His appointment takes effect from October 1, 2019.

He succeeds Nii Amanor Dodoo who retires from the firm on September 30, 2019 after six years at the helm and 40 years of impactful service to KPMG. In his new role, Mr Sarpong will take the reins of the largest professional services firm in Ghana and lead a team of about 400 skilled professionals working in the firm’s audit, tax and advisory businesses.

Mr Sarpong is currently a Partner and Head of Audit in KPMG. He doubles as the sector lead for KPMG’s Financial Services line of business and is also the Risk Management Partner.

A release issued in Accra last weekend said: “Mr Sarpong is a Chartered Accountant with over 21 years of experience in audit and advisory services across a number of sectors including Financial Services; Consumer and Industrial Markets (CIM); and Telecom, Media and Technology. He leads some of the firm’s largest and complex cross-functional engagements.

He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG); Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Advisors (GARIA).

He is also a member of the University of Ghana Business School’s Advisory Board, Vice-President of STOBA, Chairman of Mary Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Parish (MMGCCP) Education Endowment Fund and the Ag. Chairman of ENACTUS, Ghana.”

It said Mr. Sarpong holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Financial Risk Management from London Metropolitan University, UK; Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Manchester, UK; and a First Class Honours in Business Administration (Accounting option) from the University of Ghana. In addition, he holds a professional certificate in Taxation from the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Ghana and a certificate in Investment and Securities from the Ghana Stock Exchange.

“He is an affable and a solution-focused individual. He believes in leadership and empowerment as a means to identify, develop and unleash the potential of people.

Mr Sarpong joined KPMG as a trainee accountant in 1997 and rose through the ranks to be admitted into partnership of the firm in 2006”, the release added.

Nii Amanor Dodoo described Mr Sarpong as “an astute and dependable leader, a professional who will provide the continued impetus for KPMG to remain the clear choice, make our clients see the difference in us; develop and train our people to continue being extraordinary and retain the levels of trust that our communities deserve to have in us.

He has the breadth and depth of proven experience, leading large teams to deliver on complex projects, and the skills and experience to guide the firm as we work shoulder to shoulder with our clients. The Partners and staff of KPMG have every confidence in him to take the firm to the next expected level.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Sarpong paid tribute to Nii Amanor for leading the growth and resurgence of KPMG during his tenure as the Senior Partner.

He further acknowledged the great heights to which the current leadership has taken the firm. His priorities will be to sustain the good legacy of the firm and build a trustworthy firm anchored on public trust, growth, people and leadership development, market focus and service excellence; innovation, operational efficiency and inclusiveness.

Source: graphic.com.gh

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Speaking at the unveiling of the bank’s new logo, Mr Olatunji, explained that the recent banking sector cleanup has left the bank with no option but to innovate to remain relevant in the banking space.

“For us, one of the key focal areas in the journey ahead will be the forging of strategic allegiances and partnerships that deliver innovative opportunities to improve our customers’ lifestyle goals and business. This is against the backdrop that Access Bank continues to take particular interest in championing the financial inclusion drive across Africa,” he stated.

He added that his outfit is dealing with Non-Performing loans. “We will be particular about information sharing with other banks to ensure the credit report of clients and customers are generally sound. We are very particular about bad debts and are very committed to that,” he emphasised.

The unveiling of a new visual identity of the bank which includes a new logo and unique brand colours follows the bank’s successful merger between the parent company Access Bank Plc and erstwhile Diamond Bank in Nigeria. All Access Bank branch locations and offices in Ghana will be transformed to reflect the new identity.

The new Access Bank is the largest retail bank in Africa with over 29 million customers and over 27,000 staff in 12 countries across three continents. 

Source: myjoyonline.com

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The fair provides the platform where young innovators present their science project results in the form of a report, display board, and models they have invented.

They were some concerns by lovers and followers of the National Science and Maths Quiz competition over the years that the focus of the programme was largely theoretical and as such limited what students could offer with regards to innovation. The Sci-Tech Fair is clearly an outstanding initiative by the organisers of the programme.

The initiative forms part of measures by Primetime, producers of the National Science and Maths Quiz and Science Festival, in offering students the opportunity of putting into practice the theories they were taught in the class room.

There have been remarkable improvements with regards to the organisation and patronisation of the two-day event since its inception in 2017.

The maiden edition was held on June 27 & 28, 2017 at the University of Ghana, Legon. The St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School emerged winner of the 2017 edition by developing a computer central processing unit that can be used for educational purposes. Known as the HexEduBox, it was developed by a team of six by who used mobile phone microprocessors for their device which can function as a central processing unit CPU.

