Ghana Exim Bank has distrib uted GH14 m (14,407,808) to 48 One District One Factory(1D1F) Companies aimed at helping businesses and boosting industrialization drive, the Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T Hammond, has told lawmakers.
The 1D1F programme is a demand driven initiative facilitated by government to assist the private sector to establish at least one manufacturing enterprise in each of the 261 Districts of the country.
Appearing before Parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Hammond revealed this when he responded to a question by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Nalerigu/Gambaga,who enquired how much each of the 60 1D1F companies benetted from the disbursement of the GH 14.41 through EXIM Bank under the 1D1F project.
In his response, Mr Hammond said his ministry had in March 2022 inadvertently stated to the House that 60 1D1F companies had been supported by Ghana Exim Bank for which “we wish to
the House.”
Bene ciary companies
Giving a background down of the bene ciary companies, Mr Hammond said Rhovanni Royal Ltd received GH 287,587, Royal Jute Company GH 127 500, Pro-Life Infusions GH 138,624.37, Asamoa & Yamoa Farms GH 275,000, Boris "B" Farms & Veterinary Supplies GH 491,555.
He said others were Darko Farms GH 34,319.37, Modern Global Industries Limited GH 55,000, Weddi Africa Limited GH 441,497.85, Bodukwan Farms Limited GH 108,851, Bloom elds Ltd GH 11,250, Central Oil Mills Limited GH 110,000, Ekum Fruits & Juices GH 1 million, Peters eld & Rey Group Ltd GH 165,314, Casa De Ropa GH 227,377.10, Akuapem Gold Agro-processing Ltd GH 781,859 and Zuriel Carbon Products Limited GH 75,759.48.
He also mentioned Asikess Ventures as receiving GH 269,743, Miracle Fruits Processing Ghana Limited
GH55,000, Pam Pharmaceuticals GH 326,005.40, Bomarts Farms Limited GH 177,215, Nano Foods Limited
Processing GH 355,611, Akro Farms Ltd GH 48,125, Appah Farms GH 58,903, Dorothy Kani Agro-Industries
GH 257,224, Maagrace Garment Industries Ltd
GH 29,654, Blackstar Foods Ltd GH 928,156, Super Contec Company Ltd GH 264,951, and Agricultural Manufacturing Group GH 776,437.
Others were Go Big Company Ltd GH 66,137, Homefoods Processing & Cannery GH 110,000, Atlantic Lifesciences GH 715,000, Dannex GH 618,750, Entrance Pharmaceuticals & Research GH 1,320,000, Ernest Chemist GH 549,403, Eskay Therapeutics GH 275,000, Kinapharma GH 543,583, Delawin Farms Ltd GH 23,713, Farm Fresh Foods Limited GH 192,690 and R & R Luxury Touch GH 45,613.
The remaining, he said, were Al e Designs GH 27,500, Anowah Afrique Company Limited GH 55,000, Dignity DTRT Limited GH 637,500, KAD Manufacturing GH 44,546, Champion Food Industries Ltd GH 274,537, CH Global GH 16,500, PLOT Commodities GH 891,960 and GKV Investments GH 33,147.
Manufacturing hub
On the question of whether
there was a conscious plan to make manufacturing the major thrust of employment creation beyond mining as well as oil and gas, the minister answered in the a rmative.
He said since the inception of the administration of the New Patriotic Party, the government had put in place comprehensive framework for which industrial transformation known as 10-point plan which was aimed at making Ghana the manufacturing hub of Africa.
There was also a question by the NDC MP for Pru East, Dr Kwabena Donkor, who asked what e orts the ministry was making to develop the water bottling industry to international standards and thus end the importation of water into Ghana.
Responding, Mr Hammond said there were stringent regulatory procedures put in place by the Food and Drugs Authority for the licensing of packaged water (bottled and sachet) manufacturing facilities and for the registration of the nished packaged water.
He said the premises of these manufacturing facilities were regularly inspected using the Authorities Guidelines, FDA/FDI/GLFPF/2020/02.
“The inspection covers the starting material (water) and packaging materials to ensure that they meet their respective Standards; and the nished product meets the requirement of GS175-1:2002 (for drinking water) and GS220:2014 (for mineral water).
