes create tension in the military.

President Mahama, who was interacting with the personnel after commissioning a new Naval Headquarters Office complex at the camp, gave the assurance that his administration was committed at enhancing the welfare of the servicemen who continue to sacrifice for the country.

Answering questions of remuneration, increases in allowances and pensions, he asked the personnel to forward those requests to the GAF Council and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission for consideration.

“Once it is approved, we will pay,” he said, adding that his government “is not averse to salary increases.”

President Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, who attended the ceremony, for the first time in full military uniform that generated excitement in the Camp, also gave the assurance that the Ministry of Finance would soon clear all arrears owed the military.

His outfit was described by Defence Minister, Dr. Benjamin Kumbour, as depicting “combat readiness,” attracting loud cheers from the filled Burma Hall.
It is the first time a Ghanaian Leader, after Flt Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, has been seen in military uniform.

President Mahama, in addition, said Armed Forces Council had approved the fencing of all GAF lands to protect them against encroachment.

With regard to concerns over the accreditation of GAF training schools, he said the Council has submitted application for the accreditation of programmes of the training schools ensure that trainees were offered accredited programmes that could enable them to secure jobs outside the military.

Regarding accommodation, he gave the assurance that more affordable housing sites would be allocated to the military, adding that the infrastructure at the various garrisons, were also being improved.

He announced that construction works to build a modern barracks for the Navy at Inchaban in the Western Region would be started soon.

“Since 2009, the government has remained committed in resourcing and retooling the Armed Forces,” he said, and cited a number of key projects and interventions in the Army, Air Force and Navy as indicative of that commitment.

Earlier in his address to commission the new Naval Headquarters Complex, President Mahama expressed optimism that the new office, which he described as “befitting,” would help to effectively boost the operations of the Ghana Navy.

He commended the Navy for its efforts and contributions that had led to make Ghana’s waters the safest in West Africa, and encouraged the personnel to maintain the status.

He thanked the past and present leadership of the Navy for their commitment towards the office complex project, and assured the Navy of continued support so as to protect the country’s waters.

The new complex replaces the pre-colonial structure that housed the Naval Headquarters.

The new two-storey complex is designed in the form of a ship. It consists of a Command block and six departmental blocks for operations and intelligence,training,administration, technical and supply units. It also has an auditorium, conference rooms, offices, library, museum, canteen, gym and store rooms.

Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje, Chief of Defence Staff, thanked the government for advancing resources towards enhancing the operations of the Armed Forces, and assured the President of their commitment to duty.

“We will remain loyal to you as President and our Commander-in-Chief, and execute our duties with utmost professionalism, loyal and commitment,” he said.

Morocco promises a robust African Union

By Edmund Mingle

King Mohammed VI

The government of Morocco has pledged to lead the rapid progress of the African Union (AU) to become a more robust organisation in addressing the challenges of the continent.
The pledge comes as the North African country rejoins the Union after three decades of withdrawing its membership.
“Morocco will contribute to making the AU a more robust organisation that is both proud of its credibility and relieved of the trappings of an obsolete era.
“By returning to the African family, Morocco aims to keep up its commitment to Africa and strengthen its involvement in all matters it feels strongly about,” said Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs. Nezha Alaoui M’hammdi.
The Ambassador, who declared her country’s intentions for Africa, at the commemoration of Morocco’s national day, known as the Feast of the Throne which marks the annual celebration of the King’s ascension to the throne, said “even when it was no longer a member of the OAU, Morocco never left Africa.”
She quoted Morocco’s late King Hassan II, who, in his message to the 20th OAU Summit on November 12, 1984, to announce Morocco’s withdrawal said, “Morocco is an African nation and it always will be. And all of us, Moroccans, shall remain at the service of Africa. We shall be at the forefront of actions to preserve the dignity of African citizens and ensure respect for our Continent".
According to the Ambassador, the pronouncement by the late King proved prophetic because Morocco kept its promise of remaining African.
“Three decades later, Africa has never been so much at the heart of Morocco’s foreign policy and its international action as it is today.
“The Kingdom has forged a unique, authentic and tangible South-South cooperation model which has made it possible not only to consolidate cooperation in the traditional areas of training and technical assistance, but also to engage in new, strategic sectors such as food security and infrastructure development,” Mrs. M’hammdi stated.
She explained that the important involvement of Moroccan operators and their strong engagement in the areas of banking, insurance, air transport, telecommunications, and housing were such that the Kingdom was now one of the biggest African investors in Africa.
“The time of ideology is over. Our people need concrete and tangible actions. One cannot change geography, nor can one escape the burden of history,” she said.
In view of that, Mrs. M’hammdi said “Morocco should not remain outside its African institutional family and should regain its natural, rightful place within the AU.”

