People & Lifestyle
Culture, history and modernity… exploring beautiful Morocco!!!
When I got on that 5a.m Monday morning flight, it was my first time flying Royal Air Maroc, and also my first time going to North Africa. So, in spite of waking up very early to get to the Kotoka International Airport, there was a lot to look forward to.
It was a smooth 4-hour journey from Accra to Casablanca with no incident, which later had me wondering why there are some bad reviews of the airline online. When I posted a video of my flight on Instagram, my Nigerian buddy in the UK asked me for my feedback on Royal Air Maroc, because she wanted to use it but was hesitant due to some stories she had heard.
When I posted my flight on Facebook, another Nigerian buddy, this time around, based in the US also asked me for feedback. She wanted to use the airline as well. I gave both friends my honest opinion of the plane, saying that it was a smooth flight from Accra to Casablanca; and the airbus served the purpose of the route. I however told the latter that I would have a better feedback for her since I had a pending flight from Casablanca to New York in some few days.
Anyway, from the moment I touched down in Casablanca I fell in love with Morocco. The airport was nice and beautiful, and felt like a beach resort outside. I didn’t know my full itinerary for the trip yet, but I was ready for any and everything.
A city with great stories to tell, hello Casablanca !
We jumped on our tour bus and made our way out of the airport. As we headed to our hotel, our tour guide from Access Holidays gave us an overview of what to expect during our 6-day stay in Morocco. He also didn’t waste any time giving us a bit of history on Morocco and the city of Casablanca throughout the ride.
Morocco is composed mainly of Arabs and Berbers or a mixture of the two. A sizeable number of Berbers live mainly in the mountainous regions, where they have preserved their language and culture. Some segments of the population are (Moorish) descendants of refugees from Spain and Portugal who fled from Christian re-conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The major resources of the Moroccan economy are agriculture, phosphates, tourism and textiles. Politics of Morocco take place in a framework of a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister of Morocco is the head of government, and of a multi-party system.
The Moroccan Constitution provides for a monarchy with a Parliament and an independent judiciary. The King of Morocco appoints the Prime Minister/President, along with other ministers and members of the government that the new President recommends. The Parliament of Morocco then approves the programs of the new government, before the new government formally takes office. There are no constitutional limits on a President’s term, and several of them served multiple non-consecutive terms.
We eventually made our way to the Farrah Safir hotel, most of us thought we were going to have some rest after the early morning flight but phew, we were so wrong!!! We checked in to our rooms, went to the restaurant to have lunch and then hit the road for a city tour of Casablanca. Casablanca is the cosmopolitan, industrial and economic heart of Morocco and its largest city. It is a city where history and modernity meets with fabulous architecture from different eras.
Highlights of the city tour included a visit to the United Nations Square (Place des Nations Unies – a large square at the heart of the city, surrounded by shops and restaurants); and the Mohammed V Square, which shows a panoramic view of the ‘Administrative Center’ of Casablanca. Most of the major surrounding buildings were built in the first half of the 20th century.
We also visited Casablanca’s Habous Quarter, otherwise known as New Medina. It is an area of the city built in 1930s by the French; it features a wonderful mix of French and Moroccan inspired architecture. Here, we saw the exteriors of one the King’s many palaces, and visited the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church built in the 1950s. The church is one of the city’s most beautiful churches, adored for its intricate stained glass window – a creation of the famous French artist Gabriel Loire.
We completed the city tour of Casablanca with a visit to The Hassan II Mosque, the 13th largest mosque in the world (Its minaret is the world’s tallest at 210 meters/ 689ft), before using the Ain Diab circuit famous for its spectacular beaches and hotels on our way to the Mall of Morocco.
We closed the day with a rather sexy dinner at the Le Boudoir restaurant, as the name suggests.
Horse and camel rides, fantasia shows and monuments, hello Marrakech!!!
On day 2 we checked out of the hotel in Casablanca and headed to Marrakech by road. As we made the journey we explored more of the beauty and history Casablanca had to offer.
After some 3 hours on the road we arrived in Marrakech, which is a perfect combination of old and new Morocco. Marrakech is the third largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca and Fez, and lies near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. It also lies few hours from the foot of the Sahara Desert.
