The presentation, which took place at the residence of the National Chief Imam, forms part of the company’s long-standing tradition of supporting the Muslim community during the holy period.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Ms. Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duah, Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, said the gesture reflects the Group’s appreciation of the Chief Imam’s continuous efforts in promoting peace and national cohesion, particularly during Ramadan.

“This year, we have come again to celebrate with our Muslim colleagues and friends. We bring these items to the Chief Imam to share with his people,” she noted.

She further revealed that the visit coincided with the birthday of the Executive Chairman of the Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, adding that special prayers were offered by the Chief Imam for his continued success and guidance.

Beyond the donation, the company used the occasion to reiterate its commitment to environmental sustainability, urging Ghanaians to maintain clean and green surroundings as a shared national responsibility.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdul Latif, Protocol Officer at the National Chief Imam’s office, expressed profound gratitude to the Group and its leadership for what he described as over two decades of consistent support.

“We are thankful for what Zoomlion has been doing for our father for 25 years now. May Allah continue to guide Dr. Agyepong wherever he may find himself,” he said.

He also commended Ghana’s longstanding peaceful co-existence and religious harmony, highlighting the strong bond between Christians and Muslims in the country.

“We are fortunate that Christians and Muslims can dialogue, eat together, and agree, showcasing the unity and harmony in Ghana,” he added.

The donation underscores the Jospong Group’s broader commitment to social responsibility, interfaith solidarity, and national development.

Led by the Jospong Group’s Chaplain, Reverend Peter Nelson Adu, and staff members, they defied the morning rains to spread the gospel to residents within Adjirigarnor and its surroundings. They held placards some of which read: “In Him Is Life”, “Salvation is Free”, “The Lord Has Always Been Faithful”, “Jesus Christ is The Salvation” among others.

Earlier, in a powerful and uplifting sermon, the President of Dominion Theological Seminary of Action Chapel International, Bishop Emeritus James K. Saah, has reminded believers of God’s unwavering faithfulness.

According to him, God’s faithfulness with the Jospong Group cannot be overemphasised.
Speaking on the theme “The Faithfulness of God,” Bishop Saah stated that recognising God’s faithfulness was central to thanksgiving and to maintaining a godly attitude.

“God’s faithfulness is not just a promise, it’s a guarantee,” Bishop Saah declared.

“He is not a man, that He should lie or fail to fulfill His promises. His faithfulness is rooted in His integrity and ability, and there is no force or circumstance that can stop Him from doing what He has said,” he noted.

Drawing from scriptures like Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 36:5, and Lamentations 3:22-24, the man of God illustrated the unshakeable nature of God’s character.

“God’s mercy and faithfulness reach to the Heavens, and His compassion and mercy are new every morning,” Bishop Saah exclaimed.

“Not a word failed of any good thing God spoke to the house of Israel, and the same faithfulness is available to us today!”

The congregants were visibly moved as Bishop Saah encouraged them to place their trust in God’s faithful nature, stressing that He holds the power to fulfill every promise.

“Let us give thanks and praise to God for His unwavering faithfulness,” Bishop Saah concluded. “May it be a foundation for our gratitude and a source of strength for our trust in Him.”

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, the Chaplain of Jospong Group, Reverend Peter Nelson Adu, expressed profound excitement that the group’s thanksgiving celebrations would culminate in the dedication of the new church auditorium on Sunday, December 14.

“We marvel at God’s wonders, reflecting on how divine blessings have brought us this far,” Rev. Adu stated, connecting the physical growth of the cathedral to the spiritual and corporate journey of the Jospong Group.

He also unveiled plans for a major pre-dedication celebration on Friday, December 12, noting that traditional and political leaders are expected to attend.
“Praise and worship will be a big part of it, I’m sure!” he anticipated, inviting the public to join in the festivities.

The signing ceremony was led by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Honourable Rohey John Manjang and Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, at a brief but significant ceremony in Accra on Monday, March 3, 2025.

According to Madam Manjang, there was a need for Africa to devise homegrown solutions to its challenges, stating her ambition to build a waste treatment plant in The Gambia within six months through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

“I know, for Africa to go forward with our limited resources, we need to be innovative in making sure that we fix our problems. We cannot just say that we do not have money,” she said.

