The Minister for Health, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, has clarified that the mandatory health insurance policy for non-resident visitors is a proposal by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which is yet to be approved by the cabinet.

Earlier reports indicated that From 1st July 2024, foreign nationals who arrive in Ghana will have to take up a compulsory health insurance policy of between $45 and $270 before being admitted into Ghana.

However, in a press release dated Tuesday, 18 June 2024 and signed by the Health Minister, Dr Bernard Okoe, the Ministry of Health clarified that the “recent announcement regarding mandatory health insurance policy for non-resident visitors is a proposal from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and not a policy of government.”

“While the proposal aims to ensure that foreign nationals have access to healthcare during their stay in Ghana, it is important to note that it has not yet been discussed or approved by Cabinet.

“We urge the public to disregard any misinformation that may suggest that the policy has been finalised and its mode of implementation settled,” the statement by the Health Minister read.

“We assure the public that any policy and its implementation shall be thoroughly scrutinized and taken through all necessary protocols to establish its benefits for the people of Ghana before being settled on,” the Health Minister’s statement further read

Representatives of Fidelity Bank and GIRSAL

Fidelity Bank Ghana has received two prestigious awards from the Ghana Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Project (GIRSAL) for its contributions to agricultural lending in Ghana.

The bank was named the Most Responsive Partner Financial Institution of the Year and earned the Highest Staff Participation in GIRSAL’s Agricultural and Agribusiness Finance Training Program.

Fidelity Bank’s collaboration with GIRSAL, initiated in July 2019, has significantly strengthened the bank’s position in the agricultural space. Through this partnership, the bank has provided guarantees for facilities and technical expertise on a case-by-case basis, resulting in a robust Agric portfolio.

The bank has played a vital role in supporting various actors within the agricultural ecosystem, including input providers, primary producers, aggregators, processors, and exporters. Fidelity Bank has leveraged GIRSAL’s expertise to navigate challenges, providing funding of GH¢135 million across various value chains in the sector.

The “Most Responsive Partner Financial Institution of the Year” award recognises Fidelity Bank’s steadfast dedication to agility and proactive problem-solving.

This dedication was exemplified during the Akosombo Dam spillage last year, when the bank swiftly collaborated with GIRSAL to provide crucial assistance to affected clients.

Fidelity Bank’s prompt action, fueled by deep industry knowledge and seamless collaboration with GIRSAL’s technical expertise, ensured rapid and effective support for its clients, solidifying its position as a reliable partner in navigating unexpected challenges.

Additionally, Fidelity Bank’s commitment to continuous learning and skill development is unparalleled in the sector, reflecting in its record-breaking participation in GIRSAL’s training programmes.

This unwavering commitment to employee development earned Fidelity the well-deserved recognition of “Highest Staff Participation in GIRSAL’s Agricultural and Agribusiness Finance Training Programme,” solidifying its position as a leader in building a skilled and empowered workforce for the agricultural sector.

Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Julian Opuni, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to working alongside GIRSAL to drive positive change.

“We are committed to growing the agriculture sector to ensure that, as an indigenous bank, Fidelity will be at the forefront of impacting the agriculture sector,” he stated.

He reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s dedication to doing more, emphasizing the potential within agriculture cannot be underestimated.

The awards serve as a significant milestone in Fidelity Bank’s journey to empower the Ghanaian agricultural sector.

A business desk report

The global economy is poised to slow this year before rebounding next year. Growth will remain weak by historical standards, as the fight against inflation and Russia’s war in Ukraine weigh on activity.

Despite these headwinds, the outlook is less gloomy than in our October forecast, and could represent a turning point, with growth bottoming out and inflation declining.

Economic growth proved surprisingly resilient in the third quarter of last year, with strong labour markets, robust household consumption and business investment, and better-than-expected adaptation to the energy crisis in Europe. Inflation, too, showed improvement, with overall measures now decreasing in most countries—even if core inflation, which excludes more volatile energy and food prices, has yet to peak in many countries.

Elsewhere, China’s sudden re-opening paves the way for a rapid rebound in activity. And global financial conditions have improved as inflation pressures started to abate. This, and a weakening of the US dollar from its November high, provided some modest relief to emerging and developing countries.

