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.

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.

Executives of MTN Ghana have reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the growth of local SMEs in Ghana at the recent MTN Ghana Business Executive Breakfast held under the theme “Bridging the Credit Risk Gap for SMEs in Ghana.”

In his keynote address, Mr. Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, emphasized the importance of supporting SMEs in accessing funds through strategic partnerships. He stated that fostering partnerships with banks, microfinance institutions, and FinTech companies is essential to creating a robust ecosystem for SME financing. Collaborative efforts can lead to the development of innovative financial products and services specifically designed to meet the needs of SMEs. 

Shaibu Haruna, Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Ltd shared the company’s plans to develop digital solutions to support SME transactions and enhance financial inclusion through digital payment channels. He mentioned MobileMoney transactions as one of the digital footprints that could help profile customers and enable tailor-made solutions to address specific customer needs regarding access to credit. He cited access to Qwikloan as one source of credit that has been enabled by technology, thereby eliminating bureaucracy and credit risk issues, while admitting that there may be some defaulters.

“We have learned our lessons from Microcredit, and we are ready to provide a basic foundation for financial players to support the ecosystem. We need to evaluate how we use digital footprints to address issues around risk and progressively provide lending for SMEs. By leveraging digital technology, we can create a more inclusive lending ecosystem that supports the growth of SMEs in Ghana,” said Mr. Shaibu Haruna.

Angela Mensah-Opoku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN, reiterated the company’s commitment to facilitating the development of small and medium enterprises through enhanced financial accessibility and technological empowerment. Highlighting the importance of technology in addressing the challenge of creditworthiness for businesses to drive growth, she emphasized that technology provides a platform that helps standardize business processes and avoid paper processing. 

“Digital disruption also involves changing what we believe are the standards for financial inclusion; using technology is an authentic way to go,” she added. She stated, “MTN is open to collaboration across the SME value chains. We must work together to support informal SMEs seeking access to working capital for growth. Information asymmetry is a big challenge for them, and we need to be more inclusive. Digital insights and access to data will change the requirements for lending.”

The MTN Executive Breakfast Meeting brought together key stakeholders to explore solutions to bridge the credit risk gap for SMEs. The event highlighted the importance of SMEs to Ghana’s economy and the need for support.

Hollard Life Assurance, a subsidiary of Hollard Ghana, is delighted to announce the expansion of its micro-insurance product, MeBanbɔ, with a pan-African fintech company, Sassai Fintech and Telecel, to include MTN.

MeBanbɔ, a funeral and disability insurance policy, can now be conveniently accessed via mobile phone by dialling USSD code *269# on MTN and Telecel. This strategic move is a testament to the insurer’s commitment to creating and securing better futures. This easy accessibility puts the power of financial security in the customer’s hands. 

With the expansion, MeBanbɔ now offers enhanced benefits. According to the Managing Director of Hollard Life, Nashiru Iddrisu, these include improved customer service, faster claim processing, and more competitive pricing.

“We are excited to announce that MeBanbɔ is now accessible to all Ghanaians on both Telecel and MTN. This significant milestone directly responds to our customers’ requests for inclusivity. We are committed to serving the entire Ghanaian population with customised solutions, and this expansion is a step in that direction”.

“With a track record of providing reliable insurance services, we are dedicated to ensuring that our customers and their dependents, including spouses, children, parents, grandparents and in-laws, have the peace of mind that comes with being adequately covered. MTN users need their Ghana card number to complete the registrations for automatic monthly deductions from their mobile money wallet. In our quest to deepen financial inclusion, MeBanbɔ will soon be available on all networks,” he added.

MeBanbɔ provides tailored packages of GHS 1,000, GHS 5,000, GHS 15,000, and GHS 30,000 funeral and disability cover for premiums as low as GHS 2, GHS 10, GHS 25, and GHS 50, respectively. This micro-insurance product is designed to suit various personal needs and is available to individuals over 18 who use MTN or Telecel mobile networks.

