Bussiness
JICA supports 8 startups with NINJA programme
The cohort in a photograph with stakeholders
Eight young Ghanaian entrepreneurs have successfully graduated after undergoing seven months of incubation under the Next Innovation With Japan NINJA Project organised by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This was done in collaboration with the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) and Accra Digital Centre (ADC) together with various key startup ecosystem players.
The Project NINJA programme is JICA’s global initiative to support entrepreneurs and create business innovation in emerging countries and support startups to turn their dreams into reality by uncovering prospective customers’ pain points and nurturing them continuous development.
The project received about 125 applications, which was whittled down to eight applicants who were taken through seven months of incubation to monitor their progress and give them the needed support through mentorship among others.
Each startup was supported with GH₵30,000 to help them achieve their dream and expand their businesses.
Speaking at the demonstration day held at the ADC on Tuesday October 25, 2022, the Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, Araki Yasoumichi commended the GDA, GEA and MDF West Africa for their immense contribution.
Mr.Yasoumichi was optimistic that the support given them would go a long way to expand their startups and solve problems in the society.
According to MDF West Africa’s Programme Manager, Julia Appiah, it was tough cutting down the number because the organisers received a lot of good business modules, but had to prune them down to eight and mentor them.
She said some were just ideas, and through the support today, it has become a reality. She encouraged the entrepreneurs to put whatever they have learnt to good use.
David Ofori of ADC said they have a mandate to be an instigator in the digital space and considering the focus of NINJA, it was a step in the right direction partnering them to nurture future entrepreneurs.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana’s gold and minerals sector is set for a major spotlight as Meetings. Co, in partnership with key industry stakeholders, announces the Mining & Minerals Convention 2025, scheduled from August 26-27, 2025, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra.
Held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Ghana’s Gold Industry,”‘ the Convention will convene government leaders, regulators, miners, refiners, investors, sustainability partners, innovators, and responsible mining, and global competitiveness,policy experts to explore strategies that position Ghana’s gold industry for long-term growth.
The two-day convention will feature presidential and ministerial keynote addresses, industry thought leadership, technical paper presentations, policy dialogues, fireside chats, exhibitions, and high-level networking sessions.
Convention delegates can anticipate a dynamic and insightful experience, marked by thought leadership from leading policymakers and regulators, in-depth discussions on key topics such as sustainability, ESG, digital gold, and responsible sourcing, as well as valuable opportunities to forge public-private partnerships and investment deals.
Moreover, the event will offer practical action points aimed at unlocking greater economic value for Ghana.
The 2025 edition will be supported by a strong coalition of strategic partners, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, GoldBod, the Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF), and the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI).
The Minister for Finance Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson has disclosed that a sum of nine hundred and Eighty-Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Five thousand and Seventy-Three Ghana Cedis (GHS987,965,073.00) from the Consolidated Fund into the District Assembly Common Fund Account, being the first quarter amount due to the DACF.
Furthermore, the Finance Minister informed the House that a total amount of Two Billion, Thirty- Three Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Seven Ghana Cedis (GHS2,033,469,607) has been disbursed to the National Health Insurance Fund.
While the Ghana Education Trust Fund has also received a total of Two Billion, Seven and Ten Million, Two Hundred and Twenty-Seven Ghana Cedis (GHS2,710,227,947.00) for the months January, February, March and April,2025.
The Finance Minister disclosed this in his statement to Parliament on the payments to statutory funds on the floor of the House.
In addition, he cautioned that the Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund is required to ensure that 80% of this amount is transferred directly to the Assemblies without fail and expenditure returns submitted to the Ministry of Finance before subsequent releases will be made.
He added that Members are encouraged to monitor the utilization of these amounts sent to their respective Assemblies in line with the approved guidelines by Cabinet.
In his closing remark, Ato Forson said he’s going to take the concerns of the House seriously.
For his part, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga made known the President’s prioritization of women in the country stating that President Mahama is “Pro-women”.
This is due to the fact that women are going to be the core beneficiaries from the expenditures going to be made by the MMDA’s, he added.
The Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned the Finance Minister why road contractors have not been paid for more than five months. He said the Minister must not be applauded for since the allocation of these funds were long overdue.
