Ghana Working On Petroleum Transportation Infrastructure Master Plan

Will link Ghana with the Sub-Regional markets

By Benson Afful

The quest to make Ghana a petroleum hub has begun as the government is currently working on a Petroleum Transportation Infrastructure Master Plan, aimed at enhancing the pace of infrastructure construction to serve the sub-Regional petroleum industry, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has said.

The Ministerial Committee working on this Master Plan has finalized its work. And ready to present its findings to the Economic Management Team and subsequently to the Cabinet for consideration to allow for the commencement of the first phase of new pipeline infrastructure projects to complement existing infrastructure; and thereby, ease the movement of petroleum products from Tema through Akosombo, to Dabire, Buipe, and Bolga.

This the Vice President said will facilitate the development of alternative transportation infrastructure for petroleum products such as railway lines, pipelines, and river barges to major demand-centers across the country.

These infrastructure developments will also link Ghana with the sub-Regional markets and further deepen regional integration agenda as well as to fulfill the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. He said the country’s unique geographical position; democratic stability and security require that the nation provide leadership in building an integrated infrastructure to serve the sub-Regional petroleum industry.

Ghana has been hard at work, trying to turn the country into the sub-regions petroleum hub by 2030.

Gantry cranes

Expected cost US$60 billion, the hub, is expected to be established in the Western region will include refineries, petrochemical plants, power plants, light industry, waste, and water treatment facilities among others.

To make the vision a reality, the Vice President urged the private sector to take advantage of the favorable petroleum market environment and invest in infrastructures such as oil jetties, pipeline and distribution infrastructure, refineries, gas processing plants, storage, and loading gantries.

To assure investors, the Vice President said, the security of natural gas supply as feedstock for petrochemical plants is a priority for the Government. Procurement of natural gas from domestic sources already secured under regulations governing the Domestic Supply Obligations of Upstream gas producers. As a country, our vision for the petroleum downstream industry is to ensure Ghana becomes a key player in the downstream petroleum industry in the West African Sub-region.

Ghana Fishing Stock Threatened

Since 2006 has contributed less than 3 percent to the country’s economy

By Benson Afful

Ghana’s fish stock fast depleting and likely collapse if measures not put in place. Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Naa Afoley Quaye, revealed.

There has not been bumper harvest since the late ’90s; a situation, she said, might collapse the country’s fishing industry if proper measure not taken to reverse the situation. The minister disclosed this when she officially declared open the closed season of the Densu Estuary for Oyster pickers in the Ga South Municipal Assembly of the Greater Accra Region. The five-month-long closed season has boosted Oyster yields. She cited it as a good initiative which needs to be carried out to the marine fishing.

She said the government is committed to make fishing a viable economic venture to attract many people in the coastal areas. The minister congratulated the Oyster Pickers Association and the USAID for taking steps to protect Ghana’s Oyster stock. Under its Sustainable Fisheries Management Project, the USAID and its partners used the Densu Estuary closed season as one of the three pilot projects in Ghana to demonstrate the viability of coastal fisheries collaborative management.

Pickers For Fruitful Closed Season

Oysters Rebound During Closed Season

From Sea To Table

James G. Lykos, USAID/ Ghana Economic Growth Acting Team Leader, said the successful closed season proves that when the responsibility for decision-making is shared between government, citizens and other stakeholders, resource management is more effective and sustainable.

The fishing sub sector since 2006 has contributed less than 3 percent to the country’s economy, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) data.

In 2006 the industry contributed 2.5 percent to the economy, then dropped to 2.3 percent in 2007. It, however, increased to 2.7 percent in 2008. Sadly, after 2008 its contribution has never passed 2.7 percent. It contributed 2.5 and 2.3 percent to GDP in 2009 and 2010 respectively. It, however, tumbled to 1.7 percent to GDP in 2011 and has since never recorded any figure above that.

Currently, its contribution to GDP is at a paltry 1.2 percent, from the 1.1 percent recorded in 2016, clearly reflecting a sector that is in terrible distress.

Human Relief Foundation (HRF) Feeds Vulnerable People In Sierra Leone

2017 Mudslide survivors relocated at Six Mile get donated food items

By Sylvester Samba

Human Relief Foundation based in the United Kingdom and France has in collaboration with International Islamic Youth League Sierra Leone, and the Government donated large quantities of food items to about five hundred (vulnerable homes) at Six Mile on the outskirts of the capital city of Freetown and Port Loko district in Northern Sierra Leone.

The donations from the Foundation is part of the 2019 Ramadan Project aimed at feeding Muslim counterparts as well as vulnerable homes in this part of the world. The donations were carried out under the supervision of Journalists and government officials. Each home or family head received half a bag of rice and sugar, a gallon of cooking oil, and a case of bottled water.

Dr. Hamid Kanneh, The Chief Executive Officer, making a symbolic presentation

The food drive started with the August 14th, 2017, Mudslide survivors relocated at Six Mile. All 52 family heads benefited from HRF humanitarian gesture. They were affected by that dreadful incident that has left them with lots of challenges which they cannot solve all by themselves. "The survivors are calling on the present government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to join the Human Relief Foundation (HRF) to see a reason to come to their aid." Mr. Thaimu Sesay, on behalf of the Mudslide survivors, expressed their thanks and appreciation to HRF for coming to their aid at a time they needed the items most. Mr. Sesay also appealed to other humanitarian organizations and the government to assist them in the area of transportation.

Hundreds of People Feared Dead

Related Video: Courtesy: Aljazeera, World, CNN, Star TV, AP Drone Footage, AFP: Here are some of the video activities in the early hours of Monday 14th August 2017, a fatal mudslide hit Sierra Leone claiming over one thousand lives. Besides the death toll, the disaster left hundreds of people homeless and destitute.

