Features
ACEX poised to change the African narrative
African Consolidated Exchange (ACEX) has expressed their readiness to change the African narrative by revolutionalising the economic outlook of Ghana and Africa.
ACEX is a platform that is the first of its kind in Africa to allow patrons trade the various forms of cryptocurrencies on a single platform.
Speaking at the launch at theInternationalLeadershipInstitute, EastLegon-Accra, the Country Representative, John Amihere said the story of Africa had been told wrongly and it behoves Africans to help retell the true story.
Against this backdrop, he said they believed education coupled with adequate regulation in the forex and crypto space could change things for the better.
He noted that their offers opportunity for those who recommend brokers, and also create opportunity in venture capital which partners credit unions as well as savings and loans with the aim of injecting capital into their businesses.
Mr.Amihere said this initiative which is already existent in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and other African countries aimed at building the financial muscles of smaller businesses.
With this across other African countries it is their conviction that the unfortunate global payment challenges across the African continent would be resolved.
He added that Bank of Ghana’s resolve to pilot digital currency would go along way to change the perception about crypto trading.
Mr. Amihere further urged Africans to embrace and enact laws to regulate crypto trading because it is the future.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
In every society, there are people who do things their own way, regardless of what others think. Take the man who, by good fortune, acquired a beautiful Benz bus. Rather than becoming a bossy transport owner demanding daily accounts, he chose a different path. He hired a driver—but no driver’s mate. He became the mate himself. The bold inscription on the back of the bus reads: “MAN NO FOOL.”
He’s no fool, having long observed how drivers and mates conspire with daily accounts. He’s far above such tricks.
Domestic Pragmatism
Then there’s the married man enforcing his own version of the division of labor. One morning, he decreed he would handle all daily market shopping because he suspected his wife was “tearing chobo.” Earlier, he had claimed the kitchen ladle as his own, citing dissatisfaction with the portion sizes compared to his “chop-money” contributions.
From that day, he became the chief cook, while his wife became the steward. When the soup was ready, she would call him to allocate the meat. He called it “domestic pragmatism.”
The Dancing Kiosk
Consider a couple who ran a kiosk and, to protect their goods from theft, chose to sleep there each night. Last week, during heavy rains, they were asleep when the downpour started. Both began dreaming they were dancing at a jamboree—an uncanny simultaneous dream.
When they awoke, reality hit: their kiosk was afloat, doing a Michael Jackson-style dance in the floodwaters. They were lucky to survive. Others were not so fortunate.
That Tuesday, 24 residents of Accra lost their lives in the heaviest rains in 59 years. Property was destroyed, animals drowned, and the city experienced its worst traffic jams ever.
Floods and “Neck Insurance”
During the rains, waist-deep waters forced residents to become human transport, carrying others for a fee. I was spared, though I imagined my weight would have made “neck insurance” a must!
The aftermath left offices soaked, radios swimming on carpets, and workers struggling to salvage belongings. My office radio survived after drying, perhaps imbued with some holy-ghost luck—it seemed to walk on water.
A Call for Action
Mr. Nat Nunoo-Amarteifio, AMA boss, later appeared on the air to explain the floods, citing rising sea and lagoon levels. While informative, action is key. Years of warnings by veteran journalist Tom Dorkenoo—a man of prophetic environmental insight—have highlighted Accra’s vulnerability to floods. Two years ago, he outlined the risks, and the warnings proved accurate.
It is not enough for authorities to merely announce intentions to address drainage issues or unauthorized buildings. They must act decisively to prevent recurring disasters. Floods, property losses, and fatalities are preventable with proactive planning and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
The Lesson
The saga of the dancing kiosk reminds us of human resilience, absurdity, and tragedy. While humor can lighten the story, the underlying message is serious: Accra’s flood challenges require urgent, sustained action.
Let us hope future rainy seasons bring fewer dancing kiosks and more effective city planning.
By Merari Alomele
Spectator
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Starvation is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including food availability, economic stability, and government policies. Understanding the mathematics of starvation involves analyzing calorie requirements, food distribution, and nutritional needs to ensure individuals receive sufficient sustenance for survival and health.
Calculating Nutritional Needs
To understand the scale of starvation, it is crucial to determine the daily caloric requirements of individuals based on age, sex, weight, and activity levels. For example, populations like that of the Gaza Strip require a specific number of calories per person per day to prevent malnutrition and starvation.
Food Distribution and Availability
Equally important is assessing food distribution and availability. This includes calculating the total food needed to meet nutritional requirements and ensuring it reaches those in need. In Gaza, Israel controls food inflow and determines the number of calories Palestinians require. However, the actual amount of food allowed into the territory often falls far below minimum nutritional needs.
Consequences of Inadequate Food Supply
Inadequate food supply leads to severe consequences such as malnutrition, starvation, and death. For instance, between March and June, Israel allowed only 56,000 tonnes of food into Gaza—less than a quarter of the territory’s minimum needs during that period.
Global Perspective
Starvation is not unique to Gaza. Millions worldwide face food insecurity due to conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Understanding the mathematics of starvation enables policymakers and humanitarian organizations to devise strategies that target the root causes of hunger effectively.
Key Factors Contributing to Starvation
- Poverty: Lack of resources limits access to sufficient food.
- Conflict: Wars disrupt food production and distribution networks.
- Climate Change: Extreme weather reduces agricultural yields.
- Economic Instability: Market fluctuations hinder access to food.
Addressing Starvation
Combating starvation requires addressing its underlying causes:
- Food Aid: Provide sufficient, targeted food assistance to those in need.
- Economic Support: Promote economic stability to improve access to food.
- Conflict Resolution: Resolve conflicts to restore production and distribution networks.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Adopt sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security.
In conclusion, the mathematics of starvation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to food insecurity. By understanding nutritional needs, calculating food distribution, and tackling the root causes, societies can work towards a future where hunger is no longer a daily threat.
BY ROBERT EKOW GRIMMOND-THOMPON
Spectator
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