Ghanaians Emigrating for Opportunities Abroad, Not Government Dissatisfaction – Gideon Boako

Dr. Gideon Boako, spokesperson for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has dismissed assertions that disillusionment with the government is prompting Ghanaians to leave the country, labeling such allegations as misleading.

Speaking on Point Blank with Selorm Adonoo on Eyewitness News, Citi FM, Dr. Boako addressed perceptions that a notable number of Ghanaians are emigrating due to discontent with the current administration.

He argued that these claims lack foundation and misrepresent the true state of affairs in Ghana, undermining the government’s efforts.

Dr. Boako highlighted the positive aspects of the situation, pointing out an increase in cross-border trade as one of the reasons for Ghanaian migration.

The spokesperson emphasized the need for a balanced perspective on the issue, asserting that while Ghanaians seek opportunities abroad, it does not necessarily indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the government.

Edinaman Celebrates as Lagoon Fishing Ban is Lifted

The Omanhen of the Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, alongside his chief priests, performed traditional rites at the Benya Lagoon to mark the lifting of the fishing ban. The ceremony included casting a fishing net three times, with the first catch presented to the Omanhen and then to the dignitaries in attendance.

The event attracted hundreds of people, including tourists and local residents. Dignitaries such as the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng; Central Regional Minister, Justina Marigold Assan; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey; CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman; and Head of the Local Government Service, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur, were present

Women’s groups displayed canoes and wore colorful Tekua headgear, while a regatta added excitement to the occasion.

President Akufo-Addo in attendance, assured the public that the government would ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent general election on December 7. He emphasized that elections should not incite violence and highlighted Ghana’s achievements in democratic governance, urging citizens to maintain peace.

The President also pledged to de-silt the Benya Lagoon and provide a bus for Edinaman SHS. Additionally, he presented drinks and GH¢50,000 to the Edina Traditional Council

Omanhen Nana Kodwo Conduah VI called for the establishment of a fund to support festival celebrations. He urged the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to collaborate in promoting festivals to maximize their economic potential. He also requested that a portion of the royalties from the Elmina Castle proceeds be allocated to the traditional council.

The Omanhen commended the government for constructing the Elmina Fishing Harbour, a long-desired facility in the area.

Senegal’s President Diomaye Faye Appoints Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister

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Senegal’s top opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, right, and his key ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye address supporters in Dakar, Senegal, Friday March 15, 2024.  –  credit: © africanews

In a historic moment for Senegal, President Diomaye Faye, at 44 years old, assumed office on Tuesday, marking the inauguration of Africa’s youngest elected leader. Faye’s ascension to power represents a remarkable journey from incarceration to the presidential palace in a matter of weeks.

The recent election, which tested Senegal’s standing as a stable democracy in West Africa, saw Faye emerge victorious. His swift rise to prominence comes against a backdrop of political turmoil, with the region grappling with coups and attempted coups in recent years.

Faye’s political journey took a dramatic turn less than two weeks before the election when he and his mentor, the popular opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, were released from prison. Their freedom came as part of a political amnesty announced by outgoing President Macky Sall, following months of protests sparked by their arrests.

During the protests, which saw widespread participation and garnered international attention, rights groups reported dozens of casualties and the arrest of around 1,000 individuals. Concerns had been raised over Sall’s potential bid for a third term, despite existing term limits, fueling the unrest.

In his inaugural address, President Faye paid tribute to those who lost their lives or were detained during the protests, pledging to champion greater sovereignty for Senegal while prioritizing economic prosperity. He acknowledged the electorate’s desire for systemic change, signaling his commitment to addressing the grievances of Senegal’s youth, who have expressed frustration with the country’s trajectory.

Faye, a former tax inspector, assumed his first elected office as president, symbolizing a shift in leadership that resonates with the aspirations of Senegal’s youthful population. His rapid ascent underscores a broader sentiment across Africa, where a burgeoning youth demographic seeks to challenge entrenched political systems and foster inclusive governance.

Financial Struggles Keep Over 137,000 SHS 1 Students in Western North from Reporting to School

In the Western North Region, more than 137,000 Senior High School (SHS) 1 students are facing delays in commencing their academic journey due to financial constraints, as reported by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS).

Despite the official reopening for fresh SHS students on December 4, 2023, just over half of the students placed in schools within the Western North Region have yet to attend classes. The primary obstacle is the financial hardship experienced by parents, with a significant number being cocoa farmers.

