Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Africa

  • AU Patners Novartis to Facilitate Affordable COVID-19-related Supplies to Africa

    AU Patners Novartis to Facilitate Affordable COVID-19-related Supplies to Africa

    Novartis and the African Union (AU) through the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) have announced a new collaboration to facilitate the supply of medicines from the Novartis Pandemic Response Portfolio to AU member-states and Caricom countries.

    AMSP portal is an online marketplace that enables the supply of COVID-19-related critical medical equipment in Africa. It was developed under the leadership of the AU Special Envoy, Strive Masiyiwa, and powered by Janngo, on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    The platform was also developed in partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

    The new collaboration would help alleviate supply and logistical constraints by ensuring efficient and rapid access to the pandemic portfolio medicines to African and Caricom governments.

    AU comprises 55 member-states, representing all the countries on the African continent, while 15 Caricom countries are eligible for the pandemic portfolio.

    “Our collaboration with AMSP is a continuation of our efforts at Novartis to combat COVID-19 across the world.

    “Together, we are aiming to accelerate and expand access to affordable essential medicines in Africa to meet the very urgent patient needs across the continent as it continues battling this pandemic,” said Chief Executive Officer of Novartis, Vas Narasimhan.

    AMSP was developed to ease the difficulties and open up the medical supplies market to Africa, and as part of the Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing (PACT) of Africa CDC.

    It’s designed to integrate African and globally vetted medical suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and transparency in the procurement and distribution of the COVID-19-related supplies.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Masiyiwa said: “Following the successful listing of test kits, personal protective equipment, and clinical management devices, the African Union Chairperson has expanded our mandate to include groundbreaking medicines to treat the COVID-19 patients in Africa.

    “As a global pharmaceutical leader, Novartis is a strategic partner for AMSP to unlock access to the latest and best-performing medicines for Africans in an affordable way.”

    There was a shortage of diagnostics, medical supplies and essential medical equipment such as personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, face masks, ventilators, and many others in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its spread worldwide.

    Many African governments had severe challenges with the procurement of essential supplies to support their response activities and face stiff competition with the more industrialised countries for the limited available supplies.

    “As a continental body, we are working with several partners to ensure smooth and predictable access to essential medical supplies.

    “We found that during the Ebola outbreak in 2014, many people died because of Ebola but not due to Ebola. This is because they did not have access to essential medicines needed for treatment.

    “With AMSP, countries don’t have to search the market for supplies. The prices are negotiated and fixed to unlock the supply space,” said Director of Africa CDC, John Nkengasong.

    Novartis Pandemic Response Portfolio from Sandoz, the generics and biosimilar division of Novartis, comprises 15 medicines: Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone, Clarithromycin, Colchicine, Dexamethasone, Dobutamine, Fluconazole, Heparin, Levofloxacin, Loperamide, Pantoprazole, Prednisone, Prednisolone, Salbutamol, Vancomycin.

    The portfolio was launched in July 2020 and sells medicines at zero-profit to governments, non-governmental organisations and other institutional customers in up to 79 eligible countries to address the urgent unmet needs of low-and lower-middle-income countries for medicines to be used for symptomatic treatment at various stages of the COVID-19.

    Eligible countries must be included on the World Bank’s list of Low-Income Economies and Lower-Middle-Income Economies.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • African Energy Chamber’s Committee Harps on Local Content as a Panacea Towards Africa’s Economic Recovery

    African Energy Chamber’s Committee Harps on Local Content as a Panacea Towards Africa’s Economic Recovery

    African Energy Chamber’s Local Content Advisory Committee has held its first meeting, placing local content development at the core of its activities towards the continent’s economic recovery.

    The meeting agreed that with several established markets like Nigeria or Angola and frontier energy markets such as Senegal or Uganda, the oil and gas sector has been supporting several of Africa’s economies.

    “As a result, the African local content has become a key priority for government, regulators and industry stakeholders. Issues around the perceptions and understanding of local content dynamics were major topics of discussion.

    READ ALSO:

    Adesina Assures of Stronger Africa as He’s Sworn-in for 2nd Term as AfDB President

    “Key points put forward included the need for African governments and companies to develop better implementation of local content policies and come up with new approaches putting entrepreneurship and capacity building as priorities.

    “From financing African starts ups, SMEs and companies to promoting an enabling business environment, it was agreed that African governments and regulators need to rise up to the task and provide for better conditions and environments for African entrepreneurs to thrive,” the committee stated.

    The committee members include: the Chief Executive Officer, Shoreline Energy International, Kola Karim; Managing Director, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Walter Peviani; and Managing Director, Jagal Energy, Jorg Kohnert.

    Others are: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Deep Drilling ESV Nigeria Limited (ODENL), Chijioke Akwukwuma; President, Kearney Africa, Jude Kearney; President, Royal Triangle Energy Solutions, Eric Williams; CEO, Equatorial Resources, Pablo Memba; Country Manager, SpringRock Group, Ogutu Okudo; and Operations Director and President of the Executive Board, IFP Training, Rémi Mouchel.

    The chamber’s advisory committee added that established African energy markets such as Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea or Gabon are still missing a pool of strong local companies across the value-chain, and especially in upstream.

    READ ALSO:

    Buhari Inaugurates APC Tripartite Consultative Committee to Strengthen Party’s Internal Democracy

    “Despite producing oil and gas for decades, their environment has remained until now unfavourable to the nurturing of entrepreneurs in oil and gas, especially because of a lack of domestic financing.

    “The regionalisation of the African content was identified as a key trend for the short and medium-term.

    “With the roll out of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA) and upcoming first oil and gas in many African markets, the potential to have local content move away from a pure international-local perspective is real.

    “This is especially an opportunity for local companies within established markets, be it Nigerian companies regionalising the oil and gas content or South African and Kenyan companies regionalising content within the renewable energy space.

    “African companies have the means and opportunities to create regional ventures and partnerships taking the African content development to a new level, and must be seizing them.

