UBA Ghana has commemorated this year’s Africa Union (AU) Day with a vibrant ceremony held at its head office and other Business Offices across the country.

As the bank marks its 20th anniversary of the Bank in Ghana and 75th anniversary of the UBA Group, it continues to leverage Africa Day to celebrate the continent’s unity in diversity and highlight its rich cultural and economic potential.

Staff members showcased the rich cultural heritage of Africa by dressing in various indigenous attire, representing different tribes, ethnic groups, and countries.

Nitrogen oxide (NOx) comprises reactive gases containing nitrogen and oxygen nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These emissions primarily stem from combustion processes involving fuels. According to Phys.org, sources such as motor vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities are contributors to emissions. Diesel engines stand out due to their high temperatures, according to the UK Government’s data on air pollutants. Road transport, specifically diesel cars, plays a crucial role in NOx emissions.

One of the primary concerns is the role of NOx in the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, which can significantly degrade air quality. Clean Carbon Energy explains that when NOx gases react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight, they form ozone, leading to smog formation. 

Exposure to NOx emissions can lead to health issues. It may cause irritation in the respiratory system, reduce lung function, and increase the risk of infections. Long-term exposure could result in conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory diseases. Vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and individuals with existing conditions are at risk from these emissions.

NOx emissions also play a role in creating acid rain. When NOx gases interact with water vapour in the atmosphere, they form nitric acid that falls to the ground as rain. This can have effects on ecosystems, soil quality, and plant life. Moreover, NOx emissions can lead to the growth of algae and other aquatic plants causing oxygen depletion and harming life.

The Impact of Diesel Emissions on the Dieselgate Scandal

The Dieselgate scandal highlighted concerns about NOx emissions from diesel engines when it was discovered that Volkswagen (VW) had used software to manipulate emissions tests in its diesel vehicles. In September 2015 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a violation notice to Volkswagen Group of America Inc.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that Volkswagen (VW) had employed “defeat devices” in 11 million diesel cars globally. These devices could detect when a vehicle was undergoing emissions testing and adjust the engine’s performance to lower emissions. However, under driving conditions, the vehicles were emitting NOx at levels exceeding the limit by, up to 40 times.

The revelation of the Volkswagen emissions manipulation had consequences. It triggered a series of investigations, penalties, diesel emission claims, and product recalls. VW faced penalties and legal settlements leading to the resignation or prosecution of several high-ranking executives. Moreover, the scandal prompted inquiries into car manufacturers exposing a prevalence of emission manipulation than previously thought.

The scandal greatly eroded confidence in both the industry and regulatory authorities. Consumers felt deceived, underscoring flaws in emission testing protocols. In response, regulatory bodies worldwide tightened emission testing standards. Governments Introduced real-world driving emission tests to prevent fraudulent practices in the future.

The Dieselgate scandal marked a turning point for diesel vehicles. It accelerated the shift towards cleaner alternatives, such as electric and hybrid vehicles. Many cities and countries have since implemented stricter emissions standards and are promoting the adoption of zero-emission vehicles to improve air quality and reduce NOx pollution. Read more about Dieselgate at https://www.claimexperts.co.uk.

Strategies for Reducing NOx Emissions

Solutions have been created to address NOx emissions. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) are commonly used in diesel engines to lessen NOx emissions. SCR systems utilise a catalyst to transform NOx gases into nitrogen and water while EGR functions by recirculating some of the engine’s exhaust gas to the cylinders thereby lowering combustion temperatures and NOx production.

Government officials play a role in overseeing and decreasing emissions. Strict emission standards and regulations like those enforced by the European Union and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have proven effective in reducing emissions from vehicles and industries. Offering incentives for adopting technologies and transitioning to vehicles (EVs) can also lead to substantial reductions in NOx emissions.

Raising awareness about the risks associated with NOx emissions and promoting changes can also aid in mitigation efforts. Encouraging using public transportation like carpooling and alternative modes of transport such as cycling and walking can lower vehicle numbers on roads, reducing NOx emissions. Additionally, holding manufacturers accountable for diesel claims and supporting policies that advocate for energy sources can help cut down on emissions from cars and power plants.

In Conclusion

Nitrogen oxides are dangerous pollutants with significant health and environmental impacts. Diesel engines are major contributors to NOx emissions, which play a crucial role in urban air pollution. The Dieselgate scandal exposed the extent to which some automakers were willing to bypass emissions regulations, bringing global attention to the dangers of diesel emissions.

