The Naara Rural Bank PLC, the oldest in North with footprints all over the Region,has organized its 34th Annual General Meeting to give it’s Annual reports and Financial statements for the year ended ,31st December,2024 to the shareholders . The Chairman, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aseyire Tabase, reported that the 2024 year was very challenging for Ghana’s macroeconomics but was far better than the previous one as they have witnessed a marginal increased in all levels as the Bank deposits increased from GHC 78,664,339 in 2023 to GHC 128,344,012 , loans and advances from GHC 39,159,277 to GHC 64,658,778, Investments also increased from GHC 19,646,307 in 2023 to GHC 39,956,307 ,2024 . Profit also when up by GHC 4,071,154 as compared to GHC 1,641,429 and the bank stated capital stood at GHC 130,280,913 in 2024, significantly above the regulatory requirements and the total assets of the Bank closed the year 2024 with a total asset of GHC 130,333,929 as compared to GHC GHC 73,710,139 recorded in 2023.

The Chairman underscored the importance of human asset to the Bank and pledged the board continue Investments in that strategic area by building their capacity to deliver quality services to their customers and also raise more capital to enable them undertake bigger projects. On the payment of dividends to the shareholders, he said the bank is making profit and could pay, however due to the Bank of Ghana regulations they have to wait for it to be lifted but they are also spending a lot on corporate social responsibilities for all of them to benefit from education, health agriculture to others and appealed once again to government and all agencies involved in corporate taxes to reduce their rates of 25% and 5% to the RCBs for them to do more Rev.Fr. Tabase , said in order to continue to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance practices, the Board developed and approved Code of Ethics and Business Conduct to guide all of them in their work and, going forward as the celebrate their 45 years of good work in December, 2025, the Bank remains cautiously optimistic about the economic outlook through an improved governance and thanked, the shareholders, Management and staff , the customers and their partners, for their continued support.

The Independent Auditors report by Ruyan Consult, read by Dr. Alhaji Chief Yahaya Abdul-Rahman, praised the Naara Rural Bank PLC, for complying to the companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) regulations and urged them to continue with that good work.

The representative of the Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank , Mr. Alex Akwasi Awuah, who speech was delivered by his representative, expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders of the Naara Rural Bank , for it’s continued growth, especially in the area of assets, deposits and profitability and, however cautioned them against their impairment of losses on loans and operational expenses,  and asked them to take steps to reduce them. He advised them, based on their performance to take risk management seriously and also diversify their revenue, and embrace digital transformation, which is cost-effective but results oriented.

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The vice President  of the Association of Rural Banks, Upper East Chapter, Dr. Akudugu Atiah, took the opportunity to encouraged the Board, Management, and staff of the Bank, to continue to give their best, by improving the quality of services to the customers, improving the assets quality with the recovery of loans advances, intensifying deposit mobilization to generate cheaper and sustainable funds for operations, and continuing to mobilize shares in order to remain vibrant for economic well-being of the people, and urged loan defaulters to settle their debts on time. He added his voice in appealing to Parliament, government , BOG and Security and Exchange Commission, to review downwards the corporate tax of 25% paid by RCBs, and to expedite action to free the RCBs monies locked up in the collapsed financial institutions due to the banking cleanup.

Maltaaba Community Bank Limited convened its 12^th Annual General Meeting (AGM)  at its head office in Bongo, Upper East Region. Marking a significant milestone for the financial institution. The well-attended meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the bank’s performance in the year 2024, while also outlining future strategies and a commitment to community development.

The proceedings commenced with Mr. Duke Awinsure Anabah ESQ, the bank’s Secretary, reading the notice convening the meeting. This was followed by the presentation of the Directors’ and Chairman’s report by Mr. Francis Atintono, which detailed the bank’s activities and achievements throughout the past year.

Maltaaba Community Bank Limited, established as a public limited liability company in May 2003 and commencing banking operations on April 23, 2009, operates under the supervision of ARB Apex Bank Limited and the Bank of Ghana. The bank boasts a strong network, linked with 141 other rural banks and over 700 branches across Ghana through ARB Apex Bank. This extensive network allows Maltaaba Community Bank to offer a wide range of financial services to its customers.

