ama

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries, Mr Seth Twum Akwaboah, is calling on banks and the other financial institution to provide stimulus packages to businesses in the country. This is as a result of the covid-19 pandemic which is hitting businesses hard.

The essence of the support, he says, is to “really improve on the liquidity of companies, let’s give them the necessary support so they can produce and flood the market”.

He again added that “the system is also for survival, so if there are no loan arrangements made for companies, why not give them access or bigger loans to do the work that they have to do, we should all do so”.

Liquidity support

As the coronavirus bites hard on the business community in the country, some financial institutions announced several packages to help cushion businesses in the country.

Fidelity Bank, for instance, has reduced lending rates on personal loans for qualifying customers to 17.5%, as part of effort to cushion and provide relief to its client in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.

The initiative also includes a further relief option of a
maximum three-month repayment holiday.

In addition to this, another package was announced to the
bank’s SMEs and Corporate clients.

The packages will include loan moratoriums and loan
restructuring opportunities subject to approval.

Aside from this, the Republic Bank Ghana is offering a Loan Repayment Deferment for its customers and staff for a period of six months.

This is part of effort by the bank to mitigate the economic impact of the novel Coronavirus pandemic on businesses and employees in the country.

Hencet the CEO of AGI, Mr Twum-Akwaboah, in an interview with Accra based Citi FM, said such gestures by the banks will go a long way to improve the liquidity of companies especially those providing essential services during this period.

“Under the circumstance, we encourage anything that anybody, any company, any private institution can do to help; mindful of the fact that there is a limit to what the institution can also do, because they must also operate and also feed their staff.

GH₵1b stimulus package

Meanwhile, the President has tasked the Finance Minister to seek the approval of Parliament to spend GH₵1 billion under a Coronavirus Alleviation Programme to cushion Ghanaians as government tightens measures to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

President Akufo-Addo says the amount will mitigate the
impact of the Coronavirus on businesses and households and ensure that job
losses are minimized.

“The Minister for Finance will immediately make available a
minimum of GH₵1 billion to households and businesses, particularly small and
medium scale enterprises,” he announced.

“commercial banks are, in addition, responding to the Bank
of Ghana’s 1.5 percent decrease in the Policy Pate and 2 percent in reserve
requirement with a GH₵3 billion facility, to support industry especially in the
pharmaceutical, hospitality, service and manufacturing sectors”, he added.

Furthermore, the President also announced the provision of
additional relief, such as extension of the tax filing date from April to June.

Again, effective April 1, 2020, there will be a two percent
reduction of interest rates by banks, a six-month moratorium of principal
repayments to entities in the airline and hospitality industries by the banks

“All other sector credit exposures will be reviewed on a
case by case basis; mobile money users can send up to GH¢100 for free; and a
100 to 300 percent increase in the daily transaction limits for mobile money
transactions”, he assured.

Ghana’s situation with Covid-19

Ghana has, so far, has recorded 152 cases, including 5
deaths and two recoveries, as the last update yesterday, March 29, 2020.

And to contain the situation in order to prevent a further
spread of the virus across the country, President of the republic, His
Excellence Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo, has declared a two-week partial
lockdown in Accra, Tema and the Greater Kumasi Metropolis.

The lockdown starts from today, Monday, March 30, 2020.

The post Provide more stimulus packages to businesses-AGI to Banks appeared first on Ghana Talks Business.

Ghana Talks Business

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on all workers, who are not exempted from the restriction of movement within areas in Accra, Tema and Kumasi, to obey the Lockdown rules set out by government in order to avoid the further spread of the novel Coronavirus.

In a statement signed by the TUC Secretary General, Dr. Yaw
Baah, the Union urged workers to be responsible and observe all the enhanced
hygiene procedures.

The call follows the announcement by President Akufo-Addo, late Friday night, March 27, 2020, of a partial lock-down of parts of the country.

A portion of the statement read, “We would like to appeal to
all workers in Greater Accra and Kumasi, who are not exempted from the
restriction of movement, to stay at home with their families’.

“Remember that it is your civic duty to stay at home to
protect yourself and others from the infection. Do not go out unless you need
to attend to something really urgent,” the statement added.

Commending efforts of frontline health workers

Additionally, the Union in their statement asked health
professionals and front-line workers in the fight against the spread of the
virus, to remember to protect themselves as well.

The TUC further commended the frontliners for the efforts in the fight against the deadly viral disease, describing them as “heroes and heroine of this war”.

“We are counting on you to take care of us. You too have the
right to be protected so you should ensure that you have all the personal
protective equipment (PPE) you need to perform your duties,” the statement
added.

Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi, have been identified as the epicenters of the novel coronavirus in Ghana.

Novel coronavirus- lockdown

Ghana, so far, has recorded 152 cases, including 5 deaths and two recoveries, as the last update yesterday, March 29, 2020.

