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Ghana records highest jump in Absa Africa Financial Markets Index – 2020

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Dr. Maxwell Opoku Afari 1st Deputy Governor of Bank of Ghana
Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, 1st Deputy Governor of Bank of Ghana

Ghana recorded the highest jump in both rank and score in the 2020 Absa Africa Financial Markets Index (AFMI) which is independently produced by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF).

With an improved score of 59 points, the 2020 index ranked Ghana’s financial markets attractiveness at the 6th position compared to the 2019 edition where the country placed 13th with a score of 50 points. The improvement was as a result of the country’s robust enforcement of rules and regulations in the financial market.

“The countries whose standing improved the most from last year are Ghana, Morocco and Seychelles. Firmer rules enforcing close-out netting boosted Ghana’s standing,” the report indicated.

The Absa Africa Financial Markets Index evaluates financial market development in 23 countries, and highlights economies with the most supportive environment for effective markets. The aim is to show present positions, as well as how economies can improve market frameworks to bolster investor access and sustainable growth. 

The Index assesses countries according to six pillars: market depth; access to foreign exchange; market transparency, tax and regulatory environment; capacity of local investors; macroeconomic opportunity; and enforceability of financial contracts, collateral positions and insolvency frameworks.

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Ghana was ahead of notable economies such as Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and Rwanda. 

Speaking at the launch of the Index, the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari noted that the AFMI, which is in its fourth year, has become an important tool that gives regulators a sense of progress made in the African financial markets.

According to Dr. Opoku-Afari, the Index confirms that the reforms undertaken by the Bank of Ghana is yielding positive results in the country’s financial markets. 

“We are pleased that these reform measures are beginning to yield positive results in the money market as seen in increased volumes of interbank repo trading and general decline in overnight repos grades,” said Dr. Opoku-Afari.

“We happy that Ghana’s rankings in the 2020 Absa Africa Financial Markets Index has seen the most improvement among all the surveyed countries. This spurs us on to do more,” added Dr. Opoku-Afari

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The Deputy Governor indicated that the central bank will be rolling out new reforms to further strengthen Ghana as a trading hub to push the African Continental Free Trade Agreement agenda.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana, Mrs. Abena Osei-Poku, indicated that as a systemically important bank, Absa continues to play a significant role in promoting economic development and sustainable growth to help transform and prepare Ghana for a brighter future.

“The significant investments we have made in partnership with OMFIF, and the investments we continue to make are premised on our firm commitment to remain a force for good in Ghana and on the entire African continent,” noted Mrs Osei-Poku. 

“We are encouraged by the many bold initiatives of the government, the Bank of Ghana and other regulatory bodies in building a robust financial market to propel the growth of the economy. We will continue to build strong partnerships with all stakeholders to create the right opportunities to support Ghana’s economic development and growth agenda.”

Explaining Ghana’s ranking on the Index, Mr. Kobla Nyaletey, Head of Global Markets, Ghana & Nigeria, Absa Bank said Ghana has shown a consistent trajectory of improvement since the inception of the Index four years ago. “The 2020 Index shows that Ghana’s improvement was a result of active foreign exchange market and stronger legal framework.”

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“Ghana rose the most in Pillar 2: Access to foreign exchange with its foreign exchange liquidity increasing, as measured by interbank foreign exchange turnover,” Mr Nyaletey added.

According to Mr. Nyaletey, the Absa Africa Financial Markets Index has become a benchmark for the investment community and Africa generally to gauge countries’ performance across a host of indicators important for financial market development.

“The Index is the premier indicator of the stage of maturity of Africa’s financial markets and serves as a guide for governments to put the necessary market infrastructure in place to deepen and improve the markets for Africa to attract its fair share of global investments.

The 2020 edition of the Absa Africa Financial Markets Index shows that despite disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, financial markets in Africa are resilient and robust. 

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Encourage Decentralization to Accelerate Development – Okyenhene

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Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II has encouraged governments and business leaders to decentralise their operations to accelerate development. He said this when the senior management team of Telecel Ghana, a leading telecommunications company in Ghana, paid a courtesy call on him.

The visit was aimed at advancing a stronger relationship between Telecel Ghana and Okyenhene as well as seeking his blessings and guidance in the company’s new journey as Telecel Ghana. In March 2024, Telecel Ghana officially unveiled its brand to Ghanaians in a spectacular event in Accra.

