Promoting local rice production.

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Like most economies, rice is an important staple in Ghana, and has become even more so due to the increasing per capita consumption. Indeed, rice is not only a common feature in Ghanaian diets, it is the second-largest cereal consumed after maize. Per capita rice consumption is already set to increase from 38kg currently to 63.0 kg in 2015.

Based on population growth rate alone, the current demand of over 500,000 tons of milled rice per year will increase to over 600,000 tons. Therefore, taking both population growth and increase in per capita consumption together, rice demand will increase to 1,68million tons in 2015.

But it is an unfortunate fact that out of the total amount of rice consumed in the country, only about 30% is produced locally and the rest imported from Asia and USA.

Why imported rice is favoured, according to consumers, is the fact that it is better perfumed, more appealing, better packaged and tastes nicer than the locally produced type – and this is despite the fact it costs more than local rice. Moreover, the output of local rice can be given to uncertainty because about 78% of production depends on rainfall, with just about 16% of the farms irrigated. This means that when the rains fail, such as last year in some areas in the North, production decreases.

But according to the Ghana Rice Inter-Professional Body (GRIB), an organisation made up of private sector stakeholders in the rice sector, not all hope is lost as local rice production increased by about 39.5 per cent per annum in the last four years -- recording paddy production of about 185,000 metric tons in 2007, 302,000 in 2008, 397,000 in 2009 and 492, 000 metric tons in 2010.

The statistics also show that rice importation reduced by about 18 per cent between 2007 and 2010, meaning even as demand grow local rice become more popular and attractive. The rise in rice production is attributed to various interventions by government and donor organisations working to promote the local rice sector.

GRIB believes that a long-term strategy that will cause an increase in local production involves setting up a Rice Development Fund. The fund is what GRIB believes will be the first step to addressing the needs of the sector. GRIB proposes that the government impose a 10% levy on imported rice, the revenue from which would be placed in a statutory dedicated fund.

The main purpose of the levy and fund will be for the development of rice infrastructure, research, and capacity building of actors along the rice value-chain, which will lead to increased incomes for value-chain actors. GRIB believes this will lead to increased production and reduction in importation and dependence on foreign rice. This will also increase the competitiveness of the rice sector.

The fund would have a governance structure comprising of government representatives and key stakeholders in the rice sector.

All stakeholders including members of GRIB, with the support of the Business Advocacy Challenge Fund and coalition members, have been urging government to pursue this noble cause for the rice sector.

GRIB believes that a cost-benefit analysis of the Rice Development Fund would show an immense opportunity for the Ghanaian economy in terms of economic growth, job-creation and poverty- reduction.

Currently, Ghana spends as much as US$450million annually on rice importation to satisfy local demand but according to the President of GRIB, Imoro Amoro, this huge amount of money could be injected into the development of the local rice sector to boost local production.

“All this money can be used to promote local production by increasing rice yields, introducing standard rice mills, improving parboiling techniques, providing storage facilities, drying patios or floors,” he said.

He reckons both the private sector and government can contribute efforts to improve domestic rice production. “Recent developments have been started in the north and Afram Plains and we believe that when these projects take off, local production will increase on the market. Also, we believe that when irrigation is enhanced, yields will definitely increase.”

FAO Representative in Ghana, Musa Saihou Mbenga, has echoed the thoughts of the President of GRIB.

“By limiting the importation of rice, the country will save money and invest in market development to increase productivity and expand growth. This is how most countries develop.”

“Ghana has the potential to meet local demand. There is the need to adopt pragmatic policies designed to move local production up. Government should encourage consumption of locally-produced rice by promoting the consumption of locally-produced foods,” he said.

Local rice cultivation plays a very important role in providing employment to about 10% of farming households. With an estimated total rice cropping area of 162,000 hectares in 2009 and an estimated average household holding of 0.4 hectares, we have an estimated 405,000 households involved in rice cultivation.

Among the different actors identified in the rice value-chain, a majority of them are smallholder producers and processors. Promoting the local rice industry will therefore enhance the output and income of smallholder farmers, processors and traders, thus reducing poverty and promoting national economic growth.

To double rice production to about 1.4 million metric tons per annum as projected in the Rice Sector Strategy, the sector would need the following interventions:

a. Large-scale community farmlands and infrastructural-development support

b. Partitioning of developed sites into block farm for both large-scale mechanised farming (that could serve as nucleus) and small- scale out-grower farmers.

c. The organisation of out-grower farmers into community-based cooperatives

d. Undertaking bulk imports of inputs to reduce unit cost at farm gates

e. Providing both nucleus farmers and out-growers with effective and regular capacity-building training in farm maintenance and management, bonding technologies and other best agronomic practices in rice production

f. Assisting research institutions to provide high-yielding, ecologically-tested and in- demand seed varieties to farmers under recoverable terms.

g. Expanding the installed milling capacity to allow for product flexibility and possible branding of milled Ghana rice.

h. Developing rice standards and a gazette of grades of both paddy and milled rice produced in Ghana.