Accordingly, we have slightly increased our 2022 and 2023 growth forecasts. Global growth will slow from 3.4 per cent in 2022 to 2.9 per cent in 2023 then rebound to 3.1 per cent in 2024.

For advanced economies, the slowdown will be more pronounced, with a decline from 2.7 per cent last year to 1.2 per cent and 1.4 per cent this year and next. Nine out of 10 advanced economies will likely decelerate.

US growth will slow to 1.4 per cent in 2023 as Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes work their way through the economy. Euro area conditions are more challenging despite signs of resilience to the energy crisis, a mild winter, and generous fiscal support. With the European Central Bank tightening monetary policy, and a negative terms-of-trade shock—due to the increase in the price of its imported energy—we expect growth to bottom out at 0.7 per cent this year.

Emerging market and developing economies have already bottomed out as a group, with growth expected to rise modestly to 4 and 4.2 per cent this year and next.

The restrictions and COVID-19 outbreaks in China dampened activity last year. With the economy now re-opened, we see growth rebounding to 5.2 per cent this year as activity and mobility recover.

India remains a bright spot. Together with China, it will account for half of global growth this year, versus just a tenth for the US and euro area combined. Global inflation is expected to decline this year but even by 2024, projected average annual headline and core inflation will still be above pre-pandemic levels in more than 80 per cent of countries.

The risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside, even if adverse risks have moderated since October and some positive factors gained in relevance.

On the downside:

• China’s recovery could stall amid greater-than-expected economic disruptions from current or future waves of COVID-19 infections or a sharper-than-expected slowdown in the property sector.

• Inflation could remain stubbornly high amid continued labour-market tightness and growing wage pressures, requiring tighter monetary policies and a resulting sharper slowdown in activity

• An escalation of the war in Ukraine remains a major threat to global stability that could destabilise energy or food markets and further fragment the global economy.

• A sudden repricing in financial markets, for instance, in response to adverse inflation surprises, could tighten financial conditions, especially in emerging markets and developing economies.

On the upside:

• Strong household balance sheets, together with tight labour markets and solid wage growth could help sustain private demand, although potentially complicating the fight against inflation.

• Easing supply-chain bottlenecks and labour markets cooling due to falling vacancies could allow for a softer landing, requiring less monetary tightening.

Policy priorities

The inflation news is encouraging, but the battle is far from won. Monetary policy has started to bite, with a slowdown in new home construction in many countries. Yet, inflation-adjusted interest rates remain low or even negative in the euro area and other economies, and there is significant uncertainty about both the speed and effectiveness of monetary tightening in many countries.

Where inflation pressures remain too elevated, central banks need to raise real policy rates above the neutral rate and keep them there until underlying inflation is on a decisive declining path. Easing too early risks undoing all the gains achieved so far.

The financial environment remains fragile, especially as central banks embark on an uncharted path toward shrinking their balance sheets. It will be important to monitor the build-up of risks and address vulnerabilities, especially in the housing sector or in the less-regulated non-bank financial sector. Emerging market economies should let their currencies adjust as much as possible in response to the tighter global monetary conditions. Where appropriate, foreign exchange interventions or capital flow measures can help smooth volatility that’s excessive or not related to economic fundamentals.

Many countries responded to the cost-of-living crisis by supporting people and businesses with broad and untargeted policies that helped cushion the shock. Many of these measures have proved costly and increasingly unsustainable. Countries should instead adopt targeted measures that conserve fiscal space, allow high energy prices to reduce demand for energy, and avoid overly stimulating the economy.

Supply-side policies also have a role to play. They can help remove key growth constraints, improve resilience, ease price pressures and foster the green transition. These would help alleviate the accumulated output losses since the beginning of the pandemic, especially in emerging and low-income economies.

Finally, the forces of geoeconomic fragmentation are growing. We must buttress multilateral cooperation, especially on fundamental areas of common interest such as international trade, expanding the global financial safety net, public health preparedness and the climate transition.

This time around, the global economic outlook hasn’t worsened. That’s good news, but not enough. The road back to a full recovery, with sustainable growth, stable prices and progress for all, is only starting. 

Former Asante Kotoko player, Etouga Franck Mbella, has reiterated that he has no regrets about leaving the club.

The Cameroonian forward joined the Ghana Premier League side on a two-year deal from Fortuna du Mfou before the start of the 2021/22 season.

