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GJA Awards: Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence in Journalism

By
Ivy Hollys
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gja awards_gja logo

The GJA awards, which were held on the theme of “75 Years of Excellence in Journalism: The Role of the Media in Democratic Governance and Elections,” culminated the association’s 75th anniversary celebration.

It brought together stalwarts in the media industry, including past and present presidents of the GJA. Also present were the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar; the United Nations (UN) Resident Representative to Ghana, Charles Abani; the Paramount Chief of Nandom Traditional Area, Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle Chiir; and the Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh.

The Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, and other dignitaries. At the ceremony, 32 journalists and media organizations that excelled in their work in 2023 were presented with awards in various categories.

Edward Adeti, a writer, reporter, and producer with Media Without Borders, was named the GJA Journalist of the Year.

Adeti’s investigative piece, “Stealing from the Sick,” solved the mystery behind drug shortages at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. This exposed a syndicate whose actions may have cost lives, earning him the prestigious P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year award.

Recognized on Saturday, September 28, Adeti was celebrated for his impactful and courageous reporting, highlighting Ghanaian journalists’ dedication and competence despite the risks and challenges they face.

The 28th GJA Media Awards also honored journalists across various categories. Health Reporting, Education, Sports, Entertainment, Investigative Journalism, Gender, Environment, and Science and Technology. 

Fred Duhoe of Channel One was also awarded Best Journalist for Television News Reporting. Beatrice Senadju of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) was adjudged the Female Journalist of the Year.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Adeti expressed gratitude to the GJA and his colleagues for the opportunity and honor. He dedicated the award to all journalists who fought for truth and justice despite the challenges and risks involved in their work.

He reaffirmed his commitment to using his platform to hold power to account and advocate transparency in governance.

GJA Awards: Media’s Role in Ghana

While paying glowing tribute to the GJA for its diamond jubilee, President Akufo-Addo stressed that journalists were required to do more to consolidate the country’s democracy.

He said it was refreshing that despite the avalanche of turbulent turfs, journalists had stood their ground and played a crucial role in national development.

“The story of Ghana’s democracy is incomplete without the contribution of the media. You have been there in moments of triumph and trial, standing as pillars of truth and integrity,” he said.

The President added that the media was the lifeblood of the independence struggle and remained a strong force for mobilizing relevant stakeholders for national development.

He also said the media was also a key force in the fight against corruption, ensuring human rights and shedding light on the darkness in governance.

President Akufo-Addo said the freedom of the media was essential to the health of the country’s democracy, so his government remained committed to supporting the fourth estate’s flourishing.

Other Awards

Edmund Smith-Asante picked up double awards: Columnist of the Year and Domestic Tourism Reporter of the Year. His colleague Kester Aburam Korankye received the Best Feature (Print) award, demonstrating his mastery of in-depth storytelling. Timothy Ngnenbe took home the Print News Reporter of the Year award. Emmanuel Bruce excelled in business and finance reporting, with Delali Sika lifting the arts and culture category.

Other award winners included Doreen Ampofo of GBC for Best Documentary (Radio); Naa Dede Akrong of GBC Obonu, Best Radio Show in Ghanaian Language. Ridwan Kareem Deen Osuman of EIB Network, Best Radio News Reporter.

Erastus Asare Donkor of Multimedia picked up the Illegal Mining Reporter of the Year. Stanley Nii Blewu of Media General secured the Best Documentary Online award, and Jonathan Donkor of Ghanaian Times, Best Road Safety Reporter.

GSA Shuts Down Chinese Mattress Firm for Using Uncertified Materials

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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GSA Shuts Down Chinese Mattress Firm for Using Uncertified Materials

In a bold move to protect consumers, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has shut down ZXZ Company Limited, a Chinese-owned firm producing the Moonda brand of mattresses in Afienya. The company was caught using uncertified materials in its products, posing serious health risks to consumers. The shutdown follows a tipoff that led to a market survey uncovering the firm’s illegal operations.

During a special operation led by GSA officials, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and the media, it was revealed that the company was using polystyrene instead of the industry-approved polyurethane to manufacture mattresses. Polystyrene, typically used for packaging electrical goods, is not safe for human use, and sleeping on such mattresses could lead to long-term health risks.

Beyond mattresses, the operation also uncovered that the company was illegally assembling televisions, refrigerators, and soundbar speakers under the brand name Asano without registering with the GSA. A Chinese supervisor on-site admitted they lacked the necessary licenses to operate and agreed to close the facility until proper certifications were obtained.

Head of the GSA’s Special Products Unit, George Anti, expressed alarm at the scale of unlicensed operations, underscoring the importance of adhering to approved standards. He stated that the GSA would ensure all substandard products are discarded, and proper materials and certifications are in place before the factory could reopen.