Led by Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, the delegation expressed their gratitude to the Okyenhene for his warm reception and unwavering support towards businesses operating within his jurisdiction. They also highlighted Telecel Ghana’s commitment to contributing to the socio-economic development of Ghana through its innovative telecommunications solutions and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

She reiterated the company’s dedication to ensuring seamless connectivity and digital inclusion for Ghanaians and affirmed Telecel Ghana’s readiness to partner with the Okyenhene ahead of his 25th anniversary celebration.  She added, “we will continue to work with other stakeholders to explore opportunities for expanding telecommunications infrastructure and enhancing access to digital technologies in Ghana.”

The Okyenhene commended Telecel Ghana for its efforts in providing reliable and affordable telecommunications services to the people of Ghana. He emphasized the importance of promoting decentralisation by key government agencies and business operations across the country to accelerate development, citing the vast land space in his kingdom which he is willing to release for development. He also threw a broader challenge to Ghanaian entrepreneurs to venture into setting up indigenous telecommunication businesses in Ghana.

The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts and pleasantries, symbolizing the mutual respect and goodwill between Telecel Ghana and the Okyenhene.

Telecel Ghana remains committed to building strong partnerships with traditional authorities, government institutions, and other stakeholders to drive sustainable development and create shared value for the people of Ghana.

 

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Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II with the Telecel Ghana delegation

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Sza and The Killers to Headline Inaugural Sudden Little Thrills Music Festival

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SZA and The Killers are set to headline the inaugural edition of Sudden Little Thrills Music Festival, a new two-day music festival taking place September 7-8 at Hazelwood Green in Pittsburgh, PA. The star-studded lineup also features Melanie Martinez, Wiz Khalifa (the Pittsburgh native will be celebrating his birthday on the festival weekend), St. Vincent, Omar Apollo, Fletcher, Yung Gravy, hometown hero Girl Talk, and many more performing over two days across three stages. Fans can sign up to receive a presale passcode now exclusively at SuddenLittleThrillsFestival.com to guarantee access to the lowest possible price for 2-Day General Admission Tickets. The presale takes place Thursday, April 18 from 10:00 am-11:00 am (ET). Prices will increase when the public on-sale begins Thursday, April 18 at 11:00 am (ET).

Sudden Little Thrills Music Festival will also put a spotlight on Pittsburgh’s local culture, including performances from Pittsburgh artists Feeble Little Horse, Corook, Fedd the God and Krunk and the Center of Life Band, as well as curated local cuisine and spirits offerings.  As part of its commitment to the community, a portion of every ticket for Sudden Little Thrills will benefit nonprofit and grassroots organizations within the Hazelwood Community, providing lasting economic impact beyond the two-day event.

GA+ Tickets provide access to the GA+Lounge with relaxed seating, air-conditioned restrooms, a private bar with drinks for purchase and complimentary water and a dedicated GA+ Concierge to assist with your festival needs. VIP Tickets include unlimited access to the VIP Lounge with relaxed seating, air-conditioned restrooms, private bar with drinks for purchase, dedicated on-field viewing areas at two main stages and more. Platinum Tickets include all VIP amenities plus unlimited access to the Platinum Lounge with a complimentary full-service bar and all-day complimentary dining, exclusive front-of-stage viewing at two main stages and much more.  For the full list of available tickets and amenities, visit SuddenLittleThrillsFestival.com.  Children 8 and under are free with a ticketed adult.

Inspired by Pittsburgh’s arts and culture legacy, the name Sudden Little Thrills embodies the ethos of the festival – to be present and open to sudden moments of fun, joy, and inspiration, and selecting Hazelwood Green as the festival’s home expands on that philosophy. The 178-acre vibrant hub is redefining Pittsburgh’s riverfront as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and wellbeing. Hazelwood Green is transforming from a historic industrial brownfield site into a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive new model for urban development with community events and programming, an abundance of green spaces, and miles of publicly accessible bike trails. In partnership with Tishman Speyer, Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotic Innovation Center, University of Pittsburgh’s BioForge, and the Steelers Community Field will reinforce the site as a destination for the future of technology and community engagement.

Festival organizers have been working closely with city and community leaders to develop plans for traffic and transportation options to minimize the impact on the surrounding neighborhood.  More information will be shared closer to the event.

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Sudden Little Thrills is produced by the team behind world-class festivals including Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Sea.Hear.Now, Oceans Calling Festival, Railbird, and many more.

