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Little Common Sense Steps To Improve The Wellbeing, Welfare, Economy Of The Rural Poor And Ghana As A Whole

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MAKING POVERTY ALLEVIATION FOCUS OF DISTRICT AND MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLIES

A key to change in livelihood improvement of the rural areas and significant part of Ghana is the reform of local government administration. Key recommendations are

  • Making the abolishment of poverty as the paramount job description of MMDAs and their respective heads. There are numerous experiential leaning curves to copy from Brazil, China and India.
  • Break down of the country’s GDP down to districts/Municipal assemblies and regional figures. Such breakdowns should indicate the drivers of the local economy such as sectoral analysis and attendant figures
  • MMDAs/Regional Ministers given targets to improve upon MMDA GDP numbers. This is possible. If banks could give targets in rural deprived communities for branch staff to hit targets in KPIs MMDA could easily do so.
  • KPIs of MMDCE/REG MIN to cover micro and macro aspect of the country under their jurisdiction.
  • Organize quarterly Management Performance Reviews for MMDCE’s and Regional ministers to drive performance towards KPIs.

GENERAL STATUTORY RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Statutory limits on number of ministers and advisers, this helps control executive expenses and leaves fiscal space for expenditure on the poor.
  • Statutory limits on Government expenditure as against government revenue. Debt ceiling in proportion to our revenue capacity and requisites caveats to exceed if only urgent and highly necessary etc. Such measures are to control the limitless borrowings and self-interest beneficial projects as against the national interest and our debt service capacity.
  • Making road grading and reshaping a quarterly exercise for Feeder roads department and District assemblies to alleviate rural hardship and difficulties especially in agro produce transportation etc. As always stated we have huge infrastructure deficits but limited capacity to close the gap. Pragmatic step is to constantly reshape roads with graders to make them motor able. Government has not got the means to construct asphalt roads (Ghana needs circa 1 trillion USD to asphalt all our roads which we don’t have). MMDA have graders already and parliament could legislate quarterly funds for diesel for every MMDA to grade all country roads quarterly. The multiplier effects of such a policy will be enormous in terms of food produce availability, food prices affordability, increasing internal trade etc. This policy is an improvement on constant political promises by all parties to chiefs etc. to construct their roads which never happens.
  • Establishment of a Charities Commission to guide the regulation and taxation of churches. The present religious’ system practiced across the world is far outdated from the medieval European times when churches were nontaxable etc. Our charity commission must be rigid and far stringent than the UK and western oriented ones looking at our peculiarities. Its not rocket science  that churches and religion is a big business now. We don’t need Einstein to discover these trend. The state is hemorrhaging on unsustainable debts and adequate taxation of business enterprises and individuals are paramount. The Register general, Attorney general, GRA must coordinate to organize these very well to close all loopholes in setting up the commission and designing tax schemes for churches and all religious buildings/entities.  This is very controversial recommendation but I tell you the revenue the state is losing from this is mind blowing. The church of England produces their annual AFS, where are ours? In my 45 years on earth never seen in the dailies AFS of any major church. Most of the buildings of schools we have were built in colonial times (I stand to be corrected) what does the church use their funds for?
  • The central bank could also adopt the Indira Gandhi (Former Indian PM) Indian banking model where financial institutions are allocated compulsory percentages profile of their assets/investment in various economic sectors. India has Central bank laws that govern let’s say a bank asset profile covering sectors/industries ranging from primary agriculture, agric business and various industries. The percentages profile depends on the priority of the government. We can’t have a solid economy where services, SME importations consume most bank assets and we cry about huge import bills for rice, frozen foods, oil, sugar etc. The essence of government is to wield power to the benefit of the citizens of the geographical space and not to the interest of a few. Banks investments in primary agriculture must be mandatory. My main motivation for recommending this compulsory asset allocation is that lending to the primary agriculture sector is very weak. I understand the risk involved based on my credit risk evaluation experience in a typical agri biased institution but if the nation does not encourage risk taking in this angle the nation’s high import bills for basic commodities we can grow here will keep increasing. The more risks is encouraged in primary agriculture our learning curve improves to manage the risk better.

