People & Lifestyle

CIMG Releases Results Of Ghana’s Maiden Professional Marketing Qualification Examinations

Published

1 year ago

March 14, 2022

The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG), last Thursday, officially announced results of the Institute’s maiden professional marketing qualification (PMQ) examinations, which was held in the December 2021 exam window. Altogether, 91 candidates from 2, out of the existing 10 Accredited Study Centres (ASCs), namely, the Ghana School of Marketing and the University of Professional Studies, Accra, wrote the maiden examinations.

It will be recalled that the CIMG, in April 2021, unveiled Ghana’s first-ever Professional Marketing Qualifications at a colourful ceremony held at the plush auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) campus, which attracted over 200 guests physically with more than 300 virtual audience.

In his opening remarks at a media briefing ceremony organised by the CIMG to announce the results, the National President, Dr D. Kasser Tee, expressed his delight at the general performance of candidates, indicating that the Institute had recorded highly impressive average pass rate in 8 out of the total of 11 modules written in the December 2021 exams.

Dr Kasser Tee said: “From the 11 courses mounted, a high pass rate was achieved in 8 while low pass rates were realised in the other 3. We have noticed, with some disappointment that the poor performing areas were at the foundation stage, affecting mainly Fundamentals of Marketing and Buyer Behaviour at the entry level (Pathway 1) with an average pass rate of a mere 16%. Performance in Sales and Sales Management, also a foundation stage course at Pathway 3, was equally relatively bad, with only 22% pass rate. With the exception of these, performances for the remaining 8 courses were very impressive, considering that this was the maiden exams with no past questions, no chief examiners report, among other things. The average pass rate of these 8 courses was a remarkable 82%, comprising one (1) paper at Pathway 2, three (3) papers at Pathway 3 and four (4) papers at Pathway 5,”.

He further indicated that CIMG’s standards and expectations from the ASCs will continue to be under serious and constant scrutiny as part of the Institute’s periodic audit and assessment of centres. This, he indicated, serves as a signal to all ASCs to examine the level of preparedness of prospective students for the foundation courses before enrolment, as such candidates form the bedrock upon which excellent professional Marketers will be developed. “We will continuously engage all centres to collectively agree on measures to fine-tune the mode of delivery and the calibre of Tutors selected for these programmes”, emphasised Dr Kasser Tee.

He expressed the Institute’s excitement about the successful conduct of the maiden examinations, saying; “Our ability to organise the December examinations successfully without any hitches creates some excitement within membership. Our audit and quality assurances were excellent from the question setting stage through moderations to mounting the exams. All the processes for delivery of scripts to markers, moderation and evaluation of marked scripts, etc were excellently done under strict confidentiality, until the final results were released to students on February 21, 2022, exactly 7 weeks after the exams, which is an impressive achievement”.

Dr Kasser Tee applauded the good works of the Institute’s Chief Examiner, Dr. Dr. Francis Mensah Sasraku, the Consulting Director of Education, Mr Adam Sulley, the CEO/Registrar of CIMG, Mr Kwabena Agyekum, all Examiners and Markers, the examinations management committee and the Examinations Board for being very instrumental in the conduct of the examinations.

He paid special compliment to all 91 candidates for the maiden exams, describing them as; “The gallant 91 candidates who had faith and trust in the local Professional Marketing Qualifications brand”, notwithstanding any doubts others may have had. “For taking part in CIMG’s maiden examinations, your names will forever remain in the annals of CIMG’s history as the institute’s first batch of gallant 91 candidates for the PMQ exams. We, accordingly, appreciate you all for believing in this beautiful made-in-Ghana professional marketing qualifications brand”, concluded Dr Tee.

On his part, the CIMG’s Chief Examiner for the PMQ, Dr. Dr. Francis Mensah Sasraku stated that the results were analysed using the minimum performance range, which indicates whether at least 50% of candidates passed the paper or not. According to the Chief Examiner, “We conducted a module-by-module analysis to ascertain the effect on how the maiden PMQ examinations had been implemented and the potential effect on its sustainability.”

He further highlighted that the Institute’s examinations management committee and the Examinations Board had conducted a study on the learning styles of candidates for professional programmes, the outcomes of which strongly re-affirms the notion that learners for professional qualifications programme should not be treated in the same way as their counterparts studying academic programmes. This, he indicated, was because professional programmes are meant to equip learners with hands-on practical skills to enable them effectively function in any situation, from the tactical levels to the strategic levels, depending on the level of study attained by one. He buttressed the need for regular orientation programmes for Tutors at all Accredited Study Centres to ensure that they deliver to the expectations of the CIMG examinations. He further urged learners to always take advantage during the “meet the examiner” sessions, held about 2 weeks to the commencement of examinations, as these sessions afford candidates the opportunity to understand and appreciate the true requirements of the examiners.