    “Finally, inclusion in the workforce is set to become a major focus for the chamber and its committee, especially when it comes to promoting youth and women inclusion in the extractive industries.

    “A sustainable African energy industry will only be as strong as it is inclusive, and better mechanisms and policies need to be put in place to ensure African women and youth can build successful careers in the sector.

    “In that regard, upcoming producers such as Senegal, Mozambique or Uganda have a unique opportunity to truly innovate as they develop their own approach to capacity building and local content development.

    READ ALSO:

    Easing Tension in Middle East…Historic 1st Israel-UAE Plane Flies Directly over Saudi Arabia

    “As the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic further increases the need for localising value chains in Africa, local content development is set to become even more important for all industry stakeholders.

    “Its success will ultimately depend on the nurturing of capable and patient African entrepreneurs able to raise capital and engage regionally with the right partners to build successful ventures. In such a journey, cooperation with international companies, but especially amongst African entities, will be crucial,” the committee noted.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Adesina Assures of Stronger Africa as He’s Sworn-in for 2nd Term as AfDB President

    Adesina Assures of Stronger Africa as He’s Sworn-in for 2nd Term as AfDB President

    The re-elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina has assured African leaders and stakeholders that Africa will be stronger and more resilient in his second term at the continent’s biggest lender.

    Adesina, who gave the assurance in a speech during his swearing-in ceremony and oath-taking, which took place on Tuesday and broadcast virtually said:

    “We’ve achieved impressive results. The Bank’s High5 programmes have impacted 335 million people. That’s what the African Development Bank – your Bank – is all about…‘people impact.’

    “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything globally. It has thrown Africa’s growth back. The continent has lost gains and economic growth that were achieved over the last decade. Africa’s recovery will therefore be long and challenging.

    “Now, we must help Africa build back boldly, but smartly, paying greater attention to quality growth: especially in the areas of health, climate and the environment.

    “As we look to the future, working with the Board of Directors, the bank will pay increased attention to supporting Africa with quality health care infrastructure, and building on its comparative advantage in infrastructure.

    “The bank’s infrastructure work will focus on economic infrastructure, quality physical infrastructure and quality health infrastructure.

    “More than ever before, we will expand partnerships – financial partnerships, knowledge partnerships, and investment partnerships. Stronger inclusive partnerships with civil society, academia and knowledge centers of excellence.

    “So, our focus will be on ‘Institution,’ ‘People,’ ‘Delivery,’ and ‘Sustainability.’ Each of these are encapsulated in the following five areas which combine with the programmatic High 5s to transform the development landscape of Africa.

    “We will reach out and tilt more global capital towards Africa — joining investment hands across the globe to support the needs of the continent.

    “We will build on the great successes we have had in agriculture, by scaling up technologies to reach tens of millions of farmers and supporting Africa to build competitive agricultural value chains. We will add value to what we produce in Africa, and provide creative and high-tech opportunities for massive youth engagement in agriculture and agribusiness.

    “The future beckons the bank to be more agile and more selective; to scale up what’s working already and reinforce its own institutional and human capacity.

    READ ALSO:

    Ghana Replies FG, Describes 700 Nigerians Deported in 2019 as Criminals‎

    “Our bank must ensure its own long-term financial sustainability to drive Africa’s growth further, deeper and faster in the years to come. We must realise the dreams of a more prosperous Africa. A healthier Africa. A more resilient Africa. And, a more developed Africa.”

    With these words, Akinwumi Adesina assumed office as the newly re-elected eighth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for a second term.

    The event was attended by Heads of States, governors, Nigeria’s former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and over 200 external stakeholders who joined physically and virtually.

    The new AfDB Chairperson, Board of Governors and Ghana’s Finance Minister, Kenneth Ofori-Attah, administered the oath of office.

    In their various tributes, African leaders took turns to commend Adesina and charged him to prepare for future tasks.

    President George Weah of Liberia told Adesina: “Your reelection signifies Africa and the world’s confidence in your leadership. Liberia looks forward to continued partnership under your leadership. All the best my brother, and congratulations.”

    To President Umaro Sissoco Embaló Guinea Bissau, “Having an election with 100 per cent of votes is something that could serve as a roadmap for you to forge ahead in your mission. I wish you congratulate you and your family and the African Development Bank team.”

    Also, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said: “You have our full support as you continue to lead the African Development Bank through this COVID-19 period, marked by turmoil, but also the prospect of new opportunity for our continent.

    “Dr. Adesina has led the bank with integrity and purpose over the past five years. The next five years promise to be even more noteworthy. Know that you have our full support…”

    Adesina, Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, was re-elected on August 27 to serve a second five-year term, after a unanimous vote of all governors, regional and non-regional members of the bank.

    READ ALSO:

    Easing Tension in Middle East…Historic 1st Israel-UAE Plane Flies Directly over Saudi Arabia

    The election was announced by the immediate past Chairperson of the bank’s Board of Governors, Niale Kaba, who is also Minister of National Planning of Côte d’Ivoire.

    The reelection, which took place on the last day of the 2020 55th Annual Meetings of bank, was described by Adesina as historic.

    Read the full text of the speech by Akinwumi Adesina here:

    Being the Text of Inauguration Speech by Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina for the Second Term in Office on September 1, 2020

    Protocols,

    Your Excellency, President Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

    Your Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

    Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Governments

    Excellencies former Heads of State and Governments

    Chairperson of the African Union Commission

    The Former Commonwealth Secretary General

    Honourable Niale Kaba, the outgoing Chairperson of the Bureau of Governors of the African Development Bank Group and Minister of National Planning of Côte d’Ivoire— Madam “Quiet Force” or “Force tranquille”

    The new Chairperson of the Bureau of the Board of Governors, Honourable Ken Ofori Ata, Minister of Finance of Ghana

    Governors of the African Development Bank, from 81 capitals around the world

    Members of the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank

    Honourable Ministers, Heads of Regional Economic Communities

    Excellencies, Executive Governors of States from Nigeria

    Heads of diplomatic institutions

    Members of staff of the African Development Bank

    My friends and family members

    My darling wife, Grace — my rock, my helper, my counselor, my sweetheart and my children, Rotimi and Segun, Alex, Emily, and our granddaughters, Noemi, and Audra…who was born just two days ago!