Ambassador Nezha Alaoui M’hammdi

In this regard, she said, Morocco, which would host the COP 22 Climate Conference in Marrakesh, next November, would defend the position of the continent, which is greatly affected by climate change and sustainable development issues.
Touching on relations with other countries, she explained that cooperation, which was already intense with more than 40 African countries, at the bilateral level, would be further expanded and revitalised.
“Moroccan know-how can therefore be offered on an even broader scale and in a more streamlined framework,” she said, adding that Moroccan expertise on security and anti-terrorism, which is widely recognised at the international level and is sought by many countries, including European nations, would be leveraged to promote security and stability in all African countries, particularly those in West and Central Africa.
Following the dispute over the Western Sahara between Morocco and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), Morocco, in 1984, withdrew from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now AU, over the admission of SADR as a full member of the organisation, demanding an annulment of SADR’s membership, without which it would not rejoin the organisation.
Morocco’s leader, King Mohammed VI, in a live television broadcast on Saturday, formally announced the country’s decision to rejoin the African Union.
He said the decision was to re-establish strategic partnership with other African countries, however, restated his country’s reservations on the issue of the Polisario Front, that led to its withdrawal.
Earlier in July, Morocco requested to rejoin the AU in a message the King sent to the AU Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, saying “it was time for Morocco to retake its place.”

Construction industry gets boost.....as Addoha Group cement plant opens next month

  Ambassador Alaoui M’hammdi,

By Edmund Mingle

The 60-million euro cement plant being constructed in Tema by the Addoha Group of Morocco, with the aim of boosting the country’s housing sector, will be operational next month.

The plant, which adds to the growing Moroccan investment in Ghana, is expected to produce one million tonnes of cement annually.

Mrs. Nezha Alaoui M’hammdi, Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, who announced this at the commemoration of Morocco’s National Day, known as the Feast of the Throne, in Accra on Saturday, expressed delight at the improved relations between the two countries which was fuelling trade and investments.

“In terms of economic relations, the investment made last year by the Moroccan Group, leaders in the housing sector, Addoha, and the presence of Moroccan economic interests in Ghana, such as Bank of Africa, Saham Insurance or Royal Air Maroc, point to the growing interest of the Moroccan private sector for Ghana and its desire to make it a gateway for Anglophone Africa,” she said.

In addition, the OCP Africa, a subsidiary of the OCP Group, a leading global producer of fertiliser and related products, has opened an office in Ghana, with the aim of helping to transform Ghana’s agriculture industry. 

The increasing Moroccan investment in Ghana, and other African countries, she explained, was in line with her country’s foreign policy of enhancing south-south cooperation and regional integration for the benefit of Africans.

“The important involvement of Moroccan operators and their strong engagement in the areas of banking, insurance, air transport, telecommunications, and housing are such that the Kingdom is now one of the biggest African investor in Africa,” she stressed.

Mrs. M’hammdi described Ghana as a reliable partner and gave the assurance that trade between the two countries would continue to surge due to the various initiatives deployed by the two governments in various sectors of the economy.

She thanked the government of Ghana for the cooperation in consolidating the bilateral relations with Morocco, and expressed that country’s commitment to its partnership with Ghana.

“I express the wish that this new progressive dynamics, now engaged between our two countries, marks the renewal, the rebirth of the age-old ties of friendship and solidarity dating back to the Casablanca Conference in 1961, for a beneficial partnership for both Moroccan and Ghanaian populations.

“We have proved in the last years by stepping up our efforts to bring our bilateral relations with the Republic of Ghana to higher levels. We have done it with passion, consistency, determination and hand in hand with the Ghanaian authorities,” she said.

 Nii Osah Mills, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who led the government delegation to the event, also lauded active exchanges between Ghana and Morocco after the establishment of their joint cooperation in 2015.

He believed the improved bilateral relations would continue to benefit the people of both countries, and expressed Ghana’s commitment to the relationship.