Nana Amo Amankwah, the President of CHASS in the Western North Region, expressed his concerns during an interview with Citi News. He emphasized that the situation is worrying, with some schools having only a little over 50% of the admitted students present.

Mr. Amankwah urged the students to prioritize reporting to school over concerns about meeting all the requirements outlined in the prospectus. He assured them that the government has made provisions for a smooth academic session, including the availability of mattresses in many schools.

In an effort to shed light on the financial burden faced by parents, a study conducted by Africa Education Watch, an educational civil society organization, revealed that the expenses incurred for prospectuses and other items surpassed the costs covered by the government under the Free Senior High School program.

According to the education think tank, parents spent GH¢2,477 on prospectuses for their wards in boarding schools. Additionally, an extra GH¢4,000 was expended on various personal items, including provisions (60%), transportation (10%), books (10%), upkeep (10%), and personal effects such as toiletries and sanitary pads (10%) during the 2023/2024 academic year.

The plea from education authorities is for students to prioritize their education and disregard concerns about fully meeting the prospectus requirements, as the government has taken steps to ensure a conducive learning environment.

Source: Citi news

Legitimate Ways to Make Money Online: Dropshipping, Print-on-Demand, Affiliate Marketing and YouTube

Making money online has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to supplement their income or even replace their 9-to-5 jobs. While there are plenty of ideas floating around about how to get rich quick, many of them are ineffective or even scams. However, there are legitimate ways to make money online, and they have been proven to work for thousands of people. In this blog post, we will explore four of the most viable methods for generating income online: dropshipping, print-on-demand, affiliate marketing, and YouTube.

Dropshipping: A Proven Business Model

Dropshipping is a type of business model where you sell products to customers, but the product is stored, packaged, and shipped to the customer on your behalf by the dealer. It is a legitimate way to make money online, with many successful entrepreneurs making significant profits through this method. By using the dropshipping functionality that Shopify provides, you can access thousands of products to add to your shop. Some dropshipping applications for Shopify even allow you to personalize your product photographs and descriptions, giving your business a unique touch.

Print-on-Demand: Lower Overhead Costs

Print-on-demand is another popular way to generate income online. It is similar to dropshipping in that the business owner does not need to maintain an inventory or send out shipments to clients. One advantage of print-on-demand is that you can design your own personalized items, which can help your business stand out. Many companies that provide print-on-demand services also sell products that can be easily printed, such as t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. To make the most of your print-on-demand business, you can advertise and market your products for free on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.

Affiliate Marketing: A Risk-Free Endeavor

Affiliate marketing is a type of internet marketing where you receive a commission for referring customers to other businesses. You can earn a commission on retail items, software, applications, and other types of digital and physical goods. While the amount of money you earn through affiliate marketing may seem small, you can work as an affiliate for several companies and include several different affiliate links in a single blog article. To be successful with affiliate marketing, it is best to focus on content marketing and create high-quality blog articles that strategically place affiliate links.

YouTube: A Viable Option

Creating your own channel on YouTube can also be a legitimate way to make money online. There are many examples of YouTubers who have made a fortune by creating and sharing content on the platform. To be successful on YouTube, you need to create engaging and unique content that will attract subscribers and advertisers. You can monetize your YouTube channel through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

In conclusion, there are many legitimate ways to make money online. Dropshipping, print-on-demand, affiliate marketing, and YouTube are just a few examples of proven methods for generating income on the internet. While there is no shortcut to success, with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve financial success through these methods.

Zimbabwe introduces gold coins to stave off rising inflation.

The Central Bank of Zimbabwe has introduced gold coins to curb rising inflation amid a monetary downturn.

 Its main interest rate this month increased  to 200% after the annual rate of inflation rose above 190%.

Each coin will for production costs be priced at the international market rate for an ounce of gold plus 5%.

According to Zimbabwe Central Bank Governor John Mangudia, you can use them in stores, If you have enough coins.

 The coin called “Mosi-oa-Tunya” means “The Smoke Which Thunders” and refers to Victoria Falls, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

As of Friday, an ounce was worth about $1,724 (£1,435).

The Zimbabwean dollar this year has been devalued against major currencies.

The country recalls the economic upheavals of the era of Robert Mugabe, who ruled for almost 40 years.

 Decision was made to abandon the Zimbabwean dollar and use foreign currencies, especially the US dollar in 2009 due to hyperinflation.

The government stopped publishing official inflation data during the worst of the crisis.

The local currency was reintroduced 10 years later, but quickly depreciated again.