This follows a five-day duty tour of the Waste Management facilities of the Jospong Group in Ghana by a high-powered 12-member Gambian government delegation made up of the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Members of their National Assembly (Parliament), Council Members and technical team from their National Environment Agency.

She argued that governments cannot do things alone and must bring the private sector on board. “…that was why I set for myself a 6-month target that up to June, to build a waste management unit with PPP for The Gambia,” she noted.

Hon. Manjang assured that the signing of the MoU marked the beginning of a concrete roadmap for implementing a comprehensive waste management solution for the Gambia.

“What we saw these past three days was amazing; it broke our hearts for the simple reason that I could not have imagined the solution that the Western countries and institutions proposed with its inherent debt was right here with us in Africa, which does not require much feasibility because this is an African-made solution,” she lamented.

While envisioning possible challenges, she remained committed to the fact that the dream is achievable. “It is doable, it is workable, it is achievable, and we can do it in The Gambia… what we saw is an all-inclusive solution, it’s from start to finish,” she intimated.

Hon. Manjang was full of praise for the Jospong Group, expressing admiration for their innovative approaches and highlighting the Group’s comprehensive and entrepreneurial spirit.

She called for a collective effort and innovation to enable Africa to move forward. “For Africa to go forward, it takes the private sector. It takes a leader to design the future, and it takes the followers to reach the destination,” she indicated.

For his part, the Executive Chairman of JGC, Dr. Jospeh Siaw Agyepong, attributed the progress of his group to divine orchestration. He shared his encounter with the Vice President of The Gambia, which led to the MoU signing. “When ideas marry strategy, the product is money, so money is the son of strategy and ideas. What we need in Africa is ideas and strategy, not money,” he said

Dr. Siaw Agyepong also noted that Africa’s reliance on foreign aid had hindered its progress, cautioning that “If over the years, we’ve been happy with grants and loans, today Donald Trump has told us that we should go and develop our minerals.” He, therefore, encouraged Africa to take charge of its development, citing examples of countries like Rwanda that had made significant progress through determination and innovation.

He further explained that the continent’s over-reliance on foreign aid had led to a lack of determination and innovation. “Collective determination and commitment is what has birthed what is happening in the waste management sector of Ghana,” he noted.

He expressed optimism about the project’s potential for success in The Gambia, urging Gambians to work together to achieve their goals.

Ghana, Gambia Strengthen Ties: Protecting Ghanaian Investors and Promoting Africa-to-Africa Trade

Before the signing of the MoU, The Gambian delegation, led by Hon. Manjang, paid a courtesy visit to Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation,
Honourable Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, as part of their four-day visit to Ghana.

During the visit, the delegation took the opportunity to tour Jospong’s facilities in Accra and Kumasi, showcasing the company’s expertise in waste management and other environmental service solutions.

At the meeting with The Gambian delegation, Hon. Murtala Mohammed urged The Gambian government to safeguard Ghanaian investors, highlighting the long-standing bond between the two nations.

“The relationship between Ghana and Gambia predates independence. Our former Presidents, Kwame Nkrumah and Sir Dawda Jawara were friends and comrades in the struggle for independence,” he noted.

According to him, investments will only flow when investors feel safe and their investments are secured.

He advised Jospong to be a good corporate citizen in The Gambia, saying, “You must ensure that your operations promote Ghana and protect the safety of Ghanaians in Gambia.”

“You are not just representing Jospong Group, but Ghana. Your operations should promote Ghana, and we will ensure that you do not embarrass Ghana because the country’s image is on the line,” Hon. Murtala Muhammed firmly assured.

Hon. Murtala Muhammed highlighted Jospong Group’s success in addressing sanitation challenges in Ghana.

“Jospong Group has been instrumental in keeping Ghana clean. Assuming we didn’t have Jospong, what would have happened to Ghana?” He asked.

Honourable Rohey John Manjang, The Gambian Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, acknowledged the commonalities between Ghana and Gambia, stating that relying on Ghana to solve Gambia’s environmental challenges was apt.

“We have a lot in common with Ghana, and we believe that by working together, we can find solutions to our environmental challenges,” she said.

She noted that adopting environmentally friendly waste management practices was crucial, citing the growing population’s detrimental impact on the environment.

“As our population grows, it’s causing environmental issues. We must manage waste in a way that’s friendly to the environment,” she said.