    Distinguished ladies and gentlemen

    I thank God Almighty for making me able to stand before you today. I give God all the glory for all He has done and continues to do in my life – a life which I have dedicated to Him for selfless service to humanity. And above all, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Africa passionately, to the very best of my God-given ability.

    READ ALSO:

    Ghana to Host African Development Bank 2021 Annual Meetings

    I stand before you today to speak, but I speak for two people: myself and my darling wife, Grace. For without Grace (Yemisi) I will not be here today. I love you honey — thank you for always standing with me, with prayers, and encouragement. I love you!

    I would definitely not be here without the extraordinary support of my country, Nigeria, and my President H.E. Muhammadu Buhari.

    Mr. President, you nominated me, you stood by me, you supported me. Thank you very much Sir.

    I am grateful to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the entire Government and people of Nigeria who supported me.

    I would not be here without the strong support of the African Union.

    I would not be here without the strong support of all African Heads of State and governments, starting with my host President – H.E. President Alassane Ouattara.

    I would not be here without the strong support of Africa’s retired heads of state and government, led by H.E. President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    I would not be here without the youth of Africa, the elders of Africa, the women of Africa and the prayers of Africa.

    I would not be here without the incredible decision of all my governors, shareholders of the Bank, from 81 countries around the world, for getting me here. I stand on their collective pedestal.

    I stand tall today because of you all … your support, prayers, and good wishes inspired us.

    We are grateful to you all. Thank you all very much!

    Your Excellencies,

    Four days ago, on August 27, 2020, I was re-elected as President of the African Development Bank Group. I wish to thank you all for your incredible support and for the mark of confidence you all collectively placed in me. You elected me with 100% of all the votes of regional and non-regional shareholders of the Bank — without any exception. This is unparalleled in the Bank’s 56-year history. And for this, I am exceedingly grateful.

    What honor. What confidence. And what affirmation!

    You our shareholders have showcased the African Development Bank’s exceptionally high standards and its commitment to transparency and good corporate governance. I am deeply grateful for your collective trust, confidence and support. Above all, I am greatly honored — and humbled.

    Your Excellencies,

    Today, a rainbow stretches from the 81 member countries of the African Development Bank across the deep blue skies of Africa, with one message — the rain is gone. Gone are the dark clouds that held us down.

    I stand today, with all humility, as the President elected by all.

    I will be the President for all.

    Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    Over the past five years, since you first elected me as President, we have collectively charted a new way forward for Africa; one that has given stronger hope for the continent’s development.

    The High5s of the Bank (Light up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialize Africa; Integrate Africa; and Improve the Quality of Life of the people of Africa) which were developed to accelerate the delivery of the Ten-Year Strategy, have been implemented with deliberateness, speed and rigor.

    The High5s have taken hold on the continent and become the keys for accelerating Africa’s development. The UNDP has shown that achieving the High5s would lead to achievement of 90% of the SDGs and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

    Your Excellencies,

    Over the past five years, the Bank has delivered impressive results on these High 5s:

    18 million people with access to electricity
    141 million people had access to improved agricultural technologies for food security
    15 million people with access to finance from private investments
    101 million people with access to improved transport from infrastructure
    60 million people with access to water and sanitation
    We’ve achieved impressive results. The Bank’s High5 programmes have impacted 335 million people. That’s what the African Development Bank – your Bank – is all about … ‘people impact’.

    Our non-sovereign operations for the private sector increased 40% from $1.5 billion in 2015 to $ 2.1 billion in 2019, with the highest level of $ 2.5 billion achieved in 2016.

    We have been accountable for the climate since COP 21 in Paris. The Bank’s climate financing expanded from 9% when you elected me in 2015 to 36 % by 2019 – an increase of 400%. We’ve now targeted to reach $25 billion in climate finance by 2021.

    Through the innovative and groundbreaking Africa Investment Forum in 2018 and 2019, we were able to attract a combined $78.8 billion worth of investment interests into Africa.

    In every country, the Bank’s impacts are felt. We expanded our presence to 44 countries, including across fragile states. Our staff risk their lives to deliver.

    READ ALSO:

    Innocent Ike Succeeds Abiru as Polaris Bank Acting MD/CEO

    And we are delivering more for women with the implementation of the Affirmative Finance Action for Women (AFAWA), to leverage $3 billion for women and women businesses.

    We have launched a Gender Equality Trust Fund, the first ever in the Bank, and are advancing on gender markers for all projects of the Bank. We must continue to strongly support women. When women win, Africa wins!

    Your Excellencies, Governors,

    Winning for Africa’s development is what you set us up to do!

    You the shareholders supported the historic General Capital Increase of the Bank, raising the capital of the Bank from $93 billion to $208 billion. This represents an increase of $115 billion, the highest in the history of the Bank.

    As shareholders, you strongly supported a 32% increase in resources for the African Development Fund (ADF) 15th replenishment, to support low income countries and fragile states. Today, the ADF countries receive 700% larger resources than they did in 2015.

    Your Excellencies,

    We’ve delivering value for money for our shareholders. The Bank has the lowest cost among all multilateral development banks.

    The African Development Fund has also been rated as the 2nd best managed concessional financing institution globally.
    Over the past five years we have maintained our AAA rating by all three major rating agencies — thanks to your continued extraordinary support as shareholders.

    The Multilateral Organization Performance Assessment Network, otherwise known as MOPAN, ranked the African Development Bank as number one along with the World Bank.

