Hot!
President Akufo-Addo Advocates for Stronger Africa-Korea Partnership at 2024 Summit
The 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, held in Seoul, Korea, began today with a powerful call for deeper collaboration and mutual growth from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana.
Addressing a distinguished audience, including Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and other Heads of State and Government, President Akufo-Addo outlined a vision of shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity under the summit’s theme, “The Future We Make Together.”
In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo emphasised the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Korea, established nearly fifty years ago in 1977.
“Korea has proven to be a reliable partner and dependable friend of Ghana,” he stated, highlighting the economic, cultural, and political exchanges that have benefited both nations.
The Ghanaian leader praised the collaborative spirit that has characterised this partnership and expressed hope for its continued strength. President Akufo-Addo identified three critical pillars for the future of Africa-Korea relations: shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity.
He underscored the importance of economic collaboration, noting Africa’s abundant natural resources and youthful population as key assets.
“By fostering trade, investment, and innovation, we can create a relationship of synergy that benefits both regions,” he said.
He pointed to significant progress in economic cooperation, with increased trade volumes and successful joint ventures in manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology.
However, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that more work is needed to remove barriers to trade, enhance infrastructure, and promote knowledge exchange to unlock the full potential of this partnership.
Addressing the global climate crisis, President Akufo-Addo called for sustainable practices to protect the environment and promote renewable energy. He praised Korea’s leadership in green technology and sustainable development, urging Africa to leverage these innovations.
“This is not merely an environmental imperative; it is an economic opportunity that can drive long-term growth and stability,” he asserted.
The President emphasised the need for global solidarity, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global challenges. He highlighted the importance of supporting one another to ensure collective resilience.
President Akufo-Addo referenced Korea’s recent trilateral meeting with Japan and China, noting its significance for Africa. Strengthened relations among these economic powerhouses, he said, should lead to increased investment, new markets for African products, and technology transfer.
President Akufo-Addo also focused on the potential of innovation and technology to drive sustainable development. He called for collaboration in research and development, advancing digital literacy, and promoting entrepreneurship to harness the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.
Concluding his speech, President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the future of Africa-Korea relations.
“The future we make together should be one of shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity,” he declared.
He urged both regions to seize the moment to deepen their collaboration and build a brighter, more prosperous future.
The 2024 Korea-Africa Summit continues over the coming days, with various sessions aimed at strengthening ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation. Leaders and delegates from both regions are expected to engage in meaningful dialogues to advance their shared goals.
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