“The FDA also conducts market surveillance and prod-
uct analysis of products in circulation on the market to keep pace with the phenomenal growth of bottled water and sachet manufacturing,” he said.
The minister added that regulatory framework for conformity assessment bodies involved in testing, inspection and certi cation would be further be strengthened with the consideration and passage of the Ghana Accreditation Service Bill which was currently referred to relevant committee of Parliament.
with the 229,236.26 tonnes recorded in February 2023. Cement sales for the rst quarter of 2023 went down by 28.6% to 715,070.24 tonnes, from 1,001,259.90 tonnes for the same period of 2022. The decline in total cement sales, the report said, was due to a slowdown in construction activities during the review period
Vehicle registration up
International trade at the two main harbours (Tema and Takoradi), as measured by laden container tra c for inbound and outbound containers, declined during the period under review.
Total container tra c decreased by 5.7%, year-on-year to 53,615 in March 2023, from 56,879 in March 2022.
Real sector activities recorded a mixed performance in the rst quarter of 2023, the May 2023 Monetary Sector Report from the Bank of Ghana has disclosed.
According to the Bank of Ghana, domestic VAT collections increased by 92.4% on a year-on-year basis to ¢1.250 billion, from ¢649.93 million. Cumulatively, total domestic VAT for the rst quarter of 2023 went up by 76.8% to ¢3,196 billion compared to ¢1.808 billion for the corresponding period of last year..
Retail sales also increased by 44.9 percent to ¢165.20 million in March 2023, up from the ¢114.05 million recorded in the same period in 2022. On a month-on-month basis, retail sales improved by 19.2% in March 2023, from ¢138.60 million in the preceding month. In cumulative terms, retail sales for the rst quarter of 2023 went up by 30.3%.
Manufacturing activities improve
Furthermore, activities in the manufacturing sub-sector, gauged by trends in the collection of direct taxes and private sector workers’ contributions to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Pension Scheme, improved in March 2023.
Total direct taxes collected increased by 37.7% (year-on-year) to ¢4.788 billion in March 2023, relative to ¢3.478 billion recorded in the same period in 2022.
Total private sector workers’ contribution to the SSNIT Pension Scheme (Tier-1) increased by 22.7% in year-on-year terms to ¢317.61 million in March 2023, from ¢258.80 million collected during the corresponding period in 2022.
Construction activities dip However, activity in the construction sub-sector, proxied by the volume of cement sales, declined by 29.3%.
On a month-on-month basis, total cement sales improved by 12.8% in March 2023 compared
Transport-sector activities, gauged by new vehicle registrations by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), declined by 44.1% to 12,847 in March 2023, from 22,978 vehicles registered during the corresponding period of 2022.
Cumulatively, vehicles registered by the DVLA within the rst quarter of 2023 decreased by 45.2% to 54,568 from 99,514 recorded a year ago.
Passenger arrivals improve 33%
Passenger arrivals also improved by 33.8% in year-on-year terms to 86,115 in March 2023, up from 64,358 arrivals recorded a year ago.
Compared to February 2023, passenger arrivals went up by 15.4%.
Cumulatively, for the rst quarter of 2023, there were 247,834 arrivals recorded at the international airports and the land borders, compared with 171,145 arrivals for the corresponding period in 2022, representing a growth of 44.8%.
International trade at the two main harbours fell
The relative decline in port activities, the report, said it was due to a slowdown in international trade activities over the review period, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Labour demand falls
The number of jobs advertised in selected print and online media, which partially gauges labour demand in the economy, decreased in April 2023 relative to what was observed in the corresponding period a year ago.
In total, 2,581 job adverts were recorded, as compared with 2,777 for the same period in 2022, indicating a decline of 7.1% (year-on-year).
On a month-on-month basis, the number of job vacancies went down by 6.3% from the 2,754 jobs advertised in March 2023.
Cumulatively, for the rst four months of 2023, the total number of advertised jobs declined by 2.9% to 10,707 from 11,029 recorded during the same period in 2022.
