United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana has launched Braille versions of its account opening forms to enhance financial inclusion for the visually impaired and enable them to access banking services independently. This industry-first innovation marks a significant step towards improving the inclusivity and accessibility of banking services for customers with visual impairments.

The introduction of the Braille account opening forms, deposit, and withdrawal slips demonstrates the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 of reducing inequalities and Principle 5 of the Ghana Sustainable Banking Principles (GSBPs).

In a presentation of samples of the braille forms to the Ghana Blind Union, Peter Dery, Head of Retail at UBA Ghana, stated, “We are proud to lead the way in creating accessible banking solutions for all our customers. Our Braille account opening forms testify to our dedication to inclusivity and our commitment to breaking barriers in the banking sector.”

Receiving the sample braille forms on behalf of the Ghana Blind Union Secretariat in Accra, the Director for the Union, Peter Obeng-Asamoa, said, “We at the Ghana Blind Union are excited about this initiative. Inclusivity is a major focus, and UBA Ghana has shown that they are truly thinking about blind and visually impaired persons. This initiative will significantly improve the independence and confidence of visually impaired individuals in managing their finances.”

In his remarks, Mr. Obeng-Asamoa also added, “Independence is crucial for visually impaired persons. When disability sets in, one loses a great deal of independence, meaning they cannot do things on their own time and must depend on others. This initiative by UBA Ghana is a significant step for the banking sector. I have visited many places but have never heard of Braille account opening forms. We are very thankful to UBA and encourage the bank not to stop here. We look forward to the next phase and encourage other banks in Ghana and Africa to emulate this initiative.”

Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Henry Nii Dottey, reassured the Union of the bank’s commitment, saying, “At UBA, we are dedicated to ensuring that all our customers, including those who are visually impaired, have equal access to our services. We will continue to provide inclusive, accessible, and innovative financial solutions that empower everyone to achieve their financial needs with confidence and ease. As a bank with a keen interest in inclusion, we believe that financial institutions have a pivotal role in building an inclusive society where everyone can thrive and achieve their financial goals.”

The Braille account opening form demonstrates UBA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and sets a high standard for banking institutions to follow. It’s a step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

The demand for company websites and apps is on the rise. Most businesses are investing in custom delivery apps and e-commerce websites to compete with major global brands. However, most companies don’t have a robust IT team that can spearhead a software development project from start to finish.

This demand creates a lucrative opportunity for software development outsourcing businesses, whose primary role is to link companies to the best developers globally. However, setting up a software development outsourcing company requires careful planning.

Below are tips to consider if you plan to set up a company like Empeek offering software development services.

Find and Define Your Niche

Software development is a wide field. Creating a company that offers all of the services related to building software products is next to impossible. The best option is to research and find the niche you understand best. For example, you can focus on building web app solutions or venture into emerging AI trends.

Once you have identified your niche, it is time to build your company’s value proposition. Why should clients outsource software development services from your company? Build a service catalog that speaks to your target audience.

Assemble Your Team

Finding and assembling the best professionals for your software outsourcing company will be challenging. Invest your time and resources to recruit the best developers for your company. Look for developers who take pride in solving problems, learning new technologies, and collaborating with their peers.

While you’re at it, don’t neglect their soft skills. Can they articulate themselves well? This will help them pass technical ideas to non-tech people in an easy-to-understand way. Effective communication is what makes customers stay and refer their friends to your business.

Invest in the Best Tools

Building quality software requires the best tools. Ensure that your team has the best hardware and software to write and test code. Provide high-speed internet, premium version control tools, and learning materials and documentation.

Most developers prefer working remotely. However, investing in a decent working space is crucial for team meetings or pair programming. This space can be used to build camaraderie and brainstorm ideas.

Ensure that you have the best information security tools to protect your data and information. Invest in a firewall and data encryption services to safeguard your clients’ intellectual property.

Bring in a Customer Support Team

Corporate communication is crucial in running a successful software development outsourcing company. Work with experts to develop a transparent communication plan. The purpose of this is to update the customers when they raise tickets or report issues to the development team.

Listen to your customer concerns and act on them swiftly. Proactive communication builds trust and fosters a collaborative environment. Customers are likelier to trust your company if you are honest and keep your word.