The city is divided into two distinct parts: the Medina, the historical city, and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. After checking in at the spectacular Hôtel Les Jardins de l’Agdal, we freshened up and hit the streets in a horse and carriage ride, yes my first and I enjoyed it thoroughly! We rode through the city, enjoying the sights and sounds of Marrakech all the way to Jamaa el Fna, a square and market place in Marrakesh’s medina quarter (old city).
After our fun cruise in the city, we made our way to the famous Chez Ali for dinner (authentic Moroccan cuisine) and the spectacular ‘Fantasia Chez Ali’ show. The evening program included the show in Berber tents decorated in Bedouin style with a charming atmosphere with belly dancers, acrobats, riders and Gnaoui music and folk music.
The second day in Marrakech started early with a city tour from Koutoubia in the southwest medina quarter of Marrakesh. We visited the Koutoubia Mosque and Koutoubia Gardens, known for its topiary and many roses.
We also visited the Saadian tombs, which date to time of the Saadian dynasty sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603). The tombs were discovered in 1917 and were renovated. The mausoleum comprises the interments of about sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty. Among the graves are those of Ahmad al-Mansur and his family. The building is composed of three rooms. The most famous is the room with the twelve columns. This room contains the grave of the son of the sultan’s son, Ahmad al-Mansur.
We also went into the township to buy some crafts and souvenirs, and I got the chance to charm and touch a snake for the first time. It was cold, and I won’t be trying it again anytime soon. Goodness know how much my heart sank in, when I saw the cobra raise its head, ready to attack. (Insert emoji for running here)
Our city tour of Marrakech continued to the Bahia Palace, built in the late 19th century, and intended to be the greatest palace of its time. It was intended to capture the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style. It has a 2-acre garden with rooms opening onto courtyards.
Our tour for the day ended at the Majorelle Garden, a two and half acre botanical and artistic landscape garden created by French Orientalist artist, Jacques Majorelle over almost forty years, starting in 1923. It features a Cubist villa designed by French architect, Paul Sinoir in the 1930s. The property was the residence of the artist and his wife. In the 1980s, fashion designers, Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé who worked to restore it, purchased the property.
Lunch came in the form of tasty couscous and tagines at the stunning Al Fassia Resturant.
After a scrumptious lunch it was time to burn some calories; we departed for the Kasba of The Mirage for camel riding and quad biking activities. It was my first time riding on a camel, so I took my trophy at the finish line with pride.
We had dinner at the Lotus Club Marrakech, an elegant and contemporary place with varied and refined cuisine, cleverly concocted by its star chef. In addition to the fabulous food, there was live show with a fusion of live music and dancing.
Crocs, boat and little train rides, it’s time for Agadir!!!
The following morning we had breakfast and departed for Agadir by bus. As we embarked on the 4-hour or so journey, our tour guide gave us more information about Marrakech and eventually our new destination, Agadir. Agadir is a major modern city in the southern part of Morocco, surrounded by the Anti Atlas, the Sahara Desert on the Atlantic coast with many national parks, and secluded beaches which are all easily accessible.
In 1960 the city was hit by an earthquake, which destroyed the city including the ancient Kasbah. An estimated 15,000 were killed, 12,000 injured and some 35,000 people left homeless. In 1961 the city began reconstruction two miles south of the epicenter.
The city centre was based on a grid system, similar with New York, making it simple to get your bearings and move around. Whilst tourism plays a vital role in the city’s economy it remains a major port with a thriving fishing industry, exporting produce and natural resources. We made our first touring stop at Crocoparc Agadir, located just on the outskirts of Agadir.
The park features a fascinating world of reptiles with ten species of crocodiles. The Crocodile Farm has over 300 animals as well as botanical, tropical and aquatic gardens, small waterfalls, and roaring cascades accompanied by singing birds.
From the park we made our way to check in to the stunning Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort, inspired by Arab-Berber art and nestling in a bay of palm trees which plunge into the ocean. We immediately had lunch; nothing could say welcome to Agadir more than a taste of fresh seafood salad and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, all from the food basket of the city.
