by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | foreign policy, morocco, news, politics, united nations
On Monday in Rabat, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita held a meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the Moroccan Sahara, Staffan de Mistura. This encounter took place during the envoy’s ongoing regional visit.
The visit precedes informal discussions set to take place at the UN Security Council in mid-April 2025, as stated in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates.
Omar Hilale, who serves as Morocco’s Ambassador andPermanent Representative to the United Nations,was present atthe meeting.
In these discussions, the Moroccan representatives emphasized the global push initiated by King Mohammed VI concerning Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region and the country’s autonomy proposal. The Monarch addressed the United Nations on November 6, 2024—the 49th commemoration of the Green March—urging them to “take their duty and clearly distinguish between the genuine, rightful world embodied by Morocco within its Sahara territory and an outdated world detached from current realities and advancements.”
The Moroccan delegation likewise expressed their country’s backing for the endeavors of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in achieving a long-lasting, practical, realistic, and political resolution, solely grounded on the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, all within the bounds of Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Morocco’s Foreign Minister held discussions in Rabat with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | coast guards, government, security, u.s. coast guard, world
…We’ll Maintain Momentum – NIMASA DG
L-R: The Director-General of Nigeria’s Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, presented a token gift to the team leader from the United States Coast Guard, USCG, Mr. Joe Price Larson, during their visit to NIM ASA’s headquarters in Lagos.
The United States Coast Guard has praised Nigeria and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for making significant strides in implementing the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code, according to statements from the Coast Guard.
Joe Prince Larson of the U.S. Coast Guard disclosed this information. He headed a group from the International Port Security Programme during their inspection visit at various terminals and ports in Nigeria. The purpose was to evaluate how thoroughly the ISPS Code has been implemented within these port establishments.
Previously, the team carried out evaluation trips to the Dangote Port and Lekki Free Trade Zones located in Lekki, within Lagos State, along with privately managed port facilities run by Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, which is part of Delta State.
L-R: The Executive Director of Operations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Engineer Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) ISPS Team Leader, Joe Price Larson; the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the USCG representative for Europe/Africa liaison with Nigeria, Eric Hatfield; and the USCG ISPS Reporting Officer, Hyo Jun Cho, were present during a visit by members of the United States Coast Guard to the NIMASA offices in Lagos.
When presenting an interim evaluation report to NIMASA management, Larson highlighted that Nigeria’s adherence to the ISPS Code is among the highest worldwide.
He mentioned that his group would present their discoveries to the leaders of the US Coast Guard as planned and showed faith in NIM ASA’s ability to uphold the stringent standards they have achieved so far.
Based on what Mr. Larson stated, ”
We were delighted to visit Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State prior to heading over to the Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Port in Lagos, where we found everything to be highly satisfactory. Our observations indicated a strong grasp and thorough execution of the ISPS Code within Nigeria, with adherence levels matching those seen among leading maritime countries worldwide. As such, we will relay these insights to the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters as planned.”
From his perspective, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, discussed the agency’s dedication to maintaining enhanced adherence rates at the country’s ports. He highlighted how these improvements influence international perceptions of Nigeria. Additionally, he stated that the agency will keep supporting initiatives led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, aimed at elevating standards within the Nigerian maritime sector.
As he stated, “I am delighted to convey the joy I feel about the favorable response we got from the USCG delegation because this acts as recognition of the Federal Government’s dedication to advancing the sector. It also underscores the efforts made by the Agency, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to maintain international standards in port security.”
The U.S. Coast Guard has continually collaborated with NIMASA to carry out immediate evaluations assessing the adherence of Nigerian ports to the ISPS Code. This initiative, launched last year under a three-year strategy, aims to offer practical recommendations and evidence-driven choices to remove the Conditions of Entry (CoE) imposed on ships leaving Nigeria bound for the USA.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, education, educational systems, higher education, news
ENUGU
– The ESCET Alumni Association has expressed appreciation for Governor Peter Mbah’s efforts towards enhancing education within the state.
This recognition was bestowed by the president of the association, Mr. Mathew Divine Idoko, during a recent homecoming celebration conducted on the campus grounds.