The Consulting Director of Education, Mr Adam Sulley, reiterated that despite the success of the exams, the prospects for further improvement are good for the next batch of candidates. He made this statement in response to a question on targets for the next and future examinations.

“The good thing that has happened with CIMG and Professional Marketing Qualifications is that this is the first time a professional body has engaged effectively both traditional and technical universities in terms of partnering us to deliver our professional programmes. So, the prospects look very good. I must confess that the situation gets very exciting at every step of the journey. Attracting 120 learners to enrol as Student-Marketers, out of which 91 sat the maiden exams is a remarkable achievement. It is something we should be very proud of. We are looking at year two moving up between two hundred and three hundred. By year three, we should be hitting about five or six hundred,” Mr Sulley explained.

He further added that CIMG has accredited study centres across the country from traditional to technical universities, and other Tutorial Centres, making CIMG’s PMQ ubiquitous. Thus, anyone, irrespective of location, can apply to enrol on the qualifications programme, more so, as the centre deliver both in person and virtual tuition.

People & Lifestyle

YouTube’s Alex Okosi Highlights The Need For A Comprehensive Digital Trade Strategy For Africa

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

YouTube’s Managing Director, Emerging Markets, EMEA, Alex Okosi, was among the key speakers at the Africa Debate 2023, which took place on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Guildhall in London.

Okosi’s session, titled “Building a Comprehensive Digital Trade Strategy for Africa,” highlighted the challenges facing Africa in terms of digital infrastructure despite advancements in digital trade and e-commerce. He debated the best path forward for a digital trade strategy, with a focus on the 7th protocol of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on e-commerce.

Joining Okosi on the panel were Michelle Chivunga, a Digital Trade Expert for AfCFTA and Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Global Policy House, who moderated the session, as well as Wayne Hennessy-Barrett, Chief Executive Officer, 4G Capital; Peter Njonjo, Chief Executive Officer, Twiga Foods; Toulay Oueslati, Head of Trade Finance & Commodity Trade Finance, Bank of Africa United Kingdom and Hardy Pemhiwa, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Cassava Technologies.

Organized by Invest Africa, a leading business and investment platform with over sixty years of experience on the continent, and in partnership with Africa Finance Corporation, the event was in its 9th year and focused on Africa’s trade profile through a comprehensive programme of talks, discussions, and networking opportunities.

“I believe that digital trade has the potential to transform Africa’s economy and improve trade relations with the rest of the world. However, to achieve this goal, we need to address the challenges of infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and digital skills training,” Okosi said.

The panel discussion explored the future of African trade and how the private sector can best support and prepare for a more integrated and competitive African trade environment.

“Collaboration between governments, businesses, and financial institutions is crucial in creating an enabling environment for digital trade. This includes developing regulatory frameworks, financing solutions, and digital infrastructure,” Okosi added.

Okosi is a highly experienced television, content, and tech executive with over 25 years of experience building successful businesses and brands globally. He has a track record of identifying and scaling new business opportunities, generating multi-million-dollar revenue streams, and delivering profitable growth.

Currently serving as Managing Director, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA, Okosi has been instrumental in driving the platform’s growth across key verticals, including music, gaming, TV/film, kids & family, news, and sports. In 2022, Okosi was named one of the UK Powerlist’s 100 most influential people of black heritage for the second year in a row.

People & Lifestyle

LETSHEGO GHANA PARTNERS WITH GHANA COMMODITY EXCHANGE TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO FARMERS, BROKERS AND AGGREGATORS AND IMPROVE THE FARMING VALUE CHAIN

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

Letshego Ghana, a subsidiary of Letshego Holdings Limited (“Letshego Group”) recently partnered with the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) to facilitate and provide funding for farmers under the Warehouse Receipt Financing Scheme. The strategic partnership was confirmed through a partnership agreement held between Letshego Ghana and Ghana Commodity Exchange.

The Ghana Commodity Exchange’s Warehouse Receipt Financing Scheme is a financial instrument that receives, grades and stores farm produce and commodities for the local farmers in the Ghana Commodity Exchange’s ‘certified warehouse’. The farmers are then issued with certificates, enabling them to use their stored farm produce as collateral for loans from Letshego Ghana worth up to 70% of the value of the commodities in the certified warehouse for a maximum period of 6 months. This represents a great example of impact financing that aims to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the local economy to deliver beneficial outcomes and improve lives for local players, regardless of their scale or size.

