UBA bank has rewarded its loyal customers through the Moneygram money transfer system dubbed 'moneygram X'mas promo'.
The raffle drawn last tuesday, rewarded 15 customers of the bank. The first price winner was Blaze Cudjo, who took home a 32 inch LG television set.
A fridge-freezer went to Opoku Amankwaa, the second price winner and Gladys Afele won a Samsung microwave for the third position.
Other winners were Thomas Danquah, Ernest Mgbaji, Osaso Eriamiatoe, Kennedy Koranteng, Patricia Simmons, and Sakina Owusu.
The Executive Director of UBA bank, Mr Daniel Addo said the raffle was to demonstrate the bank's appreciate their customers loyalty.
He said the bank was noted for its quality customer service and relationship, and therefore there was the need to reward its customers, especially at the festive season.
He promised excellent customer service next year and an introduction of new products.
In all 600 entries were received for the raffle.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
ZOOMLION'S XMAS GIFT TO ACCRA (PAGE 22, DEC 24)
Zoomlion, a leading waste management company in the country, has organised a special three day clean-up campaign dubbed; “Christmas Gift to Accra” with a call on Ghanaians to observe cleanliness during the Christmas season.
The campaign which saw the cleaning of all district assemblies and capitals in the Greater Accra Region, was also extended to all major markets.
At the Tema Station, tonnes of rubbish were cleared and choked gutters cleaned.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the acting Supervisor for the Accra Zone of the company, Mr Gofred Teye, said as part of the company’s social responsibility, close to six hundred workers were deployed to clean the major district capitals where greater volumes of waste are generated to help keep these places clean during the Christmas season.
He added that members of the National Malaria and Pest Control units were also there to fumigate the gutters to ensure good health in the communities.
He lamented the bad sanitation habits of many Ghanaians, adding that even in some of the gutters, especially at the Tema Station, people had defecated into the gutters, thus making their work quite difficult.
To this end, Mr Teye called on the Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA) to assist by placing some mobile sanitary structures at the various markets to curb this unfortunate phenomenon.
In a related interview, Mr Robert Coleman, the Zoomlion Supervisor for the capital, on behalf of the company wished all Ghanaians a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.
“I pray that Ghanaians would have a clean environment so that people will not fall sick, since as the saying goes, a ‘healthy nation is a wealthy nation’ ”, he added.
The campaign which saw the cleaning of all district assemblies and capitals in the Greater Accra Region, was also extended to all major markets.
At the Tema Station, tonnes of rubbish were cleared and choked gutters cleaned.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the acting Supervisor for the Accra Zone of the company, Mr Gofred Teye, said as part of the company’s social responsibility, close to six hundred workers were deployed to clean the major district capitals where greater volumes of waste are generated to help keep these places clean during the Christmas season.
He added that members of the National Malaria and Pest Control units were also there to fumigate the gutters to ensure good health in the communities.
He lamented the bad sanitation habits of many Ghanaians, adding that even in some of the gutters, especially at the Tema Station, people had defecated into the gutters, thus making their work quite difficult.
To this end, Mr Teye called on the Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA) to assist by placing some mobile sanitary structures at the various markets to curb this unfortunate phenomenon.
In a related interview, Mr Robert Coleman, the Zoomlion Supervisor for the capital, on behalf of the company wished all Ghanaians a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.
“I pray that Ghanaians would have a clean environment so that people will not fall sick, since as the saying goes, a ‘healthy nation is a wealthy nation’ ”, he added.
3,000 YOUTH TO BENEFIT FROM ICT TRAINING (PAGE 38, DEC 24)
MORE than 3,000 youth in the Greater Accra Region are to be trained in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) next year.
The training programme, which will be executed with the help of the South Korean government, is one of the 11 new modules that have been introduced into the NYEP.
Among the new modules are youth in agriculture, grasscutter rearing, community protection unit and youth in mobile and ICT
The Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinator of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), Mr Solomon Nii Afutu Quartey, made this known when he toured selected district and municipal assemblies in the Greater Accra Region to acquaint himself with the activities of the NYEP.
Some of the areas he toured were the Ga East, Ga West, Adenta and Ga South assemblies.
Mr Quartey told the Daily Graphic that the NYEP was a success, but there was more to be done to create more opportunities for the youth in the region.
At the Pantang Hospital, the visit brought to bear a plight of a young woman who came from Kasoa to work at Pantang every day, but had not been paid for the past three months.
Mr Elvis Akuamoah, Co-ordinator of the Pantang Hospital responsible for in-service training, said there was no frequent interaction between the district co-ordinator of the NYEP and the hospital in the past, and expressed hope that the situation would change with the assumption of office of the new regional co-ordinator of the programme.
The training programme, which will be executed with the help of the South Korean government, is one of the 11 new modules that have been introduced into the NYEP.
Among the new modules are youth in agriculture, grasscutter rearing, community protection unit and youth in mobile and ICT
The Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinator of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), Mr Solomon Nii Afutu Quartey, made this known when he toured selected district and municipal assemblies in the Greater Accra Region to acquaint himself with the activities of the NYEP.
Some of the areas he toured were the Ga East, Ga West, Adenta and Ga South assemblies.
Mr Quartey told the Daily Graphic that the NYEP was a success, but there was more to be done to create more opportunities for the youth in the region.
At the Pantang Hospital, the visit brought to bear a plight of a young woman who came from Kasoa to work at Pantang every day, but had not been paid for the past three months.
Mr Elvis Akuamoah, Co-ordinator of the Pantang Hospital responsible for in-service training, said there was no frequent interaction between the district co-ordinator of the NYEP and the hospital in the past, and expressed hope that the situation would change with the assumption of office of the new regional co-ordinator of the programme.
UBA REWARDS LOYAL CUSTOMERS (PAGE 39)
UBA Bank has rewarded its loyal customers through the Moneygram Money Transfer system dubbed Moneygram Xmas Promo.
The raffle which was drawn last Tuesday, rewarded 15 customers of the bank. The first prize winner was Blaze Cudjo, who took home a 32-inch LG television set.
A fridge-freezer went to Opoku Amankwaa, the second prize winner, and Gladys Afele won a Sumsang microwave for the third position
Other winners were Thomas Danquah, Ernest Mgbaji, Osaso Eriamiatoe, Kennedy Koranteng, Patricia Simmons, Sakina Owusu.
The Executive Director of the UBA Bank, Mr Daniel Addo, said the raffle was to demonstrate bank’s appreciation for their customers’ loyalty.
He said the bank was noted for its quality customer service and relationship and, therefore, there was the need to reward its customers, especially during this festive season.
He promised excellent service to customers next year and an introduction of new products.
In all, 600 entries were received for the raffle.
The raffle which was drawn last Tuesday, rewarded 15 customers of the bank. The first prize winner was Blaze Cudjo, who took home a 32-inch LG television set.
A fridge-freezer went to Opoku Amankwaa, the second prize winner, and Gladys Afele won a Sumsang microwave for the third position
Other winners were Thomas Danquah, Ernest Mgbaji, Osaso Eriamiatoe, Kennedy Koranteng, Patricia Simmons, Sakina Owusu.
The Executive Director of the UBA Bank, Mr Daniel Addo, said the raffle was to demonstrate bank’s appreciation for their customers’ loyalty.
He said the bank was noted for its quality customer service and relationship and, therefore, there was the need to reward its customers, especially during this festive season.
He promised excellent service to customers next year and an introduction of new products.
In all, 600 entries were received for the raffle.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Lapaz Inundated With Second Hand Goods
THE inhabitants of Lapaz and its environs are compelled to accommodate the problem of inundation of second-hand business and goods.
The second-hand business, which is one of the fastest growing businesses in the community, is said to have been introduced by a resident some years ago.
At least three to five 40-footer containers and articulated trucks of second-hand goods are unloaded every week for various dealers in Lapaz. The goods usually comprise electrical appliances, bicycles, mattresses and clothing.
The new line of business is serving as a source of employment for the jobless youth in the community, as most of the jobless boys help in unloading the trucks for a fee or an item at reduced price.
A young man who often unloads goods, Mr K. Innocent, said he came around any time there was a truck to help in unloading it. He also said he made at least GH¢10 a day from his new found job.
A dealer, Ms Ernestina Frimpong, said the business was booming because of the profit they made, as many citizens preferred home-used goods to brand new ones.
She said customers loved to purchase home-used goods because of its durability and robustness, as many of the home-used goods last longer than new ones.
She added that most people also preferred the home-used goods because they were affordable and most times given on credit when the market became stagnant. She ,however, said the increasing number of people entering the business had the tendency of killing it in soon.
Giving his view of the market, Mr Amankwah said although the business was booming, they had a tough time clearing the goods from the port, as goods can be made to delay at the port for months, due to clearance procedures and the cost involved.
He appealed to the government not to increase the tax on second-hand goods and that something should be done to help clearing procedures at the port to be non- stressful.
