According to the central bank's 2020 annual report, the S&L sector recorded total assets of GH¢5,027.59 million at the end of December 2020. The sector, according to the bank recorded total assets of GH¢6,170.88 million at the end of December 2020, representing a 31.6 percent year-on-year growth. The Non-Performing Loans ratio remained the same as the previous year’s position of 11.5 percent." Finally, in the Microfinance Sector, the total number of licensed Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) stood at 180 at the end of December 2020. MFI’s operating in the country recorded total assets of GH¢895.53 million at the end of December 2020, representing year-on-year growth of 14.3 percent.

Prof Dako-Gyeke said her outfit was committed to creating awareness through ageism and human rights by tackling stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination associated with digitalization, taking into account socio-cultural norms and the rights to autonomy in order to enhance their human rights. She maintained that cybersecurity and ethics should be explored to ensure the legal framework, privacy, and safety of older persons in the digital world. A Lecturer at the Trinity Theological School, Reverend Samuel Ayete-Yampong said older persons should be given the needed care and attention. She said when the social life of older persons was improved, they would be free from sickness and any form of depressions. “The centre is ready to partner with Non-Governmental Organisations, health institutions, organizations, and individuals to ensure older persons receive the needed support,” she stated.

All the 17 Assembly members of the West Gonja Municipality voted in favour of Mr Musah Kusubari to confirm his nomination as the MCE for the area. Earlier in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region, Mr Haruna Adam Eliasu aka Red Bawa, the President’s nominee for the North Gonja District was confirmed as the DCE by all assembly members in the district. The North Gonja District Assembly has a total of 22 assembly members with 15 being elected members and the remaining seven (7) being government-appointed members. He used the opportunity to appeal to other districts in the Savannah Region to emulate what has happened in the North Gonja district and the Damongo municipality by equally endorsing their nominees. Meanwhile Saturday 1st October, 2021 will be the turn of the Central Gonja District of the Savannah region to endorse Hon Salia Kamara as the district chief executive for the area.

Business News of Friday, 1 October 2021Source: GNAThe Cocoa Processing Company Limited (CPC) has marked World Heart Day to create awareness that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world with a public forum in Tema. CPC therefore used the occasion to encourage the consumption of cocoa products in Ghana. September 29th is commemorated as the World Heart Day instituted by the World Heart Federation. The federation seeks to harness the power of digital health to improve awareness, prevention and management of CVD globally for Word Heart Day 2021. The CPC Marketing Manager noted that, world heart day provides opportunity for individuals, families, communities and governments around the world to unite in the fight against CVD and adopt a lifestyle change to prevent and minimized the incidence.

Crime & Punishment of Thursday, 30 September 2021Source: nkilgifmonline.comTwo young men from Mandari a Community in the Bole District of the Savannah Region have been sentenced by the Bole Magistrate court to a fine of GH300 or jail term of three months for stealing a pregnant goat at Bale, a Community near Mandar. The judge of the Bole Magistrate Court His Worship Prince Cudjoe sentenced the two each on their own admission of guilt to pay a fine of 50 points unit which translates to GHc 300 or in default serve three months in jail. Kofi Jimah the fitter was arrested and given some hot slaps and beatings before being handed to the Bole Police. The Police then arraign them before the Bole Magistrate court on 28th September, 2021 on two counts of conspiracy to commit crime and stealing. The pregnant goat has since been released to its owner.

General News of Thursday, 30 September 2021Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has sent out a strong warning to illegal miners who have relocated their activities to other parts of the country as a way of swerving the Operation Halt team that “their days are numbered”. “The Ghana Armed Forces continue to conduct follow-up surgical operations in targeted areas to sustain the campaign to rid river bodies of all illegal mining activities in Ghana. The clearing team also resumed operations on River Offin and is currently at Abora within the Upper Denkyira East Municipality. Areas along River Offin that have been cleared include Asma Camp, Denkira Foso, Badoa No.1 and 2, Kyekyewere, Buabenso, Akyempim and Dunkwa. This statement of the Ghana Armed Forces has triggered a response from the Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group.

General News of Thursday, 30 September 2021Source: www.ghanaweb.comAbout 18 role models will be honoured at the 2021 Africa Role Model Awards on October 1, 2021, at the plush Accra International Conference Centre. According to the organisers, the awards will be given in categories including, but not limited to the Africa Role Model in Entrepreneurship Development, Africa Role Model in Business Excellence, Africa Role Model in Journalism & Media Excellence, Africa Role Model Professional Leadership and Community Service, Africa Role Model in Youth Service and Capacity Building and the coveted Overall Africa Role Model Male, Female and Organization. Andy Osei Okrah, Young Professionals & Youth Coalition (YPYC) President, in announcing the nominees indicated that, the “award scheme managers had worked diligently since the last event, overhauling and rebranding the scheme to reflect continental values and qualities of awardees. Our focus is to give the awards a continental character and project the competencies of the awardees as fit for any global purpose.”He said, YPYC is transcending national barriers to recognize talents and brains in a grand design to use the scheme as a launchpad to foster continental unity, enhance economic development and curb brain drain, in the short-to-medium term. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas will be the guest of honour for the occasion.

