Rains on Monday, May 6, 2024, which lasted several hours, brought more worry than relief to the city of Accra, with several uprooted trees blocking roads, and destroying people’s cars.

One person is said to be in critical condition after a tree fell on a motorcycle and a 4-wheel drive.

This was after heavy rains in the early hours of today, May 6.#TV3GH pic.twitter.com/kJ8Twhe2Ge

— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) May 6, 2024

The heavy rains this morning resulted in flooding of roads and houses with the uprooting of trees in areas such as Airport, and Cantonments.

It’s being reported that an individual is in a critical condition after the uprooting due to the the heavy downpour which lead to blocking of roads at Cantonments.

The devastating effect of today’s rainfall in the Accra Airport area, which caused numerous trees to split, resulting in damage to cars parked nearby. pic.twitter.com/AEsXKH4EHs

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) May 6, 2024

In area such as Airport its being reported that cars parked nearby the landing restaurant have been demolished by the uprooted trees.

Apple Music kicks off Africa Month celebrations with the introduction of cover stars on its Afrobeats Hits playlist, starting with Nigerian singer-songwriter, Fireboy DML who just released his new single “Everyday.”  Apple Music has also released the Top Artists and Afrobeats Hits for the past year with the likes of Davido, Asake, Bnxn, Omah Lay  and Rema coming out tops.

Apple Music is celebrating Africa Month with a special focus on Afrobeats, highlighting one of the most eclectic and influential sounds in music today

“As the first artist to be featured on this Apple Music playlist, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful,” Fireboy DML tells Apple Music. “Since 2019 I’ve had incredible support from Apple Music and I’m sure the whole African music scene can say the same. I’m excited to see where this leads and what it will do for the culture.”

Speaking about his new single “Everyday,” Fireboy DML adds: “This new era of my career is about reconnecting with one’s roots, old self and focusing on the things that truly matter — love, family, personal health. I think that’s where success truly lies. ‘Everyday’ is a song that reminds you of the days when we used to make celebratory love songs, of simpler times. From the moment the instrumental starts playing, you can already tell what you’re in for. I’m excited to share this record with the world!”

Apple Music is also featuring “The Story of Afrobeats in 20 songs,” a written editorial feature highlighting the music and artists that helped the genre grow from a West African staple into a global phenomenon.

Towards the end of the month of May, Apple Music will also be launching a new Viral Afrobeats playlist, as well as an new Afrobeats category page that will house new releases, playlists and essential albums from the genre.

Apple Music has also released the Top Artists and Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits for the past year.

Top Artists by streams on Afrobeats Hits

1. Davido 
2. Asake 
3. Bnxn 
4. Omah Lay 
5. Rema 
6. Burna Boy 
7. Ayra Starr 
8. Adekunle Gold 
9. Kizz Daniel 
10. Zinoleesky 

Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits

1. United States 
2. United Kingdom 
3. France 
4. Canada 
5. Nigeria 
6. South Africa 
7. Germany  
8. Ghana 
9. Australia 
10. Switzerland

Discover Afrobeats Hits here: https://apple.co/AfrobeatsHits

Discover Afrobeats in 20 songs:  https://apple.co/Afrobeatsin20Songs

Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana, a leading pharmaceutical company committed to global health initiatives, has extended a helping hand to Ridge Hospital in Accra, Ghana, as part of their ongoing ACT for Africa Campaign aimed at combating malaria.

The Ridge Hospital, located in the heart of Greater Accra, serves as a vital healthcare institution in the region, facing the persistent challenge of malaria, a prevalent mosquito-borne disease in many parts of Africa.

In a commendable demonstration of corporate social responsibility that has been ongoing for the past four years, Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana has donated a substantial quantity of antimalarial medicines, including Lonart, Gsunate, Gacet, and others, to Ridge Hospital. This donation further bolsters the hospital’s efforts to provide effective treatment and care to patients battling malaria. 

Medical Representative Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana, Kingsley Boateng asserted that “The ACT for Africa Campaign, spearheaded by our Managing Director, Mr. Gagan Sharma , is a proactive initiative designed to expand access to life-saving antimalarial treatments across the continent”. He added that “By partnering with healthcare facilities like Ridge Hospital, the campaign aims to make a tangible impact in the fight against malaria, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes for communities in need”.

Dr Ralph Armah, Medical Director at Ridge Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the generous donation, emphasizing its significance in addressing the malaria burden in the region. “This donation will help improve our pharmacy stock and also help us in our fight to eradicate malaria amongst various age groups especially the under-five,” he remarked.

Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana’s commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives in Africa reflects its dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Through partnerships with local healthcare providers and ongoing investment in innovative healthcare solutions, the company strives to contribute to the advancement of public health across the continent.

The donated antimalarial medicines will be integrated into Ridge Hospital’s malaria treatment protocols, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care. This donation not only addresses an immediate need but also reinforces the importance of collaboration between the private sector and healthcare institutions in tackling pressing health challenges.

As the fight against malaria continues, initiatives like the ACT for Africa Campaign serve as beacons of hope, uniting stakeholders in a shared mission to eliminate this preventable and treatable disease. The partnership between Bliss GVS Pharma and Ridge Hospital exemplifies the power of collective action in advancing towards a malaria-free future for all.

In a glamorous evening at the Accra Conference Centre, the dedicated trustees of The Children’s Heart Foundation Ghana were honoured with the prestigious 2024 International Africa Healthcare Award by the Zenith Global Health Network.  (more…)

The Old Mutual Financial Services Monitor is a study aimed at uncovering the financial behaviour, attitudes, and perceptions of working Ghanaians. Not only has it achieved this objective, but it has also provided valuable insights for Financial Services Providers (FSPs) to better serve their customers. 

Today’s focus is on retirement savings and the attitude of the working Ghanaian towards it. The monitor reveals a high correlation between adult dependency and retirement savings. But first, let’s delve into what it reveals about retirement savings.

According to the Monitor, retirement savings ranks 8th among savings goals. This clearly indicates that retirement savings is not a priority for the working class. Approximately 6 out of 10 working Ghanaians are not saving for retirement, with this figure even higher amongst informal sector workers. 

What could be causing this? 

Financial literacy is generally low in the country and the national discourse on retirement savings and planning is not enough. However, this presents an opportunity for FSPs to incorporate financial education into their strategies and product development to increase awareness.

A high number of those not saving implies a correspondingly high number of adults relying on their children for support in old age. According to the monitor, 7 out of 10 Ghanaians are counting on their children to support them in their old age, particularly those in the 50 to 57-year age group. Is this a national concern? 

Absolutely. What about the children or young adults who need to plan and save for their own futures? This also highlights the percentage of working Ghanaians experiencing financial stress, which stands at 64percent.

As a business committed to being the customer’s first choice to grow, sustain, and protect their prosperity, Old Mutual continuously educates and sensitizes customers through its flagship financial education program, On The Money, on optimizing their finances for financial freedom.

Another innovative initiative is the launch of the industry’s first Retirement Salary product also known as the Annuity product, which is designed to provide financial security to Old Mutual customers aged 50 and above. 

As the name suggests, it guarantees a lifetime income for the plan holder in a secure manner, advancing self-reliance and enabling retirees to enjoy the perfect retirement. Interested individuals need only make a lump sum deposit and can expect monthly salaries for the rest of their lives. Today, all existing Old Mutual annuitants have had their 2023 monthly salary increased by 16% to help cushion retirees against the general rise in cost of goods and services. Great offer, if you ask me. 

What about those who are younger, like the 45-year-olds interested in the retirement salary product? For such individuals, Old Mutual offers the Deposit Administrative Scheme (DAS). DAS allows them to deposit and grow their funds until they are ready for retirement, at which point it is transferred to the Retirement Salary plan, providing monthly salaries. It’s that simple! 

Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of the broader savings ecosystem. As FSPs, we must continually educate customers and the general public about the benefits of saving and planning for retirement, including reduced adult dependency, reduced borrowing, and less financial stress on the working population. 

From an economic standpoint, retirement savings represent long-term investments essential for long-term projects and beneficial to the state. Moreover, reduced reliance on state support for the elderly frees up funds for other purposes. The responsibility now falls on all of us to ensure that we, along with those nearing retirement and future generations, save and plan for retirement, fostering a less stressed population and a better Ghana for all.

Old Mutual Ghana

Old Mutual Ghana is one of Ghana’s leading financial institutions offering innovative Life insurance and Pensions solutions. Founded in South Africa, Old Mutual has been consistent in championing mutually positive futures by offering excellent financial services to a wide range of customers across the African continent.

The company established a branch in Ghana in 2013. It operates with a skilled knowledge of the Ghanaian market, backed by the expertise of an international brand. In Ghana, the company is currently made up of Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Limited and Old Mutual Pensions Trust, offering a diverse portfolio of financial solutions, including Savings plans, Group life benefits, Funeral plans, Travel insurance and Pensions schemes.