Category: News

Further to an April 2024 pledge by the Presidents of the African Development Bank and the World Bank to bring electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030, the Tanzanian port city of Dar es Salaam has been selected to host an Africa Heads of State Energy Summit on 28 January 2025.

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For the second consecutive time, Merck Foundation has been voted Avance Media’s 2024 NGO of the Year after securing the majority of votes in the Avance Media Honours initiative, which recognizes 10 leading NGOs contributing to community empowerment across Africa.

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Are you an aspiring writer with dreams of turning your passion into a successful career? Look no further! Terry Mante, the celebrated author and writing expert, is hosting an exclusive Authorpreneurship Workshop that promises to be a game-changer for your writing journey.

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Event Details:

• Date: October 12, 2024
• Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Venue: Airport West Hotel, Accra, Ghana

What’s in Store for You?

1. Practical Strategies for Success: Terry Mante will share battle-tested strategies to build a profitable writing career. From crafting compelling narratives to navigating the publishing industry, you’ll gain actionable insights that can transform your writing trajectory.
2. Insider Publishing and Marketing Tips: Learn the secrets behind successful book launches and effective marketing campaigns. Terry will demystify the world of publishing, helping you make informed decisions about your work.
3. Monetize Beyond Books: It’s not just about writing novels anymore! Discover innovative ways to monetize your content—whether it’s through freelance writing, blogging, or creating online courses. Terry will show you how to diversify your income streams.
4. Network with Fellow Authors: Connect with like-minded writers, exchange ideas, and form valuable relationships. The workshop provides a unique opportunity to expand your professional network.

Claim Your Spot Now!

Only 6 lucky followers can benefit from a special 20% discount. Here’s how to secure your place:

1. Visit bit.ly/terrymante
2. Use code WUNDEF during registration to unlock your discount.

Remember, it’s first come, first served! Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from one of the best in the industry. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a content creator, or a seasoned writer, Terry Mante’s workshop is a must-attend event.

As part of its 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine has announced the launch of the Obuasi Entrepreneurship and Innovation Challenge. This initiative, set to begin this year, aims to identify and support talented youth within the Obuasi area who have innovative and potentially profitable business ideas. Through the programme, AngloGold Ashanti seeks to empower local entrepreneurs and help turn their ideas into sustainable, operational businesses.

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The Mastercard Foundation is expanding its long-standing partnerships with the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) and the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) to support over 70,400 young women and girls facing the most significant financial and social barriers to education and building a livelihood. These initiatives are expected to benefit 3.3 million young women and men.

The Mastercard Foundation will support young women in their pathways through education, entrepreneurship or entering the world of work with an additional $360 million investment over the next seven years.

The investment to CAMFED over the next six years will support the transition of 62,000 girls in Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Malawi into secondary and tertiary education, employment, and entrepreneurship while partnering to improve education systems for millions of young people.

The extended seven-year FAWE and Mastercard Foundation partnership will bolster access to tertiary education, post-secondary technical vocational and educational training (TVET), and job opportunities for over 10,500 young people, primarily in Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Ghana, Liberia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Senegal. The program includes bursaries for participants starting new businesses or innovating within existing businesses. The expanded partnership will increase the number of post-secondary school programs supported by FAWE to over 500 accredited tertiary institutions in Africa, benefiting an estimated 1.2 million young women.

“We’re incredibly proud to deepen our collaboration with CAMFED and FAWE, building on years of shared commitment to supporting girls across Africa to complete their education and gain the skills they need to become transformative changemakers within their communities,” said Tina Muparadzi, Executive Director of Education & Transitions at the Mastercard Foundation. “Currently contributing just 11 percent of Africa’s GDP, the continent’s young women have huge potential to drive its economic transition. We believe this partnership will be pivotal in establishing the inclusive and equitable environment required to fully unlock this opportunity, enabling the most vulnerable and underserved girls in society to thrive.” 

This partnership expands more than a decade of collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and CAMFED, which have worked together to improve access to secondary and higher education for over 35,000 young women facing the highest financial and social barriers. It has also created opportunities for a further 35,000 young women to access dignified and fulfilling work.

