Connect with us

Featured

Ghana’s Economic Situation Dire: But We’ll Assist To Achieve Durable, Inclusive Growth – IMF Resident Rep

Published

on

2610DD99 079A 47B2 AAD4 0FC4F4C956F6 jpeg

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Ghana has a new Resident Representative. Dr Leandro Medina (LM) assumed office in Ghana in September last year and got straight busy with the staff-level negotiation with the country for a programme that enables the fund to offer assistance towards microeconomic stability and debt sustainability. He opened up to answer some questions from Theophilus Yartey (TY), Deputy Editor of the Daily Graphic, on many issues.

THEOPHILUS Yartey (TY): You just began your new role as the Resident Representative of the IMF in Ghana. Is Ghana your first station in Africa? What are your impressions of the country?

Leandro Medina (LM): I took up the role of IMF Resident Representative to Ghana in September. I have been warmly welcomed by the people of Ghana and I am looking forward to contributing to the progress that Ghana is making in turning its economy around.

I have been working on African countries for many years, working closely with African governments on how they can balance their spending against revenues for them to provide social services to their people, especially the most vulnerable.

Africa is a diverse and fascinating region with a young and innovative population that can deliver a great future – this is something that I really appreciate.

In fact, Mozambique was the first country that I worked on in Africa and this was in 2014. I also have some other experiences of working in Ghana. From about 2017, I had the opportunity to work in Ghana for about three years.

It is in this regard that I was also able to visit Accra on several occasions as part of the IMF’s engagements with the Ghanaian authorities and broader public. I am now back to this beautiful country, and I must say that everyone is making me feel at home.

In addition to my country-related work, I have been deeply involved in research, especially in the area of the informal economy, which is relevant to the region, and particularly for Ghana, given the size of the informal sector.

TY: Aside from your responsibilities as the Fund’s Representative, what are some of your social interests?

LM : I’m looking forward to learning more about the history, culture and music of Ghana. I love music – especially fusion between Latin music and jazz – and have heard a lot about the variety of artistes and musical rhythms and the huge influence of African rhythms in Latin American music. I am looking forward to adding some Afrobeats and highlife to my playlists.

I also enjoy watching football. In between work, I was able to watch some of the World Cup games. The passion and energy I saw, especially when the Black Stars played, explains why they
say Ghana is a football nation.

TY : Ghana and the IMF have reached a staff-level agreement on a new programme aimed to restore macroeconomic stability and promote inclusive growth. What does it mean that you
have reached staff-level agreement? How many more steps need to be taken? Are there clear timelines?

LM : Ghana faces unprecedented challenges. The global environment, already affected by a terrible pandemic, and now with the war in Ukraine and tighter global financing conditions along with inflation, are making things more difficult for countries across the world, including Ghana.

Reaching a staff-level agreement means that an understanding on policies and reforms between IMF staff and Ghanaian authorities has been achieved. This is a key milestone in a
process that will conclude with IMF financing, once the IMF Executive Board approves the programme request.

So, there are steps. A key step ahead of the board’s approval is for the IMF to receive assurances from partners and creditors, meaning their commitment, so that the programme is fully financed and debt is brought onto a sustainable path.

TY: Based on the success of the negotiations, how much can Ghana access from the Fund? All things being equal, how long will it take for Ghana to achieve macroeconomic stability?

LM : The financing from the IMF is roughly $3 billion, which will be disbursed in tranches over a three-year period. But the hope is that it will also unlock financial support from other partners.

Implementation of the IMF-supported programme is designed to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, while laying the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth. Most of the key reforms are expected to be done in the early stages of the planned programme.

TY : Following the debt sustainability analysis and a further diagnosis of the economy, what are some of the policy recommendations available to the Ghanaian authorities?

LM : Overall, the planned programme is aimed at tackling Ghana’s challenges by ensuring the sustainability of public finances while protecting the vulnerable.

For example, on the fiscal front, the strategy relies on early measures to increase revenue and streamline spending.

In turn, the authorities have committed to strengthening social safety nets, including reinforcing the existing targeted cash-transfer
programme to protect the vulnerable and improving the coverage and efficiency of social spending. So it is a balancing act.

The fiscal strategy will also be supported by reforms, such as developing a medium-term plan to generate additional revenue and advancing reforms to bolster tax compliance, which will help create space for growth enhancing measures and social spending by the government.