About Hollard Life Assurance

Hollard Life is a subsidiary of the insurance group Hollard Ghana, which combines its deep local knowledge of the market with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand. With feet firmly planted on Ghanaian soil but Headquarters in South Africa, Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customised to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard was previously Metropolitan Insurance, which operated in Ghana for over 25 years.

Hollard Life Assurance offers various life insurance products, including funeral, personal accident, savings and investment, group life insurance, employee plans, and more. Beyond various nationwide office branches and agents, Ghanaians can find Hollard at Shell Fuel Station Welcome Shops and some Melcom stores across Ghana.

The Accelerating Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project in Ghana has launched a call for applications for its new agribusiness Accelerator Program.

The program aims to leverage private sector networks to address development and business challenges related to scaling products and services that will improve farmers’ productivity and income. 

The call for application which commences on June 3 will run till August 31, 2024.

Under the program, AICCRA and partners will work with individual businesses or consortia of businesses to provide end-to-end solutions for the following Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) bundles:

Solar Irrigation for female farmers, which aims to Improve resilience, yields and income through the deployment of solar irrigation solutions and supporting adaption through sustainable finance solutions and market access;

Smart Seed Packs and Market Systems for Smallholder Farmers bundle, which aims to improve access to stress and pest-tolerant seed varieties and associated agronomic practices to improve farmers’ resilience, yields, and income;

Smart Productions and Soils bundle, which promote sustainable production and soil health by providing access to agro-advisories, sustainable mechanization technologies and nutrient management practices.  

Climate-Smart Integrated Pest Management bundle, which promotes sustainable management of invasive and climate-driven crop pests and diseases through the deployment of low-toxicity pesticides, biopesticides, biological control and good agroecological practices with plant health benefits;

Dr Faustina Obeng Adomaa, AICCRA’s Program Officer and Coordinator of the accelerator program, said it aims to boost private-sector participation in the Ghana’s climate-resilience efforts. 

“Supporting farmers to mitigate climate risks is critical to ensuring a resilient food system. Through this program, we are aiming to leverage on the strategic role of SMEs in the agriculture sector to deliver solutions that build climate resilience of farmers while being responsive to gender and other social vulnerabilities across the country, “she said.  

Businesses and social enterprises can apply to the program at: https://aiccra.cgiar.org/news/call-applications-ghana-accelerator-program 

 Info and matchmaking events will be held virtually on July 25 and in person on August 1 for applicants to interact with the program’s coordinators, learn more about the program, and explore potential partnerships with other applicants.

Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) helps deliver a climate-smart African future driven by science and innovation in agriculture. AICCRA works with national partners in Senegal, Ghana, Mali, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia to make climate information services and climate-smart agriculture more accessible to millions of smallholder farmers across Africa. In Ghana, AICCRA is led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) a member of CGIAR. 

CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.

Today, MultiChoice published its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for the financial year ended March 2024. The Report demonstrates the company’s dedication to protecting the planet, empowering people, and offering transformative solutions that create lasting, sustainable value.

This year, MultiChoice celebrates three decades of enriching lives and transforming Africa’s entertainment industry through initiatives that have made more than an impact in the areas of sports, entrepreneurship, sustainability, employee development and increasing capacity to tell local stories. 

MultiChoice’s ESG strategies and initiatives are aligned to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with specific focus on areas where it can make a direct contribution to positive outcomes in the communities in which it operates.

Key highlights in the 2024 ESG Report include:

Environment

The impact of climate change on Africa is a pressing concern, especially given its reliance on climate-sensitive sectors. MultiChoice recognises this urgency and is committed to mitigating its environmental impact. The company has taken proactive steps through initiatives such as investing in renewable energy, implementing carbon footprint reduction strategies and adopting sustainable business practices which combat climate change and safeguard the future of our planet.

MultiChoice’s environmental strategy is built on four pillars: strategic partnerships, conserving natural resources, creating solutions that enhance environmental performance, and limiting direct impact on the environment. 

A standout partnership is the Earthshot Prize. As a member of this Earthshot Prize Global Alliance, MultiChoice collaborates with The Earthshot Prize to support environmental sustainability in Africa, this year, a record-breaking 400 entries were submitted from across the continent for The Earthshot Prize 2024 and the best African eco-innovators will be selected to compete for these 2024 Awards and stand a chance to win £1 million.