And to contain the situation in order to prevent a further
spread of the virus across the country, President of the republic, His
Excellence Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo, has declared a two-week partial
lockdown in Accra, Tema and the Greater Kumasi Metropolis.

Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi have been identified as the
epicenters of the novel coronavirus in Ghana, hence the lockdown of part of
those areas.

The lockdown starts from today, Monday, March 30, 2020.

The announcement was made in a televised address to the
nation late Friday, March 27, 2020.

This means that movement of persons resident in the affected
areas will be restricted to attendance to only essential services

Globally, the number of COVID-19 cases is almost 600,000 with over 27,000 deaths.

The post Obey Lockdown rules-TUC to workers not on exemption list appeared first on Ghana Talks Business.

Ghana Talks Business

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Avec la floraison des dons de matériaux médicaux (masques, bavettes, gants et gels), spécifiques à la lutte coronavirus auprès des populations, le gouvernement gabonais a tapé du point sur la table pour rappeler à l’ordre les généreux donateurs. Selon un communiqué ministre de l’intérieur rendu public hier, ces donateurs organisés notamment en association auraient oublié de respecter eux-mêmes les mesures barrières du gouvernement limitant les attroupements de personnes.

Depuis plusieurs jours, plusieurs (…)

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Santé / une Source Info241

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

PARIS, France, le 30 Mars 2020,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Après avoir été épargné par la pandémie mondiale du COVID-19, le continent Africain subit lui aussi l’aggravation de la situation sanitaire avec de nouveaux cas toutes les 24 heures. A l’image de la décision de l’Afrique du Sud, le confinement total dès aujourd’hui (27/03/2020) à partir de minuit, tous les gouvernements africains agissent et sensibilisent leur population sur ce combat planétaire.

Pour éviter un désastre sanitaire qui s’ajouterait aux autres difficultés, certains pays ont adopté des mesures strictes de confinement comme le Rwanda et le Ghana. Au Rwanda, les autorités demandent à la population de respecter individuellement les « mesures barrières ». Au départ, les usagers des transports avaient l’obligation de se laver les mains pour rentrer dans les bus, ils utilisaient des lavabos portatifs et du savons mis à leur disposition dans les espaces publics, désormais, c’est le confinement qui est appliqué : Fermeture des écoles et des lieux de culte pendant 15 jours. Madagascar a préfèré anticiper pour éviter d’être dépassé. Avant d’avoir des premiers cas de contamination, le Gouvernement a décidé la suspension des vols vers l’Europe et le confinement individuel pendant 15 jours.

La lutte contre la diffusion du virus COVID-19 est une priorité pour une majorité de pays, toutefois certains pays ont pris des mesures très incomplètes. La Guinée a interdit les rassemblements de plus 100 personnes, ce qui n’est pas encore respecter par la population et par certains membres de l’opposition qui continuent d’organiser des réunions publiques.  

En nombre absolu, l’Afrique est le continent qui est le moins touché avec 2746 personnes infectées. Les Africains déplorent toutefois déjà 72 décès et une diffusion de plus en plus large du virus : 334 cas supplémentaires en seulement 24h (Du 25 au 26 mars 2020) Les inquiétudes se portent sur les pays du Maghreb et sur l’Afrique du Sud qui sont les plus touchés.  (Bilan du 26 mars 2019)

Le coup d’arrêt de l’économie au niveau international limitera fortement les investissements des principaux partenaires de l’Afrique, notamment ceux de la Chine, de l’Union européenne et des États-Unis qui sont aujourd’hui les principaux foyers de diffusion du virus. La chute du cours du pétrole est une mauvaise nouvelle pour les pays africains exportateurs comme le Nigéria, l’Angola et l’Algérie. Le prix du baril est passé en 3 mois de 71 à 25 euros, ce qui diminue dans le même coup les recettes de ces États.

Certains pensent que l’Afrique est moins touchée par le virus grâce aux conditions environnementales du continent, la chaleur serait un obstacle contre cet « ennemi invisible ». Aucune preuve scientifique n’a été apportée à l’heure actuelle, la connaissance du virus est d’ailleurs incomplète, ce qui affaiblit la capacité des États à anticiper. Toutefois, il est possible que les pays d’Afrique aient été protégés par leur position actuelle dans la mondialisation : Les échanges internationaux se concentre majoritairement autour des trois premiers marchés du monde : L’Union Européenne, les États-Unis et la Chine. Les échanges économiques de l’Afrique vers le reste du monde sont bien moins importants et préservent peut-être le continent des foyers actuels de la pandémie.

Toutefois, comme le virus COVID-19 est déjà présent dans la majorité des territoires africains, les systèmes de santé peuvent être durement éprouvés car ils doivent aussi mener leur lutte contre des maladies qui affaiblissent déjà les populations. Le paludisme, la dingue, la tuberculose et d’autres maladies monopolisent les autorités sanitaires qui mènent une « guerre journalière» qui n’a pas commencé au mois de décembre.