The Zone 1 representative of GRIB, Godwin Atokple, who covers Avalavi, Afife, Aveyime and Torve in the Volta Region, believes that if the government is able to help out the Aveyime Rice project to reach its fullest capacity, plus exploring other areas that are suitable for rice production, Ghana would not have to import rice any longer.

Zone 9 representative of GRIB, Fuseini Salifu, who oversees some parts of the Northern Region including Tamale, Tolon-Kumbungu, Savelugu-Nanton, Nasia and Bontanga, is also of the view that if the challenges being faced by local producers are addressed then “definitely all Ghanaians can enjoy rice grown in Ghana.”

Myles Monroe talks-up country's greatness

Myles Monroe talks-up country’s greatness

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Ghana is on its way to becoming an economic power and a leader in the rise of third-world countries in sub-Saharan Africa, says Dr. Myles Monroe, renowned business consultant and Founder and Chairman of the International Third World Leaders Association.

“Looking at the recent discovery of oil, increase in the major exports like cocoa and gold, the swell in foreign investment, good governance, sound leadership, stable democracy, steady economic progress and the boom in physical infrastructural development. Ghana is definitely becoming an industrial state.

“In the next few years, Ghana will be the next successful country on the continent. I believe Ghana is on its way to taking over from the first and second-world countries whose economies are failing.

“The country is already a leader in bringing social, cultural, political development, peace and stability to the sub-region. I am pleased to be back to celebrate the emergence of Ghana as an economic power.”

Dr. Monroe said this at a press briefing in the build-up to the 2012 Leadership and Mentoring Event under the theme “Preparing Ghana’s Next Business Minds”, of which he is the principal speaker.

He noted that when a nation begins to expand, it is important to have strong leadership in all sectors of the economy.

“I am in Ghana to provide leadership programmes for government officials, bankers, doctors, business -leaders, politicians, religious heads, investors and entrepreneurs to harness the potential of Ghana’s emerging new generation of leaders.

Dr. Monroe will be providing motivation, technical training, competence and leadership training to the leaders.

He said: “When you improve leadership, you improve an organisation’s followers and the success of the organisation.”

The best-selling author with over 40 books noted that business is not just about making profits, but making a difference in the lives of people around you and beyond.

“We need business people who have conscience and passion but at the same time have purpose and principles which serve as guidelines to their business. We have got to be careful not to be driven by ambitions that will be detrimental to our people.

“I am going to be dealing with basic business principles that are human-based for everyone. I am here to share with you what I have practically experienced and not something I have read in a book somewhere.”

He will be hosting the ‘Achievers Power Dinner’ today at the Accra International Conference Centre, to engage with business leaders, politicians, religious heads and entrepreneurs.

Tomorrow, Dr. Monroe will host an ‘Aspirers Power Breakfast’ at the same venue to challenge and inspire tomorrow’s leaders, corporate Ghana, the working-class and tertiary students.

Novartis introduces new drugs for diabetes

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Novartis, the pharmaceutical manufacturer, has launched new Type-2 diabetes and hypertension drugs -- Galvus/Galvusmet and Exforge HCT -- in Accra.

Manager of Novartis Ghana, Roland Hammond, explained that the reason for introducing the drugs is to help diabetic patients who are also hypertensive to continue living without any risk of cardiac arrest.

“Most diabetic patients are required to eat constantly, which can lead to weight-gain and further put them at high risk of stroke, heart-attack and hypertension.

“These drugs are therefore specifically manufactured to cater for all these issues. This means that a diabetic patient with hypertension should take a prescribed combination of the two drugs,” he said.

“The differences between these drugs and those already on the market are that they do not make you gain weight, they can be taken before you eat and they can be combined with melformin.”

He added that Exforge HTC is a combination of three drugs that used to be taken separately –Amlodipine, Valsartan and Hydorchlorothiazide.

“This means that patients who used to take the three prescribed medications will now be given one dose of the new drug.”

Medical practitioner at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ben Eghan, stated that figures from a research in 2008 put Ghana’s diabetic rate at 9% and showed the number of people with Type-2 Diabetes (T2DM) is increasing.

He encouraged Ghanaians to live healthy lives in order to have long life-spans.

“Healthy eating, limitation of alcohol intake, physical activity -- at least 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise four to seven days a week -- and the cessation of smoking are some of the things that we can do to have a lower risk of acquiring diabetes, thereby extending our life-spans,” he said.

SMEs to benefit from HFC agreement

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

HFC Bank says it will boost lending to its small and medium-enterprise (SME) and mortgage segments with the acquisition of a US$10 million credit facility from Proparco, the private wing of French agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

The bank is a key player in the mortgage market in Ghana with more than 20 years of lending experience. It also holds a strong position in the SME market, which represents 60 percent of its portfolio.

