News Guide Africa

Category: Real Estate

  • Ghana economy rebounds 

     

    IMF boss and Ghana President

     

    The Ghanaian economy has begun to show signs of recovery on the back of robust measures put in place by government to address the challenges the country has faced since March 2020, the 2024 budget statement as present to Parliament indicated. 

     

    This is evident by the half year average growth rate of 3.2 percent recorded in 2023 compared to 2.9 percent recorded for the same period in 2022.

     

    The agricultural sector remains a key driver of Ghana’s economy, employing an average of 

    38.3 percent of the total work force and contributed an average of 20 percent of GDP 

    between 2017 and 2022. The sector’s GDP grew at an average rate of 6.3 percent between 

    2017 and 2021 boosted by Government’s flagship program – Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ). 

     

    As of 2022, Aquaculture employed approximately 30,000 people in both rural and urban 

    communities who worked on small- and large-scale farms to produce 133,000mt of fish.

     

    The Growth Strategy aims to boost fish production mostly through increased focus on oceanic and inland earthen ponds. The goal is to support fishermen, fish farmers, fish processors, and marketers to produce more fish as substitute for imports and thereby ease the pressure on marine fishing. 

     

    Government has identified strategic industries to anchor the growth of the Ghanaian manufacturing sector. These Strategic Anchor Industries are being complemented by the flagship 1D1F programme. The Free Zones Authority and the Export Promotion Authority in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre will facilitate investment into these industries.

     

    Ghana aims to be the regional manufacturing hub for West Africa. The 15-month Growth Strategy leverages on the 1D1F and Free Zones projects to attract investments into the industries and create massive job opportunities in Ghana.

     

    The Strategy seeks to increase export revenue through the Ghana Free Zone Authority (GFZA) and the Ghana Export Promotion Agency (GEPA). The 15-month targets for the GFZA and GEPA are as follows:

    • 64 additional companies will be licensed by GFZA by end December 2024. This will 

    increase the number of companies from 207 to 271. This is expected to increase export 

    earnings from US$1.8bn (indicate year) to US$2.19bn (2024).

    • Capital investment by licensed Free Zone Companies increased from US$131m (2022) 

    to US$370m (2024) 

    • 5,000 additional jobs will be created by the end of 2024;
    • Earnings from Non Traditional Exports (NTEs) are increased from US$3.51bn (2022) 

    to US$4.8bn (2024); 

    • Volume of NTEs is expected to increase from 3.46m mt (2022) to 4.2m mt (2024);
    • 20,000 additional jobs will be created by NTE companies by the end of 2024;
    • Give 50 companies support to access African markets under the AfCFTA Agreement

     

    Government intends to provide skills training for theyouth. This will be achieved through partnerships with TVET institutions, nationally designated Tech hubs and other similar institutions utilising Tech platforms and training programs provided by Google, Andela, MEST, Soronko Academy, among others. The objective is to ensure the youth are having the requisite skills to compete in both the local 

    and global market. 

     

    In 2022, there was an increase in the total number of jobs (both direct and indirect) created 

    by the tourism sector. Specifically, 277,985 jobs were created, marking a 10 percent increase 

    from the 252,714 jobs created in 2021. To bolster this trend, the Growth Strategy training 

    will be provided to 6,000 young people engaged in various aspects of the tourism value chain, 

    including cooks, security personnel, and tour guides.

     

    The Ghana Mutual Prosperity Dialogue (GMPD) serves as a special platform for government 

    and the private sector to dialogue on the challenges and opportunities with the ultimate aim 

    of promoting mutual prosperity through an enabling environment for doing business. 

     

    Boosting Access to Finance by domestic investors: The strategy sets ambitious but attainable targets premised on improving ease of access to finance by leveraging the financial ecosystem. The Development Bank Ghana, GIRSAL, Ghana Export and Import Bank, Consolidated Bank Ghana, Venture Capital Fund, Ghana Investment Infrastructure Fund (GIIF) and the Ghana Commodity Exchange will support private entrepreneurs with loans, partial guarantees and venture capital. 