Sign up for the official Sudden Little Thrills SMS and email lists to be the first to receive new information and follow along on social media to stay in the loop for all festival announcements.

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The Best Digital Marketing Consultant in Sydney

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No matter what type of enterprise you run, having a competitive online presence is crucial in modern-day dealings. If you’ve been in business for decades, you might be familiar with more traditional types of marketing newspaper ads, billboards, mailbox drops but what’s your grasp of digital marketing? Digital marketing’s core purpose is about maximising your online presence, capturing leads and converting them into sales. A digital marketing consultant can lend expertise in this realm and really elevate your digital marketing strategy. So, what do digital marketing consultants actually do? Let’s take a look.

What exactly is digital marketing?
Digital marketing is a collection of tactics to boost your online presence and also increase leads and create conversions. It includes tactics such as email marketing campaigns like eDMs; processes for search engine optimisation (SEO), social media campaigns and posts; content marketing such as blogs; digital advertising such as banners and of course detailed research and ongoing analytics.

Digital marketing versus traditional marketing
Traditional marketing has incredible reach you can get a message out to a broad range of people and build brand awareness. But you’re also at risk of people missing your huge marketing efforts. Did they even notice the billboard on the way to the airport? 

On the other hand, digital marketing is trackable and precise. One of the huge differences between digital marketing and traditional forms of mass marketing is that digital marketing is so targeted and measurable. With sophisticated platforms such as Google Ads and Facebook, digital marketing channels can drill down on your target market where they live, and their interests. 

In Facebook ads alone, you can focus on a particular location, or a certain age, and only target those in that group who’ve purchased a certain product in the last month. It’s incredibly precise. The other advantage of digital marketing is you can do A/B testing and see what’s working and what’s not, and constantly adjust your approach. 

The role of a digital marketing consultant
So, what does a digital marketer’s day look like? A digital marketing consultant uses various digital platforms and channels to advertise or market a product or service. They are usually experts at everything from digital strategy to data analytics, and finding opportunities to increase customer engagement through various digital marketing techniques. Blurn, a Sydney-based digital marketing consultant, pride itself on getting results through customised digital solutions. They’ve been in the game for more than 15 years and helped hundreds of brands across the globe, including Domain, Revel and Fairfax.

7 Tasks a Digital Marketing Consultant Can Do For You

  • Perform digital marketing demographic research
  • Create a comprehensive digital marketing strategy
  • Build a social media campaign
  • Design an SEO strategy
  • Monitor analytics of all digital channels
  • Design eye-catching digital banners 
  • Build landing pages to capture leads and drive conversion.

Read More about Blurn, a top-tier Sydney-based digital marketing consultant.

Call Us: +61 (0) 2 8005 8005

Email Us: info@blurn.com 

Visit Us: Level 15, Unit 1504, 50 Murray St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.



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How to Start DJing With Beginner DJ Equipment

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DJ Vyrusky presents 'Baby' featuring Kuami Eugene, KiDi & Shatta Wale

DJing can be a fantastic way to have fun while making money, whether it’s your full-time job, a way to put yourself through college, or just a way to earn some extra spending money on the weekends. To get started, you don’t need a lot. Beginner equipment is perfect for those who are just starting out, and you can do a lot with it as you learn how to be a DJ.

Get the Right Equipment

Getting the right equipment is crucial, but you don’t have to spend a ton on expert equipment to get started. Beginner equipment from places like Hollywood DJ is perfect and can help you save money as you learn how to do it and what you like or don’t like. When you start making money, you can then upgrade, and you’ll have a better idea of what to look for in expert equipment so you spend the money on something that fits your needs perfectly.

Learn the Basics

Take a little bit of time to learn the basics. Then start practicing. It’s going to take a lot of practice for you to learn how to do it well, so make sure you put in the time. Anyone can learn how to DJ, but those who do well at it are those who are willing to put the time in to learn, not only when they’re just starting, but as they go, too. Keep practicing every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes, to continue to improve.

Build Your Music Library

Building a music library can be expensive, so start slowly and add to it when you can. Start with the most popular songs in your chosen genre and then move on from there. You don’t need to spend a lot on music when you’re just getting started, but you will want to have plenty to practice with and will want to continue to grow your collection as you get better. By the time you’re ready to DJ for others, you’ll have a lot of music to choose from.