A beneficiary at Marfoki, Port Loko District

The second stop, the 2015 Flood victims, also were relocated at Six Mile. 52 family-heads. Giving the vote of thanks, the youth Chairwoman for the camp, Emma Kamara, expressed her appreciations to Human Relief Foundation on behalf of all the beneficiaries. Emma appealed to the Foundation to continue its mission of goodwill.

Residents in the following communities; Maforki town and Baghdad in Maforki Chiefdom, Port Loko district also benefited from the same humanitarian gesture from HRF.

Journalists in Attendance

In Port Loko district, about 300 family heads each given half a bag of rice and sugar, one-gallon cooking oil and a case of bottled water. Present, was the Chiefdom Speaker of Bakeloko Chiefdom, Mr. Malapy Mohamed Allieu Tarawally and the Councillor for Ward 234, Port Loko, Councillor Hajaratu Kamara. Both thank Human Relief Foundation (HRF) and its partners on behalf of their people. They noted the district lacks good schools, access to medical facilities, and called on government and humanitarian NGOs to support them in that direction.

ECOWAS States Adopted Single Trade Currency 'ECO'

Will launch 2020

Courtesy video

africa news

AFRICA NEWS UPDATE: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) adopted single trade currency 'ECO' will launch by 2020. The 15 member group announced at the end of an ECOWAS summit in Abuja, Nigeria's capital on Saturday, June 29, 2019.

RELATED TOPIC CNN Article

President Bio’s Govt. Impressed With First Iron Ore Shipment

A milestone for SL Mining

By Sylvester Samba: Courtesy: SL Mining

SL Mining Limited, a subsidiary of ‘Gerald Group’ announced the first shipment of iron ore concentrate, branded ‘Marampa Blue’ which set sail on MV Cooper from Freetown Port (Queen Elizabeth II), in Sierra Leone.

Iron Ore Mining Industry in Sierra Leone

Located in the Port Loko District, in the northern province of Sierra Leone, SL Mining is engaged in the exploration, development, and production of high-grade iron ore concentrate with >65 percent Fe content

The loading of over 55,000 tons high-grade 65 percent iron ore concentrate completed June 16, 2019, and set sail the same day. The shipment will be delivered to customers in China, with a second shipment expected to leave soon on MV Ultralaz carrying approximately 62,000 tons of iron ore concentrate.

Hon. Foday Rado Yokie, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources

Sierra Leone Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Foday Rado Yokie said that iron ore exports had been dormant for four years. Today is a historic day. Marampa Blue, very high-grade ore from Sierra Leone, is a signal to the world that this country is open for business.

Craig Dean, Chairman, Gerald Group and SL Mining said, SL Mining first shipment is a proud day and a key milestone for SL Mining, the employees and contractors who have been working this complex project to restore production of iron ore at the Marampa mines alongside local communities and the Government of Sierra Leone. Craig Dean thanks everyone involved. SL Mining strategic asset in Gerald Group’s global portfolio goal is to make ‘Marampa Blue’ an internationally recognized premium brand. SL Mining intends to expand the delivery of high-grade >65 percent iron ore concentrate to markets in Europe and Africa.

RTD. BRIGADIER JULIUS MAADA BIO, PRESIDENT, THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE

SL Mining was granted a renewable large-scale Mining License under the Mines and Minerals Act, 2009, in March 2017 for a term of 25 years.

SL Mining, emphasizing the strong support for the Marampa project locally, and reflecting its significant importance to the national economy, Gerald Group’s international expertise in metals, finance, strategic investments and experienced management teams and employees, aim to build a resilient industry and to expand operations by integrating mining, processing, rail and port logistics. And play a responsible role in the economic and social stability of the Lunsar region.

About Gerald Group

VIDEO: Courtesy: SL Mining First Shipment Iron Ore

Gerald Group is one of the world’s oldest and largest independent employee-owned metal trading houses, founded in 1962 in the United States. Gerald Group headquartered in London led by Chairman and CEO, Craig Dean. The Group has approximately US$10 billion in turnover.

The Group operates trading hubs in Shanghai, Stamford, and Switzerland for the merchanting of non-ferrous, ferrous and precious metals, as well as related concentrates and raw materials. Gerald contributes to world trade economic development. The Group’s global footprint, conservative risk management culture, expert market intelligence, experienced and innovative trading desks combined with logistics, storage, and structured finance solutions, are complemented by a strategic relationship that enhancing business capability, provides customers access to a diverse and steady supply of resources.

All Students To Be Under Free SHS From September

Increase government spending on education in the next year budget

By Benson Afful

Nana Akufo-Add0, President, The Republic of Ghana

In September 2017, when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo led-government began the Free Senior High School (SHS) program with only the first year students, some political analysts questioned the essence of the ‘free SHS’ as it only benefited first-year students but not all SHS students.

Prior 2016 election when then-candidate, Nana Akufo Addo promised free SHS policy, it was believed by many, free SHS means free for every student in Senior High School at the time. However in 2017, when the program implemented, it saw only first-year students being the pioneers of the program, amidst heavy criticism from his political opponents.

Now, two years down the line, as the third batch of beneficiaries has completed their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), means from September this year, when they receive their placements into various SHSs across the country will make every SHS student in the country a beneficiary under the policy. The placement of these candidates to SHSs by September will also bring the number of beneficiaries of the policy to about 1.3 million students. The first year of the program’s implementation saw the enrolment of over 400,000 students in the various secondary schools. Last year, about 500,000 students also benefited from the program.

This year, over 500,000 JHS candidates sat for the BECE will receive their placement into the various SHSs by September.

This expected increase in government spending on education in next year budget as enrolment of SHS up a total of 1.3 million students, the highest since independence. Before the Free SHS program introduced, the total population of students in SHS stood at 432,780 per the 2016 academic year data. With GH¢ 2,312 spent on each student per year by the government.