Patricia Obo-Nai, the Chief Executive O cer (CEO) of Vodafone Ghana, has been recognised for her exceptional leadership at the Ghana CEO Summit 2023. The summit is a prestigious event that celebrates the achievements of CEOs and businesses across various sectors.
Patricia was presented with the Leadership Excellence Award in the Telecommunication Sector, a testament to her signi cant contributions to investment, job creation, and the remarkable growth and innovation of Vodafone Ghana. The award also acknowledges her commitment to maintaining high standards of ethical practice and professionalism. In response to her award, Patricia said, “It is a great honour. I am motivated to continue dedicating myself to the technological sector and inspiring others to strive for even greater
achievements.”
The CEO Summit, under the theme “Economic Sovereignty, Sustainable Corporate Governance, Digital Industrial Transformation: New Paths for Growth and Prosperity. A Private-Public Sector CEO Dialogue & Learning,” brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for restoring Ghana’s economy and achieving sustainable economic sovereignty.
Patricia, who joined Vodafone Ghana as Chief Technology O cer in 2011, has held several leadership roles within the company. She was appointed CEO in April 2019, becoming the rst Ghanaian to hold this position. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving Vodafone Ghana's growth and innovation.
In addition to the Leadership Excellence Award, Patricia has recently been recognised with two other prestigious awards: the Outstanding Woman in Telecommunica-
tions at the African Women Awards 2023 and the CEO of the Year at the Telecommunications Innovations and Excellence Awards in 2022. These awards
further highlight Patricia's signi cant impact on the telecommunications industry in Ghana and beyond.
Newmont Ghana has started the process to incorporate emission-reduction into its contracts with key suppliers and customers, Paul SowleySenior Director, Environmental A airs at Newmont Ghana has said.
The mining giant is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 percent by 2030 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,
According to Mr. Sowley they are currently working with its Supply Chain department to survey and engage key suppliers and customers to develop and incorporate emission-reduction targets into their contracts. “We are also partnering with the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory on research related to carbon sequestration in mine tailings”
The company is also evaluating
how to align biodiversity management practices with the new Global Biodiversity Framework, which was adopted at the 5th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2022.
According to him, the company’s goal is to decarbonize our existing and future operations,
focusing on electricity, mobile equipment, carbon neutralization, and acid neutralization technologies.
Speaking as a panelist at this year’s Ghana Mining and Energy Summit in Accra, under the auspices of the Chamber of Mines, Mr.Sowley said “In November 2020, Newmont announced its industry-leading Climate Target of
By Eugene Davis
30% reduction in baseline emission, Scope 1 and 2, by 2030 and achievement of Net Zero by 2050. To meet these targets, Newmont’s goal is to decarbonize our existing and future operations, focusing on electricity, mobile equipment, carbon neutralization, and acid neutralization technologies.
Further he stated that since November 2020, the company has updated its Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement Policy to re ect its stance on climate change and importance to their business.
“We also strengthened our energy and climate strategy & governance by establishing steering committee and working teams around ve pillars of Newmont’s Climate and Energy Strategy - Supply, Cost E ciency, Collaboration, Carbon Reduction and Adaptation with Board and Execu-
tive Leadership oversight.”
Other initiatives to that e ect includes; in December 2020, Newmont approved a $500 million fund to focus on emissions reduction projects across our operations from 2021 through 2025, it formed a strategic alliance with Caterpillar to achieve zero-emissions delivering battery electric trucks for our open pit and underground.
Earlier this year, Newmont entered into a $3.0 billion sustainability-linked bond which is linked to our performance against the 2030 emissions reduction targets.
Newmont Africa started the renewable journey in 2018 by installing a 110kwp solar plant
at our Akyem Site. The electricity produced is integrated into our camp management operations. Currently it has produced 321,033 kwh of electricity.
The company has also collaborated with VRA since 2018 to build and become the sole o -taker of a 13MWp solar plant at Kaleo in the Upper West region. Newmont is the only mining company in the country to have such an arrangement.
In 2021, it partnered with Kal Tire in their Maple Programme. This initiative quanties our positive environmental impact by using retreaded tires instead of purchasing new tires. We saved a total of 170 tons CO2eq through the
retreading of 34 tires in Ahafo and 15 tires in Akyem as an alternative to purchasing the new tires. In simple terms, this (170 tons CO2eq) can give enough power to run 20 households for a year.
