The past decade has seen a number of developments on the African continent -- a relative increase in political stability, modest economic growth, and the early signs of a re-emergence of a young and vocal middle class engaging actively in debates about the continent's future. Poverty, war and disease are still heartbreakingly common, but there is a sense of possibility that a few decades ago seemed absent.

New York TimesSurvey reveals male misconceptions about AIDS/HIVFocus Taiwan News ChannelTaipei, Nov. 30 (CNA) A considerable number of men in Taiwan still hold misconceptions about AIDS/HIV, with 23.8 percent believing that the screening for blood donations is sure way to determine if they have the disease, according to the results of a survey ...Free, confidential HIV tests SaturdayNewnan Times-HeraldHIV/AIDS fight: Let's reach out to youthsZambia Daily MailResponse to epidemic gathers momentum: reportBDliveWTVC -San Francisco Chronicle -IBNLiveall 2,244 news articles »

The agent of Ghanaian midfielder Cofie Bekoe has revealed he client could leave Lierse in the summer of 2013, Calcionews 24 has reported.

A collaboration agreement between Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest banking group, and Caterpillar Financial Services Ltd. has been officially launched in Accra. The collaboration -- named Cat Financial Services, services provided by Standard Bank Group -- will see Cat Financial provide a range of financial services to the Mantrac Unatrac Group of Caterpillar dealerships in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone. Operations have been extensively launched in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, with plans to extend to the remaining countries over a period of time. Ben Kruger, Standard Bank Deputy Group Chief Executive, welcomed the collaboration saying it is supportive of Cat Financial’s goal to increase its brand presence in Africa and grow business in southern, central and western Africa. “We value our existing relationship with Cat Financial and their growth plans resonate well with our strategy.  We believe that this relationship provides a platform to strengthen these ties and provide further services to other countries in Africa.” He added that as Africa’s natural resources are expected to drive strong growth and attract investments in the energy, infrastructure development and agric sectors, it is an optimal time for Standard Bank to provide the on-the-ground banking operations, staffed by expert teams familiar with local business conditions and regulations, to deliver for Cat Financial and its customers the highest quality of service, providing support to dealers and building long-term relationships. “Our aim is to support the dealer network in the sale of high-quality construction equipment by providing a dedicated professional and wide array of financial plans, flexible payment schedules, and competitive rates,” said Mr. Kruger. Kent Adams, president of Cat Financial Services and vice president of Caterpillar Inc, said: “The combination of the globally recognised Cat Financial brand with Standard Bank, which is a well-respected and trusted financial institution within Africa, creates a powerful competitive advantage for our dealer networks to enable them to obtain financing for their customers and enhance their sale of equipment.” Mr. Adams also said that there s a good cultural fit between Cat Financial and Standard Bank, which will ensure a uniform customer experience. Cat Financial’s official distributor, Mantrac Unatrac Group, lauded the collaboration -- with its CEO, Loufy Mansour, saying “we are pleased to be part of the collaboration with Cat Financial and Standard Bank. “Our customers not only want us to provide them with the right equipment, but also to be able to offer them integrated equipment purchasing solutions. The collaboration will make this possible for our clients, thus entrenching our position as the first-choice distributor of Cat equipment in our region.” The benefits for customers will include a unique combination of Caterpillar marketing initiatives, deal structures and affordable financing options, together with a high level of flexibility. A range of asset-related financial products and value add-ons will be made available to customers, subject to the regulations in each country. The initial value add-on products will be comprehensive asset insurance and credit life. Standard Bank is the largest bank by assets and earnings, with a banking presence in 18 African countries.