In the chairman’s report, Mr. Francis Atintono, reported on the bank’s performance. He indicated that the bank’s balance sheet had grown significantly by 89% over the review period, reaching GH₵53.5 million. This growth, he explained, was fueled by a 95% increase in deposit growth, from GH₵ 24.6 million to GH₵ 48 million, and a 55% growth in shareholders’ funds, paid-up capital and retained earnings.

Mr. Atintono further noted that loans to customers grew marginally by 16% for a period due to the challenges experienced in recent years ending the 2024 financial year, with a portfolio of GH₵6.7 million. He also pointed out that investment went up by GH₵ 16.2 million to a total of GH₵ 31.3 million, which represented a growth of 107%. The report also highlighted that the profit before tax for the period was GH₵1.4 million, a rise of 172%, following a gross income of GH₵6.3 million and 84% growth, while expenses rose to GH₵ 4.9 million, increasing by 68% for the period under review.

Despite challenges, Mr. Atintono stated that the bank had exceeded every target, with all key financial indicators pointing to a bright future. He expressed his excitement for the bank’s future, noting that assets had almost doubled from GH₵ 28.2 million to GH₵ 53.5 million, an 89% growth.

Shareholders then received and adopted the financial reports for the year ending December 31, 2024, demonstrating transparency and accountability in the bank’s operations. Further reports from the board of directors and external auditors provided deeper insights into the financial health and governance of Maltaaba Community Bank.

A key highlight of the AGM was the addresses delivered by prominent stakeholders in the financial and local governance sectors. Manageress of ARB Apex Bank; the official institution overseeing the activities of rural banks in the area, Madam Mabel Domppielle, shared her insights on the performance of the bank and the broader financial landscape. Rev. Joseph Tabase, the Upper East Region Rural Banks Chapter Administrator, also addressed the gathering, focusing on collaborative efforts and the role of rural banks in regional development.

The Bongo District Chief Executive (DCE), represented by Mr. Mumuni Abdulai from the Environmental Health Unit, delivered an address that touched upon the crucial issue of climate change and its impact on the community. Mr. Abdulai conveyed the DCE’s appeal to the bank to consider creating a discounted loan facility specifically designed to enable customers and shareholders to construct resilient household latrines. This initiative underscores the bank’s potential role in promoting public health and environmental sustainability within its operating area. He also referenced the government’s commitment, under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani-Mahama, to stabilize the macroeconomy, aiming to create a more favorable environment for businesses to access loans at lower interest rates. Mr. Abdulai highlighted the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian Cedi as a positive indicator of this progress and called upon Ghanaians to support the government’s economic agenda.

In a significant moment, the 12^th AGM was officially declared open by the representative of the Bongo DCE, emphasizing the collaborative spirit between the bank and the local authorities.

The meeting also recognized the invaluable contributions of three long-serving directors who were stepping down from their roles. Mr. Peter Claver Gaaga Azitarige Akayegre, a one-time board chairman who served for two terms, Mr. Giba Abraham, and Mr. Akama John, both of whom served on the board for nine (9) years, were presented with citations in appreciation of their dedicated service and leadership.

The outgone directors were replaced by Dr. Awiniyesima Abiire, Mr. Robert Alagsekoma and Mr. Anthony Mba Ndor(esq.) after the shareholder voting session.

With the bank’s head office strategically located in Bongo, the bank plays a vital role in the economic development of the Bongo District and the broader Upper East Region. The discussions and decisions at the 12^th AGM signal a continued commitment to providing financial services, fostering community growth, and adapting to the evolving economic and environmental challenges in Ghana. The potential introduction of a discounted loan facility for resilient household latrines exemplifies the bank’s proactive approach to addressing local needs and promoting sustainable development.

