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  • First-ever ESG executive education programme for hospitality sector leaders 

    First-ever ESG executive education programme for hospitality sector leaders 

    LONDON,United Kingdom,2nd August 2023-King’s Business School and the hospitality sector’s Energy and Environment Alliance (EEA) are launching an executive education programme developed with input from the industry’s leaders to help them to embed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) measures in their businesses.

    The programme was developed through discussion with over 40 senior hospitality leaders who emphasised the role of COVID and recent energy price spikes, alongside the new IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards, in providing both an impetus and an opportunity to accelerate progress on environmental measures ahead of the commitment made by over 100 countries to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. 

    According to the Urban Land Institute, hotels and lodging are the least energy and water-efficient buildings in commercial use. The research conducted by the Energy and Environment Alliance and King’s Business School to develop their new education programme highlighted the scale and complexity of the task leaders face in developing a plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

    Explains Ufi Ibrahim, Chief Executive of the EEA: “It’s inevitable that energy use and energy costs are much higher on the agenda given recent price increases. But COVID also played a part. Many hotels had zero occupancy, yet found they were still needing up to 60% of their usual energy consumption just to prevent issues with damp and to maintain hygiene. The majority of investors in the sector believe that at least half of the measures needed to improve energy performance will involve capital expenditure[i]. Taking the necessary steps may mean accessing new forms of green finance and there is a need for education if they are going to do so successfully.”

    The EEA point out that COVID and energy price fuelled inflation have also changed the investment environment in the hospitality sector. Relative to other forms of commercial property, such as offices and retail, the sector is increasingly being seen as resilient to the trend towards online work and shopping. Additionally, its dynamic pricing models can act as a hedge against inflation.

    “As a result, hospitality is becoming a more mainstream asset with scope to attract new investment and financing, as long as the industry can reliably convince investors of its long-term attractiveness, which increasingly means, its ESG credentials,” adds Ufi Ibrahim.

    The ESG programme has been tailored to the needs of the leadership in the hospitality sector, including asset owners, brands and franchises. Starting in September 2023, it will give an overview of current and planned regulation and ESG reporting requirements, with a particular emphasis on climate change and the sector’s social impact through its employment practices and the interaction between staff and guests.

     The programme will also cover green financing options and look at how to align consumer preferences and behaviour to achieve more sustainable outcomes through marketing. Through teaching, guest speakers, case studies and discussion, leaders on the programme will develop a personalised action plan that will enable them to lead and inspire complex, comprehensive change across many areas of their business.

    The partnership will develop further through the creation of a complementary ESG course for general managers and hotel operating teams.

    Comments Giana Eckhardt, Vice Dean for Engagement and Executive Education at King’s Business School: “it’s exciting to be offering a programme for a sector that has such a significant global impact and such a compelling and immediate opportunity for change. We are proud to work with the EEA to provide a programme that will forge a network of engaged, proactive industry leaders with the knowledge, connections and ambition to drive sustainable business practices forward across the sector.”

    [i] Survey conducted with JLL.

    Find out more:

    Energy and Environment Alliance Executive Education

    King’s Business School Executive Education

    Media contacts:

    Catherine Sirikanda at King’s Business School at Catherine.sirikanda@kcl.ac.uk / 07957 340 795 / comms@kcl.ac.uk

    Anja Spice of the Energy and Environment Alliance on +44 7418608166 / anja@tarsh.com

    About the Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) 

    The Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) is a not-for-profit coalition of hospitality investors, developers, asset managers and operators, working as a collective to transition the industry to Net Zero Carbon and ESG leadership in a scientifically robust and commercially sustainable way.

    For more information, please visit www.EEA.International

  • Online trading: What does psychology have to do with it?

    Online trading: What does psychology have to do with it?

    By Boriss Gubaidulin, Admirals Africa Director

    The term “behavioural finance” which took hold in the 1990s examined what role emotions play in investment decision-making. Why should psychology and trading be linked?

    The simple answer is that we are hard-wired as humans to be emotional, and – let’s face it – when it comes to financial matters, emotional consideration come into play.