    Publish What You Fund ranked the Bank as the fourth most transparent globally.
    In terms of organizations that people wish to work for in Africa, the Bank’s position as an employer of choice increased from number 82 out of 100 top companies in 2015, to number 4 in 2018 and number 3 in 2019.

    Your Excellencies,

    We are also a very responsive Bank.

    As COVID-19 shocks began, the Bank’s Board of Directors approved a $10 billion COVID-19 response facility to address immediate and project investments for countries, especially to contain fiscal meltdowns.

    We launched a $3 billion social bond on the global market – the largest US dollar denominated social bond ever in world history.

    These actions reflect our ambitions, our unshaken commitment and unyielding responsibility to support, stabilize and strengthen African economies.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything globally. It has thrown Africa’s growth back. The continent has lost gains and economic growth that were achieved over the last decade. Africa’s recovery will therefore be long and challenging.

    Now, we must help Africa build back boldly, but smartly, paying greater attention to quality growth: especially in the areas of health, climate and the environment.

    As we look to the future, working with the Board of Directors, the Bank will pay increased attention to supporting Africa with quality health care infrastructure, and building on its comparative advantage in infrastructure.

    The Bank’s infrastructure work will focus on economic infrastructure, quality physical infrastructure and quality health infrastructure.

    COVID-19 opens up new opportunities and a greater sense of urgency to build up Africa’s manufacturing capacity, industrial development, and critically needed industrial value chains, that must be supported by enabling infrastructure and policies.

    Special attention will be given to regional industrial value chains and the strengthening of financial markets in order to expand intra-regional trade and competitiveness, and boost the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

    Your Excellencies, let there be no doubt, the challenges ahead are still many — including poverty, inequality, fragility, high youth unemployment, significant infrastructure financing gaps, and sustainable debt management.

    As we look to the future, let me assure you that the Bank will play a greater role in policy dialogues with countries. We will support sustainable debt management, boost green growth and accelerate the promotion of jobs for youth on the continent.

    More than ever before, we will expand partnerships – financial partnerships, knowledge partnerships, and investment partnerships. Stronger inclusive partnerships with civil society, academia and knowledge centers of excellence.

    We will reach out and tilt more global capital towards Africa — joining investment hands across the globe to support the needs of the continent.

    The Bank will leverage its brand, its knowledge and resources to help do more and better for Africa. We will deepen the Africa Investment Forum and make it a critical driver for this bold investment partnership to help move Africa forward.

    Your Excellencies,

    We will ensure that Africa’s youth potential is fully unleashed. In this regard, the Bank will support the establishment of Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks. Banks that will help to mobilize and deploy capital to drive the entrepreneurship of the youth of Africa — in ways that are systemic, scalable and sustainable.

    The shadows of youth unemployment and migration out of Africa must give way to a glowing light of successful youth-driven businesses across Africa. Africa’s youth must stay in Africa, develop Africa, and project Africa’s future.

    We will build on the great successes we have had in agriculture, by scaling up technologies to reach tens of millions of farmers and supporting Africa to build competitive agricultural value chains. We will add value to what we produce in Africa, and provide creative and high-tech opportunities for massive youth engagement in agriculture and agribusiness.

    The future beckons the Bank to be more agile and more selective; to scale up what’s working already and reinforce its own institutional and human capacity.

    Our Bank must ensure its own long-term financial sustainability to drive Africa’s growth further, deeper and faster in the years to come. We must realise the dreams of a more prosperous Africa. A healthier Africa. A more resilient Africa. And, a more developed Africa.

    Your Excellencies, Governors, distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

    When you first elected me five years ago, I had a vision. Five years later, I have yet a vision to build on our collective achievements over the next five years. A vision to build a much stronger and resilient African Development Bank Group with the leadership and capacity to deliver greater quality impacts for the people of Africa, while remaining financially strong and sustainable.

    So, our focus will be on ‘Institution’, ‘People’, ‘Delivery, and ‘Sustainability.’ Each of these are encapsulated in the following five areas which combine with the programmatic High 5s to transform the development landscape of Africa.

    Build a stronger institution
    Strengthen human capacity
    Enhance effectiveness
    Deepen quality and impact
    Maintain financial sustainability
    Stronger institution

    Strengthen institutional capacity
    Improve Human Resources
    Build a top-notch IT capacity to enhance effectiveness and productivity in an increasingly digital age
    Strengthen accountability, oversight and compliance systems
    Promote a stronger performance culture
    Strengthening human capacity

    Preferred employer in Africa
    Hire and retain top talent
    Improve staff experiences and value propositions
    Enhance career development and mobility
    Enhanced Effectiveness

    Improving responsiveness to clients
    Decentralized decision making
    More efficient systems and processes
    Cost effectiveness and value for money
    Accelerated Quality and Impacts

    Quality operations
    Enhance policy dialogues, knowledge, and debt management
    Strengthen environmental and social safeguards
    Accelerate development impacts
    Financial Sustainability

    Stabilize prudential ratios
    Drive a culture of cost effectiveness
    Balance development objectives and financial sustainability
    Optimize the Bank’s balance sheet
    Leverage global private capital to complement Bank resources
    Ensure the Bank attains its own intrinsic stand-alone ‘AAA’ rating for long term sustainability

    With the strong support of the African Heads of State and Governments, Governors of the Bank, Ministers of Finance, the Board of Directors and staff, we will be ready from today, yet again, to roll up our sleeves and continue our collective work to deliver even greater results on our High5s to: Light up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialize Africa; Integrate Africa; and Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa.

    The future beckons us for a more developed Africa and a much stronger and resilient African Development Bank.

    In our time, Africa must shine like the brightness of the sun.

    Together … united, we will achieve this.

    So, today, yet again, let us move forward, driven by the power of our mission, inspired by the primacy of our vision and emboldened by the strength of our togetherness.

    Together — we are stronger
    Together — we achieve more
    Together — we become resilient
    Together — we build a better Bank
    Together — we win for Africa!

    Thank you very much!

    God bless you all – and God bless Africa.

