Category: General

A delegation of auto investors from the United Kingdom (UK) is in the country to explore investment opportunities and partnerships that would lead to the growth of the automotive sector. The delegation, which included investors from Comline, Afrivolt, Meridian Generic, Spencer West LLP, Metfinn as well as representatives from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) arrived in the country on January 22. During the mission, which will end on January 26, the team will engage in high-level discussions with government and key stakeholders on investment incentives, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative initiatives to drive innovation in the auto industry. The mission will include series of meetings, site visits, and networking events, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and relationship-building between UK investors and Ghanaian counterparts. Madam Harriet Thompson, UK High Commissioner to Ghana, in collaboration with the Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Ghana team, hosted an eve nt to welcome the investors. She said with bilateral trade in goods and services between Ghana and the UK reaching £2.1 billion, Ghana remained a key partner of the UK as both countries worked to better the lives of citizens through wealth creation, job creation and poverty reduction. She said the UK government through the JET programme was not only seeking to explore opportunities in Ghana's automotive sector, but also work to shape the future of the sector as the world transitions to renewables. 'We are glad that we are already working with Ghanaian authorities to start introducing the policies that need to be in place, the skills that needs to be in place, in order that Ghana's auto sector survives and thrives through that transition,' she said. The delegation will also participate in a forum highlighting the potential for renewable energy integration within the automotive industry, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental sustainability. Mr Matthew Smith, SMMT Head of International and Head of the delegation, in an interview, said the size of a market opportunity was a key determinant for investing in a country and for that reason, the rollout of AfcFTA on the conitinent was crucial for investors . 'So, I think that if you have access to the Ghana market which is a significant growing market, that can make a huge difference,' he said. He highlighted the need for local support for information and the stability of business regulations to give investors the needed confidence. 'Investment in automotive can be quite a bit long term investment. So, companies need to be confident that the regulation will stay same,' he said. Mr Eugene Sangmortey, team leader for JET Ghana, said the auto investor trade mission to Ghana signified a commitment to fostering economic partnerships and exploring mutually beneficial opportunities. 'Ghana's vibrant market and strategic location makes it an attractive destination for UK auto investors seeking to expand their global footprint,' he said. JET in Ghana programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It is the UK Government flagship investment-led job creation programme that will help Ghana transition from aid dependence in line with government's 'Ghana beyond Aid' agenda. Source: Ghana News Agency

Two candidates are vying to win the seat of the Ettaamir imada in Ariana city in the run-off local elections. They are Khaled Farjaoui and Tarek Mili, who obtained 208 and 191 votes, respectively, in the first round. Tarek Mili promised to work to facilitate access to local services, launch new projects, foster employment for higher education graduates, take action to preserve the environment and provide assistance to deprived families. His electoral programme also calls for the creation of children's play spaces, enhanced security, better transport and the development of schools and a producer-to-consumer market. For his part, candidate Khaled Ferjaoui pledged to provide social security cover for jobseekers and support for people with special needs. On the economic front, he promised to endeavour to ensure better operation of the wholesale market, reopen the municipal abattoir, encourage young people to become entrepreneurs and set up a taxi rank at Ettaamir. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

The 9th International Short Film Panorama Festival will take place from February 6 to 10, at the Maghreb Culture Centre of Ibn Khaldoun in Tunis. During the event, a selection of short fictions, animation and documentary films, which do not exceed 26 minutes, will be screened. These films, which were produced in 2022 and 2023, represent Algeria, Egypt, Bulgaria, France, Denmark, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, United Kingdom, Syria, Turkey and Tunisia. Three symbolic prizes (trophies) will be awarded to the three best films in the selection. The jury will be chaired by actor M'hadheb Rmili. The International Short Film Panorama Festival is chaired by Kamel Ouij. Director Brahim Letaief has been named honorary president of this 2024 edition. Launched in December 2016 by the Association of Parents and Friends of the Disabled in Tunisia, this cinematographic event is organized, this year, with the support of the Regional Delegation of Cultural Affairs of Tunis. Source: Agen ce Tunis Afrique Presse WINDHOEK: Food items meant for the national drought relief programme have been reported stolen at Oshikango in the Ohangwena Region. The Office of the Prime Minister in a press release on Wednesday said the food items were stolen from the Oshikango warehouse. It said a case has been registered with the Namibian Police and the suspects have been apprehended. The OPM urges the public to refrain from buying drought relief items and to instead notify the Namibian Police of any suspicious sale of food items in their areas. 'The Office of the Prime Minister is urging all 14 regional councils to safeguard the drought relief food items and to ensure the timely distribution of these items to the intended beneficiaries,' it said. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Mr Abdul Karim Hudu, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Environmental Health Officer, has expressed concern about the growing incidence of typhoid among food vendors in the Metropolis. He has therefore called on all and sundry to take environmental safety issues seriously, and work to promote clean communities to ensure that lives are protected. Mr Hudu, told the Ghana News Agency that 40 food vendors, were seen with the typhoid condition among 4,500 who were screened by the Directorate. He said, 'We have sent samples further to Accra, and they would be vaccinated soon… all we are calling for is household and personal hygiene.' According to him, last year, the office visited 6,500 households, 200 industrial establishment, hospitality industries 180, health facilities 64 and 445 schools, 4,500 food vendors, water producers 65 and meat inspection in the abattoir to promote safety aside, pest control, weeding and community durbar. The department also buried 32 paupers brought from the Metropolitan Hospital popularly known as European Hospital. He noted, the Directorate pruned many trees posing danger to city dwellers and other climate change mitigation measures adopted. On open defecation, he said the Environmental task force arrested 50 persons along the coast with a spot fine. Mr Hudu said in 2024, the Directorate would intensify activities particularly 'the operation clean your surroundings campaign' adding, 'We are not public enemies, we are friends, it is your health we are after, don't fight us'. Source: Ghana News Agency

The Throne Temple Ministry, a church, has supported the Akropong School for the Blind with educational and non-educational materials to enhance teaching and learning activities. Mr Otu Amankwa, the Church Secretary, presented the items on behalf of the church at the school's premises last Wednesday. The educational materials included braille, three boxes of low-vision equipment, school bags, two boxes of pens, one box of pencils, and computer equipment specially made for visually impaired students. The non-educational materials also include 70 brand new sneakers, T-shirts, trousers, and used clothes. Mr Otu said the intention to support the school was conceived after he had extensive consultation with important stakeholders in the school, notably the board and management, to ascertain the immediate needs of the students. After the consultation, his outfit reached out to other donors, particularly the Institute of Human Development, to support the idea of donating to the Akropong School for the Blind, he said. Mr Otu said the computer equipment was essential to the students since it magnified the fonts of letters to assist readers who were visually impaired. He advised the school's administration and the students to fully harness the items and ensure sustainability. Mr. Gideon Doyi, Assistant Head Teacher, Akropong School for the Blind, thanked the Church for supporting the school and appealed for further assistance to enhance teaching and learning. He said the computer equipment would enhance computer literacy and encouraged the students to fully utilise the materials to facilitate their academic work. Nana Osae Adade, the Ahenena Hene of the Kuranti Divion in Akropong Akuapem, charged the management of the school to ensure that the equipment was protected to prolong their efficiency. He also advised the students to be enthusiastic about their academic work. Source: Ghana News Agency