Already the government has spent about GHc 800 million on the free SHS policy since its implementation, and this is expected to increase in the next budget. In the 2018 budget, GH¢ 455.9 million in petroleum revenues allocated to the Free SHS program.

President Nana Akufo-Addo during the launch of the free SHS policy in 2017 said his government would invest revenues from oil in one of the most ambitious social programs of the country’s history, that is, the Free Senior High School policy. According to him, the free SHS is ensuring that the country’s oil revenues are being equitably distributed to the people and not ending up in the pockets of a few.

Since its announcement that the government intends to use oil money to fund the free SHS policy, there have been criticisms by some civil society groups. That, it is risky for the government to rely solely on oil revenue funding the free SHS program. Insisting the government must diversify its sources in funding for the program, due to the instability of oil prices on the world market.

FCC Unveils 49 New Classrooms with Support from Make-It-Happen, a UK Charity Organisation

Newly-constructed classrooms across three municipal schools

Courtesy: Freetown City Council (FCC) #Transform Freetown

Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr

On Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th June 2019, Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, unveiled a total of 49 newly-constructed classrooms across three municipal schools.

With funding from Make-It-Happen, a UK Charity Organisation, FCC constructed 20, 18 and 11 classrooms at Henry Fergusson Municipal School, Fattah Rahman Municipal School and E.B. Williams Municipal School respectively.

The nine-month long construction of the classroom blocks is one of FCC’s Education Sector initiatives, aimed at improving the teaching and learning environment in municipal schools, in the #TransformFreetown Agenda. Before now, the schools were in deplorable conditions, to the extent that E.B Williams being popularly called “pan bodi skul“.

Mr Michael Colin, Chief Executive of Make-It-Happen

Speaking at the unveiling ceremonies, Mr Michael Colin, Chief Executive of Make-It-Happen, explained, “What we have provided here is planting an acorn. From the seed that we have planted, we very much hope that there will be a mighty oak tree, which will be your performance in the years to come. The reward I look for is to know that a student sitting here today will be a president of this country.”

Also present at the unveiling ceremonies were the British High Commissioner, a representative of Ministry of Education, members of the schools’ boards, Member of Parliament, Councillor and FCC’s Education Officer.

Addressing the students before cutting the ribbons, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr said, “This is about you. This is us actively playing our part to ensure that the quality of your education improves. The ball is now in your court; make use of these classrooms! Your success is our ultimate reward.”

In addition to the classroom blocks, toilets, staff rooms and office spaces were constructed at the schools.

Rubber Farmers Take Over Cocoa Farms

Upper West Akim District

By Benson Afful

About 2,000 farmers in the Upper West Akim District of the Eastern Region of Ghana have lost their cocoa farms to rubber plantation companies, as rubber investors offer more cash for stool lands.

"The land belongs to the chiefs, and these chiefs have released the land to the rubber farmers because they have paid for it. The chiefs have asked the farmers to pull the cocoa trees down." President of the West Akim Farmer Cooperative and Marketing Union, Ohene Boafo, said.

Stop the destruction of cocoa treeS - Ghana

According to Mr. Boafo, about 2,000 farmers are affected by the decision of the chiefs to pull down the cocoa trees. The affected areas include Akim Breman, Kuro dua, and Asikasu Odumase all in the Upper West Akim District. He said, when the farmers reported the issue to the farmers union, they tried their best to resolve the matter but proved futile. The problem is yet to resolve. Mr. Boafo, appealing to the authorities step in and that the remaining farms left to the farmers.

He said, since most of the farmers are aging, there is a need to make cocoa farming very attractive and that in turn attract the youth. Looking at how the stool landowners are treating the farmers will discourage them in the area from taking up cocoa farming. He, therefore, called for legal backing for the protection of cocoa farms in the country, saying: “If there is legal backing for cocoa farming, I don’t think the rubber plantation investors will come to their farms and destroy them.”

The Cocoa Life support

Cocoa Life, a program under Mondelez International, has been providing hybrid cocoa-seedlings to farmers who are under the program. The seedling which is nursed by Tree Global has a maturity period of 18 months as against the Tetteh Quarshie seedlings which are over 8 years to maturity period.

One farmer under the program during a tour on his farm, Ohene Boafo, told the press initially harvesting 2 bags from a hectare of land. “Cocoa Life has given a lot of education through its cocoa extension agents. We told how well to maintain our farms, in terms of weeding, pruning, spraying, and adopting good agricultural practices. Heeding advice and my yield have increased. We sometimes don’t have enough rainfall. Even though the yield decreases but the cocoa life seedlings can survive some months. Cocoa Life buys the seedlings and supplies them to us without cost.

1.5 million m/t target feasible

Despite threats posed by a shift in cocoa to rubber cultivation and the adverse impact of illegal mining in huge hectares cocoa farms, authorities believe, 1.5 million metric tons (m/t) target within four years is achievable.

Ghana Cocoa Board’s (Cocobod) Chairperson, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, said: “It is our objective to achieve a targeted 1.5 million ton of cocoa bean in the next couple of years. This is doable. We can achieve this within the next three to four year." A study conducted by the scientists at the Cocoa Research Institute has shown. It also entails ensuring the quality of planting materials, the adoption of irrigation on farms, and replanting over aged-cocoa farms.

The country is hopeful of exceeding its revised 800,000-ton target for cocoa production this season due to good rains. Cocoa purchases in the country world's second-largest cocoa grower totaled 691,149 ton as of March 23. The beginning of 2016/17 season starting Oct. 1, a 4% rise on last season, Cocobod data shows.