  • Ghana Replies FG, Describes 700 Nigerians Deported in 2019 as Criminals‎

    Ghana Replies FG, Describes 700 Nigerians Deported in 2019 as Criminals‎

    Ghanaian government has responded to the allegations contained in a statement by the Minister of Culture and Information, Lai Mohammed, accusing the West African country of treating Nigerians unfairly.

    Ghana, in a line-by-line statement by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, gave what the country described as “a more reflective account of events,” assuring of pursuing “substantive diplomatic engagements to resolve matters.”

    Reacting to the allegation that more than 1,000 shops belonging to Nigerians were closed down in 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively, Ghana explained: “It is an incontestable fact that there is widespread abuse and disregard for local laws and regulations governing retail trade by some foreigners, including Nigerians, which need to be addressed without discrimination.

    READ ALSO:

    President Buhari assures of support for Multinational Joint Task Force

    “It is important to note that the compliance exercise under reference is not restricted to either ECOWAS nationals or Nigerians for that matter, but extend to all individuals engaged in retail trade, including Ghanaians.”

    Nkrumah also commented on the allegation of aggressive and incessant deportation of Nigerians from Ghana, which claimed that between January 2018 and February 2019, 825 Nigerians were deported from Ghana.

    “This statement is not factual. In 2019, seven hundred (700) Nigerians, who were found to have been involved in criminal activities such as fraud, prostitution, armed robbery etc., were deported,” Ghana said.

    Read the full text of statement below:

    Ghana’s Response to Accusations of Harrassment Made By Nigeria

    The Government of Ghana notes, with concern, a statement, dated Friday, August 28, 2020, issued by the Ministry of Information and Culture and signed by the Federal Minister, Hon. Lai Mohammed, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, concerning current relations between Ghana and Nigeria.

    Ghana remains committed to the maintenance of warm relations with all sister nations, particularly, for well-known historical reasons, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and will proceed to engage the Federal Government of Nigeria with a view to resolve comprehensively and exhaustively any matters that have the potential to sour relations between the two countries.

    Ghana finds it imperative, however, from the onset, to state, for the public record, that the outline of issues by my Nigerian counterpart is not reflective of the developments in Ghana. Any protests, decisions or actions based on these reports will, thus, be unjustified.

    We are obliged, therefore, as a first step, to provide our counterparts, as well as the Ghanaian and Nigerian publics, with a more reflective account of events, even as we pursue substantive diplomatic engagements to resolve matters.

    (I) Accusation: The seizure of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 10, Barnes Road, Accra which has been used as diplomatic premises by the Nigerian Government for almost 50 years; and which action, is a serious breach of the Vienna Convention.

    Response: This statement is inaccurate. The transaction was a commercial arrangement between Thomas D. Hardy, a private citizen and the High Commission of Nigeria in Ghana on 23rd October 1959.

    READ ALSO:

    Ghana to Host African Development Bank 2021 Annual Meetings

    The terms of the Commercial Lease expired 46 years ago, without any evidence of renewal by the High Commission of Nigeria in Ghana. The Government of Ghana was not involved in the transaction and has not seized the property in question.

    (II) Accusation: Also, even though the main reason given for the seizure of Federal Government property at No. 10 Barnes Road in Accra is the non-renewal of Lease after expiration, the Ghanaian authority did not give Nigeria the right of first refusal or the notice to renew the Lease. By contrast, the lease on some of the properties occupied by the Ghanaian Mission in Nigeria has long expired, yet such properties have not been seized.

    Response: The Government of Ghana does not, did not and never owned the land, and has not been involved in the seizure of any property of the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana. The land in question is owned by the Osu Stool and managed by the Lands Commission.

    In response to the claim that the lease on some of the properties owned by the Ghana Mission in Nigeria has long expired, it must be noted that the Government acquired a freehold land at Pope John Paul II Street in Abuja in 1989 through a commercial arrangement, and built the current structures on it. The staff of the Ghana High Commission in Abuja have been living there since the construction of the current structures.

    (III) Accusation: Demolition of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 19/21 Julius Nyerere Street, East Ridge, Accra, which constitutes another serious breach of the Vienna Convention.

    Response: This statement is not factual. A search at the Lands Commission indicated that the Nigerian High Commission failed to complete the documentation process after paying for the land in the year 2000 A.D. The High Commission failed to acquire the Lease and Land Title Certificate, which constitute documentation for the said property, as well as a building permit for construction. In Ghana, land is owned not only by the Government, but also by Stools and Families.

    The demolition of the property was not carried out by agents of the Ghanaian Government, but by agents of the Osu Stool. Nonetheless, the Government of Ghana, valuing the relations between our two countries, has decided to restore the property, at its own cost, to its original state for the Nigerian High Commission, and has duly communicated same to the Nigerian Authorities. The Government of Ghana has also agreed to facilitate the proper acquisition of title by the Nigerian High Commission, as announced by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs at the time of the incident.

    (IV) Accusation: Aggressive and incessant deportation of Nigerians from Ghana. Between January 2018 and February 2019, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Five (825) Nigerians were deported from Ghana.

    Response: This statement is not factual. In 2019, seven hundred (700) Nigerians, who were found to have been involved in criminal activities such as fraud, prostitution, armed robbery etc., were deported.

    (V) Accusation: Residency permit requirement, for which Ghana Immigration Service has placed huge fees far higher than the fees charged by the Nigerian Immigration Service. These include the compulsory non- citizen ID card (US$120, US$ 60 for yearly renewal); medical examinations, including for COVID-19 which is newly introduced (about US$ 120), and payment for residency permit (US$ 400 compared to the N700,000 being paid by Ghanaians for residency card in Nigeria).

    Response: It must be noted that all foreigners, who apply for resident permit in Ghana, pay same fees as stated above. These fees are not specific to Nigerians.

    (VI) Accusation: “Media war against Nigerians in Ghana. The negative reportage of issues concerning Nigerians resident in Ghana by the Ghanaian media is fuelling an emerging xenophobic attitude against Nigerian traders and Nigerians in general.

