Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, has urged stakeholders in the education sector to invest in professional marketing education to shape Ghana's future. In a speech read on his behalf, he said through such investments, the country could unlock new opportunities, drive sustainable development, and position itself as a competitive player on the global stage. The Minister said this at the maiden Graduation Ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) in Accra. The ceremony witnessed the passing out of 119 professionals from different fields after successfully completing their CIMG Professional Marketing Qualifications following its launch in April 2021. Dr Adutwum congratulated them for achieving such a milestone and urged them to work together to harness the transformative power of marketing education for the benefit of all Ghanaians. 'The future of marketing and marketing education in Ghana is bright and I have no doubt that you will play a pivotal role in shaping it for the gro wth of Ghana. Go forth with confidence, passion, and a commitment to excellence, and may you achieve all your goals and aspirations in your service to Ghana,' he said. He said professional marketing education was a cornerstone for economic growth, innovation, and sustainability in any society, particularly in a dynamic and emerging economy like Ghana, its significance could not be overstated. Dr Adutwum said it equipped individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify market opportunities, understand consumer behaviour and develop strategies to meet consumer needs. He said by nurturing a pool of competent professional marketers, Ghana could stimulate domestic consumption, attract foreign investment, stir up economic recovery and foster entrepreneurship, all of which were essential for economic expansion and job creation. 'In today's interconnected world, international and national competition is fierce. Professional marketing education empowers skilled marketers to lead businesses to compet e effectively in global markets.' 'Through understanding global market trends, consumer preferences, and effective branding, Ghanaian firms can expand their reach beyond national borders, boosting exports and contributing to the country's balance of trade.' Dr Kasser Tee, National President of CIMG, urged the graduands to manifest the knowledge gained at their workplaces and change the narrative in industry by helping their organisations to build everything they did around the interest of the customer. He said the only way to run a business sustainably was to build it around the customer by seriously considering customer needs and happenings within the business environment. 'These, I must say, cannot and should not be based on guess work but on thorough research into all three components of the marketing environment plus researching into the existing and future needs of the customer. Findings of such exercises will then give us pointers on the right strategic direction for the business,' he said. The Pre sident announced the passage of the CIMG Regulations 2023, (L.I. 2479) into force and called on business leaders to champion the continuous professional development of their professional marketing personnel to enable them to remain relevant and play the effective role of promoting and protecting the interest of customers in their organisations. He encouraged non-marketing business executives to register and participate in CIMG's certification programmes, either full professional marketing qualifications or the all year round short course certification programmes to enable them acquire knowledge and keep up with new trends in marketing. Dr Tee admonished graduands with a Bible quote from Matthew 5:16, saying, 'In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven'. He, therefore, urged them to let their good works manifest in how they provided marketing support to the various corporates and product brands they managed to bring glory and pride to CIMG. Source: Ghana News Agency WINDHOEK: The late President Hage Geingob was a staunch supporter of youth activism, whose actions spoke volumes as he worked tirelessly to create avenues for their meaningful participation in national development. This was said by the President of the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO), Lucia Ndishishi, during a memorial service in honour of Geingob attended by learners from various schools in Katutura at the Independence Arena on Friday. She said education was at the forefront of President Geingob's agenda. 'He recognised the transformative power of knowledge in shaping the destiny of nations, and his relentless pursuit to expand access to quality education for all Namibians has empowered countless individuals… igniting the flames of hope and opportunity in the hearts of our youth,' stated Ndishishi. Ndishishi also remarked that Geingob was not a keyboard warrior and therefore believed in young people through empowering them to drive policy and action, leaving an enduring imprint on the land scape of Namibian governance and inspiring generations to come. The youth tribute saw learners from schools such as Hage Geingob Secondary School, Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School, and Goreangab Secondary School paying homage to the late president with electrifying musical performances and heartfelt tributes. The youth tribute under the theme; Remembering H.E DR. Hage G Geingob: a youth tribute', was a collaborative effort by several groups, namely The National Youth Council (NYC), the Namibian National Students Union, NANSO and other groups. At the event, many tributes by student leaders recognised the late President as a leader who believed in the potential of the youth and made significant strides in ensuring they are represented and given opportunities to grow. UNAM SRC speaker for all 12 campuses, Jayden Ashipala, said Geingob will be remembered by the Namibian youth for his transformative power, blazing commitment to academic excellence, as well as vocational education and the potential it has. Learners from Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School gave a choir performance that resonated with many in attendance, revived by a vocal performance by the Goreangab Secondary School. Source: The Namibia Press Agency