    In investing, the two most powerful emotions have been identified as fear and greed. So much so that CNN Business created the Fear & Greed Index to measure exactly how emotions influence how much investors are willing to pay for stocks.

    The index assumes that fear drives stocks lower while greed boosts stock values. In more recent years, similar indices have been developed, such as the Fear & Greed Index for Cryptocurrency trading.

    If emotions are an inevitable part of trading, how can we harness the power of emotions to help and protect us instead of holding us back?

    The first step is to understand your emotions. On a practical level, here we look at various behavioural biases which come into play. Once we understand these biases, we will be more capable of recognising unhealthy psychological patterns and states of mind, and better equipped to react in a way to protect ourselves.

    The overconfidence bias

    Watch out for trading euphoria. It’s not uncommon for traders to complete a winning streak and then believe that they can’t get anything wrong in the future. To believe this would be unwise and will only end in failure. Make sure you always analyse your trading sessions and look at your wins and losses in detail. Reviewing your trades in an honest way is a key aspect of beating your emotions in trading psychology.

    Learn to be comfortable with accepting that mistakes are inevitable, especially in the early stages. It’s all part of the learning curve and the development of your trading psychology.

    The anchoring bias

    Anchoring is a tendency to rely on what is already known to a trader for decision making in the future, instead of considering new situations and the changes that they can bring.

    At times, anchoring tends to cause traders to rely on obsolete and irrelevant information, which of course won’t help you trade successfully. In practical terms, the anchoring bias manifests itself in traders holding losing positions open for too long, simply because they fail to consider the options that are outside of their comfort zone.

    The confirmation bias

    The confirmation bias means looking for information to support a decision you have made, even if it wasn’t the best decision. This is simply a way of justifying your actions and strategies. The problem is that, by doing this, you’re not actually learning and improving your methods, and are likely to continue making the same trading mistakes.

    The loss aversion bias

    The loss aversion bias can be explained as such: when considering options before making a choice, we are likely more willing to give preference to a lower possible loss over a higher possible reward.

    Fear is a much more powerful motivator than greed. In practice, a trader with a loss aversion bias is more akin to cutting profits when they are still low, while allowing bigger drawdowns.
    It is important to note that emotional self-knowledge cannot be done in isolation – make sure you support your trading journey and personal development with continual learning through a reputable partner, with a solid reputation backed by superior knowledge.

    It is also important to know that online trading carries risk – make sure you deal with a reputable broker

    Risk management and education: the role and importance of a licensed, reputable broker

    Risk management and education are vital components when trading in Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Admirals, the global neobroker who recently established its presence in Africa, emphasizes the importance of choosing a reputable broker to help guide you through your trading journey.

    With more than 20 years’ experience, Admirals offers a comprehensive educational package, that can help you learn how to properly mitigate your risk. Here’s how:

    1. Solid risk management

    Develop, implement, and adhere to sound risk management strategies based on setting stop-loss orders, healthy portfolio diversification, and the appropriate position size according to your risk appetite. Admiral’s four-point risk management process involves the following:

    1. Identify the risks
    2. Analyse those risks
    3. Find solutions to minimise those risks and
    4. Consistently manage and apply those solutions to your trading.

    2. Continuous learning

    The financial markets are constantly evolving, and staying updated on market news, economic events, and trading techniques is important. Admirals offers a wealth of educational resources, including webinars, articles, and video tutorials to help traders stay informed and improve their skills.

    3. Practicing with a demo account

    Before diving into live trading, it is essential to practice in a risk-free environment. Admirals provides a demo account that allows you to test your strategies and familiarize yourself with the trading platform without risking real money.

    4. Advanced trading platforms

    Admirals offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, providing you with powerful tools and features to optimize your trading strategies and stay on top of market movements.

    5. Dedicated customer support

    Admirals offers localized support to assist you on your trading journey and to help you navigate the financial markets with ease. A team of customer support representatives is available to assist you.

    6. Wide Market Access

    Admirals offers a range of more than 3700 CFD assets to trade, including CFDs on forex, stocks, commodities, stock indices, bonds and ETFs, allowing for a diversified portfolio and access to global markets.