The Cocobod, Mr. Owusu-Agyemang said, is revamping its high tech program by subsidizing fertilizers, both liquid and granular, for farmers to address the soil fertility problems. "We are mindful of the fact that fertilizers supplied to farmers in the past have followed a blanket formula with the rate of application of 150 kg/acre, regardless of soil type and agro-ecological conditions. Although the blanket fertilizer formulas lead to significant yield increase, especially in the second and third years of application, they are not supportive of sustainable cocoa production because they fail to account for the inherent characteristics of the various soil groups and agribusiness of the cocoa landscapes," he said.

To protect the environment and to optimize returns from fertilizer application, Mr. Owusu-Agyemang indicated that Cocobod is taking steps to ensure that fertilizer formulation for cocoa in the country is made site-specific, and to build up the capacity of farmers in integrated soil fertility management for sustainable cocoa production.

Pwalugu Dam construction takeoff soon

Ghana poised to reduce the import of rice

By Benson Afful

Ghana will reduce by 16 percent and 32 percent in the import of rice and maize respectively after the completion of the Pwalugu Multi-purpose project in the Northern Region, Ing. Kwaku Wiafe, Manager, Business development at the Volta River Authority (VRA) has said.

The project, which is part of the Sinohydro deal comprises hydropower, dam, and irrigation will cost the US$300million to complete its construction in the next three years.

Means that Pwalugu Dam after completion will produce 60MW of energy and control floods as well be used for irrigation to ensure all-round farming in the northern sector of the country. The project will result in the development of a 20,000-hectare irrigation scheme, the largest in the country and will boost agriculture and other economic activities in Upper and North East regions.

Ing. Wiafe, speaking at the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose stakeholder engagement meeting in Accra said the project would increase access to electricity in the northern sector by 90 percent, as it will improve voltage and reliability of power supply to NEDCo. Reduce the frequency of floods downstream and avert the destruction of lives and properties. The current project design strikes the best balance among the project benefits of hydropower, flood control, irrigation, and the environmental and social impact,” he said.

Mr. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, the Chief Executive Officer of VRA, said the irrigation scheme would boost agricultural production and form basis for agro-industries, including the revival of the Pwalugu Tomato Factory.

He has the potential to produce 117,000 tons of rice and 49,000 tons of maize. Other crops that will benefit from increased production include onion, tomatoes, sweet potato, sweet pepper, and watermelon, he added. Promote agricultural production and attract large-scale commercial farms, supported by smaller scale out growers, no doubt, impact the government’s flagship programs of one district one factory. The multi-purpose project also has the potential for smaller irrigation schemes around the reservoir, fish farming that will improve livelihoods and create jobs.

There would be the need to resettle the local communities to make way for the construction of the dam and reservoir. According to Mr. Antwi-Darkwa, this is the point where opinions diverge and in some cases have led to the stalling of many projects. He, therefore, urged stakeholders to treat issues of resettlement with extreme sensitivity and in conformity with the cultural norms and tradition of the people.

The Volta River Authority has given the indication government will soon start the construction of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Power Dam project in the Northern Region and is expected to kick start this year. The expectation, to boost agricultural production.

Egypt Host 1st African Anti-Corruption Forum

As Africa Loses Over US$50 Billion

By Sylvester Samba

“Corruption is pervasive across Africa and is having a disproportionate effect on the poor, with long-term consequences for development.”

— According to the World Bank

The 1st African Anti-Corruption Forum took place in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt on June 12-13, 2019. The topic, the role of Anti-Corruption efforts & activities in Africa’s Development.

Anti-Corruption Chairman, Ben Kaifala & Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, President, The Republic of Sierra Leone

The head of the Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission ACC Mr. Ben Kaifala was in attendance. Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala message on corruption can undermine the efforts of governments to bring prosperity to their countries and promote violent conflicts, poverty, and underdevelopment, in many countries, and for too many decades. Mr. Kaifala noted that corruption, mostly defined as the abuse of public office for private gain, has long been a concern for many countries around the world; more so in Africa.

In many situations, and including Sierra Leone, this led to a breakdown in law and order. It also lowers the GDP of the country. Sierra Leone; a country epitomizes decades on corrupt practices. 

Dreher and Herzfeld (2005) estimate that an increase in corruption by about one point reduces GDP growth by 0.13 percentage points and GDP per capita by US$425. Corruption damage the state economy, its political system, and institutions.

The socio-economic and political cost of corruption in Africa is enormous. The Control Risk Group estimated in 2011 that developing countries lost close to US$1 trillion to fraud, corruption, and shady business transactions.

According to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, corruption costs Africa over US$148 billion per annum – ‘equivalent to 50% of tax revenue and 25% of African GDP.’ Mostly through Illicit transactions by multinational corporations through corrupt practices, continue to deprive countries much needed financial resources.

President Bio campaigned against corruption is determined to fight corruption all its forms under his leadership. Anti-Corruption measures are critical elements to the operation of the Rule of Law. The lack of same always breeds bad international governance ratings and undermines opportunities for economic cooperation with international financial institutions, development agencies, and donor states, no matter the scores for other indicators.

According to the World Bank, corruption is pervasive across Africa and is having a disproportionate effect on the poor, with long-term consequences for development.

In the late ’90s, Western stakeholders became active in Africa’s fight against corruption. Former World Bank president, James Wolfensohn, and IMF, Managing Director, Michel Camdessus, announced donor leverage would be used to eliminate corruption. This anti-corruption campaigns western-like identity, which partly explains the failures of the anti-graft institutions.

Africa to grow, nurture own ideas, processes, and mechanisms to deal with corruption, it is a critical participatory evaluation of commissions and agencies, as well as the inclusive decision-making process. Africa remains one of the most corrupt continents and correspondingly, the poorest and most underdeveloped in many corruption perception surveys. Addressing the problem of corruption is a strategic and comprehensive way of paramount importance as a development priority for Africa.

Successful national anti-graft campaign amounts to the remarkable transformation of countries like Singapore and Malaysia from little more than fishing villages in the 1960s to an industrial metropolis and economic gateways to the Asia-Pacific sub-region today. We can say the same for Botswana, Seychelles, Rwanda, etc.