Reducing NOx emissions is critical for improving air quality and protecting public health. This can be achieved through stricter emissions standards, promoting cleaner technologies, and encouraging the adoption of alternative fuels and electric vehicles. As we move towards a more sustainable future, addressing the issue of NOx emissions remains a top priority in the fight against air pollution and climate change.

The Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG), an initiative dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent, announces the inaugural Ethiopian Startup Awards – a Global Startup Awards Africa event coming to Addis Ababa on June 3rd and 4th, 2024, proudly sponsored by Development Bank of Ethiopia, Ethio Telecom and Ethiopian Airlines.

The two-day event, hosted by GIIG, Ministry of Labor and Skills (MOLS), Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT), and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), promises an immersive experience celebrating the vibrant startup culture of Ethiopia and providing a platform for cross- vertical collaboration. Attendees can expect a series of workshops, training sessions facilitated by industry specialists, pitching opportunities, networking and an awards show announcing the Ethiopian finalists.

This year’s competition received an overwhelming response of 11,900 entries from 54 African countries with 24% of the Eastern region entries originating from Ethiopia. The entries spanning Sustainable Development Goals-aligned categories, including Agritech, Youth, Fintech, Green Tech, Women Empowerment, Health Tech, and Mobility, signify the remarkable growth and trajectory of Ethiopia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As one of 120 countries participating in the Global Startup Awards program, Ethiopia, as the host nation for Africa, is gaining significant visibility and recognition on a global scale as a developing startup nation.

HE Ms Muferihat Kamil Ahmed, Minister of Labour and Skills, emphasized the significance of Ethiopia’s role as the host nation for this landmark event, stating, “Ethiopia’s selection as the host nation for the 2024 GSA Africa Awards holds immense significance and is already contributing significantly to the country’s growing reputation as a centre for tech innovation. The focus on youth entrepreneurship through the Youth category is a unique aspect that highlights Ethiopia’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and job creators and I look forward to celebrating their successes.”

The festivities will start with an awards ceremony on June 3rd at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), honouring the top Ethiopian startups that have progressed through the competition to become regional finalists.

Dr Hassan Hussein, CEO of EDI commented, “For Ethiopian startups, the GSA Africa Awards serves as a gateway to international recognition, funding opportunities, and invaluable connections. By showcasing Ethiopia’s potential as a hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurship, the event aims to elevate the country’s profile on the global stage.”

Jo Griffiths, co-founder of GIIG and GSA Africa, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Initiatives like the Global Startup Awards Africa exemplify our collaborative efforts, serving as catalysts for transformation, further amplified in Ethiopia by recent progressive legal reforms, signalling a new era of growth and innovation for the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

To REGISTER your attendance apply here https://qkt.io/ZH9zSX

For further information contact: Global Startup Awards Africa Email: [email protected]
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South Africa has invested over R174m (almost USD10m) in its public and private security services in the last few months to provide safety for Ghanaians and other travelers who have chosen the country for leisure and business.

South Africa, which ranks among the best tourist destinations in the world has over the years recorded some attacks on tourists. However, the country has delivered a swift response to the attacks and perceptions about the country in recent years. The government has invested millions of rands to strengthen its security.

The Minister of Tourism of South Africa, Patricia de Lille, disclosed this move during an interview with David Mawuli, editor of MawuliTravels.com and Ghanafuo.com, at the just-ended Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 held in Durban.

According to Patricia de Lille, South Africa has formed partnerships with both private and public sectors, including the hospitality industry, to provide safe environments for travelers.

“We certainly for the past year formed a partnership with the private sector, police service, National Prosecuting Authority, all provinces and metropolitan cities,” she told David Mawuli on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

“We launched a safety forum and we have put a plan in place to deal with some perceptions — you know, sometimes, perceptions become a reality. “

She said in 2023, the country invested R174m in its security services. Part of it was used to identify ‘hotspots of most visited tourist sites’ and further recruited over 2,000 young South Africans whose job is to serve as ‘safety monitors’ for tourists.

“Last year, the government invested R174m to train and employ 2,300 young people as safety monitors. We identified what we call hotspots – frequently visited tourist establishments – and after we trained them, we deployed them into those areas, including a place like Table Mountain, where there is also a lot of attacks,” she said.

The Minister said the private sector has contributed enormously to addressing the security challenges in the country.

One of them is an app called Secura. With this app, visitors visiting South Africa can download and log in the number of days they will spend in the country during their stay.

The security-tracking app can give visitors access to 300 security companies, including South African Police services, in case of any attacks. Health-wise, if there’s a medical emergency like a heart attack, visitors will get access to 200 medical organizations.

She further disclosed that in August 2024, the government launched a Control Operation Room that monitors when there’s a response needed from everywhere.