     

    The establishment of the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) has been critical in fostering economic growth and providing long term finance to vital sectors of the Ghanaian economy, thereby creating jobs and sustaining SMEs. In about 2 years, DBG has loaned a total of GHS829 million (out of a target of GHS1 billion) through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs). Of this, GHS 110 million was directed towards Gender Finance, while GHS 19.7 million was allocated to green finance deals to promoting gender equality and sustainable practices. 

     

    Additionally, GHS 385.3 million was disbursed to high-value services, GHS 122.2 million to Manufacturing, GHS 212.5 million to enhance Food Security, focusing on maize, soya, rice, and poultry value chains.

     

    Since its inception, the GCX has facilitated the trade of close to 50,000mt (1,000,000 bags) of largely maize, rice, soya, and cashew nut (through spot, Over the Counter (OTC) and auction trades) at a trade value of over GHS280 million from eight warehouses located in Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and the Northern Regions of Ghana. 

     

    In 2024, GCX is expected to increase the number of commodity listings on the exchange to include cowpea, sheanuts, and some cash crops through five new warehouses (out of expected 40 for the next 5 years). Some of the success factors of the GCX include collaboration with Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF), Ministry of Food and Agriculture (through the Enhanced Planting for Food and Jobs Programme), and the Ministry of Education (for the implementation of the Free Senior High School project). 

     

    As part of measures to increase access to Long-term Finance for SME’s, the Venture Capital Trust Fund has established two (2) new Funds: The Startup Catalyst Fund (SCF) and Strategic Industries Funds (SIF) under the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP). Through these Funds, the Trust Fund has committed US$16 million into four (4) funds namely: Injaro Ghana Venture Fund, Industrial Support Fund, Mirepa SME Fund and Wangara Green Ventures. These funds are expected to yield a minimum of about US$150 million through private sector participation. 

     

    Ghana Incentive- Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) will provide GHS 350million in partial risk guarantees to leverage private sector participation in the agricultural and agri-business sector. Relying on the GHS 350million guarantee, banks will be able to lend about GHS 700million to the agricultural sector and agri-business. GIRSAL guarantees help to reduce banks’ risk perception of the agricultural sector and encourages them to increase lending at slightly lower rates and longer tenor.

     

    As part of efforts to address the high rate of youth unemployment in the country, Government designed the YouStart initiative with the aim of creating 1 million jobs for the youth within a five-year period of its implementation. Through this initiative, Government is providing training, funding, access to market and technological support to the youth (between the ages of 18-40 years) to assist them start, build and grow their own businesses.

     

  • Solar Africa advocates for support for Electrochem operations 

     

    Solar Africa

     

    Solar Africa, a Civil Society Organization (CSO) has registered its disappointment of the absolute machinations and sheer sabotage of all efforts of McDan Group of Companies and its subsidiary, Electrochem Ghana Salt Mining Company.

     

    Electrochem is legally authorized for the mining of salt in the Ada Songhor Lagoon for exploration and extraction.

     

    The Mcdan Electrochem Ghana secured a Concession lease by Government of Ghana, a 41,000 acreage within the Songhor Salt Mining Lagoon, for a period of 15 years effective 2020. This was backed by the Parliament of the Republic.

     

    Solar Africa in a press statement released today noted that, Mcdan Group has employed about 3,000 youth this year and plans to augment the labour force with an additional 4,000 employees in 2024.

     

    “By this gesture, the chiefs and people of Ada are overly excited to benefit from these natural resources which have been politicized and have been unproductive for decades”, statement signed by Kenteman Nii Laryea Sowah, Executive Chairman said.

    Below is the full statement:

    SOLAR AFRICA
    (Accountable Governance on Natural Resources)

    IMMIDIATE PRESS RELEASE

    Solar Africa, a Civil Society Organization (CSO) has learnt with dismay, the absolute machinations and sheer sabotage of all efforts of McDan Group of Companies and its subsidiary, Electrochem Gh Salt Mining Company who have been legally authorized for the mining of salt in the Ada Songhor Lagoon for exploration and extraction.