Les Africains peuvent prendre une place centrale dans le nouveau système international qui naîtra après la crise durant laquelle les démocraties occidentales sont lourdement remises en question, notamment au niveau de leur fonctionnement, de leurs valeurs et de leur philosophie, en partie pensés à la fin de la seconde guerre mondiale. Si le continent jugule l’épidémie dès le début, il pourra être en position de force au niveau international pour gagner “des parts” dans le système mondial de demain. Avec une production et une consommation mondiale à l’arrêt, il faut s’attendre à un rebond post-crise et à un besoin urgent et important de tous les pays du monde en termes de matières premières. Compte tenu de ses réserves et de la prochaine demande venant de l’occident, l’Afrique pourra imposer ses conditions et ses prix si elle prépare dès maintenant sa stratégie économique.

Distribué par African Media Agency (AMA) pour Afrique Business Info.

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

KIGALI, Rwanda, March 30, 2020,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Ten (10) new coronavirus cases were identified today, bringing the total to seventy (70).

• Six (6) travellers who had arrived from Dubai and who have been isolated
• Two (2) travellers who had arrived from South Africa and who have been isolated
• One (1) traveller who had arrived from Nigeria and who has been isolated
• One (1) traveller who had frequent travel in the East African region and who has been isolated

All patients are under treatment in stable condition in an isolated health facility. The majority are asymptomatic, and no patient is in critical condition. The tracing of all contacts has been conducted for further management.

Heightened vigilance continues to be required. The enhanced prevention measures announced by the Government of Rwanda must be rigorously observed: non-essential businesses are closed, travel between cities and districts is suspended, and non-essential movements outside the home are not permitted. Any Rwandans or legal residents returning to the country will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated locations.

Continue to observe the instructions of health authorities, particularly washing hands regularly and maintaining physical distance from other people (at least 1 metre).

The key symptoms of coronavirus are dry cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should call the toll-free number 114, or dial .1140 for automated screening, or email calIcenter@rbc.govaw, or send a WhatsApp message to +250 788 20 20 80, or contact a medical professional.

Let’s continue to work together to defeat this pandemic.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, March 30, 2020,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- African Union Member States (46) reporting COVID-19 cases (4,760), deaths (146), and recoveries (335) by region:

Central (257 cases, 11 deaths, 9 recoveries): Cameroon (125, 2, 3), Central African Republic (6, 0, 3), Chad (5, 0, 0), Congo (19, 0, 2), DRC (81, 8, 1), Equatorial Guinea (14, 0, 0), Gabon (7, 1, 0).

Eastern (374, 6, 6): Djibouti (19, 0, 0), Eritrea (6, 0, 0), Ethiopia (21, 0, 4), Kenya (42, 1, 1), Madagascar (43, 0, 0), Mauritius (110, 3, 0), Rwanda (70, 0, 0), Seychelles (8, 0, 0), Somalia (3, 0, 0), Sudan (6, 2, 0), Tanzania (13, 0, 1), Uganda (33, 0, 0).

Northern (1,922, 105, 223): Algeria (511, 31, 77), Egypt (609, 40, 132), Libya (8, 0, 0), Mauritania (3, 0, 0), Morocco (479, 26, 13), Tunisia (312, 8, 1).

Southern (1,346, 2, 31): Angola (3, 0, 0 ), Eswatini (8, 0, 0), Mozambique (8, 0, 0), Namibia (11, 0, 0), South Africa (1,280, 1, 31), Zambia (29, 0, 0), Zimbabwe (7, 1, 0).

Western (861, 22, 66): Benin (6, 0, 0), Burkina Faso (222, 12, 23), Cape Verde (5, 1, 0), Côte d’Ivoire (140, 0, 3), Gambia (4, 1, 0), Ghana (152, 5, 2), Guinea (16, 0, 1), Guinea-Bissau (2, 0, 0), Liberia (3, 0, 0), Mali (18, 0, 0), Niger (10, 1, 0), Nigeria (111, 1, 3), Senegal (142, 0, 27), Togo (30, 1, 7).

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Les autorités gabonaises ont annoncé dimanche soir, le prolongement de la fermeture des établissements scolaires décidée le 14 mars, pour faire face à la propagation de la pandémie de coronavirus. Selon le ministre de l’Education nationale, la fermeture est ainsi prolongée « jusqu’à nouvel ordre », sans bornage dans le temps et sans possibilité pour l’heure de mise en place d’alternative comme l’enseignement à distance pour pallier à l’absence des cours depuis deux semaines.

Les élèves gabonais du primaire (…)

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Société / une Source Info241

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)