The Naara Rural Bank PLC in the Upper East Region has organized it’s 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) Navrongo, let by the Board chairman ,Rev .Fr. Joseph Aseyire Tabase, the CEO Mr Abraham Musah, the staff and other stakeholders, reported that, despite the challenges of high inflation, depreciation of the cedi, fuel prices, uncertainty in the global economic outlook and the effect of the government of Ghana DDEP,  recorded a Profit Before Tax of GH¢1,641,429 an increase of 53%. Total assets grew from 26.8% from GH¢ 56,778,443 recorded in 2022 to GH¢ 73,710,139 in 2023. Deposits from GH¢ 63,388,085 in 2022 to GH¢ 78,664,339 representing an increase of 24.1% in 2023 while loans and advances grew from GH¢31,606,390 in 2022 to GH¢48,913,604 representing an increase of 54.8% and the stated Capital also grew by 25.4% from GH¢2,153,997 in 2022 to GH¢ 2,700,634 in the year under review. According to the board chair, human resource development is also, remains a key component of their strategy and the board promised to continue to develop and build the capacity of staff members to enable them deliver good services to customers, and the bank is also in compliance with the RCBs Corporate Governance Directives. In terms of corporate social responsibilities in 2023, Naara Rural Bank PLC spent a total of GH¢ 42,500 in the areas of education, health, agriculture and social activities and still committed to supporting the people in its operational areas as the future of the bank is very promising and only need the people too, to buy more shares and for BOG to also reduce the corporate tax of 25% to 15 % for the RCBs.

The President of Association of Rural Banks (ARB),  Upper East Chapter, Mr Atintono Francis observed that banking in general and the RCBs in particular are highly regulated business and therefore requires leadership and management to be up to speed with relevant regulations, procedures, and practices that would ensure sound and resilient rural banking ecosystem and to achieve this requirement, he said the need well-informed governance practices couple with effective and efficient leadership of the banks through effective supervision, regulation and constant interaction of stakeholders adding that, because of that they have been organizing training for all of them and urged them to always participate fully. He lamented about the challenges facing the sector, that RCBs used to pay 8% corporate tax but since 2015 the have been levied a whopping 25 % on their profits which is gradually killing RCBs, because the little profits declared by the RCBs which would have been ploughed back into operations to meet the capitalization requirement as well as to finance other expansion projects of the banks, are being paid to government by way of this tax and called for reduction. For the way forward, he entreated the Banks chairs and directors, to foster conducive and friendly environment in their catchment areas, identify key and critical projects to support and develop tailor -made products and services that serves the needs of the people to attract businesses and individuals to them.

The Managing Director of ARB Apex bank, Chief Alex Kwasi Awuah, commended Naara Rural Bank PLC for being one of the largest loan disbursements made by a single Rural and community bank in the northern sector, demonsting that, the bank has prioritized its core mandate of credit extension to businesses and equally pleased with the 53 % increase in profit before tax, total assets climbed by29.82% , and overall performance of the bank in 2023. He underscored the importance of digital banking and stated that,  because of that they have introduced a mobile banking solutions to RCBs customers,  such as cash withdrawals, wallet- to -account transfers and vice versa, bills payments, account balance checks and statement requests by dialing *992# and have also started distribution of 1,500 point of sale (PoS) devices to lessen supply-side limitations while reducing the costs of  opening brick and mortar branches, because RCBs customers would not have to travel far to obtain banking services at physical branch locations. Chief Awuah added that Internet banking applications are also in advanced stage and will improve the RCBs’  customer experience once they are fully operational and implored all banks that are currently not on the ARB Apex bank and RCBs platform to quickly come back and be part of the new innovative solutions.

The Upper East Regional Minister, Alhajj Dr.Hafiz Bin Salih made this observation as a guest of honor at this year’s 2024 tourism awards night in Bolgatanga ,organized by the Upper East Regional Tourism Authority , with the theme ‘Celebrating Innovation and Recognizing Excellence in Ghana Tourism Sector’ to acknowledge the remarkable contribution of individuals Organizations ,Companies and stakeholders. According to him, the hospitality and tourism industry remains and important sector of our economy as it’s provides countless opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship and accounts for a significant portion of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has over the years become a hub for a growth with so much significance ,that it must be recognized, adding that the region is treasured truth of culture, history ,natural beauty, and their unwavering commitment to showcase those unique cultural heritage and experiences draws investors from afar and foster a sense of pride and set us apart

As government he said, their philosophy is, the private sector is the engine of growth, and would continuously create the enabling environment to maintain law and order and provide a sound policies and regulations to boost private sector and, indeed make it the engine for development hence the will require the support and collaboration of all stakeholders as the industry thrive on collaboration and partnership. He therefore used the platform to urged them to strengthen their alliances and share best practices to elevate the region as a premier destination for tourism.