 

 

Continuation next 3 days

 

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Thanks

Kwamina Amosa Coleman- Paittoo

kwaminac@gmail.com

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People & Lifestyle

Ignite Your Passion: Join Aurora Women’s Conference 2023 for Transformational Insights

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The Aurora Women’s Conference is back for 2023! This year’s conference will be held on June 8-9 at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. The conference inspired by “Women Rising” proposes to achieve balance, and improve passion, purpose, and growthamong women.

The conference will feature a variety of speakers, including Dzigbordi K. Dosoo, Dr Alaa EL-Halwagy, NanaAma Botchway, Pearl Nkrumah, Frances Quarcoopome, Ama Ablorde, Rev. Benedicta Dodd, Victoria Aligboh, Susan Quist, Fatima Alimohamed, and Dr Mary Ashun as the keynote speaker. Oheneyere Gifty Anti will be the special guest.

The conference will cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Leadership and entrepreneurship
  • Personal development and wellness
  • Financial literacy and investing
  • Work-life balance
  • Networking and mentorship

The Aurora Women’s Conference is a unique opportunity for women from all walks of life to come together and learn from each other. It is a chance to gain new skills, build your network, and find inspiration to achieve your goals.

Why Attend the Aurora Women’s Conference?

There are many reasons why you should attend the Aurora Women’s Conference. Here are just a few:

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  • Learn from experienced speakers and experts
  • Network with other women from all walks of life
  • Find inspiration to achieve your goals
  • Gain new skills and knowledge
  • Have fun and celebrate your achievements

Registration is now open! To register, visit the Aurora Women’s Conference website here: bit.ly/aurorawomen23

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Startup Street Global Seminar Offers Valuable Opportunities For Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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Startup Street Hosts Global Seminar

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a startup owner looking for valuable opportunities, attending Startup Street’s Global Seminar is a must. This exciting event offers numerous benefits and advantages for individuals in the startup ecosystem. Here are several compelling reasons why you should grab your ticket and become a part of this dynamic community.

Access to Valuable Resources

As a member of the Startup Street community, attending the Global Seminar grants you exclusive access to a wealth of resources and information crucial for personal and business growth. You’ll gain insights from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and seasoned professionals who can provide invaluable guidance and advice.

Funding Opportunities

The Global Seminar connects you with potential investors and crowdfunding platforms. This opens doors to secure funding for your startup, enabling you to take your business to the next level. Whether you’re seeking seed capital or expansion funding, this event offers a platform to showcase your venture and attract potential investors.

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Enhanced Visibility

By attending the Global Seminar, you position your business/venture to gain substantial visibility. Startup Street’s official website features a publication section where your business can be showcased, allowing you to reach a wider audience and increase brand exposure.

Master Class Sessions

The Global Seminar presents a unique opportunity to attend master class sessions conducted by industry leaders and experts. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, marketing, innovation, and leadership. You’ll gain practical knowledge and skills that can significantly impact your startup’s success.

Unlimited Digital Content

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As a member, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to a treasure trove of digital content. This includes webinars, workshops, e-books, and other valuable resources that provide continuous learning opportunities to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

Platform for Promotion

The Global Seminar serves as an excellent platform to promote your business/venture. Engage with like-minded entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and potential customers, fostering meaningful connections and partnerships. Leverage this event to showcase your products or services, generate leads, and expand your business network.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is a vital aspect of startup success, and the Global Seminar offers ample networking opportunities. Interact with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and industry influencers. Forge connections, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative ventures that can propel your startup forward.

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Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of the biggest roadshow for startups. Secure your ticket to Startup Street’s Global Seminar today for only Ghs200. Dial *365*4433# or log on to tinyurl.com/globalseminar23 to purchase your ticket and unlock a world of possibilities for your entrepreneurial journey.

Attending the Global Seminar not only grants you access to a diverse range of benefits but also immerses you in a vibrant community that shares your passion for startups and innovation. Seize this chance to learn, grow, and accelerate your startup’s success

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People & Lifestyle

Opportunity for Film Industry Professionals: Submissions Now Open for the 3rd Creative Producers Indaba

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Submissions have opened for the third Creative Producers Indaba (CPI), a film producers’ development programme presented by the Realness Institute, in collaboration with EAVE, International Film Festival Rotterdam’s IFFR Pro, and the Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops.