The second-hand business, which is one of the fastest growing businesses in the community, is said to have been introduced by a resident some years ago.
At least three to five 40-footer containers and articulated trucks of second-hand goods are unloaded every week for various dealers in Lapaz. The goods usually comprise electrical appliances, bicycles, mattresses and clothing.
The new line of business is serving as a source of employment for the jobless youth in the community, as most of the jobless boys help in unloading the trucks for a fee or an item at reduced price.
A young man who often unloads goods, Mr K. Innocent, said he came around any time there was a truck to help in unloading it. He also said he made at least GH¢10 a day from his new found job.
A dealer, Ms Ernestina Frimpong, said the business was booming because of the profit they made, as many citizens preferred home-used goods to brand new ones.
She said customers loved to purchase home-used goods because of its durability and robustness, as many of the home-used goods last longer than new ones.
She added that most people also preferred the home-used goods because they were affordable and most times given on credit when the market became stagnant. She ,however, said the increasing number of people entering the business had the tendency of killing it in soon.
Giving his view of the market, Mr Amankwah said although the business was booming, they had a tough time clearing the goods from the port, as goods can be made to delay at the port for months, due to clearance procedures and the cost involved.
He appealed to the government not to increase the tax on second-hand goods and that something should be done to help clearing procedures at the port to be non- stressful.
NATIONAL ALCOHOL DRAFT POLICY LAUNCHED (PAGE 47, DEC 17)
A National alcohol draft policy has been launched in Accra in an effort to stem the rising trend of alcohol abuse in the country.
The policy, facilitated by the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education (an African think tank and non-governmental organisation), and supported by the Association of Alcohol Manufacturers and Importers, seeks to urge the government to adopt and implement the policy.
The policy was drafted as a result of series of broad consultations with overseas experts, government officials and two national symposium over two years.
The first draft of the policy was on May 13, 2008 and was presented to the former Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey, in May 2009.
IMANI’s Executive Director, Mr Franklin Cudjoe, said the policy sought to formalise the operations of the alcohol industry in the country.
He said the policy was aimed at changing behaviour by encouraging positive and discouraging negative patterns to create an informed society, reduce harm due to alcohol misuse, and ensure product quality and integrity to protect consumers from unsafe products.
Mr Cudjoe said the policy was to help the government in the implementation of a comprehensive and community-endorsed national policy to ensure that alcohol was provided to the community applying appropriate level of regulations.
“For a policy of this nature to be effective and sustainable, co-operation and creative partnerships across all sectors of society are required,” he noted.
He said the policy was also aimed at preventing under-age drinking and to offer protection from harm.
The Head of Corporate Relations of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, Mr Edwin Baffour, said it was important to have a framework that would regulate the alcohol industry, even though the government generated lots of revenue from the industry.
He said the misuse of alcoholic products caused harm to the user and those in the community.
He, therefore, appealed to the government to adopt the policy for the good of the country.
Mr Ali Traboulsi, Managing Director of Cape Trading Company Limited’s, advised the government to tackle the issue of increase in alcohol tax head-on since it had the tendency of reducing demand for the product.
He said the increase in tax would encourage under-invoicing and smuggling of alcohol into the country through the borders.
Representing the Accra Breweries Limited, Mr Chris Wulff-Ceaser advised consumers to regulate their drinking habits and encouraged the government to work together with the industry to help build the country.
The policy, facilitated by the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education (an African think tank and non-governmental organisation), and supported by the Association of Alcohol Manufacturers and Importers, seeks to urge the government to adopt and implement the policy.
The policy was drafted as a result of series of broad consultations with overseas experts, government officials and two national symposium over two years.
The first draft of the policy was on May 13, 2008 and was presented to the former Minister of Health, Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey, in May 2009.
IMANI’s Executive Director, Mr Franklin Cudjoe, said the policy sought to formalise the operations of the alcohol industry in the country.
He said the policy was aimed at changing behaviour by encouraging positive and discouraging negative patterns to create an informed society, reduce harm due to alcohol misuse, and ensure product quality and integrity to protect consumers from unsafe products.
Mr Cudjoe said the policy was to help the government in the implementation of a comprehensive and community-endorsed national policy to ensure that alcohol was provided to the community applying appropriate level of regulations.
“For a policy of this nature to be effective and sustainable, co-operation and creative partnerships across all sectors of society are required,” he noted.
He said the policy was also aimed at preventing under-age drinking and to offer protection from harm.
The Head of Corporate Relations of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, Mr Edwin Baffour, said it was important to have a framework that would regulate the alcohol industry, even though the government generated lots of revenue from the industry.
He said the misuse of alcoholic products caused harm to the user and those in the community.
He, therefore, appealed to the government to adopt the policy for the good of the country.
Mr Ali Traboulsi, Managing Director of Cape Trading Company Limited’s, advised the government to tackle the issue of increase in alcohol tax head-on since it had the tendency of reducing demand for the product.
He said the increase in tax would encourage under-invoicing and smuggling of alcohol into the country through the borders.
Representing the Accra Breweries Limited, Mr Chris Wulff-Ceaser advised consumers to regulate their drinking habits and encouraged the government to work together with the industry to help build the country.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Bishop T Ga Clud Donates to Korle -Bu (page 3, Nov 9)
The Sickle Cell Clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has received three sphygmomanometers worth 600 pounds from the Bishop T Ga Club.
The sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitoring machine), are meant to aid the doctors in the monitoring of the blood pressure of patient without stress.
Presenting the items, the Chairperson of the club, Mrs Regina Akumiah said the group,based in London, decided to support the sickle cell unit of the hospital because of the prevalence of the sickle cell disease.
She said since the disease could affect the families of the members of the club and other individuals, it was appropriate for the club to extend a helping hand to the Sickle Cell Clinic.
Mrs Akumiah said the group donated computers and other items to the clinic last two years, therefore, the presentation of the blood pressure monitoring machine was in fulfilment of the promise the club made to offer a helping hand on an occasionally basis.
Dr Ivy Ekem, a senior physician at the clinic, said the clinic had been facing various challenges for the past years including lack of doctors for the unit, poor salaries and lack of adequate facilities.
She expressed appreciation to the club and appealed to other organisations and individuals to emulate the example.
The sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitoring machine), are meant to aid the doctors in the monitoring of the blood pressure of patient without stress.
Presenting the items, the Chairperson of the club, Mrs Regina Akumiah said the group,based in London, decided to support the sickle cell unit of the hospital because of the prevalence of the sickle cell disease.
She said since the disease could affect the families of the members of the club and other individuals, it was appropriate for the club to extend a helping hand to the Sickle Cell Clinic.
Mrs Akumiah said the group donated computers and other items to the clinic last two years, therefore, the presentation of the blood pressure monitoring machine was in fulfilment of the promise the club made to offer a helping hand on an occasionally basis.
Dr Ivy Ekem, a senior physician at the clinic, said the clinic had been facing various challenges for the past years including lack of doctors for the unit, poor salaries and lack of adequate facilities.
She expressed appreciation to the club and appealed to other organisations and individuals to emulate the example.
Take ICT Studies Seriously, Veep advices students (page 11, Dec 9)
THE Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has advised students to take their studies in Information Communication Technology (ICT) seriously.
He said it was important for the students to take advantage of their computer studies, since the world had changed into a global village.
The Vice-President was speaking at the 43rd annual speech and prize-giving day of the Labone Senior High School in Accra to climax its 60th anniversary celebrations.
The occasion was on the theme, “60 Years of Quality Secondary Education- the Contribution of Labone Senior High School to the Development of Ghana’s Human Resource and Beyond”.
A multi-purpose sports facility, comprising basket ball and volley ball pitches funded by the Consul General for the Swedish Embassy, Mr In Armakai Armateifio was also inaugurated by the Vice-President to mark the occasion.
Mr Mahama said ICT was a useful subject to enhance their opportunities in life and create avenues for them to contribute to national development.
The Vice-President said the school had provided quality education over the years, despite the major challenges it had faced over the years, and pledged the Government’s support to improve the school’s infrastructure.
He asked the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, to ensure that the school’s facilities were expanded to accommodate more students and to restate its boarding status.
He called on the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) and Old Students Association of the school, as well as all corporate bodies, to contribute to the expansion of the facilities of the school.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Joyce Ossei Agyekum, said despite the challenges the school was facing, it had grown over the years to become one of the country’s best secondary schools.
She said it was, therefore, necessary for the school to produce the right-minded students to take up the challenge of contributing to the growth and development of the country.
Mrs Agyekum appealed to the Ministry of Education to help in the extension of facilities of the school to accommodate students who had been travelling long distances to and from the school.
He said it was important for the students to take advantage of their computer studies, since the world had changed into a global village.
The Vice-President was speaking at the 43rd annual speech and prize-giving day of the Labone Senior High School in Accra to climax its 60th anniversary celebrations.
The occasion was on the theme, “60 Years of Quality Secondary Education- the Contribution of Labone Senior High School to the Development of Ghana’s Human Resource and Beyond”.
