ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I acknowledge and thank all institutions which have committed financial resources to support this noble initiative and encourage current and potential sponsors to envision their support for this initiative as an investment in the future leaders of tomorrow who will lead the charge when we have retired.
I want to assure our current sponsors that we appreciate their unwavering support for the Girls in ICT initiative but just like Oliver Twist, we will always ask for more.
Your generous contributions have empowered thousands of young girls and provided them with the skills and opportunities needed to excel in the digital world.
Our journey, however, is far from over and I take this opportunity to call for more sponsors to join us on this transformative mission.
With more support, we can expand our reach to more regions and impact the lives of more girls.
I visited some of the training centers during the last week of training for the girls, to observe the progress firsthand and as always, was profoundly impressed by the transformation I witnessed; girls who initially had little or no knowledge of computers were now displaying remarkable confidence and skill in ICT.
Their enthusiasm and rapid learning was a testament to the effectiveness of the training programme and the immense potential of these young girls when given the right opportunities and support.
Many previous beneficiaries of this initiative have gone on to study STEM programmes in secondary and tertiary institutions and this inspiring development underscores the critical importance of continuing and expanding this initiative.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I extend my profound gratitude to the Greater Accra Regional Minister, and the dedicated team at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council for the hard work and support from the very beginning to this end.
I am grateful to the Members of Parliament, MCEs and DCEs, Regional and District Director of Education, Girl Education Officers, Teachers, Parents, Mentors, the National planning committee, and agency heads of the Ministry, and all who played a role in making the Girls-In-ICT celebration in the Greater Accra Region a success.
And to our beloved participating girls, I applaud you for your courage, hard work, and determination in taking this bold step toward a future of unlimited possibilities.
I leave you with these powerful words from Michelle Obama from her Book “Becoming” and I quote, “For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim.
I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self.
The journey doesn’t end.”
So, as you move forward from this celebration to become innovators and global leaders, remember that this is just the beginning.
The skills you have acquired, the friendships you have formed, and the experiences you have gained are merely stepping-stones to greater achievements.
Embrace the challenges ahead with the same determination and passion that brought you here today.
The future is yours to shape, and I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion and make a remarkable impact.
Continue to learn, grow and evolve throughout your lives and just as we have done here today with this event, remember to celebrate the small victories along the way.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, funding for the GIICT Initiative every year has always been difficult but considering the effectiveness of the program it was clear that we needed to devise a more sustainable financial model with an enhanced training content for more girls all year round.
The current approach is not sustainable.
The passion and enthusiasm for this programme must also be sustained into the future to enable us contribute significantly to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 and 5.
Thankfully, we have a solution to this challenge and the conceived and well-thought-through sustainable financial model for the enhanced Girls in ICT Initiative will be launched today.
I encourage you to stay on and witness the new paradigm shift of the GIICT Initiative into the future.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the team at the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) and my team at the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that the Girls in ICT celebration is successfully held in the Greater Accra Region.
Looking ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape.
Let us work together to ensure that every girl, regardless of her background, can explore, learn, and excel in the field of ICT.
We aim to extend these celebrations to some more regions, provided we secure the necessary funding, and we will.
Therefore, I take this opportunity to urge our sponsors to continue supporting us to realize this vision.
The Girls-in-ICT initiative is here to stay and together with your help, we can build a brighter future where the dreams of our girls are realized, and their contributions celebrated.
Thank You and May God continue to bless us all.
1 Draft Speaking Notes Theme: NATIONAL STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ON ETHICS OF AI: CATALYZING AI READINESS IN GHANA Venue: Alisa Hotel Date: 30th September 2024 The Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences - Gabriela Ramos, (online) H.E.
Irchad Razaaly, Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Ghana Mr.
Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr.
Edmond Moukala, UNESCO Representative to Ghana Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, The International debate on the adoption and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained significant momentum in recent years and has intensified as countries seek to harness digital technologies to respond to socio -economic challenges.
AI technologies can help promote inclusive economic growth, benefit society significantly, and empower individuals.
It is no longer news that AI will be a dr iving force behind the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The question is: How can AI's potential in Africa and Ghana be best harnessed?
2 The responsible development and use of AI can drive the country to achieve the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The benefits brought by the adoption and use of AI can improve the work environment and quality of life and create the potential for attaining a human-centred future society with opportunities for everyone , including women and girls, as well as vulnerable groups.