Mr. Anti stressed that while Ghana welcomes businesses, they must comply with regulations. The company faces multiple penalties under the GSA Act, which must be paid before it can resume operations.

The crackdown has sent a strong message to foreign-owned firms operating illegally in Ghana. A random inspection also uncovered a Chinese-owned plastic recycling plant operating without a GSA license in the same industrial zone, further highlighting the issue of unregistered foreign businesses.

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has long expressed concerns over foreign-owned firms flooding the market with substandard goods, which are sold at lower prices than locally produced, high-quality products like Ashform and Latex Foam. This illegal competition negatively impacts local businesses and raises suspicions that firms like ZXZ may not be paying appropriate taxes, further short-changing the state.

To ensure fair competition and protect the interests of local manufacturers and consumers, it is crucial that foreign businesses operating in Ghana comply with the country’s regulations, produce quality goods, and contribute their fair share of taxes.

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Nearly 900,000 Children Trapped in Paid Employment—GSS

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Nearly 900,000 Children Trapped in Paid Employment

As the world observes the World Day Against Child Labour, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has released concerning figures that reveal nearly 900,000 children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in paid work across the country. The report sheds light on a disturbing trend: 56% of these child laborers are boys, and nearly half a million children are missing out on education. Among them, 68,500 have never set foot in a classroom, while 389,943 had previously attended school but no longer do.

According to the 2023 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey, more than 1.1 million children in this age range were involved in some form of work during the final quarter of 2023. A significant portion—about 893,000—were engaged in paid employment.

The statistics highlight a stark urban-rural divide, with 72% of child laborers residing in rural areas compared to just 28% in urban settings. Regionally, the Ashanti Region has the highest percentage of working children at 13.6%, closely followed by Bono East (12.1%) and the Northern Region (11.8%). On the flip side, regions like Ahafo (0.8%), Greater Accra (1.6%), and Western North (1.8%) report the lowest rates.

Breaking down the types of work these children are involved in, the report shows that 35.4% provide family help, 31.2% work on farms, 11.7% are unpaid trainees, and 7.3% engage in production for personal use. The rest are involved in non-farm work (6.2%), wage work (5.3%), and domestic or apprentice roles (2.9%).

When it comes to job roles, 60.4% of these children are in elementary occupations, followed by 19.8% in crafts and trades, and 17.7% in agriculture-related fields. Smaller percentages are found in services and sales (1.7%) and machine operation (0.2%).

The services sector employs the overwhelming majority (91.7%) of these children, while agriculture and industry account for 4.8% and 3.6%, respectively. The GSS report serves as a sobering reminder of the widespread issue of child labour in Ghana, especially in rural areas. Addressing this challenge will be key to ensuring the nation’s children have access to education and a brighter future.

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GAYO Named Finalist for 2024 Earthshot Prize for Zero-Waste Initiative

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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GAYO Named Finalist for 2024 Earthshot Prize for Zero-Waste Initiative

In a major milestone, the Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) has been announced as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize. Known for its pioneering zero-waste model, GAYO is driving transformational change in waste management practices across Africa, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

The youth-led organization’s efforts not only promote environmental sustainability but also generate additional income for local communities, further boosting its impact. GAYO has been nominated in the Clean Our Air category, one of the Earthshot Prize’s five categories, which aims to address global environmental challenges. GAYO stands among 15 finalists selected from nearly 2,500 nominations spanning 139 countries.

If awarded the £1 million Earthshot Prize, GAYO plans to scale its initiative to reduce air pollution by 70%, positioning the organization as a trailblazer in sustainable waste management across the continent. This transformative project is poised to become a model for addressing Africa’s environmental challenges.

GAYO Named Finalist for 2024 Earthshot Prize for Zero-Waste Initiative

Founded by Prince William, the Earthshot Prize honors innovative solutions aimed at tackling critical global environmental issues. GAYO’s zero-waste model positions them at the forefront of Africa’s fight against pollution and climate change, making a global impact.

“Being named as a finalist for the Earthshot Prize is a tremendous honour,” said Desmond Alugnoa, Co-founder of GAYO. “It validates the hard work of our team, partners, and the resilience of the communities we work with. Our commitment to eliminating waste burning, empowering waste pickers, and diverting waste from landfills is truly making a difference.”

The 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony will take place this November in Cape Town, where leading environmental innovators and philanthropists will celebrate the groundbreaking work of this year’s finalists. GAYO’s recognition highlights the power of grassroots initiatives to create a sustainable future while transforming the lives of communities most affected by climate change. As anticipation builds toward the ceremony, GAYO’s journey continues to inspire hope for a cleaner, more sustainable planet.

