Day: March 5, 2024

The Graduate Students' Association of Ghana (GRASAG National) has backed the candidature of Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for the next Secretary-General position of the Commonwealth. Madam Botchwey, Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, was earlier this year, nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as Ghana's candidate for the position. The Election for the new Secretary-General of the 56-member organisation is scheduled to take place on October 22, 2024, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. This election aims to replace Baroness Patricia Scotland, a dual Dominican-British citizen, who will conclude her second and final term at the end of 2024. GRASAG, in a statement jointly signed and issued by Mr Emmanuel Owusu, National President and Mr Gideon Odame Agyiri, International Relations Officer, described Madam Botchwey's tenure as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana as 'remarkable' and one which underscored h er exceptional leadership and diplomatic acumen. Her dedication to fostering collaboration among Commonwealth member states, GRASAG said, aligned closely with its values and aspirations. 'We believe that Hon. Botchwey's extensive experience and visionary approach make her the most outstanding candidate for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General,' it said. The statement added that: 'Her leadership will undoubtedly contribute to advancing sustainable development, peace, and prosperity within the Commonwealth and far beyond.' 'As the leading voice for Ghana's Graduate Students in Ghana and abroad, GRASAG National stands firmly behind Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey's candidacy and urges all stakeholders to support her bid for Commonwealth Secretary-General. 'We know how resilient she is, the world also needs to see and know same,' it said. GRASAG commended the Minister for her steadfast support of Ghanaian students in the diaspora, stressing that her advocacy for educational opportunities had been in valuable in nurturing the academic and professional growth of Ghanaian students abroad as well as international students in Ghana. The candidate has proposed six areas through which the Commonwealth could be repositioned to transform the economies of its member countries. They are trade and investment; youth, education, skills, innovation and startups; mobility and labour markets; climate change; small states, and managing resources for an effective Commonwealth institution. 'Based on a community-wide approach to comprehensive actions in these areas, we can transform the economies of the countries in the Commonwealth, enable inclusive devel­opment and climate resilience, and respond to the expectations of the hundreds of millions across the Commonwealth for the democratic dividend, consistent with an ambitious vision of our Commonwealth values,' she said at a lecture after the official announcement of her candidacy. In a letter nominating Ms Botchwey, President Akufo-Addo stated, 'I have strong confidence in Foreign Minister Botchwey to lead our aspiration for renewal and for building future-looking resilient and thriving economies, through community cooperation and action, as underscored at Kigali, Rwanda, during the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.' The Commonwealth is a diverse intergovernmental association headed by King Charles III. It promotes, among other objectives, democratic governance among member-states and cooperation in trade, education, climate advocacy and transparency in financial systems. Source: Ghana News Agency

Ghana's Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has reiterated the Government's policy direction to add value to its natural resources rather than focusing on mere production. He said the government was pursuing a deliberate and conscious policy to ensure that the indigenes benefited from the country's resource endowment. The Minister, thus, cited Ghana's recent Lithium Agreement with Atlantic Lithium Limited, an Australian mining firm, as a case in point, which emphasised value addition in the entire value chain. The Minister made the disclosure at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Mine Ministers Summit ongoing in Toronto, Canada. Participants in the three-day summit were drawn from Germany, Finland, Ghana, Peru, and Canada to brainstorm on responsible and sustainable natural resources around the globe. A total of 22 Mine Ministers across the globe were attending the summit, including captains of mining industries from Anglo-American Associatio ns, Euro Asia Resource Groups, civil society organisations, policymakers and thought leaders. The Minister also emphasised the government's decision to explore more of the country's green minerals and promote energy transition policies to safeguard the environment in view of the rampaging global warming. Mr Jinapor promoted Ghana's vibrant mining industry and encouraged investors to take advantage of the country's stable and peaceful democracy to invest in Ghana. The summit, dubbed: 'International Mines Ministers Summit' was structured to enable the ministers and other stakeholders to deliberate on the various sub-themes coined from the main theme, 'Striking a Balance for Success: Responsible Mining and the Energy Transition.' In