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Parliamentary delegation participates in IT workshop in Atlanta
Dr. Ali Yallah with 2nd Deputy Speaker, Hon. Asiamah Amoako
During a recent working visit to the United States of America, a five-member Parliamentary delegation led by the 2nd Deputy Speaker, Hon. Asiamah Amoako, attended a workshop on technology and state governance in Atlanta.
The workshop, which had renowned US-based Ghanaian IT expert Dr. Ali Yallah as the lead resource person, discussed issues such as leadership transparency, accountability, fighting corruption, internal coordination, quality evaluation, and project prioritisation.
The three-hour comprehensive on-screen presentation by Dr. Yallah pointed out various ways in which the government of Ghana can use technology to change the lives of its citizens.
Dr. Yallah took the delegation through the benefits of technology in state governance and how to use “quality-driven methodology to select and implement technology that will benefit the country.”
“Appropriate application of technology allows for higher levels of effectiveness and efficiency in governmental tasks, increases the quality of public services, improves the use of information in decision-making processes, and allows for better communication among different governmental offices.
“Technology improves transparency, which is one of the ways through which people will continue to trust the government. A significant increase in the use of technology will have a great impact on different aspects of society and economic activities by making everyday procedures easier and more efficient”, he said.
Dr. Yallah enumerated the significant role of technology in the governance system of the United States of America and urged the government of Ghana to prioritise same.
Other Members of Parliament at the workshop were Hon. Andy Appiah-Kubi, Dr. Augustine Tawiah, Hon. Wisdom Gidisu. The Clerk of Committees, Hajia Ayisha Salifu was also present.
Dr. Ali Yallah is the Chief Information Officer at River Edge (the Georgia Department of Behavioural Health). He has over 30 years of experience in IT, 15 of which have been in leadership roles.
He holds a Ph.D. in information technology from Northcentral University, a Master of Science from Kennesaw State University, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming. He is also the President of the Georgia Association of Chief Information Officers.
Born in Kotobabi, Accra, Dr. Yallah, also a Certified Project Manager, attended the Kotobabi public schools before moving to Aquinas Secondary School at Osu in Accra. He immigrated after Form 5 and had since resided in the United States of America.
By Spectator Reporter
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to remain united, grateful and prayerful despite the recent floods that claimed lives and destroyed property in parts of Accra.
Speaking at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, the President noted that the nation had gathered not because all its challenges had been solved, but to reflect, give thanks to God and renew its commitment to the country’s development.
He explained that throughout Ghana’s history, the nation had consistently turned to God during both difficult and successful times, describing faith as one of the country’s strongest pillars.
“We gather not as members of different political parties, ethnic groups or religions, but as one people under God,” President Mahama stated.
He encouraged Ghanaians to approach the occasion with grateful hearts, stressing that every blessing the country enjoys comes from God.
Reflecting on the recent floods that devastated parts of Accra, President Mahama acknowledged the pain of families who lost loved ones and property during the disaster.
Despite the tragedy, he urged citizens to draw strength from Scripture, quoting First Epistle to the Thessalonians Chapter 5, Verse 18, which encourages believers to give thanks in all circumstances.
The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving brought together religious leaders, members of Parliament, the Judiciary, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security service chiefs, traditional leaders and other dignitaries to pray for the nation and reflect on its progress and challenges.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Renowned Ghanaian businessman and an indigene of the Upper East Region, Awentami Paul Afoko, has called for the construction of an international airport in the Upper East Region, arguing that it is critical to unlocking the region’s agricultural and export potential.
Addressing stakeholders at the Regional Development Framework validation forum in Bolgatanga, Mr. Afoko said the Upper East Region possesses enormous economic opportunities that can be harnessed through strategic investment in agriculture, infrastructure,, and trade.
“As an entrepreneur, I have learnt that governments do not create businesses; entrepreneurs do. Government’s responsibility is to create the environment within which businesses can thrive,” he said.
He highlighted irrigation projects and commercial farming as key drivers of economic transformation, urging greater investment in year-round production of vegetables, fruits, and flowers for international markets.
“The challenge is not finding buyers. The challenge is producing at sufficient scale throughout the year,” he stated.
Mr. Afoko also called for investment in warehouses, cold-chain facilities, packaging centres and standardized production systems to improve the competitiveness of local products, including shea butter, basket weaving, and textiles.
“We must organise ourselves to produce standardised products and invest in warehouses, cold chains, and packaging so that we become year-round suppliers,” he said.
He stressed that an international airport would significantly boost exports from the region.
“We need an airport urgently so that flowers from the Upper East can reach Europe before Kenyan flowers do. Burkina Faso produces strawberries, and we can do the same,” he remarked.
According to Mr. Afoko, the region’s strategic location also presents opportunities to expand cross-border trade with neighbouring countries through stronger economic diplomacy.
“There is the need for an international airport in the region to enable us to seize export opportunities. Our strategic location also presents enormous opportunities to strengthen border trade,” he added.
He called on the government, diplomats, and development partners to work together to position the Upper East Region as a major agricultural and export hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