    The Mcdan Electrochem Ghana has secured a leasehold by Government of Ghana, a 41,000 acreage within the Songhor Salt Mining Lagoon, for a period of 15 years effective 2020.This was backed by the Parliament of the Republic. Subsequently, Mcdan Group has employed about 3,000 youth this year and augment the labour force with an additional 4,000 employees in 2024.
    By this gesture, the chiefs and people of Ada are overly excited to benefit from these natural resources which have been politicized and have been unproductive for decades. The forces militating against the good job of McDan Group of Companies is simply intolerable and condemnable. The enormous benefits of this progressive government initiate to lease the project to McDan include but not limited to the following;
    1. The Salt extraction project shall serve as a source of human and community development.
    2. Shall be a reliable source for public finance and state revenue.
    3. Shall serve as a source for job creation.
    4. Shall end all family and community disputes since the ancient of days in the Ada Traditional Area.
    5. Shall accelerate infrastructural development.
    6 .The company shall embark on a sensitization exercise through radio programs and community engagement to encourage the youth to apply for employment with the Electrochem Gh. to rather reduce crime rate in the traditional area and beyond.
    Solar Africa wishes to appeal to all citizens of Ada and beyond to let cool heads prevail for the youth of Ada to cooperate with the chiefs to ensure progressive development in the Traditional area. Similarly, the exploits of Electrochem Gh. in Ada shall encourage other Ghanaian local entrepreneurs to invest in other natural resources in other parts of the country. All must take note that investment in our natural resource exploration is quite expensive. Thus our local businessmen/women deserve encouragement rather than “pull him down” attitude. Ghana needs peace and harmony to help develop our human and natural resources into their full utilization.
    Solar Africa is appealing to all religious organizations, chieftaincy secretariat, all human rights and civil society organizations, the security agencies to also voice their indignation against reactionary forces working against the progress of Ada Traditional Area. The Ada Songhor Lagoon is the property of the state and it behooves on the political authorities including the Member of Parliament and the Municipal Chief Executive as well as the media to offer their maximum support to the Electrochem Gh. to help transform the lives of the people in Ada and the Satellite Communities.

    Kenteman Nii Laryea Sowah
    (Founder & Executive Chairman) (

  • Senco Developers commences its Senco Homes project in Accra

    Senco Homes engineers

     

    Ghana’s fast real estate development company, Senco Global Developers Ltd has announced the commencement of their flagship project, Senco Homes at Amrahia, Accra in the Adentan Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.

     

    According to a statement signed by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mawuli K. Senyo, the “Phase 1 of the  Senco Homes project is a luxurious mini-gated community project that seeks to offers residents a touch of comfort and secured homes at a serene environment with modern architectural design and a green natural environment.”

     

    “This housing solution is tailored to meet the housing needs of all class of customers. Our pricing policies take into consideration key elements like affordability, quality, security and luxury for all clients.” – Mr. Senyo added

     

    He revealed that the “current project which will be ready to move-in by December 2023 has two (2), Three (3) and four (4) bedroom houses with distinctive features in a gated community which already has Police station, children playground, hospital, and basketball court among others” adding that they are starting with “ten (10) housing units at a discounted price with a flexible  payment plan of 2 to 3 years where the customer pays an agreed percentage of the total sum as deposit and then move-in whiles paying the remaining amount.”

     

    “We also give our customers an opportunity  to pre-order and get the building plan customized to suite their taste and specifications. Our buildings are completed within 3-6months for the customer to move-in.” – He stressed

     

    Mr. Senyo has thus called on possible property investors to take advantage of the locations of their projects to invest in the Senco Homes project as it guarantees higher returns.

     

    “We want to use this opportunity to call on investors to consider investing in the Senco Homes projects as the locations and designs of our houses make it highly appealing for home owners hence guaranteeing high returns.”