    Admirals continues to expand globally to provide its clients around the globe with advanced trading tools, access to financial security and various customer care policies. Admirals is licensed in the Seychelles, UK, Cyprus, South Africa, Australia, Jordan, Canada and Kenya.

    In conclusion, risk management, continuous education and choosing a reputable broker like Admirals are important components in CFD trading. By prioritising these elements and leveraging the education and support provided by Admirals, you can embark on your journey in the ever-changing financial markets with more confidence.

    Trading involves risk.

     

  • Combating Liver Cancer in Northern Region

    Combating Liver Cancer in Northern Region

    Liver Cancer Foundation-Dagbon Forum Join Hands

    …………As Free Liver Screening Program ends in Yendi & Tamale

    Report: Mohammed A. Abu

    A two-day free liver cancer screening cum medical check-ups program, a collaboration between the Liver Cancer Foundation and Dagbon Forum(DF) recently ended most successfully at Yendi and Tamale in Dagbon, Northern region of Ghana.

    The oversubscribed Eastern Dagbon edition of the program was held at the Royal Gbewaa Palace, Yendi, on the 26th July 2023 under the auspices of His Royal Majesty, Yaa Na Mahama Abukari Ii, King of Dagbon with the kind able support of Hon Umar Farouk Alu Mahama, Member of Parliament for Yendi Constituency.

     The Western Dagbon edition on its part, was held on the 27th July 27, 2023 in Tamale at the Palace of His Royal Highness, Na Yeb Gulkpe Na Alhaj Alhassan Abdulai Paramount Chief of the Gulkpegu Traditional Area with the kind support of the Hon Murtalla Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central Constituency, Northern regon.

    Speaking in a post event exclusive interview with your favourite, Eco-Enviro News Africa, Sakoya Na(Chief) Sintaro Mahama who also doubles as DF’s President, noted with great satisfaction the astounding success of the program.

     Chief Sakoya also disclosed that, the initial targeted total of 2000 people from Yendi and Tamale programs had been inundating and thus, setting the tone for the next step, that is, opening of a permanent Liver Cancer screening centre and Liver clinics in the Northern Region as envisaged by the Liver Cancer Foundation in the event that, the program gets the desired patronage.

     He noted with great appreciation the logistics support kindly extended to the program by the two Members of Parliament in Eastern and Western Dagbon, the passion of the executives of the Yendi and Tamale Chapters of Dagbon Forum, the high patronage by students and people from all walks of life in Eastern and Western Dagbon which culminated into the success of the program.

    Chief Sakoya also appreciated members of the medical team and staff drawn from the Yendi Municipal and Tamale Teaching Hospitals to ably support the President of the Liver Cancer Foundation, Dr. Offei,a leading pancreatic cancer specialist in the country and his team from Accra to ensure the success of the program.

    He also intimated that DF and Dagbon cannot thank the Liver Cancer Foundation and its President enough for his kind heartedness and selfless spirit in moving the medical needs of the people from Accra to their very door steps in the Northern region of Ghana.

    The Liver Cancer Foundation is a Ghanaian Nonprofit Organization that was registered in Accra under the auspices of the Registrar General with aim of reducing the number of people living with and dying from liver cancer in Ghana. making treatment accessible and affordable for patients living with liver cancer in Ghana. creating awareness by educating the Ghanaian public on liver cancer. and to support research into liver cancer that would lead to improved treatment modalities for patients living with liver cancer. 

    Earlier during a pre-program interview with Sagani TV, in Tamale,,Chief Sakoya underscored the importance of health to human existence and said it was the core of human life minus which the chief cannot rule, the farmer cannot farm, the trader and others cannot perform their functions of relevance to the socio-economic well-being and progress of society.

    Chief Sakoya also emphasized the need for preventive medicine rather than waiting to be overcome by an ailment at which point curative medicine is then seriously sought at exorbitant cost and which sometimes sadly becomes too late despite all the expenses incurred

    He therefore advised people of Dagbon cultivate the habit of doing of medical check-up at least once a year to enable the earlier uncovering of otherwise hidden ailments so they could be treated before the undesirable occurs.

     Hepatitis B and C Check-ups Chief Sakoya noted, ought to be given great attention in the Northern region and people he adviced, must not feel shy to do so as disease knows no age limit.