 

Strong creative producers play a crucial role in driving the growth of local media markets, and the CPI aims to strengthen and grow the number of capable producers on the African continent. Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnership at the Realness Institute says, “Creative Producer Indaba is addressing the most important gap in the local African media markets – training producers that can develop and finance local stories for the global and local markets. We are thrilled to be launching the third edition.”

Since its inception in 2021, the CPI has nurtured outstanding film talent and facilitated meaningful collaborations that have empowered participants to identify the right partners for their African projects. There are numerous success stories, and a shining example is the collaboration between three African producers: Bramwel Iro from Kenya, Caroline Kganyago from South Africa, and Zoe Ramushu from South Africa. These talented individuals, who participated in last year’s Indaba, are now set to co-develop their projects with Dutch producer Ellen Havenith, whose film Tiger Stripes just won the Grand Prize at Cannes’ Critics Week. These collaborations exemplify the power of the CPI in fostering connections that transcend borders and build pathways to production for African projects.

The CPI offers 10 African producers with and without projects and 5 international producers the unique opportunity to augment their leadership and entrepreneurial skills, deepen their producerial capabilities, and build professional networks across Africa and beyond.

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2022 alumnus Zoe Ramushu (Zimbabwe/SA) reflects on her experience in the CPI:  “It is a great programme for producers wanting to sharpen their knowledge, build their network and expand their entrepreneurial horizons.”

 

“The CPI aims to empower creative producers and industry leaders in Africa,” says Kristina Trapp, CEO at EAVE. “EAVE is proud to contribute with our methodology to support the groundbreaking work done by Mehret Mandefro and Elias Ribeiro of the Realness Institute.”

 

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“We are thrilled to once again be part of Indaba,” says Facundo Lema, Talent Manager at IFFR Pro. “The programme  continues to demonstrate the importance of collaboration and fostering a sense of community within the industry, as vital elements in empowering and boosting producers’ careers. One of the most remarkable aspects is the creative exchange and the exploration of the countless opportunities that will unfold during the IFFR Pro days.”

 

The Creative Producers Indaba participants will also attend the Atlas Workshops during the Marrakech International Film Festival in November and attend industry sessions at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in January 2024.

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The chosen participants will enjoy the valuable opportunity of receiving mentorship from prominent figures in the industry, including Group Leaders Mehret Mandefro and Diana Elbaum, as well as Story consultant  Mmabatho Kau. Guest speakers such as producers Femi Odugbemi, Katriel Schory, Sata Cissokho, Constanza Arena  and Dayo Ogunyemi, along with IFFR Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic, will generously share their skills, insights, and guidance.

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“The CPI welcomes not only film producers but also film professionals who work closely with producers, including funding body representatives, international sales representatives, distributors, broadcasters, and development executives who have a vested interest in the African marketplace,” says Mehret Mandefro  “We are pleased to announce the renewal of our partnership with Projeto Paradiso, which secures one spot for a Brazilian producer. Furthermore, we are thrilled to introduce our new partnerships with the Canada Media Fund, The Austrian Film Institute, and the Swiss organisation Focal.”

 

Applicants must meet certain criteria, including having produced at least one feature fiction, series, or documentary film, or a minimum of two short films as a lead or co-producer. Film professionals should have a minimum of two years of professional experience.

The deadline for submissions is July 3rd , 2023, at 12:00 Central African Time.

The Realness Institute gratefully acknowledges the support of Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud, the Brazilian foundation Projeto Paradiso, the Austrian Film Institute, The Canada Media Fund, the Austrian Film Institute, The Swiss organisation Focal and The Storyboard Collective, Jeune Creation Francophone and CNC in partnership with European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (EAVE), International Film Festival Rotterdam Pro (IFFR Pro), and Marrakech International Film Festival (Atlas Workshops).

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For more information and submission details, please visit the Realness Institute website at https://www.realness.institute/creative-producer-indaba.

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West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) partners with EMTECH SOLUTIONS INC to modernize fintech regulatory frameworks across the West African Monetary Zone

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The West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) and EMTECH SOLUTIONS Inc. today announced a strategic partnership to modernize country-level and regional regulatory sandboxes, enabling the harmonization of heterogeneous Fintech regulatory policies and frameworks across the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ). The collaboration aims at strengthening financial integration across the WAMZ member states.