The regulation of AI and the development of appropriate frameworks to ensure the ethical application of AI technologies to support humanity is at the embryotic stage across nations , especially in Africa.
Ghana has a unique opportunity to learn from the steps and errors of others while developing an approach to the ethic al use of AI and related technologies that supports the development of society, promotes social cohesion, empowers individuals and communities, and reflects the ethics of Ghanaian society.
This must be achieved in a manner that enables cooperation and interoperability with other regional and international approaches without diluting the essence of Pan -African and Ghanaian cultural heritage.
Ghana has drafted a National AI and the Ethical Use of AI Strategies, a significant step towards the responsible and ethical use of AI, with the support of GIZ and the UN Global Pulse, respectively.
The Government of Ghana , with technical support from UNESCO , is taking proactive steps to assess and promote the resili ence of existing laws, policies 3 and institutions related to AI adoption and implementation in the country.
This, along with the alignment of the AI systems with the values and principles set out in the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) using the AI readiness assessment methodology (RAM) , will ensure a robust regulatory framework .
Based on these comprehensive needs assessment s, UNESCO and the Government of Ghana will co -design strategic AI frameworks, the corresponding regulatory frameworks and the institu tional capacities to promote the ethical development and use of AI in priority areas.
The objectives of the National Stakeholder Workshop on the Ethics of AI aims to: • Convene a multisectoral stakeholder group and discuss the nation’s current AI landscape.
• Raise awareness o n the ethical implications and societal impacts of AI technologies.
• Introduce International frameworks, guidelines, and best practices for AI.
Today’s workshop launches the 12-member National Steering Committee of experts constituted to oversee the assessment of AI Readiness in Ghana and provide the platform for critical discussions aimed at integrating ethical considerations into the national and state-level AI strateg ic programs by 4 ensuring that the deployment of AI technologies aligns with public welfare and adheres to international standards.
As we launch the RAM tool, I call upon all stakeholders , including government agencies, private sector companies, academic institutions, civil society organisations, and the public, to participate actively in this process.
Let us work together to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used to benefit all members of our society, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable.
I end by reiterating that the launch of the Readiness Assessment Measurement (RAM) tool marks a significant step forward in our journey towards digital transformation and the use of ethical AI.
It is a testament to our commitment to harnessing the power of AI responsibly, guided by the values and principles outlined in the UNESCO Recommendation.
Together, we can create a future where AI technologies contribute to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Based on the Vision of "Better Ghana", the Government of Ghana has accelerated development efforts continoiusly with abundant natural resources good governance and political stability.Also I believe that the oil and gas prodution,which has been on stream since December 2010,will further consolidate and accelerate the Country's effort for growth.
As part of such efforts, I am sure that this project will contribute to the country's development.
As you are aware, project work scope will be three.Consultancy service for the development of the proposed Ghana Statistical training center,and information system design of the training center.
The Ghana Statistical Service , has for several years now with the support of the Government of Ghana and for the national policy framework and the nation's development agenda.These efforts have led to a number of initiatives,the most significant being the launch in November 2008, of the Ghana Statistics Development Plan (GSDP) and the Ghana Statistical Service Corporate Plan (programmed form 2009 to 2013).
These strategic plan have offered us the necessary opportunity to address some perennial weaknesses in the statistical system nationwide.Given the changing economic landscape of the country, there is the need to ensure that those who need statistical information such as government,business,investors(both current and prospective),and the public at large,are assured of timely and relevant information.The goal of the strategic plans is therefore to make basic data routinely available,and to respond promptly to new and emerging statistical needs.
The pronounced pick-up in Africa’s economic growth in recent years has attracted the world’s attention.
Three recent studies using different approaches to identify groups of top performers in the world all reached the same conclusion, namely, significant parts of the African region is making decisive break with the past.
In his book, Emerging Africa (2010), Steven Radelet identified 17 non-oil emerging African economies based not only on growth, but other important economic, political, and social factors, including the rise of more democratic and accountable governments and implementation of better economic policies.
Recently, the Economist (January 6, 2011) reported that since 2001, sub-Saharan Africa had been home to six of the world’s top ten fastest growing economies, which it dubbed, ‘’Sub-Saharan Africa’s lion kings’’.
The gains were attributable not only to global demand for commodities, but also to structural reforms and better economic management.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, ensuring good governance,macroeconomic stability and the phenomena of the Dutch Disease are paramount and we will keep working with relevant institutions and stakeholders to achieve that.