The fight against corruption will enable ordinary Africans to reach their full economic and human potentials.

Desmond Babatunde Edwards (center), Chief Justice, The Republic of Sierra Leone & ACC Chairman, Ben Kaifala (right) and others

Cross-section of delegates attending the Forum

THE PROBLEM: Almost everywhere in Africa, corruption continues to be the biggest inhibitor of development and growth

In Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, and Liberia corruption continue to impede efforts aimed at promoting democratic governance. In South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi, corruption continues to undermine socio-economic transformation. Nigeria, Somalia, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Chad, Mali, and the DRC, corruption continues to undermine peace and security of the people.

From Gabon, west to Kenya, east, corruption continues. Uganda to Senegal in the west, corruption breeds conflict, disunity, and discord.

The complexities, seriousness is captured in the Africa Progress "Mbeki" Report. The High-powered Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa revealed that Africa loses over US$50bn annually through illicit financial flows and tax evasion. Far more what Africa receives in either international aid or foreign investment. The report also estimates Illicit Financial Flow from Africa, 1970 – 2008 at nearly $900 billion. Money simply disappearing – mostly going into the pockets of individuals and groups, thereby depriving parents of food for their families, medicines for children, classrooms, and potable water for communities, etc.

While personal fortunes are consolidated by a corrupt few, the vast majority of Africa’s present and future generations are being deprived of the benefits of common resources that might otherwise deliver incomes, livelihoods, and better nutrition. If these problems are not addressed, we are sowing the seeds of a bitter harvest ~ The Late, Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary General.

Today, as part of that ‘bitter harvest,’ Africa imports $34bn worth of food.Today, as part of that ‘bitter harvest,’ Africa imports $34bn worth of food. Our roads, railways, and other public projects are non-existence.

The Progress Report estimate Africa loss US$17bn annually from illegal logging while fishing fleets flout international conventions costing West Africa alone $1.3bn. The cost, driven by corruption in most parts.

THE AFRICAN ANTI-CORRUPTION FORUM, EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT

As more African countries realize that their country development will be in jeopardy if they fail to root out corruption, many states have instituted accountability measures and created Anti-Corruption Agencies to ensure that resources trickle down to their people. Cape Verde, Mauritius, Rwanda, Botswana are amongst countries that occupy respectable positions in the Control of Corruption indexes. The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption provided a continental backbone to the efforts of member states in the fight against corruption. A united front against corruption is getting more formidable.

THE POTENTIAL: Solving The Problem: Education, backed by a commitment by all to reject corruption at all levels and in all jurisdictions of the continent.

Anti-corruption policy-making should improve youth capacity in implementing anti-graft policies. Africa is home to over 1.2 billion people; over 60% of its population falls under the age of 35. Relevant sectors of society should be targeted to fully commit to fundamental ethical principles for public and professional life. The AU Advisory Board on Corruption should take leadership in defining the broad educational policy framework and setting the blueprint. Lack of accountability, transparency, and perpetual bad governance addressed as this, a recipe for corruption.

We're in a position to build our schools, equip our hospitals with the best brains, types of equipment, and with available medicines without the help of China or the West. We can transform Africa into a paradise. Now is the time to make that positive difference. All of us to push let us make it happen. Where else can victory be harvested; if not from us? We have to make it happen -positive difference Africa yearning realized through us.

Power and Industrialization Drive

One district One factory policy

By Benson Afful

Akufo-Addo - President, The Republic of Ghana

The Nana Akufo-Addo’s government has given assurance to industry and manufacturers its determination in stabilizing electricity supply as the government continues to implement proactive measures to solve the current crisis.

President Akufo-Addo’s administration has set an ambitious district industrialization agenda, known as the One district One factory policy, which his government intends to achieve to move Ghana from one that exports raw materials to a value-added industrialized economy.

Key areas need critical attention if the government could meet this target bringing factories to all 216 districts across the country’s 16 administrative regions is a cheaper and reliable energy source.

The government has already released GH¢465 million for the commencement of the project. It has also released GH¢256 million for the revamping of 100 private commercially viable and distressed companies throughout the country. Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta during the 2019 Budget Presentation in Parliament stated government has so far disbursed GH¢227 million as a stimulus package to support various distressed companies, and that additional funds will be disbursed to support other distressed companies next year. 79 factories in 9 regions of the country should be at various stages of construction or operation under the '1D1F' scheme is expected.

Industrialization agenda

Ghana has not had it easy when it comes to the cost industry pay for a power outage. The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) which conducted a study on the impact of the four-year power crisis that hit Ghana revealed that 885 small and medium-sized manufacturing firms in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, and Sekondi-Takoradi lost GH¢250 million within the period. The productivity of these firms fell as many were using generators as an alternative source of power.

Additionally, the power outages, to a large extent, led to a 10 percent fall in monthly productivity of those firms, with as many as 55 of such businesses folding up in the four locations of the country.

Ghana’s economy, like any other economy in the world, depends on local production and export goods and services, thus industrialization. For many industries in the West African country, energy supply is a major challenge. Players in the sector have been complaining about the intermittent power outage they sometimes experience. A situation that in the past cost many job layoffs.

The Nana Akufo Addo’s government has given assurance to industry and manufacturers its determination in stabilizing electricity supply as the government continues to implement proactive measures to solve the current situation.

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in a communiqué after its National Council Retreat this year said they are resolved to continue making input into the electricity tariff negotiations with the country’s utility regulator, Public Utility Regulatory Commission, and appropriate agencies to ensure competitive tariffs for Industry.

The industry is expecting reliability and efficiency in service delivery and competitive tariffs from the new company—Power Distribution Service (PDS) taken operations in the distribution network in southern Ghana. AGI recognizes the need for a tariff structured in a manner the service providers can recover cost to remain viable.