Create Your Brand

Think about the type of music you want to play and what you want for your brand. What will others think of when they think about you? What is going to help you stand out from the competition and get others talking about you? Building a brand takes work and it may take some time to figure out exactly what you want to do or what you like. Keep in mind that this can change and expand as you grow.

Start Promoting Yourself Online

Once you’ve got a little bit of experience, it’s time to start promoting yourself online. This will help you bring in customers and start being able to DJ at events. Make sure you’re prepared for the first event, then post on local social media groups, talk with friends and family, and ask around to see if there are any events that need a DJ. By learning how to promote yourself, you can get more bookings and start to expand your new venture.

If you’ve dreamed of being a DJ or it sounds like something you’d be good at, now’s a great time to start. It doesn’t take a ton of money or an expert setup, and you could start learning how to do everything in a short amount of time. Follow the tips here to get started.

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The Journey of Jackpot Games

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Jackpot games have taken an interesting path from the mechanical clicks of fruit machines to the virtual worlds of VR slots. It is a transformation not only in technology but also in terms of gaming culture and player expectations. And it is such that expertise like 50Casino’s, which offers guidance about growth trajectory as well as future possibilities, will help us understand finer details about jackpot themes.

 

The Era of Fruit Machines

 

Jackpot themes came into being from humble beginnings, evolving from simple fruit machines that were placed at local pubs and gaming halls. These are just some of the many different types of slot machines available online today, and they all function the same way. Moreover, their creation was a simple affair, while playing them was even simpler to win; players just had to match three like symbols. 

 

The fruit machine era set the ground for the diverse world of gaming as we know it today. This led to prizes whose sizes would certainly be described as meager nowadays, paving the way for more advanced, lucrative options in the future. The legacy left by these fruits is one that has persevered until now, meaning easy accessibility and having fun directly belong to this sector.

 

The Digital Revolution and Online Slots

 

Online platforms brought new life to these themes through the internet and digital technology switches, ushering in an entirely new era. Transitioning from physical cabinets to online interfaces revolutionized how players could experience the best options in the slot market, allowing unprecedented levels of creativity and innovation. Themed machines started appearing where players could find themselves in Ancient Egypt, outer space, mythical lands, or just anywhere else imaginable, going around spinning reels but rather creating stories with narratives and engaging characters that became even more famous than the game itself.

 

They also brought in various features. Free spins, bonus rounds, multipliers and wild symbols made the game more vibrant, dynamic and potentially more profitable. Progressive jackpots were introduced, raising stakes by offering sums that can be life-changing, amounting to single-spin wins. This marked a period of unprecedented juxtaposition of gambling with technology, making every player’s experience both new and amazing.

 

Venturing into Virtual Reality 

 

The future of jackpot themes is in virtual reality games, which would be all about moving from playing to experiencing them. VR technologies are set to remove boundaries between players and their gaming environment, leading to a truly immersive experience. One could enter very detailed casino settings or other game-related worlds where switches felt tangible when you pulled levers or pressed buttons. The sensory feedback delivered through advanced graphics and soundscapes makes the gaming experience highly involving.

 

To this point, VR reels represent the farthest jackpot games that have evolved up to now. Consequently, they don’t only offer opportunities for winning but also, at least, provide rich environments that appeal to a wide range of senses. Although yet to be fully adopted by the majority, this development has to comply with regulatory bodies to be included in the list of authorized casino venues.

 

Tracking the Change of Jackpot Slots

 

The development of these games, from fruit machines to VR slots, exemplifies human ingenuity and a relentless quest for entertainment. Every stage of this evolution has opened up new perspectives as far as mechanics and overall experience are concerned. The simplicity of fruit machines, creativity in online slots, and immersion in virtual reality all contribute to the story.

 

Looking forward, technology and imagination limit the future of such games, making them practically boundless. However, as technology progresses, players can expect even more immersive, interactive and ground-breaking games. The concept behind fruit machines’ appeal—the thrill of possibly winning—has always been integral to its core, and remains so as we proceed into uncharted territories.



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Explore the Latest Titles at Bitcoin Casino – New Games Added

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As the entire globe continues to transform its operations to align with the ever-changing digital space, the realm of online casinos has followed suit. Bitcoin casinos, for instance, have emerged as an appealing avenue for global gamblers. A leading host in this new digital arena is Bitcoin Casino US, which has begun to explore various payment options with cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin Casino US continues to flex its user-related features and benefits, pioneering in providing the opportunity to gamble with an array of cryptocurrencies.