A multi-purpose sports facility, comprising basket ball and volley ball pitches funded by the Consul General for the Swedish Embassy, Mr In Armakai Armateifio was also inaugurated by the Vice-President to mark the occasion.
Mr Mahama said ICT was a useful subject to enhance their opportunities in life and create avenues for them to contribute to national development.
The Vice-President said the school had provided quality education over the years, despite the major challenges it had faced over the years, and pledged the Government’s support to improve the school’s infrastructure.
He asked the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, to ensure that the school’s facilities were expanded to accommodate more students and to restate its boarding status.
He called on the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) and Old Students Association of the school, as well as all corporate bodies, to contribute to the expansion of the facilities of the school.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Joyce Ossei Agyekum, said despite the challenges the school was facing, it had grown over the years to become one of the country’s best secondary schools.
She said it was, therefore, necessary for the school to produce the right-minded students to take up the challenge of contributing to the growth and development of the country.
Mrs Agyekum appealed to the Ministry of Education to help in the extension of facilities of the school to accommodate students who had been travelling long distances to and from the school.
Ghana Benefits From Fund To Fight AIDS, Malaria (page 47. Dec 10)
LAST Tuesday Ghana became a beneficiary of a $400 million grant from Global Fund to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS, Tuberclosis (TB) and malaria over the next five years.
An agreement which rolled out the phase one of the grant, dubbed “Round Eight”, was signed between Global Fund and the Ministry of Health in Accra.
The Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbour, initialled for the ministry, while Mr Mark Willis, Representative of Global Fund, also signed for the fund.
Six agencies to benefit from the grant are the Ministry of Health, Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana Health Service (GHS), Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) and Anglogold Ashanti.
Global Fund was established by the United Nations in 2001, and supported by the G-8 of industrialised countries to provide substantial resources to fight malaria, TB, HIV and AIDS.
The Minister of Health said the grant was very significant in the face of the enormous financial challenges in the health sector.
He underscored the need for the beneficiary institutions to ensure judicious and effective use of the grants.
Dr Kunbour said Ghana, as a developing country, had to deal with a very high burden of diseases, explaining that availability of financial resources to fight the upsurge of the diseases was a huge relief for the country.
He mentioned, for example, that the burden of malaria alone cost the nation more than US$730 million annually.
He said most developing countries were at the risk of missing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets because of the overwhelming burden of those diseases which were now endemic in developing countries.
The Director of Anglogold Ashanti Malaria Control Programme, Mr Steve Knowles, said a malaria control programme was the best example of a sustainable corporate social responsibility programme for a company operating in a malaria-endemic area.
He said Anglogold Ashanti believed local community involvement and development in the key issue to sustainable operations.
He said the company would embark on an indoor residual spraying (IRS) in 40 districts of the country for a period of five years, which would help in the provision of 3,800 jobs in four years.
An agreement which rolled out the phase one of the grant, dubbed “Round Eight”, was signed between Global Fund and the Ministry of Health in Accra.
The Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbour, initialled for the ministry, while Mr Mark Willis, Representative of Global Fund, also signed for the fund.
Six agencies to benefit from the grant are the Ministry of Health, Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana Health Service (GHS), Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) and Anglogold Ashanti.
Global Fund was established by the United Nations in 2001, and supported by the G-8 of industrialised countries to provide substantial resources to fight malaria, TB, HIV and AIDS.
The Minister of Health said the grant was very significant in the face of the enormous financial challenges in the health sector.
He underscored the need for the beneficiary institutions to ensure judicious and effective use of the grants.
Dr Kunbour said Ghana, as a developing country, had to deal with a very high burden of diseases, explaining that availability of financial resources to fight the upsurge of the diseases was a huge relief for the country.
He mentioned, for example, that the burden of malaria alone cost the nation more than US$730 million annually.
He said most developing countries were at the risk of missing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets because of the overwhelming burden of those diseases which were now endemic in developing countries.
The Director of Anglogold Ashanti Malaria Control Programme, Mr Steve Knowles, said a malaria control programme was the best example of a sustainable corporate social responsibility programme for a company operating in a malaria-endemic area.
He said Anglogold Ashanti believed local community involvement and development in the key issue to sustainable operations.
He said the company would embark on an indoor residual spraying (IRS) in 40 districts of the country for a period of five years, which would help in the provision of 3,800 jobs in four years.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
EIGHT AFRICAN COUNTRIES TO PROMOTE INTERNET TRADE (SPREAD, DEC 10)
Participants from eight African countries are meeting in Accra to work out strategies to promote Internet trade and commerce on the continent.
The two-day meeting, being hosted by GCNet Ghana, is part of Africa’s initiative under the umbrella of the African Alliance of E-commerce (AACE) to take advantage of Information and Communication Technology to facilitate the development of the continent.
The participating countries are Ghana, DR Congo, Senegal, Cameroun, Morocco, Togo, Gabon and Cote d’Ivoire.
Addressing the opening session, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Communications, underscored the need for African countries to develop a strategy to build the capacity and strengthen regulatory practices governing ICT.
He said with the view to deepening ICT usage in Africa there was the need to promote the development and deployment of e-commerce services in Africa.
He noted that the Alliance of African e-commerce operators had a major role to play in ensuring the exchange of information on new developments and best practices for the promotion of e-commerce.
Mr Iddrisu said the government had defined a legislative framework that would govern ICT development and usage within the country.
He said the ministry would put an Electronic Governing Bill and Data Protection Act before Parliament to that effect.
The Executive Chairman of GCNet, Mr Nortey K. Omaboe, said the occasion served as an opportunity for the organisation and the alliance to reassess the functioning of the alliance and appraise what had been achieved in an attempt to develop an organisational structure that effectively co-ordinated their relationship.
He said the deployment of the range of GCNet's e-commerce services had been geared towards simplifying the conduct of business transaction in Ghana.
The Chairman of AACE, Mr Ibrahim Nour Eddire Diagme, said the alliance was launched in Addis Ababa on March 13, 2009 to establish a structure facilitating dialogue and co-operation, among members.
He said the alliance also sought to set a framework of competence to help African countries in the development of their Single Window projects.
He said there was the need to contribute to Africa’s representation in international forum and contribute to the development of the concept at the global level.
The two-day meeting, being hosted by GCNet Ghana, is part of Africa’s initiative under the umbrella of the African Alliance of E-commerce (AACE) to take advantage of Information and Communication Technology to facilitate the development of the continent.
The participating countries are Ghana, DR Congo, Senegal, Cameroun, Morocco, Togo, Gabon and Cote d’Ivoire.
Addressing the opening session, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Communications, underscored the need for African countries to develop a strategy to build the capacity and strengthen regulatory practices governing ICT.
He said with the view to deepening ICT usage in Africa there was the need to promote the development and deployment of e-commerce services in Africa.
He noted that the Alliance of African e-commerce operators had a major role to play in ensuring the exchange of information on new developments and best practices for the promotion of e-commerce.
Mr Iddrisu said the government had defined a legislative framework that would govern ICT development and usage within the country.
He said the ministry would put an Electronic Governing Bill and Data Protection Act before Parliament to that effect.
The Executive Chairman of GCNet, Mr Nortey K. Omaboe, said the occasion served as an opportunity for the organisation and the alliance to reassess the functioning of the alliance and appraise what had been achieved in an attempt to develop an organisational structure that effectively co-ordinated their relationship.
He said the deployment of the range of GCNet's e-commerce services had been geared towards simplifying the conduct of business transaction in Ghana.
The Chairman of AACE, Mr Ibrahim Nour Eddire Diagme, said the alliance was launched in Addis Ababa on March 13, 2009 to establish a structure facilitating dialogue and co-operation, among members.
He said the alliance also sought to set a framework of competence to help African countries in the development of their Single Window projects.
He said there was the need to contribute to Africa’s representation in international forum and contribute to the development of the concept at the global level.
GHANA BENEFITS FROM FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, MALARIA (PAGE 47, DEC 10)
LAST Tuesday Ghana became a beneficiary of a $400 million grant from Global Fund to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS, Tuberclosis (TB) and malaria over the next five years.
An agreement which rolled out the phase one of the grant, dubbed “Round Eight”, was signed between Global Fund and the Ministry of Health in Accra.
The Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbour, initialled for the ministry, while Mr Mark Willis, Representative of Global Fund, also signed for the fund.
Six agencies to benefit from the grant are the Ministry of Health, Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana Health Service (GHS), Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) and Anglogold Ashanti.
Global Fund was established by the United Nations in 2001, and supported by the G-8 of industrialised countries to provide substantial resources to fight malaria, TB, HIV and AIDS.
The Minister of Health said the grant was very significant in the face of the enormous financial challenges in the health sector.
He underscored the need for the beneficiary institutions to ensure judicious and effective use of the grants.