     

    Read the full statement

     

    For Immediate Release

     

    To: All Media Houses

     

    Date: November 8, 2023

     

    Subject: Senco Developers commences its Senco Homes project in Accra

     

    We are excited to announce to the general public the commencement of our Senco Homes project. The project which started on Monday, October 16, 2023 is located at Amrahia on the main Amrahia-Katamanso Road in the Adenta Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana.

     

    Phase 1 of the  Senco Homes project is a luxurious mini-gated community project that seeks to offers residents a touch of comfort and secured homes at a serene environment with modern architectural design and a green natural environment.

     

    This housing solution is tailored to meet the housing needs of all class of customers. Our pricing policies take into consideration key elements like affordability, quality, security and luxury for all clients.

     

    Our current project which will be ready to move-in by December 2023 has two (2), Three (3) and four (4) bedroom houses with distinctive features in a gated community which already has Police station, children playground, hospital, and basketball court among others.

     

    The Senco Homes Amrahia Phase 1 project has ten (10) housing units at a discounted price with a flexible  payment plan of 2 to 3 years where the customer pays an agreed percentage of the total sum as deposit and then move-in whiles paying the remaining amount.

     

    We also give our customers an opportunity  to pre-order and get the building plan customized to suite their taste and specifications. Our buildings are completed within 3-6months for the customer to move-in.

     

    We want to use this opportunity to call on investors to consider investing in the Senco Homes projects as the locations and designs of our houses make it highly appealing for home owners hence guaranteeing high returns.

     

    Editor’s Note:

     

    Senco Global Developers Ltd is a real estate development and civil engineering company located in Accra-Ghana. Our services focus on real estate development, building construction, civil and electrical engineering, architectural drawing, land management, quantity and land surveying.

     

    Senco Global Developers has Senco Properties & Investment, Senco Concrete, Senco Furniture as its subsidiaries.

     

    It has its head office at No. 40, Westlands Blvd, West Legon-Accra; sales offices at Adenta Housing Down and Tamale.

     

    Web: https://sencodevelopers.com

     

    Email: senyo@sencodevelopers.com

     

    Tel: +233201950509

     

    Signed:

     

    Mawuli K. Senyo

     

    CEO,

     

    Senco Global Developers Ltd.

  • Ghana Muslims demand international sanctions against Israel; to picket in regional capitals

    Ghana Muslims demand international sanctions against Israel; to picket in regional capitals

     

    Gaza destroyed

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed 

     

    Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana(COMOG) has express resentment against the precarious attacks on the people of Palestine by Israeli. 

     

    The Group says current happening at Gaza must be of grave concern to the international community being represented at the UN. 

     

    COMOG also expressed its disappointment at Ghana’s abstention from the voting on the proposed Russian resolution on Gaza at the UN Security Council on Monday, October 16, 2023. 

     

    It says, Ghana’s position as issued by the Foreign Ministry coupled with its abstention at the UN Security Council voting is totally at variance with its Foreign Policy.

     

    What can be more reasonable in such a crucial act of dehumanizatio than calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages (on both sides), access to humanitarian aid and safe evacuation of civilians in Gaza.

     

    “We wish to announce to the general public of an impending picketing in Accra and at various regional capitals on Friday 27th October 2023. We therefore call on all peace loving Ghanaians who share in the plight of the Palestinian people to join us in drumming home our demand for a UN intervention to stop the murders in Palestine”, the Group said in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023.

     

    Below is the statement:

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    19th October, 2023

     

    COMOG CALLS FOR AN INTERNATIONAL SANCTION ON ISRAEL, CONDEMNS GHANA’S ABSTENTION AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL VOTING AND CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL

     

    We the Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana(COMOG) write to express our resentment against the precarious attacks on the people of Palestine by Israeli. This must be of grave concern to the international community being represented at the UN. 

     

    COMOG is also calling for an Emergency General Assembly Session to be convened immediately to consider taking the appropriate action. It is sad that, “…the world is watching an unprecedented human catastrophe in Gaza” as Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General put it a few days ago.