Alhajj Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, was quick to add that nowithstanding the prospects of the tourism industry, it has become a place of attraction and soft spots for collusion and commissioning of all sorts of crimes particularly cybercrimes, human trafficking, theft and robberies as criminals take undue advantage of privacy and serene nature of their facilities and therefore urged Managers and staff of the industry to put in place appreciate security measures to continuously ensure  the safety of their clients and also educate their employees and collaborate with the security agencies to help check these menaces.  On the 2024 general elections, the minister called for peace before during and after the election and assured Ghanaians that, the government will provide all the necessary logistics to the Electoral Commission to enable them conduct the election free,fair and transparent manner to engender peace and unity in Ghana.

The Chairman of the occation, Prof. Albert Logoterah, underscore that, the Upper East Region offers unique experiences that captivates the hearts of visitors and described the awardees as the true ambassadors of our rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. For the future, he said the should remember that the source of our tourism industry hinges in our ability to adopt and innovates in this digital age and bracing technology and sustainable practices is crucial. He called for continue  investment in our infrastructure and enhance our services and promotion of our unique attractions including our traditional food ,music and dance, festivals, arts and crafts, historic sites and architecture, our folklore and story telling etc to ensure that the region is remains a top destination for tourists . In all about 22 individuals and institutions were awarded in four categories, Accomodation, Catering, Travel and Tour and Media.

The Upper East Regional Tourism Authority has organized it’s 2024 awards night with the theme ‘Celebrating Innovation and Recognizing Excellence in Ghana Tourism Sector ‘ in Bolgatanga and the Regional Director of Ghana Tourism Authority Mr. Wisdom Ahadzi who welcomed all the stakeholders, noted that the night was to acknowledge the remarkable contribution of individuals, Organizations, Companies and stakeholders that have demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the growth and development of tourism in the region ,as the sector being not just a sector of economy but also a tapestry wovering with our rich culture, history and warmth of our people. As we are navigating to a rapidly changing world,he said it’s essential that, the embrace new ideas, adopt modern technologies to foster sustainable practices, as this and innovation are powerful tools to elevate the tourism offerings by providing unique experiences and captivating the hearts and minds of travellers. Mr Wisdom Ahadzi called the awardees to continue to strive for excellence, wishing them good luck in the upcoming  2024 September 25 national tourism awards day in Accra

The president of the Upper East Regional House of Chief, Pe Thomas Ditungidini Adiali Ayagitam III, remarked, that the tourism sector contributed significantly to the economic development of the region and urged the Authority to work to upgrade the structures of the various sites to make them user-friendly and accommodating, to encourage many tourists into the region and also open it to the outside world. He reminds the Upper East Regional Minister of their called for the construction of an airport in the region, that he is convinced that it will not ease just the travelling difficulties of people but would significantly promote the tourism potentials of the region and create economic opportunities to the youth and promised their unflinching support towards the promotion of tourism potentials in the region.

Mr. Kenneth Adu-Boahen who represents the Chief Executive of Ghana Tourism Authority,  said the awards reminds us to know that, tourism is a multi stakeholder enterprise requiring the full commitment of all stakeholders to ensure vibrant tourism destination and the month of September is dedicated tourism month, therefore encourage all to patronize our local tourism attractions, support the local businesses, experiences and rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that Ghana has to offer. He urged all of them to work together to promote tourism development and create opportunities for economic growth and Job creation.

Ghana Ambassador to Burkina Faso, His Excellency Boniface Gambilla, lauded the competition amongst the industry players, adding that the winning is just a second leg of it and suggested to the Authority to to extend it beyond the borders of Ghana . He said as Ghana’s representative in Burkina Faso, he will champion for that collaboration, including more sister City’s relations to foster unity and economic benefits because even though there are challenges in that country, it is not all the areas and the  holds Ghana in high esteem especially when it comes to Education and took the opportunity to also cautioned the industry players to be mindful of their prices to attract customers. In all about 22 individuals and institutions were awarded in four (4 ) categories . The awardees were grateful to GTA and promised to do more.