The Gambian delegation also visited key installations of Jospong Group, including the Accra Composting and Recycling Plant (ACARP), Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant, the Plastic Recycling Plant, Zoomlion Waste Transfer Station, and the Kpone Re-engineered Landfill site among others.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Jospong Leadership Conference (JLC 2025) on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Pentecost Conference Centre in Gomoa, Central Region, Dr Agyepong highlighted JGC’s alignment with the government’s vision of a 24-hour economy. He explained that the branding of the group’s waste management trucks reflects their readiness to support this initiative.

Additionally, Dr. Agyepong expressed JGC’s dedication to collaborating with the government on green economy projects, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in Ghana’s economic transformation.

The conference, which runs until January 17, 2025, is themed “Transformation through Leadership” and aims to promote business sustainability, positive work ethics, and the role of leadership in driving impactful and sustainable change within the organization. This year marks the 12th edition of the annual JLC.

Driving Transformation through Leadership

In his remarks on the conference theme, Dr. Agyepong urged JGC staff to embrace leadership with purpose, stating that transformational leadership requires courage, resilience, and innovative actions.

“I challenge each of you to fully immerse yourselves in this year’s leadership conference. Seize this opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow with purpose. Be active participants—ask thought-provoking questions, share innovative ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions,” he encouraged.

He emphasized the need for innovation and green initiatives as crucial pillars for growth and sustainability. Dr. Agyepong also announced JGC’s plans to expand its global footprint, with a new office in Kenya set to commence operations soon.

Ethical Leadership and Corporate Responsibility

A key highlight of the event was a presentation by renowned Marketing Professor, Professor Robert Ebo Hinson, on the topic “Ethical Leadership and Corporate Responsibility.” He stressed the importance of ethical leadership in building trust, driving sustainability, and giving companies a competitive edge.

“Ethical leadership guides behavior and helps navigate complex situations,” he noted, while cautioning against the detrimental effects of favoritism in organizations.

Professor Hinson outlined key attributes of ethical leaders, including honesty, fairness, and proactive role modeling. He also urged JGC to embed ethics into its strategic planning, prioritize transparency and accountability, and align its corporate purpose with ethical practices.

To strengthen its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, he recommended initiatives such as corporate philanthropy, community volunteering, and socially responsible business practices.

Empowering the Next Generation

A major milestone at the conference was the launch of the Joseph Siaw Agyepong Foundation, aimed at nurturing young entrepreneurs by equipping them with the necessary tools and mentorship to become future leaders. The foundation received a seed funding of 500,000 Ghanaian Cedis to support its activities.

In a symbolic and heartwarming gesture, a painting of Dr. Agyepong and his family was presented to him and his wife, honoring his visionary leadership and philanthropic contributions to society.

With the 2025 JLC underway, the Jospong Group continues to demonstrate its commitment to leadership development, innovation, and sustainable growth, aligning with its mission to transform Ghana’s economy and empower its people.

Dr. Siaw Agyepong hosted the guests to a day of generosity at his residence at American House, East Legon, Accra, as he donated food items among others gifts to them.

The highlight, of course, was the distribution of gifts which included a 5-kilogram bag of rice, cooking oil, soft drinks, Mackerel sardine, and transport fare.

As at 6:00 a.m., the beneficiaries who comprised senior citizens, women, men, and youth had thronged the residence of Dr. Siaw Agyepong.

Early on, the Chaplain of JGC, Pastor Daniel Danso, led the gathering to praise and worship God, which saw scores of them accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal saviour.

Speaking to the media, the Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Madam Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duah, said this act of philanthropy was characteristic of Dr. Siaw Agyepong’s people-centered approach and commitment to giving back to society.

“This is not the first time Dr. Siaw Agyepong and his family are making such a donation. It started some years back in the neighbourhood and now we have over 4,000 individuals here today from far and wide,” said Madam Appiaa Osei-Duah.

According to her, some of the beneficiaries came all the way from Nsawam, Koforidua and Kasoa. The reason behind this charity by Dr. Siaw Agyepong and his family is that they do this to share their joy in the year with the less-privileged, she further explained.

Madam Appiaa Osei-Duah underscored that Dr. Siaw Agyepong is a devout Christian and an elder in the Church of Pentecost, Metso branch, who believes that through such benevolence people will come to know Christ.