At the event, which saw two students being granted scholarships for an academic year, Idoko voiced his robust backing of Mbah’s efforts, stating, “Mbah has performed admirably in elevating educational standards within the state.”
Governor Peter Mbah is performing exceptionally well in reshaping the education sector within the state. His dedication towards elevating the educational standards truly deserves praise. Were we to evaluate his significant advancements in education on a scale, he would undoubtedly receive a perfect score of 100%.
“And particularly at ESCET, where he has shown significant dedication to enhancing the well-being of both students and administration members. He has authorized the release of overdue wages to employees. As alumni, we applaud his efforts in reshaping education within Enugu State,” he stated.
To motivate the students to prioritize their education and achieve academic success, Idoko mentioned that rewarding them for correct answers serves this purpose.
He mentioned that the organization seeks to boost the number of recipients; however, the primary focus is to guarantee that each student at ESCET feels at ease both scholastically and personally.
We granted a financial aid scholarship to two underprivileged college students to promote their academic achievements. In the previous year, our outgoing graduates from ESCET organized a ‘welcome back’ event and extended an invitation to us.
Throughout the event, the alumni group decided it was important to motivate the students by posing straightforward questions aimed at assessing their cognitive skills. Both participants—a student from the degree program and another from the NCE program—responded accurately and were awarded scholarships for an entire academic year’s tuition fees, sponsored by the alumni organization.
“The objective was to foster academic brilliance amongst the students. By demonstrating that former pupils continue to return to the college, we aim to underscore our commitment to maintaining high standards. This initiative is designed to motivate current students to work diligently and treat their studies with utmost seriousness,” he stated.
As he seeks assistance from both governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations, Idoko mentioned that the Alumni Association is setting up an office within the institution. This initiative aims to oversee the interactions between students and administration, with the dual purpose of promoting academic excellence and enhancing student well-being.
He praised the administration and employees of the college for upholding the rigorous academic standards set from the beginning.
The National Secretary of the Association, Hyginus Odo, urged the students to stay dedicated to achieving their objectives regardless of any obstacles, emphasizing that “there is always hope even when things seem difficult.”
He likewise praised the administration and personnel at the college, particularly highlighting those who have excelled in maintaining high academic standards and supporting students’ well-being.
A third-year student from the Igbo Education program, Blessing Nnamchi, conveyed her happiness and gratitude towards the alumni association for their generous act. Surprised by the turn of events, she mentioned, “Initially, I planned only to observe what they were up to before returning to my hotel. However, upon arriving, a question was posed, and I managed to answer it correctly.”
“I’m extremely delighted with the scholarship awarded by the alumni association. It came as a surprise when I found out that I was selected alongside others who received scholarships. The moment I got the funds, I exclaimed ‘Wooo!’ and realized that I wouldn’t have to request financial support from my parents for tuition this term,” she stated.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, innovation, news, technology, technology trends
The government firmly endorses the potential of research and innovation as key drivers of economic progress and sustainable development. It continues to prioritize the creation of conditions conducive to nurturing innovations and advancing technologies, according to Sam George Nartey, who serves as the minister for communications, digital technology, and innovations.
Speaking at the second edition of the Africa Research and Innovation Commercialization Summit (ARICS 2025) in Accra, he indicated that his ministry will spearhead the transformation of innovation into economic opportunities that will drive job creation, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
The minister likewise recognized the far-reaching effects of innovation and the commercialization of research throughout different parts of the economy. This spans from education, with educators crafting innovative teaching methods, to comparable technological advancements in critical fields such as agriculture and healthcare systems.
“ARICS 2025 stands as an affirmation of the collective dedication from both governmental bodies and private enterprises to harness research and innovation for catalyzing industrial transformation across various economic landscapes,” stated in remarks delivered on his behalf during the event.
He stated, “The significant potential of local innovators and researchers remains untapped because of insufficient coordinated initiatives; the government acknowledges this issue and will collaborate with all parties involved to address this matter.”
Mr. Nartey praised the Heritors Lab along with its financial supporter, the RISA Fund, and other participants in the ecosystem for their consistent efforts towards promoting research commercialization both in Ghana and throughout Africa.