“This facility is to enable us finance SMEs and our mortgage business,” said Asare Akuffo, Managing Director of the bank, at the signing of the loan agreement in Accra.

“Since the SME sector has been identified as a strong sector of the economy, we will continue to invest heavily in the sector with the acquisition of this facility.”

Regional Director of Proparco in West Africa, Julien Lefilleur, said he was happy to sign the agreement because it represented a step forward in building stronger bonds with Ghanaian businesses.

“We are very happy to sign this deal with HFC Bank. We hope this partnership will be the beginning of better things ahead.

“Due to the sound management, quality of development impact and outstanding presence of HFC in the SME sector, we decided to do business with this bank,” he said.

SMEs form about 80 percent of enterprises in Ghana, but find it hardest to borrow cheaply since banks and other financial institutions take the view that the sector is a very risky area to put money into.

Banks also often point to the high cost of mobilising funds to finance their lending operations as reason for their expensive interest rates. The loan, according to HFC, is the first to a financial institution in Ghana by Proparco and will be repaid in a period of eight years.

French Ambassador, Frédéric Clavier, speaking at the signing, said Ghana is the country where Proparco and the AFD operate most even though both have a presence in other West African countries. He said he hoped Proparco would become an equity partner in HFC.

“For France, Ghana is a high priority in our diplomatic partnerships. We are defining new steps with the Ghanaian government to develop several key areas to grow the economy. France is ever ready to help in the development agenda of Ghana.”

In 2011, AFD granted €239million to the government, GRIDCo and three private institutions.

Olam to increase its stake

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Olam Ghana, commodities dealer says its investment in the country will increase by five fold in the next three years.

Currently the company has invested GHC150million in its operations and hopes to increase it to GHC750 million by 2015.

The company is doubling the value of small loans to farmers which currently stands at GHC300 million.

Chief Executive Officer of Olams International, Sunny George Verghese made these remarks at the official inaugurating of the company’s $55 million ultra modern wheat flour mill at Kpone near Tema. The mill has the capacity to produce 500 metric tonnes a day.

“This is the first organic wheat milling facility in Africa constructed by Olam Ghana even though we have acquired other wheat milling facilities elsewhere on the continent.

“The facility is capable of employing 100 workers and very eco friendly. It is geared to minimize electricity consumption,” he said.

The President, John Atta-Mills who commissioned the facility, commended Olam for investing in agriculture which is the backbone of the economy.

“Anyone who invests in agriculture is helping to strengthen the economy. This is because; agriculture is the backbone of the economy.

“Even though we now have oil and gas, agriculture is the foundation or superstructure of many economies,” he said.

The President further assured Olam of government’s support and its provision of better environment for continuous investment.

Olam was chosen by government to re-invigorate cotton sector in the Upper West Region in March 2011.

The company was able to reach out to over 8500 farmers in six months and provided key implements like tractors, ploughs, fertilizers and insecticides, seeds and finances.

They set up a new 60, 000 metric tonnes cotton ginning facility in Wa and has the ambition of reaching 100,000 metric tonnes in 2015.

Microsoft manger lauds IT progress

Microsoft manager lauds IT progress

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Ghana can look forward to immense Information Technology (IT) opportunities because mobile devices have taken the place of the expensive infrastructure previously required to develop and utilise IT, says Emmanuel Onyeje, Country Manager of Microsoft in Anglophone West Africa.

“Several businesses can now be conducted without necessarily having to sit in the office. With the advent of android, blackberry, windows, iphones, galaxy tabs and ipads, one can do business from the home, street, on holiday or anywhere through e-mail and other internet-enabled sites.”

He said this at the Microsoft Open Door Conference, which saw the gathering of IT partners, developers, students, Microsoft customers and consumers in Accra under the theme “Consumerisation of IT.” The conference was aimed at discussing IT and the role of IT in Africa’s development agenda.

Mr. Onyeje commended the government of Ghana for taking the lead in implementing IT in many sectors of the economy.

“Ghana has one of the best plans to improve the level of IT among its citizens and various sectors of the economy. The government through its e-government infrastructure is ready to connect most public and educational institutions and district assemblies.

“Also, through the Ghana Multimedia Incubator Centre, the government has trained some youth to create jobs for entry clerks and mobile phone repairers.

“I believe that if the government continues in this vein, Ghana could become the Silicon Valley of West Africa,” he stated.

Deputy Communications Minister, Attuquaye Armah, in a speech read on his behalf, appreciated Microsoft for recognising the role that government is playing in optimising technology as a key driver in the Ghanaian economy.

“Government is convinced that ICT possesses the potential to enable new and more efficient methods of production to improve the delivery of government services and above all, to increase access to basic social services such as education.