Social

MultiChoice continues to make a meaningful impact in the communities in which it operates, and the company’s commitment extends to respecting human rights, promoting diversity and practicing preferential procurement targeting historically disadvantaged individuals, women and youth.

At a glance, social initiatives included the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), the DStv Schools Netball Challenge, Diski Challenge and the Here for Her campaign.

• In the past year, 102 interns participated in the MTF – a 12-month filmmaking training programme and in South Africa, MTFza interns contributed to over 30 professional productions, including hit shows like Idols, Adulting, My Brother’s Keeper, Champions, and Gen Zee.
• Since 2014, 350 players have been promoted to South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) through the DStv Diski Challenge and last year, 10 Diski Challenge graduates represented the country at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
• The DStv Schools Netball Challenge aims to develop young female athletes who play netball at secondary schools across South Africa. In 2023, over 2 600 high schools enthusiastically participated in the tournament, rendering it one of the most successful school sport events of the year. Throughout the tournament, more than 30 000 passionate schoolgirls engaged in weekly matches during the earlier rounds, including cluster, regional and district playoffs.
• In 2023, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Player Transition Programme continued its mission to support professional footballers after they retire. The Programme now has a 94% graduation rate, with a significant portion of the cohort successfully graduating in March 2024.
• The Here for Her campaign made history by assembling a 120-strong all-female production crew and cast to successfully deliver the 2023 Netball World Cup, a groundbreaking achievement in the sport industry. This innovative approach included comprehensive in-house training for eight months leading up to the event, ensuring seamless execution and unparalleled quality.

Governance

MultiChoice is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, ethics and integrity. These principles are fundamental in enabling the business generate value for all stakeholders. One of the company’s biggest focuses in this area has been the fight against the unauthorised retransmission and piracy of its content which poses a significant threat to the business and the wider industry. 

MultiChoice is collaborating with Partners Against Piracy (PAP) and various government departments and stakeholders across Africa to take steps to combat broadcasting piracy. 

Recently, MultiChoice signed MOUs with the Uganda Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the South African Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services. 

The MOUs aim to establish a partnership for capacity building, benchmarking, and experience sharing, as well as intellectual property rights protection, training, and skills development within legal frameworks. 

The MOU for MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V (MAH) and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance also included digitalisation and enhancing the local content sector in Uganda.

Additionally, a multi-governmental workshop was confirmed for mid-2024 to review piracy policies and actions, focusing on amending cybercrime legislation. This workshop will include key departments, such as Justice and Constitutional Development, Communication and Digital Technologies, Correctional Services, demonstrating a collective commitment to combatting piracy and protecting intellectual property rights.

Economic impact

MultiChoice’s strategic initiatives and partnerships have resulted in the company making significant contributions in local content, giving small and medium-sized enterprises a leg up and promoting skills development – all of this has contributed to job creation and economic empowerment.

• To date, the MultiChoice Innovation Fund has supported 77 black-owned small businesses with at least 50% female-black ownership and disbursed R407m in loans, grants and business development expenses. This has created 1 400 employment opportunities.
• The MultiChoice Accelerator programme on the other hand enabled 11 entrepreneurs from South Africa to secure over US$17m in investments from investors in the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating MultiChoice’s track record in supporting entrepreneurship and driving economic growth across the continent.
• Last year, the Enterprise Development Fund funded four new companies, including two owned by black women. This R26.74m funding was directed towards tech-enabled sectors and created 395 jobs.
• In FY24, SuperSport launched the SuperSport Learnership, welcoming 41 unemployed youth, 80% of whom are women.
• MultiChoice also continued its partnership with the Youth Employment Services (YES) programme – bringing the total number of created to 1 585 since partnership started.

To learn more about MultiChoice’s development programs, socio-economic investments, and the stories of those who have benefited from this extensive support, please refer to the Group’s 2024 ESG Report available at multichoice.com .