Reflecting on this continued partnership, Angeline Murimirwa, CEO, CAMFED, said, “CAMFED is thrilled to embark on the next phase of our long-standing collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation. This investment supercharges our ambitious vision for 2030 as we support millions more girls in rural Africa to thrive in secondary school, graduate into secure livelihoods and leadership, and in turn, mentor and support the next generation, multiplying partner investment. With the commitment of every member of our global movement, we can transform education systems and economies across Africa, driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

The Foundation launched its partnership with FAWE in 2013 as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The partnership was established to provide 1,200 secondary education scholarships for girls in Rwanda and 600 girls in Ethiopia. Since then, over 70 percent of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars have transitioned into tertiary education, and 300 enterprises have been established through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund.

Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of FAWE Africa, underscored the importance of continuing this work: “This collaboration reaffirms FAWE’s shared vision with the Foundation’s Young African Works strategy and the Africa Union strategy for employment of the youth. We are particularly thrilled to see this program expand from three countries to 10, a clear testament of its impact and potential. We are confident, with support from partners such as the Foundation, we will scale to reach all our 34 chapters across Africa. Education, skills development, and leadership will remain our priority to prepare the current generation to lead, innovate, and drive positive change across the continent.” 

These partnerships with CAMFED and FAWE will significantly accelerate the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young Africans, especially girls, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

For additional information on this story or an interview with a Mastercard Foundation spokesperson, please contact: zvg@wimbart.com 

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of the Mastercard Foundation.

Tech Product of the Day: Amazfit Cheetah Pro

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Mama Money is thrilled to announce the return of the Mama Money GhanaFest, now in its 10th edition, taking place on Saturday, 14 September 2024 at Fountains Valley, Pretoria. This year’s festival promises to be a bigger and more dynamic celebration, bringing together African diaspora communities from across South Africa for a day of music, dance, food, culture, and connection.

Headlined by King Paluta and Ofori Amponsah, flown in directly from Ghana, the festival is free to attend and offers a full day of entertainment, cultural experiences, and exciting cash prizes. With a focus on celebrating the rich heritage of not only Ghanaians but all diaspora communities in South Africa including Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Malawians, Ugandans, Tanzanians, Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, and many more, GhanaFest has become a flagship event for the diverse communities that co-exist in South Africa.

What you need to know: 

• Date & Venue: Saturday, 14 September 2024, Fountains Valley, Pretoria (10 AM – 6 PM)
• Headline Performers: King Paluta and Ofori Amponsah, top artists from Ghana
• Cultural Showcase: Traditional clothing, textiles, food stalls, and products for sale. 
• Cash Prize Giveaway: R10,000 loaded onto a Mama Money Card, plus 10 additional prizes of R1,000 each! Available to new and current Mama Money customers. 
• Mama Money Card Activation: Get your bank card on-site with just a valid passport
• Free Entry: All are welcome to celebrate the diversity and unity of African cultures.

This year’s GhanaFest is set to be a cultural extravaganza, featuring live performances, vibrant displays of traditional clothing and textiles, and delicious West African cuisine. The event will attract over 6,000 attendees from a variety of nationalities, all coming together to celebrate the diversity and unity of Africa’s rich cultural heritage in South Africa.

“We’re proud to be able to give back to the communities we serve and to host a free festival that celebrates diverse cultures and the positive impact that these communities have in South Africa,” said Mathieu Coquillon, Co-founder of Mama Money. “We believe in creating opportunities for people to connect with their loved ones in South Africa and back home, and this festival is the perfect example of how culture, music, and community can bring people together. We are excited to be a part of this special celebration.”

Alongside the celebration, Mama Money is offering festival-goers the chance to win big with a grand prize of R10,000 loaded onto a Mama Money Card. Ten additional attendees will also win R1,000 each. The giveaway is open to all, whether they are existing Mama Money customers or new cardholders, with cards available for instant activation at the festival.

“As the Smart Superhighway for money movement around the world, Thunes aims to make it easier for FinTech companies to offer their customers a quick and transparent way to send money home affordably,” said Andrew Stewart, Chief Revenue Officer, Europe and Africa at Thunes. “Through our collaboration with Mama Money, we are helping the African diaspora strengthen their ties with their friends and families back home.”