By Juliet AGUIAR, Axim Twenty-six communities within six coastal districts of the Western Region -- namely Shama, Ahanta West, Nzema East, EllembelleDistrct, Jomoro and Sekondi-Takoradi -- have benefitted from the Jubilee Livelihood Enhancement and Enterprise Development (Jubilee LEED) Project worth US$600,000. The project -- implemented by CDC Development Solutions, managed by Tullow Oil, and funded by Jubilee Partners -- targetted fishing communities and fishermen and trained them in a one-year programme that is in four components. The four components are business management training; ice-box construction; fish-smoking ovens; and new, improved skills-training as well as an internship programme for the youth. Mr. VictorAntwi, the Project Director of Jubilee LEED, speaking at a durbar and awards of certificates to the beneficiaries at Axim in the Nzema East District of the Western Region, explained that in November 2011, CDC Development Solutions (CDS) was awarded a contract by the Jubilee Partners to implement the LEED programme in the six coastal districts of the region. According to him, the programmes scope included activities to improve the capacity of local individuals to enhance their livelihoods and the abilities of the small- and medium-scale enterprises to access new opportunities for growth in key sectors of the economy. He said under the business management trainings, fishermen, fishmongers and artisans are trained and given enterprise skills to enable them profitably manage their respective businesses -- the technical training also equipped artisans in the construction of improved ice-boxes and improved fish-smoking ovens. “We have gathered here today to celebrate and awarding of 740 fishermen, fishmongers and artisans who successfully went through the respective training -- the initial assessment indicates positive signs of development in the way these participants are conducting businesses,” he said.  Barbara Gbologah-Quaye, the Country Director of CDC Development Solutions, added that the LEED programme is a bold step to support communities in addressing key challenges in the fishing communities through carefully-thought-out programmes that will empower them to explore the many opportunities which can only be accessed by individuals and groups that are organised and willing to adopt simple technologies. She pointed out that success of the programme rests not only on the participation of the communities in the training and adopting the new technology provided thought the LEED, but also on the support of relevant stakeholders from the private sector: “Buyers who will provide access to market, rural banks that provides appropriate funding options. “CDC Development Solutions as implementers will continue to engage, deepen and expand stakeholder collaboration to ensure that all resources are harnessed for the benefit of the communities,” he said. Nana YaaAfriyieOfori-Koree, the Social Investment Manager of Tullow Ghana Limited, said the Jubilee Partners are interested in supporting the fishing the coastal communities -- “We will ensure that none of our activities negatively impact on the section of the community; we rather seek to improve upon the livelihood of the communities close to our operations. “We have always sought to be open and transparent in our communication and engagement with all our stakeholders and this is something we will continue into the future,” she said. She said Tullow and the Jubilee Partners are committed to a long and prosperous relationship with all the communities they work with – “You have our assurance that we will always respect the culture and customs of the communities.” She expressed hope that beneficiaries of the programme will put to good use the skills they have acquired to benefit themselves and the community at large.

By Dominick Andoh Government is to establish fodder-banks under the Afram Plains Agric Development Programme (APADP) to offer pasture for local and foreign cattle herds, as it seeks a solution to the Fulani menace. Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, says his outfit is currently negotiating with his counterparts from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso about a mutually beneficial relationship that will streamline the activities of Fulani Herdsmen. “We need to negotiate with the source countries. The Minister for Agric and Livestock in Niger came to meet me and we are negotiating [on hosting their cattle],” he said. Mr. Ahwoi indicated that government is establishing fenced fodder-banks that will serve as grazing lands for local and foreign cattle herds in exchange for meat. Landlocked countries in West Africa face an extensive dry season, about eight months, during the year. The harsh weather conditions force cattle herders to drive their herds down south into the country in search of grazing land.    This results in frequent clashes between locals and foreign cattle-herdsmen in many communities of the country. Local authorities’ also struggle to contain livestock that stray onto streets of the capital. This has led to calls by stakeholders for the passage of a ranching law. Government last month indicated that it will soon send a team to understudy the ranching law that Burkina Faso has successfully implemented. Mr. Ahwoi told the B&FT that MOFEP is aware but is yet to send a delegation to that country. A ranching law prescribes that areas to be utilised for breeding wild animals in captivity or semi-captivity must be fenced.  Animals will not be subject to the restrictions established for hunting and are declared to be the property of the breeder.  Ranchers would also be required to obtain a licence from local authorities for their business. In recent times, activities of foreign cattle-herdsmen who drive their herds through farming communities causing damage to crops and properties -- and in some instances engage in violent clashes with local folks -- have made it necessary to enact legislation that governs animal rearing and breeding in the country. However, due to the benefit of rearing these animals, it is important for any applicable legal framework to take both concerns into account and strike a balance between the encouragement of these initiatives and conservation, security and local concerns. In Burkina Faso, Ghana’s northern neighbour, both game-ranching and breeding are subject to an authorisation. Within ranches, wildlife populations are to be monitored either by the rancher or by the wildlife administration with a view to rational management of captures. In Botswana “permission” is required to farm or ranch game animals. Fencing may be required. "Protected" and "partially protected" game animals may be farmed or ranched only under a specific authorisation. If the area is fenced, there is no limit to the number of animals of specified species which may be taken. Otherwise, culling is subject to a permit. A permit is also required for the sale of animals, meat or trophies. Though government is yet to send a delegation to Burkina Faso to study their law, stakeholders believe that with the passage of legislation to govern livestock rearing and breeding, the unfettered activities of Fulani herdsmen and individual livestock owners will be well-regulated.