As a successful entrepreneur with interests in various sectors, including waste management, ICT, and banking, Dr. Siaw Agyepong’s kindness is inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

The aim is to enhance the Ghanaian media’s understanding of climate change.

This opportunity was made possible by waste management experts, Jospong Group of Companies/Zoomlion Ghana Limited, who fully sponsored over 25 distinguished journalists to attend the conference, under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

This 10-day conference, being held this year in Baku, Azerbaijan, focuses on the theme “Accelerating Action, Unlocking Opportunities.”

The selected journalists, chosen from diverse media houses across Ghana, will have the invaluable opportunity to gain insights on topics such as climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, financial mechanisms for climate action, and other relevant issues.

The Jospong Group of Companies, which includes Zoomlion, has now instituted support for Ghanaian journalists’ participation in two consecutive COP events: first at COP28 in Dubai, and now at COP29 in Baku.

This initiative underscores the Jospong Group’s commitment to strengthening climate advocacy through media engagement. Chief Communications Officer of the Jospong Group, Sophia Kudjordji, emphasized the vital role the media plays in shaping public understanding of climate change.

“It is important for media professionals to stay current with climate trends and possess the insights necessary to deliver accurate and well-rounded reports, both thematically and statistically,” Kudjordji remarked in an interview at the conference site.

“As a leading climate change advocate in Ghana, we are focused on a green revolution, embodying the spirit of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. We can’t achieve these goals without the media by our side.”

Kudjordji further noted that Jospong’s collaboration with the media dates back to 2006, highlighting the group’s unwavering support for journalists as essential partners.

“When development trends are changing worldwide, it’s crucial that we move alongside the media. They are, after all, our most ardent partners in advocacy,” she added. This collaborative approach is aimed at helping journalists accurately convey climate change information to the Ghanaian public, enabling citizens to understand and adopt practical climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

One of the journalists, Ebenezer Appiah Kubih, Kesben Morning Show host, commended the Jospong Group for its consistent backing of media practice in Ghana. He indicated that more such support for the media will equip them to engage in well-informed conversations on the climate crisis and help them educate communities to be climate-resilient, while voicing concerns over the lack of similar support from government ministries.

“Ministries such as Communication and Digitalisation, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Sanitation and Water Resources regularly participate in global climate change forums but rarely include media representatives, missing a critical opportunity.”

The Jospong Group’s initiative is expected to enhance the Ghanaian media’s capacity to educate the public on climate change, thereby empowering communities to take part in climate resilience and sustainability efforts.

With greater media literacy on climate issues, Ghana is poised to make strides in aligning with international climate goals, benefitting both the nation and the broader African continent in the fight against climate change.

By empowering journalists to be better equipped and informed, the Jospong Group reaffirms its dedication to environmental sustainability, signaling a path for Ghana and Africa to stay ahead in the race against climate challenges.

At a side event panel discussion during the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on November 14, 2024, he highlighted the crucial role of capacity building in carbon financing for developmental projects.

The session was titled “New World of Carbon Markets: The Potential of Existing Infrastructure and the Impact of Investments in the Green Economy.”

“Developing capacities in both the private and public sectors is essential for understanding which projects attract carbon financing,” he noted.

He cautioned that “if that is not done, it becomes a matter of just talking about climate change without understanding what it takes to commercialize these activities and attract capital.”

The COP29 opened in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday, November 11, 2024, with a pressing call for world leaders to agree on an ambitious new global climate finance goal.

The two-week COP29 conference (November 11-22, 2024) will focus on several key thematic areas, including the World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit, finance, investment and trade, energy and peace, relief and recovery, and science, technology, and innovation.

Mr. Gyimah took the opportunity to share Jospong Group’s success story of securing $20 million from the Swiss Government, with the support of the Ghanaian Government.

“This was made possible through a combination of technical expertise from scientists together with sustainable finance experts to calculate carbon emissions and convert them into a financial model,” he explained. “For example, if I am able to remediate a certain amount of CO2, it corresponds to a specific sum of dollars.”

He also highlighted the importance of capacity building in project finance, data collection, and technology integration.

“These capacities are yet to be built, so for Ghana to truly reach that apex and attract capital, it is vital that we build the capacities of people to understand project finance, proper documentation, and the data systems needed to prove the importance of our work,” he said.

Mr. Gyimah emphasized the role of technology, such as AI, in simulating data and optimizing waste management.