    The immediate fallout is the incessant harassment and arrest of Nigerian traders and closure of their shops.”

    Response: The statement is not factual. There is no media war against Nigerians in Ghana.

    There is also no negative reportage on Nigerian residents in Ghana by Ghanaian media, which could potentially lead to xenophobic attitude towards Nigerians, particularly Nigerian traders in Ghana.

    No Nigerian trader has been arrested. The closure of shops was as a result of infractions on Ghanaian laws. Even then, those affected who are not only Nigerians, have been given ample time to regularise their documents. Furthermore, no Nigerian- owned shops are currently closed.

    On the contrary, the negative reportage has been against the Ghanaian Government from high places, (tweets by Foreign Minister of Nigeria and a Nigerian businessman, who appears to have political interests in Ghana), in Nigeria. This is inconsistent with established practice in our very good relations. The Press Release by the Information and Culture Minister of Nigeria is a clear departure from the manner in which officials of the two countries have related with each other in the past.

    (VII) Accusation: “Nigeria has time after time demonstrated its fidelity to the long cordial relations with Ghana. But indications especially in recent times, are that Nigeria’s stance is now being taken for granted and its citizens being made targets of harassment and objects of ridicule. This will no longer be tolerated under any guise.”

    Response: Ghana has always demonstrated her commitment to excellent relations with Nigeria which is evidenced by the manner in which Ghanaian Government officials dealt with recent issues, which have had severe economic impact on our country.

    Ghana did not resort to any media war. However, the Ghanaian Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Trade travelled to Abuja to try to resolve diplomatically the issue of closure of Nigerian borders, and to seek safe corridor for ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) exports from Ghana, all to no avail. It is expected that the response of Nigerian Authorities to situations that evolve in our relations should be guided by the merits of the matter and our mutual interests.

    (VIII) Accusation: That three hundred (300), six hundred (600) and two hundred and fifty (250) shops belonging to Nigerians were closed down in 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively

    Response: Upon evidence that some individuals, including Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians, had been involved in various forms of trade, without complying with the laws and regulations of Ghana, several engagements and prior advice had been given to encourage compliance.

    Ghana’s Minister for Trade and Industry personally intervened to ensure the reopening of closed shops, pending compliance with Ghana’s laws by their operators.

    READ ALSO:

    https://echotitbits.com/ndlea-intercepts-607-cartons-with-over-11m–tablets/

     

    Among other corrective measures, the Committee on Foreigners in Retail Trade, comprising representatives of various regulatory agencies and institutions in Ghana, was tasked with the responsibility of conducting inspections of retail shops in designated commercial districts in both Accra and Kumasi to ensure compliance with retail trade laws and regulations.

    The compliance exercises conducted in the selected markets revealed gross violations of retail trade laws and regulations by Ghanaians and foreigners, including Nigerians. These violations included tax evasion, immigration offenses, trading in sub-standard products, violation of the Ghana Investment

    Promotion Centre (GIPC) law, improper registration of firms, under-payment of business operating permits, falsification of documents, among others.

    In all cases, non-compliant shop owners are given adequate notice to regularize their documents, before action is taken to close any shop/business.

    It is an incontestable fact that there is widespread abuse and disregard for local laws and regulations governing retail trade by some foreigners, including Nigerians, which need to be addressed without discrimination. It is important to note that the compliance exercise under reference is not restricted to either ECOWAS nationals or Nigerians for that matter, but extend to all individuals engaged in retail trade, including Ghanaians.

    (IX) Accusation: Harsh and openly biased judicial trial and pronouncements of indiscriminately long jail terms for convicted Nigerians.

    Response: Ghana’s courts, at all material times, function independently, and with strict respect for the Laws of Ghana, regardless of the nationalities of accused persons. Judges neither convict nor sentence with a bias for or against nationalities. Nigerians and Ghanaians convicted for same offenses are not treated differently.

    (X) Accusation: Outrageous stipulations and amendments of the GIPC Act.

    Response: It is untrue that the law has been amended twice, and, accordingly, there is no 2018 GIPC Act. Further, the statement that a review of the Act has increased the minimum capital base for foreign owned businesses to US$1.00m is false.

    READ ALSO:

    I’ve No Deal with Oilbank International Nor ADM Energy – Arthur Eze

     

    Perhaps the reference is to sections 27 (2 & 3) of the GIPC Act and relate solely to persons who are not citizens but want to engage in retail trade or trading activities, which are otherwise restricted exclusively to Ghanaians. Accordingly, ‘a person who is not a citizen may engage in a trading Enterprise if that person invests in the Enterprise, not less than One Million United States Dollars in cash or goods and services relevant to the investments. Trading includes purchasing and selling of imported goods and services. The amount does not relate to the broad universe of investors. We are also somewhat astonished to have the laws of a sovereign nation described as outrageous, especially since they have not attracted the rebuff or criticism of any regional organization, especially ECOWAS.

    The Federal Republic, on the other hand, is on record to have taken a number of steps in recent months, in pursuit of her national interests, which have gravely affected other countries in the Region. These include the closure of Nigeria’s Seme Krake Border from August 2019 to date and the issuance of executive orders by Nigeria’s Presidency, preventing foreigners from getting jobs which Nigerians can do, to mention a few. Ghana and other West African countries continue to believe redress to even actions like these can be sought, diplomatically, without resort to media statements and related activities that have the potential to aggravate further the situation.

    The aforementioned notwithstanding, the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who values very much his excellent relations with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadou Buhari, will engage President Buhari with a view to develop immediately a framework for validating claims of ill treatment of citizens of either country, and ensure citizens enjoy the full exercise of their rights, while respecting the sovereignty and laws of both countries. Ghana and Nigeria, as they have been doing, must continue to work together for a successful West Africa.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • President Buhari assures of support for Multinational Joint Task Force

    President Buhari assures of support for Multinational Joint Task Force

    Despite being at what he calls “the low ebb of resources caused by COVID-19 and fallen oil prices,” Nigeria will continue to provide support for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) based in N’djamena, Chad Republic, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured.