The Minister said his ministry has developed an Information Technology and Information Management (IT/IM) scheme of service to assist the public service in attracting and retaining highly skilled IT/IM personnel to support the transformation of the government sector through the deployment and exploitation of ICTs.

He urged Microsoft to initiate IT skills development projects, especially in the public sector, to boost human resource capacity.

Lions Clubs International holds seminar

Lions Clubs International holds seminar

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Lions Clubs International, an organisation focused on serving the interest of communities through humanitarian services, has held a one-day training workshop to equip new and old members with membership and leadership qualities in Accra.

Participants were taken through steps to becoming great leaders and pro-active members in their respective lions clubs, for which the communities they serve will be the ultimate beneficiaries.

First Vice International President, Lion Wayne Madden, who is in the country for a four-day visit, addressed the participants.

He said to become a great lion, you need to be selfless and be ready to face problems and solve them.

“We need to address today’s problems and face tomorrow’s challenges if we want to remain the biggest service club in the world. We need to become pro-active in rendering services to communities.”

Lion Madden added that everyone has the potential to become a great leader. But these potentials need to be nurtured properly.

“We developed the Global Leadership Team to help bring out and develop leaders in our communities. The Global Membership Team is also to bring out and retain more members for the organisation.

Region 34 Chairman, Lion George Odamtten, said everyone needs some training in the provision of services to their communities.

“The seminar is to equip lions in the delivery of services to the communities. This is because the club has laid down rules that need to be followed when we step out to help communities,” he said.

He called on every citizen to join these humanitarian clubs to help out people who are in need like the disabled, the blind, aged, and others.

“Join clubs like the Lions club so that your efforts, though small, will go a long way to help the needy.”

As part of his four-day visit, Lion Madden inducted 15 prospective lions at a joint ceremony at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra and charged them to take the course of “lionism” seriously.

He also paid a courtesy call on the Vice President, John Mahama, where the latter commended the club’s effort in financing the building of an Eye Unit and Surgical Training Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to the tune of US$1.5 million.

The club also planted trees along the GIMPA stretch of the George Walker Bush motorway as part of its afforestation project to plant 10million trees worldwide.

The club in partnership with Gates Foundation is raising US$15million to eradicate measles on the continent through its ‘one shot, one life’ campaign to prevent 450 children from dying daily due to measles.

Lion Madden was accompanied by three other top loins. They included Past International Director, Lion Manoj Shah; Past District Governor, Lion Rajinder Sembi; and District Governor, 403 A2, Lion Andre Gbadoe.

Music Awards nominees unveiled

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Music lovers across the length and breadth of Ghana can now start voting for their favorite musicians as Charter House – organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) – has officially announced the final nominees for the 13^th annual event in Accra.

Come April 14^th, 57 Ghanaian and six other African artistes will battle it out at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre to claim top spot as to who is the best in his or her category.

The hottest category since the beginning of the event in 1999 – the most popular song of the year—will as usual be keenly contested for looking at the number of Azonto rhythms that rocked and is still rocking the nation and the fact that it is the only category that is going to be decided by the populace 100%.

Ghana’s fastest rapper, Sarkodie leads the pack with 12 nominations – the highest in the history of the GMAs--closely followed by fellow rapper, Okyeame Kwame with nine nominations having had a hit with the track “Faithful,” featuring Bertha.

The ‘Waist n Power’ guys, 4x4, are third with seven nominations while Stay Jay and Trigmatic follow them closely with six nominations each.

The powerful voices of Becca, Efya, Selina Boateng and controversial Raquel could only account for five nominations respectively as the leading ladies for this year’s event.

A member of the board of the VGMA and veteran highlife musician, Amadzeba, said they were very objective in their choices since they wanted to promote morality, creativity and quality so the board decided to exclude songs with too much adult content.

“We are here to enhance creativity so we analyse each song based on its creative content, quality and above all its moral importance to society.

“We advise that artiste classify their songs so that when they contains explicit scenes-for video- then it will not be shown or played on air,” he said.

The Executive Director of Charter House, Theresa Ayawode, said: “It was very tough to come out with the final list. The board members at times did not agree on some choices but at the end of the day, I believe they have done a great job looking at the selections that have been made.”

Another member of the board, Abraham Ohene Gyan, noted that at some points during meetings, they have to put their choices to a vote before they decided on some of the choices.

Music producer and a member of the technical team on the board, Fred Kyei Mensah, observed that most musicians in Ghana do not have publicist.

“The lack of publicist for musicians in the country makes it difficult to chronicle the activities of the musician in the year. Most musicians hold shows that had deep impact on people but because there are no publicists to notify the right authorities, these works go unnoticed.”

He therefore advised musicians to get qualified publicists who will put together all their activities so that when it is time for awards, those documents can be considered as well.