Newmont’s business imperative is to create value and support the wellbeing of our people and planet; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and diverse world; and ultimately improving lives and livelihoods.
While ESG has rapidly evolved and is considered essential for businesses, Newmont has a long history of committing to leading sustainability and ESG practices that are fundamental enablers of our corporate strategy. Their approach con-
siders the dynamic business environment it operates in and the critical role they must play to meet increasing stakeholder expectations to tackling societal issues and global challenges and mitigating negative impacts.
Newmont is the world’s leading gold company and a producer of copper, silver, lead and zinc. Founded in 1921 and publicly traded since 1925, Newmont is the only gold producer on the S&P 500 Index. Recognized for its commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, the Company is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution and technical expertise.
According to Fitch, it has acquired several small banks in other Sub-Saharan African countries in recent years, in line with its African expansion strategy. It expects acquisitions to continue, strengthening Access Bank’s franchise and geographical diversi cation.
banks (D-SIB).
Fitch added that Nigeria sovereign exposure through securities and CBN cash reserves is very high relative to FCC (over 600% at end-2022).
Challenging operating environment
Rating agency, Fitch, has a rmed Access Bank Plc’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B-‘with a Stable Outlook.
It also a rmed the bank’s National Long-Term Rating at ‘A+(nga)’ and assigned a Stable Outlook.
According to Fitch, Access Bank’s National Long-Term Rating balances its leading franchise against weaker core capitalisation
and pro tability than higher-rated peers.
Again, Access Bank’s IDRs, it said, are driven by its standalone creditworthiness, as expressed by its ‘b- ‘Viability Rating (VR).
Leading Franchise Access Bank is Nigeria’s largest bank group, accounting for 16% of banking system assets at end-2022.
It has a record of integrating domestic acquisitions but the large number of cross-border acquisitions creates execution risks and may pressure capital.
High Sovereign Exposure Fitch said the single-obligor credit concentration is high, with the 20 largest loans representing 193% of Fitch Core Capital (FCC) at end-2022.
Oil and gas exposure (23% of gross loans at end-2022) is material but lower than at other domestic systemically important
It noted that bankscontinue to contend with US dollar shortages and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) highly burdensome cash reserve requirement.
It therefore expects reform progress under the new administration, including elimination of fuel subsidies and gradual liberalization of the naira.
However, there is a risk of a sharp depreciation due to the large disparity between the o cial and parallel exchange rates.
The Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency in the Greater Accra region, Lydia Seyram Alhassan will on Monday has organised the second phase of a Free Driving Training Programme dubbed: ``LSA Free Driving School” targeted at students of the University of Ghana.
The tailor-made three weeks theoretical and practical free driving course will be centred on the university campus with
exible time schedules for the students to acquire driving skills at their own convenience without destructing their academic work.
Over 1000 students are expected to acquire free driving training skills during this second phase of the LSA Free Driving School Initiative.
Five hundred (500) residents of the constituency bene ted
from the rst phase of the free driving school exercise held in 2022 held at Abelenkpe, in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.
The LSA Free Driving School gesture is expected to be extended to other tertiary institutions including the Accra College of
Education, University of Media, Arts and Communication, the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) all within the constituency.
The students target free driving lessons opportunity is the Phase two of the Free Driving courses rolled out by the philanthropic lawmaker.
Hon Lydia Seyram Alhassan who doubles as the First Deputy Majority Whip in Ghana’s Parliament has been engaged in numerous humanitarian interventions in her quest to make life more meaningful for her constituents and Ghanaians from all walks of life.
The MP recently celebrated mother’s day with women in the constituency and presented various gifts to them for their sel essness.