    According to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President spoke Friday at State House, Abuja, while receiving Ambassador Mamman Nuhu , Executive Secretary, Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission, MNJTF.

    President Buhari said despite paucity of resources, security of Nigeria and that of her neighbours must have pride of place, “so I will consult with all the relevant officials, and we will do our best.”

    READ ALSO:

    Lagos Helicopter Crash: AIB Recovers Black Box, Buhari, Sanwo-Olu Commiserate with Victims’ Families

    Ambassador Nuhu gave the President updates on the proposed recharge of Lake Chad, which he said was one of the priorities of Lake Chad Basin Commission, “and for which you have great passion,” informing that the governments of China and Italy were of great support, and positive action should commence soon.

    He also commended countries which have contributed troops to MNJTF, adding, however, that kinetic military approach alone would not eradicate insurgency, and emphasis must also be placed on the root causes, particularly poverty.

  • Ghana to Host African Development Bank 2021 Annual Meetings

    Ghana to Host African Development Bank 2021 Annual Meetings

    Ghana would host the African Development Bank’s next Annual Meetings in May 2021, it was announced Thursday, at the end of the group’s 2020 meetings.

    The 2021 meetings would take place in the country’s capital city, Accra.

    Côte d’Ivoire Planning Minister Niale Kaba, handed over the baton to Ghana, announcing that the Board of Governors would be chaired by Kenneth Ofori-Atta, Ghanaian Finance Minister, supported by the Governor from Austria as first Vice President, and the Niger Governor as second Vice President.

    READ ALSO:

    Nigeria’s Akinwunmi Adesina Re-Elected As AfDB President

    The 2020 edition of the Annual Meeting originally scheduled to be held physically in Côte d’Ivoire, home to the bank’s headquarters, was entirely virtual due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, for the first time in the bank’s history.

    “It is with great honour and humility that I accept, on behalf of the Republic of Ghana, to chair the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank Group and host the Annual Meetings for 2021,” Ofori-Atta said in accepting the nomination.

    “Let me thank (Kaba) for her incredible strength, fortitude and wisdom…The results today is a clear manifestation of what a great woman she is.”

    Ofori-Atta outlined the challenges the continent faces due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic – contracting economies, risk of economic depression, 25 to 36 million Africans being pushed into extreme poverty, and the rising debt burden.

    Yet, the minister said, the bank’s recent increase in capital, which rose from $93 billion to $208 billion in 2019, and the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA), gave room for hope.

    “A one percent increase in Africa’s trade will result in $70 billion coming to us. So we must work hard to make sure that the days ahead are fulfilled for Africa,” Ofori-Atta said.

    The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area deal, set to launch on January 1, 2021, would result in the world’s largest free trade area, with a potential market of 1.2 billion people and combined GDP of around $3 trillion across the 54 regional member states of the Bank. Ghana hosts the secretariat, which is located in Accra.

    Ofori-Atta’s remarks were preceded by a brief video showcasing Ghana as a prime investment location and one of Africa’s growth success stories, alongside Ethiopia, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya.

    The bank’s Annual Meetings represented a unique opportunity to discuss challenges and ways to advance the continent’s regional integration agenda. It also saw the re-election of current President Akinwumi Adesina for a second term.

    READ ALSO:

    COVID-19: EurAfrican Forum Digital 2020 to Focus on Challenges and Common Points

    “Thank you Côte d’Ivoire for handing over the baton in such a spectacular way. Ghana looks forward to hosting the Annual Meetings with much anticipation. There has never been a more opportune time to challenge the global financial infrastructure as we have it, with its inherent biases toward Africa.

    “I urge the AfDB to use this pandemic as an opportunity to innovate and enhance its governance to truly serve the African people. Congrats Mr. President Adesina and may we continue to make history,” Ofori-Atta said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • I’ve No Deal with Oilbank International Nor ADM Energy – Arthur Eze

    I’ve No Deal with Oilbank International Nor ADM Energy – Arthur Eze

    Executive Chairman of Atlas Petroleum and Oranto Petroleum, Arthur Eze, has categorically denied recent news report of his involvement in a partnership with ADM Energy on the ongoing Marginal Fields Bidding Round in Nigeria.

    On August 3, ADM Energy announced its successful pre-qualification in the Nigerian Government’s 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round, as the exclusive technical partner of Nigerian company, Oilbank International.

    But, Eze on Thursday accused Oilbank International of fraudulently using his name and presented him as its Chairman, leading to media reports stipulating his partnership with ADM Energy.

    “The misuse of my name and reputation is a blatant fraud. I am not involved in any shape or form in the management of Oilbank International, nor do I serve as its Chairman of the Board.

    Buhari, Abiodun Congratulate Adesina over Reelection as President of African Development Bank

    “Consequently, neither I nor my companies Atlas Petroleum International and Oranto Petroleum have ever had in any way, shape or form, any discussion about a potential partnership with ADM Energy,” said Eze.

    While the Nigerian Marginal Fields Bidding Round is expected to attract a lot of international partnerships to inject necessary capital and technology into the country’s marginal acreages, it’s the duty of foreign partners to do their due diligence before partnering with local entities.

    “If Atlas Petroleum International wants to acquire and operate a marginal field, it can do so on its own rights and does not need partnership with small companies like ADM Energy or Oilbank International to pursue such an opportunity.

    Lagos, NUPENG Reach Truce over Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Withdrawal of Services

    “This is further demonstration that all stakeholders must adhere to President Muhammadu Buhari’s call to end corruption and promote sound and transparent business practices and corporate governance standards across the energy sector,” Eze added.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari, Abiodun Congratulate Adesina over Reelection as President of African Development Bank

    Buhari, Abiodun Congratulate Adesina over Reelection as President of African Development Bank

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, have congratulated President of African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, on his re-election for a second term in office.