“We regret attacks on any tourist, and we regret sincerely. So when a tourist gets attacked, we’ve put in place what we call ‘After Care Service’. That tourist will be taken to the nearest police station and helped file some charges (against attackers), and we make sure the tourist is safe and in safe accommodation,” she said.

On the resolutions of criminal cases against visitors, she said: “We contact the embassy or the high commissioner of the country where the tourist will be coming from. We also assist with translation services.”

“Formerly, when a charge is laid with the police and the case gets to court, you have to travel back to South Africa to attend court proceedings. We have changed that now with the National Prosecuting Authority for virtual interconnections. This means you can attend South African court from anywhere around the world.”

“We’ve also got a communication strategy around crime issues and the hospitality industry has come on board. In this case, you find a little [security alert] note in your hotel room. There are just certain places you don’t just go at certain times. So when tourists go on hikes, walks, and all of that, they will be monitored. It really helped us. The summer season is over now but we didn’t have many attacks this year.”

Hon. de Lille revealed that she has further communicated with embassies to echo these security messages to their citizens willing to visit South Africa.

“In November, I called all the High Commissioners, Console Generals, and Ambassadors together to inform them about our safety plans and asked them to inform their potential tourists planning to visit South Africa. Through our own Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, we shared the plan for all the South African missions across the world.”

“That is what we’ve done for now and we have already seen improvement,” she concluded.

Between January and March this year, South Africa received 1.8 million tourist arrivals from the African continent, marking a significant 74.5% of all arrivals.

Ghana was among the top countries that stood out for its remarkable growth. Ghana recorded a 249.4% surge when compared to 2023, reaching 7,904 arrivals from January to March 2024.

Patricia stated that the recent visa-waiver agreement between Ghana and South Africa contributed to this impressive growth within a short period.

Certain individuals and institutions do not just stand out for their expertise, but also for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

During the Covid 19, these outstanding individuals and institutions contributed immensely by demonstrating exceptional dedication, innovation, and compassion thereby making a profound impact on public health, patient care, and medical research.

We celebrate a few remarkable figures whose work exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in Wellness and Healthcare.

*Apostle Eric Nyamekye and the Church of Pentecost*:
The church of Pentecost, led by Apostle Eric Nyamekye donated medical supplies worth GH¢ 45,000.00 to the Ministry of Health to combat COVID-19. They also donated their facilities as centers to help the Government of Ghana in treating Covid 19 cases. They also consistently donated hundreds of Ghana cedis to support the sector.

*Pastor Mensah Otabil and the International Central Gospel Church*: The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) has donated an amount of GHS100,000 to the National COVID-19 Trust Fund to aid the government’s fight against the spread of Corona Virus in Ghana. Every year, the church has consistently donated 200,000ghc to Ghana’s Mental Health Sector. Indeed they deserve to be mentioned and celebrated.

*Lady Rosa Whitaker Williams*: A Global Facilitator who has dedicated her career in facilitating trade and investment between US and Africa. Lady Rosa is a beloved figure in the healthcare and wellness community. Her works as Director for Mercy Ships(providing free surgeries for the world) has not only improved health outcomes but empowered individual Health Workers to serve humanity globally. As a Ghanaian woman raising the bar and serving as a key role model for younger girls, she deserves to be celebrated.

**Passion Air*: In the past, movement of patients with terminal illnesses, with complex care and time of travel of patients from one point to another to seek consult, translocation of health consultants from one health facility to another, the death of some health workers via road accidents while going to other regions to help strengthen their healthcare systems caused shiver to many within the industry untill Passion Air showed up. Today, they even joined in renovating some special health facilities and this we believe is worthy of commendation.

*Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu (National Chief Imam)*: The National Chief Imam, Dr Shiekh Osumanu Nuhu Sharubutu has been a relentless advocate for equal healthcare and wellness. He led the Muslim community to donate a million face masks to students within the community. His community continuously obey the pillars of Islam especially Zakat by helping pay millions of hospital bills through fundraising.

**Nana Ama McBrown* : Nana Ama has been a vocal champion for Ghana’s healthcare and wellness awareness in helping raise funds in diverse ways to support many individuals in needs and communities who deserve financial support especially. Her advocacy and support have played very instrumental roles in shaping public perceptions around entertainment and health.

**Dr Patrick Aboagye* : The Director of Ghana Health Service is well known for his tremendous advocacy and contribution for health equity and social justice. His leadership skills and initiatives include excellent health programs, education and more and this Service that has positioned Ghana on the Health Globe, handsomely deserves recognition. His efforts have improved healthcare and wellness outcome affecting all Ghanaians Globally.