Happy New Month and how are you today? The response of many in recent times to the question has been; “we are managing”. Are you also managing or you are ne! It is said that, healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step, same way self-care is how you take your power back. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. That is why, it's okay to not be okay as long as you are not giving up. "Your disorder or situation does not de ne you. Your strength and courage does." – Unknown
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health problems and disorders are common and a ect people of all ages, genders, cultures, and backgrounds. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, a ecting more than 264 million people. Anxiety disorders a ect more than 284 million people worldwide. Dementia a ects about 50 million people worldwide. Substance use disorders a ect about 271 million people worldwide. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds. We can only drop the self-pity party when we have increase knowledge and understanding of mental health issues as this will support reduce stigma and discrimination, help people seek help when needed, support others who are struggling, and promote well-being for every-
one. So I ask you. How are you doing today?
Let’s have a conversation on mental health and why it’s important to prioritize our mental health. According to the World Health Organization, Mental Health is the state of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It in uences how we think, feel, and act. It also a ects how we cope with stress, relate to others, and make choices and as such mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood. It can change over time, depending on various factors such as life events, biological factors, economic hardship or environmental factors.
It is worth noting that economic hardship and mental health are closely linked, as nancial stress can a ect people's emotional and psychological well-being. According to researchgate, these are ways that economic hardship can impact mental health. Economic hardship can cause or worsen mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and suicidal behavior and addiction.
This is because economic hardship can create feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, shame, guilt, anger, and fear. It can also reduce people's access to basic needs, social support, health care, and coping resources. Mental health problems can on the other hand also cause or
worsen economic hardship, as they can impair people's functioning, productivity, and income. This is because mental health problems can a ect people's motivation, concentration, decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills. They can also increase people's absenteeism, disability, and health care costs. And here is the tricky one, economic hardship and mental health problems can create a vicious cycle that is hard to break. People who experience economic hardship are more likely to develop mental health problems, and people who have mental health problems are more likely to face economic hardship. This can lead to chronic stress, poor coping, and reduced quality of life. According to the W.H.O mental illnesses are common health conditions that a ect how people think, feel, or behave. They can cause distress and impair functioning in di erent aspects of life but can be treated with di erent methods, such as medication, psychotherapy, counseling, or self-help strategies. The type and duration of treatment may vary depending on the person and the condition. For self- help strategies let’s learn to prioritize our mental health. Prioritizing your mental health is a great way to improve your well-being and happiness. Here are some tips that may help you do that:
1. What are the things that causes you stress. Identify your stressors and focus on the most important ones. Try to eliminate or reduce the sources of stress that are not essential or bene cial for you
2. Set boundaries with people or situations that negatively a ect your mental health. Learn to say no to things that you don't want to do or that make you feel worse.
3. Challenge your negative self-talk and replace it with more positive and realistic thoughts. Don't believe everything you think and look for evidence that contradicts your negative assumptions.
4. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Eat well, exercise regularly, get enough
sleep, and avoid alcohol or drugs that can worsen your mood. Be a thinker and not a drinker.
5. Practice mindfulness and meditation to calm your mind and body. Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment, without judging them.
6. Seek social support from people who care about you and understand you. Talk to your friends, family, or other trusted people about how you feel and what you need. You can also join online or o ine communities that share your interests or experiences. This is very important, don’t just talk to anyone. It should be people you trust can provide you support. As some people may make you worse o by broadcasting your challenges instead of being con dential.
7. Reach out to a professional if you feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or suicidal. Therapy can help you explore your emotions, cope with your challenges, and receive appropriate treatment. You can also call a helpline or crisis center if you need immediate help.
8. Go at your own pace and don't compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own journey and challenges, and there is no need to rush or pressure yourself. Do what feels right for you and celebrate your progress. Your mental health knowledge is important for many reasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the World Health Organization provides us with some guidance. Mental health knowledge can help you understand yourself and others better. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, and seek help when needed. It can also help you support your friends, family, or colleagues who may be struggling with their mental health. It can help you reduce stigma and discrimination. Stigma is the negative attitude or judgment that people have towards mental health issues or people who have them.
Discrimination is the unfair treatment or exclusion of people based on their mental health status. Stigma and discrimination can prevent people from seeking help, accessing services, or enjoying their rights. Mental health knowledge can help you promote well-being and resilience. Well-being is the state of feeling good and functioning well in di erent aspects of life. Resilience is the ability to cope with stress and adversity. Mental health knowledge can help you learn and practice skills and strategies that can enhance your well-being and resilience, such as self-care, mindfulness, positive thinking, problem-solving, and coping.