We freshened up and headed off for a city tour. We visited the Casbah (Agadir Oufella), an authentic fortress built in 1572. Of this fortress there remains (after the earthquake of 1960) a restored long high wall that surrounds land that is not buildable.
The view over the bay of Agadir and the ports was simply stunning from the top. The hill bears the inscription in Arabic: “God, Country, King” which, like the walls, is illuminated at night.
We explored the waterfront, Old Talborjt, beach and marina as we made our way to experience the Petit train d’Agadir. The little train is a road train that traverses some of the tourist spots in Agadir.
We closed the night with a taste of Moroccan cuisine at Le Jardin D’eau restaurant.
In the morning, we had breakfast at the hotel before heading out on a fun boat cruise. It was a relaxing experience as we cruised on the calm waters with fun music. We also tried fishing but had no success with catching any. We also had lunch on a boat – sardine rice with tasty fish, cooked fresh from the waters.
After the cruise we went back to the hotel to relax. In the evening, we headed to Folie Berbere restaurant, a peaceful and friendly setting with the gastronomy of an inventive cuisine, combining seasonal specialties and local products. We also witnessed a small Fantasia show for our entertainment.
The end to a fun and educative adventure!!!
The following day, it was time to bring the exciting adventure to an end. After lunch, we lounged at the hotel a bit before heading to the Airport to catch a flight to Casablanca. When we arrived in Casablanca I said my farewell to the team as they headed back to Accra later that night.
I was continuing my journey to US the following day, so I checked into the Atlas Sky Airport Hotel for the night. When it was time for my New York flight, I went to airport and headed straight to the boarding gate, since I had checked in my luggage from the Agadir Airport. Yes, that means I wore the same clothes from the previous day, and no it didn’t smell. I had my shower at the hotel. Laugh out loud!
Anyway I boarded the flight and made my way to New York, and now I had an answer to my friend who had enquired about using Royal Air Maroc from the US to Nigeria. My flight to New York was a smooth journey with almost no eventualities. Apart from being delayed because just when we were ready for take off, a passenger wanted to disembark. The staffs of the airline were so patient with the passenger that it even angered other passengers, but eventually the passenger’s luggage was offloaded from the plane and he disembarked. Apparently he had found out last minute (after speaking on the phone) that his wife/girlfriend who was supposed to travel to the US couldn’t get an American visa. So in the name of love, he made the tough decision to not leave Morocco without his lover. He disembarked together with his mother (who seemed rather unhappy and embarrassed). Phew! Anyway I went to the US safe and smoothly, and returned to Ghana on Royal Air Maroc, without seeing a reason to advise anyone not to travel with the airline.
People & Lifestyle
Stay Ahead of the Curve: How Profit Edge Gives You the Edge in Trading
The tools or devices that you will never run away from for your edge in the business, for that matter. Traders are always ahead with the trading platforms that get upgraded and advanced tools. One, with rapid inroads, is profitedge.org.
That’s what this extensive guide to Profit Edge is going to go into.
1. Understanding the Importance of Staying Ahead
Anticipation, dynamic expectation, can move the edge into a market movement before it happens.
Profit Edge: A Trading Game Changer
This section assesses the ways to derive profitable trading opportunities and reduce the risks by staying ahead.
2. Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technology
Leveraging Profit Edge for Maximum Returns
The brand makes use of the latest technology in order to give analytical insight and live market insights to the trader. The brand with its advanced algorithms and predictive analysis gives a comfortable position to the trader to decide.
3. Exploring Profit Edge Features
Key Features of Profit Edge
This part presents some of the characteristics that make Profit Edge stand out from conventional trading platforms. Both experienced and novice traders have a very easy trading experience with Profit Edge due to customizable dashboards and easy-to-use interfaces.
4. Benefits of Using Profit Edge
Why Profit Edge is Essential for Traders
Benefit from the sample of the numerous benefits that Profit Edge has to offer, ranging from efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. The friendly interface coupled with advanced features will elevate your trading to the next level.