his contribution to the first session on the theme, 'Sharing a Path to Success: Building a Framework for Collaboration,' Mr Jinapor highlighted the far-reaching policies being implemented by the Government and the resilient partnership between the government and mining companies through the Ghana Chamber of Mines. He also emphasised the Government's paradigm shift from 'digging and shipping' of natural resources to value addition to reaping more benefits. The Minister stressed the importance of strong collaboration between government and large-scale mining companies, serving as the fundamental basis for a mutually beneficial avenue for all. Mr Jinapor underscored the government's commitment to ensure responsible and sustainable mining practices, not just at the mineral discovery stage but throughout the entire value chain, noting that it's non-negotiable. He said the paradigm shift in Ghana's mining policy from mere production of minerals to value addition was encapsulated in the recent Lithium Agreement, with the government ensuring the establishment of a refinery plant in Ghana and promoting Ghanaian ownership through listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange. While bemoaning the relatively insignificant benefits African countries derived from their mineral resources, Mr Jinapor cal led for an 'affirmative action,' which would enable mineral resource host countries to benefit more equitably from their natural resource endowment. That policy, he said, must be deliberate and conscious with the interest of the host countries paramount. Mr Jinapor re-echoed his long-held view that African countries must take the initiative to contribute to the fight against climate change and be rewarded to motivate them to pursue that path. While acknowledging energy transition as a noble goal, the Minister underlined the need for producers of the raw materials for clean energy should benefit significantly from the minerals. The Minister joined his counterparts on the sidelines of the Summit to close the Toronto Stock Exchange amid thunderous applause from global participants. Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, (MoTAC) and the 2004 Ghana Culture Policy Review Committee has presented the final policy draft? to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture, in Accra. The presentation was to afford members of the parliamentary select Committee the opportunity to have a fair idea of the draft, have further discussions and deliberations on it before coming out with the final draft. Nana Kwesi Gyan-Apenteng, Chairman of the Review Committee, said the Ghana Culture Policy had been in existence for the past 20 years and the Committee as part of its mandate was tasked to review the policy to conform with current trends. He said since the policy was formulated many things had happened, especially in the area of technology, and the development of the Ghanaian culture. 'New ideas have come up, and especially we want this policy to be based more on the 1992 constitution of Ghana. So what we have been doing is to hold series of consultations with various stakeholders . And today what we are meet the Parliamentary Select Committee to have their input before coming up with the final draft.' Mr Gyan-Apenteng noted that with these consultations, they expected stakeholders to state their positions and add to the ideas that they already had in the draft so that together there could make it a better policy. He said one thing they were optimistic about was for? the policy to go a long way to preserve and promote the use of Ghanaian languages. 'The truth of the matter is that so many Ghanaian languages are dying because they are not being promoted, and preserved. And when we say preservation of languages it means using them in music, and more widely outside the area where it is spoken.' Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Caretaker Minister, MoTAC said? the purpose of the meeting was to share ideas to make additions and subtractions to the draft, in order to renew and improve upon it, to fit into the current trends. He said the need had arisen to improve areas like technology that was fast changing the world so that it did not interfere or change entirely Ghana's rich culture. 'We are also looking at the education aspect, architectural designs of our buildings and also how culture is fluid and moves on and so we do not have to be static to be overtaken by events.' Mr Asamoah Boateng said the committee was also looking at the?overall diversified people of Ghana and how language and the way of life had all worked together in tandem, and how to work on improving that. 'For the past 20 years things have changed and technology is fast growing and has taken over, and the human nature of people want to do things differently?to catch up quickly and so there must be some discipline in our way of life.' Mr Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy (MoTAC), said culture was?the heartbeat of any country, and the thread that wove together the tapestry of our identity, heritage and aspirations. 'It also serves as a guiding light, shaping our collective journey towards a future that is rooted in our past and the ability to open endless opportunities.' He said the?attention to the pace with which the world was changing through technological advancements, shifts in societal values and the interconnectedness of global communities made it imperative to ensure that the Cultural Policy, was relevant and could be adapted by all.?? 