Dr Kunbour said Ghana, as a developing country, had to deal with a very high burden of diseases, explaining that availability of financial resources to fight the upsurge of the diseases was a huge relief for the country.
He mentioned, for example, that the burden of malaria alone cost the nation more than US$730 million annually.
He said most developing countries were at the risk of missing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets because of the overwhelming burden of those diseases which were now endemic in developing countries.
The Director of Anglogold Ashanti Malaria Control Programme, Mr Steve Knowles, said a malaria control programme was the best example of a sustainable corporate social responsibility programme for a company operating in a malaria-endemic area.
He said Anglogold Ashanti believed local community involvement and development is the key issue to sustainable operations.
He said the company would embark on an indoor residual spraying (IRS) in 40 districts of the country for a period of five years, which would help in the provision of 3,800 jobs in four years.
An agreement which rolled out the phase one of the grant, dubbed “Round Eight”, was signed between Global Fund and the Ministry of Health in Accra.
The Minister of Health, Dr Benjamin Kunbour, initialled for the ministry, while Mr Mark Willis, Representative of Global Fund, also signed for the fund.
Six agencies to benefit from the grant are the Ministry of Health, Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana Health Service (GHS), Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) and Anglogold Ashanti.
Global Fund was established by the United Nations in 2001, and supported by the G-8 of industrialised countries to provide substantial resources to fight malaria, TB, HIV and AIDS.
The Minister of Health said the grant was very significant in the face of the enormous financial challenges in the health sector.
He underscored the need for the beneficiary institutions to ensure judicious and effective use of the grants.
Dr Kunbour said Ghana, as a developing country, had to deal with a very high burden of diseases, explaining that availability of financial resources to fight the upsurge of the diseases was a huge relief for the country.
He mentioned, for example, that the burden of malaria alone cost the nation more than US$730 million annually.
He said most developing countries were at the risk of missing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets because of the overwhelming burden of those diseases which were now endemic in developing countries.
The Director of Anglogold Ashanti Malaria Control Programme, Mr Steve Knowles, said a malaria control programme was the best example of a sustainable corporate social responsibility programme for a company operating in a malaria-endemic area.
He said Anglogold Ashanti believed local community involvement and development is the key issue to sustainable operations.
He said the company would embark on an indoor residual spraying (IRS) in 40 districts of the country for a period of five years, which would help in the provision of 3,800 jobs in four years.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
TAKE ICT STUDIES SERIOUSLY...Veep advises student (PAGE 11, DEC 9)
THE Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has advised students to take their studies in Information Communication Technology (ICT) seriously.
He said it was important for the students to take advantage of their computer studies, since the world had changed into a global village.
The Vice-President was speaking at the 43rd annual speech and prize-giving day of the Labone Senior High School in Accra to climax its 60th anniversary celebrations.
The occasion was on the theme, “60 Years of Quality Secondary Education — the Contribution of Labone Senior High School to the Development of Ghana’s Human Resource and Beyond”.
A multi-purpose sports facility, comprising basket ball and volleyball pitches funded by the Consul General for the Swedish Embassy, Mr In Armakai Armateifio, was also inaugurated by the Vice-President to mark the occasion.
Mr Mahama said ICT was a useful subject to enhance their opportunities in life and create avenues for them to contribute to national development.
The Vice-President said the school had provided quality education over the years, despite the major challenges it had faced over the years, and pledged the Government’s support to improve the school’s infrastructure.
He asked the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, to ensure that the school’s facilities were expanded to accommodate more students and to restate its boarding status.
He called on the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and Old Students Association of the school, as well as corporate bodies, to contribute to the expansion of the facilities of the school.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Joyce Ossei Agyekum, said despite the challenges the school was facing, it had grown over the years to become one of the country’s best secondary schools.
She said it was, therefore, necessary for the school to produce the right-minded students to take up the challenge of contributing to the growth and development of the country.
Mrs Agyekum appealed to the Ministry of Education to help in the extension of facilities of the school to accommodate students who had been travelling long distances to and from the school.
He said it was important for the students to take advantage of their computer studies, since the world had changed into a global village.
The Vice-President was speaking at the 43rd annual speech and prize-giving day of the Labone Senior High School in Accra to climax its 60th anniversary celebrations.
The occasion was on the theme, “60 Years of Quality Secondary Education — the Contribution of Labone Senior High School to the Development of Ghana’s Human Resource and Beyond”.
A multi-purpose sports facility, comprising basket ball and volleyball pitches funded by the Consul General for the Swedish Embassy, Mr In Armakai Armateifio, was also inaugurated by the Vice-President to mark the occasion.
Mr Mahama said ICT was a useful subject to enhance their opportunities in life and create avenues for them to contribute to national development.
The Vice-President said the school had provided quality education over the years, despite the major challenges it had faced over the years, and pledged the Government’s support to improve the school’s infrastructure.
He asked the Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, to ensure that the school’s facilities were expanded to accommodate more students and to restate its boarding status.
He called on the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and Old Students Association of the school, as well as corporate bodies, to contribute to the expansion of the facilities of the school.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Joyce Ossei Agyekum, said despite the challenges the school was facing, it had grown over the years to become one of the country’s best secondary schools.
She said it was, therefore, necessary for the school to produce the right-minded students to take up the challenge of contributing to the growth and development of the country.
Mrs Agyekum appealed to the Ministry of Education to help in the extension of facilities of the school to accommodate students who had been travelling long distances to and from the school.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Donewell Expand Operations (page 33, Dec 1)
Donewell Insurance Company Limited, is investing in infrastructure as well re-capitalising the company to enable it to undertake bigger insurance transactions
Speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Accra, Mr Addo said the company had made provision for more than GH¢730,000 to finance both projects.
He said the new insurance law did not only test insurance companies but led to an increase in the number of operators from 23 to 36
Mr Addo said insurance companies were required to increase their capital base to a minimum of US$1.0 million under the new insurance law.
He attributed the requirement to the inflow of oil resources which would expect insurance companies to expand their capital base soon.
He said the global economy witnessed a decline from 2007 through 2008, with the economic growth rate falling from 5.1 per cent in 2006 to four per cent in 2008, adding that this had affected the demand for African goods and services, drop in direct investment in Ghana, and a marked decline in foreign remittances into the country.
He said these affected most companies in Ghana, hence the reduction in the companies investment income.
The meeting could not approve the increase of the ordinary shares of the company from 50 million to 500 million shares and the increase of the 50 preference shares to 25 million at a price US$ 0.20 cents per share.
According to some members the items could not be considered because prior notice was not given to shareholders, and the fact that it was also not included in the agenda of the meeting.
According to the Companies Code the company was supposed to give a 21 days notice to its shareholders before an item was discussed.
The meeting agreed to meet on December 17 to discuss and approve the two issues.
Speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Accra, Mr Addo said the company had made provision for more than GH¢730,000 to finance both projects.
He said the new insurance law did not only test insurance companies but led to an increase in the number of operators from 23 to 36
Mr Addo said insurance companies were required to increase their capital base to a minimum of US$1.0 million under the new insurance law.
He attributed the requirement to the inflow of oil resources which would expect insurance companies to expand their capital base soon.
He said the global economy witnessed a decline from 2007 through 2008, with the economic growth rate falling from 5.1 per cent in 2006 to four per cent in 2008, adding that this had affected the demand for African goods and services, drop in direct investment in Ghana, and a marked decline in foreign remittances into the country.
He said these affected most companies in Ghana, hence the reduction in the companies investment income.
The meeting could not approve the increase of the ordinary shares of the company from 50 million to 500 million shares and the increase of the 50 preference shares to 25 million at a price US$ 0.20 cents per share.
According to some members the items could not be considered because prior notice was not given to shareholders, and the fact that it was also not included in the agenda of the meeting.
According to the Companies Code the company was supposed to give a 21 days notice to its shareholders before an item was discussed.
The meeting agreed to meet on December 17 to discuss and approve the two issues.
Scancom Support Okyenhene's Anniversary ( middle spread, Dec 3)
Scancom Ghana Limited, operators of MTN mobile network, has presented a cheque for GH¢80,000 and assorted items to the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, in connection with the 10th anniversary of his enstoolment.
The items were assorted MTN souvenirs and press advertisement.
The company also pledged to support the corporate Guardian magazine, the grand durbar and the marathon race which are part of the activities marking the anniversary.
Presenting the items, the Chief Marketing Manager of MTN Ghana, Mr George Andah, said the presentation was in fulfilment of the corporate social responsibility of the company.
The items were received by the Benkumhene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osabarima Awuah Kotoko II, on behalf of the Okyenhene.
The Communications Manager of MTN, Ms Mawuena Dumor, said the company recognised the pivotal role that chiefs played in Ghana’s development and noted that it was happy to be associated with the 10th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Okyenhene.
She said MTN saw the Okyenhene as the embodiment of relevant indigenous knowledge that provided solutions to contemporary challenges such as sustainable development, climate change and HIV and AIDS.
