President Mahama Honors Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo in International Tribute

By Kamal Ahmed

Koforidua (E/R), March 30, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama, alongside Eastern Regional Minister Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey and Chief of Staff Mr. Julius Debrah, attended the funeral of the late Elder Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo to pay their last tributes.

The dignified event took place in Suhyen, close to Koforidua, within the boundaries of the New Juaben North Municipality.

Nana Agyekum Addo, an esteemed entrepreneur, celebrated philanthropist, and respected traditional leader, died at the age of 74.

His departure due to visionary leadership and substantial contributions to Ghana’s socioeconomic progress represents a deep-seated sorrow for the country.

The ceremony gathered officials, relatives, and admirers to honor the remarkable journey and heritage of the departed senior.

In his tribute, Ex-President Mahama recognized Dr. Agyekum Addo’s significant influence on Ghanaian society, emphasizing his dedication to strengthening communities via business initiatives and charitable work.

Late Nana Agyekum Addo is revered both for his role in traditional spheres and for his lasting impact on education and economic development in Ghana.

His existence continues to motivate numerous people throughout the country.

Born in 1950, Nana Agyekum Addo established the KAMA Group of Companies, which became a trailblazing force within Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector.

His firm transformed the industry, making high-quality health care items available to people throughout Ghana.

His exceptional entrepreneurship in this sector not only established him as a leading figure in business but also as a pioneer for the local industry.

He acted as the Nkabomhene (Chief of Unity) for the New Juaben Traditional Area, where his significant contribution was instrumental in upholding harmony and solidarity within the region.

He strongly supported education, offering mentorship and direction to young Ghanaians enthusiastic about pursuing business opportunities.

In his tribute, President Mahama praised Nana Agyekum Addo as an exceptional Ghanaian who made significant impacts beyond commerce to the nation’s progress.

“Elder Nana Dr Agyekum Addo stands out for his exceptional entrepreneurship, dedicated public service, and steadfast dedication to fostering local business development,” he stated.

He recognized the significant impact of the elderly statesman, particularly in bolstering Ghana’s commercial landscape and facilitating opportunities for international investments during his tenure at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.

The president highlighted that his commitment to guiding aspiring business leaders demonstrated the significant influence he wielded over the country’s financial prospects.

The impact of Nana Dr Agyekum Addo will keep inspiring numerous generations of Ghanaians,” he said additionally. “His efforts towards advancing education and uplifting young people will echo through time for decades.

Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister, also addressed the lasting impact that the late Elder Nana Dr Agyekum Addo had on Ghana.

She commended his relentless endeavors in enhancing the well-being of numerous individuals, showcasing his impact via entrepreneurial projects as well as his position in customary leadership roles.

As relatives, officials, and attendees assembled to honor him, the funeral for Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo served as more than just a send-off; it provided an opportunity to contemplate the significant impact he had on the country.

She observed that his heritage of foresight, guidance, and dedication to mankind will be a lasting wellspring of motivation for coming ages.

GNA

DL/AD

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Moroccan Public TV Seizes 69.1% of Viewership During Ramadan – International Edition

Moroccan Public TV Seizes 69.1% of Viewership During Ramadan – International Edition

Public television networks secured a prime-time viewership share of 69.1%, making them the preferred option among audiences during Ramadan. The SNRT contributed significantly with 37.3% of this figure, providing an array of programming that included creative content, thrilling narratives, engaging shows, and live coverage of the national soccer team’s games.

Based on an SNRT press release, the general television channel
Al Aoula
solitary garnered 13 million spectators during peak viewing hours, accounting for 34.5% of the total audience. On the 25th day of Ramadan, the show’s second season was broadcast.
Wlad Izza
Exceeded 9.5 million viewers, capturing a 44.3% market share. The statement highlighted that it continues to be “the most-viewed show for Moroccans when breaking their fast.”

Meanwhile, the series
Ana Wiak
exceeded 10.3 million viewers (36.7%), while the third season of
Salah w Fati
drew in 7.7 million viewers (31.6%).
Jorh Qdim
It also attracted a large crowd, with 9.9 million viewers (36.7%).

In addition to its Ramadan programming, SNRT saw remarkable success with their live coverage of Morocco’s football matches during the continental qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This resulted in substantially increased viewer numbers.
Al Aoula
,
Arryadia
,
Tamazight
, and
Al Maghribia»,
as per the public network.

The “SNRT bundle” garnered 15.5 million spectators and achieved a 56.1% market share during the game between Morocco and Niger. During their second match against Tanzania, viewership increased slightly to 16.5 million people, holding a 55.7% audience share, as stated in the announcement.