I must admit that in our quest to achieve these goals there will be challenges.
We will have challenges in creating avialable, integrated and diversified oil and gas industry that does not compromises our environment, cultural and social values.
We as stakeholders must take a keen interest in processes around us to ensure that we are empowered enough to hold our leaders accountable.
The GHEITI Secretariat and the GHEITI NSC have worked hard to narrow the Audit reporting gap which existed at the start of the initiative in 2003.So far, they have managed to produce financial audits reports for 2004,2005,2006,2007,2008 and 2009.
All these reports and other very useful information are available on the GHEITI website at After a series of consultations with a majority of the stakeholders in the Oil/Gas Sector we hope to bring on board very soon financial audit reports for the oil/gas sector.
We have almost covered the reporting gap for mining and it is our expectation that stakeholders will soon discuss reports relatively recent audit reports for both sectors.
Chairman, the EITI is a governance tool that seeks to promote the principles of transparency and accountability in the payment and receipts of financial resources from the extractive sector.
This is achieved by the regular publication, reconciliation and audit of all material benefits received by government from individual extractive companies in the sector.
So in line with EITI principles all EITI implementing countries are to regularly publish reports on extractive sector receipts and payments.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and the Ghana EITI National Steering Committee through a competitive bidding process appointed an Independent Aggregator, Boas and Associates to collect, review and analyze data from the country’s operating mines and revenues to government from the mining companies to ensure that there was transparency in payments made by the mining companies and that payments were made appropriately and on time.
Chairman, Ghana has a long tradition of gold mining with actual gold production in 2010 reaching 104.39 metric tons.
The country also accounted for 36% of total world gold output and it is the second largest gold producer in Africa after South Africa.
Ghana is also the third-largest African producer of aluminum metal, manganese ore and a significant producer of bauxite and diamond.
A number of countries like Australia, Canada, Sweden, the United States of America and South African have depended on the exploration and extraction of minerals for their economic development.
In Ghana, the mineral sector has made noteworthy contributions to foreign exchange earnings and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Currently, Ghana’s mining sector contributes approximately 40% of Gross Foreign Exchange earnings and accounts for approximately 5.2% of GDP.
Indeed, mining remains a key industry for the growth and development of the Ghanaian economy.
I wish to commend you all for your hard work, dedication and commitment to the process in 2011.
Your hard work was manifested by the many successes this initiative attained in 2011.
I wish at this juncture to recap a few of your impressive achievements.
Furthermore, your efforts resulted in the development of draft guidelines for the utilization of mineral royalties by District Assemblies, draft guidelines on corporate social responsibility, and a Draft Natural Resource Bill- 2011.
It is my expectation that this year many of these draft documents will be finalized.
Having said this, let me also say that the work in the coming years will be more challenging especially with regard to the oil and gas sector.
We need to build the required capacity to operate at equal footing with the oil and gas companies.
We are already faced with the challenge of getting handle on the various expenditures being admitted as costs by the oil and gas companies which has an enormous implication for their payment of corporate tax.
I am however hopeful that our future EITI reports can get to the bottom of all these costs which eventually have to be capitalized.
ADDRESS BY HON.
DR KWABENA DUFFUOR, MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TEAM FOR REVIEW AND RE-NEGOTIATION OF STABILITY AND MINING AGREEMENTS ON TUESDAY 31 JANUARY 2012 AT 10:00AM Mr Chairman, Hon.
Minister for Lands, Natural Resources, Hon.
Deputy Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning, Members of the Government Re-Negotiation Committee, Chief Directors and Directors of Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Representatives of Government Institutions, Distinguished Invited Guests, Friends from the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen I wish to welcome all of you to this very important function.
Today, we are inaugurating the Government Re-Negotiation Team that will review and re-negotiate Stability and Mining Agreements in the country.
The inauguration of this team is very critical in view of the concerns that have been expressed of as well as the interest shown in the mining operations and their benefits to the country in recent times.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as you are aware, the mining sector has been an important part of our economy, with gold accounting for over 90% of the sector’s output.
Ghana is a significant gold producer in Africa and indeed in the world.
Ghana is ranked second after South Africa as the leading gold producer in Africa, and 9th largest producer in the world.
Over the past decade, the price of gold has increased significantly, reaching an all- time high of USD1,895 an ounce in September last year.