Efforts will also be made to enhance public expenditure commitment controls, improve fiscal transparency, strengthen the management of public enterprises and tackle
structural challenges in the energy and cocoa sectors. The authorities are also committed to further bolstering governance and accountability.

On the monetary and exchange rate front, reducing inflation, enhancing resilience to external shocks and improving market confidence are important programme priorities. It was agreed that the Bank of Ghana would continue strengthening its monetary policy framework and promote exchange rate flexibility to rebuild external buffers.

As part of the authorities’ debt strategy, a domestic debt exchange has been launched. The authorities are committed to taking the necessary mitigation measures to ensure financial sector stability is preserved.

We will be able to share more details publicly once the programme has been approved by our board, followed by the publication of the related documents.

TY : One of the biggest challenges that has confronted Ghana over the years has been fiscal consolidation. How can the Fund help the fiscal authorities achieve the needed consolidation? And how can we ensure that the poorest people are protected?

How can Ghana continue to develop and invest when it has to be fiscally prudent?

LM : It is important that Ghana pursues policies and reforms to restore macro stability and debt sustainability. The fiscal strategy, through domestic revenue mobilisation and expenditure rationalisation, is a key pillar to reach these objectives. But most importantly, any effort to ensure sustainability of public finances should be pursued while protecting the vulnerable.

We pay special attention and support efforts to strengthen social safety nets, including key programmes to protect the vulnerable and improve the coverage and efficiency of social spending.
It’s an important balancing act. We’re hopeful — there’s no reason not to be – and l look forward to working with Ghana on its quest to pursue policies to achieve durable and inclusive growth.

Source:peacefmonline.com

Continue Reading

Featured

Things to think about before breaking a Guinness World Record

Published

on

By

Breaking a Guinness World Record is a difficult but rewarding endeavour that demands thorough organisation and execution. Aspiring record-breakers may improve their chances of success and create a memorable experience for themselves and others who witness their amazing exploits by taking into account the criteria described above. Remember that breaking a record is about motivating others to push their boundaries and strive for greatness as well as attaining a personal milestone.

The desire to pursue or break records captivated many people in 2023, with some reaching viral fame while others went disregarded.

However, attempting such exploits needs considerable preparation outside of the spotlight.

Before going on a record-breaking adventure, consider the following factors:

Think About Your Health

The pursuit of a record sometimes necessitates considerable physical and mental effort. Before embarking on such endeavours, it is critical to analyse your existing health situation. Consider the toll it may have on your body, since inconsistent sleep patterns and hard exercise regimens may hurt your health.

Take into account the available resources

Record-breaking attempts have financial ramifications. Determine if you have the means or funding to support your endeavour. Consider the price of a decent automobile, gasoline, maintenance, and other necessary expenses for certain records, such as a drive-a-thon.

Think about what you’ll get out of it

Recognise the motivation behind your ambition to set or break a record. Common motives include recognition, personal fulfilment, and promotional chances for your company. If the prospective rewards coincide with your objectives, it may be a worthwhile endeavour. However, if the endeavour does not provide real rewards, you should reassess your commitment.

Take a look at the rules and regulations

Each record category frequently comes with a set of regulations and guidelines established by organisations such as Guinness World Records. Learn about these rules and restrictions. Check that you can follow the regulations, as failing to do so may result in disqualification. Wasting time and effort on a project that does not fit the requirements yields an unsatisfactory result.

Prepare for a Positive or Negative Outcome

Understand that not every attempt to break a record will result in immediate success or fame. Prepare for the consequences, whether success, failure, or a lack of attention. Consider how the experience, whether you win or lose, may help you with personal development, skill development, or other elements of your life.

Setting off on a voyage to establish or break a record is admirable, but it takes careful planning and deliberation.

You may make an informed selection and boost your chances of a successful and enjoyable record-breaking event by carefully assessing these elements.

Conclusion

Breaking a Guinness World Record is a difficult but rewarding endeavour that demands thorough organisation and execution. Aspiring record-breakers may improve their chances of success and create a memorable experience for themselves and others who witness their amazing exploits by taking into account the criteria described above. Remember that breaking a record is about motivating others to push their boundaries and strive for greatness as well as attaining a personal milestone.

