GENERAL NEWS
“RESOLVE OUTSTANDING PENSION ISSUES WITHIN 3 MONTHS” – PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO TO LABOUR MINISTER, SSNIT, NPRA
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has tasked the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations to liaise with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to bring finality to all outstanding pension issues in the next three (3) months.
Addressing the 2019 May Day Celebration on Wednesday, 1st May, 2019, at the Black Star Square, President Akufo-Addo noted that the critical contribution of labour to the production process, economic growth and sustained development requires that the dignity of labour is maintained throughout retirement.
“We will build a robust economy and a prosperous society, when we put in place a sustainable pension scheme for all workers. For far too many of our people, the end of their lives is marked by poverty. Too many people either have no pensions at all or have inadequate pensions to match the needs of old age,” the President said.
In the informal sectors of the economy, President Akufo-Addo lamented that “most people work without any thought to pension coverage, and when they no longer have the strength to work, their lives become miserable.”
With about about 90% of workers operating in the informal sector, the President indicated that attention must be focused on extending access to that sector in compliance with the National Pension law.
“At the moment, Government efforts are on course to establish a Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme. This trend would be extended to other worker groups in the informal economy,” he added.
Government, President Akufo-Addo said, is working to reduce unemployment in the country, so as to widen the pension base.
“We are working on an economic transformation agenda through the various job creation initiatives such “Planting for Food and Jobs”, “One-District-One-Factory”, “Industrial Stimulus Package”, “Planting for Export and Rural Development”, private sector support schemes, which are all beginning to bear fruit, and should soon start reducing unemployment and provide opportunities for citizens to work, earn higher incomes and contribute to their pensions,” he added.
Touching on the importance of the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) sector in equipping young people for the world of work, the President stated that significant progress has been made
“We have funding for 21 State of the Arts TVET centres. Parliamentary approval has been given for all 34 NVTI centres to be upgraded, retooled and curricula improved and teachers trained,” he said.
The President continued, “It also includes the building of two new foundries and two machine making factories, and the completion of NVTI headquarters. We have also got parliamentary approval for all 10 Technical Universities and Technical Institutes to be re-equipped, retooled and rehabilitated.”
President Akufo-Addo encouraged Government’s social partners, employers and enterprise owners to comply with existing pension regulations and support their staff to contribute to pension schemes.
“We should all spread the news about the importance of pensions and the structures in place to ensure transparent and effective management of pension funds,” he added.
Towards the payment of arrears owed SSNIT, President Akufo-Addo indicated that “I am informed that the Ministry of Finance has arranged for the payment of GH¢200million and a bond of GH¢700 million towards the retirement of the arrears owed to SSNIT. This will leave arrears of GH¢800 million which will be included in next year’s budget.”
Social Partnership Council
Reiterating government’s determination to consolidate further its relations with the social partners, in the post IMF era, President Akufo-Addo noted that a landmark social partnership agreement with Organised Labour represented by the Trades Union Congress, the Ghana Employers’ Association, has been signed.
This, he explained, is to provide a medium for building a sense of cohesion, trust, self-management, frank and open discussions to champion the course of development towards realising the vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid.
“Government is committed to a new social contract that promotes social dialogue in economic management and in the making of public policy. It is also to assure you, our workers and businesses, that you are our true development partners, and your ideas are critical in my Government’s model for economic management and development,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo revealed further that a Social Partnership Council with equal representation from the three social partners will be inaugurated soon.
“I am very confident that this new approach to economic management and public policy-making will foster even greater cooperation and trust among our Partners. Together, we can achieve a more stable economy, peace at the labour front and prosperity for the good people of Ghana,” President Akufo-Addo added.
GENERAL NEWS
Cozy Riddim and Yadozie Release Powerful New Single “Biko Baby” – A Fusion of Afrobeats, Dancehall, & Modern R&B
This dynamic track is now available on all major streaming platforms, bringing together the rhythmic beats of Afrobeats and infectious ass of a Dancehall track with the soulful tones of modern R&B.
“Biko Baby” is a vibrant anthem that captures the essence of contemporary African & Caribbean music, blending infectious melodies with heartfelt lyrics. The song is a plea for love, evoking both
joy and longing through its captivating rhythm and emotional depth.
Cozy Riddim and Yadozie’s collaboration showcases their unique ability to create music that resonates with audiences across the globe.
Cozy Riddim, known for his innovative approach to Afrobeats, and Yadozie, celebrated for his smooth vocal delivery, have crafted a song that transcends cultural and musical boundaries. “Biko
Baby” is a testament to the artists’ dedication to their craft and their commitment to pushing the
limits of genre and style.
“I wanted to create something that speaks to as a testament to my love for Afrobeats and Dancehall” says Cozy Riddim. “Biko Baby is about connecting with that special someone, but it’s also about the universal experience of love and longing while incorporating a bounciness capable of being played in clubs and parties. Yadozie brought his incredible vocal talent to the track, really bringing it to life, and together we created something truly special.”
Yadozie adds, “Working on ‘Biko Baby’ was a unique experience. The synergy between our styles allowed us to explore new creative territories. I believe this track will resonate with anyone who has
ever felt the intensity of love & lust along with the celebration of multiple cultures.
“Biko Baby” is more than just a song—it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of love, culture, and the power of collaboration of music cultures.
About Cozy Riddim:
Cozy Riddim is a rising Nigerian producer in the Afrobeats scene, known for his innovative sound that blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary influences.
His music is a reflection of his roots and interests and his vision for the future of African music.
About Yadozie:
Yadozie is an acclaimed Nigerian artist whose smooth vocals and emotive performances have earned him recognition in the music industry. His work is characterized by its lyrical depth and its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
Follow Cozy Riddim on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozyriddim/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cozyriddim1
GENERAL NEWS
DEBUT ALBUM: Miriam Mandipira & The Soul Family
DEBUT ALBUM by Miriam Mandipira & The Soul Family!
You’ve never heard a voice like Miriam Mandipira’s. Undeservedly, she doesn’t take credit for the power or presence she delivers. For Miriam, music is much more than just notes and words. It’s
magic. And faith. You can experience it LIVE and on the album, which is set to be released on September 1st.
She has been singing for as long as she can remember, growing up with her ears glued to the radio.
From the moment her school teacher asked her to sing in class, the rest has been history. From Africa to Denmark, from Book Café in Harare to Mojo Blues Bar and the big concert halls. From
Danish Radio Big Band to the Royal Theater. Music is music, and Miriam is the music.
“But it’s not about me when I sing. I’m just the instrument, and when I’m on stage with my band, I sing from a place that’s not about rules and technique but about emotions,” says the singer, who is
seriously trying her hand at songwriting – together with her Soul Family on the album “Ndiwe”, which means ‘you are the chosen one of my heart.’ The overall message is impossible to ignore
Love.
“Call me a soul singer, call me a jazz singer. I don’t care. Good music is good music, and I love interpreting other people’s songs and being inspired. At the same time, I think it’s great to try my
hand at creating and writing the songs myself – and with my friends in the Soul Family, I have found my place. They are my family, and the curiosity and respect we share are fantastic.”
You can experience that up close when Miriam & The Soul Family take the stage. The enthusiasm for music and communication is impossible to ignore and hear.
“I love to maintain the feeling of being a child. It’s an excitement and curiosity that keeps me going, and that’s why I’m so excited about every single concert – no matter how small or large it is.
Otherwise, I would never do it. This is not just a casual thing. This is a life, and everything means something,” says Miriam, who began her years in Denmark by jamming at Mojo Blues Bar, building a network.
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