    The two ailments, he said could be treated if detected earlier enough but if not could degenerates into cancerous stage with dire health consequences.

    He also advised the youth to eschew drug addiction as that has long term damage effect on their health and well-being. He advised them to invest productively in themselves during their youthful ages for a better future rather than engage in drug addiction which will only damage them and eventually render them as social liabilities.

    To this end, Chief Sakoya had appealed to all and sundry both the sick and healthy to take advantage of the charitable act of the Liver Cancer Foundation that is coming to the Northern region with a team of eighty-five(85) medical specialists. They are not coming for only the sick, he said, but the healthy as wall, who stand to benefit from test of Hepatitis B and C, Blood Pressure(BP), test,Ultra Scan among others, at no cost.    

    “In Ghana viral hepatitis is a major health concern for health authorities. Hepatitis B is hyper endemic with an estimated prevalence in the population of 9.1 percent. Hepatitis C also poses high burden with an estimated prevalence of 3.3 percent.

    “Hepatitis disproportionately affects the people of Northern Ghana. Here poverty and inequitable access to quality healthcare services means people are more vulnerable to infections than in other parts of the country”. (Ref: WHO feature article published on 28 July 29, 2023).

    According to WHO, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver with causes including viruses and other infections, alcohol and certain drugs. It leads to a range of health problems some of which can be fatal.

  • Ghanaian Herbert Mensah Represents World Rugby Chairman at World Rugby U20 Trophy in Kenya

    Ghanaian Herbert Mensah Represents World Rugby Chairman at World Rugby U20 Trophy in Kenya

    The newly elected President of Rugby Africa will embark on a five-day visit to Kenya where he will officially represent World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont
    NAIROBI, Kenya, July 27, 2023/ — Herbert Mensah, the recently elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the governing body of rugby in Africa, is scheduled for a five day visit to Kenya. During his visit, Herbert Mensah will serve as the official representative of World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont at the World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament, where he will have the privilege of presenting the highly coveted trophy.

    The World Rugby U20 Trophy is an international rugby union competition organized by World Rugby. This tournament features men’s junior national teams, with players under the age of 20 showcasing their skills and passion for the sport.

    All 16 matches of the World Rugby U20 Trophy are actively taking place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, following its commencement on 15 July.

    It is the second time Kenya is hosting the U20 Trophy, having done so in 2009 when the tournament was known as the Junior World Rugby Trophy. Besides the silverware, the eight competing teams will be playing for a spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship next year in South Africa. The winners will be promoted to the U20 Championship replacing Japan, as the team that finished bottom in that competition (24 June – 14 July, South Africa) will drop down to the U20 Trophy in 2024.

    The participating teams have been divided into two challenging pools. Pool A consists of Scotland, Uruguay, USA, and Zimbabwe, while hosts Kenya join Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain in Pool B. This lineup promises an intense and captivating display of rugby talent and teamwork.

    “The World Rugby U20 Trophy not only showcases Kenya’s capability as a world-class sporting destination but also represents the collective spirit and passion for rugby that resonates across Africa. Together, we stand united in celebrating Africa’s presence on the global rugby stage,” said Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa.

    Herbert Mensah’s presence during the World Rugby U20 Trophy reflects the significance of this event and his representation of World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont symbolizes the strong collaboration between Rugby Africa and the global rugby community.

    “Africa hosting two World Rugby U20 tournaments consecutively will be exciting to witness and serves as the perfect build-up to Rugby World Cup 2023 which is just under three months away. Both South Africa and Kenya have proven their ability to host global age-grade competitions in the past and I have no doubt that these editions will be successful with great interest from local crowds”, said World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

    As Kenya continues to welcome the world for the World Rugby U20 Trophy. Follow the journey, witness remarkable athleticism, and celebrate the passion for rugby in one of Africa’s most vibrant nations.