On July 24-26 2024, Mr. Rufus N. Darkortey, an Executive Director at the African Development Bank for the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan constituency embarked on a three -day Mission to Ghana to discuss issues around the Bank Group portfolio in the country including future priority areas and also, follow up actions needed to actualize existing priority areas of government.

The visit came at the back of the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Bank in Nairobi and also a Consultation Mission to the Republic of Ghana in July 15th 2024. Mr. Darkortey was received in Accra where he had a consultative engagement with Ghana’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam where the various portfolios that the Bank is supporting in Ghana, formed the basis for discussion.

As part of stakeholder consultations, the executive director travelled to Ghana’s Northern region where he was received by project staff of the Savannah Agriculture Value Chain Development Project, SADEP. Mr. Dakortey expressed his excitement to be in Ghana and underscored the importance of Ghana as a valuable member of his constituency within the African Development Bank. He conveyed the gratitude of the Bank’s President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, to the Government and People of Ghana for the level of cooperation to ensure the wholistic development of Africa where there is a focus on food sovereignty, food self-sufficiency, food security, gender and youth vulnerability issues.

Mr. Rufus also enumerated the Bank’s projects in Ghana singling out the enormous work done in the transport sector with transformational projects including the Pokuasi interchange, the terminal three expansion at the Kotoka international airport, and work done in the energy sector.

In a welcome brief, Madam Theresa Fynn, Ag. Project Coordinator of SADEP narrated the design and implementation of the Savannah Zone Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project (SAPIP) which saw the introduction of large-scale commercial agriculture production of maize, soybean and rice. Mrs. Fynn stressed on how the sustained effort by the Bank support through its Feed Africa Strategy, where subsequent projects such as the Savannah Investment Programme (SIP), the GAFSP support to SIP through to the SADEP has been a game changer in achieving outputs set out in the design of these projects. Mr. Abubakar Seidu, TAAT-S project officer in support of Theresa Fynn’s welcome brief, stressed on the need for improvement in future project designs to make use of knowledge materials produced by the Bank as well as increasing funding to be able to bring about meaningful change in Agriculture.

Through the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation in the Savannahs (TAAT-S), 4 commercial farmers, cultivating 87ha of maize and soybean in 2018 grew to a current total of 454 commercial farmers cultivating 4,950ha of soy, 33,050ha of maize making a total of 38000ha under production. These commercial farmers work with over 78,000 smallholder farmers with each having a holding of 3.6 ha. This translates into a contribution of 15.87% increment in the production of Soy, 18.62% increment in the production of Maize, 30.16% increment in the production of Rice culminating in an overall 21.64% contribution to the national production of maize, soy and rice.

These figures, obviously a quantum leap within 7 years of the Bank support to Agriculture in Ghana would excite anyone who is eager to see Africa feed itself. Mr. Rufus was not left out of this excitement and so, together with Mr. Bekale Ollame, Country Program Officer (the officer in Charge in the absence of the Country Manager) and Mr. Felix N. Darimaani, Senior Agric and Natural Resource Management Officer the SADEP team led the mission on a field visit.
Cudjoe Abimash Farms, of one of the pilot Farmers from the inception of AfDB support to large scale commercial Agriculture in Ghana was the chosen field. Alhaji Mashud recounted how as an African, farming came to him naturally. From a humble beginning of only 4 acres, Alhaji Mashud through the support of AfDB designed projects is a full-blown commercial farmer cultivating over a 2,000 ha of maize, soybean and rice.

The Mission team also visited a warehouse complex where commercial agriculture machinery workshop with various machinery were inspected.. In one enclave, one could see poultry, small ruminants, seed demonstration fields for rice and maize, rice processing facilities, blast freezers, among others. According to Alhaji Mashud, “We know we have the potential but did not know how to go about it. But the encouragement from the project, the support, technical backstopping and inspiring challenges we often get from visits like yours, is what drives us to where we are today.” He added, Martin Fregene shared a dream with us which he challenged we achieve in three years. In two years, we are living his dream.”