     

    As an umbrellah organization which treasures peace and security of humanity across the world, with absolute repulsion against the positions of the USA, UK, Germany, France, etc. of the EU, we wish to add our voices to the many other voices calling on the United Nations to take steps to end the senseless destruction of life and property which is being perpetrated on the innocent and defenseless people of Palestine.

     

    The carnage in Gaza at this time requires responsible and credible leadership from the USA and her EU allies, and sober invocation of UN mechanisms to resolve this over 75-year Palestine-Israel conflict, instead of the USA and her EU allies one-sided solid-rock and unwavering support for Israel, which is rather the aggressor, occupying and oppressing a sovereign state of Palestine.

     

    Where is the voice and condemnation of the USA and EU allies when over 250 Palestinians have been killed this year before the current escalations, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, also desecrated by Israel! Where is the moral integrity of the USA and her EU allies in upholding the UN charter that was entered after the WWII to ensure that the world sees peace and justice, ever after! How can Palestinians who are the OPPRESSED not have the right to defend themselves, but Israel the OPPRESSOR rather has the right to defend itself, and that no country or countries, person or persons have the right to go to the aid of the Palestinians who are being oppressed and killed! 

    In such a volatile sub-region, overwhelmed by the activities of terrorists and extremists, it is certainly not advisable for any one country, like the USA and the EU allies, to show open support for the carnage being perpetrated by Israel and not talk about the rights of Palestinians for self-determination, especially when the terrorists across Africa operate in tandem with the Freedom Fighters of the Middle East and Sahel region, Palestine not an exception.

     

    COMOG wishes to express its disappointment at Ghana’s abstention from the voting on the proposed Russian resolution on Gaza at the UN Security Council on Monday, October 16, 2023. 

     

    Ghana’s position as issued by the Foreign Ministry coupled with its abstention at the UN Security Council voting is totally at variance with its Foreign Policy.

     

    What can be more reasonable in such a crucial act of dehumanizatio than calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages (on both sides), access to humanitarian aid and safe evacuation of civilians in Gaza.

     

    In conclusion, we wish to announce to the general public of an impending picketing in Accra and at various regional capitals on Friday 27th October 2023. We therefore call on all peace loving Ghanaians who share in the plight of the Palestinian people to join us in drumming home our demand for a UN intervention to stop the murders in Palestine.

     

    We finally wish to extend our condolences to the bereaved families, while we offer our solidarity and prayers to the people of Palestine. Long live the State of Palestine! Long live the people of Palestine!

     

    End .

     

    ………………………….

    Hajj Abdel-Manan Abdel-Rahman

    (President of COMOG)

    Spokesperson: Bro Shamsudeen Shaibu 0244843696

     

  • Morocco earthquakes kills over a 1000.. as residents flee affected areas

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Morocco has witnessed a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, killing over a thousand people.

     

    The injured figure is pegged over a 1,200, while damaging buildings including residential, commercial and ancient buildings.

     

    The earthquake sent terrified residents fleeing their homes into the streets for safety.

     

    Morocco’s state television reported the death toll on Saturday, citing the Ministry of Interior. Of those injured, 205 were in a critical condition.

     

    The temblor struck late on Friday with the epicentre 75km west of Marrakesh, Morocco’s fourth-largest city.

     

    Montasir Itri, a resident of the mountain village of Asni near the epicentre, said most houses there were damaged. “Our neighbours are under the rubble and people are working hard to rescue them using available means in the village,” he said.

     

    Residents of Marrakesh, the nearest big city to the epicentre, said some buildings collapsed in the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Local television showed images of a fallen mosque minaret with rubble lying on smashed cars.

     

    The Interior Ministry urged calm saying in a televised statement the quake hit the provinces of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant.

     

    The temblor hit shortly after 11pm local time (22:00 GMT) on Friday evening, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

     

     

    The USGS estimated the epicentre occurred in the Atlas Mountains, some 75km (44 miles) from Marrakesh, the fourth largest city in the country.