She said the Okyenhene had been instrumental in environmental education, leading to the establishment of a University College of Agriculture and Environment.
Ms Dumor also applauded the Okyenhene for being revered among the poor and disadvantaged, civil society organisations and politicians.
Osagyefo Ofori Panin thanked MTN for its donation and generosity.
He said the chiefs and the people of Akyem Abuakwa were appreciative of the efforts of MTN towards the development of the traditional area and appealed to other organisations to emulate the example.
The items were assorted MTN souvenirs and press advertisement.
The company also pledged to support the corporate Guardian magazine, the grand durbar and the marathon race which are part of the activities marking the anniversary.
Presenting the items, the Chief Marketing Manager of MTN Ghana, Mr George Andah, said the presentation was in fulfilment of the corporate social responsibility of the company.
The items were received by the Benkumhene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osabarima Awuah Kotoko II, on behalf of the Okyenhene.
The Communications Manager of MTN, Ms Mawuena Dumor, said the company recognised the pivotal role that chiefs played in Ghana’s development and noted that it was happy to be associated with the 10th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Okyenhene.
She said MTN saw the Okyenhene as the embodiment of relevant indigenous knowledge that provided solutions to contemporary challenges such as sustainable development, climate change and HIV and AIDS.
She said the Okyenhene had been instrumental in environmental education, leading to the establishment of a University College of Agriculture and Environment.
Ms Dumor also applauded the Okyenhene for being revered among the poor and disadvantaged, civil society organisations and politicians.
Osagyefo Ofori Panin thanked MTN for its donation and generosity.
He said the chiefs and the people of Akyem Abuakwa were appreciative of the efforts of MTN towards the development of the traditional area and appealed to other organisations to emulate the example.
OIC Holds 34th Annual Graduation (page 17, Dec 4)
THE Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Stephen Amoanor Kwao has said that unemployment is a canker that has plagued the country for many years.
It is in view of this f that the government was taking decisive steps to come out with a National Employment Policy to drastically address the huge unemployment issues.
The ministry, he said, had already taken steps to expand and improve community based skills development to meet demand for accelerated skills training.
In a speech read on his behalf at the 34th annual graduation ceremony of the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (OIC) Ghana, the Minister said the phenomenon had been identified as the main cause of poverty in Ghana and the world at large.
He pointed out that highly educated Ghanaians could not find employment because of the shortage of specific occupational skills, despite the fact that they held the relevant academic qualifications.
The minister commended the OIC for its high achievements in human resource development in the country, and for being a faithful partner of the government by responding to the training needs of the youth with creativity and vision.
He assured the OIC of his ministry’s continual support and advised the students to take special care of themselves, especially in this era of HIV/AIDS and said they should not forget that the institution and their parents had invested massively in them.
The Sales Manager of Tigo, Nii Boi Adjei said as part of the company’s social responsibility initiative on education, the company would assist deserving Ghanaians to enable them have the opportunity to be in school.
He said the theme for the occasion, ”Empowering the Ghanaian Youth with the requisite empolyable skills for emerging technological era” clearly depicts the company’s common vision for the country.
He noted that the company was committed to positively enhancing the lives of all Ghanaians, especially the youth who were the real custodians of the country’s bright future.
In his annual report, the Programmes Manager of OIC, Mr K. A. Asante said the primary objective of OIC was to contribute to the human resource and economic development of the nation, through the provision of employable skills to the unskilled and unemployed youth.
He said OIC Ghana believed in building the capacity of its staff to enable them to offer their best.
As a community based Technical and Vocational Training Institution, Mr Asante said the institute had received tremendous support from churches, institutions, corporate bodies and establishments within the community.
He appealed to the government to extend the benefits of the GETFUND to OIC, and to corporate bodies to join the OIC Ghana support family to echo their corporate social responsibility through the institution.
It is in view of this f that the government was taking decisive steps to come out with a National Employment Policy to drastically address the huge unemployment issues.
The ministry, he said, had already taken steps to expand and improve community based skills development to meet demand for accelerated skills training.
In a speech read on his behalf at the 34th annual graduation ceremony of the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (OIC) Ghana, the Minister said the phenomenon had been identified as the main cause of poverty in Ghana and the world at large.
He pointed out that highly educated Ghanaians could not find employment because of the shortage of specific occupational skills, despite the fact that they held the relevant academic qualifications.
The minister commended the OIC for its high achievements in human resource development in the country, and for being a faithful partner of the government by responding to the training needs of the youth with creativity and vision.
He assured the OIC of his ministry’s continual support and advised the students to take special care of themselves, especially in this era of HIV/AIDS and said they should not forget that the institution and their parents had invested massively in them.
The Sales Manager of Tigo, Nii Boi Adjei said as part of the company’s social responsibility initiative on education, the company would assist deserving Ghanaians to enable them have the opportunity to be in school.
He said the theme for the occasion, ”Empowering the Ghanaian Youth with the requisite empolyable skills for emerging technological era” clearly depicts the company’s common vision for the country.
He noted that the company was committed to positively enhancing the lives of all Ghanaians, especially the youth who were the real custodians of the country’s bright future.
In his annual report, the Programmes Manager of OIC, Mr K. A. Asante said the primary objective of OIC was to contribute to the human resource and economic development of the nation, through the provision of employable skills to the unskilled and unemployed youth.
He said OIC Ghana believed in building the capacity of its staff to enable them to offer their best.
As a community based Technical and Vocational Training Institution, Mr Asante said the institute had received tremendous support from churches, institutions, corporate bodies and establishments within the community.
He appealed to the government to extend the benefits of the GETFUND to OIC, and to corporate bodies to join the OIC Ghana support family to echo their corporate social responsibility through the institution.
Ghana Marks Day of Disability (page 23, Dec 4
Ghana yesterday joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Disability with a wheelchair marathon in Accra.
The celebration was on the theme, “Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and their Communities around the World”.
The marathon, which was contested by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Accra metropolis, started from the Accra Rehabilitation Centre at Adabraka, through the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium and ended at the Accra Teachers Hall Complex.
Abdul Raman emerged the winner, while Abdul Saviola came second, followed by Abdul Malik.
Hellen Afriyie Bani emerged first in the women’s division, while Ms Ophilia Pupulampo came second, with Ms Vinolia Quarshigah taking the third place.
The Executive Director for Employment of Persons With Disabilities, Mr Alexander Kojo Tetteh, said the wheelchair marathon had been organised to portray to the community that PWDs were capable of engaging in virtually all activities, provided the needed logistics and facilities were available.
He said PWDs constituted about 10 per cent of Ghana's population, yet they faced a lot of problems as a result of the negative attitude of some Ghanaians against them.
He expressed concern over the non involvement of PWDs in the design and implementation of policies in the country.
Mr Tetteh said less than 10 per cent of children with disabilities were in school and appealed to the government to work towards quality education for all PWDs.
Mrs Kathryn Linn Geuts, a professor from the Hamline University in the United States of America, said the theme for the celebration was appropriate, since it would help to create awareness of the problems facing PWDs.
The celebration was on the theme, “Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and their Communities around the World”.
The marathon, which was contested by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Accra metropolis, started from the Accra Rehabilitation Centre at Adabraka, through the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium and ended at the Accra Teachers Hall Complex.
Abdul Raman emerged the winner, while Abdul Saviola came second, followed by Abdul Malik.
Hellen Afriyie Bani emerged first in the women’s division, while Ms Ophilia Pupulampo came second, with Ms Vinolia Quarshigah taking the third place.
The Executive Director for Employment of Persons With Disabilities, Mr Alexander Kojo Tetteh, said the wheelchair marathon had been organised to portray to the community that PWDs were capable of engaging in virtually all activities, provided the needed logistics and facilities were available.
He said PWDs constituted about 10 per cent of Ghana's population, yet they faced a lot of problems as a result of the negative attitude of some Ghanaians against them.
He expressed concern over the non involvement of PWDs in the design and implementation of policies in the country.
Mr Tetteh said less than 10 per cent of children with disabilities were in school and appealed to the government to work towards quality education for all PWDs.
Mrs Kathryn Linn Geuts, a professor from the Hamline University in the United States of America, said the theme for the celebration was appropriate, since it would help to create awareness of the problems facing PWDs.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Extend GETFund to private universities (page Nov 27)
THE former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana,Legon, Professor Florence Abena Dolphyne has called on the government to consider amending the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Law to extend the facility to the private universitites.
She explained that the nation benefited considerably from the quality human resource produced by the private universities and it was only proper for the government to ensure that those tertiary institutions became beneficiaries of the GETFund.
Prof. Dolphyne made the call at the launch of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Methodist University College Ghana (MUCG) in Accra.
She noted that private universities such as the Methodist University were playing a crucial role in the human resource development of the country and, therefore, needed to be encouraged and supported to deliver on their mandate.
The GETFund which was enacted on August 25, 2000, became operational in the middle of 2001.