Mbella scored 21 goals in his debut season for the Porcupine Warriors and became the fans’ favourite.

His goals assisted the club to annex the 2021/22 Premier League under Prosper Nartey Ogum.

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“I made a choice to leave Asante Kotoko after helping them win the league title and I do not regret any decision to leave the team,” he told Ghanasportspage.com.

“I’m a professional player and I stay focused to attain my goals in life. Currently, my focus is on Al Masry and to help the team win glories,” he added.

The Cameroonian forward, following his explosive performance in the Ghana Premier League, joined Al Masry in the Egyptian League on a permanent deal in a deal worth $400,000.

Asiedu Nketiah

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed its strong opposition to the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to discontinue the use of indelible ink in the upcoming 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Ghana.

The party argues that the integrity of the voter register remains questionable, and the removal of indelible ink would open doors for fraudulent activities that could compromise the integrity of Ghana’s elections.

During a news conference in Accra, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the NDC, emphasized that the indelible ink is an important component of Ghana’s electoral process as it visibly, transparently, and physically verifies voters in addition to the biometric verification system.

He questioned why the Electoral Commission would choose to remove such a tried and tested verification system that adds credibility to the electoral process.

Nketiah explained the significance of indelible ink in preventing multiple voting, especially in cases of apathy.

He stated that in the event of a malfunction of the biometric verification devices (BVDs), the stain of indelible ink on a voter’s finger is the surest and quickest way to identify potential criminals attempting to vote more than once. Removing the ink would make it easier for individuals to exploit the electoral process and allow pliant Electoral Commission officials to disregard the register and let voters cast their ballots regardless of their eligibility.

The NDC reminded the Electoral Commission of previous instances where electoral officers were caught interfering in the voting process during District Level Elections. With the manual verification system still in place and the integrity of the voter register being questioned, the NDC believes that the application of indelible ink is vital to maintain the credibility of Ghana’s elections.

The NDC’s opposition to the removal of indelible ink raises concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process in Ghana. As the 2024 elections approach, the fate of indelible ink and its impact on voter verification and prevention of fraudulent activities remains a contentious issue between the NDC and the Electoral Commission.

By Vincent Kubi

New Patriotic Party parliamentary hopeful in the Yendi constituency, Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah, has alleged that an official of the Electoral Commission (EC) attempted to pocket some ballot papers with her name in his pockets.

She accused the EC official, whose name is not readily known, of taking that action to reduce her votes.

Violence erupted in the Yendi constituency on Saturday, January 27, 2024, during the counting of ballots.

The poll was between the incumbent Yendi MP, Farouk Aliu Mahama, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Hajia Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah.

During an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Hajia Abibata believed that there was an error during the counting of the votes.

“The problem started when it got to sorting, and it was not done in a very transparent manner. They [EC] asked the media to move away, and they cordoned themselves. Nobody could see what they were sorting. In the course of counting, the EC officer got to 69 and then jumped to 80. Everybody was oh oh, that was when someone drew the attention of our team that one of the EC officials was hoarding my ballot papers and destroying them.”

She said the EC official denied the claims when he was confronted about his actions, stressing that it led to the chaos.

“An ink was found in the jacket of the EC official who hoarded my ballot papers, suppressing them and putting them in his pockets. When my brother asked him what he was doing, he said he was not doing anything. There are videos to this effect; he was reducing my ballot papers for whatever reason, I don’t know. That infuriated some of my supporters, and that led to the chaos,” she recounted.

Hajia Abibata Zakariah indicated that the NPP doesn’t have a parliamentary candidate in Yendi yet because the counting process was disrupted.

“There was chaos, ballot papers were destroyed. We don’t have a candidate for Yendi because counting was not concluded, and ballot papers were destroyed. Whatever happened in Yendi was not transparent in terms of sorting,” she pointed out.

She has petitioned the party leadership over the issue.

A national 3rd vice-chairman, regional organizer, regional general secretary, and regional treasurer of the NPP in the Northern region declared the incumbent MP Farouk Mahama as the parliamentary candidate-elect.

But the EC, in a statement, distanced itself from the Yendi results, adding that the results have not been declared yet.