The second edition which was held last year opened with over 35 exhibitors largely drawn from second cycle institutions across the country. All the participating schools received a certificate of participation with Mfantsipim School, Two Roses International School, and St. Monica’s SHS taking cash prizes for their exceptional projects. Individual exhibitors also received cash prizes.

A young innovator, Seth Wangara, won the hearts of many in last year’s edition with his solar transformer which powers his home in Adobewura Number 2, a town closer to Sefwi Bekwai in the Western Region.

With support from the Ghana Oil Company Limited, the 2019 edition of the fair commences today. Young innovators, teachers, students and fans of the NSMQ are encouraged to pass by.

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The 3550-capacity edifice was constructed at the cost of GH₵ 77 million through an internally generated fund and adds to the infrastructural aesthetics of the university which has been touted as the fastest developing university in Africa.

The Minister of State in-charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah who commissioned the facility on behalf of the President of Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, 8th May, said he was proud of the achievements of UPSA over this few years of being upgraded into a full-fledged university.

Prof. Yankah also lauded the institution for being ranked among top universities in the world at the maiden Global University Impact Rankings (2019), saying “you have made Ghana proud!”

The minister, therefore, called on other public universities to emulate same.

The Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, in his address, commended the students for their immense contributions towards the realization of the project which began in June 2016.

He said the university built the edifice without any financial support or assistance from government- a clear demonstration of UPSA beyond aid.

“We are proud to state that in the spirit of Ghana beyond aid, we have been able to put up this facility exclusively from our internally generated fund, and much credit needs to be given to our wonderful students for paying their fees in time. This is what we call UPSA beyond aid.”

Prof Amartey reiterated the university’s commitment to contributing to human resource development, job creation and reduction of unemployment in the country. He said accreditation has been granted by the National Accreditation Board (NAB) to mount an MBA in Impact Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme during the next academic year.

The VC further announced the introduction of new programmes which he said were awaiting accreditation to be mounted the same year. They include Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Intelligence, Master of Arts in Brands and Communications Management, Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Corporate Communications and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management.

The Chairman of the University Governing Council, Dr Kofi Ohene-Konadu, described the new auditorium as a ‘invaluable national asset’ which has no doubt deepened the University’s status as a world-class one.

The auditorium has four ancillary Conference Rooms with a seating capacity of 200 each with adjourning lounges and cozy servery.  It also comes with a fully-equipped media centre, a two-storey underground car park, offices for training programmes, lobbies for exhibitions as well as other support facilities like storage, basement, washrooms, entrance foyer and multipurpose spaces.

In attendance were the Member of Parliament for Madina, Alhaji Abu-Bakar Saddique Boniface; former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joshua Alabi; Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Barnor and senior members of the University management.

Others also included Bishop James Saah of the Christian Action Faith Ministries and Prophet Christopher Yaw Annor of the Holy Ghost Temple of the International Central Gospel Church.

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The items were presented to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor , Prof. Kwame Offei by the Contractor, Messrs Johome Company Limited who have been assigned to undertake the installation by the Ministry of Energy. The items are 1,000 Pieces of 150 Watts LED Street Lights, 2,000 Pieces of M16 x 280 Nuts and Washers and 254 Angle Bars. The Pro-Vice Chancellor, who received the items on behalf of the Vice Chancellor thanked the government for the donation.

Present at the brief ceremony were Prof. Dan Ofori, Ag. Director of the Quality Assurance Unit; Mr Charles Kofinti, Director of PDMSD; and Mr Michael Terkper, Head of the Electrical Section, PDMSD.

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Currently, there are about 100 Israeli companies actively operating in Ghana, with about 25 of them relocating to the country.

Israel-Ghana relations
The Ambassador of Israel in Ghana, Mrs Shani Cooper-Zubida, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic to commemorate 60 years of relations between Israel and Ghana, which falls on May 9, 2019, and also Israel’s 71st Independence Day celebration.

Relations between Israel and Ghana date back to 1958 when Ghana was the first country in Africa to recognise the State of Israel, which led to the visit of the Prime Minister of Israel to Ghana to participate in activities marking Ghana’s first anniversary that year.

Potential in Ghana
Mrs Cooper-Zubida said most of those Israeli companies in the country were operating in the health, home and security, infrastructure, energy and agricultural sectors. She said her priority was to promote more Israeli businesses and companies in Ghana, explaining that it was in line with that agenda that the embassy was planning to organise the investment show.

“We see a huge potential in doing business in Ghana and that informed the decision of the government of Israel to open a Trade and Economic mission in Ghana for the whole of Africa but currently focusing on trade and commercial relations between Israel and Ghana,” she explained.

Mrs Cooper-Zubida said Israel and Ghana were working on activating a trade and economic agreement signed between the two countries in 1968 to make it a vibrant tool to promote businesses between them.