Section 2 Clause 2 (a) of the Act: "To provide financial support to the agencies and institutions under the Ministry of Education, through the Ministry, for the development and maintenance of essential academic facilities and infrastructure in public educational institutions, particularly in tertiary institutions."
Prof. Dolphyne advised the universities to assist the young lecturers to further their education and increase their research output.
She appealed to corporate bodies to support private universities financially and materially since they also benefited from the products of those institutions.
The Principal of the university, the Very Rev. Prof. S. K. Adjepong said the university started its journey nine years ago in one building on a shared campus but could now boast of three campuses, four faculties and 13 departments, a big library stocked with 24,500 books and 126 serial titles among others.
He said the university would continue to maintain very high standards of teaching and mentoring and remain committed to the provision of high quality education as it made efforts towards the realisation of its vision to become a university of distinction.
Launching the anniversary celebration, the former Presiding Bishop and Chairman of the MUCG, the Most Rev. Samuel Asante Antwi said the toils and sweats of those who contributed to the success story of the university would not be washed away or forgotten.
He advised the staff and the students to hold high the flag of the university, keep the vision alive as well as cultivate and sustain the virtues of commitment and sacrifice.
She explained that the nation benefited considerably from the quality human resource produced by the private universities and it was only proper for the government to ensure that those tertiary institutions became beneficiaries of the GETFund.
Prof. Dolphyne made the call at the launch of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Methodist University College Ghana (MUCG) in Accra.
She noted that private universities such as the Methodist University were playing a crucial role in the human resource development of the country and, therefore, needed to be encouraged and supported to deliver on their mandate.
The GETFund which was enacted on August 25, 2000, became operational in the middle of 2001.
Section 2 Clause 2 (a) of the Act: "To provide financial support to the agencies and institutions under the Ministry of Education, through the Ministry, for the development and maintenance of essential academic facilities and infrastructure in public educational institutions, particularly in tertiary institutions."
Prof. Dolphyne advised the universities to assist the young lecturers to further their education and increase their research output.
She appealed to corporate bodies to support private universities financially and materially since they also benefited from the products of those institutions.
The Principal of the university, the Very Rev. Prof. S. K. Adjepong said the university started its journey nine years ago in one building on a shared campus but could now boast of three campuses, four faculties and 13 departments, a big library stocked with 24,500 books and 126 serial titles among others.
He said the university would continue to maintain very high standards of teaching and mentoring and remain committed to the provision of high quality education as it made efforts towards the realisation of its vision to become a university of distinction.
Launching the anniversary celebration, the former Presiding Bishop and Chairman of the MUCG, the Most Rev. Samuel Asante Antwi said the toils and sweats of those who contributed to the success story of the university would not be washed away or forgotten.
He advised the staff and the students to hold high the flag of the university, keep the vision alive as well as cultivate and sustain the virtues of commitment and sacrifice.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
VAT SERVICE CLOSED DOWN NON-REGISTERED COMPANIES (page 46, Nov 19)
FOR the first time since the amendment of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law in 2009, the VAT Service has sealed off the premises of enterprises that have refused to register with the service.
They are Quality Stores at Opera Square and Lady Dodzi Enterprises on the Spintex Road, both in Accra.
The VAT Amendment Law, 2009 empowers the Commissioner of the VAT Service to seal off premises of businesses which refuse to register with the service.
Even though it is the usual practice for the service to seal off premises of defaulting clients at the end of the year, the sealing off of the affected enterprises is the first time it is invoking such powers conferred on the commissioner by law.
The Director of the Okaishie VAT sub-office, Mr Dela Heloo, said the office had first sent 30 days’ notices to enterprises that had not registered with VAT to do so.
The exercise, according to him, prompted many enterprises in the Okaishie area to register with the service.
After several prompting, including official correspondence by the VAT Service, Quality Stores still refused to register.
"After using all means to get the shop to register, the only option left was to take distress action," he said.
He said enterprises that had have their premises sealed off would have to pay a penalty when they registered afterwards.
At the time of sealing off Quality Stores, the owner was absent.
Mr Heloo said the sub-office held meetings with traders within its jurisdiction to educate them on the importance of registering with the service and the benefits of VAT to the country.
He advised traders to help the service in the administration of its services by registering with the service and told customers to also insist on VAT invoices whenever they purchased goods from shops.
They are Quality Stores at Opera Square and Lady Dodzi Enterprises on the Spintex Road, both in Accra.
The VAT Amendment Law, 2009 empowers the Commissioner of the VAT Service to seal off premises of businesses which refuse to register with the service.
Even though it is the usual practice for the service to seal off premises of defaulting clients at the end of the year, the sealing off of the affected enterprises is the first time it is invoking such powers conferred on the commissioner by law.
The Director of the Okaishie VAT sub-office, Mr Dela Heloo, said the office had first sent 30 days’ notices to enterprises that had not registered with VAT to do so.
The exercise, according to him, prompted many enterprises in the Okaishie area to register with the service.
After several prompting, including official correspondence by the VAT Service, Quality Stores still refused to register.
"After using all means to get the shop to register, the only option left was to take distress action," he said.
He said enterprises that had have their premises sealed off would have to pay a penalty when they registered afterwards.
At the time of sealing off Quality Stores, the owner was absent.
Mr Heloo said the sub-office held meetings with traders within its jurisdiction to educate them on the importance of registering with the service and the benefits of VAT to the country.
He advised traders to help the service in the administration of its services by registering with the service and told customers to also insist on VAT invoices whenever they purchased goods from shops.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
GHANA HOSTS WORKSHOP ON RURAL POVERTY (centre spread Oct 17)
Thirty agricultural stakeholders from Anglophone West Africa are meeting at a workshop in Accra to deliberate on reducing rural poverty in the West African sub-region.
Organised by the FIDAFRIQUE project of the West Africa Rural Foundation (WARF), the participants from Ghana, Nigeria and The Gambia are also working on connecting people, organisations and networks for sharing experiences and innovation on rural poverty reduction strategies and programmes.
The FIDAFRIQUE project is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and it is aimed at promoting the sharing and dissemination of innovations and knowledge for rural poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa.
In a speech read on his behalf at the opening session, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, said the need to intensify the fight against poverty had become urgent and more pressing lately in the face of the recent world food crisis that threatened political stability.
He said the devastating effect of climate change had the potential to derail all the efforts made by African governments towards national development.
“It is a global concern and we must all put our shoulders to the wheel to address it, otherwise it will derail all the efforts we are making,” he stated..
Expatiating on the FIDAFRIQUE project, Mr Abdou Fall, the co-ordinator of the project, said it was intended to increase the development effectiveness of IFAD-financed projects and programmes.
He said the WARF was a non-profit organisation and recipient of the IFAD grant responsible for network administration and financial management of activities in West and Central Africa.
He said in eastern and southern Africa, WARF had contracted the African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA) to host the co-ordination unit for relevant elements aimed at improving policy dialogue processes and knowledge drawn from such project and programme experiences for decision makers.
Organised by the FIDAFRIQUE project of the West Africa Rural Foundation (WARF), the participants from Ghana, Nigeria and The Gambia are also working on connecting people, organisations and networks for sharing experiences and innovation on rural poverty reduction strategies and programmes.
The FIDAFRIQUE project is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and it is aimed at promoting the sharing and dissemination of innovations and knowledge for rural poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa.
In a speech read on his behalf at the opening session, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, said the need to intensify the fight against poverty had become urgent and more pressing lately in the face of the recent world food crisis that threatened political stability.
He said the devastating effect of climate change had the potential to derail all the efforts made by African governments towards national development.
“It is a global concern and we must all put our shoulders to the wheel to address it, otherwise it will derail all the efforts we are making,” he stated..
Expatiating on the FIDAFRIQUE project, Mr Abdou Fall, the co-ordinator of the project, said it was intended to increase the development effectiveness of IFAD-financed projects and programmes.
He said the WARF was a non-profit organisation and recipient of the IFAD grant responsible for network administration and financial management of activities in West and Central Africa.
He said in eastern and southern Africa, WARF had contracted the African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA) to host the co-ordination unit for relevant elements aimed at improving policy dialogue processes and knowledge drawn from such project and programme experiences for decision makers.
Friday, November 13, 2009
BARCLAYS MARKS "MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY" (page 21, Oct 9)
Four thousand staff and family members of Barclays Ghana Limited as well as its community partners undertook various activities in different parts of the country to mark this year’s "Make A Difference Day" (MADD) last Saturday.
The day, was set aside by Barclays 14 years ago to encourage its staff to volunteer their time and use their skills towards community development in their areas of operations worldwide. Last year 16,500 colleagues were involved in 1,077 projects in 13 countries
The community service volunteers of the bank engaged in varied activities in many deprived communities to help make a difference in varied ways.
The Achimota Prestige Centre of the bank painted zebra crossing for schoolchildren at Mile 7.