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Julian Opuni

Fidelity Bank Managing Director, Julian Opuni, has highlighted the impact of the Ghana Card on the financial sector.

Sharing his perspectives on key issues impacting Ghana’s financial sector during an interview with Oxford Business Group said the Ghana Card has had significant contributions to the financial sector, particularly in enhancing security measures and combating fraud.

He emphasized the card’s state-of-the-art biometric features, real-time data capabilities, and seamless integration with existing systems, as key in promoting accurate Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance and anti-money laundering efforts.

Moreover, Mr. Opuni underscored the card’s role in facilitating digital transactions and mobile banking, heralding a shift towards a more cashless and inclusive society.

He remarked, ‘‘Traditional and financial technology (fintech) institutions can leverage the comprehensive database to offer diverse financial services, promoting cashless transactions.

These advancements contribute to a more inclusive financial ecosystem by removing barriers to entry, especially for the economically disadvantaged. By streamlining the online and in-person account opening process, the Ghana Card provides accessible formal identification, particularly for those in remote areas”

Mr. Opuni reiterated Fidelity Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion as a cornerstone of economic growth and equality.

He outlined the bank’s comprehensive approach, encompassing technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and financial literacy initiatives to extend access to underserved communities.

Mr. Opuni remarked, “A dedicated focus on financial literacy and education programmes ensures that access to services is complemented by informed decision-making. Empowering communities with financial knowledge foster a culture of saving and responsible financial behavior”.

He emphasized the importance of tailoring products for diverse segments, simplifying account opening processes, and leveraging agency banking networks to expand reach, particularly in rural areas.

Mr. Opuni expressed confidence in the country’s financial future, envisioning a collaborative ecosystem where stakeholders work together to offer diverse products and services to previously excluded segments.

With the Ghana Card serving as a catalyst for innovation and inclusion, Mr. Opuni foresees a more secure and equitable financial landscape, poised to drive sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

By Samuel Boadi

Louisa Atta-Agyemang 

PRESIDENT Akufo-Addo has appointed Mrs. Louisa Atta-Agyemang as the Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

The appointment letter, dated December 13, 2023, is headlined ‘Appointment as Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) of National Health Insurance Authority’.

Part of the content of letter also reads, “Pursuant to Section 15 (1) (c) of the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852), I am pleased to inform you that the President has appointed you to act as the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations of the National Health Insurance Authority (the “Authority”) pending receipt of the constitutionally required advice of the governing Board of the Authority, given in consultation with the Public Services Commission.”

The President, in the letter, which was written and signed by Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to the President, said, “I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment.”

The letter further urged Mrs. Louisa Atta-Agyemang “to kindly indicate your acceptance of the appointment within 14 days of receipt of this letter,” adding that “Please accept the President’s best wishes.”

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi

Nana Yaw Osei Darkwa, Founder of the Green Republic, has stated that Ghana has an environmental crisis due to how the nation discriminately destroys its forests.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Climate Benefit Ball under the theme ‘Reversing the Climate Trends, No Future without Trees’, Mr. Darkwa said that the current environmental crisis poses a national security threat to the country.

“Ghana has recklessly destroyed the very forests which provide security of absorbing the emissions which get stuck in the atmosphere leading to the abnormal levels of pollution we are currently experiencing.

No wonder reports of deaths of very young, energetic people have become so rampant from strange diseases, including respiratory and devastating heart conditions. We are indeed in an environmental crisis as a nation, one which poses a national security threat,” he disclosed.

According to him, Ghana was recently ranked 7th most polluted nation globally, a worrying position.

“No wonder our beloved Ghana was recently ranked the 7th most polluted nation in the world. I do not know how we individually processed that information, but my advice is this, if you took it as one of those normal findings, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we would be doing grave injustice to ourselves and our children’s children,” he said.

A ten-year-old student of Pioneer International Academy, Aseda Acheampomaa Bekoe, who is a climate change ambassador, implored leaders, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles – guardians of the future generation to safeguard the Earth, making it a beautiful and secure home for all. According to her, preserving the planet will also protect our future.

Speaking at the event, the Australia High Commissioner to Ghana Mrs Berenice Owen-Jones who was Special Guest of Honor at the event urged Ghanaians and the global community to come together and help turn around the situation in the country through sustainable-driven consciousness and behavior.