Ghana is in the category of countries with high energy cost in the sub-region and for the industry to remain competitive industry sector players have called on the government to review the electricity tariff.

It is therefore right to say that a high cost of energy leads to a high cost of production; and will subsequently make Ghana unattractive for the setting up of factories thus generating a consistent increase in imports. This explains why locally-produced goods more expensive than the same imported goods in spite of the high duty charges at our various ports of entry.

UNIDO to boost industrial development

The government, in terms of urgency, must explore other cost-effective forms of energy like solar, bio-energy, nuclear, and wind energy to enhance Ghana’s business destination for West Africa.

Ghana’s total installed generator capacity at the end of 2016 was 3,795 MW with proportions as follows; 57.8 percent thermal, 41.6 percent hydro and 0.6 percent renewable.

Most thermal facilities run on natural gas (a cheaper fuel source compared to liquid fuels) as the primary fuel source, with the exception CENIT Power Plant and the Karpowership power plant, which depend solely on liquid fuels (LCO/DFO and HFO respectively). Makes natural gas supply very crucial for the effective operation of Ghana’s electricity sector. The West African Gas Pipeline transporting natural gas from Nigeria, is the major supplier of natural gas for generating electricity until the commissioning of the Atuabo gas processing facility, owner of the Ghana Gas Company in 2015. Gas supply has not been reliable with the Nigerians citing non-payment of debt as the major reason.

The Atuabo gas processing facility is capable of supplying up to 150 Mscf per day to the western power generation enclave at the Aboadze thermal facility with supplies from the Jubilee oil fields. Plans are underway to process natural gas from the Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme (TEN) oil fields to augment supplies from the Jubilee fields and make Ghana self-sufficient. However, the Tema thermal power enclave still depends on natural gas supply through the WAGP.

The Atuabo gas processing facility is capable of supplying up to 150 Mscf/d (abbreviation for a thousand standard cubic feet per day, a common measure for volume of gas) to the western power generation enclave at the Aboadze thermal facility with supplies from the Jubilee oil fields. Plans are underway to process natural gas from the Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme (TEN) oil fields to augment supplies from the Jubilee fields and make Ghana self-sufficient. However, the Tema thermal power enclave still depends on natural gas supply through the WAGP.

Huge investment to increase the power-generation capacity of the country. More power plants have also been constructed to increase the supply of power in the country. These include Takoradi Thermal Power Plant, Takoradi T3 Plant, Tema T1 Power Plant, Mines Reserve Plant, Tema T2 Plant, and the Kpone Thermal Plant. Notwithstanding the efforts made by successive governments to expand power generation capacity, the country is still far from becoming power sufficient.

The government of Ghana is still pursuing policies to improve the shortcomings in the power sector.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCA) plans to invest a maximum of US$498 million in total to help transform the power sector of Ghana and also stimulate private investment over the next five years. The objective is to create a power sector, which is financially viable, and be able to meet the current needs as well as the future needs for both businesses and households.

500 Schools To Get Free Internet Connectivity In Sierra Leone

Enhance strategic aspirations of country’s Education & Health sectors

By Sylvester Samba

Plans are underway to connect 500 schools and 16 district libraries across Sierra Leone with free high-speed internet in the first phase of a project named; Project One Access & Connectivity For Schools.”

A Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) signed between Sierra Leone Cable Limited, Afcom and Niche Technologies (SL) of which 100 of the 500 schools will have eSchool Management platform. Computer labs and access to online learning materials, and shared resources service-teaching center. 

The commencement of the implementation of “One Access Project” to support the government’s initiative of free quality education program by building a sustainable broadband infrastructure providing high-speed internet connectivity across schools in the country to increase access to digital technologies.  

Addressing Journalists before the signing ceremony in Freetown, the Managing Director of Sierra Leone Cable Limited, Mr. Ishmael M. Kebbay, Jr.; indicated the initiative harnessed towards supporting human capital development and a strategic aspiration of President Julius Maada Bio.  

It will also be used as a platform to mine big data that will enhance the country’s Education and Health sectors in building sustainable communities. The goal, connect 1000 learning institutions and include major public health centers nationwide by 2023, according to Ishmael Kebbay, Jr. Various data; bio-dynamics, cognitive, health records, and related will be warehoused and made available to interface with strategic partners for further economic and social planning, the SALCAB Managing Director noted.  

The Minister of Basic Education, Alpha Osman Timbo was in attendance said his ministry is in full support of the initiative adding that it is a step in the right direction under the 'New Direction' administration. Every school going child must have access to the facilities. His ministry, he promised will ensure the implementation of the project and proper monitoring.  

The benefits of technology are advances in opportunities. Incorporating technology into traditional learning equip students with digital literacy, skills, and knowledge that today’s youth will need to lead the future workforce. The Chairman of SALCAB, Sorie Fofana, commented.

Mr. Mahmoud Idriss of Niche Technologies (SL) and Adel Suliman of Afcom (SL) who are partnering with SALCAB on this project also made meaningful contributions.

Banking, Real Estate & Technology, Headquartered in Rwanda

Mara Group & Mara Foundation

Africa Reach – An African company with investments and operations in 25 countries across the continent

By Theo Edwards

Made in Africa

The first high specification, affordable smartphone manufactured in Africa, Mara Phones is committed to enhancing and enriching the lives of the people of Africa. Manufacturing in Africa enables job creation and also making the smartphone more affordable to all, contributing to business and development on the continent. Manufactured in Africa, ready for the global market!

Established in 1996, Mara has grown from a small computer hardware trading firm in East Africa to a multi-sector group with investments and operations spanning 25 African countries and 3 continents.