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Cedi Depreciates Further Against Dollar 

By
Ivy Hollys
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cedi depreciation
created by photogrid

According to the latest Bank of Ghana report, the value of the local currency—the cedi—has fallen against all its major trading currencies. 

The September 2024 Summary of Economic and Financial Data by the Bank of Ghana puts the Cedi’s depreciation against the dollar at 24.3 %.  This represents an increase from the 21.3% recorded in August 2024.

On a year-by-year basis, the depreciation rate has jumped marginally from 22.9%. In real terms, the local currency lost its grip on the American greenback. The American greenback is currently trading at GHS 15.70 to a dollar relative to GHS 11.12 in September last year. 

With regard to the Pound, the cedi depreciated by 27.7% compared to the 22.9% in the same period in 2023. For the Euro, the rate of depreciation was pegged at 25.0%, up from 22.3%.

This rate of depreciation comes at a time when the government needs to adopt long-term measures that will address the pressure that mounts on the local currency.

Players expected relative stability of the cedi after Ghana received the second tranche of its USD 3 billion Extended Credit Facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this year. This was together with other foreign inflows from donor partners.

There is a possibility of an increase in the demand for the dollar, coupled with high imports, which may force the cedi to lose some more value come December because of the yuletide.

Source: citinewsroom

TUSAAG-KTU Chapter Joins Nationwide Strike

By
Ivy Hollys
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strike
CREATOR: gd-jpeg v1.0 (using IJG JPEG v62), quality = 82?

Koforidua Technical University (KTU) has joined the nationwide strike initiated by the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG).

The TUSAAG-KTU Chapter confirmed that it will participate in the strike until further notice is given.

TUSAAG announced the nationwide strike, set to begin today Friday, September 27, 2024, and intends to withdraw all services during this period.

The strike decision follows unresolved concerns regarding the government’s failure to meet its obligations under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and to implement revised allowances for senior public university members.

The management of the university received a letter from TUSAAG-KTU Chapter members on Wednesday, September 26, 2024. They said, “We wish to serve management this notice that TUSAAG-KTU Chapter members are in full support of the nationwide strike. We will observe accordingly until further notice.”

Background

The Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) announced a nationwide strike on September 27th.

This decision comes after the government failed to meet its obligations under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). They say the government also didn’t implement revised allowances for senior public university members.

Consequently, TUSAAG has threatened to withdraw all services across all technical universities in the country until their demands are met.

TUSAAG reiterated that it has exhausted any inclination for further discussion and demands full implementation of all provisions in the CBA.

In a statement, TUSAAG expressed frustration over the government’s failure to honor their collective bargaining agreement despite numerous promises.

TUSAAG cited the government’s refusal to implement revised allowances for senior members of public universities. They say the government’s refusal is a clear violation of their rights.

MTN Ghana Launches 4-in-One Fast Internet for SMEs

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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MTN Ghana Launches 4-in-One Fast Internet for SMEs

On Tuesday, September 17, MTN Ghana solidified its commitment to supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) by launching its innovative Yellow Biz 4-in-One solution. This all-in-one business package is tailored specifically for SMEs, providing them with cutting-edge tools to enhance their operations and stay competitive in today’s digital world.

The Yellow Biz 4-in-One includes a high-speed 4G Plus router branded by MTN Business, offering seamless download and upload speeds for fast, reliable internet. It comes with 10 GB of free data to kickstart business activities, and a suite of tools designed to optimize productivity, including a customized website with a one-year subscription to promote SME services, and a three-month customer call management system. Additionally, the package includes Microsoft 365, which enhances team collaboration and streamlines workflows.

The product was officially launched during the opening ceremony of the Association of Ghana Industries’ (AGI) Ghana Industrial Summit & Exhibition, held at the Accra International Conference Centre.

In his keynote address, MTN Ghana CEO, Mr. Stephen Blewett, praised Yellow Biz as an innovative solution designed to help SMEs thrive. He emphasized MTN’s dedication to growing Ghana’s economy by supporting both small and large enterprises, stating, “MTN is committed to being part of the engine that drives economic growth, especially through empowering small and medium-scale businesses.” The Yellow Biz 4-in-One solution is a significant step forward in MTN‘s mission to foster business growth and innovation across Ghana’s SME sector.

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Massive Rehabilitation on Accra-Kumasi Highway

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Massive Rehabilitation on Accra-Kumasi Highway

Rehabilitation work has officially begun on the crucial 160km Apedwa-Ejisu stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway. This vital section connects Accra to Kumasi, passing through key economic towns such as Bunso Junction, Anyinam, Konongo, and Ejisu. The project aims to restore the highway’s pavement quality, enhance safety, and ensure smoother traffic flow.