She said there was work in progress between the two governments to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to remove double taxation in order to promote investment between the two countries.

Mrs Cooper-Zubida acknowledged that business between Israel and the whole of Africa was low and that was why the embassy was embarking on a number of activities to increase commercial activities between Israel and Africa, particularly Ghana, “because Israel has confidence in Ghana as a good business partner”.

Start-ups
Speaking on start-ups, she said Israel was one of the leading countries in the world, being second after the USA, adding Israel currently had 5,000 start-ups.

“We think we can definitely share our experience with Ghana and so, we are going to hold some workshops with government and with the business sector,” she said.

Touching on cooperation between the two countries since the reopening of the embassy in 2011, Mrs Cooper-Zubida said since then, “there has been a lot of progress but we believe the potentials are much bigger than have been achieved.”

“The government of the State of Israel and Israeli companies and business community see Ghana as one of the best countries in Africa to fulfil our potential of relations.

“So, we can see a lot of interest from the Israeli business community in almost every sector of the economy.

“They are looking for partnerships and cooperation with their Ghanaian counterparts to do business here in Ghana,” Mrs Cooper-Zubida told the Daily Graphic. She expressed the belief that Israel was a strategic asset to Ghana, adding that Israel could contribute a lot by sharing with Ghana its know-how.

Priority in agriculture
The ambassador stated that just like Ghana, the first priority of Israel was agriculture and was excited that Israel was sharing its technology and innovation with Ghana in that sector.

She recalled that currently, 50 Ghanaian agricultural students were in Israel for an 11-month internship attached to Israeli farmers, where they were being taken through on-hand training and would be returning in August this year.

“This year, a new group of 60 will be going to also undergo the training when those who went last year might have returned to begin their own agribusinesses,” she explained.

Line-up of activities
Touching on the line-up of activities marking six decades of relations between the two countries, Mrs Cooper-Zubida said there would be a joint spectacular concert today, featuring an Israeli maestro pianist, Nir Brand, the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra and the Pan-African Youth Orchestra.

She hinted that after the performance, the pianist would visit some children centres such as children’s homes, the children’s wards of hospitals and some schools to perform for them.

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Students who participate in AIX will:

• Be exposed to the science of design and creative problem solving, leadership, entrepreneurship, robotics programming and engineering, through hands-on projects and experiential learning;
• Be ambassadors of Ashesi’s mission wherever they find themselves; to spread the spirit of ethics, integrity, leadership and citizenship;
• Be part of a network of young innovators prepared to help change the face of business, technology and leadership in Africa  

Interested folks can visit the AIX Blog or video channel to get a read and watch videos about past programmes using the following links:

 https://aixupdates.wordpress.com/ or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFe5oj2g4iw&list=PLC68pYhLJLvLokpHegP0VBaxc3yNJdvEr

Application Details

• Eligibility: SHS 1 and 2; Forms 4, 5 and Lower 6 
• Applications Open: February 1, 2019
• Application Deadline: May 30, 2019 
• Note: Applicants still in school during the period of AIX are required to seek the necessary documentation from their respective schools to attend the program.

Visit the Ashesi University website for further details. You can apply with the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkYezq1iEyu7vSR0dQ4FEM_LTv2m8aC97_gaJfew4z8iuBkQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

Feedback on applications will be made available on Thursday 6th June, 2019.

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Four residential halls in the University of Ghana risk being privatized over the failure of the university to service a ¢43m loan facility contracted in 2008 for the construction of the halls. The loan which was provided by a consortium of banks in three tranches has grown to ¢528m due to interests and other charges which have accrued over the past decade.

This development comes on the heels of a law suit which was brought against the university by the consortium of banks in the agreement led by CalBank which ended with an order by the court for University of Ghana to pay off the accrued debt of ¢528m. The four halls in question; Hilla Limann, Alexander Adum Kwapong, Elizabeth Frances Sey and the Jean Nelson Aka halls, accommodate about 7,000 students whose fate hang in the balance with regards to whether or not the halls will be privatize.

Confirming the issues on Campus Exclusive show at Radio Univers, Ag. Dean of Students of the University, Prof. Godfred Bokpin revealed that, government in 2009 promised to absorb the repayment of the loan after students agitated over management’s intention to charge commercial rates for rooms in those halls. This promise was however not fulfilled. He maintained that the amount due may not be cleared without the halls being privatized or at least the fees being gradually increased.

‘When the project was completed, management wanted to charge commercial rates in order to offset the loan because they were private funds, but students agitated and government through the then president, the Late Prof. J.E.A Mills promised to pay the loan. That promise was however never fulfilled. Now the debt is on us and the banks are asking for us to privatize the halls so they recoup their funds’, he said.