GhanaFest 2024 promises to deliver a full day of excitement, with music, dance, and cultural performances celebrating not only the Ghanaian community but all African nationalities in South Africa. The festival will also feature local artists, cultural artifacts, and the best in West African cuisine.

Attendees can sign up for the Mama Money Card at the venue, providing a quick and easy way to access banking services. All you need is a valid passport to get started with a card that offers instant international money transfers at the lowest rates in the market, allowing customers to send money home to Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi and over 70 countries worldwide. 

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Mama Money

The Initiatives for Development and Education Ghana (IDEGh) has successfully concluded the first phase of its Community-led Biodiversity Improvement and Livelihood Transformation (CoBILT) Project, marking a significant milestone in the fight against climate change and deforestation in Ghana’s Central Region. The phase culminated in a stakeholder debriefing workshop held in Ajumako, where over 650 smallholder farmers, primarily cocoa growers, were celebrated for their commitment to sustainable farming practices and biodiversity enhancement.

Launched to address the alarming rates of agriculture-induced deforestation and its impact on climate change, the CoBILT Project is an ambitious three-phase initiative spanning six years. In its first phase, IDEGh mobilized, engaged, and trained farmers from 10 cocoa-growing communities in sustainable farm management and climate-smart agricultural practices. Each farmer was provided with timber tree species to plant on their farms, aligning with the government’s Cocoa and Forest Initiative, which aims to curb cocoa-driven deforestation in the country.

Dr. Jethro Asare Brobbey, co-founder of IDEGh, expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly the farmers who embraced the project’s training and community engagement activities. “The knowledge and skills acquired by these farmers are not just for today but for the future,” he remarked, urging them to prepare for the second phase, which promises to build on the successes of the first.

Gertrude Acquah, IDEGh’s Head of Projects, highlighted the comprehensive socioeconomic study conducted during the first phase. The study revealed a troubling decline in agricultural productivity linked to unsustainable farming practices and climate change. “Our approach has been holistic,” she explained. “We have formed restoration crews comprising 650 farmers, each led by a community member, to spearhead biodiversity restoration efforts.”

A total of 9,500 native tree seedlings have been planted by CoBILT Project beneficiaries. The next phase of the CoBILT Project aims to expand its reach, with an additional 850 farmers set to be trained in sustainable farming and biodiversity conservation. By the project’s end, IDEGh anticipates that 250,000 indigenous trees will have been planted across the three target districts, significantly enhancing local ecosystems and improving livelihoods.

Madam Akua Praba Ansah, a restoration crew leader, lauded the initiative, expressing optimism about the long-term benefits of the project. Reflecting on past farming practices, she noted, “There was a time when nature provided us with snails, mushrooms, and honey effortlessly. Today, these resources have become scarce, largely due to harmful agricultural practices. CoBILT offers us a chance to restore what we’ve lost.”

As IDEGh prepares to embark on the next phase of the CoBILT Project, the organization remains committed to its mission of empowering communities, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainability of Ghana’s natural resources.

In a world where academic achievement often takes centre stage, a growing appreciation for character education is gradually unfolding in Ghana’s classrooms. This transformative process seeks to redefine the very fabric of Ghana’s education, nurturing good character values in students and staff, and potentially breeding a new generation of transformed citizens. 

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In a pivotal step towards fostering environmental consciousness and public health awareness among the youth, Dream Hunt Ghana,Health impacts led by Dr. Christella Oppong-Amankwah , has launched a remarkable initiative under its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project. The focus of this initiative is Ebenezer Senior High School (Ebenezer SHS), where students are being actively engaged in understanding the critical links between climate change, health, and effective WASH practices.

Understanding the WASH Initiative

The WASH project, spearheaded by Dr.Oppong- Amankwah, aims to integrate climate change education with practical health solutions through improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. This holistic approach addresses the urgent need for students to understand how climate change can impact water resources, sanitation infrastructure, and ultimately, public health. By incorporating these elements into the educational curriculum, the project seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle these challenges effectively.