5. Maximizing Profit Potential Strategies for Maximizing Profits with Profit Edge
The following are the different strategies that show just how potential profit is maximized using Profit Edge: from trend analysis to risk management, Profit Edge presents all that it takes for you to survive in today’s competitive markets. ## 6. Overcoming Challenges
Navigating Challenges with Profit Edge
While all manner of traders—from the most novice to the most experienced—face challenges, how Profit Edge can help traders of all levels to overcome common obstacles and, therefore, control the typical rough market conditions confidently, is now pondered.
7. Testimonials from Satisfied Users
Real-Life Success Stories
In the following, you will certainly find the answer: from the beginner-level investors to professionals who have been in the business for ages, Profit Edge is praised for being easy to use, operationally reliable, and accurate.
8. Future Trends in Trading
The Future of Trading with Profit Edge
This section will take a look at some of the emerging trends in trading and how Profit Edge positions itself for the future of the industry. From AI-driven algorithms to predictive analytics, Profit Edge is definitely trading technology of the future. —
Conclusion
In summary, Profit Edge is a game changer in the trading world, providing that edge a trader needs to have a fighting chance in today’s markets. It can be that one empowering tool which will give advanced features and an uncluttered user interface that is easy to understand, ensuring giving out every minuscule detail for exposure to the users and possibly giving the best accuracy that no other platform might even promise. Profit Edge is made for young and old investors—what are you waiting for? Sign up for Profit Edge today and take your trading to the next level.
People & Lifestyle
BTC Ai Evex ™: Your Gateway to Investment Education Excellence in 2024
Welcome to BTC Ai Evex ™, your pathway to excellence in investment education for the year 2024. With very rapid changes in digital assets and cryptocurrencies, being current and continuous learning is very important. With BTC Ai Evex™, a person taps into information and becomes exposed to probably the largest knowledge base taken care of by professionals in that field. Let’s take a look at what makes the BTC Ai Evex™ site so preferable to any investor way before the somewhat toilsome run in the wild wild west of the cryptocurrency market.
Unlocking the World of Cryptocurrency
Understanding Bitcoin and Beyond
With https://cryptoengine.app/, we empower our clients with information that makes you have a comfort zone in the digital environment. Starting from beginner information on Bitcoin to very advanced details regarding Altcoins, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced trader, our comprehensive resources cater to all levels of expertise.
Embracing AI Technology
The advent of Artificial Intelligence has brought revolution to the ways of handling investments. BTC Ai Evex ™ presents to the world of users superior insights and predictive analytics use AI technology. Our AI-driven instruments analyze market tendencies, find patterns, and offer you invaluable suggestions for activity. You, as an investor, will be acting from an informed decision-making pedestal.
Navigating Investment Strategies
The right strategy must be in place for this crypto investment. Through BTC Ai Evex ™, the user can achieve several investment strategies that fit his goal and risk. So, whether you are looking forward to holding for the long term or you are short-term trading, this is the platform that equips you in building a successful investment portfolio.
The BTC Ai Evex ™ Advantage
Expert Insights
Our hall of experience, with many years of working in the crypto industry. We are home to experts, from the most recognized analysts to influential blockchain developers, combining one high-power team to present to you unbeatable insights into the world of digital assets.
Educational Resources
Education forms the base of successful investment, and this is the reason BTC Ai Evex™ has put together a broad spectrum of educational material, which includes articles, tutorials, and many others. If you are to get your basics clear or move on with something much more advanced, this is the place for you.
Community Engagement
Become part of a large, energetic community of like-minded people who are interested in crypto. While at BTC Ai Evex™, we develop collaboration and sharing ideas with the help of forums, live chats, and other means of network activity. Communicate with other investors, discuss some ideas, and be aware of everything new within the current industry.
Conclusion
Above all, BTC Ai Evex ™ is more than an investment platform; it’s a gateway to the educative investment excellence of 2024. We enable investors to move successfully in the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies with our full resources, advanced AI technology, and a vibrant community. Whatever a trader you are—the professional one or just making first steps in the field—BTC Ai Evex ™ holds all aces up its sleeve for your victory. Join now, and let your potential finally unfold in the crypto market!