Mr. Rufus encouraged Alhaji Mashud to do more by adopting modern technology such as the use of drones for monitoring, branding his enterprise, making it attractive and formalizing it so that, he could expand further and open himself for even more direct funding support from the Bank. He commended Alhaji Mashud for such achievement saying “We want to see Africans working away from subsistence to large scale farming. The beauty of your operation will determine whether you are funded or not funded. Whether you can be sustained or not and from what I see, this is a definition of commercial farming”

The Banks Agriculture portfolio in Ghana forms the third largest portfolio with transport leading and governance being second. The performance of the existing Agriculture Projects (SIP, SADEP and the GAFSP additional Financing) are critical to delivering the outcomes set out for the sector.

Mr. Rufus N. Darkotey concluded his visit by meeting and interacting with small holder farmers and encouraged them to adapt best practices and to move from subsistence farming to large scale. In a poignant remark, he said “The development of agribusinesses, value chain addition, transforming what we grow into consumable products that can be traded within the continent to strengthen economies and transform the lives of people is critical. And ensuring that the projects of the AfDB are well designed and implemented to help achieve the goals as earlier indicated is key to collectively ensuring Africa’s development and food security.”

Source – Kobila40@hotmail.com

The vice president and the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections Dr Mahamud Bawumia has declared pwalugu Multi Purpose dam construction as his number one signature project to help in his modern agricultural drive in the north if he is given the nod.

According to him that will include openning up of the area by construction of many access roads and acilairy facilities.

Another promise was to make electricity penetration hundred percent coverage through out the country with solar energy a huge part of it to help businesses.

Apart from those things some of his campaign policies sold to the people of Talensi and Ghana as a whole are provision of best telephony network, creating jobs for the youth especially small scale mining, establishment of Mineral Development Bank payment of living allowances to chiefs and building of special training college for Talensi adding that all these policies are captured in his manifesto which would be launch next month.

He made all these known at a durbar of chiefs and people of Talensi traditional area at the tongoraana’s palace when he and his entourage paid a courtesy call on them in their Upper East Regional campaign to the constituency, on his Upper East Regional campaign tour .
Alhajj Dr Mahamud Bawumia said the NPP’s government has performed very well in all the sectors especially education and the digitalization and appeals to the people to vote massively for him comes December 7 to continue with the good works as he is having 8 years opportunity to do that than John Dramani of the National Democratic Congress of 4 years.

The paramount chief of Talensi traditional area, Tongoraana Kugbilso Nanlebegteng was very grateful for his visit and only asked him to fulfill his promises when given the nod to improve the lives of his people.

Source- gbcuraonline.com

He said Ghana’s allocation of the project funding was $450 million, $150 million for I’voire Coast, $90 million for Togo and $60 million for Benin.

He stated that the project was being implemented in Ghana through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in collaboration with the beneficiary Assemblies in three zones in the north such as the Wa Zone, Bolgatanga Zone which comprises of the Upper East and the North East Regions respectively and the Northern Zone under three components; Infrastructure, livelihood empowerment and youth led.

Dr. Hafiz disclosed these during the project review meeting of the Bolgatanga Zone held in Bolgatanga to brief partners and stakeholders on the implementation of the First Face of the five year project which started last year.

Given the rationale behind the stakeholder engagement, the Upper East Regional Coordinating Director Alhaji Inusah Abubakar said the quarterly engagement was meant to bring all the stakeholders involved in the implementation of the project together to brief partners on how far the project had come and to also coordinate the activities of the implementing Assemblies within the Bolgatanga Zone to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the various components of the SOCO project. Alhaji Abubakari who described the project as the highest capital investment in the north so far called on the various implementing Assemblies to live up to task to ensure the completion of the 2023 maiden face of the project to pave the way for the implementation of the second face of the project for the 2024 year.

Interacting with the media later after the stakeholder engagement , the head of the Bolgatanga Zonal SOCO project team Mr. Samuel Larbi Agyarko said a total of 211 sub-projects had been executed in the Upper East Region with 54 in the North East Region including 9 road projects; 7 for Upper East and 3 for the North East.