Market Your Business

You have to get the word out there to attract potential customers. Invest in a solid marketing team to run your social media pages. Create a website that highlights your services, team, and success stories.

Also, build a portfolio showcasing some of the best projects you have built. Ask your customers to leave a review on your website. These will help you build brand authority and get more clients.

Your inner youth is hidden under fine lines and wrinkles, isn’t it? We all desire to have youthful skin and an attractive appearance. Let’s face it, the signs of aging can be a drag on our confidence. 

Thankfully, there are effective treatments that can resolve aesthetic concerns. Belotero and Juvederm fillers have become game-changers in aesthetic medicine, helping patients achieve the desired outcomes. These popular dermal fillers promise to smooth wrinkles, add volume, and sculpt features, but which filler is better? Let’s find out!

Belotero and Juvederm: Key Similarities

These fillers share common ground in their composition, application, and desired outcomes.

• Main ingredient — Hyaluronic acid

Both Belotero and Juvederm fillers are formulated with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain skin hydration and volume. This key ingredient assists in treating various signs of aging, such as very fine lines, severe facial wrinkles, and hollow areas.

• Suitability for lip augmentation

Whether you’re seeking to enhance your lips or reduce the appearance of severe lines around the mouth, Juvederm and Belotero offer lip reshaping and rejuvenation solutions. Their products are specifically formulated to add volume and define shape subtly and naturally.

• Versatility in facial rejuvenation

Both Juvederm and Belotero fillers offer comprehensive solutions, from superficial wrinkles to profound lines. Their family of products contains different fillers with specific formulations to provide the desired outcome.

• Minimally invasive procedure

The treatment with Belotero and Juvederm fillers has a smooth application, involving small injections to deliver the fillers into the areas that lose volume. Additionally, numbing cream can be applied to minimize discomfort during the injection process.

• Collagen production

Belotero and Juvederm fillers stimulate collagen development, helping to improve the skin’s structure and elasticity over time. This can lead to longer-lasting results and a more youthful appearance.

Juvederm and Belotero: Main Differences

Both Belotero and Juvederm have their strengths in tackling different concerns. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the champion for your facial rejuvenation journey.

• Consistency and texture

Juvederm fillers are known for their gel-like and smooth consistency, providing volume and lifting capabilities. This makes them particularly effective for deep wrinkles and folds, as well as for enhancing areas like the cheeks and lips.

Belotero fillers have thinner consistency, making them suitable for superficial layers and subtle lines. This allows for more precise filling of superficial wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and mouth.

• Injection depth

Juvederm is typically injected deeper into the skin to address severe wrinkles and volume loss. The thicker consistency allows for better support and longevity in areas requiring substantial volume, such as the cheeks and nasolabial creases.

Belotero is often injected superficially into the skin, it is designed to integrate smoothly into the subcutaneous layers. This makes them an excellent choice for treating superficial lines without creating lumps or uneven texture.

• Results duration

Juvederm filler injections maintain their effects for six to twelve months, depending on the specific product and treatment area. When comparing Belotero vs. Juvederm fillers, the first one has a shorter duration. Belotero effects last around six months.

• Treatment area

Juvederm is frequently used for lip volumizing, cheekbone improvement, and deeper lines. Belotero treatment best suits more delicate areas requiring precision, such as under-eye circles, crow’s feet, or frown lines.

Belotero Fillers

A renowned leader in aesthetic medicine, Merz Aesthetics, produces Belotero fillers. These hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers boast a unique reputation for achieving subtle and natural-looking results. 

The Belotero family offers a range of fillers, each with a specific consistency for addressing certain aesthetic concerns.

• Belotero Balance: This versatile filler features a smooth, medium-consistency gel. It treats mild to moderate lines and wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds and marionette lines). Belotero Balance injections typically last 6–8 months.
• Belotero Intense: This filler is good at treating deeper wrinkles or providing dramatic correction. Belotero filler offers a slightly thicker consistency than Balance. It is often used for deeper frown lines and marionette lines. Its injections last up to 8 months.
• Belotero Soft: This ultra-fine filler is perfect for treating fine lines. Its delicate consistency effectively addresses the most tender areas, like pesky fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Belotero Soft can last up to 6 months after treatments.

