President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 24th April 2024, in a momentous ceremony held in Kaleo, officially inaugurated phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant, marking another significant stride in Ghana’s renewable energy journey.

With a capacity of fifteen megawatts peak (15MWp), this addition underscores Ghana’s commitment to harnessing clean energy sources and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, chiefs, and community members, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of renewable energy in driving economic growth, mitigating climate change, and ensuring energy security for all citizens.

He praised the collective efforts of stakeholders, including the Chiefs and people of the Nadowli-Kaleo traditional area, the German Government, the Volta River Authority (VRA), and project contractors, for their invaluable contributions to the successful completion of the project.

The President highlighted the strategic significance of Kaleo as a hub for renewable energy development, citing its rich natural resources and potential to attract investment and spur innovation in the region.

He reiterated Government’s commitment to incentivizing green investments, promoting energy efficiency, and prioritizing the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the nation’s energy sector growth.

Phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant not only adds fifteen megawatts of clean energy to the national grid but also improves the quality of power supply in the Upper West Region. Furthermore, it is estimated to reduce national carbon emissions by nearly 8,917 tonnes, contributing to Ghana’s efforts to combat climate change and fulfill its international commitments. It will also promote practical studies in the development of solar power by the Technical Universities in the northern part of the country.

President Akufo-Addo reiterated Government’s commitment to invest continuously in the electricity transmission network, to enable the country to evacuate more renewable energy through the national grid to support the extension of electricity to all parts of the country.

“It is our intention to attain full electricity access by the end of this year, up from the current rate of eighty-eight-point-eight percent (88.8%),” he stated.

The President continued, “I expect that, with this project in this community, corporate social responsibility programmes for Kaleo and its environment will be enhanced through the provision of social amenities by the appropriate authorities, including VRA.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about Ghana’s energy future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving sustainable development goals. He urged all stakeholders to uphold effective maintenance management practices to ensure the longevity and efficiency of renewable energy infrastructure, reaffirming his government’s dedication to building a brighter, greener future for all Ghanaians.

“By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, we are securing a reliable source of electricity and creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. This plant will not only power homes and businesses, but also serve as a catalyst for development in the Upper West Region, attracting investment and spurring innovation,” he added.

The President told the gathering that Government is implementing a series of policies and measures to incentivise green investments, foster a culture of energy efficiency, and prioritise the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the growth of the energy sector in the country.
“The vision, however, is not only to be energy self-sufficient, but also to set the stage for Ghana to emerge as an eco-friendly country in the Region, inspiring neighbouring countries to follow suit in their pursuit of a greener, more energy-technology-centred future,” he added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

African countries should effectively deploy development planning as a transformative tool to strengthen resilience and sustainable development in an era of unrelenting crises, according to panelists at a side event on development planning titled “Leveraging Digital Technologies for Integrated Planning to Advance the SDGs and Agenda 2063 in Times of Multiple Crisis” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

The event was organized virtually by the Macroeconomics and Governance Division (MGD) and the Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) at the ongoing  10th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary (ECA) said global development agendas such as the Millennium Development Goals and Poverty Reduction Strategies have shaped countries’ development priorities by encouraging a focus on social development and the eradication of extreme poverty.

“Development planning in Africa is now being influenced by both the Sustainable Development Goals and the Continental agenda, Agenda 2063: The Africa we want,” said Mr. Pedro.

“Collectively, these agendas have placed sustainability, ethical and responsible use of technology, climate action, investment, industrialization as well as human-centered development at the heart of the development agenda, and tasked development planners to revisit their development priorities and paradigms to align accordingly.”

The other agendas that African countries are committed to, he said, include the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries, the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Countries, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Sendai Framework on disaster risk reduction.

Hassan Hosow, Executive Director, National Executive council of Somalia said despite having emerged from civil war, the country has made significant progress in the economic recovery, in fostering peace and security, and has succeeded in the re-establish international relations.

As a fragile country he said Somalia requires a long term vision for development not just for the immediate post-debt relief, post-Al Shabaab arms embargo. This he said will require political commitment, national leadership with the right institutional arrangements.

Alastaire Alinsata, Chief of Staff for the Minister of Development and Coordination of Government action in Benin said under the national development plan, the government has prioritized agricultural mechanization, to make sure that people don’t have very hard labor in the farms and are able to get  better results.

“To ensure that this is implemented, the government conducts training through the agricultural training schools it has created,” said Mr. Alinsata.

He added that the government has also set aside a special industrial area of over 10,000 hectares and up to 75% of the area is meant for textile and apparel processing.