During an inspection of the works, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, highlighted the importance of this corridor in linking Ghana’s two largest economic cities. Over the years, the road has suffered severe deterioration, with potholes, cracks, rutting, and depressions affecting large portions of the highway. Despite previous attempts to repair these issues, the road has worsened, prompting a comprehensive rehabilitation effort.

Hon. Asenso-Boakye announced that the 160km stretch has been divided into two main sections: Lot 1, covering Ejisu to Nkawkaw (90km), and Lot 2, from Nkawkaw to Apedwa (70km). The project will involve pavement strengthening, asphalt overlays, and the installation of road furniture to improve the overall safety and usability of the road. The rehabilitation is expected to take 24 months, and once completed, it will significantly enhance travel safety, cut down journey times, and boost economic activities between Accra and Kumasi.

In addition, the government is constructing four major bypasses along the highway at Osino, Enyiresi, Anyinam, and Konongo. These bypasses are designed to reduce accidents, shorten travel times, and further stimulate economic growth in the towns along the corridor.

The Minister urged contractors to implement a strong traffic management plan to minimize disruption during the rehabilitation works. He also called on motorists to drive safely and follow the traffic control measures in place.

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GISPA President Urges Ghana to Strengthen Digital Infrastructure

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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GISPA President Urges Ghana to Strengthen Digital Infrastructure

The President of the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA), Michael Nfordzo, has called for swift measures to fortify the country’s digital infrastructure in response to recent internet disruptions. Speaking at the 4th Annual Ghana Internet Conference, sponsored by Telecel Wholesale and themed “Empowering Ghana: Building a Resilient Local Internet Ecosystem for Business Growth and Continuity,” Nfordzo emphasized the critical need for improved infrastructure and regulatory reforms to support Ghana’s expanding digital economy.

Earlier this year, on March 14, 2024, internet outages affected Ghana and several African nations due to faults in undersea telecommunication cables, causing widespread disruptions in internet, data services, and voice over IP (VoIP) communications. Nfordzo pointed out that this incident should act as a wake-up call for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to accelerate efforts in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.

“The recent internet disruptions exposed our vulnerability to global infrastructure failures. Thanks to the Ghana Internet Exchange (GIX), we were able to minimize the impact by keeping local internet traffic within the country. However, it’s clear that we must reduce our reliance on international networks to protect against future outages,” Nfordzo stated.

The Ghana Internet Exchange (GIX), operated by GISPA, plays a key role in reducing the cost of internet services and boosting the resilience of local traffic. Despite its success, Nfordzo called for increased collaboration between ISPs, government institutions, and industries to develop a stronger peering network that can better handle future disruptions.

Keynote speaker Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Scientific Director of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab at KNUST, echoed Nfordzo’s sentiment, stressing that a resilient local internet ecosystem is essential for business growth and continuity in Ghana. “Building a robust digital foundation is critical for the economic development of all sectors. Multiple redundancies and fail-safes should be in place to ensure that even if international connections are compromised, local businesses can continue to operate with minimal disruption,” Prof. Kponyo emphasized.

Affordability of internet services also emerged as a key topic during the conference. Stakeholders urged policymakers to prioritize regulations that support both affordable access and the development of robust digital infrastructure. Affordable and reliable internet is the backbone of Ghana’s modern economy, and ensuring widespread access to these services is vital for businesses and individuals alike.

The forum also touched on emerging technologies like Starlink, highlighting the need for such innovations to complement rather than compete with local ISPs to create a sustainable digital environment. The Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA) remains committed to advancing the interests of local ISPs and promoting policies that support the growth of reliable, high-quality internet services across the nation.

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Ghana’s GDP Has Grown by 6.9% – GSS

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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kejetia market

Ghana’s economy saw significant growth in the second quarter of 2024, expanding by 6.9%, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). The latest figures show that from April to June, the country’s seasonally adjusted real GDP rose by 1.6% compared to the first quarter of 2024, marking a 0.4 percentage point improvement from the January-March period. Year on year, the economy grew by 4.7%.

The services sector emerged as the largest contributor, powering 44.2% of the growth, with the industry and agriculture sectors contributing 32.2% and 23.6%, respectively. Among the services subsectors, information and communication recorded the highest growth at 12.8% year-on-year and 2.9% quarter-on-quarter.

The industry sector saw a strong performance from mining and quarrying, which expanded by 14.8% year-on-year and 3.8% from the previous quarter. The subsector of agriculture’s crops also saw a robust increase, growing by 6.4%.

Ghana's GDP Has Grown by 6.9% - GSS

Despite the overall growth, some areas faced setbacks. The forestry and logging subsector contracted by 5.2%, while water supply, sewerage, and waste management recorded a decline of 9.6%. Additionally, personal services activities in the services sector saw a drop of 3.1%. This mixed performance reflects the strengths and challenges faced by Ghana’s economy in the second quarter of 2024.

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