He intimated that the project recruited 434 people to help in its implementation adding that it also saw the engagement of 188 community facilitators in the zone most of whom were presented motorbikes to aid in their mobility. He further stated that 42 laptops were distributed to the implementing Assemblies to aid them in the implementation of the project activities.

Representatives of UNICEF and World Food Programmes were in attendance as well as agencies such as EPA, DVLA, GIDA, NRSC, IDA and NCCE.

Story By: Masahudu Jinkor

Mr. Bukari who made these known in an interview with GBC URA News in Bolgatanga, capital of the Upper East Region stated that the Business In the Box(BizBox Project), was an initiative by the Ghana Enterprises Agency, GEA in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation adding that the new intervention was designed to achieve even more by providing skills development, mentoring and coaching, access to markets and regulatory support to approximately 250,000 young women and men including Persons with Disabilities, PWDs with focus on supporting 125,000 of them with start-up kits to create new businesses, jobs and by extension better the livelihoods of our young people.

He said records from the Ghana Statistical Service in 2020 revealed that the Ghanaian youth constituted for 57 percent of the total population which drummed home the critical need to channel more resources towards their development to increase Ghana’s labour market.

Mr. Bukari said records from the International Labour Organization, ILO in 2023, indicated that approximately 14.3 million people were employed in Ghana, an increase from 14 million the previous year demonstrating that government had gradually delivered on its promise of job creation.

He further stated that the BizBox initiative was not about numbers but transforming lives and communities targeting young people between the ages of 15 to 35, Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, majority women-owned businesses and youth-enterprises.

Mr. Bukari also indicated that the project aligns with the vision of the MasterCard Foundation to enable 3 million young women and men to access dignified and fulfilling work by the year 2030 saying that the BizBox initiative would be instrumental in addressing some of the key challenges facing our youth such as lack of entrepreneurial education, limited access to markets, job-relevant skills and tools through five key pillars focusing on youth skills development, access to markets, start-up kits, youth social networks and institutional strengthening, policy and regulatory support.

The initiative according to the regional manager would focus on agriculture and agri-business 50 percent, tourism and creative industry 30 percent, building and construction 10 percent as well as others made up of electrical or electronic, wood and joinery, hairdressing among others would also constitute 10 percent.

Whilst calling on the youth to take advantage of the initiative to better their lot Mr. Bukari appealed to all stakeholders in the skills training industry, civil society organizations and religious groups to support the project to ensure its successful implementation for the benefit of our youth.

Story By: By Masahudu Jinkor 

The Upper East Regional Minister Mr. Stephen Yakubu has said the issue of youth unemployment has been a major concern to government since assuming power in the year 2017 saying it resulted in the introduction of many policy interventions by Government centered around youth development and job creation.

These policy interventions according to him included the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Youth Employment Agency (YEA), One District, One Factory (1D1F), Youth in Afforestation, Free Senior High School and the establishment of the Commission of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) to regulate and promote Technical and Vocational Education among the youth of this country.

The regional minister made these known during the Upper East Regional launch of the Mastercard Foundation Business In a Box(BIZBOX) project in Bolgatanga. adfing that all these interventions were aimed at providing the enabling environment for the youth to be equipped with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values saying It involves the provision of resources required to
enable them contribute to the economic, social, and cultural advancement of themselves, their families, and the nation as a whole.

Mr. Yakubu indicated that the BizBox Project is a 4 year targeting 250,000 youth across the country with focus on young women, Entrepreneurs, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The BizBox project according to him seeks to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and attitude in our young people through capacity development, mentorship, coaching, access to markets, regulatory support, and start-up kits with the objective of creating jobs within the small and medium scale enterprises for a sustainable economic development.H

He commended the GEA and Mastercard Foundation for the partnership and the uncompromising commitment of Government in enhancing the empowerment and development of the Ghanaian youth.

He charged particioants at the launch made up of hairdressers, welders, tailors and dressmakers, designers, artizans, weavers and smock dealers to think out of the box and add value to their products so as to rake in more revenue.

He called on all stakeholders more especially the youth to take advantage of these initiatives to confront today’s many and varied challenges for a better tomorrow.

Source : gbcuraonline.com