Bartholomew Armah, Chief of Development Planning in the Macroeconomics and Governance Division at ECA said the ECA has developed a web-based planning tool called the Integrated Planning and Reporting Tool (IPRT) to enhance the responsiveness of planning frameworks to the demands of a rapidly evolving development landscape.

The aim is to strengthen the capacity of planning entities to design and implement integrated planning systems and strategies for the attainment of the SDGs and Agenda 2063 is imperative.

“The IPRT leverages digital technology to enhance precision in the alignment of international commitments with national plans; links budgets to development priorities; identifies gaps in the results framework of national development plans and; tracks performance of national development plans,” he said.

He noted that current planning approaches tend to be fragmented along sectoral and institutional lines, thereby undermining synergies, and fueling duplication of effort and the sub-optimal use of scarce resources.

Hence, it is crucial for countries to have an integrated development planning frameworks that reflect countries’ national, regional, and global commitments, are aligned with financial frameworks.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

From April 23rd to 25th, 2024, animal health experts from some Africa countries have convened in Naivasha, Kenya, for a key meeting aimed at formulating African positions for the upcoming 91st General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Hosted by AU-IBAR, and funded by USDA, this gathering brings together experts in veterinary medicine and animal health policy to address pressing issues facing the continent’s livestock and aquatic resources.

The formulation of African positions for the 91st General Session of WOAH holds immense significance for several reasons:

•    By formulating African positions, the continent ensures that its unique challenges, priorities, and perspectives are effectively represented and advocated for on the global stage. This allows African countries to voice their concerns and influence decision-making processes regarding international animal health standards and policies.

•    Africa is home to diverse ecosystems and socio-economic conditions, which necessitate tailored approaches to animal health management. Formulating African positions enables countries to address regional priorities and specific challenges, such as endemic diseases, climate change impacts, and limited resources, in a coordinated manner.

•    The formulation of African positions promotes equity and inclusivity in global animal health governance. By actively participating in the development of international standards, African countries contribute to creating a level playing field where the needs and interests of all regions, regardless of their economic status or resources, are considered.

•    Engaging in the formulation of African positions fosters collaboration and capacity building among African countries. Through sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices, nations can strengthen their veterinary services, surveillance systems, and response mechanisms, ultimately enhancing their ability to prevent and control animal diseases.

•    Animal health is intricately linked to human well-being, livelihoods, and food security. By advocating for robust animal health standards and practices, African countries protect the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and pastoralists who rely on livestock for their sustenance and income. Moreover, ensuring the health and welfare of animals contributes to safe and sustainable food production systems.

The agenda over the course of the three days comprises an overview of past WOAH discussions, group discussions to draft African positions on terrestrial and aquatic animal health standards, deliberation of strategic issues including WOAH leadership and representation, review and refinement of draft positions, continuation of formulation sessions and, formulation of positions for the September 2024 Specialist Commission meetings, and concluding with recommendations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has inaugurated a three-day workshop from April 23rd to 25th, 2024, focusing on the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU). While the workshop primarily aims to validate the WENDU 2023 data and strengthen regional responses to drug abuse challenges, it also provides an opportunity to affirm ECOWAS’s commitment to monitoring and supporting Sierra Leone amidst its declared drug abuse emergency on the use of Kush.

In her opening remarks, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, represented by the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, highlighted the broader regional context and the specific situation in Sierra Leone. “While our focus today is on strengthening our entire region’s capacity to manage drug-related issues, we are particularly attentive to the acute challenges faced by Sierra Leone. We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to mobilising targeted support as part of our regional strategy,” Dr Ugbe remarked.

Pharm (Mrs.) Abdulhameed Wosilat, Deputy Director/Head of the Narcotics and Drug Abuse Division at the Federal Ministry of Health/Social Welfare, and WENDU Focal Point for Nigeria, speaking on behalf of Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health&Social Welfare, reinforced the timely nature of this workshop. “Our meeting today not only seeks to advance our capabilities in data analysis and policy formulation but also to reinforce our solidarity with Sierra Leone at this critical time. Our commitment to data-driven solutions and interagency cooperation is key to our collective efforts to mitigate drug abuse throughout West Africa,” stated Prof. Pate.

The workshop aims to foster an environment of enhanced cooperation and improved data quality and access, enabling ECOWAS to develop informed policies that address both the supply and demand aspects of drug-related issues. This approach ensures a healthier and safer West African community and underscores the region’s support for Sierra Leone.

This event marks a significant step in ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse, demonstrating the region’s commitment to public health and safety through collaborative and strategic measures. The discussions and outcomes from this workshop are anticipated to significantly influence future actions and strengthen cooperation among member states, leading to more effective management of drug abuse and its associated challenges across the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).