Letshego Ghana’s Director Geoffrey Kitakule said, “Letshego’s partnership with the Ghana Commodity Exchange will provide working capital for their farmers, brokers and aggregators in support of their operations. It will also enable farmers in the Accra region to deliver more produce to store in the warehouse operations, helping to reduce their financial burden and enabling them to focus on their core business and to grow and become more competitive in domestic and regional markets.”

The financial support from Letshego Ghana also helps to increase liquidity in the farming value chains by improving the financial security of the farmers and stakeholders along the agricultural value chain making the sector more resilient to market shocks.

The Chief Executive Officer for the Ghana Commodity Exchange Mrs. Tucci Goka Ivowi said, The Ghana Commodity Exchange remains committed to improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers and easing the burden on farmers, especially during the planting season, until they receive their returns upon harvest. In meeting this objective, we will seek every opportunity to engage with the brokers, aggregators, smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, to understand challenges and provide solutions for farming communities across the country.

Ghana Commodity Exchange’s key goal is to link Ghanaian smallholder farmers to diverse agricultural and financial markets to ensure Ghana’s farmers secure competitive prices for their commodities, assuring the market quantity and quality as well as timely settlement of their trade in ways that meet the nutritional needs of the Ghanaian people.

People & Lifestyle

Osae Nyampong VI donates $10,000 Adisadel College millennium group legacy project

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI (Kamenahene of the Akwamu Traditional Area) has donated $10,000 towards the legacy project of the Adisadel Millennium (2000 year) group.

Osae Nyampong VI, who is also the Patron for the 2000 year group, made the presentation when the President of the group, Mr. Richard Nii Amu Arthur paid a courtesy call on him.

The $10,000 cheque presentation adds to the group’s fundraising efforts towards the restructuring and modernisation of the Job 600 block in Adisadel College, to include an Amphitheatre, classrooms, a media centre, a robotic centre and a counselling centre.

Commenting on the patron’s gesture, Richard Nii Amu Arthur said: “I am elated by this kind gesture from our Patron.
Indeed, he has set the tone for what our contributions as the host year group should be, and I am proud to acknowledge him as my mentor. This should encourage everyone to reach out to other Santaclausians and also corporate Ghana to ensure that we exceed our intended target and deliver a very successful project.”

The Board Chairman of Gensar Energy, Osae Nyampong VI g, has over three decades of experience as an entrepreneur in diverse industries, including procurement and logistics, real estate, and trucking.

Although the Kamenahene of the Akwamu Traditional Area has worked hard to achieve all his successes, he attributes his training from Adisadel College as the shaping point of his life.

People & Lifestyle

SCY JIMM SHARES NEW VIDEO SINGLE “SET IN STONE”

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

The newest QC signee, SCY Jimm has just shared his new video single “Set In Stone”. Hailing from the small town of Bunnell outside of central Florida, Jimm recently garnered the stamp of approval from label boss Pee, being crowned with his official QC pendant chain earlier this year.

After SCY Jimm’s breakthrough year in 2022 with his mixtape ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, which was highlighted by a string of successful singles, as well as collaborations with his contemporaries like Luh Tyler, Goldenboy Countup and Wizz Havinn, Jimm has proven that he’s become a household name within his state’s booming scene. Earlier this year, SCY Jimm officially made his QC debut with his fifth project, Trench Baby, and made a standout appearance on frequent collaborator Luh Tyler’s debut project. Looking to continue his monstrous momentum into the new year, “Set In Stone” already serves as SCY Jimm’s fourth single of the year.

As SCY Jimm continues to keep his foot on the gas, he’s working to transition from a regional star to breakthrough international success. On “Set In Stone”, a quick yet authoritative offering, Jimm reflects on his ascending come-up. ”I was servin’ fiends for loot before I ever hit the booth and started rappin’”, he raps in the first verse, before flexing his status in the rap game later on – “We finna hit the top, know it won’t be long / Told my mama, ‘you ain’t gotta worry, I’m gon make it home”. With his signature Floridian flair on full display, as he effortlessly riddles off his bars informed by his growth and maturity as an artist, SCY Jimm is continuing to expand upon his dynamic sound with the release of “Set In Stone”, and looking to proudly cement himself as a central member of Florida rappers putting on for their state.

Please find links below to watch and stream “Set In Stone”, and stay tuned for more announcements to come:

People & Lifestyle

Gordon’s Pink Berry Spirit Drink Soiree Unites Trendsetters, Influencers, and Media in an Unforgettable Night of Music, Cocktails, and Good Vibes

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

The Gordon’s Pink Berry Spirit Drink Soiree transcended the boundaries of an ordinary gathering, becoming a night of opulence, sophistication, and delightful pleasures. This exclusive event served as a magnet for trendsetters, influencers, and members of the media, bringing them together to revel in an unforgettable fusion of good music, delectable cocktails, and an overall atmosphere of pure indulgence.