“For the year 2013, Golden Tulip Accra will again invest a lot of money in upgrading its facilities including new equipment and continue with their energy saving programme for environmental friendliness, in order to stay ahead of existing and upcoming competition and maintain its lead in the hospitality industry.  This was disclosed by the new General Manager, Mr. Thom Sheriff, at a press soirée organised by the hotel for the media last Friday. Mr. Sheriff stated that “2013 for the hospitality industry will be a tough year with new hotels opening up from the first quarter till the end of the year; making it more difficult and challenging for all of us to fight harder and to work more efficiently to protect our market share.”  However, he said Golden Tulip Accra has a clear vision and strategy to keep up with the ever-changing expectations of guests by focusing on constant training of staff, both on- and off-the-job, and upgrading the hotel’s standards in order to deliver quality service that ensures  a positive guest-experience. The press soirée, which is an annual event to acknowledge the support and contribution that the media has played in the success story of the hotel over the years, was well-attended by both veteran journalists and up-and-coming journalists from the print, electronic and radio media. Members of the media were treated to an elaborate buffet dinner, drinks and good music, and had the opportunity to interact with top management of the hotel.  The top management team-members in attendance included Mrs. Bertha de Graft- Johnson, Sales and Marketing Manager; Mr. Sam Aduama, Technical Services Manager; Mr. Francis Deyegbe, Guest Services Manager; and Mr. Mark Gaskin, Xperience Manager, among others. Some veteran journalists highly commended the Golden Tulip Group for maintaining its standards and class by delivering quality service in its hotels in Accra, Kumasi City and Festac Lagos. Golden Tulip Accra is owned by GLAHCO Hotels & Tourism Development Company Limited and is managed by the Golden Tulip Hospitality/Louvre Hotels Group, the 8th-largest hotel chain in the world.

The Mohinani Group of Companies, formerly Poly Group of Companies, has been recognised by the CSR Diary committee for its outstanding performance in the field of corporate social responsibility for the year 2011. Seventeen socially-responsible companies last Friday received recognition in full media glare for the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities they implemented between 2011 and 2012.   The annual Ghana CSR Diary, a free CSR magazine that catalogues corporate social responsibility activities of companies in Ghana, was officially out-doored by the Vice President of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Prosper Adabua, an astute business leader who sits on the board of many blue-chip companies in Ghana. The Ghana CSR Diary and Awards is endorsed by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Ghana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) with supports from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The Ghana CSR Diary is published by Integriti Media. Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, AGI Executive Director (right), presenting the award to Ms. Doreen Sena Sepenoo, Assistant Human Resource manager-Somotex Ghana Limited (left)

[Ghanaian Chronicle]Mr. George Aboagye, Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotions Centre (GIPC), is reported to have tendered in his resignation after failing to explain to his Board members why he approved, and indeed, gave a cheque for GH¢4,000, signed and delivered to one of the several spurious groups oiled by state money, to promote the campaign of President John Dramani Mahama, to return to Government House as Head of State of this Republic.

[Ghanaian Chronicle]Ghollywood Production (GP) Limited, organizers of the prestigious Ghana Movie Awards wishes to announce to the general public that this year's award ceremony will come off at the Accra International Conference Centre on Christmas Day, December 25.

[Ghanaian Chronicle]A three day sensitisation workshop on climate change, organised for climate change awareness clubs in the two senior high schools and a college of education in the Aowin andSuaman districts in the region, has come to an end.

[Ghanaian Chronicle]A three-year study of the ways small-scale farmers operate in Africa, Asia and Latin America has prompted calls for a major rethink of development and business interventions.

Vodafone has refurbished its retail store along the High Street of Accra to deliver enhanced customer experience, meeting every client need on its network, and conform to world-class standards. The store, which comprises state-of-the-art Internet café, WiFi Zone providing the fastest high-speed Internet connectivity in Africa, has also incorporated the first-ever Vodafone Business Solutions (VBS) lounge to serve clients. The VBS lounge comes with a video conferencing facility that will enable VBS customers to interact and work with their partners at the store.  Kyle Whitehill, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana, on opening the store said: “This is the same in terms of Vodafone’s global retail standard store in the UK, and we are proud to make this happen in Ghana. The aim will be completed if the workers work with a sense of dedication to render reliable and customer-friendly service.” Derek Appiah, Head of VBS, explained that the store is world-class and is now Vodafone Ghana’s flagship store, which will be replicated in other regions of the country to give cherished customers convenience and value. Vodafone Ghana so far has ten retail stores, and is planning to open another big one in Tema that will be fitted with more exciting features before the end of the year. As a global brand with footprints all over the world, Vodafone Ghana is currently leading customer experience and innovations with its products and services in the country. The company, in collaboration with Microsoft, has made all its mobile broadband devices compatible with the Windows Operating System launched recently in Ghana. Customers who now have the Vodafone Broadband mobile devices can use Windows 8 without the need to download or install new software or drivers. In addition, Vodafone Ghana has announced it will introduce to its customers in Ghana this week the latest HTC Windows 8 mobile phone.