Why Africa? “The Lion Awakes: Adventures in Africa’s Economic Miracle” by Ashish J. Thakkar is the true story of today’s Africa, one often overshadowed by the dire headlines. Traveling from his ancestral home in Uganda, East Africa, to the booming economy and (if chaotic) new democracies of West Africa, and down to the “Silicon Savannahs” of Kenya and Rwanda, Ashish J. Thakkar shows us an Africa that few Westerners are aware exists.

Mara’s technology ventures capitalizes on the rapidly growing smartphone and internet markets creating a suite of platforms that are tailored locally.

“The rise of the African Middle Class is expected to fuel consumption growth. This will provide a considerable opportunity to invest and meet the burgeoning demand. McKinsey projects that, by the year 2030, the top 18 cities in sub-Saharan Africa will have a combined spending power of $1.3 trillion. Africa’s retail banking sector is projected to grow 40 percent by 2020” ~The Realities of Africa. Learn More.

Pregnant School Girls Await ECOWAS Court Decision

End Sexual Violence, Women Against Violence and Exploitation In Society (WAVES)

By Sylvester Samba

The group photo includes a 3-judge panel

The case filed at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice challenging Sierra Leone’s ban prohibiting pregnant schoolgirls from attending school, will be heard on June 25, 2019. This announcement made at the last adjourned date Monday, May 7, 2019, in Abuja, Nigeria, by a 3-judge bench, after the Government of Sierra Leone had made an application to have the case dismissed citing lack of competence on the part of one of the applicants to appear before the court. The application, however, was dismissed, and the court ordered a full hearing on the case merits 25th of June 2019.

The case was filed on May 17, 2018, by the Child Welfare Society, Women Against Violence and Exploitation Society (WAVES) based in Sierra Leone. The case filling is done in partnership "Equality Now" whose Africa office based in Kenya.

In suit no. ECW/CCJ/APP/22/18, the Women Against Violence and Exploitation In Society (WAVES) and Child Welfare Society, Sierra Leone (CWS-SL), who are acting on behalf of the Pregnant Adolescent School Girls in Sierra-Leone, described the policy as grossly unlawful, discriminatory, against the interest of the victims, a violation of their rights to education and non-discrimination.

The plaintiffs emphasized that the policy worsens the situation for pregnant girls of school age who already stay away from school either because of the social stigma associated with teenage pregnancy or financial constraints. They, therefore, want the Court to order the revocation of the policy and the development of strategies and campaigns that will address the issue of teenage pregnancy in Sierra Leone through public education or awareness on sexual and reproductive health rights, among others.

Naitore Nyamu-Mathenge

Equality Now’s Program Officer – End Sexual Violence, Naitore Nyamu has said her organization has been in readiness for a year now to proceed with the said matter that is before the court since in their view the issues they plan to canvass before the court are still ongoing in Sierra Leone.

The courts' agreed to a request from the government of Sierra Leone to have the matter adjourned to prepare their defense.

Equality Now’ Program Officer – End Sexual Violence, stated, as an organization, they remain concerned by the high rates of sexual violence in Sierra Leone and the impact it has on women and girls. Adding, while they are happy with President Julius Bio’s recent announcement declaring rape a national disaster, they note the need to address the injustices from policy level to enforcement level a priority.

A Press Release from 'Equality Now' explained further, recent statistics from the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police revealed 8,505 rape cases reported nationwide last year. Out of these, 2,579 involved defilement of children young as seven months old. The situation in 2017 was not any better. At the time, Equality Now interviewed 250 girls aged between 14 to 17 and another 250 women aged between 18 and 35. Out of the 500 girls and women that participated, 100 reported that they had been victims of sexual violence. A further 60 percent of the girls who participated in this study said that they knew between one and three girls who had become pregnant as a result of sexual violence and had been forced to drop out of school as a result.

ECOWAS member-states with potential to developing renewable energy

Senegal Hosts Regional Validation Workshop On Renewable Energy

By Sylvester Samba

As part of its "Regional Off-Grid Electrification Project (ROGEP)," the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) organize a regional validation workshop for the Draft Standards for Electrodomestic Appliances and Regional Standard for Plug and Play Solar Home Systems Kits. May 21 – 22, 2019 in Plateau at the Hotel Fleur de Lys -Dakar, Senegal.

Renewable sources of electricity

Key stakeholders from national standards bodies, ministries of energy experts and other regional and international representatives will attend an important meeting for the ECOWAS member-states, with tremendous potential to developing renewable energy.

A press release by ECREEE stated the importance for consumers to have confidence in the products. And that they can access important information they can rely on to decide whether to invest in solar products and electrical appliances. With a broader agreement in product quality standards, the Sahel region and West African countries can benefit private-sector with access to the market. ECREEE through ROGEP and AGoSEREE–AO is developing standards for the region.

The workshop will address the following objectives:

• Present comments and contributions from participants from across the region

• Validate draft of three regional electrical appliances standards

• Validate draft of ECOWAS Regional standard for plug-and-play Solar Home Systems kits

• Validate strategy for implementing regional standards at national level

According to the objectives the following results are expected -The validation and submission of the Regional Standards for Household:

• Appliances and Regional Standard for Plug and Play Solar Kits drafts documents validated for submission to ECOSHAM

• Development of a report with recommendations for the validation workshop

• Validation of the strategy to implement the regional standards at the national levels

• The Electrotechnical Committee (THC5) to begin work on harmonizing for all EE and RE standards, as instructed

The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), as part of its "Regional Off-Grid Electrification Project (ROGEP)" funded by World Bank and Clean Technology Funds, and the initiative “Improving Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Sector Governance in West Africa (AGoSEREE-AO)" funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Prison Watch (SL) Concern Over Juvenile Detention Center

The President of Sierra Leone grants Presidential Pardon to 10 juveniles

By Sylvester Samba

The Program Manager, Prison Watch (SL), Mr. Ahmed Salieu Jalloh expressed total dissatisfaction over the detention conditions of juvenile homes. Especially, Bo Remand Home.