    More information about the World Rugby U20 Trophy: https://apo-opa.info/3q4lbXQ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
     
    Media contact:
    Nicole Vervelde
    Communication Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
    rugby@apo-opa.com
  • Stears Announced as Lead Sponsor of AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023

    Empowering Africa-Focused Investments with Data-Driven Insights

    LONDON,United Kingdom,July 25,2023Stears, one of the world’s leading providers of African data and insights, has been announced as the Lead Sponsor of AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023. AFSIC 2023, Africa’s Investment Event, which will be held in London on the 9th and 10th October 2023, is the meeting place for focused networking, discussions and executing African investment deals. It has for the past ten years delivered year on year growth as well as success for African companies seeking funding and companies wanting to grow globally.

    Stears’ sponsorship of AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023 reflects its commitment to promoting investment opportunities in Africa, driving capital inflows and increasing the ease of doing business for investors. The conference allows attendees to discover new investment opportunities, forge valuable business partnerships, and exchange critical insights on the African market.

    “We are thrilled to be the lead sponsor of AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2023”, stated Preston Ideh, CEO of Stears. “Stears is committed to fostering an environment where African investors can thrive. Our sponsorship of AFSIC aligns perfectly with our mission to provide reliable and actionable intelligence to global decision-makers interested in Africa. Through this partnership, we aim to enable more quick, accurate decisions for both financial and operational opportunities on the continent.”

    Stears’ deep expertise with African data and AFSIC’s prestigious platform will create an environment where Africa-focused conversations and connections can flourish. The conference will provide a unique opportunity for investors to learn about the latest trends in the African market and network with leading industry figures.

    Stears join a growing group of prestigious sponsors who are supporting AFSIC 2023 as they celebrate their tenth anniversary and the commitment of so many underlines the importance of AFSIC’s continued focus on driving investment into Africa.  Country-focused investment summits, high level networking, investor meetings and industry relevant content are just some of the sessions that AFSIC 2023 will deliver, once again supported by many of Africa’s most important investors, Prosper Africa, a wide range of Development Finance Institutions, and leading African corporate executives.

    For more information visit our website www.afsic.net.

    About Stears:

    For global organisations investing in African markets, Stears is the data and insights provider that enables quick, accurate decisions for financial and operational opportunities. Stears customers access raw data from various sources, trend data for a wide range of data sets, and constantly updated analysis by researchers. Unlike other providers, Stears goes beyond just data to provide insights and context based on knowledge of local markets and delivers it all in an easy-to-use interface usable by anyone.

    About AFSIC – Investing in Africa:

    AFSIC – Investing in Africa has become perhaps Africa’s most important annual investment event. The event is owned by Africa Events Limited. AFSIC is wholly focused on accelerating Africa’s economic emergence by matching investment opportunities in Africa transforming Africa’s business, trade and investment environment, growing Africa’s economy, reducing poverty, and increasing African incomes in all business sectors at a continental scale across all 54 countries in Africa.

    African Investments Limited (www.africaninvestments.co), a sister company to Africa Events Limited, operates two multi award-winning digital platforms, the AFSIC African Investments Dashboard which matches investment opportunities to our global network of institutional investors and the Africa Business Opportunities Dashboard, which matches business, trade and investment opportunities across Africa covering all business products, sectors, countries in Africa and multiple business objectives. The digital platforms won the global 2022 Salesforce Partner Innovation Award for Financial Services.

    Resources:

    www.afsic.net

    www.africaninvestments.co

  • Ndan Yaa Na’s Welcome Address to the Defence  Minister, National  Security Coordinator and  Their Entourage.

    Ndan Yaa Na’s Welcome Address to the Defence Minister, National Security Coordinator and Their Entourage.

    YENDI,Gbewaa Royal Palace, Northern Ghana,11th July 2023.

    Read by Zangbalun Naa Dr Yakubu Il

    (Chief of Zangbalun Traditional Area.)

    Good morning everyone. It’s a great pleasure to see our Honorable Defense Minister, The National Security Minister, our Hon. Regional Minister and all honorable members of your entourage here in my Palace today. I welcome you heartily to the Gbewaa Palace and Dagbon as a whole.

    The importance of your visit is not lost on us and you couldn’t have come at a more opportune time to the Gbewaa Palace amidst the rumors of imminent war that has plagued the region for a couple of weeks now.