People & Lifestyle
Trading Made Easy: BitLQ Matrix Demystifies Bitcoin Trading
In the ever-evplolvieing landscape of cryptocurrency trading, understanding the nuance of Bitcoin trading is really tough for anybody—be it newbies or seasoned traders. But now, modern tools—like the bitql.app. Matrix—make understanding the ins and outs of Bitcoin trading easier than it ever was. This article, therefore, presents a means through which BitLQ Matrix demystifies trading in Bitcoin, showing how it works, its functionalities, benefits, and how it makes it easy for one to trade.
Unveiling the BitLQ Matrix
Understanding the BitLQ Matrix
BitLQ Matrix is an all full trading tool designed to make trading with Bitcoin a snap. Envisioning and using the most developed algorithms, real-time data analysis for advising traders and helping exercise their well-informed decisions under high market volatility conditions.
Key Features of the BitLQ Matrix
- Real-Time Market Analysis: The BitLQ Matrix is thejson being analyzed by to determine trends and data that may create potential trading opportunities.
- Inherent Tools for Risk Management: The BitLQ Matrix comes with built-in risk management features, assuring the trader of minimal loss probability and the highest possibility of return.
- User-friendly Interface: The user interface of this platform is friendly for both novjsoni and expert traders.
How BitLQ Matrix Simplifies Bitcoin Trading
The difference is that BitLQ Matrix makes this much easier, with all the necessary market data and more consolidated, in the easiest-to-read design. For the greenhorn and seasoned investor, the BitLQ Matrix makes it easier to get the guesswork from trading Bitcoin.
Leveraging the BitLQ Matrix for Success
Maximizing Profit Potential
Notable benefits of using BitLQ Matrix include real-time identification of good trading opportunities. It is from advanced analytics and market insights that traders can enjoy price movements.
Minimizing Risk Exposure
Apart from that, BitLQ Matrix also avoids risk since it provides traders with instruments through which they can manage their positions accordingly. That is to say, whether it’s the setting of stop-loss orders or implementation of risks that must be managed, the BitLQ Matrix certainly allows for capital protection and, most importantly, loss reduction.
Enhancing Trading Efficiency
BitLQ Matrix uses a user-friendly, intuitive framework that is designed for smooth operation in the market, increasing efficiency in trading. There will be streamlined trade executions, and a lot of opportunities can be capitalized on without time wastage in cumbersome processes such as manual analysis and decision-making.
Conclusion
It is, therefore, making the BitLQ Matrix a game changer in the world of Bitcoin trading, cutting the process into a simple one and thus, in turn, empowering each trader with actionable insight. From the greenest novices to the grizzled veterans, Bitlq offers something for everyone in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading.
People & Lifestyle
Unveiling the SYNERGY Edition of the Africa Makeup & Beauty Fair and Ghana Beauty Awards:
In the heart of vibrant Accra, where the sun kisses the waves and the air hums with anticipation, we are thrilled to announce the unveiling of the 8th Edition of the Africa Makeup & Beauty (AMB) Fair and the Ghana Beauty Awards (GBA). From the 8th to the 10th of November 2024, the Labadi Beach Hotel will transform into a tapestry of creativity, innovation, and aspiration. This year’s theme for both events centers on “Sustainable Synergy for Eco-Empowerment in a Changing Climate,” emphasizing the transformative potential of collaboration and unified efforts. It underscores the pursuit of elevated standards, the fostering of connections, the pursuit of excellence for global influence, and the active involvement of both youth and women.
Nominations for the Awards Categories and applications for exhibitors and vendors will open on Monday, April 22nd, 2024. With a lineup of extraordinary activities planned, all stakeholders in the beauty and wellness community should mark their calendars for this unmissable event.
Sponsors, media partners, and volunteers interested in being part of this transformative event are invited to contact Makeup Ghana via email at ambfair@makeupghana.co or by phone at +233 55 2555555.
Scheduled activities at the fair include Exhibitions & Discount sales, Business Pitch, Forums, Workshops and Seminars, Beauty and Fashion shows, Live Demos, and Barbers Competition. Showcase your brand or products to over 3,500 attendees, including policymakers, celebrities and influencers. Follow this link https://form.myjotform.com/92963095433565 Registration ends on 29th August, 2024.
With a total of 37 Categories this year, the call for Nominations for the Awards has commenced and beauty professionals, businesses and emerging talents are encouraged to partake in this life changing experience. Check out the categories by clicking on the link http://bit.ly/gbanominate Fill in and submit your nomination now. Call for Nominations closes on 22nd July, 2024.