“All of these are data-driven; if you claim that you are going to remediate 1.5 metric tons of CO2 and process a certain amount of waste, I need to have data to prove it.”

On waste segregation, he noted, “Waste segregation starts at the source, and there is a need for separate bins.”

He suggested policy initiatives, such as subsidized bins or buyback programs, to encourage proper segregation.

Jospong’s innovative approaches include waste segregation, recycling, organic fertilizer production, and transfer loading stations.

“Those investments that we made closer to the people help us aggregate the waste, enabling us to have a first line of treatment that facilitates recycling at our recovery plants.”

Mr. Gyimah concluded, “Individuals, governments, and the private sector must work together to reduce carbon emissions. By building capacities and leveraging technology, we can unlock capital and create a sustainable future.”

The waste management project, which will involve building nine plants, aims to convert waste into recyclable materials, fertilizers, and other valuable products.

To support these efforts, Jospong will also establish transfer stations and enhance waste collection services in Lagos.

Noah Gyimah, Chief Investment Officer of Jospong Group, highlighted the importance of broad discussions with Afreximbank to expand JGC’s investments across other African countries.

According to Gyimah, these conversations also explored Afreximbank’s interest in supporting research, feasibility studies, and other developmental efforts at favorable rates, helping to pave the way for future projects.

As Jospong Group looks to replicate its waste management successes across Africa, advanced talks are already underway in Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya.

In addition to the $400 million secured, Jospong plans to source an extra $50 million for its rice production business in Ghana.

The Asian African Consortium, a Jospong subsidiary, is scaling up Ghana’s rice industry by investing in high-quality seeds, modern technologies, and smallholder farmer training. With rice consumption nearly tripling over the past decade in Ghana, Jospong aims to reduce reliance on imported rice through local production.

The decommissioned site will be transformed into an ecological recreational facility.

Additionally, JGC plans to invest in integrated composting and recycling systems as well as transfer stations, providing comprehensive waste treatment and disposal solutions to improve environmental sanitation in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.

This system will produce organic compost for agricultural and horticultural applications, while recovered plastics will serve as raw materials for a new bin manufacturing facility.

The initiative is expected to create over 2,000 direct jobs for Ugandans. This collaborative project comes on the heels of a devastating waste slide on August 10, 2024, which resulted in 23 fatalities and significant property damage.

Jospong Group, renowned for its extensive experience in Africa and Asia, is well-equipped to handle this project. As a highly diversified holdings company with many subsidiaries, they possess the expertise to effectively manage waste and promote sustainability.

The project handover ceremony, held recently, drew notable attendees including Minister for Kampala, Joseph Kyofatogabye, and Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of JGC in Kampala, East Africa.

The Minister highlighted that the partnership was sanctioned by the cabinet, adding that the initiative was a significant step towards addressing waste management challenges in Uganda and promoting eco-friendly practices.

“We will significantly reduce the height of the current waste mass, stabilise the slopes and cap it, transforming the landscape of the Kiteezi community,” he emphasised.

Mr Kyofatogabye explained that, in simple terms, the plan is to reduce the gradient of the slopes and then cap it.

He added that after a thorough search, the central government chose Jospong Group due to its resources, experience, expertise, and ability to provide cost-effective and easily implementable solutions.

“I just can’t hold on any longer with all this garbage,” he bemoaned.

He assured that individuals residing within a 200-meter radius of the site will receive government compensation.

The Executive Chairman of JGC, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, welcomed the project with optimism, highlighting his company’s extensive expertise in waste management, garnered over 25 years of operation.

“We have extensive experience in waste management, operating 16 plants in Ghana and having constructed an additional 38 facilities specialising in medical waste and other waste materials,” he disclosed.

Dr Agyepong revealed that he had personally visited Uganda to study its waste management system, and as a result, his company has adopted several innovative ways to manage it.

He assured that his company is committed to recovering the compost, which will subsequently become the property of the central government of Uganda.

Dr. Agyepong emphasised that, given the high organic content of Uganda’s municipal solid waste, which is about 80%, the country has a unique opportunity to capitalise on this potential by converting the waste into organic fertilizers.

Source: Adomonline

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The commissioning event, attended by top government officials, members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment and Sanitation, traditional rulers, and industry leaders, marked yet another milestone in the government’s agenda to transform Ghana’s sanitation landscape through strategic collaboration with the private sector.