Govt reduces Aviation Fuel By 20%

By Edmund Mingle

In the quest to make Ghana a preferred destination for airlines and an aviation hub in West Africa, the government has reduced the cost of aviation fuel by 20 per cent.

The Academy's new complex

President John Dramani Mahama, who announced the reduction yesterday, said it was as a result of consultations with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), following complaints that Ghana’s aviation fuel was too expensive.

The situation, he said, was affecting air traffic to Ghana as airlines preferred landing at destinations with less expensive fuel.

“The NPA will announce the details shortly, but the decision is to reduce aviation fuel cost by 20 per cent.

“Am sure this would improve the volumes the airlines take, and make Ghana a preferred destination for fuelling up, and also increase traffic and enhance revenues generation,” he said.

President Mahama, who made the announcement when he commissioned a seven-storey building for the Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy at the airport enclave in Accra, gave the assurance that the government would provide the necessary support and undertake interventions that would promote the growth of Ghana’s aviation industry to make Ghana a preferred destination in Africa.

“Our vision is to make Ghana the preferred aviation hub in West Africa,” he said, and urged the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to continue to effectively collaborate in achieving that vision.

President Mahama being assisted by Mr. Allotey, and others
to cut the tape to open the training complex

According to him, because Ghana is considered as one of the safest aviation destinations in the world, there was a need for all stakeholders to work together in sustaining and enhancing that status.

The President commended the GCAA for establishing the academy and building the modern edifice from its internally generated funds, saying the facility reinforces the country’s desire to become a reliable aviation hub.

He believes that the opening of the complex now places the Academy in a good position to offer quality training aviation trainees from across Africa.

The complex has world-class lecture rooms, air traffic control simulation centres, a 200-seating capacity conference room, library, computer and language centres.

“I expect that the Academy will grow to become a centre of excellence in Africa,” President Mahama said, and urged GCAA to sustain its objectives.

Simon Allotey, Director-General of GCAA, in his address, gave the assurance that the Authority was poised to enhance aviation expertise in Africa through the work of the Academy.

In addition, he said well designed strategies were being pursued to improve the infrastructural and human capacity of the Ghana’s aviation industry to achieve operational excellence.

Prior to the commissioning of the academy’s complex, President Mahama also cut the tape to officially open the new Arrival Hall at the Kotoka International Airport.

He also inspected ongoing constructions works for the Terminal Three project, which are all part of efforts to modernise the nation’s aviation and ports industry.

Create jobs, business opportunities – President urges graduates

 By Edmund Mingle

In other to become innovative and productive citizens, President John Mahama has charged graduates of tertiary institutions to think “outside the box” by exploring the many job creation and business opportunities in the country.

That, he said, was the only way they could effectively make use of the knowledge and skills they have acquired to become independent citizens.

Addressing the eighth congregation of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) in Accra on Saturday, President Mahama said by becoming independent and productive through innovative thinking, the youth, especially graduates would become less dependent on government for jobs.

That, he believed would help to significantly address the high graduate unemployment level, created as a result of graduates solely depending on government and others for jobs.

“You have the ability to create jobs yourselves,” he told the graduating students.

He particularly encouraged them to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and actively utilise their knowledge and skills.

According to him, the government has provided the necessary support programmes that ensure a congenial atmosphere for youth entrepreneurship to flourish, citing the Youth Enterprise Support as one of those interventions that focus on business development for graduates.

“These interventions have been designed to assist the youth to undertake entrepreneurial initiatives that would create jobs for themselves and others,” he said.

A total of 2,575 students, consisting of 1,836 undergraduates, 421 postgraduates and 318 diploma students, graduated at the congregation.

Drolor Bosso Adamtey I, Chancellor of the university, for his part, congratulated the graduands for the achievement, and urged them to make good use of the knowledge acquired to support national development.

Commenting on the progress of the university, the commended the lecturers for their immense contribution, and particularly praised the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joshua Alabi for his leadership role in transforming the institution into a centre of excellence.

According to him, under the focused leadership of the Vice Chancellort, UPSA has expanded significantly in academics and infrastructure, and gave the assurance that the necessary measures would be instituted by the Governing Council to sustain the progress and maintain the standards.

As part of the congregation, President Mahama commissioned a 1,600 seater- capacity library, which consists of reading rooms, an information communication telecommunication centre, offices and books gallery that has the capacity for more than 30,000 books.

It was jointly funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund and the university, through its internally generated fund.