Honour Geingob’s wish for old-age pension, disability grant increment: Hashoongo
WINDHOEK: Persons with disabilities have appealed to the government to honour late President Hage Geingob's remarks of increasing the state monthly old-age pension grant from N.dollars 1400 to either N.dollars 2000 or N.dollars 3000. Geingob, in his New Year's message, expressed his hope for an increase in the old-age pension grant, stating his desire to see this happen before he leaves the presidential chambers. Paying tribute to Geingob during a candlelight vigil by individuals with disabilities here on Friday, Chairperson of the National Federation for Persons with Disabilities in Namibia, Mathew Hashoongo, said individuals with disabilities believe that his words should not be in vain and therefore the Government should honour his wishes. 'We are going to miss him but we believe that his words will not go in vain… we want to honour Geingob by making his promise come true and we are looking forward to that N.dollars 2000 or N.dollars 3000,' he said. Echoing his sentiments, Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs, Alexia Manombe-Ncube, said Geingob ensured that grants were increased during his administration and therefore hopes that the government will continue with his New Year's remarks to increase the grant, which equally includes people with disabilities. Manombe-Ncube said that Geingob's mantra was to bring everyone on board to prosper, advance and live a better life. At the same event, Chief Executive Officer of the National Disability Council of Namibia, Angelique Philander, applauded Geingob for his commitment towards individuals with disabilities, noting that under his office as prime minister in 2001, he appointed an advisor on disability; launched the Namibia constitution in Braille, launched the Continental Plan for Actions for the African Decade of People with Disabilities. She further added that as president he appointed a person with disabilities as minister of disability affairs to ensure that individuals with disabilities have representation in Parliament. His administration also ensured tha t the children with disabilities grant was increased from N.dollars 250 to N.dollars 1400. Geingob died at the age of 82 in a Windhoek hospital. His memorial service is scheduled for 24 February, to be followed by his burial on 25 February 2024 at Heroes' Acre Cemetery on the outskirts of Windhoek. Source: The Namibia Press Agency
100 acres of Ghana’s largest cashew farm destroyed by fireOshana residents remember President Geingob
More than 100 acres of the 1000-acre cashew farm at Vakpo Dzogbega in the North Dayi District of the Volta Region have been destroyed by fire. The farm is believed to be the largest cashew enterprise in the country and the lost to the fire could reach GHC1.5 million. Mr Patrick Denka, the Assistant Farm Manager, who briefed the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the fire came at a time the trees had begun to bear fruit. More than 4,000 matured cashew trees were lost in the wildfire, he said, suspecting the activities of hunters. The fire, which occurred on Friday, February 16, reportedly begun around 1500 hours engulfing the farm, the manager said, and that the few trees that were likely to survive would record low yields in the future. The GNA saw many trees with ripe fruits completely burnt, with some embers still glowing. Mr Kofi Dzamesi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bui Power Authority, who owns the farm, said: 'Losses from the fire could reach GHC1.5 million, and that is a setback to efforts at de veloping the agrarian landscape of this area.' He said the incident had been reported to the police and expressed the hope that with the support of traditional leaders, such occurrences would be avoided. 'I don't know if its out of ignorance or sheer wickedness. What we know is that the chiefs are behind us. They gave us the land and we will seek their intervention to address the issue of bush burning,' he said. Mr Dzamesi spoke of the lack of insurance cover in the country for crop farmers and appealed to the Government to support farm enterprises against fire and other losses. 'It is difficult to get insurance companies to insure farms, and so the State must come in to support large scale farms'. Source: Ghana News Agency ONGWEDIVA: Oshana governor, Elia Irimari, said the late President Hage Geingob's leadership was characterised by an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the nation, the continent, and the ideals of unity and progress. Irimari made the remarks during a special regional memorial service held at Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre on Sunday. According to Irimari, President Geingob's clarion call for a united nation remains fresh in their hearts. 