These numbers enabled SNRT to present a balanced Ramadan schedule, combining various types of media content, up-to-the-minute event coverage, and cultural programs “to blend traditional Moroccan values with contemporary elements.”

NESG Reveals Plan to Boost Nigeria’s Economy


ABUJA

– The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has introduced a fresh plan to propel Nigeria’s economic growth.

At the launch of the fresh strategy during a media interaction event in Abuja over the weekend, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of NESG, highlighted that this plan emphasizes measurable objectives within major economic areas for both the near and intermediate future. It reflects the organization’s dedication to implementing practical measures aimed at stimulating development and wealth creation.

Labeled as part of the “arc of the possible,” he detailed how the updated roadmap emphasizes the adjustment of stabilization approaches to tackle new obstacles, guaranteeing sustained development and improved quality of life.

He pointed out that although the reforms were beneficial on their own, the risk lies in poorly implemented policies or rollback of these reforms, which could result in economic stagnation and increased vulnerabilities.

According to NESG, the fresh approach focuses on establishing structures to support six key reforms: fostering a competitive market, encouraging investments from the private sector, building supportive conditions, ensuring democratic governance aligned with national interests, upholding the rule of law, and laying down solid economic groundwork for long-term growth.

The NESG suggested that from 2025 to 2026, the government should concentrate on fostering a favorable environment for investments, addressing issues of food sovereignty and security. They emphasized that during this timeframe, the administration must also prioritize advancements in areas such as energy, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and trade.

Between 2025 and 2030, as suggested by NESG, the emphasis ought to be placed on enhancing productivity and efficiency, managing population dynamics, and generating employment opportunities.

The aim is for the ICT sector’s real GDP to grow by at least 20 percent between 2025 and 2026. Additionally, by this period, we expect that at least 40 percent of citizen and business engagements with the government will be digitized, along with achieving a broadband penetration rate of at least 70 percent.

It aims to achieve within the short term that the government reduces post-harvest losses by 50 percent, increases the production of the top five crops by 20 percent, and cuts food imports by 50 percent.

“In the realm of energy, the strategy aims for the near future with three key goals: ensuring that at least 90 percent of qualifying electricity consumers will be equipped with meters; boosting crude oil output to reach 2.5 million barrels daily; and achieving an uptick of at least 40 percent in natural gas production,” stated the NESG.

By 2026, the NESG aims to double the cargo volume carried via rail transport and achieve complete operation of the concessions for the seven major roadways.

“The NESG stated that phasing out trade barriers for crucial intermediary goods would decrease production expenses for companies, allowing them to offer their products at more competitive prices.” They further noted that eliminating these obstacles could not only curb inflation but also boost economic efficiency, resilience, and long-term growth prospects.

According to the NESG’s economic forecast for 2025, an improved economic path is essential for enhancing engagement from the private sector, protecting living conditions, and reducing the effects of growing economic instability.

It acknowledged, however, that attaining strong economic growth poses a significant challenge requiring a reassessment of both present and future reform strategies.

This emphasizes three critical areas of reform for 2025: first, maintaining steady and mild inflation by reinforcing fiscal discipline via increased revenue from progressive taxation measures, cutting unnecessary spending, and channeling savings from reduced subsidies toward specific social programs; second, improving the effectiveness of monetary policies to ensure long-term price stability; third, removing import restrictions and lowering duties on crucial items to tackle bottlenecks in supplies and stabilize pricing.

The alternative approach involves increasing foreign exchange liquidity and stabilizing currency rates by simplifying trade procedures, improving remittances via digitization, and sustaining a trustworthy monetary policy framework to foster investor trust and guarantee exchange rate steadiness.

According to the NESG, enhancing fiscal performance and decreasing debt risks stands as the third key focus for reforms.

This focuses on revenue-driven fiscal consolidation, reallocation of spending, and the utilization of non-debt financing methods like public-private partnerships (PPP) to decrease debt levels and enhance fiscal stability.

Upon taking office, Tinubu’s administration initiated several reform measures. These included eliminating the fuel subsidy, consolidating exchange rates, and implementing tax reforms aimed at enhancing the nation’s revenue streams and bolstering domestic enterprises.

Even though the reforms aimed at fostering a stable economic climate favorable for investment, employment generation, and reducing poverty, they inadvertently led to rising costs of living. This increase has exacerbated poverty levels, causing both families and enterprises to struggle for survival.

During an interaction with reporters, Aduloju voiced his backing for the transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited into a publicly traded company.

He indicated that the project would enhance openness and responsibility along with guaranteeing adherence to global standards for corporate governance, thus benefiting every Nigerian.