The new face of Miss Ghana -- Inna Mariam Patty

The new face of Miss Ghana - Inna Mariam Patty

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

She is result-oriented, focus-driven, go-getting; a winner, multi-purpose and above all sexy. These are just a few words that can be used to describe this incredible woman.

These words could be referring to no other person but the winner of Miss Ghana 2004, Inna Mariam Patty.

She is back in town with the Miss Ghana pageantry -- but not as a contestant; this time she is an organiser with her company, Exclusive Events Ghana.

She has won the exclusive right to organise the event, and in her own words “Under Exclusive Events Ghana, the Miss Ghana brand will be every young Ghanaian lady’s dream.

“Miss Ghana 2012 and beyond aims to be an exciting experience in the entertainment calendar of Ghana. Fresh and new additions are certainly going to help make it worth every work we will put in. It is going to be a whole new experience, not only for us as a company, but also for all the contestants.”

These thoughts were also echoed by the former organisers of the pageant, Media Whizz Kids’ CEO, Reginald “Geddy” Laryea when he expressed complete confidence and optimism in the capabilities of Exclusive Events Ghana and its chief executive.

“The good thing about handing the rights of this pageant to Inna is that she brings a good amount of judgement, experience and precision to the event.”

Inna, he said, brings on board a wealth of experience and passion for the organisation of the pageant.

“This is not an event for the faint-hearted, and we believe she more than has that tough spirit needed to take the event to the next level,” Mr. Laryea said.

It is going to be national in nature, meaning regional finals will be held in all ten regions before the grand final in Accra.

The 2012 edition will be launched this month and the winner will represent Ghana at this year's Miss World. Stephanie Karikari, Miss Ghana 2010 and winner of the 2011 Miss World Beauty with a Purpose award, will crown the winner.

This is not the first time Inna is going to organise a pageant event. She has loads of experience as she has been involved in the organisation of Miss Togo for several years, and has also worked with the Miss South Africa team for quite some time.

These experiences gathered are enough to show that she is more than capable of pulling it off without many problems.

Inna was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and grew up in Ghana with its tropical weather, a rich heritage and an interesting kaleidoscope of cultural attractions.

She schooled at Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast and went to the University of Ghana. She is also an alumnus of the London School of Economics and worked as a head-hunter at the London Stock Exchange.

She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration, after which she will take a year off to honour an invitation to do an attachment in a law firm in Ghana, and then enrol in Law School as it is her ambition to be a corporate lawyer.

As ‘Tourism Ambassador’, she championed the introduction of paragliding and hang-gliding in Ghana and Africa at large, which has come to stay -- especially when it is time for Easter festivities at Kwahu in the Eastern Region.

Other interests include: listening to R&B and Soul, Orating, and looking after her pet dog called Snoopy and her adopted crocodile, Frank. Her motto is “Whoever much is given, from him much will be expected”.

Inna is just twenty-nine years and single.

She started Exclusive Events Ghana about six years ago, but has run it full-timefor the past two years. The company specialises in corporate, charity, special/themed and social events with a large clientele base in Ghana and beyond.

FIN

Airtel friendzy draws held

Airtel friendzy draws held

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Airtel has held the seventh and eighth draws of its Airtel freindzy promotion at the Pentagon Hostel in Legon, Accra

The promotion, according to the operator, is aimed at giving back to customers by rewarding them for their recharges and usage on the network.

Group Budujay1, winners of the eighth draw, had the highest points accrued since the promotion started in December. The group was presented with a GH¢10,000 cash prize for the combined effort. Group HOCK90 also won GH¢10,000 as the seventh draw winner.

Head of Corporate Communications at Airtel, Donald Gwira, said the promotion was achieving its aim of building friendships and rewarding customers for their loyalty.

‘This is also the opportunity to celebrate great times with friends and win great prizes on the network that cares,” he said.

He encouraged those who were yet to join to do so, and for those already playing to keep their eyes on the ultimate prize of GH¢50,000 cash, which will be given out to the group with the highest number of points at the end of the promotion in March.

More than 80 groups have won a total of GH¢260,000 in cash since the promotion began. Individual players have also won brand new Samsung tablets, Galaxy Smartphones and lots of Airtel airtime over the period.

NDK helps out two basics schools in Osu

NDK helps out two basic schools in Osu

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

NDK Financial Services has donated computers and accessories including printers to two basic schools in Osu, Accra, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

The beneficiary schools include Osu Presby Primary and JHS and St. Barnabas Anglican School.

Head of Marketing, NDK, Anthony Quaye, explained why they decided to undertake this initiative and the reason behind the choice of these institutions.

“We feel that we need to make an impact in our immediate environment, and since these schools are very close to us we decided to help this schools improve upon their Information Technology (IT) level this year.”

He also added that due to the successful counselling programme they organised for the final year students of various schools in Osu last year, they decided to follow up with these presentations.