    These rumors that are being peddled through social media have intensified and become ugly as the perpetrators add their spin to them. This has made it difficult for the people in the region to go about their normal duties at home and in the farms.

    And as you are aware we are in the peak of the farming season and almost all of us are engaged in the fields.

    It has gotten to the extent of peddling lies about attacks that do not exist. And one of such cases, that you are all aware of by now, got residents from Sunson, two days ago, fleeing at mid night to Yendi for protection. I personally sent my emissaries to find out and it turned out to be a false alarm.

    The rumors have gotten students fleeing from school and workers leaving their places of work and you know what will become of their future. You guess is as good as mine.

    Not the Dagombas nor the Konkombas are happy about what is happening. Nobody needs a war. A war in which there would be no winners. We will all be the losers.

    Dagbon and the Northern Region are for us all, those who hail from the region and those from other regions and living with us. We make no distinction among them.

    So it behoves on all of us to protect the region and ensure its development for the complete eradication of poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, maternal and child mortality. These are our real enemies.

    We need to direct our strengths and resources towards these real enemies so that we create the jobs our youth lacks for fulfilling livelihoods.

    Though we cannot downplay the importance of this meeting but it would have been totally uncalled for if we did what we promised to do.

    We and the Hon. Defense Minister and most have tread this path before and resolved to take certain actions. Including the apprehension of the certain persons operating the social media handles spewing out hate speech.

    We reneged on our promise and considered our previous meeting a thing of ridicule.

    That is why we are where we are today. Now we are back to square to engage in another round of rhetoric.

    What will make this meeting different from the previous one? What are our intentions behind the rhetoric? How far do we want to go to ensure peaceful coexistence in our region? How far do we intend to go to ensure that our children complete their education and get employed in a developing region?

    These are some of questions I need answer to. Convince me and the people of Dagbon and the Northern Region.

    Anyway as traditional leaders of this region, our main duty and responsibility is to ensure the security and safety of our people and to continuously strive for the environment that will enhance the development of the region.

    Anything shon of this makes us unworthy of holding ourselves as leaders of our people.

    All said and done I thank you all for making it to my Palace today.

    May Allah SWT bless Dagbon.

    Allah bless the Northern Region

    And Allah bless our homeland Ghana.

  • KOYA and DAGBON FORUM URGE CALM AMONGST KONKOMBAS AND DAGOMBAS IN RESPONSE TO SOCIAL MEDIA HATE SPEECHES.

    ACCRA,Ghana,July 10,2023-The Konkomba Youth Association (KOYA) and Dagbon Forum have come together to address
    the recent surge in social media hate speeches targeting the Konkomba and Dagomba
    communities. We stand united in our commitment to promoting peace, harmony, and
    understanding among all residents of Northern Ghana

    We want to emphasize that the leadership of KOYA and the entire Nkpakpaando is in close
    contact with the leadership of Dagbon Forum and the entire Dagbon. Together, we are actively
    working towards maintaining peace and security for all communities.

    We recognize the concerns and anxieties that may arise in such situations, but we want to assure
    all Konkombas and Dagombas that there is no need for panic or fear. The leadership of both
    KOYA and DF, are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Konkombas and
    Dagombas and fostering a peaceful coexistence between our communities.

    We have engaged in ongoing dialogue and communication as leaders to address the tensions
    and mitigate any potential conflicts. Through open lines of communication, we are actively
    addressing the issues at hand, seeking resolutions, and promoting understanding amongst all
    parties involved.

    Both KOYA and Dagbon Forum strongly condemn the dissemination of hateful and divisive
    rhetorics on social media platforms. Such inflammatory content stokes tension, threatens social
    cohesion, and has the potential to incite violence. We firmly believe that respect, dialogue, and
    unity are the foundations for building a peaceful society.

    In light of the recent events, we urgently appeal to all members of the Konkomba and Dagomba
    communities to remain calm, exercise restraint, and reject the influence of those spreading hate
    speeches. It is crucial that we recognize the destructive intent behind these incitements and
    adopt a collective response based on reason and empathy.

    We call upon responsible social media users to report any hate-filled content encountered
    online to the appropriate platforms. By working together, we can help prevent the proliferation
    of harmful speech and contribute to the creation of a safer and more inclusive digital
    environment.