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The Gordon’s Pink Berry Spirit Drink Soiree was meticulously curated to provide a sensory journey like no other. The venue itself, adorned with plush decor, exuded an air of elegance and exclusivity. The dimly lit room was bathed in a soft pink hue, reflecting the spirit of Gordon’s Pink Berry drink itself, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the night’s festivities.

There was an exceptional mixology experience where Skilled barsenders, armed with the finest ingredients and a vast array of spirits, showcased their craft by creating imaginative and enticing cocktails featuring Gordon’s Pink Berry Spirit Drink. Each cocktail was a work of art, capturing the vibrant essence of the pink berry infusion, resulting in a medley of flavors that delighted the taste buds of attendees.

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Talented band Made Music took the stage, enveloping the venue in a captivating aura. Acclaimed DJs curated an eclectic mix of tunes, encouraging guests to let loose, dance, and immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere.

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The Gordon’s Pink Berry Spirit Drink Soiree was an extraordinary gathering that transcended the boundaries of a typical event. It brought together trendsetters, influencers, and media in a celebration of elegance, creativity, and the joy of living in the moment. From the mesmerizing cocktails to the captivating music and the vibrant connections made, every aspect of the evening contributed to an unforgettable experience. This soiree was not just a party but a testament to the power of indulgence, collaboration, and the creation of cherished memories.

People & Lifestyle

Ogilvy Africa Introduces InfluenceO: An end-to-end solution for effective Influencer Marketing in Africa

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

Akua Owusu Nartey Ogilvy Africa Regional MD at a panel with content creators during the launch of InfluenceO Ogilvys Influencer Marketing solution in Africa

Ogilvy Africa has officially launched InfluenceO, its end-to-end influence solution designed to empower businesses, brands, and creators in Africa to excel in the realm of influencer marketing.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovations from around the world and Africa, InfluenceO enables brands and influencers to establish genuine partnerships and drive highly impactful marketing campaigns like never before.

“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, influencer marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for brands to connect with their target audiences. It goes beyond mere reach, allowing them to establish and maintain deep connections with their audience. However, the methods of thinking, planning, and executing influencer marketing have fallen behind the pace of its evolution. With the launch of InfluenceO, we now possess the power to transform our approach and fully harness the potential of influencer marketing as a formidable channel,” commented Patou Nuytemans, CEO EMEA at Ogilvy.

InfluenceO revolutionizes the brand-influencer collaboration process while expanding marketers’ perspectives on and strategies for influencer engagement. By integrating the best global and local tools, Ogilvy equips brands with a more robust strategy, enhanced methods for influencer identification, industry-leading legal and financial processes, more impactful creative capabilities, seamless integration with media buying models, and advanced measurement techniques for assessing campaign effectiveness.

Key features of InfluenceO include:

AI-powered influencer identification: Utilizing AI technology, InfluenceO identifies the most influential figures for brands, ensuring an authentic fit with the target audience. It also locates micro and nano influencers who may otherwise go unnoticed.
Streamlined onboarding, contracting, and payment processes: InfluenceO incorporates world-class technology to simplify these crucial steps for clients, ensuring creators are recognized and rewarded more reliably.
Integration with Ogilvy’s proprietary media technology Feed: InfluenceO seamlessly integrates with Feed, Ogilvy’s media technology platform, to amplify the impact of influencer marketing through dynamic, effective, and efficient methods.

In addition to these innovative features, InfluenceO provides clients with comprehensive analytics and performance metrics. These insights go beyond traditional metrics like clicks and engagement rates, delving into conversion rates and long-term changes in brand sentiment, delivering valuable data on campaign effectiveness.

To facilitate transparent and efficient collaboration between brands and influencers, InfluenceO offers a centralized dashboard where both parties can manage campaigns, review content drafts, negotiate terms, and track deliverables. This streamlined approach eliminates communication barriers, enhances efficiency, and ensures mutual satisfaction.

Moreover, InfluenceO goes beyond technology by reinforcing Ogilvy’s commitment to support creators across sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to assist them in developing their skills, enhancing their profiles, and advancing their careers.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Mehta, CEO Ogilvy Africa, said “Today marks an important milestone as we introduce InfluenceO to Africa. It’s an award-winning global asset, cutomised meticulously to the need and nuance of sub-Saharan African countries. It brings world-class functionalities and rich databases to hitherto underserved markets. With InfluenceO, we hope to unleash the vast potential of this continent’s content and influence landscape.”

InfluenceO is now open for brand and influencer registrations. To learn more about the platform and join the influencer marketing revolution, visit www.ogilvyafrica.com/influenceo or send your query to info@ogilvy.africa