Continue Reading

Featured

Consumers of pepper soup enjoy longer lives

Published

on

By

Food containing 3% chilli powder, on the other hand, reduced the longevity of male cohorts by 9%. According to a study of diet and mortality data from four big, multinational studies, ingestion of chilli peppers may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26%, according to a previous research by the American Heart Association (2020). Chilli pepper usage was related with a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

Consumers of pepper soup should rejoice. A recent study by Semaniuk et al.(2022) found that eating chilli peppers regularly, whether in soup or other forms, increases life span.

Chilli pepper fruits do contain phenolic compounds that are structurally similar to those that have anti-ageing activities.

Chilli powder given to diet at doses of 0.04%-0.12% significantly increased the median longevity of fruit fly cohorts of both genders by 9% to 13%.

Food containing 3% chilli powder, on the other hand, reduced the longevity of male cohorts by 9%.

According to a study of diet and mortality data from four big, multinational studies, ingestion of chilli peppers may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26%, according to previous research by the American Heart Association (2020).

Chilli pepper usage was related to a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

This research piqued my interest in Nigerian pepper soup and Ghanaian light soups with spicy spices. For example, Jiang TA(2019) discovered that frequent consumption of spicy meals was also associated with a decreased risk of mortality from cancer, ischemic heart disease, and respiratory system disorders.

However, the real effect of spices and herbs in health maintenance, especially in preventing the development of chronic, noncommunicable illnesses, is still unknown.

Nigerian pepper soup has a rush of natural flavours and spices that excite your culinary senses and put your hunger right. It is quite adaptable since it can be created using a variety of meaty meats such as turkey, chicken, fish, and even our nutrient-dense offals.

Adegoke et al. (2015) conducted a study to assess customer perceptions of the gastronomic, social, and health characteristics of pepper soup. A systematic questionnaire was utilised to determine the reasons for eating pepper soup, the chosen type of pepper soup, the social setting for pepper soup consumption, beverage accompaniment preferred with pepper soup, and food categories preferred as accompaniment with pepper soup.

It also assessed people’s perceptions of the stated health advantages of pepper soup’s ingredients. According to the poll, respondents ate pepper soup on a weekly and occasional basis for enjoyment (68.3%) and relaxation (55.8%).

90.2, 85.9, 90.2, and 92% of respondents liked catfish, goat meat, chicken, and cow tail as the meaty components in their pepper soup, respectively.

Colour, texture, and flavour preferences were light or dark brown, thick or light, and peppery and spicy. 97% of respondents chose hot pepper soup, while 65.8% preferred warm pepper soup.

Respondents (66.3 and 79%) chose beer and wine with their pepper soup, whereas 75.9 and 90.7% selected non-alcoholic beverages as accompaniments, respectively, carbonated beverages and juices or mineral water.

The majority of respondents (60.5 8.52%) strongly disagreed that pepper soup held the majority of the health advantages associated with herbs, spices, and other pepper soup elements, showing that pepper soup may not be taken for its claimed therapeutic value.

The nutritional value of pepper soup is usually dependent on the components used in its preparation. The spices and condiments utilised have shown to be useful in medicinal treatments.

Pepper soup is a nutrient-dense, nutritious food. The soup is low in calories and fat, and it’s high in protein.

Pepper soup has a lot of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Pepper soup is not only nutritious, but it is also tasty and simple to prepare. You may make the soup using chicken, goat meat, or yams. Spice the pepper soup to taste.

An article in the Tribune by Eunice Olaleye(2022) stated that a scientific evaluation by Dr Heben’s team on DrHealthBenefits.com concluded that the soup does assist in managing heart rate.

It also aids in blood pressure regulation, preventing it from becoming dangerously high or low. In other terms, it aids in blood pressure stabilisation.

Because pepper soup is an antioxidant, it also drives away free radicals that might cause cancer (Nwose EU, 2009; Agbor et al., 2019).

Pepper soup might help you recover from a cold or cough. There are various therapeutic benefits that you should be aware of.

The soup is also beneficial in chilly weather, according to the author. Hot and spicy pepper soup is crucial for keeping your body warm. It’s a win-win situation. You enjoy your pepper soup while also warming up your body.

According to youmustgethealthy.com, the elements in pepper soup are what make it healthy. Pepper soup contains unripe plantain, fresh catfish, cow skin, beef, or goat meat, which not only tastes good but also contains anti-oxidants.