     

    Search teams frantically scoured collapsed buildings for those trapped.

     

    “The Royal Armed Forces, local authorities, security services and civil protection … continue to mobilise and harness all means and capabilities in order to intervene, provide the necessary assistance, and assess the damage,” the interior ministry said.

  • Julius Debrah: the secret behind John Mahama’s resilience 

    Julius Debrah in strategic talks with John Mahama

     

    Sponsored by Friends of Julius Debrah

     

    Former Chief of Staff to the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, Julius Debrah, (the secret behind the NDC’s flagbearer strength and success).

     

    JD is mostly referred to as the most affable, affectionate, hardworking, strategic and tactical brain, non-discriminative high political personality, very charitable and supportive.

    Julius Debrah and John Mahama

    His clout and command of power in Ghana’s political landscape is enviable and undisputably incomparable.

     

    A mention of his name, immediately makes all present think about ‘humility’. It doesn’t matter about your age, class or status, he is always ready to and help out.

     

    JD, born on 24 April 1966 (age 57) is anative of Obomeng Kwahu from the Eastern Region.

    Julius Debrah
    Julius Debrah

    Academically, a product of Mpraeso Secondary School, Achimota Secondary School and University of Ghana where he obtained Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and Sociology.

     

    A great and successful business player and unrelenting politician. A three times Parliamentary Candidate for the NDC in a no go area of the NPP, yet, he held the battle front for the NDC party during the crucial times of the party when the was first witnessing dreadful opposition from the treacherous Akufo-Addo, Atta-Kyea, and the likes.

    Julius Debrah
    Julius Debrah

    Despite, not winning the seat, his hard work, resilience and loyalty to the NDC were noticed and was therefore called to serve the party further in the capacity of Regional minister of Eastern and Greater Accra.

     

    He later served the local government ministry remarkably and later called to be the Chief Servant of the First Gentleman of the land as Chief of Staff.

     

    His leadership restructured and positioned Ghana’s Tourism industry as a key contributor to the economy while the industry players were heavily supported to meet the world class standards when he CEO position of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

     

    His magical calmness, noble servant, strategic and tactical leadership and humility established the most cordial and undying relationship between him and his boss, John Mahama, even throughout this periods of seven years in opposition.

     

    His servantship to John Mahama is above extraordinary.

     

    Such values is what NDC needs now to backup the footsteps and softings the hearts of the undecided middle class, youth, and classless voters to consider the NDC as the ultimate choice.

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed (Leader of Friends of Julius Debrah)

     

  • 2023 AOW to discuss M&A opportunities 

    Africa Oil Week

     

    Mergers and acquisitions in 2023 might not be keeping up with last year’s pace, but Africa continues to generate its fair share of deals with recent examples including The $830m acquisition of Galp Angola by enti energias and Aker Energy AS acquired by AFC Equity Investment Ltd.

    While Independents lead M&A activity, International Oil Companies (IOCs) are catching up, rationalizing portfolios, and targeting competitive African frontiers. However, for Africa-focused investors, accessing capital has become more challenging with lenders moving away from financing oil & gas projects and stricter ESG requirements. Operators and independents must now adapt, and seek innovative ways to remain competitive and access capital.

    This year’s Finance and M&A Forum at Africa Oil Week 2023, sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills, invites advisors, traders, financial institutions, and operators to share knowledge on debt and equity financing across Africa, with practical examples from successful partners and projects operating in challenging jurisdictions.

  • Niger junta to face tough time as Nigeria cuts electricity supply

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Information just received indicates that Nigeria has cut electricity supply to Niger following coup d’etat.

     

    The power cut to Niger is one of the blows the ECOWAS bloc plans to hit at the military junta to deter them to release power to civilian administration.

    Niger junta suffer power cut from Nigeria

    The coup d’etat, which has ignited fear in many ECOWAS Heads of State as they feel threatened and uncertain of their fate and also shaken the root of France emperial colonialism on the Francophone subsaharan countries.