'What is? being developed must be inclusive, diverse, and sustainable. Since our cultural heritage belongs to all of us, it is the duty of all of us to safeguard it for future generations while allowing it to also evolve in response to changing times.' The Deputy Minister urged the Committee to engage in rigorous deliberations, foster open dialogues, think creatively and examine other successful cultural policies around the world. 'With this, I believe their recommendations will shape the foundations of our cultural landscape for years to come.' He assured the Committee of Government's unwavering support for them, saying, Government was comm itted to providing the needed resources and creating the enabling environment that encouraged innovation and excellence in the realm of culture and the arts. He reminded members of the Committee of the need for the policy to reflect the collective aspirations of the people,? their shared values and act as a source of inspiration for generations to come. He said, 'it must be a beacon that will guide us towards a future of unity, creativity, and sustainable progress, and prayed that the efforts made in getting the policy developed be rewarded such that it would uplift, empower, and unite our nation.' Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady of Ghana, has launched this year's 'Wear Ghana Month' campaign with the aim of promoting and showcasing the rich heritage of Ghanaian fashion. The campaign organised by the National Commission on Culture (NCC) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is also to support local designers and artisans every year in the month of March. During the month- long celebration various activities and events would be organised to highlight the beauty and diversity in Ghanaian fashion, including fashion shows, pop-up shops, exhibitions, workshops, and panel discussions. Designers and brands from Ghana would also be given a platform to showcase their latest collections and connect with a wider audience. Speaking at the launch, in Accra Mrs Bawumia said one of the main goals of the 'Wear Ghana Month' was to encourage people to support and buy locally-made products. She said by promoting Ghanaian fashion, it helps in crea ting awareness about the importance of sustainable and ethical fashion practices, adding that it would boost the local economy and support small businesses in the fashion industry. 'In addition to promoting Ghanaian fashion, Wear Ghana Month also celebrates the country's rich cultural heritage. Traditional Ghanaian clothing, such as Kente cloth and Adinkra symbols, are often featured in the designs showcased during the event. This helps to preserve and promote Ghanaian culture and traditions,' she added. Mrs Bamumia indicated that the month was a celebration of Ghanaian fashion and culture, bringing together designers, artisans, fashion enthusiasts, and the public, saying it was a time to appreciate the beauty and creativity of Ghanaian fashion.? 'Whether you are a fashion lover or simply interested in learning more about Ghanaian culture, Wear Ghana Month is a must-attend event that celebrates the best of Ghanaian fashion.' Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, an d Caretaker Minister, MoTAC, stated that the initiative was not just about promoting the Ghanaian? local industries, but also celebrating the rich cultural heritage and supporting the economy. 'When we choose to wear Ghanaian-made products, we are not only showcasing our national pride, but we are also contributing to the growth of our local businesses and the creation of job opportunities for our people.' He added that 'by supporting our local artisans, designers, and manufacturers, we are helping to preserve our traditional craftsmanship and promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry.'?? He said wearing Ghanaian-made products described us as people and a reflection of our unique identity.? Mr Asamoah Boateng noted that 'it was a way for Ghanaians to tell the world that we are proud of our heritage and that we value the skills and talents of our local artisans and also a way for us to show our support for the growth and development of the country.' He appealed to Ghanaians to come together to support the local industries and promote the Ghanaian cultural heritage. 'Let us show the world the beauty and diversity of Ghanaian fashion' he added. Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, Executive Director, NCC, said, 'the Centres for National Culture, entrusted with the responsibility of organising and hosting the 2024 edition of the 'Wear Ghana Month' would be transformed into cultural hubs, bringing together artisans, designers, performers and enthusiasts to engage in a collective celebration of Ghana's cultural identity. This, he said, would serve as a beacon, guiding Ghana towards a future where the Ghanaian fashion industry would flourish on the global stage, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of? designers, artisans and entrepreneurs. Nana Acheampong urged Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of unity and collaboration, nurturing the talents and empowering the communities. Source: Ghana News Agency