The acting Branch Manager of the bank, Ms Akosua Yantey, said the branch was touched by a story of a client concerning an unfortunate schoolchild who had an accident at the zebra crossing area.
Other activities included general cleaning of the maternity ward of the 37 Military Hospital by the Airport City branch of the bank while the staff of the UNDP branch of the bank helped in the painting of the Airport Police Basic A to D School at the Airport Police Barracks.
The staff also interacted with children of the Zonta Club and inmates of the Junior Girls Correctional Centre at Ako Adjei.
The Managing Director of Barclays Ghana, Mr Benjamin Dabrah, said "we use the campaign to encourage volunteering among colleagues, because employee engagement is at the core of our community investment programme".
The day, was set aside by Barclays 14 years ago to encourage its staff to volunteer their time and use their skills towards community development in their areas of operations worldwide. Last year 16,500 colleagues were involved in 1,077 projects in 13 countries
The community service volunteers of the bank engaged in varied activities in many deprived communities to help make a difference in varied ways.
The Achimota Prestige Centre of the bank painted zebra crossing for schoolchildren at Mile 7.
The acting Branch Manager of the bank, Ms Akosua Yantey, said the branch was touched by a story of a client concerning an unfortunate schoolchild who had an accident at the zebra crossing area.
Other activities included general cleaning of the maternity ward of the 37 Military Hospital by the Airport City branch of the bank while the staff of the UNDP branch of the bank helped in the painting of the Airport Police Basic A to D School at the Airport Police Barracks.
The staff also interacted with children of the Zonta Club and inmates of the Junior Girls Correctional Centre at Ako Adjei.
The Managing Director of Barclays Ghana, Mr Benjamin Dabrah, said "we use the campaign to encourage volunteering among colleagues, because employee engagement is at the core of our community investment programme".
RADIO STATIONS MUST BE PROFESSIONAL
The Director of Obonu FM, Nii Anang Patapaa, has called on radio stations to be professional in their work to serve as a credible source of information for the society.
The director, who was speaking at the seventh anniversary of the Obonu Russia Fan club, said the good works of the station was being manifested in the springing up of various fun clubs. He said, the station had over the years approached its work with professionalism, serving as a credible source of information to the people of Ghana.
Mr Anang Patapaa said the station had been using its medium to educate the Gadangme people in respect of its language and traditions over the years through the fun clubs.
He encouraged members of the club to stay together in harmony, and educate others to maintain and spread the Ga language and traditions.
The Obonu Russia Fun club was founded on September 3, 2002, a year after the founding of Obonu FM in Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Accra.
The club was formed with an initial registration of sixty nine (69) people, and had since been increasing.
The club has organised various programmes to help the community, made donations to the St Marie Louise Children’s Hospital, undertook general clean up exercises in the Russia community and visited the Accra Mental Hospital as well as organised AIDS awareness programmes through the Russian and Sukura communities.
Its first patron, Naa Korkor Aadzieoyi, advised the various clubs and the people of Ga not to forget their traditions but to engage a Ga tutor to help in the teaching of the language and traditions.
The Adabraka Mantse, Nii Tetteh Adjabeng, thanked the Obonu Russia fun club for bringing all the other fun clubs together, and thanked the management of Obonu FM for bringing together people of the Ga tribe through their educative programmes.
The director, who was speaking at the seventh anniversary of the Obonu Russia Fan club, said the good works of the station was being manifested in the springing up of various fun clubs. He said, the station had over the years approached its work with professionalism, serving as a credible source of information to the people of Ghana.
Mr Anang Patapaa said the station had been using its medium to educate the Gadangme people in respect of its language and traditions over the years through the fun clubs.
He encouraged members of the club to stay together in harmony, and educate others to maintain and spread the Ga language and traditions.
The Obonu Russia Fun club was founded on September 3, 2002, a year after the founding of Obonu FM in Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Accra.
The club was formed with an initial registration of sixty nine (69) people, and had since been increasing.
The club has organised various programmes to help the community, made donations to the St Marie Louise Children’s Hospital, undertook general clean up exercises in the Russia community and visited the Accra Mental Hospital as well as organised AIDS awareness programmes through the Russian and Sukura communities.
Its first patron, Naa Korkor Aadzieoyi, advised the various clubs and the people of Ga not to forget their traditions but to engage a Ga tutor to help in the teaching of the language and traditions.
The Adabraka Mantse, Nii Tetteh Adjabeng, thanked the Obonu Russia fun club for bringing all the other fun clubs together, and thanked the management of Obonu FM for bringing together people of the Ga tribe through their educative programmes.
MORE COMPANIES DONATE TOWARDS FARMERS' DAY
Seven more companies have donated towards the 25th Farmers Day which will be held in Tamale on December 4, 2009.
The companies are GAFCO, Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL), Wienco, COCOBOD, Qualiplast, Golden Stork and Frankatson Limited.
The Sales Manager of GAFCO, Mr Lawrence Amoah, donated GH¢5,000 on behalf of the company, while Mr William Kotey of Wienco donated 20 Matabi Super Agro 16 pro and knapsack sprayers, 20 cartons of Confidor 200 SL insecticide, five cartons of Cropmax, among other products all worth GH¢20,000, and cash of GH¢5,000.
The GGBL presented 50 cartons of assorted products of the company, worth GH¢2,000, through its Communications Manager, Mr Donald Gwira.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr Yaw Adu-Ampoma, donated a double-cabin pick-up vehicle, worth GH¢39,000, and a sponsorship package for the best cocoa farmer to attend next year’s Royal Agric Show in the UK.
The company also presented Jacto hand sprayers, Akate Master, GTP wax prints, a Sony radio cassette recorder, Phoenix bicycles, double-door fridges, among others, all worth GH¢75,000.
Golden Stork donated 50 cartons of quality spraying machines worth GH¢2,500 and other items of farm machinery worth GH¢95,000 through Mr William Nuamah.
The Marketing and Customer Relations Manager of Qualiplast, a plastic producing company, Mr Ishmael S. Quaye, donated multi-purpose egg crates, chicken fountain, coolers, funnel buckets and other items worth GH¢2,000.
Mr Kwadjo Boakye of Frankatson Limited donated boxes of insecticides, weedicides and spraying machines worth GH¢2,112 and cash of GH¢1,000 in support of the celebrations.
The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Fisheries, Nii Amasah Namoale, thanked the donors for the gesture and urged Ghanaians to promote agriculture in the country.
The companies are GAFCO, Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL), Wienco, COCOBOD, Qualiplast, Golden Stork and Frankatson Limited.
The Sales Manager of GAFCO, Mr Lawrence Amoah, donated GH¢5,000 on behalf of the company, while Mr William Kotey of Wienco donated 20 Matabi Super Agro 16 pro and knapsack sprayers, 20 cartons of Confidor 200 SL insecticide, five cartons of Cropmax, among other products all worth GH¢20,000, and cash of GH¢5,000.
The GGBL presented 50 cartons of assorted products of the company, worth GH¢2,000, through its Communications Manager, Mr Donald Gwira.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr Yaw Adu-Ampoma, donated a double-cabin pick-up vehicle, worth GH¢39,000, and a sponsorship package for the best cocoa farmer to attend next year’s Royal Agric Show in the UK.
The company also presented Jacto hand sprayers, Akate Master, GTP wax prints, a Sony radio cassette recorder, Phoenix bicycles, double-door fridges, among others, all worth GH¢75,000.
Golden Stork donated 50 cartons of quality spraying machines worth GH¢2,500 and other items of farm machinery worth GH¢95,000 through Mr William Nuamah.
The Marketing and Customer Relations Manager of Qualiplast, a plastic producing company, Mr Ishmael S. Quaye, donated multi-purpose egg crates, chicken fountain, coolers, funnel buckets and other items worth GH¢2,000.
Mr Kwadjo Boakye of Frankatson Limited donated boxes of insecticides, weedicides and spraying machines worth GH¢2,112 and cash of GH¢1,000 in support of the celebrations.
The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Fisheries, Nii Amasah Namoale, thanked the donors for the gesture and urged Ghanaians to promote agriculture in the country.
EXPAND LIFE INSURANCE TO INFORMAL SECTOR
EXPAND LIFE INSURANCE TO INFORMAL SECTOR
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffour, has urged life insurance companies to extend their products to the informal sector.
The minister, who was speaking at this year's African insurance organisations conference, said life insurance could not impact meaningfully on the economies of African countries if practitioners did not involve the informal sector, which constituted more than 60 per cent of Africa's productive economy.
The two-day conference is being attended by participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Senegal and South Africa.
The conference, hosted by the Ghana Insurers Association and the Life Offices Association of Ghana, is on the theme, “Gateway to Africa”.
Dr Duffour said life insurance had been used to mobilise long-term funds for economic development and create job opportunities for the youth in developed countries.
He advised insurance companies to introduce products which would be attractive to the youth, especially at a time when opportunities for formal employment were dwindling.