The Belotero family uses patented CPM technology in filler formulations. This innovative technology allows the HA particles to integrate seamlessly with the skin’s tissue, resulting in smooth, natural-looking results. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable Belotero fillers.

You can order Belotero fillers on the Filler Supplies website. They are a trusted supplier of various aesthetic solutions. Filler Supplies offers a wide selection of dermal fillers at budget-friendly prices. Eligible for licensed healthcare providers only!

Juvederm Fillers

Juvederm is a collection of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. They are meticulously crafted by Allergan Aesthetics, another giant in the world of aesthetics.

Juvederm range boasts a diverse lineup, each product formulated for a specific purpose.

• Juvederm Ultra: This versatile filler addresses moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. It is often used for finer lines around the lips (perioral lines) to deeper wrinkles (nasolabial folds). Juvederm Ultra effects last 6–12 months.
• Juvederm Volbella: It is specifically designed for lip augmentation and addressing lip lines. This dermal filler offers a smooth, subtle consistency. Juvederm Volbella is used for subtle plumping or creating a more defined lip border. It typically lasts up to 12 months.
• Juvederm Voluma: This dermal filler obtains thicker consistency, providing structural support during cheekbone enhancement, facial contouring, or cheek augmentation. Juvederm Voluma creates a more sculpted and youthful appearance of the mid-face. It generally lasts up to 24 months.

Juvederm fillers are known for their exceptional ability to deliver long-lasting results. The varying HA cross-linking technologies used in different Juvederm products contribute to this longevity. Additionally, Juvederm’s thicker consistency allows for deeper layers, effectively tackling concerns like volume loss and deep folds.

Conveniently buy Juvederm fillers and other aesthetics from Filler Supplies. Make an account, upload your medical license, and add products to your cart. Just a few clicks to order.

How to Choose the Best Filler

Choosing the right filler can be tricky. Both Belotero and Juvederm use hyaluronic acid, but they have different formulations due to crosslinking technologies in some products. Thus, they are used for distinct treatment areas. Belotero’s thinner consistency tackles subtle lines, while Juvederm’s robust formula combats deeper creases and supports facial contouring. Consider your need and consult a healthcare professional before initial treatment to minimize the risk of complications (severe allergies, swelling, or bruising).

Conclusion

Juvederm and Belotero, both hyaluronic acid fillers, offer powerful tools for facial rejuvenation. While both address wrinkles and volume loss, their varying consistencies make them suited for different concerns. In the debate of Belotero vs. Juvederm, both fillers have their unique advantages: restored volume, reduced lines, or enhanced symmetry. Consulting with a professional will help you make the best choice!

The Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Rural Ultrasound train made a stop at the Bosome Freho district of the Ashanti Region. The initiative, which is a part of the Foundation’s Connected Health programmes, reached 117 women in Tesebo No. 2 and 82 women in Nsuta, all within the Bosome Freho District in the Ashanti Region.

By detecting potential complications early, Telecel Ghana Foundation is helping reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, giving these mothers a fighting chance for healthy pregnancies and deliveries. This ongoing initiative has become a cornerstone of the Foundation’s community and health outreach efforts.

“We believe that no mother should lose life while giving life. That is why access to prenatal care is essential for both mother and child’s health,” said Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana. “The goal of the Rural Ultrasound initiative is to bridge the healthcare gap in rural areas, ensuring expectant mothers receive the needed prenatal attention and some essential items during pregnancy, regardless of their location or financial standing.”

Beyond providing ultrasound scans, the initiative emphasizes educating women about pregnancy health, fostering awareness, and promoting proactive healthcare management. By identifying potential complications early, the Telecel Ghana Foundation aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and support healthier pregnancies and births.

The recent activation in Tesebo No. 2 and Nsuta highlights the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to maternal health. These free ultrasound scans, a part of the Foundation’s Connected Health program, are a game-changer for mothers in underserved communities, as they help to bridge the healthcare access gap and alleviate the financial burden on these women.