     

    However, many have reacted to the power cut as they feel Nigeria is making a hasty big mistake as their hydroelectricity generation dam source its water from Niger.

     

    “Nigeria has a joint agreement with Niger to provide electricity in exchange that the upstream neighbor will not obstruct the flow of water to the country’s hydroelectric Dams in Jebba, Kainji, Niger State”, a Twitter page by name Official Papa Lily commented. “Our power generation will drop, if Niger reacts to this power outage.”

     

     

    Below are some tweets:

     

    The Egalitarian

    “They don’t know because they don’t read. After the war, Niger will build a big dam and release water as it pleases downstream. Either as flood or in trickles. Niger will loose.”

     

    Chief Numso

    “If Niger Dams the Kanji Dam we are actually finished, we are actually making a mistake we will regret badly.”

     

    Yussif Nasir Ahmad

    “It is finally time for them to start thinking inwards. They should invest in their capacity to generate electricity for themselves. So that Nigeria will supply Nigerians the electricity for Nigerians to use. Already, the energy supply in Nigeria is below deficit.”

     

  • Eni partners support host community with scholarships for vocational and technical training

    Eni Ghana on behalf of its OCTP partners, Vitol Upstream Ghana Ltd (Vitol) and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), together with Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (VIS), have handed over scholarship packages to over 1,000 students in 14 communities in the Ellembelle District, namely Atuabo, Bakanta, Ngalekye, Sanzule (including Anwolakrom fishing area), Krisan, Eikwe, Anokyi, Ngalekpole, Asemda, Baku, Anyinase, Esiama, Half Assini and Nkroful.

     

    The scholarship is part of Eni Ghana and its OCTP Partners’, Vitol and GNPC’s Local Development Project to promote inclusive economic development in the Ellembelle district. It covers tuition fees, registration fees, books and stationery, food, tools and equipment, accommodation, transportation and monthly allowances for the students who are enrolled in Vocational and Technical courses ranging from Fashion, Catering, Building Technology, Electricals and Welding.

     

    The scholarship package is designed in collaboration with the World Bank as part of the sustainability initiatives that the OCTP partners are implementing in the OCTP Project Area of Influence. Ellembelle District Assembly played a major role in the design and implementation of the program.

     

    VIS is a non-governmental organization that deals with development cooperation and international solidarity and an educational agency that promotes and organizes awareness-raising, education, training activities for development and global citizenship.

     

    Eni has been present in Ghana since 2009 with its upstream activity and currently accounts in the country for an equity production of 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

     

     

  • African countries must have a say in trading of mineral resources – Mireku Duker

    Africa Natural Resources

     

     

    Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mining, George Mireku Duker has called for Africans to be actively involved in the trading of the natural resources exploited from the continent.

     

    He called on African governments to help build the capacity of their citizens to take advantage of the resources bequeathed them to help in the development of their respective countries.

     

    “Governments must help build the capacities of citizens to take advantage of Local Content policies in the sector,” he said.

     

     

    The Minister gave the advice during a panel discussion on the topic “Balancing Resources & Responsibility: Collaborative Strategies for Sustainable and Responsible Mining,” at the maiden Egypt Mining Forum hosted by the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources in Cairo.

     

    He explained that various legal and regulatory frameworks “need to be stable over a reasonable period in order not to deter investors”.

     

    He charged resource rich African countries to consider adding value to the resources they mine, and not always focusing on the export of the raw minerals as currently happens.

     

     

    “There is the need for African mineral resources producing countries to be conscious of value addition and take advantage of continental frameworks such as AfCFTA to trade amongst themselves and have a common voice and say in pricing and trading of the world’s Minerals,” he explained.

     

    He told investors at the conference that “Ghana as a bastion of democracy and a preferable destination for mining investment on the continent.”

     

    George Mireku Duker, who is also MP for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, led a Ghanaian delegation to the conference.

     

    The forum seeks to consolidate Egypt’s mineral resources discoveries over a century and bring together African countries and mining companies towards a sustainable future with shared values to the citizenry.