He said African governments could support the growth and development of life insurance through legislation, noting that experience had shown that jurisdictions that were experiencing tremendous growth rates had enjoyed government support.
He urged insurance companies to recognise the crucial role Information and Communications Technology (ICT) played in life insurance business, especially from marketing to underwriting and from claims to fund administration.
On the Ghanaian economy, the minister said currently inflation had dropped to 18.4 per cent and there was indication that it would continue to slide further, while the value of the cedi was favourable and premium relative to the US dollar.
He also said the Standard Bank Carry Trade rating showed that the cedi was now the most preferred currency out of a basket of 24 emerging economies.
Dr Duffour said the fiscal performance for the first three quarters of the year was encouraging and expressed the hope that the year’s performance target would be achieved.
The Commissioner of Insurance, Ms Josephine Amoah, said it was the belief of many in the business community that the global financial crisis had not had much direct impact on insurance companies in Africa.
However, she said, as a result of financial conglomerates and international active groups which had cross-sectoral and cross-border linkages, Africa could not be said to be immune from the effects of the crisis.
She said African insurers, therefore, needed to learn from the experience of their counterparts in the developed economies and take urgent steps to forestall any failure in their markets.
Ms Amoah was of the view that the ability of insurance companies to withstand the current crisis would depend, to a large extent, on the quality and nature of their assets and types of their products.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Kwabena Duffour, has urged life insurance companies to extend their products to the informal sector.
The minister, who was speaking at this year's African insurance organisations conference, said life insurance could not impact meaningfully on the economies of African countries if practitioners did not involve the informal sector, which constituted more than 60 per cent of Africa's productive economy.
The two-day conference is being attended by participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Senegal and South Africa.
The conference, hosted by the Ghana Insurers Association and the Life Offices Association of Ghana, is on the theme, “Gateway to Africa”.
Dr Duffour said life insurance had been used to mobilise long-term funds for economic development and create job opportunities for the youth in developed countries.
He advised insurance companies to introduce products which would be attractive to the youth, especially at a time when opportunities for formal employment were dwindling.
He said African governments could support the growth and development of life insurance through legislation, noting that experience had shown that jurisdictions that were experiencing tremendous growth rates had enjoyed government support.
He urged insurance companies to recognise the crucial role Information and Communications Technology (ICT) played in life insurance business, especially from marketing to underwriting and from claims to fund administration.
On the Ghanaian economy, the minister said currently inflation had dropped to 18.4 per cent and there was indication that it would continue to slide further, while the value of the cedi was favourable and premium relative to the US dollar.
He also said the Standard Bank Carry Trade rating showed that the cedi was now the most preferred currency out of a basket of 24 emerging economies.
Dr Duffour said the fiscal performance for the first three quarters of the year was encouraging and expressed the hope that the year’s performance target would be achieved.
The Commissioner of Insurance, Ms Josephine Amoah, said it was the belief of many in the business community that the global financial crisis had not had much direct impact on insurance companies in Africa.
However, she said, as a result of financial conglomerates and international active groups which had cross-sectoral and cross-border linkages, Africa could not be said to be immune from the effects of the crisis.
She said African insurers, therefore, needed to learn from the experience of their counterparts in the developed economies and take urgent steps to forestall any failure in their markets.
Ms Amoah was of the view that the ability of insurance companies to withstand the current crisis would depend, to a large extent, on the quality and nature of their assets and types of their products.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
REGISTER WITH VAT (OCT 3O, PAGE 3)
CONSTRUCTION companies have been urged to register with the Value Added Tax (VAT) Service and pay their taxes in order to create an even playing field with those that have registered.
Speaking at this year’s annual meeting of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), the Commissioner of the VAT Service, Mr Anthony Ewereko Mintah, said members of the GhIS were obliged by law to register with the service.
He said members were to charge and collect VAT on the services they provided for their clients.
He added that last year Parliament gave the commissioner the jurisdiction to seal off premises of businesses that failed to register to pay the tax.
Mr Mintah said the service would soon undertake an exercise to enforce the new provision of the law.
The President of the GhIS, Mr N. H. Osei Asante, advised members to participate fully in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes in order to constantly update themselves in terms of knowledge-based education acquisition, skills development and, above all, competence, coupled with reliability and integrity.
He said this year’s seminar was scheduled to consider in detail the versatile nature and scope of the Ghanaian quantity surveyor and, more important, the professional surveyor’s appreciation of the dynamics of the competitive market.
He urged the members to work hard to make the surveyor the first option when investment decisions were being made.
Mr Asante congratulated the members on their continued and sustained progress and achievements chalked up over the years.
Speaking at this year’s annual meeting of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), the Commissioner of the VAT Service, Mr Anthony Ewereko Mintah, said members of the GhIS were obliged by law to register with the service.
He said members were to charge and collect VAT on the services they provided for their clients.
He added that last year Parliament gave the commissioner the jurisdiction to seal off premises of businesses that failed to register to pay the tax.
Mr Mintah said the service would soon undertake an exercise to enforce the new provision of the law.
The President of the GhIS, Mr N. H. Osei Asante, advised members to participate fully in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes in order to constantly update themselves in terms of knowledge-based education acquisition, skills development and, above all, competence, coupled with reliability and integrity.
He said this year’s seminar was scheduled to consider in detail the versatile nature and scope of the Ghanaian quantity surveyor and, more important, the professional surveyor’s appreciation of the dynamics of the competitive market.
He urged the members to work hard to make the surveyor the first option when investment decisions were being made.
Mr Asante congratulated the members on their continued and sustained progress and achievements chalked up over the years.
MORE FIRMS DONATE TOWARDS FARMERS DAY (PAGE 8, OCT 31)
THE forthcoming Silver Jubilee of the National Farmers Day continues to attract donations from a number of companies.
Last Thursday, seven companies donated cash and items to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture at a ceremony in Accra.
They were the Bank of Ghana, Amalgamated Bank Limited, Fan Milk Limited, OLAM International, Crocodile Matchets Limited, Produce Buying Company and Nsawam Foam.
The Secretary of the Bank of Ghana, Mr Alex Bernasko, donated GH¢10,000 on behalf of the bank, explaining that the bank had always been part of Farmers Day.
Mr Edem Amengor donated GH¢5,000 on behalf of Amalgamated Bank.
Making the presentation, he said the donation was in fulfilment of a pledge the bank made to say "ayekoo" to farmers for their efforts in feeding the nation.
For their part, Fan Milk Limited and OLAM International, major suppliers of agricultural produce, made donations of GH¢5,000 and GH¢3,000, respectively, towards the celebration.
Mr Charles Atuahene of Crocodile Matchets presented 20 packets of machetes worth GH¢4,000 and cash of GH¢1,000.
He said the company had been supporting Farmers Day celebrations for a very long time.
Mr Anthony Osei, a representative of the Produce Buying Company, donated cooking utensils worth GH¢5,000, while Nsawam Foam donated 60 student mattresses in support of the celebration.
Receiving the donations, a Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Nii Amasah Namoale, expressed gratitude to the companies for their kind gesture and appealed to other companies to emulate the example.
Reacting to the concerns raised by peasant farmers, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Crops, Mr Yaw Effah-Baafi, said the interest of the peasant farmers would be taken care of during the forthcoming celebration.
He explained that most small-scale farmers were rewarded at the district level which looked at different types of crops grown by small-scale farmers.
Last Thursday, seven companies donated cash and items to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture at a ceremony in Accra.
They were the Bank of Ghana, Amalgamated Bank Limited, Fan Milk Limited, OLAM International, Crocodile Matchets Limited, Produce Buying Company and Nsawam Foam.
The Secretary of the Bank of Ghana, Mr Alex Bernasko, donated GH¢10,000 on behalf of the bank, explaining that the bank had always been part of Farmers Day.
Mr Edem Amengor donated GH¢5,000 on behalf of Amalgamated Bank.
Making the presentation, he said the donation was in fulfilment of a pledge the bank made to say "ayekoo" to farmers for their efforts in feeding the nation.
For their part, Fan Milk Limited and OLAM International, major suppliers of agricultural produce, made donations of GH¢5,000 and GH¢3,000, respectively, towards the celebration.
Mr Charles Atuahene of Crocodile Matchets presented 20 packets of machetes worth GH¢4,000 and cash of GH¢1,000.
He said the company had been supporting Farmers Day celebrations for a very long time.
Mr Anthony Osei, a representative of the Produce Buying Company, donated cooking utensils worth GH¢5,000, while Nsawam Foam donated 60 student mattresses in support of the celebration.
Receiving the donations, a Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Nii Amasah Namoale, expressed gratitude to the companies for their kind gesture and appealed to other companies to emulate the example.
Reacting to the concerns raised by peasant farmers, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Crops, Mr Yaw Effah-Baafi, said the interest of the peasant farmers would be taken care of during the forthcoming celebration.
He explained that most small-scale farmers were rewarded at the district level which looked at different types of crops grown by small-scale farmers.
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