Awards Process are as follows;
- Nominations
- Shortlisting
- Final announcement
- Judging/Public voting
For Details Contact Tel: +233 552 555 555
Facebook/IG/Twitter: Ghanabeautyawards / Africa Makeup & Beauty fair
About Africa Makeup & Beauty Fair
The AMB Fair is an annual event to showcase and connect the Ghanaian beauty industry to African and Global consumers, vendors, partners and service providers. It provides an excellent platform for meeting new and existing customers, and it is the best opportunity for beauty businesses to position their brands and products at the forefront of their target audiences’ minds. The event also connects local and international brands, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to new customers, markets and strategic alliances, hence there is no better place to take control of how the industry views your brand and make a lasting impression on your potential customers.
About Ghana Beauty Awards
The Ghana Beauty Awards (GBA) is an annual celebration for the Beauty and Wellness Industry, aimed at fostering excellence, by rewarding and celebrating pioneers, leading professionals and upcoming talent within the industry, as well as businesses and brands who are contributing to economic growth. It is the first of its kind to reward trailblazers and budding talent in the industry in Ghana and Africa.
About Makeup Ghana
Makeup Ghana is a social enterprise creating a unifying platform for the stakeholders in the fast growing beauty industry in Ghana. Our goal is to bring together makeup professionals, makeup brands, beauty retailers and fashion & beauty content creators in Ghana, under one umbrella, to propel the industry forward. This is being achieved through Advocacy and consumer education & Brand Marketing; Showcasing talent and innovation within the industry; Training and professional development of practitioners and artists; Trade shows, conferences & Networking Events; Encouraging best practices and standards in the industry, all aimed at being catalysts for growth and inspiring excellence within the beauty industry.
People & Lifestyle
Anansi Green Energy to deliver green electricity to Ghanaians through a new renewable energy platform
Anansi Green Energy
The Swiss renewable energy company NEK Umwelttechnik AG (NEK) has been developing in the past years six large-scale onshore wind farms in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, which are ready for implementation. The total capacity to be installed is approximately 1,300 MW through the six projects. These wind farms could produce about 3,400 GWh of green and cheap electricity each year for the Ghanaian population and the industrial sector.
To supply energy to as many customers as possible, NEK has established recently in Accra a new renewable energy platform, which will provide to its customers cheap, sustainable, never ending, and clean electricity to cover the increasing electricity demand in Ghana and to overcome dumsor. The platform is called Anansi Green Energy Ltd. (Anansi). Anansi will assume, over time, all of NEK’s wind farms and in addition will also undertake the development and operation of solar and biomass plants.
This new platform will have several equity partners, lenders, and investors, including large and well-known international power companies and green funds. Ghanaian investors, lenders and key stakeholders and institutions will also be involved in the implementation and financing of Anansi.
The platform will act as a “captive” industrial power generator by selling the green electricity directly to industrial offtakers. It is hoped, in the future, Anansi will be the vehicle through which Ghana can become a renewable hub for West Africa as a whole by also exporting renewable energy through the existing WAPP network to surrounding countries.
Figure 1: Visualisation of one of NEK’s planned wind energy projects in Ghana which will be integrated into the Anansi Green Energy Platform
A lot of interested customers
Anansi is now starting to discuss terms with several interested customers for the delivery of green electricity. The future demand both in the country and in surrounding markets for green energy will likely grow significantly.
Although there will always be a need for baseload energy capacity in the planning of any energy sector, both for environmental and indeed affordability reasons it will be essential to create a structure through which renewable energy can be developed, without such relying on the public sector. Mining companies, the concrete sector, steel manufacturers, but also other industries and the mobility sector will demand cheap and green electricity, which can be delivered by Anansi in the very near future.
Figure 2: Anglo Gold Ashanti. One of the big mining companies in Ghana which could be provided with clean energy through the Anansi Green Energy Platform. Source: https://www.anglogoldashanti.com/
No competition to VRA or ECG and no reliance on Government of Ghana
Anansi will not become a competitor to ECG, VRA or NEDCo – nor will it be necessary for Anansi to have the traditional “take or pay” PPA with ECG or any support from the Government of Ghana. Anansi will be able to implement its projects without any reliance on the public sector at all. Indeed, the intent will be that Anansi will have, as its partners, VRA / ECG in providing baseload capacity to its customers.
