President Akufi-Addo’s appeal to Ghanaians to look forward to better times ahead at 67th Independence Anniversary ceremony dominates the headlines of Ghanaian newspapers on Thursday.
The Graphic reports that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his address commemorating Ghana’s 67th Independence Day today in Koforidua, stated Ghana’s resilience in navigating through challenging economic circumstances.
Reflecting on the nation’s journey, President Akufo-Addo stressed the significance of upholding and transmitting cherished national values across generations. He underscored the necessity of collective pride in Ghanaian identity and values.
Addressing the economic challenges encountered by the nation, the President acknowledged the hardships endured but expressed optimism for brighter prospects ahead. He urged citizens to remain hopeful, indicating that Ghana has overcome the worst of its economic trials.
“If we are to take pride in being Ghanaian, there should be a consensus on the values we hold dear, and we should transmit them to every generation,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“Fellow Ghanaians, I know that we have gone through difficult economic circumstances, but it is clear that we have overcome the worst, and we should be looking forward to better times.
“We still have a lot more to learn especially when it comes to the tolerance of opposing views. But we also know that we dare not relapse, as there are many examples of countries that have disintegrated into chaos as a result of disputed elections”.
While acknowledging the vital role of free speech in a democratic society, President Akufo-Addo cautioned against its unrestricted exercise. He stressed the importance of learning from past experiences, particularly in the context of political discourse, urging greater tolerance for diverse perspectives, especially in the lead-up to the December elections.
The newspaper says that the London-based oil exploration company Tullow Oil disclosed a loss of $110 million for the fiscal year 2023.
This announcement was made on March 6, 2024, following the release of the company’s full-year results.
The loss is attributed to an impairment related to the Tweneboa, Enyenra, and Ntomme (TEN) development, where fields are experiencing a decline in productivity.
Tullow’s financial setback contrasts with the $49 million profit recorded in 2022. Despite the decline in profits, the company’s revenue for 2023 remained substantial at $1.6 billion compared to $1.7 billion in the previous year.
The Chief Executive Officer of Tullow Oil, Rahul Dhir characterised 2023 as a year marked by significant achievements. These achievements include the initiation of the Jubilee South East project, contributing to material production growth from the core operated field.
Mr. Dhir highlighted the establishment of a new revenue stream through the sale of associated gas in Ghana and the growth of reserves in Gabon through license extensions.
He emphasized the company’s ability to generate free cash flow ahead of expectations despite challenges such as lower oil prices. Additionally, Tullow Oil secured a $400 million debt facility agreement with Glencore, demonstrating its access to long-term capital.
Looking ahead, Dhir reaffirmed the company’s commitment to operational excellence, capital efficiency, and strategic investments to drive growth. He expressed confidence in Tullow’s ability to create substantial value for investors, host nations, and stakeholders.
The Ghanaian Times reports that the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched an action plan to tackle inefficiencies in the import-export processes at Ghana’s ports and land borders.
Among other things, the action plan include the introduction of an integrated performance management system and digital tools for customs processes, reduction of human interventions, building capacity of officers, increasing the numerical strength of verification officers and enhancing collaboration with all stakeholders.
The action plan, based on the recommendations in Ghana’s first ever, Time Release Study (TRS) conducted with support from USAID FeedtheFuture Ghana Trade and Investment Activity will be implemented by December this year.
The study, which is in line with the World Customs Organisation’s Time-Released Measurement directive, found delays in customs processes, laborious human interventions and some logistic issues as the cause for the long clearance of goods at the four main entry and exit points namely, Tema Port, the Kotoka International Airport, the Afloa and Paga border.
Launching the action plan in Accra on Friday, Rev. Dr Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah, in a speech read on his behalf reiterated the importance of seamless global trade in fostering economic growth
The action plan, he stated, would lead to a reduction in transaction costs, foster both domestic and international investment and boost the country’s international competitiveness.
He said the study was to identify bottlenecks, support import-export promotion and measure the actual time for clearance of goods at the port and Ghana’s borders.
“For instance at the Tema Port after close monitoring of 713 transactions it was found that on average it takes 10 days 21 hours and 17 minutes for a discharged cargo to exit the port when the target was 17 hours,” he noted.
The newspaper says that the 67th independence anniversary was marked with parades in the regional and district capitals throughout the country yesterday.
According to the reports, from Ayawaso Central that 15 schools participated in the parade held at the Aladjo AstroTurf Park and addressed by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Assembly, Mr Archibold Cobbina.
He urged the youth to promote peace and unity within their communities and resist being used to foment chaos during the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
After the parade, Kotobabi 1&2 GK/Primary School was adjudged best school in the march past.
At Ga Central, the parade had 442 pupils and 122 teachers from 18 basic schools, out of which Odorgonno SHS emerged the best school.
Addressing the parade held at Antie-Aku, the MCE, Ambrose Tsegah, urged citizens to work together to advance the country’s democratic credentials.
DANIEL AMOO reports from Ga South Municipality that 3,810 students from nine circuit schools participated in the celebration held at Negleshie Amanfro.
The MCE, Joseph Nyarni, and the Municipal Educational Director, Henry Ayetse, attended the event. The MCE urged Ghanaians to put aside their par¬tisan differences and vote in a peaceful manner.
From the Adentan Municipality, LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU reports that 507 pupils from 13 schools took part in the ceremony, during which citation and cash prizes were presented to pupils who excelled in last year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination and Basic Education Certificate Examination.
At the ceremony addressed by the MCE, Ebenezer Doku, schools that observed best hygiene practices were presented with sanitation equipment to motive other schools to emulate their example.
GIK/APA
Ghana: Press spotlights President’s appeal to Ghanaians to look forward to better times, others