[Ghanaian Chronicle]In spite of not too encouraging performance put up by the flagbearer of the People's National Convention (PNC), Hassan Ayariga, in the recent Presidential Debate, some parliamentary aspirants of the party are not perturbed in their bid to enter the August house on the ticket of the party in the upcoming elections.

[Ghanaian Chronicle]In spite of some negative economic challenges like the depreciation of the cedi to the dollar and other major currencies, as well as the rise in the loans default rate in 2011, which impacted negatively on profitability, the Board of directors of the Kwaebibirem Rural Bank Limited have proposed a dividend of GH¢0.0012 per share, amounting to GH¢30,000 to its shareholders.

[Ghanaian Chronicle]An Accra Circuit Court has convicted a-forty-three-year-old businesswoman for stealing a five and half months old baby, under the pretext of blackmailing a Switzerland based mechanic.

[Ghanaian Chronicle]The media blitz over the controversial payment of GH¢4,000 to a group calling itself 'Volunteers for Mahama' by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has forced the board, headed by Mr. Ismael Yamsom, to reverse the payment.

[Ghanaian Chronicle]For more than 20 years of dedicated life of inspiring gospel music lovers in Ghana and across the world, the sensational group, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, have bounced back with a new concept to draw souls closer to God.

By Abdul-Kudus Fuseini, Tamale People worldwide are rethinking how food is grown, processed and distributed. World leaders and Civil Society Organisations are also making moves toward increased food production and food security through agriculture technology, especially in the agriculture value chain. Agricultural value chain actors in Ghana are dispersed over space and are poorly linked to each other.  The growing use of the World Wide Web and cell phone-based SMS services provide the opportunity for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions to link these actors. In doing this, there is need to link, identify and adopt appropriate technologies for farmers -- particularly those with proven potential to enhance productivity, incomes and food security.  In doing so, agriculture in the country can become more productive and thereby contribute to increasing growth in the economy, improved food security and reduced poverty. In Ghana, Mfarms is leading the way in the adoption of farming technologies for increased food production. The Mfarms platform is a web and cell-phone based technological platform that provides affordable tools for building linkages, improving communications and operational efficiencies among actors along the agricultural value chain. The Mfarms platform assists the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) implement the “Farmers to Markets (FtM)” project funded by the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). The platform has a high potential for making agriculture and agribusiness a lucrative venture and is designed to create operational efficiencies by allowing organisations, associations and identifiable groups to serve a large number of farmers or affiliates dispersed over space. The mFarms platform provides an important marketplace for various agricultural value chain actors to connect with each other, allowing them to exchange information among themselves for the purpose of planning. It brings actors together to discover agribusiness opportunities, learn best practices and link smallholders to markets. Actors are able to interact among themselves through the use of cell-phone technologies, SMS and interactive voice response services (IVRs).  Agricultural value chain actors in Ghana are often times poorly linked to each other. This makes it difficult for the small holder farmer to access information on the inputs and output markets in a timely manner, to take advantage of the most appropriate and lucrative opportunities. It also poses a challenge to the aggregator, marketer, processor and the industrial buyer regarding where to locate these farmers in order to gather produce from the farm-gate to its final destination. With the emergence of a large number of part-time farmers and an increasing number of absentee farmers, Mfarms has built in extension monitoring tool that allows absentee farmers, aggregators monitor the activities of their farm mangers and extension agents. The application allows agents/farm managers take pictures of every activity as well as the GPS coordinates and farm managers, and send to the platform on real-time basis. Activities can also be scheduled for the agents or farm managers to implement while you monitor progress of work wherever you are in the world via the world-wide-web. According to the 2011 Mobile Africa Report, published by Internet organisation Mobile Monday, Ghana has a mobile phone penetration of 80.5%. This provides a level of hope that agricultural interventions using mobile phones provides a viable option for bringing the various actors in the value chain together, and when targetted well has the potential to succeed.