There are also mental health dangers being the risks and harms associated with mental health problems and disorders. Impaired functioning in di erent aspects of life, such as work, education, social relationships, and daily activities. Increased morbidity and mortality from physical health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases. Increased risk of suicide, self-harm, violence, and substance abuse. Reduced quality of life and well-being, as well as increased su ering and distress. Stigma and discrimination that can limit access to opportunities, rights, and services.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health problems and disorders are common and a ect people of all ages, genders, cultures, and backgrounds. These statistics show the magnitude and impact of mental health dangers on individuals and societies. They also highlight the need for more awareness, prevention, treatment, and care for mental health issues. Some global statistics on mental health dangers are: Mental health problems and disorders account for 13% of the global burden of disease, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, a ecting more than 264 million people. Anxiety disor-
ders a ect more than 284 million people worldwide. Bipolar disorder a ects about 45 million people worldwide. Schizophrenia a ects about 20 million people worldwide. Dementia a ects about 50 million people worldwide. Substance use disorders a ect about 271 million people worldwide. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds, and claims more than 700,000 lives every year.
Look consider some statistics looking at the African and Ghanaian dimension of the issues as well. Mental health issues are a serious concern in Africa, as they a ect millions of people and have signicant impacts on their well-being, productivity, and human rights. Mental health in Africa - the Lancet Global Health and researchgate discussing mental health in Africa as well as the World Health Organization looking at reversing suicide, mental health crisis in Africa shares these issues of concern. Locally in Ghana, the mental health issues a ect many people and have signi cant impacts on their well-being, productivity, and human rights. These thematic areas discusses the African and Ghanaian causes; • Prevalence and burden of mental disorders: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 116 million people in Africa su er from a mental disorder, up from 53 million in 1990. Mental disorders account for 11% of the risk factors associated with suicide in Africa. The common mental disorders in Africa include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and dementia.
In Ghana, about 13% of Ghanaians su er from a mental disorder, of which 3% su er from a severe mental disorder and 10% su er from a moderate to mild mental disorder. Mental disorders are a leading cause of years lived with disability in Ghana, behind iron-de cient anaemia. Among patients seeking treatment for mental health issues, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and mood disorders are the top three diagnoses, although a huge percentage of people receive no speci c diagno-
sis.
• Treatment gap and barriers to care: Despite the high prevalence and burden of mental disorders, only a small fraction of Africans with mental health conditions receive adequate treatment and support from health facilities. This means that there is a huge treatment gap for mental health in Africa, which varies from 75% to 85% depending on the disorder. Some of the barriers to accessing care include lack of awareness, stigma, discrimination, and cost, and distance, shortage of trained sta , inadequate infrastructure, and insu cient funding. In Ghana, despite the high prevalence and burden of mental disorders, only about 2% of Ghanaians with mental health conditions receive psychiatric treatment and support from health facilities. This means that there is a huge treatment gap of 98% for mental health in Ghana.
• Human rights violations and abuses: Many people with mental disorders in Africa and Ghana face human rights violations and abuses, such as neglect, abandonment, physical restraint, chaining, beating, and starvation, denial of medical care, forced medication, involuntary admission, and sexual violence. These abuses often occur in psychiatric hospitals, prayer camps, traditional healing centers, or within families and communities. People with mental disorders also face discrimination and exclusion in education, employment, housing, and social services.
• Policy and legal framework: Many African countries have national mental health policies and laws that aim to promote and protect the rights of people with mental disorders, and to provide accessible, a ordable, and quality mental health care for all. However, these policies and laws have not been fully implemented or enforced due to various challenges such as lack of resources, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and advocacy. These are some of the
major mental health issues of concern in Africa. They require urgent attention and action from all stakeholders, including the governments, health sector, civil society, media, academia, and international partners.
• Ghana has a national mental health policy (2012) and a mental health act (2012) that aim to promote and protect the rights of people with mental disorders, and to provide accessible, a ordable, and quality mental health care for all. However, these policies and laws have not been fully implemented or enforced due to various challenges such as lack of resources, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and advocacy.