“Last year we organised a very successful counselling programme for final year students to encourage them to study hard, put up the best behaviour and also eschew examination malpractices during their final exams.

“Due to the huge success of the programme, which reflected in improved results of the students, we decided to donate these computers to help perk-up on their IT level,” he said.

Headmistress of Osu Presby Primary and JHS, Theresa Okantey, said the computers came at the right time to supplement the ones they already have, because some of the old ones are getting outmoded.

“We are happy for these computers because since they are gadgets and prone to damage, we need them replaced constantly; so these computers have come at the right time to add to the ones we already have.”

She seized the opportunity to complement corporate bodies that engage in CSRs which are beneficial to the communities, and asked more institutions to follow suit “because we cannot expect the government to provide us with everything.”

Christina Apafo, Headmistress, St. Barnabas Anglican School, was full of praise for NDK for the donations and promised that the staff of the school will make the most of the computers and also keep them in the best of shape.

Medical Imaging opens new lab

Medical Imaging opens new lab

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Medical Imaging, a subsidiary of Medlab Ghana Limited, which conducts X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound scans, mammography and blood tests, has opened another ultra-modern laboratory at Korle-Gonno, Accra.

The new office, located opposite the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), has state-of-the-art scanning equipment valued at about $3million and is intended to boost healthcare in the country.

Managing Director of Medical Imaging, Dr. Rosemary Keatley, said the opening of a new laboratory at the location was necessitated by the ever-increasing number of cases referred to them by doctors and physicians from the KBTH.

“We realised that a lot of referrals were coming from Korle-Bu. And to prevent people hustling to get to Roman Ridge --where the main laboratory is located -- we decided to open this branch near Korle-Bu to relieve the patients of the trouble of travelling to Roman Ridge.

“We also realised that if we get closer to the doctors at Korle-Bu, we will be able to interact with them faster and easier than we used to do.

“There will be more dialogue between the physicians of Korle-Bu and Medlab. This will go a long way to help boost healthcare of patients that benefit from services of both institutions,” she said.

Dr. Keatley encouraged women over the age of 40 to come for frequent mammogram tests to know their breast-cancer status, so that they would not spend so much money trying to cure a sickness which could have been prevented through a simple routine check-up.

“We have taken it upon ourselves to discount the cost of a mammogram test in the months of October, November and December every year in order to encourage more women to take the test for their own safety.”

Medical Imaging is the third institution in Ghana after the KBTH and SSNIT Hospital to have the equipment to conduct mammogram tests.

Medlab Ghana Limited has been operating in Ghana for 10 years and has its main laboratory at Roman Ridge, Accra, with other laboratories in Tema, Takoradi and Kumasi.

Vodafone helps insolvent hospital patients

Vodafone helps insolvent hospital patients

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Vodafone has paid an undisclosed amount in medical bills of about 230 insolvent patients in hospitals around the country, allowing the hospitals to release them to spend Valentine’s Day with their loved ones.

The patients were given mobile phones, Vodafone-branded mugs, T-shirts and some money for transport back home. Vodafone also registered 100HIV-positive patients for the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Speaking at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra where 29 patients were beneficiaries, Head of Corporate Communications, Vodafone, Carmen Bruce-Annan, explained why the telecommunications giant decided to repeat the initiative they started last year.

“The impact of what we did last year on the patients and the hospitals cannot be overestimated. Being admitted to hospital is tough enough; some of these patients have undergone traumatic surgery, but they also have to worry about where to find the money to pay the bills for their treatment.

“The hospital administration does a great job in trying to accommodate individuals in this situation, but they also need the bills paid in order to treat the next patient. It feels good that Vodafone can step in again and offer relief to both patients and the hospital,” she said.

Overall, 100 Vodafone employees visited Tamale West Hospital and Walewale Hospital in the Northern Region; Atonsu Agogo Hospital and KNUST Hospital in the Ashanti Region; Takoradi Hospital in the Western Region; and Ridge, Tema General, Lekma General and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospitals in the Greater Accra Region.

Victoria Aku Quaye, Director of Nursing Services, KBTH, expressed her appreciation to Vodafone for their love and support to the patients and the hospital.

“Certainly, you are going to put smiles on the faces of these patients and their families. This is going to be a great relief to these patients who have been kept here, some for as long as eight weeks.

“We are very happy that Vodafone has shown care and love to these patients, especially on Valentine’s Day,” she added.

Some of the patients who spoke to B&FT expressed their joy at the fact that finally they are able to go home and see their families. They also conveyed their love and appreciation to Vodafone for coming to their aid when all hope seemed lost.

Vodafone launches WI-Fi zone in UG

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Vodafone has launched a Wi-Fi zone at the Ghana Hostels (Pentagon) on the University of Ghana, Legon campus.

This is the largest internet access point in the country with the capacity to serve over 5000 students at any given time.