    Therefore, we urge all Konkomba and Dagomba students and workers in both Konkomba and
    Dagomba areas to remain calm and continue with their daily routines without fear. We
    understand the importance of education and livelihoods, and we want to assure you that
    concerted efforts are being made to safeguard your well-being.

    We encourage all residents of the Northern Region to be cautious of rumours and
    misinformation that may circulate during these challenging times. Verify information through
    reputable sources and refrain from engaging in activities that may escalate tensions or
    contribute to misunderstandings.

    Furthermore, we implore the government, community leaders, religious groups, and civil
    society organizations to actively engage in promoting peacebuilding initiatives and fostering
    understanding between the Konkomba and Dagomba communities. It is incumbent upon us to
    reject hate and actively seek paths toward sustainable peace and harmony.

    We also urge law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to investigate and take
    appropriate action against individuals found to be engaging in hate speech, in accordance with
    the laws governing our society. Safeguarding peace and ensuring the safety of all citizens is a
    shared responsibility that requires the active participation of all stakeholders.

    The leadership and elders from our communities will continue to engage in areas of mutual
    interest including addressing high rates of food and nutrition insecurity, illiteracy, infant
    mortality, and general levels of underdevelopment and poverty.

    We urge all Konkombas and Dagbambas to go about their usual businesses and report anything
    suspicious to the security agencies.

    In closing, KOYA and Dagbon Forum reiterate our unwavering commitment to fostering
    peaceful coexistence between the Konkomba and Dagomba communities. Together, we can
    overcome the misguided actions of a few and build a society that values unity, tolerance, and
    respect for all.

    Thank you
    Signatories;
    JAWOL BISUNNA TITUS
    KOYA President
    0245731023
    CHIEF SAKOYANAA MAHAMA
    IDDRISU SINTARO
    Dagbon Forum President
    0548780962
    ELVIS POLIYEH NAGBIJA
    KOYA General Secretary
    0245036606
    AHMED ABDUL-RAZAK DE-GANGSO
    Dagbon Forum General Secretary
    0202984

  • Invest in Niger Spotlight at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 to Connect E&P Players with Industry Leaders

    Invest in Niger Spotlight at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 to Connect E&P Players with Industry Leaders

    The 2023 edition of African Energy Week will host an Invest in Niger Energies country spotlight, promoting opportunities, facilitating investment and kickstarting a new wave of project developments in the country
    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 7, 2023/ — The Government of Niger is making great strides towards opening the domestic market for foreign investment, working closely with a suite of energy players and investors to drive long-term and sustainable developments.

    As the market grows, the regulatory environment has been made that much more attractive, and the Government is inviting investors to join the burgeoning sector.During this year’s edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition – scheduled for October 16-20 in Cape Town – a dedicated Invest in Niger Energies country spotlight session will provide potential investors with crucial insight into the developing market. Comprising a roundtable discussion, technical presentations, networking event and deal rooms, the summit serves as a networking and engagement hub for the country’s energy sector and is set to unlock a wave of opportunities and outcomes.At the center of the country spotlight is collaboration.

    While Niger currently produces an average 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day, efforts to ramp up exploration and the development of regional pipelines are set to increase these levels substantially. The country holds approximately 3.7 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and over 24 billion cubic meters of recoverable gas reserves, thus creating an exciting investment prospect. High oil exploration success, attractive fiscal terms and relatively low operational costs associated with the market promise high returns for players.

    As such, the AEW 2023 country spotlight will provide crucial updates into upstream prospects, avenues for investments and both regional and global trends. Notwithstanding an upstream push, Niger is making progress towards connecting domestic basins to regional consumers through the construction of cross-border pipeline networks. With much of Niger’s crude exported to regional markets including Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso, the country is eager to increase exports and facilitate intra-African trade.

    Projects underway include the 2,000 km Niger-Benin Pipeline, connecting Diffa in Niger to Bight of Benin. The project is currently 75% complete and on-track to transport crude this year. Additionally, the multi-billion Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline is making progress with a taskforce and roadmap established for its development by the respective ministries of Niger, Algeria and Nigeria.