ARICS stands as a premier event bringing together researchers, creators, industry leaders, and government officials to explore actionable strategies and pathways aimed at facilitating the transition of research and innovations into marketable products for enhanced economic benefits.
The theme for this year’s event was “Moving from Labs to Market: Enhancing Industry Adoption of Research and Innovation Outcomes.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Seth Twum Akwaboah, stressed the importance of linking research, industry, and infrastructure to attain common developmental objectives.
Africa generates substantial research, yet converting these advancements into commercially viable products continues to pose challenges.
“A robust and continuous partnership between research organizations and industry leaders is crucial for advancing innovation and bringing products to market,” he stated.
Additionally, to promote sustainable economic development, Mr. Akwaboah emphasized the importance of investing sustainably in technological infrastructure and implementing policies that encourage industrialization and commercialization.
On his part, the vice president of Heritors Labs, Kofi Ocloo, bemoaned the high rate of African discoveries that remain hidden in research labs and called for urgent steps to entrench commercialization of innovation and research outcomes across the continent.
“Our domestic industries and business owners seek answers overseas when locally developed solutions stay confined within our laboratories. Given our stakeholder status, we should guarantee that research efforts are converted into innovations capable of transforming lives throughout the continent,” he stated.
He stated, “This summit’s theme compels governments, leading industrial figures, and youthful pioneers to close the divide between research and industry; our priority should be making innovation the key catalyst for economic advancement.”
Gameli Adzaho, who serves as the country technical lead for the RISA Fund, emphasized that ARICS 2025 provides an ideal stage for expanding the reach of research commercialization. This platform convenes key players within the ecosystem to pinpoint strategies that will drive innovations and research findings into wider market spaces, encouraging greater uptake.
He mentioned that the fund will keep promoting collaborations aimed at boosting innovation and enhancing the impact of research. He also urged for initiatives that involve rural populations, address the gender disparity, and support young researchers and innovators.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | female empowerment, gender pay gap, women, women leaders, women's rights
By Dr Maame Afua Nikabs
In March, the world comes together to celebrate and stress the importance of gender equality, with International Women’s Day highlighting both our achievements and the efforts yet required.
But gender equality must go beyond just one month of conversations; it must translate into action that ensures women’s voices are valued in every aspect of the workplace.
In numerous work environments across Ghana and various regions of the Global South, women’s contributions often go unnoticed, ignored, or limited due to prevailing cultural practices, company frameworks, and deep-seated gender prejudices.
Although significant attention has been paid to gender diversity in leadership roles, discussions around workplace gender equality should not stop with having women hold positions of power and participate in decision-making processes. It is equally important for their perspectives and contributions to be genuinely acknowledged and respected.
Hidden Obstacles: The Reason Behind Women’s Difficulty Speaking Up Professionally
A recent scholarly investigation titled “Seen but Not Heard: The Voice of Women at Work and the Mediating Role of Culture” by Toyin Ajibade Adisa, Chidiebere Ogbonnaya, Chima Mordi, Hakeem Ajonbadian, and Olatunji David Adekoya (2024) underscores how cultural norms function as potent suppressors of female voices in African work environments, particularly in countries like Ghana.
The research highlights two main elements:
• A high-power distance orientation—a hierarchical workplace environment where less senior staff members, particularly women, are anticipated to show respect to those in higher positions, thereby restricting their opportunities to voice concerns or share insights.
• Patriarchal workplace norms – the expectation that women should be reserved, deferential, and not challenge male authority, reinforcing the perception that assertiveness is a masculine trait.
These insights strike a chord strongly with the dynamics present in the Ghanaian work setting. According to data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), although women constitute 39% of the formal sector employees, they hold fewer than 14.5% of seats on boards, highlighting significant imbalances in authority and strategic decision-making roles.
Nevertheless, leadership constitutes merely a portion of the overall scenario; women across various tiers find it challenging to get their opinions acknowledged in workplace dialogues, group conferences, and regulatory choices.
The Price of Quiet: The Consequences of Muting Women’s voices
The silencing of women’s voices in Ghanaian workplaces carries significant repercussions—not only for individual employees but also for companies and the broader economy.