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Addressing the Press at his 10 Gabriel Street office in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Friday 17th April 2019, Mr. Jalloh said the house which is now used as the Bo Remand Home initially was constructed as a store and later converted to house children in conflict with the law in that part of the country.

The conditions of the detention cells were inhumane; sleeping areas without electricity and very hot. Lack of food supply and water and sanitation remain a continuing problem coupled with abusive treatment by prison authorities, according to eye witnessed testimonies documented in a report. In the juvenile detention centers, no medical facilities and practicing health personnel available.

As of 16th May, 2019, the detention population in the juvenile centers include the following; Remand Home at Kingtom house fifty-five boys and two girls, Approved School, Wellington, twenty-three boys and two girls and the Bo Remand Home is housing fourty-one boys.

The socioeconomic impact of excessive pretrial detention is profound, affecting not just the individuals detained, but their families, communities, and even the State.

The deplorable conditions need to be addressed for effective reform of the sector to occur. Working to addressing the issue of improving conditions of confinement, is to ensure youths who require detention treated safely, legally, and humanely. The aim of building confidence in the justice sector is an essential requirement of economic investment and growth, and hence for reviving opportunities for economic progress for Sierra Leoneans generally.

Sierra Leone New Minerals Policy Meet International Standards

Sierra Leone Minerals Policy of 2018

By Sylvester Samba

The government of Sierra Leone led by President Brigadier Retired Julius Maada Bio has developed a new Minerals Policy ‘Sierra Leone Minerals Policy of 2018' aimed at ensuring the country maximize gains from its mineral resource endowments. The history and evolution in the discovery of diamonds in Kono district in 1930 recognized the commencement of formalized mineral exploration in Sierra Leone.

Since 1930, Sierra Leone is yet to benefit from its mineral endowment due to bad governance and disorganized structures in the mineral sector. With the Sierra Leone Minerals Policy of 2018, the government will ensure to maintain a constructive, mutually beneficial relationship created between investors and communities affected by mining operations. The government intends to working with civil society and community leaders to identify mechanisms through which they will have greater participation in sector developments. Include regular consultation on land use and access policies, revenue allocation to mining communities, environmental safeguards, resettlement, and social protection.

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, under whose supervision the new Minerals Policy was developed said the policy is a more comprehensive document that considers international, and regional initiatives relevant to mineral sector governance and management.

Sustainability and development. The goal Dr. Manyeh added is to convert some revenues generated into economic and social benefits for the long-term improvement in the quality of life for the citizens. With revenues invested in the local economic development, infrastructure, industrial assets, human capital development, and in improving health and educational facilities.

The Sierra Leone Minerals Policy of 2018 was developed and launched together with two other Policies; ‘Artisanal Mining Policy for Sierra Leone’ and the 'Geo-Data Management Policy’ of 2018. The policies were launched in the capital, Freetown, by the country’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. The Vice President expressed confidence the three mineral policies set the stage for moving the country forward and set a clear framework through which to manage the sector. He said that the policies provide the Government the chance to ensure it derives economic transformation, growth, and development of Sierra Leone.

To the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Vice President Jalloh revealed four critical issues affecting mining communities.

• State disengagement and impact on mining companies

• Conditions in mining communities as a result of State collapsed in the past

• Traditional responsibility of Government to provide social services for its citizens like roads and mining companies pay royalties

• Corporate Social Responsibility by mining companies

He suggested the Mines Minister established a Unit overseeing Corporate Social Responsibility issues.

World Bank through the Extractive Industries Technical Assistance Project (EITAP) providing both financial and technical support.

PWD’s Petitions Sierra Leone Parliament, Others

5th Global Road Safety Week 6th-12th May, 2019

By Sylvester Samba

As Sierra Leone Joined countries across the world to commemorate the 5th Global Road Safety Week on 6th-12th May 2019, Persons With Disability (PWD), particularly those residing in the capital city of Freetown, has written and formally handed over a petition to the following institutions. Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Sierra Leone Police, Sierra Leone Parliament, Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Ministry of Works and Public Assets and Freetown City Council.

Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, intellectual and sensory impairments

The disable petitioners who came mainly from Milton Margai School for the Blind, Sierra Leone National Association of the Deaf, and Hard of Hearing (SLNAD) among other institutions called on the above stakeholders in those institutions they represent to make additional efforts on Road safety enforcement. They also pleaded with authorities to see the reason now to amend the current Road Traffic Acts and Regulations in order to guarantee their safety whenever they are accessing those roads.

Receiving the petition was the Speaker on behalf of Parliament. Retired Hon. Abass Bundu assured his willingness to communicate to the members of parliament their request for immediate action on road safety policies. Hon. Bundu promised, as speaker of the house, he will table policies to promote, protect, and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by people with disabilities and ensure that they enjoy full equality under the law. The Speaker assured all persons with disabilities its highest priority is to pass into law policies to promote respect for their inherent dignity. He noted in as much they make available necessary laws on road safety, he called law enforcement agencies enforcement it fullest. He lamented that the country’s keeps continue to record high level of road accident due to the recklessness of drivers.

The Executive Director of Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, Mr. David Panda-Noah reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to promoting road safety in Sierra Leone and thus changes the road safety situation in the country. Receiving the Petition paper, David Panda-Noah said the petitions raised awareness and that the Authority is presently working with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation to seeing the House Parliament amending existing Road Traffic Acts and Regulations. The amendments, he said, would be done after thorough consultations with stakeholders and PWDs.

The other institutions adequately reaffirmed their commitment in promoting road safety particularly for Persons With Disability (PWD) in Sierra Leone. They assured that all the concerns raised in the petition would be looking into with the utmost seriousness and urgency.