He stated: “I strongly support making NNPC publicly traded. This would increase transparency. Therefore, any steps taken in that direction are highly appreciated.”

The higher the transparency, the greater the compliance with international standards for corporate governance. This makes it highly probable that NNPC will function more effectively for all Nigerians.

Although recognizing that the path to NNPC’s public offering is intricate and lengthy, he pointed out that Saudi Aramco began its transition several years back with preliminary measures akin to what NNPC is presently contemplating.

“It takes a considerable time for NNPC to reach the level of Saudi Aramco. However, Saudi Aramco embarked on their journey several years back. They initiated a similar process,” he stated.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

FUTA Teaching Hospital Honors Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa, Fasonranti, and Other Distinguished Figures in International Edition (English)


AKURE

— The people of the Akure kingdom, which is home to the recently approved Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) in Ondo State’s capital, have conveyed their deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing a teaching hospital within the university premises.

They likewise expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, Pa. Reuben Fasoranti, for their contributions towards approving the establishment of a tertiary hospital.

Deji from Akure alongside Pa Reuben Fasoranti

The kingdom governed by the Deji and the leading figure of the Akure kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, along with the Chairman of the Community Central Planning Committee responsible for setting up the hospital, Dr. Olufemi Oyinsan, also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammadu Ali Pate, for their dedication toward establishing this facility.

On Saturday, during a gratitude visit to Chief Pa Fasoranti’s residence in Akure, members of the community praised President Tinubu, hailing him as a visionary leader.

The kingdom, via CCPC Chairman Dr Olufemi Oyinsan, stated that President Tinubu’s dedication to both the kingdom and the country as a whole will help achieve the long-held aspirations of becoming an economic leader and role model in Africa.

Dr. Oyinsan highlighted that the key factor in setting up the teaching hospital was President Tinubu becoming the nation’s leader, along with the long life bestowed upon Pa Fasoranti by God.

He revealed that all attempts to set up the Teaching Hospital were futile during the preceding governments.

Dr. Oyinsan stated: “The people from Akure have been working on this initiative for roughly twenty years now. This was well before most of us joined in. However, we were blessed with President Tinubu taking office and also our leader, Mr. Fasoranti, was kept safe.”

Today, we gather here to honor God. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has contributed directly or indirectly to establishing the teaching hospital.

Nevertheless, the inhabitants of the kingdom looked to the Federal Government for additional crucial administrative and executive permissions to ensure the swift establishment and seamless operation of the new Teaching Hospital.

Commenting on the development, Pa Fasoranti, showered encomium on President Tinubu and also appreciated those who have been working to see that the teaching hospital came to reality.

Consequently, he urged all young men and women from Akure-speaking regions to strive to ensure that the teaching hospital becomes operational and functions efficiently within his lifetime.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

Trump Seethes Over Putin’s Criticism of Ukraine’s Leadership

Trump Seethes Over Putin’s Criticism of Ukraine’s Leadership

During an interview with NBC on Sunday, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose “additional tariffs on oil, on every barrel of oil originating from Russia.”

Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the latter criticised the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, putting his credibility into question. Trump said that Putin’s comments were “not going in the right location.”

Putin had suggested
on Friday
that Ukraine should come under temporary United Nations administration until an “appropriate” government could be elected. This proposal was rejected by Washington, as Putin once more targeted the leadership in Kyiv and Zelenskyy, whom the Kremlin persists in labeling as “unlawful.”

Offering further clarification on his thinking, Trump stated, “With new leadership, there won’t be a deal for a very long time, correct?”

During the interview, Trump stated, “Should Russia and I fail to reach an agreement to halt the violence in Ukraine, and if I determine that Russia bears responsibility—which may not be the case—but if I conclude that Russia is at fault, then I will impose additional tariffs on oil exports from Russia.”

This marked a notable shift in approach toward Russia for Trump, who mentioned he planned to converse with Putin over the upcoming week.

This month, Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement.
in principle
into a restricted 30-day truce in the Black Sea; however, both parties have kept attacking one another using drones and missiles.

Trump warns of bombing Iran

In a distinct interview on Saturday, Trump warned that he would consider bombing Iran and imposing secondary tariffs if the country declined to enter into an agreement with the U.S., ensuring they do not pursue development of the weapon.

Trump stated, “If they don’t make a deal,” he continued, “there will be bombing. It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.”

Trump says that U.S. and Iranian officials are communicating with each other.

But
on Sunday
Iran’s president stated that the Islamic Republic rejected direct negotiations with the United States concerning its swiftly progressing nuclear program. This was Tehran’s initial reaction to a letter President Trump had sent to the nation’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.