Figure 3: Visualisation of another one of NEK’s wind energy projects in Ghana. The onshore projects alone could amount up to 1,300 MW installed capacity and are located predominantly in rural areas
Green Energy as a Megatrend
Green energy is enjoying unanimous support and gaining political and business momentum around the globe. The global energy sector is in the midst of a transformation. The global energy transition is now well underway, with ever-increasing clean energy investment and momentum for net-zero targets by mid-century. Energy security and sustainability nowadays go hand in hand and are top of the agenda for many governments worldwide.
Africa is no exception, with the continent facing rapidly growing energy demand, critical energy access gaps, and an imperative for development. Africa’s imperative to accelerate its socio-economic development in a resilient and sustainable way could immensely benefit from accelerating clean energy deployment, as was stated at the COP28 summit last December.
Failing to accelerate the development of renewables poses major threats to the continent already suffering the most from the impacts of climate change. Yet, while global renewable energy investments are reaching record-high levels, renewables are still critically underfunded in Africa, signalling urgent work ahead. This also applies for Ghana: Ghana’s energy outlook shows an exponential soaring of future energy demand.
Thermal generation continues to require high-cost fuel and remains subject to the risks inherent in the ability for such fuel to be continuously delivered. Ghana will require an accelerated development of renewable energy, but it will not be able to do so if there remains a reliance on typical grid connected IPP’s with ECG as the sole offtaker and with full Government backing. It is not possible or reasonable for the public sector itself to assume such risks going forward.
A different rule book now needs to be written, and Anansi has the potential to provide that new way forward right away.
Figure 4: Ghana presents a good opportunity to integrate different renewable energy sources into one package. While the coastal region offers good wind conditions (here is one of NEK’s met masts in Konikablo, Ghana, measuring the wind potential), it also offers adequate solar resources for the installation of Solar PV
VALCO modernization and expansion plans
Volta Aluminum Company Limited (VALCO) has announced its plan to expand operations and seek a strategic partner which would be prepared to invest around USD 600 million to revamp its operations. The goal is to reposition VALCO in a way that retrofitting will transform it from a loss-making entity into a best-in-class, profit-making and shareholder value-maximising entity, thus become the ultra-modern and best smelter in Africa.
With the projection of the building of 4 operating bauxite mines and 2 refineries under the IAI Masterplan as well as the revival of the downstream sector, the modernisation and expansion of the VALCO smelter is timely, thus creating a new VALCO with much more significance than ever before.
However, such plans require a lot of additional electricity, which at least for the time being is not available in Ghana. It is estimated that at the end of the retrofitting and extension program, VALCO will require more than 1,000 MW of installed electrical power. “Where do we take this from?”
The volume of green electricity required by VALCO will be significant with the realistic and probably only solution being the electricity capable of being produced by Anansi. Anansi will look forward to creating a partnership with VALCO and VRA, which could allow VALCO to attract international investment which will require such available green electricity and will also otherwise allow VRA to significantly expand its operations.
Green Energy, Green Hydrogen and E-Mobility
Green energy from NEK’s wind farms, as well as other solar plants and biomass facilities through Anansi will provide the cheapest generation costs for electricity in Ghana. While fossil power plants produce energy at approximately 15 US Cents per kWh, NEK’s wind farms will produce energy for less than 8 US Cents per kWh in current pricing. There are possible further savings to these costs as well through the application of carbon credits.
The renewable projects to be developed by Anansi will be long term and allow for certainty as to the all-in cost of energy as there will be no relevance or risk for possible fuel price shocks going forward. The available wind and solar irradiation will remain free, and Anansi’s customers will be able to benefit from such.
In addition to green energy, Ghana should consider developing a ‘Green Hydrogen and Green Fuels’ and an ‘E-Mobility’ policy. The Government should consider key strategies and relevant road maps for the development of the “energy carrier” in the future.