Lost Opportunities for Innovation & Business Expansion – If only half of the employees feel discouraged from sharing ideas or questioning inefficient procedures, businesses can falter. According to research conducted by McKinsey & Company, firms with greater diversity in terms of gender tend to exceed industry standards in financial performance by up to 25%.
Gender Pay Disparities and Career Plateauing – Women who refrain from speaking out find it challenging to negotiate wages, advancements, and leadership roles. Research shows that Ghanaian women typically receive approximately 30% lower earnings compared to men, largely because of reduced chances to champion improved compensation and working environments.
Women who stay quiet about workplace discrimination, harassment, or unjust treatment frequently endure these issues alone. Such silence can impede personal professional growth and allow harmful work environments to continue unchallenged.
The Part Played by Culture: Religious Beliefs, Gender Roles, and Social Norms
Frequently, cultural and religious standards uphold the belief that women ought to exhibit modesty, avoid confrontation, and display submissiveness in their careers as well as within their private lives.
Spiritual Guidelines and Office Structure:
Many religious interpretations promote female humility and silence, which can discourage women from expressing themselves openly, especially in male-dominated industries. In some workplaces, men justify gender imbalances using religious rhetoric, reinforcing the expectation that women should listen rather than lead.
Gender Roles & Rearing: From a young age, numerous Ghanaian females are taught to be amiable, courteous, and more reserved compared to males. This foundational conditioning often manifests in professional settings as these women tend to avoid confronting superiors, requesting raises, or expressing their viewpoints during predominantly masculine conversations.
The Fear of Stigma: Whenever women voice their opinions, they commonly encounter pushback. Women who exhibit assertiveness tend to be branded as ‘overly aggressive,’ ‘challenging,’ or ’emotional.’ This often causes them to refrain from speaking out to sidestep adverse outcomes.
Ways Ghanaian Workplaces Can Encourage Women’s Voices
To develop a genuinely inclusive work environment, Ghanaian entities should progress past mere symbolic acts of gender diversity and proactively establish settings where females feel encouraged to voice their opinions.
✅ Implement Voice-Inclusive Policies – Companies should establish structured feedback mechanisms where all employees, regardless of gender, feel encouraged to contribute ideas and concerns without fear of retaliation.
✅ Advocate for Sponsorship & Mentoring of Women — Actively having high-ranking professionals support women’s participation in key decision-making environments can lead to substantial benefits. Studies indicate that women who have mentors in executive positions tend to advance more frequently.
✅ Offer Gender Bias and Inclusive Communication Training – Unconscious gender biases can be prevalent. Companies ought to educate their executive committees on promoting inclusive dialogues, preventing interruptions of female colleagues during conferences, and intentionally soliciting input from women.
✅ Acknowledge and Celebrate Women’s Contributions – Whenever women contribute ideas, these suggestions should be recognized, attributed properly, and adopted when beneficial. Work environments that often credit women’s efforts to their male counterparts tend to deter them from participating further.
✅ Combat Workplace Harassment & Discrimination – Numerous women stay quiet regarding abusive treatment at work due to their fears. Establishing robust complaint systems and adopting zero-tolerance stances against workplace discrimination can foster an environment where women feel more empowered to speak up.
Concluding Reflections: Ending the Chain of Silence
It is essential to amplify women’s voices across all tiers of the corporate world, not merely in top management positions. Striving for gender equality goes beyond having females in high-ranking jobs; it also involves making sure that their viewpoints, issues, and suggestions are considered valuable contributors to discussions in every level of the organization.
Ghanaian enterprises face a significant question: Should they persist with hierarchical structures marked by substantial power imbalances that impede advancement? Alternatively, should they adopt more egalitarian work environments where female contributions are actively solicited, valued, and implemented?
To initiate change, one must begin by listening. For Ghana to achieve genuine economic and professional development, it needs to foster work environments where each woman’s perspective is valued.
The individual serves as a communications and inclusion specialist, public speaker, and social impact activist committed to assisting both people and organizations in managing challenging discussions and fostering inclusive work environments. As the creator of “Speak Up! Speak Out!”, she also conducts workshops focused on self-assertion, leadership communication, and equitable practices in the workplace.
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