Students on campus can now connect and access the internet speed through their laptops, tabs, smartphones and other WI-FI enabled devices at any given time, giving them unlimited access to information and educational material online.

According to Carmen Bruce- Annan, Head of Corporate Communications at Vodafone Ghana, “Making the internet accessible is something we are committed to. It is important that in today’s world, people can use the internet and benefit from having knowledge at their fingertips.

“Our students are, the new generation who will lead the internet revolution, if they aren’t already. We value the contribution we can make to ensure that our country continues to produce a technologically proficient generation.

“The Wi-Fi Zone reaffirms Vodafone’s commitment to enhancing internet relevance in the country’s development,” she said.

The campus WI-FI zone is the second major data initiative undertaken by Vodafone, in addition to the largest internet café at the KNUST campus for both students and visitors. It is also the latest addition to Vodafone’s list of WI-FI zones which are present at convenient locations including Villaggio apartments, Labadi Beach Hotel, Alisa Hotel, Best Western Hotel and at the Kotoka International Airport.

Vodafone also announced the launch with a promotional offer of 100 browsing hours a month for only GHC 30. Accessing the service requires the use of a voucher which is available at any AfriqXpress Pay point on campus and at the Ghana Hostels.

Vodafone Ghana has scheduled similar projects which encourage internet access and usage throughout the year.

Australia opens visa application centre

Australia opens visa application centre

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Australia has opened a visa application centre in Accra, providing Ghanaian applicants a convenient, fast and accessible way to apply for Australian visas.

The centre, located in Lenshie Crescent in Labone Estates, allows Ghanaian clients to lodge visa applications in person. Previously, Ghanaian visa applicants were required to send their applications directly to the Australian High Commission in Kenya.

The Australia High Commissioner to Ghana, William Billy Williams, opening the centre, said, “I am delighted that an accessible visa service is now available for Ghanaians travelling to Australia.”

“This centre is a response to the increasing visa-service demands as increasing numbers of Ghanaians travel to Australia for work (particularly in the mining sector), study, to visit family and for pleasure.

“Australia and Ghana have many shared interests, founded on strong people-to-people links. The already strong relationship between our two countries will be further strengthened as a result of the establishment of an in-country visa service,” he said.

Under the new visa-application arrangements, clients submit their applications in person at the centre, where they will also provide a fingerprint and facial scan.

Biometric data are an important tool in identity management globally, helping countries facilitate the arrival of travellers and to combat fraud.

Many countries are already using biometrics to improve visa and border-checking processes, including Ghana which has implemented the system at Kotoka International Airport.

Australia now uses biometric data collection in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Blue Skies unveils new labels

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

Blue Skies Limited has outdoored new labels for its freshly-squeezed juice products at Medie near Nsawam in the Eastern Region.

The new labels have been introduced to enable Blue Skies distinguish itself as a superior product to the numerous imported juice and soft-drink brands that have flooded the Ghanaian market.

Sales and Marketing Manger, Blue Skies, Juliana Agyemang, explained the reason behind the choice of the new labels: “The labels are designed to illustrate in a fun and vibrant way how the juice comes fresh from the field and is simply crushed and squeezed into a bottle, with no added sugar or preservatives.

“The labels also reflect how the company aims to support the community and look after the environment, and to convey the message of how its products are proud to be made in Ghana.”

She added: “We believe our new brand design now gives us a world-class label which a world-class product like Blue Skies juice deserves; and it conveys the message that a young Ghanaian company like Blue Skies can take on the big imported brands and win.”

Alongside the new labels was the slogan, “Revitalising the Ghanaian in you,” which she said reflects their mission to empower Ghanaians to fulfil their true potential by consuming a product which can give their spirits a lift.

“We want to bring out everything that is good about being Ghanaian and to inspire national pride for a world-class product made in Ghana.”

In 2011, the new design won an award for brand identity from the International Food and Beverage Award (FAB) in London.

The company is introducing new flavours of mango, orange and banana in addition to the old flavours of pineapple, pineapple and ginger and tropical.

The company was started in 1998 with thirty-five employees but now has over 1500 people. It sources fruits from over 150 farms across the country.

First round of MTN golf tournament held

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

The first round of the MTN “Spoons” Match Play golf tournament has been held at the Celebrity Golf Club in Sakumono, Tema.

Sixty-four golfers participated in the first round, out of which thirty-two emerged champions and have thus qualified for the next round which will be held between the 5^th to 14^th February.

Speaking after the event, MTN Chief Executive Officer, Micheal Ikpoki, who also partook in the games, said golf is a special game and stressed that MTN will maintain the partnership between them and Celebrity Golf Club (CGC) to continue promoting golf in the country.

“I love and play golf, so I am really happy to be among other professional players. MTN will continue to support the growth of the sport in Ghana,” he said.

He added that with this partnership, 2012 will be a more exciting and interesting year in the golf calendar.