Green hydrogen and electric vehicles will need significant renewable resources to be available, otherwise, they cannot be called green. A strong political signal will trigger huge investments from abroad in the energy sector of Ghana and business activities relating to these future markets. The key for doing so is the implementation of renewable energy projects.
Figure 5: With ongoing rural and urban development in Ghana, demand for mobility will increase even more in the coming years. The Anansi Green Energy Platform would be uniquely equipped to provide clean energy to an emerging e-mobility sector in Ghana. Here, a boundary survey is taking place as port of the project development work in connection with the planned wind farms of NEK
Outlook
Due to the heavily increasing demand for cheap and clean electricity in Ghana and abroad, much more renewable energy even than that capable of being produced in NEK’s planned 6 onshore windfarms, and the other planned Anansi solar projects and biomass facilities will be required within the next 5 – 10 years.
However, land for such further projects may also become a scarce asset, especially in populated areas. This is one of the reasons why NEK has decided to start the development of two (2) large offshore wind and solar facilities off the coast of Anloga and Ningo.
These offshore wind and solar parks will have an installed capacity of approximately 3,100 MW and will generate more than 7,500 GWh of clean and reliable power per year. These installations do not require any fuel, LNG, gas, oil or other fossil, outdated energy sources – the “fuel” is the wind and the sun, which are never ending, home-made and always coming back to Ghana for free.
Anansi Green Energy will play a huge role in the delivery of much needed green energy for Ghana already in the very near future. Now is the time for Anansi to create its positive green web in delivering sustainable and affordable energy to its customers, making Ghana a renewable energy hub in West Africa.
Figure 6: Illustration of an Offshore Wind Farm combined with floating solar, which will be constructed by Anansi off the coasts of Ningo and Anloga
Dr. Christoph KAPP, the writer is CEO NEK and Anansi Green Energy
People & Lifestyle
BAMnut Milk Launched in Ghana with 100% Ghanaian Bambara Beans
WhatIF Foods, a pioneering company committed to sustainable and healthy living, has launched BAMnut Milk, a plant-based milk made from 100% Ghanaian Bambara beans. This innovative product is known for its exceptional nutritional value.
Made directly from protein-rich Bambara beans sourced from smallholder farmers in the Northern part of Ghana, BAMnut Milk is a creamy and lactose-free alternative to traditional dairy. Unlike many plant-based milks, BAMnut Milk is enriched with only 3 natural ingredients: bambara beans, coconut oil, and water, and is also devoid of artificial sweeteners, stabilisers, colours, emulsifiers, and preservatives.
What sets BAMnut Milk apart is its high nutrient density as compared with other plant-based milks. This nutritional milk is an excellent source of dietary fibre and rich in calcium, vitamin D, and B12, making it a versatile addition to various diets. It is ideal for use in baking and cooking as well as with coffee, tea, breakfast cereals, and snacks. It is available in three varieties: Airy, Everyday, and Barista. Airy is the lightest and has the fewest calories (80 cal/100ml); Everyday is a bit creamier with a bit more calories (120 cal/100ml), and Barista is the creamiest with the most calories (140 cal/100ml).
BAMnut Milk aligns with the principles of empowering local farmers and supporting sustainability. The drought-resistant properties of the bambara bean, coupled with its ability to flourish in degraded soils, make BAMnut Milk a sustainable choice.
The launch of BAMnut Milk is an invitation to embrace a tastier, healthier, and ecologically friendlier choice that supports local farmers economically. WhatIF Foods has collaborated with over 6,500 registered farmers across 50 communities in the northern region, introducing agrobiodiversity, providing education on regenerative agricultural practices, thereby establishing a sustainable supply chain, and promoting profitable farming.
BAMnut Milk is the new wave of dairy for individuals who are reaching for a healthier lifestyle. It is more than a beverage; it is a premium choice for consumers who are creating a positive impact on the world with one sip at a time. The product is available at selected Shoprite, Melcom, Shell Stations and other retailers located in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale. Additionally, it can be found at cafes such as Jamestown Café, La Boule Accra, and Palm Moments. For bulk orders, please call 0243777074 or 0202833163. For full retail list, visit http://www.kasimaghana.com/bamnut-milk
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