'His legacy transcends his earthly tenure, enduring as a testament to his vision of a united, prosperous, and peaceful Namibia,' he said. He added that his ideals will continue to serve as their guiding light as they endeavour to shape a brighter future for the nation and posterity. Irimari added that President Geingob's dedication to the cause of Namibian development was matched only by his fervent advocacy for the marginalised and his relentless pursuit of social justice. Speaking at the same occasion, Chairperson of the Oshana Regional Youth Forum, Absalom Itamal o, said that President Geingob believed young people are Namibia's greatest asset. 'His unfettered belief in young people was tangible throughout his tenure in office. At the highest level, President Geingob worked to ensure that young people participated actively in governance through appointment of youth to decision-making bodies,' he concluded. Meanwhile, Abed-Nego Nghifikwa, who spoke on behalf of the elders, indicated that they were fortunate to have been led by President Geingob. Nghifikwa stated that as elders, they are very grateful that President Geingob significantly raised social grant from a mere N.dollars 600 to the current level of N.dollars 1,400. He added that President Geingob understood the need to improve the well-being of his senior citizens and they pray and hope that those who come after him will adopt his caring principles. President Geingob, who died two weeks ago, will be laid to rest on the 25th February 2024 at the Heroes' Acre on the outskirts of Windhoek. Source: The Namibi a Press Agency
?J.A. Kufuor Cup: Asante Kotoko beats Nsoatreman to win second edition
Asante Kotoko secured a hard fought win over Nsoatreman to win the second edition of the J.A. Kufuor Cup at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday. ?? The Porcupines came from a goal down to defeat a stubborn Nsoatreman 2-1 in a match dominated by the losing side who at some point received applause from the home fans. ?? The visitors who have proven to be tough customers for Asante Kotoko anytime they visit the Baba Yara Stadium lived up to expectation despite losing the coveted trophy to Kotoko. The first ten minutes was predominantly a midfield battle with both sides falling to threaten each other's goal area. ?? They both exhibited tactical discipline making it difficult for the creation of decent chances with both goalkeepers virtually being on holiday. ??It was not until the 18th minute that Nsoatreman created the first goal-scoring opportunity when Mohammed Abdul-Rahman sent in a tailor-measured cross into the box for Kwabena Adu who disappointingly headed wide. ?? The visitors were once again in the Kot oko box two minutes later following a swift build up from the middle, forcing Frederick Asare to make a brilliant save from Adu's thunderbolt. Kotoko appeared to have woken after the two successive incursions and launched their first attack at the other end of the pitch which was gallantly defended by the backline of Nsoatreman. ??That effort only turned out to be flash in the pan as Nsoatreman took control of the game with incessant attacks in the Kotoko half. ?? They dominated in every department of the field, leaving Kotoko to chase the ball with little prospect of finding the back of the net. ?? Captalising on their dominance, Nsoatreman broke the deadlock two minutes into the additional six minutes through Abdul-Rahman who headed home a cross from Umar Abdul-Manaf. ??They almost doubled their lead after the restart when Stephen Diyou launched a thunderous strike which was parried to safety by Asare. ?? Referee Abdul-Latif Adaari brought proceedings to an end as Nsoatreman went into the break with t heir slender lead. ?? Asante Kotoko resumed the second half an improved side but it was Nsoatreman who came close to scoring their second against the run of play but for a timely interception by Nurudeen Yussif. ?? Coach Prosper Nartey Ogum introduced Baba Yahaya and Rocky Dwamena for Mohammed Sheriff and Emmanuel Kotei. ?? The substitutions immediately paid off when Steve Dese Mukwala scored a spectacular equaliser from a corner kick, leaving the visitors absolutely bemused. ??The Ugandan import guided the corner delivered to the near post by Richmond Lamptey to the top corner of the post with his left foot for the equaliser. ??Referee Adaari awarded Nsoatreman a penalty three minutes later after Nurudeen held an opponent in the box, but Asare saved Abdul-Manaf's spot kick to the relief of the home fans. ?? They would pay dearly for the missed opportunity two minutes later when Lamptey combined with Peter Acquah Amidu to put Kotoko in the lead for the first time. ?? Lamptey delivered a defence-splitti ng pass into the box for Amidu whose effort took a wicked deflection off the body of a defender before rolling into the net. ??Nsoatreman fought hard to pull parity but the Porcupines held on to win the second edition of the J. A. Kufuor Cup at their favourite Baba Yara Stadium. Source: Ghana News Agency
Black Sherif shines at 2024 London Fashion Week
Ghanaian artiste Black Sherif walked the run for Labrum Fashion at the 40-year anniversary of the London Fashion Week. This year's edition of London Fashion Week marks 40 years since it was first staged by the British Fashion Council, rising to become one of the biggest catwalk fixtures in the world. The award-winning Ghanaian musician showcased classic looks and demonstrated his runway prowess with a steady walk in his dazzling outfit. Black Sherif was in an overall masculine jacket adorned with matching trousers, simple boots, and a leather bag. His outfit was certainly outstanding among the various collaborations of Labrum Fashion, which takes inspiration from West African clothing lines combined with Western heritage. Black Sherif has over the years demonstrated his strong sense of fashion in the music industry, with his outfits often sparking conversations on social media. Source: Ghana News Agency