Consuming pepper soup is one strategy to maintain proper vitamin intake while being hydrated. Because of the spicy nature, one tends to drink a lot of water.

Key Takeaways

According to the literature, pepper soup with local spices has several health advantages. According to a review of diet and mortality data from four major, multinational studies, intake of peppers or spicy spices may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease death by 26%, according to the American Heart Association(2020). Chilli pepper usage was related to a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

With this knowledge, fans of spicy spices may include them in their diets in any way to improve their health.

NB: Prof. Nyarkotey follows stringent source requirements and bases his articles on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical societies. My posts are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice for treatment. My goal is to educate the public about scientific evidence-based Naturopathic Therapies.

The author is a Naturopathic Healthcare Professor, a Medical Journalist, and a scientific writer. Professor40naturopathy@gmail.com is the email address.

Continue Reading

Featured

Accra College of Education: History, Programs and Location

Published

on

By

Accra College of Education is a leader in teacher education, educating the next generation of educators who will play a critical role in shaping the minds of Ghana's children. With a commitment to quality, a long history, and a devotion to comprehensive education, the institution continues to have a significant effect on the Accra and beyond education sectors.

Accra College of Education is a notable teacher education college in Ghana, located in the Eastern or Greater Accra zone. Following the Colleges of Education Act of 2012 (Act 847), the college was upgraded to tertiary status, allowing it to issue degrees in Basic Education. The university recently welcomed 321 new students into its academic community, demonstrating the institution’s ongoing involvement in creating the next generation of educators.

The college’s dedication to practical, scientific-based education is seen in projects such as “Experiment Share,” which attempts to improve science instruction through engaging and exciting live experiments.

History and Background

Accra College of Education’s long history and commitment to educational quality have positioned it as a significant role in Ghana’s teacher training and growth. The institution’s programmes and activities, as well as its cutting-edge Teaching and Learning Resource Centre, highlight its continual efforts to improve teacher education quality and foster creative, practice-based learning.

The college’s willingness to adapt to the changing demands of the education sector, emphasis on practical teaching techniques, and excellent leadership under Dr. Samuel Awinkene Atintono, Principal, highlight its importance in the field of teacher education in Ghana.

Accra College of Education continues to play an important role in defining the country’s educational future by providing prospective teachers with the information, skills, and practical experience required to flourish in their careers.

Academic Programs

Accra College of Education is well-known for its wide range of academic programmes for prospective educators. The institution provides a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programme that is aimed to provide students with the information, skills, and pedagogical strategies necessary for effective teaching. The programme frequently includes specialisations in many fields, allowing students to focus on their individual areas of interest.

Furthermore, the institution may offer diploma programmes in education, which would provide an alternate avenue for students seeking a more condensed teacher training programme.

Faculty and Staff

The quality of any educational institution’s faculty and staff is directly related to its success. Accra College of Education is proud of its staff of passionate educators and professionals who are not only specialists in their disciplines but also dedicated to building a supportive learning environment. The faculty frequently engages in research and intellectual endeavours that help to develop education in Ghana.

Campus Facilities

Accra College of Education provides a welcoming learning environment with cutting-edge technology to improve the entire student experience. These may include well-equipped classrooms, scientific and computer laboratories, a library with pertinent materials, and recreational areas where students may relax.

Campus Life

The institution emphasises a comprehensive approach to education, recognising that the college experience goes beyond the classroom. Accra College of Education has a bustling campus life that includes a variety of extracurricular activities, organisations, and events. These programmes allow kids to gain leadership skills, create long-lasting friendships, and participate in community service.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Accra College of Education frequently forms alliances and collaborations with other educational institutions, both nationally and worldwide, in order to keep informed of educational breakthroughs and global best practices. These collaborations may enable student exchange programmes, collaborative research projects, and faculty development opportunities.

Contributions to Education

Accra College of Education has made important contributions to Ghana’s education landscape by generating a cadre of trained and competent teachers who go on to serve in a variety of positions within the education sector. The college’s effect extends beyond its campus, impacting the quality of education in schools and communities across the country.

Conclusion

Accra College of Education is a leader in teacher education, educating the next generation of educators who will play a critical role in shaping the minds of Ghana’s children. With a commitment to quality, a long history, and a devotion to comprehensive education, the institution continues to have a significant effect on Accra and beyond education sectors.

Continue Reading

Trending

Optimized by Optimole