    Buhari, who felicitated with Adesina on behalf of the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians in general, explained that the news of the victory came during the Council of State meeting, which was attended by former heads of state, Senate President, governors, some ministers, and senior government officials.

    Nigeria’s Akinwunmi Adesina Re-Elected As AfDB President

    Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, applauded reelected president’s versatility, experience at both national and international engagements, saying he believed that Adesina would “further deploy these qualities to energise the pan-African financial institution.”

    He urged him to remain “focused and steadfast in pursuing the noble goals of making life better for Africans through various development plans, already captured as High 5s.”

    The statement explained that the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, announced the good news of Adesina’s reelection to which Buhari led a round of applause immediately, saying: “He (Akinwumi Adesina) deserves it.”

    Adesina Set to Be Re-elected as African Development Bank President This Week

    The Nigerian President extended appreciation to the African Union for its endorsement of Adesina much earlier, and to shareholders of the bank who worked tirelessly to ensure the return of the visionary leader.

    Buhari rejoiced with family, friends and professional colleagues of Adesina over the re-election, while commending members of staff and Board of Governors of the bank for their consistent support for the former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and his management team.

    While pledging full support of his government to ensure a successful tenure for the bank’s leadership, the Nigerian President prayed God to continue to strengthen Adesina and his team for greater good to the continent.

    COVID-19: EurAfrican Forum Digital 2020 to Focus on Challenges and Common Points

    In his congratulatory message to Adesina, who hails from Ogun State, Abiodun described his reelection as a blessing to Nigeria.

    “On behalf of the good people of Ogun State, I congratulate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on his re-election as President of the African Development Bank.

    “It is not surprising, and it is indeed a blessing to our great nation, Nigeria to have retained leadership of the regional institution, when one considers the many developmental contributions by the bank to member countries.

    “I wish him a successful new term that will steadily continue to take the African region to greater heights,” the governor said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • COVID-19: EurAfrican Forum Digital 2020 to Focus on Challenges and Common Points

    COVID-19: EurAfrican Forum Digital 2020 to Focus on Challenges and Common Points

    For the first time, EurAfrican Forum would be held exclusively online between September 3 and 4, bringing together personalities from the public and private sectors, and also representatives of civil society, entrepreneurs, activists and scientists.

    This year’s edition would focus on challenges and common points, with the theme: “In Search for a Common Ground in a Post COVID-19 World.”

    The programme would focus on five panel discussions, including: Perspectives on AU-EU relations; Matrix Energy Just Transition Made in Africa; Emerging and Fast Track Business; African Culture Feeding the World; and Connecting the Unconnected Due to the Global Public Health Crisis.

    Many international conferences have been cancelled or postponed due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but at a time of risk and uncertainty, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Portuguese Diaspora, Filipe de Botton, believed that it’s a crucial moment for us to be together.

    “The only way to respond to a global crisis is to reestablish links, not only with political and private decision-makers, but also with civil society, in order to acquire a collective vision and establish global solutions.

    “Thus, we made the decision to hold the EurAfrican Forum Digital, so that we can play a role in the recovery of our economies” said Botton.

    The forum would bring together the biggest protagonists of change on the African and European continents, namely businessmen, activists, leaders and public and private decision-makers and all those who have been contributing to the construction of a positive dialogue between the two continents.

    Talks would continue, and the Digital Forum would provide the necessary tools for working together to find common ground in a post-COVID-19 world.

    EurAfrican Forum 2020 is an independent platform that brings together all those who are building a positive dialogue between Africa and Europe, including entrepreneurs, activists, researchers and policy makers.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Nigeria’s Akinwunmi Adesina Re-Elected As AfDB President

    Nigeria’s Akinwunmi Adesina Re-Elected As AfDB President

    Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina has been re-elected for another 5year term as President of the Africa Development Bank by its Board of Governors.

    Adesina’s election was disclosed by a Social Media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, who confirmed the news in a congratulatory tweet on Thursday.

    The AfDB is currently holding its 55th Annual Meetings in Côte d’Ivoire virtually, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

    READ ALSO:

    Canada appoints 47yr Nigerian law graduate Minister of Justice

    A clearance by an independent panel, led by Former President of Ireland and ex-United Nations Human Right Commissioner, Ms. Mary Robinson, which absolved Adesina of any breach of ethics paved the way for his re-election.

    File photo: African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina.

    Adesina is the first Nigerian to hold the post of the bank’s President.

    The AfDB, founded in 1964, is geared towards spurring “sustainable economic development and social progress” among member African countries.

    Nigeria is the AfDB’s largest shareholder with 16.8 percent of rights, while Germany and the United States own 7.4 percent and 5.5 percent respectively.

    On Wednesday, Adesina had made a case for his re-election to the AfDB’s Board of Governors, noting that he wanted to fulfil “his sense of duty and commitment.”

    “Five years ago, right here in Abidjan, you elected me president of the African Development Bank. It was a huge responsibility to shoulder. I promised that I would work tirelessly to accelerate Africa’s development. My vision, focused on the High 5 priorities, was my commitment, my promise, my compass,” Adesina said during a virtual session at the start of the Bank’s 2020 Annual Meetings.

    “Time has passed so quickly,” he added, citing the Bank’s achievements in the five years of his presidency.

    READ ALSO:

    Buhari priotises securing Mali “largely occupied by terrorists” 

    Some 18 million additional people now have access to electricity, 141 million people have received more advanced agricultural technology to improve food security, 15 million people have access to financing, 101 million now have access to improved transport, and 60 million people have gained access to water and sanitation, Adesina argued.

    “Dear Governors, these Annual Meetings are my opportunity to offer you my services and seek a second term as President of the African Development Bank,” he said. “I do so with humility. I do so with an acute sense of duty and commitment. I do so to serve Africa and our Bank.”