*Mr. Joseph Siaw Agyapong* :  It is his vision of keeping the nation clean through the birth of his brand that keeps making our nation healthy. During the Covid 19 era, the Zoomlion brand partnered with the Government of Ghana and Ghana Health service to fumigate all Senior High Schools. He also helps pay huge medical bills and deserve to be celebrated.

*Mr. Kwesi Twum and Multimedia Group:* His Brand the Giant Media House contributes to the healthcare and wellness industry by keeping the public informed through excellent health conversations and programs of Public Health Importance.

*Mr Ibrahim Mahama* It is his track record of consistently flying vulnerable Ghanaians seeking quality medical care including those going for Cancer treatments that align him with these indefatigable men and women. Donations of hospital supplies makes him a well deserved recipient of this honor.

President of Ghana Wellness and Healthcare Awards Mr OB Sinachy is super excited about these special awards recipient and grateful to the Research Team for an excellent job in bringing to light the amazing contribution of these individuals and institutions.

According to the Chairperson of the Planning Committee of the Awards Mrs Sara Nana Yeboah; “These heroes will be welcomed to the GWHA Hall of Fame on the night, celebrating the achievements of these exceptional individuals and institutions at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Friday, 14th June, 2024.

The 2024 Ghana Wellness and Healthcare Awards is proudly partnered by Sangy Global, La Palm Beach Hotel and Sunny FM.

Star Wars: The Old Republic allows players a place in the Star Wars universe, set thousands of years prior to the Skywalker story. Future Jedis can pick from eight unique classes and make choices that align them with the Light or Dark side.

While the SWTOR game is free, it offers additional content and expansions through a subscription model. Players can also buy currency in the game to get cosmetic SWTOR items and other upgrades. Some rewards are available for free, without any payment. Here’s a list of the current Swtor codes:

Note: Released in 2011, Star Wars: The Old Republic offers a limited but valuable selection of active codes. It’s surprising that these Swtor codes are still working. If you’re looking to get your hands on some more Swtor coins, be sure to check out U7BUY!

List Of Active Swtor Codes

As of May 2024, here are the codes:

– **NYCANTINA16** – Black and Blue Korrealis Mount

– **SWCANTINA17** – Orange Korrealis Viceroy Mount

– **SWCELEBRATION17** – Small Droid Pet M8-3R

– **NYCANTINA19** – Golden Border for character portrait

All SWTOR codes are usable by any character, whether they are Human, Twi’lek, or Chiss.

In addition to the rewards mentioned, subscribers gain access to exclusive story expansions, faster levelling, and priority login. They can also enjoy more inventory slots, higher credit limits, and additional SWTOR character slots. 

Players should make sure to regularly check the in-game SWTOR Cartel Market for limited-time offers and special deals. For those looking to maximize their experience, joining an active guild can provide additional social rewards and group content opportunities. 

Furthermore, participating in seasonal events and in-game celebrations often yields unique items and special achievements.

List Of Unactive Swtor Codes

The following SWTOR codes do NOT work anymore

SQUADRONS – Stardrive Vanguard Mount

CantinaLivestream2020 – 4 Korrealis Mounts

SWCELEBRATION19 – 4 Poster Decorations with Flair

SWCANTINA2018 – Flair, Event 2018

NYCANTINA17 – Mount, SW Celebration 2017 Cantina Event Promo Item

CelebrationCantina16 – Mount, SW Celebration 2016 Event

KOTORSPEEDER – Special Event

ER7K-YUDH-725X-VZVS – Special Event

SWTORSHARETHELOVE – Special Event

SPECIALFORCES – Special Event

SDCANTINA19 – Special Event

How To Redeem Swtor Rewards Codes

Players can redeem these Swtor codes on the SWTOR official website 

1. First, they need to “Sign In” with their game credentials.
2. Then, click on the “Account” option in the upper right-hand corner.
3. Lastly, select “Redeem Code” from the menu.

Only one redemption is allowed per account. Rewards might not show up right away; they may be delivered to your in-game mail. So, check your in-game mail after redeeming a SWTOR code. Be sure to use the codes promptly as they do expire.

Where To Find More Swtor Codes

The SWTOR subreddit is a hotspot for finding active codes and free rewards. This community frequently shares the latest offers. Follow the game’s official website and social media channels to stay informed.

This guide provides all the details needed to claim free rewards in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Which reward are you looking forward to? Share your thoughts with us!

Of course, some of these rewards are now unobtainable, but that can be fixed because we’ve got some Swtor account for sale over at U7BUY!