Mr. Ikpoki also used the occasion to talk about some of their new products for their customers. MTN Business which seeks to promote the ICT level of SMEs and also MTN’s new Blackberry services – Blackberry Social, Complete and Absolute Plan.

Vice Captain of the CGC, Akwesi Opoku, expressed his appreciation to the high turnout of the golfers for the tournament.

“Thank you very much for coming out in your numbers, we appreciate your presence. This goes along way to show how golf is increasingly catching up on us,” he said.

He added that it will be just a matter of time for a Ghanaian to be competing on the international stage alongside celebrated golfers like Tiger Woods.

Mr. Opoku added that the Celebrity Golf Club will be hosting the flagship tournament in the country-Ghana Open- later this year.

The Celebrity Golf Club is an eighteen hole golf course that has been in existence for over thirty years and have hosted several invitational tournaments like the Cocacola monthly tournament.

Fifth edition of Spelling Bee grand finale held

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

The grand finale of the fifth edition of the Spelling Bee competition has been held over the weekend in Accra.

After over eight hours and fifteen rounds of intense competition among the 89 finalists, eleven year old Phelimon Awan of the Holy Spirit Catholic Preparatory School, Ho in the Volta Region came out tops after spelling the word –mariculture—correctly.

He went home with a gold medal, GHC 1500 Ecobank Junior Saver Account, a certificate of participation from the GES, a plane ticket from Delta Airlines to Washington D.C, and will be representing Ghana at the 85^th Scribb Spelling Bee in the United States of America with $500 spending money from Indomie instant noodles and products from other sponsors.

The Country Director of the Spelling Bee, Eugenia Tachie-Menson, said the programme has impacted positively on pupils and students nationwide.

“The benefits of the Spelling Bee are immeasurable; students learn how to manage their time and prioritise, they gain self confidence by the unique method of questioning that the Spelling Bee encourages, and a host of other important life skills which prepares them to become responsible, well-balanced adults,” she said.

In an interview with the B&FT, Phelimon Awan said he was very happy to be crowned the overall best speller in 2012 and also very excited that he is going to the USA to represent Ghana.

“I feel very happy that I have won this competition and I am going to represent Ghana in the USA. I know it is not going to be easy over there but I will do everything in my power to make Ghana proud.

“From the beginning I was scared because I lost last year at the regional finals and felt that I was not going to make it again but with so much encouragement from my parents, teachers and coaches I was able to gather enough courage and improved on my confidence level,” he said.

Mother of the winner, Rosemond Akyena Awan expressed her appreciation to all persons who have contributed in diverse ways to his success.

“I am so happy that my son has won this competition and I will like to say thanks to his teachers, coaches and friends who encouraged him to go further in this competition. I will also like to add a big thank you to the organizers of such an educative programme. It is so educative and informative to the extent that I personally have learnt a lot of new words and to pronounce words properly,” she said.

She appealed to corporate Ghana and the government to invest in these educative programmes to safeguard the future of the children and the nation as a whole.

The first and second runners-up – Adwoa Onomoah and Christine Afonu – each went home with GHC 1200 and GHC 1000 Ecobank Junior Saver Accounts, certificates of participation, silver and bronze medals and products from other sponsors.

First edition spellers fete Louise children hospital patients

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

19 spellers of the first edition of the Spelling Bee competition and the organizers of the competition have paid a courtesy call on the staff and patients of the Princess Marie Louise Children Hospital in Accra.

The spellers played with and taught the children in the hospital how to draw, colour and paint out objects on paper and also did feed the children as well.

Eugenia Tachie-Menson, Country Director of Spelling Bee Ghana, said the aim of the visit was to make the children in the hospital feel that they have not been neglected after falling sick.

“Since our target group are children we thought that we should visit them and fete them so that they will feel happy and cheer up which can speed up the healing process.

“We are very happy that we visited the hospital because we have learnt a lot from these children. This is because seeing these children go through so much pain has taught us that we are all humans but we are just lucky to be strong.

Mrs. Tachie-Menson added that the visit was also to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Spelling Bee competition and also to bring together most of the spellers of the first competition.

The competition’s first winner 17 year old Isabel Yirebatia Kubabom of SOS International School, Tema, said the exercise really has brought out the spirit of volunteerism in them.

“We are very happy we undertook this exercise because we feel that we the fortunate ones should continuously volunteer to help the under privileged ones.

“We should try to give back to the community and not be thinking of ourselves all the time. Our selfless attitude can help change many lives in the country and the world at large,” she said.

18 year old Jonathan Korsah of Ghana International School added that the exercise has been very inspiring to them because they have personally learnt the art of giving back to the society we live in.

“I think that this exercise should be done at regular intervals because it is a great way of giving back to society. It makes me feel very responsible because I spent about half the day impacting positively in the lives of my younger ones,” he said.