WAMI and EMTECH will establish a knowledge and collaboration program called WAMZ RegEX, which focuses on showcasing regulatory innovation, sharing insights from global and regional regulatory sandbox benchmarking, onboarding a cohort of WAMZ regulatory sandboxes to conduct rapid pilots, and promoting value. Additionally, the partnership will involve publishing research and case studies, as well as capacity-building programs and thought-leadership workshops.

Olorunsola E. Olowofeso, Director General of the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), emphasized the importance of the partnership saying, “Our collaboration with EMTECH marks a new chapter in our commitment to creating a unified financial landscape in the WAMZ and signifies a critical step towards achieving a more integrated and technologically advanced financial ecosystem in West Africa. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our member states and the broader West African region.”

Souleymane Tall, Director of Financial Integration at WAMI, highlighted the strategic value of this collaboration and stated that the partnership with EMTECH would align with our core mission to promote financial integration and regional economic development. By working together, we could unlock new opportunities, improve access to financial services, and contribute to the overall growth and stability of the West African Monetary Zone. 

Tunji Odumuboni, Executive Director, Africa at EMTECH, remarked, “We are excited and honored to collaborate with WAMI to drive financial integration and economic development within the WAMZ.” EMTECH’s expertise in Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and Digital Regulatory Sandbox technology will support WAMI and WAMZ member states in fostering an environment conducive to financial innovation.

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Carmelle Cadet, Founder and CEO of EMTECH added, “The collaboration between EMTECH and WAMI aligns with our mission of making financial markets inclusive and resilient for everyone, by modernizing central banking infrastructure.” 

“We are eager to work with WAMI to deploy solutions addressing local and regional fintech innovation and regulatory frameworks in the West African Monetary Zone.” Cadet continued, “As many countries are developing fintech regulatory frameworks, a regulatory sandbox is a powerful tool to support safe innovations and capitalize on  investment opportunities and economic growth. From the U.S. to Europe, regulators need novel new tools. By joining efforts with WAMI, we are committed to work closely with all 6 member states and support them along this new journey of modern central banking in Africa. In EMTECH, they have a real partner for the long haul.” 

For more information about the partnership between WAMI and EMTECH, please contact [WAMI Press Contact] at [+233 (0)302 743801] or [info@wami-imao.org] and [EMTECH Press Contact] at [+1 415 889-7444] or [info@emtech.com].

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Kudos Badman lights up the streets again with new single and video ‘Lonely’

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The newest release from Kudos Badman is finally here. We are thrilled to announce ‘Lonely’ as the next captivating single from the Afro-Dancehall star who brought us the well-received street hit ‘Badman’, accompanied with a music video. Listen HERE: https://fanlink.to/kudosbadman-lonely

On ‘Lonely,’ Kudos brings his signature blend of Afrobeats and Dancehall rhythms to fans again, engrossing them with thought-provoking lyrics that explore themes of independence and self-reliance. According to the star, this surefire anthem will resonate with anyone who chooses to walk their own path and find solace in their own company. And its hook highlights this: “Lonely/Guided by my own story/Man must sin, nobody holy/So I just light my kpoo on a low.” 

This year, Kudos Badman gained buzz with his previous release, ‘Badman’ and ‘Lonely’ is set to raise the bar twofold. “I’m excited to share this new track [‘Lonely’] with the world,’’ Kudos shares. “I believe its message will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don’t need anyone else to validate their worth. I hope that ‘Lonely’ will inspire people to embrace their individuality and be proud of who they are.’’

‘Lonely’ was produced by Skonti, who is widely known for his works for some of the industry’s biggest names, like Kwaw Kese, Samini, Pappy Kojo, Medikal, Edem, Raquel etc. It was recorded at ItNoks Studios, with both mixing and mastering handled by Skonti.

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CONNECT WITH KUDOS BADMAN:

TWITTER: @kudosbadman
INSTAGRAM: kudosbadman
FACEBOOK: Kudos badman 

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People & Lifestyle

Elevate Father’s Day Gifting with Handwoven Ties: The Perfect Blend of Style and African Heritage

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Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to honor the special men in our lives with a memorable and stylish gift. This year, step away from the ordinary and surprise your dad with something extraordinary.
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