Given that the country’s mining sector consists mostly of gold mines, one would have expected a higher fiscal take by the Government.
Unfortunately, the phenomenal increase in gold price has not sufficiently benefitted the people of Ghana.
Indeed, many ordinary Ghanaians, mining workers, mining experts, politicians, media commentators, researchers, local and foreign institutions, etc., are all expressing concerns and reservations about the social and economic benefits that the formal mining sector provides to the country and people of Ghana.
Although the Government has a 10% free carried interest equity in the mining operations, the return depends on dividend distribution which until now has brought in very little revenue as many of the mining companies have not declared much by way of dividends.
It is also alleged that there are significant tax leakages in the mining sector due to such factors as transfer pricing related to operating costs and the financing structure used by some mining companies.
Ladies and Gentlemen, in responding to the benefit challenge, Government made some changes to the mining taxes and capital allowance granted to mining companies in the 2012 Budget Statement.
Government increased the corporate tax rate for mining companies from 25% to 35%; introduced a windfall profit tax of 10%; and established a uniform regime for capital allowance of 20% for five years for mining, as is the case in the oil and gas sector.
In addition, Government took a decision to ring fence mining concessions and projects which will prevent cost in one concession area to be offset against revenues from another concession area belonging to the same company in determining the chargeable income for tax purposes.
This decision, we believe, will prevent mining companies undertaking a series of projects from deducting costs for new projects against profitable ventures yielding taxable income.
Government has also taken a bold step to critically review the mining sector’s fiscal regime and existing mining agreements, with the view to ensuring that the country obtains its fair share of the gains from the mining sector.
The ultimate objective of this exercise is to ensure that the benefits from mining operations to the country are maximized, sustained, and distributed equitably to the people of Ghana.
The key tasks of the Re-Negotiation Team are three-fold.
The first task is to review and re-negotiate any part of a Stability Agreement that has been signed between the Republic of Ghana and any mining company that is not in the best interest of the country.
This will include, among others, the fiscal regime and the Government’s carried and participating interests.
In doing so, the Committee should take cognisance of the recent developments in both the local and international environment within which mining companies operate, international best practices, mineral laws of the country, and our national Constitution.
The second task is to prepare a framework or procedures and conditions that will govern the granting of Stability Agreement in the mining sector in a manner that maximizes the flow of economic and social value to the country on a sustainable basis.
The third task is to redesign any existing mining agreement and/or draft new agreement, where necessary, to ensure that it significantly supports Ghana’s economic growth and development, in terms of providing better financial returns, more social investment, critical infrastructure and greater transparency in the mining operations.
I am informed that details of your terms of reference have already been forwarded to you.
Government has set up a Resource team to provide you with technical and other support that you may need.
We are also in the process of engaging some international mining experts to provide advisory services to the Committee.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to emphasize that the issue with the mining operations is about fair and transparent sharing of the benefits and windfall gains from the exploitation of the country’s precious and irreplaceable natural resources.
Government is also committed to ensuring that mining operations in the country expand and become more profitable so that investors can receive handsome returns for their investment.
It is the desire of the Government to see that a level-playing field is established for the industry players.
What Government is looking for therefore is a win-win situation in which both the mining companies and the people of Ghana will equally benefit.
The importance of the Government strategy is to develop an economy that works for everyone.
Chairman and Members of the Committee, your selection is a reflection of your knowledge, experience and understanding of the sector and there is no doubt that you will bring all these to bear on the discharge of this crucial task.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now my singular honour and privilege to declare the Committee duly inaugurated.
On behalf of my colleague, the Hon.
Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Forestry and on my own behalf, I congratulate you for accepting to serve on the Committee.
I wish to assure you that our doors are open to you and your team for a discussion on any issue you may have as you undertake this crucial national assignment.
I wish you well in the execution of the mandate entrusted to you, and may the Almighty God continue to bless us all.
Your Excellency, this Workshop marks the end of a 2-year technical assistance project on ‘Strengthening M&E Capacity’ under which 70 Ghana Government officials drawn from twelve (12) MDAs have received training in M&E in Japan and elsewhere abroad.
I am also informed that the Workshop is to afford a cross-section of the Ghanaian Public Service and the Media directly connected with Monitoring and Evaluation, the opportunity to learn from the M&E experiences of Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam and how Ghana could draw lessons from these countries to improve its own M& E System.