Prof. Bokpin further revealed that management tried to join government to the suit since it had been an interested party and in fact the reason the university charged regular rates but the motion to join government was denied by the court.

“So the banks went to court. We joined government to it but we lost the case and the verdict was given. Judgment was given on 30th January this year and the loan that was GH¢ 43 million has now grown to GH¢ 528 million as at the end of February and still counting” he added.

Meanwhile the students, led by the SRC President, Sylvester Amoako has have expressed misgivings about the privatization of the halls due to the possible increment in fees. They justify this by saying that, it is no fault of students that management has not been prudent in its handling of the loan and thus students cannot be made to bear the effect of management’s inefficiencies.

Recent efforts at servicing the loan

Prof. Godfred Bokpin maintained that in the past two years, the University has made attempts to offset the loan, however these efforts have not yielded much. Among these efforts are the creation of a Sub-Committee [of the University Council) on Finance to re-assess the loan and make recommendations on how to offset same. Talks have also been opened with SSNIT to take over the facility after which it will service the debt incurred by the University.

“From early part of 2017, we took a decision that this is University of Ghana Debt and the University should take some proactive measures. So, there was a committee setup to restructure the loan facility. In fact, there have been several attempts in time past to offload the loan facility to SSNIT to manage and then payoff the debt. I think the process went on to the final stage and I am told SSNIT backed out last minute’, he added.

Impact on Students

In relation to the immediate impact to students, Prof. Bokpin hinted a gradual increase in the user fees for the said halls. In his defense, Mr. Bokpin argued that inflation and existing economic indicators are to blame for the inevitable increment in hall fees. He added that the cost of maintaining and running the hall has increased and as such has necessitated the consideration of the increase in hall fees.

‘If you ask me that is to be expected but I think what we have to be concerned is at what rate. How do we adjust the rate gradually. That will be far better than actually saying that the banks should auction the hostels. The impact of that would be significant compared to we having an intervention in place. If you look at the under-recovery rate between Alex Kwapong and then the private hostel like the Ghana Hostels its millions of cedis. I’m not saying that we should restore parity in the immediate, but the point is that we have to face reality even if it’s not because of the judgement debt remember that the cost of maintaining the hostel are increasing with the passage of time in relation to price development. So we can’t expect to keep the price at the same level and expect improved in the face of rising prices generally in the country’, he stressed.

Background

University of Ghana in 2008 contracted a loan to a tune of GH¢43 million to construct four halls to close the deficit in residential spaces available to students. The newly built halls provided accommodation for some 5000 students. The rent for halls was expected to be pegged at commercial prices. This projection lasted for only a year and a half coming to an end in 2010 after student leaders mounted a resistance and appealed for the rent to be pegged above that of traditional halls and below those of the halls at the Northern sector of the campus (Ghana Hostels, T.F, Bani Hostels and Evandy).

Amidst the protests, the Government of Ghana intervened. Government’s commitment at the time was to offset the loans on behalf of the University. The University over the years made no attempts to document the decision of Government nor to service the loan they had contracted. Following that, the consortium of banks filed a suit at the court of which the verdict went in its favor.

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Timothy Wuni, 26, a Data Input Officer of the NIA at Abossey Okai Central Mosque registration centre was reported to have taken GH¢60 from a former staff to assist in the registration of Alhassan Abdul Samed and Abubakar Ruali.

The Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge confirmed the story. She said on May 6, this year during the registration exercise, Wuni was spotted by his supervisor (name withheld) trying to enter onto the NIA system, the names of Samed and Ruali, suspected to be Nigerians.

She said upon interrogation the two applicants bolted, but Wuni was apprehended.

DSP Tenge said during interrogation, Wuni stated that a former staff by name Moro offered him GH¢60 and referred the applicants to him to assist in their registration of the Ghana cards for them.
She said two separate filled national identification forms with particulars of the Nigerians were currently with the police.

DSP Tenge said the police have started a search for the Nigerians, adding that investigations into the case were ongoing.

She said the Wuni would soon be arraigned. DSP Tenge called on the public to alert the police of any suspicious move during the ongoing registration.

Under the laws of Ghana, the NIA is mandated to register both citizens and non-citizens to create, maintain, provide and promote the use of national ID cards in order to advance economic, political and social activities in the country.

The differentiation features on the Ghana Card for Ghanaians and foreign nationals are the nationality code in the Personal Identification Number (PIN).

However, if a foreigner misrepresents himself or herself to the NIA during the registration process, the Ghana Card issued to that individual would bear the Ghana code.

That is an offence under section 40 (1) (a) of the National Identity Register Act, 2008 (Act 750) and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than 250 penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than two years or to both. A penalty unit is GH¢12.

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