It is perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared, or anxious. Having feelings doesn't make you a negative person. It makes you human. So please drop the pity party, snap out of it and let’s create some hope for ourselves together. You are not your thoughts. You are the observer of your thoughts. Let the only meaningful journey be the actual journey within. Turn on your light and nd happiness again even in the darkest time and prioritize your mental health.
Baptista is a Hybrid Professional and the Executive Director of ProHumane Afrique International. ProHumane is a charitable, development & think thank organization working with communities & individuals to create sustainable solutions to transform communities through diverse pro-poor initiatives. Pro-poor initiatives are initiatives that help to alleviate poverty. Baptista is a realist, a able, simple and humane. You can reach her via e-mail on prohumaneafrique@gmail.com and follow this conversation on all our social media sites: Linked-In/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Instagram: ProHumane Afrique International. Call or WhatsApp: +233(0)262213313. Hashtag: #behumane #thegivingcapsules #prohumaneafriqueint #fowc
June 2, 2023
Highly-talented Ghanaian trap rapper, Bashir Annan, popularly known as Gambo, is expected to be introduced to the United States music market in a grand style with his 'Drip' song remix featuring legendary American rapper, Joseph Guillermo Jones II, known in showbiz as Jim Jones, as well as Ghanaian musician Ayigbe Edem.
Gambo, Jim Jones and Edem have already hit the studio in New York, USA and are done with recording the Drip remix. They are now working on shooting the video for the remix. The 'Drip' remix will be released later in 2023, and is expected to take the US and Ghanaian music industries by storm.
The 'Drip' remix will be a big project for Gambo, the hip hop and Afrobeats industry.
It will basically be introducing Gambo - the 'Settle' singer - to the US music market, and will further give him the opportunity to also showcase and tell the story of Ghana with its rich culture and let the world know that the same way Dubai and America are being promoted on tourism, it's time to do same in Africa, that is to promote positivity on the continent or showcase the beautiful and positive side of Africa and Ghana as he has done consistently for about four years of his so far successful music career.
Gambo has therefore assured his millions of fans that they should expect "a magni cent video" for 'Drip' remix.
It would be recalled that in 2021, Gambo, a Vodafone Ghana Music Awards winner, released his Drip single, along with its amboyant
music video which was touted by fans to be the most ashiest and expensive music video of that year. 'Drip' is a single taken o Gambo's New Era Extended Play (EP).
Gambo, who has built for himself, a reputation of being Ghana's foremost fanciest rapper, has over the years, been very keen on raising the bar, and has been very consistent when it comes to producing world-class quality music video.
His Drip music video was shot on the 7th oor of Kempinski Hotel in Accra, by award-winning Ghanaian music video director, Yaw Skyface with a star-studdy cameo appearances from Ghanaian actress and model, Moesha Buduong, actress and video vixen, Shugatiti, as well as Ghana's nest DJ, DJ Mensah.
Jim Jones, after watching the Drip video in New York, was actually shocked to note that a music video of such high quality was actually shot in Ghana, asking "is that Ghana?"
He is therefore very excited to be collaborating with Gambo on the Drip remix.
Jim Jones, has since the release of his debut solo album, 'On My Way to Church', in 2004, been churning out several great songs.
An original member of the hip hop collective the Diplomats, (also known as Dipset), Jim Jones is one of the well-known gures in the American music industry. His biggest single, 'We Fly High', reached number ve on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2006.
'We Fly High', is a single taken o his third studio album, 'Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environ-
ment)' which was released the same year.
His major studio album titled 'Pray IV Reign' was released in March 2009 by Columbia Records, with the album containing the hit song 'Pop Champagne' (with Ron Brownz featuring Juelz Santana. Jim Jones went on to release his fth studio album, 'Capo' in April 2011, with the lead single of that album being 'Perfect Day' featuring Chink Santana. He took a musical break after the 2011 album
release, but returned in May 2019 with his sixth album titled 'El Capo'.
Ayigbe Edem is one of the leading rappers in Ghana. He has been in the music industry for more than a decade, and has won several awards for his craft over the years. With the achievements and exceptional musical talents of Jim Jones and Edem, it can be said that their blend with Gambo on the Drip remix yiele a magni cent result.