Telecel Ghana Foundation is committed to supporting maternal health across Ghana and contributing its quota to the SDG Goal 3, Target 3.1, which is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.,” added Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson. “Through our efforts, we hope to make a tangible difference in the lives of many women and their families.”

Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Rural Ultrasound Initiative is a shining example of their dedication to improving lives. As the foundation prioritizes healthcare interventions, it anticipates further positive outcomes benefiting more women and families in the future.

As part of its second-quarter health initiative for 2024, OmniBSIC Bank, the fastest growing bank in Ghana, has organised and successfully executed a 10-kilometer health walk which took place on Saturday, June 29, 2024,. The event brought together enthusiastic staff, loyal customers and members of the public to champion healthy living and community spirit.

CEO of OmniBSIC Bank Ghana, Mr. Daniel Asiedu, underscored the Bank’s unwavering commitment to employee well-being and community health.  “In today’s world, health issues are increasingly prevalent. As an institution deeply rooted in our community, we prioritize events that promote healthy living and inspire others to do the same. We encourage all organizations to join us in fostering a healthier Ghana through similar initiatives,” he said. 

The morning commenced with a vibrant warm-up and aerobics session at the Forecourt of the State House starting promptly at 5:30 am. Led by seasoned fitness instructors, participants engaged in dynamic stretches and aerobic exercises designed to prepare them both physically and mentally for the walk ahead.

At 6:00 am, amid an atmosphere of anticipation and camaraderie, the health walk officially began. Participants embarked on a carefully planned 10-kilometer route that traversed central Accra’s bustling streets, offering scenic views of the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. 

The route not only promoted physical activity but also provided a unique opportunity for participants to appreciate the cultural and architectural richness of their city. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including enthusiastic bank employees, their families, supportive friends, and members of the general public. 

This impressive turnout, Mr. Asiedu said, exemplified OmniBSIC Bank’s dedication to community engagement and social responsibility, fostering an atmosphere of unity and shared purpose among all attendees. Throughout the walk, participants took advantage of the occasion to network, share experiences, and forge new connections. 

To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, OmniBSIC Bank Ghana meticulously coordinated the event, with hydration stations strategically positioned along the route. These stations provided participants with necessary refreshments, ensuring they remained hydrated and energized throughout the entirety of the walk.

“This event showcased the power of community and underscored the importance of physical activity in achieving a balanced and healthy life,” Mr. Asiedu added, reflecting on the walk’s resounding success.

He further stated that OmniBSIC Bank remains committed to leading by example in promoting health-conscious initiatives and strengthening community bonds through events like the 10-kilometer health walk. The Bank looks forward to continuing its efforts to inspire and empower individuals to prioritize their health and well-being for a better tomorrow.

The health walk ended at the Forecourt of the State House where over 50 customers of the Bank  ranging from FMCGs, travel and tour companies, health and wellness, automobile companies, and several others exhibited their products and services. 

About OmniBSIC Bank

OmniBSIC Bank is a fully-fledged universal bank that traces its roots to a merger between the erstwhile OmniBank and Sahel Sahara Bank. The merger was spurned by the banking sector consolidation program introduced by the Bank of Ghana (BOG) in 2017, through several directives including the increment of the minimum capital requirement almost fourfold.

The union between the banks is one of the most successful mergers in the financial services industry. 

With headquarters at Atlantic Tower, Airport City, and an extensive Branch network of 40 across Ghana, OmniBSIC Bank provides a complete range of products, services, and digital offerings tailored to the needs of its Corporate, SME, and individual customers while supporting the communities in which the Bank operates.

The Bank is a member of the Ghana Deposit Protection Scheme. For more information, please visit: www.omnibsic.com.gh

The attention of Telecel Ghana has been drawn to a publication by ATC Ghana alleging Telecel Ghana’s failure to satisfy its agreed obligations.

Telecel Ghana categorically states that these allegations are utterly false. 

The issue has been escalated to the regulator, National Communications Authority (NCA) and is receiving the required attention. 

Telecel Ghana remains committed to its contractual obligations and assures its subscribers that it will take all measures to ensure service continuity.

Telecel Ghana reserves the right to use all lawful means to protect its brand and claim damages it will suffer as a result of the publication and any unlawful actions taken by ATC Ghana.