    The 4,128 km pipeline will run from Warri in Nigeria to Hassi R’Mel gas field in Algeria via Nigeria, creating a direct connection between Nigeria and Algeria’s gas fields while bringing significant benefits for Niger.Meanwhile, opportunities for investment transcend hydrocarbons with Niger making progress to expand its renewable energy sector. Investors have already expressed their interest in investing in the promising market, with Niger offering abundant solar and wind resources.

    Savannah Energy Niger Solar inked a deal with the Government this year for the development of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 200 MW, following a 2022 deal between the company and country for the construction of a 250 MW wind project.

    These projects barely scratch the surface of Niger’s clean energy potential, and the AEW 2023 country spotlight will connect new players to Nigerien opportunities.“The opportunities for investment in Niger cannot be overstated. As a relatively untapped market, the country is inviting regional and global players to participate and help grow the entire energy value chain from oil and gas exploration to processing and refining to distribution and retail.

    The AEW 2023 country spotlight is a unique opportunity for potential investors and project developers to meet with Nigerien leaders, discuss opportunities for collaboration and sign deals,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that, “AEW 2023 takes place under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Investing in Niger’s energy sector will not only enable the continent to achieve this goal but promises high returns on investment for participating players.

    The Invest in Niger Energies represents just one of many country spotlights set to take place during this year’s edition of AEW. Representing the premier event for the African energy sector, AEW 2023 is committed to making energy poverty history by 2030 by providing a platform where stakeholders can meet, network and sign deals. Taking place in Cape Town from October 16-20, AEW 2023 serves as the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent.

    For more information, visit. www.AECWeek.com

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.SOURCE
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  • Konkombas and Dagombas Urged to Remain Calm

    ………..As KOYA and Dagbon Forum Leadership Step Up Engagement

    A rumored planned Konkomba war offensive allegedly targeted at a number of Dagomba towns to kick-off today Monday, further beefed up tension yesterday between Konkombas and their age-long Dagomba neighbours prompting the Konkomba Youth Association(KOYA) last night to issue an official statement assuring Konkombas resident in Dagbon that its leadership was in close contact with their counterparts of the Dagbon Forum(DF).

    Now read the full statement for more details

    The Konkomba Youth Association (KOYA) issues this statement to assure all Konkombas residing in
    Dagomba areas and other parts of Northern Ghana to remain calm and steadfast during these turbulent times.

    We want to emphasize that the leadership of KOYA is in close contact with the leadership of Dagbon Forum,
    and together, we are actively working towards maintaining peace and security for all communities.

    We recognize the concerns and anxieties that may arise in such situations, but we want to assure all
    Konkombas that there is no need for panic or fear. KOYA, in collaboration with the Dagbon Forum (DF)
    leadership, is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Konkombas and fostering a peaceful
    coexistence between our communities.

    We have engaged in ongoing dialogue and communication with leaders of DF to address the tensions and
    mitigate any potential conflicts. Through open lines of communication, we are actively addressing the issues
    at hand, seeking resolutions, and promoting understanding amongst all parties involved.

    Therefore, we urge all Konkomba students and workers in Dagomba areas to remain calm and continue with
    their daily routines without fear. We understand the importance of education and livelihoods, and we want
    to assure you that concerted efforts are being made to safeguard your well-being.

    We encourage all residents to be cautious of rumours and misinformation that may circulate during these
    challenging times. Verify information through reputable sources and refrain from engaging in activities that
    may escalate tensions or contribute to misunderstandings.

    KOYA, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, is firmly committed to establishing and
    maintaining a peaceful environment for everyone.

    We call upon the Regional Security Council, Northern Regional Peace Council, Community Leaders, Local Authorities, and Law Enforcement Agencies to work hand in hand with us to foster mutual respect, cooperation, and harmony.

    Finally, we extend our gratitude to all Konkombas for their patience, resilience, and commitment to peaceful
    coexistence. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for all communities in
    Northern Ghana.

    Sincerely
    Nagbija Elvis Poliyeh
    [General Secretary- KOYA]
    9TH July, 2023
    General Secretary: +233 245036606
    National President: +233 245731023