This article seeks to delve into the depths of different strategies of cryptocurrency payments, focusing on the facilities offered at this highly sought-after bitcoin casino. The element of optimal user convenience is essential. Therefore, an innovative platform like Bitcoin Casino US ensures a hassle-free and comprehensive cryptocurrency experience to its users by smoothly integrating multiple options in their systems.

Crypto online casinos, like Bitcoin Casino US, provide users the luxury of experiencing an ideal blend of classic betting games and an innovative method of online transactions. The unique features make it an appealing offer for anyone willing to shake up their gambling experience. Bitcoin Casino US focuses on facilitating its users with cutting-edge technology and diverse cryptocurrency options to enhance the online gaming experience.

In this digital era, these platforms accentuate the significance of online safety, especially when monetary transactions are involved. Thus, Bitcoin Casino US has ventured to introduce reliable cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others as payment options. The primary objective is to provide customers the most secure and hassles-free gambling experience.

Let’s start with Bitcoin, the pioneering digital currency that brought the concept of blockchain technology to life. It is prominently accepted worldwide and is becoming potentially more mainstream by the day. Second on the list is Ethereum which, although relatively new in the cryptocurrency world, has been rapidly gaining popularity. Ethereum has managed to establish itself as a strong contender in the digital currency realm. Following Ethereum, other widely accepted cryptocurrencies at the crypto online casino include Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin. With these diverse options available for customers, Bitcoin Casino US addresses the preferences of a broad spectrum of gamblers.

Furthermore, additional layers of security are integrated into the performance of the payment system through an adept technical infrastructure. The transactions are conducted over an encrypted channel, ensuring users”>financial safety, transaction integrity, and personal details. Contrary to traditional casinos where large cash payouts heights the risk of theft or fraud, the crypto methods safeguard users from such threats.

Bitcoin casinos, specifically Bitcoin Casino US, have taken into consideration user interface design to ensure transactions can be easily carried out. With the advent of digitalization, the need for simple and effortless navigation through websites has become the norm. Bitcoin Casino US has dedicated a considerable amount of resources to make the transaction processes as easy as possible. Not only are the payments quicker due to the absence of an intermediary, but the process is also simple, taking less than ten minutes in most cases.

Additionally, the transactions costs of cryptocurrencies are relatively low compared to traditional online payment platforms which often carry hidden fees. Bitcoin Casino US ensures that the transparency and affordability of the crypto payment method offers a solid competitive edge to its users, saying goodbye to exorbitant transaction costs.

The users of Bitcoin Casino US are also invited to explore a vast range of bitcoin games that this crypto casino hosts. This bitcoin casino offers an alluring array of options, including slots, roulette, poker, blackjack, and many more. The link to Bitcoin Casino US’s online games page provides an opportunity to learn more about the activity variety available on the platform.

Numerous online casinos have begun accepting crypto payments due to the escalating popularity of these digital currencies. However, Bitcoin Casino US, as one of the thought leaders in this niche, comprehends the need for expanding the options. It continues to strengthen its grasp by exploring other viable forms of cryptocurrencies with optimum transaction efficiency. The efforts made by this bitcoin casino are indeed praiseworthy and will potentially set a benchmark for other online platforms spiraling in the same arena.

The move to adopt crypto payments at this premier bitcoin gambling website signals an important turning point – broadening the online casinos horizon. Being a pioneer of Bitcoin gambling in the States, Bitcoin Casino US continues to demonstrate the potential of cryptocurrencies as a game-changer in the domain of online gaming. With its innovative techniques, future-directed strategies, and a thriving gaming experience, it opens doors to a new, fun-filled gambling universe.

As cryptocurrencies continue to evolve, it won’t be long before we see an even wider variety of payment options being used. This adoption will only enhance the perks that Bitcoin Casino’s gambler community is already enjoying. There is no denying the fact that Bitcoin Casino US has injected a healthy dose of innovation and scalability into this sphere. The groundbreaking way it’s exploring payment options with cryptocurrencies can be an exceptional model for many up-and-coming online casinos.

As we delve deeper into the digital era, Bitcoin Casino US continues to inspire by leading the way. Surely, it’s an exciting time to be a part of this digital revolution. Exploring the multifaceted world of Bitcoin Casino US is an adventurous journey, unraveling a new chapter in online gambling with each passing day.

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