Interactive Learning at Ebenezer SHS

At Ebenezer SHS, the WASH project has transformed traditional classroom settings into dynamic learning environments. Dr. Amankwah and her team have organized workshops and hands-on activities that illustrate the real-world implications of climate change on water and sanitation systems. Students participate in practical exercises such as safe hand washing, water quality testing, and engaging in discussions on how climate-induced weather patterns can affect water availability and sanitation practices.

One notable aspect of the project is its emphasis on experiential learning. For instance, students are involved in monitoring and improving the school’s own water and sanitation facilities, which provides them with a direct understanding of the challenges and solutions related to WASH. This hands-on approach not only enhances their theoretical knowledge but also fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership towards maintaining and improving their local environment.

Linking Climate Change and Health

The WASH project also highlights the crucial connection between climate change and health. Dr. Oppong -Amankwah has emphasized that climate change can exacerbate health risks by altering water quality, increasing the prevalence of waterborne diseases, and affecting overall hygiene practices. Through interactive sessions and discussions, students learn how to identify and mitigate these health risks, thus bridging the gap between environmental changes and health outcomes.

Empowering Students as Change Agents

One of the key objectives of the WASH project is to empower students to become proactive agents of change within their communities. Dr. Amankwah’s initiative aims to inspire students to advocate for better water and sanitation practices and to raise awareness about climate change’s health impacts. This empowerment is vital for cultivating a new generation of leaders who can drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

Looking Forward

The WASH project at Ebenezer SHS represents a significant milestone in Dream Hunt Ghana’s broader mission to address climate change and public health challenges through education. Under Dr. Christella Oppong Amankwah’s leadership, the project continues to make strides in integrating climate awareness with practical WASH solutions, preparing students not only to understand these pressing issues but also to take meaningful action.

As the initiative progresses, it holds the promise of creating lasting impacts both within the school and in the wider community. By equipping students with the knowledge and tools to address climate change and health challenges, Dream Hunt Ghana is helping to shape a future where informed, responsible, and proactive young leaders are at the forefront of environmental and public health efforts.

In celebration of 15 years of serving customers across Ghana, MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) is marking this milestone with special offers designed to appreciate its loyal users. Since its inception, MoMo has transformed the way Ghanaians conduct financial transactions, becoming a cornerstone of mobile banking in the country.

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London – August 13, 2024 – Brian Reuben Projects International (BRPI), is proud to announce the appointment of Regina V. Roundtree-Wekesa as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Ms. Roundtree-Wekesa brings a wealth of experience and expertise in strategic engagements aimed at strengthening public and private institutions, fostering global partnerships, and driving sustainable development.

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Today, the world celebrates International Youth Day under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” where the focus is on the potential of digital technology in youth’s lives.  

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Obuasi, Ghana – A youth development practitioner has pointed out important shortcomings in Ghana’s youth policy, especially with regard to the extractive industry, as the world commemorates International Youth Day. The Center for Social Impact Studies’ (CeSIS) Executive Director, Robert Tanti Ali, exclusively discussed the difficulties faced by young Ghanaians in the field with our correspondent. He thinks that the widespread criticism and demonization of artisanal mining, for example, has caused many to ignore the industry’s substantial economic significance.

“Our current youth policy is woefully inadequate when it comes to preparing young people for opportunities in the extractive sector,” he stated. “Despite the sector’s importance to our economy, we are failing to equip our youth with the necessary skills and knowledge.”

Furthermore, he stated that although local content laws exist for the mining industry, they do not particularly address youth employment or growth. He views this as a lost chance to include young people in the industry. To him, there is a huge disconnect between the youth policy and what is happening in the extractive sector.

The CeSIS Director called on all relevant stakeholders to take urgent action. “On this International Youth Day, we are asking policymakers to address these gaps. It’s crucial for the sustainable development of our extractive sector and the future of our young people,” he concluded.  

He urged stakeholders to ensure that the National Youth Authority (NYA) is well resourced and given a seat on mining-related dialogues, especially in mining districts.

 

The observations highlight a crucial area for policy adjustment as Ghana continues to struggle with youth unemployment and underemployment. Closing these regulatory gaps could provide Ghana’s youth with substantial prospects, as the extractive sector is crucial to the nation’s economy.

 

The theme for this year’s celebration is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” The theme highlights the transformative power of digital technology in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.