Business News of Thursday, 30 September 2021Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe newly inaugurated Boards of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and Intercity STC Coaches Limited have been charged to ensure a harmonious working relationship is paramount to promote efficient service delivery. Speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the two boards, Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah called on the Board Chair's and Chief Executives of the two companies to corporate towards their respective growth to achieve results. The need for us to work together is more important than any other thing,” the minister cautioned. Ofori Asiamah recalled that in the past, there have been occasions where Chief Executives of companies fail to collaborate with their governing boards and that needed to stop. Our failure is your failure, and our success will become your legacy when you have left this Ministry.

Business News of Thursday, 30 September 2021Source: www.ghanaweb.comDeputy Minister of Transport, Frederick Adom-Obeng has reiterated government’s commitment to improving the maritime industry. According to him, the contribution of the maritime sector which accounts for 80 percent of global trade activity, when well harnessed, will boost economic growth efforts. Meanwhile, the Institute for African Maritime Development made some proposals towards ensuring the safety of seafarers. It also reflects the essential role seafarers continue to play in promoting maritime trade across the globe. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) created the World Maritime Day to celebrate the international Maritime Industry's contribution towards the world's economy, particularly in the shipping industry.

General News of Thursday, 30 September 2021Source: Eunice Oppong, ContributorA study conducted by the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem (CPMR) has revealed that a significant number of Ghanaians are hesitant towards COVID-19 vaccines. He further said, "To understand the attitudes and opinions of respondents, a focused group discussion was also conducted." The study also revealed that only 35.4% of respondents believed the vaccines were not developed by some people to destroy others. They also indicated that the low level of education on the part of the government to counteract the barrage of false information accounted for the significant number of people who believe the COVID-19 vaccines were developed to harm people. "Similarly, 46% of the respondents either believed the COVID-19 vaccine will not offer the desired protection (18.7%) or were not sure (27.2%)."

The Minister and his entourage of security officials also decommissioned 19 changfans and other illegal mining equipment found on the site. Mireku Duker lamented the hard-heartedness of the illegal miners and chided them for breaking the laws with impunity. Mireku Duker warned that, government’s fight against illegal mining is in full swing and that the seven suspects will be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others. Mireku Duker said that like every Ghanaian, he is concerned with the continuous degradation of the forest and water resources of the country. All hands must be on deck to fight illegal mining.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 30, 2021, to mark the World Maritime Day, Chief Obosu said that the welfare of seafarers should a priority for the maritime industry across the world. He commended highly the staff of the Ghana Maritime Authority for their service and emphasized that the role of seafarers in maritime trade should be highlighted and recognized. Among other things, Chief Obosu intimated that countries that breach the laws that govern Port and Flag countries should be face sanctions. “Stringent sanctions must be applied to Port and Flag state countries who have not yet ratified and or have inferior laws to the Maritime Labour Convention, MLC 2006,” part of the statement read. World Maritime Day is marked annually to direct public attention to maritime safety and the marine environment.

The centre which has been established by the central bank forms part of efforts to reduce Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)and cyber-related fraud in the banking sector. Fortunately, we are looking very closely at that.”“We have the security operating centre at the Bank of Ghana, which monitors our cyber resilience. Meanwhile, a 2020 report on banking industry fraud showed there has been a rise in cases and value of ATM fraud and other types of fraud activities. The value of fraud recorded by Banks and Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions operating in the country was about GH¢1 billion in 2020. This represented a surge of over 750% as compared to a reported value of fraud recorded back in 2019 which was pegged at GH¢115 million.

Sports News of Thursday, 30 September 2021Source: www.ghanaweb.comMustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports has committed himself to the development of the Ghanaian youth and sporting activities in the country. The action plans are Digital Skills Training, Digital Economy, Enterprise Development and Entrepreneurship Training and Youth in Sports. Addressing the press after the signing ceremony, the Nigerian Youth and Sports Development Minister, Hon. Sunday Dare announced the need to work together to facilitate development in the area of youth and sports collectively. “On our part as Ministers of Youth And Sports, we will marshal the political will necessary, chart a course of initiatives and sports policy development that can deliver a brighter future for sports development,” Dare said.

Sports News of Thursday, 30 September 2021Source: footballghana.comAFC Fiorentina midfielder, Alfred Duncan will miss Ghana's 2022 Fifa World Cup qualification double-header against Zimbabwe. The Black Stars will host the Warriors on Saturday, October 9, at the Cape Coast stadium on matchday three of the qualifiers before travelling to Harare three days later for the reverse fixture in the round three games. Duncan has played in Fiorentina’s last five games and delivered impressive performances despite the mixed results for the club. Duncan is currently ranked as the second-fastest player in the Italian Serie after clocking a speed of 34km/hr. The Black Stars will be aiming to return to winning ways having suffered a defeat against South Africa in their second Group G games.