Testament to Government’s Commitment to Transform the Waste Sector

Representing the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources at the commissioning, Lydia Alhassan Seyram, the Chief Director, Mr. Noah Tumfo, from the Ministry lauded the new facility as a key accomplishment of the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise waste management in Ghana.

“This facility is yet another success in the government’s efforts to transform Ghana by collaborating with the private sector,” the Director emphasised.

He said the creation of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration was a deliberate move to overhaul the sector.

By setting up modern recycling and treatment plants across the country, the government aims to process daily waste into compost and other reusable materials, minimising the environmental impact and turning waste into valuable resources.

Dagbon Traditional Leaders’ Commendation

The Tolon Naa, Naa Yab’ Mahamudu V, who represented the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya Na Abukari Yakubu, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the people of the Northern Region.

In his speech, he praised both the government and the private sector for their leadership and commitment.

“The people of the Northern Region express their heartfelt appreciation to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his sterling leadership style, and to the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyemang, for their thoughtfulness,” he said.

The Tolon Naa also called on Zoomlion, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities by ensuring that job opportunities created by the new facility benefit the indigenes of Dagbon.

He further appealed for the area surrounding the plant to be fenced to prevent encroachment and waste spillage into neighbouring communities, emphasising the need to protect the plant’s operations and the environment.

Jospong’s Commitment to Sustainability and Jobs

Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, recalled the humble beginnings of his waste management journey.

He reflected on a divine moment in 2006, when a trip to China exposed him to a manual tricycle used for waste collection.

Inspired by this simple yet effective technology, he brought the idea to Ghana, starting in Bolgatanga before expanding to Tamale, Wa, and eventually the entire country.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Agyepong noted, “The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufu-Addo cut the sod for the construction of these recycling plants in 2020, and today, we are witnessing the result. This facility will receive and process thousands of tons of waste daily, including medical and liquid waste.”

He expressed profound gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West Regions for their support throughout the project.

The new facility is set to create over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing much-needed employment to the local population.

Furthermore, Dr. Agyepong highlighted that the plant would help manage 99% of all the waste generated in the Northern Region, bringing significant environmental and economic benefits, including carbon credits for the country.

He dedicated the plant to the people of Tamale, positioning it as not only a functional waste management facility but also a research hub for the University for Development Studies (UDS) and Tamale Technical University, and a learning center for the Tamale School of Hygiene and all other educational facilities to boost education in the country.

Additionally, he noted that the site has the potential to become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in waste management innovations.

Partnership with Global Leaders

Alexander Fernandusse, Chief Executive of Lubo/Ecosteryl, a partner of the Jospong Group, commended the visionary leadership of Dr. Agyepong, who had envisioned the project when it seemed improbable.

“We began five years ago, and it seemed like a dream far from reality. Today, that dream has materialised,” Mr. Fernandusse said.

He reiterated Ecosteryl’s commitment to continuing its partnership with Jospong to ensure that Ghana remains at the forefront of African waste management innovation.

A Healthier Future for Tamale and Beyond

The Northern Regional Minister, Alhassan Shani Shaibu, expressed his excitement about the commissioning of the two plants which are added to the Wastewater Treatment Plant which was commissioned earlier, noting their significant impact on the region’s environmental health.

He remarked, “The people of the Northern Region could not be more excited today. These two plants together with the Waste Treatment Plant will help recycle our solid and medical waste, reducing the spread of needless diseases and keeping our communities clean.”

He further acknowledged the collaborative work between the Jospong Group and the government, aligning their efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With these new facilities in operation, Tamale and surrounding communities are set to become cleaner and healthier, fostering a future of sustainable waste management in the Northern Region.

In conclusion, the commissioning of the IRECOP and Medical Waste Treatment Plant in Tamale stands as a testament to Ghana’s unwavering commitment to transforming its waste management system is the 13th IRECOP commissioned in Ghana.

Through the concerted efforts of both the government and the private sector, led by the Jospong Group of Companies, the country is making great strides in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable environment for its people.

The creation of thousands of jobs, carbon credits, and the potential for academic research and tourism all underscore the far-reaching benefits of this monumental project.

Source: Adomonline

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This significant agreement marks a major milestone in the Jospong Group’s efforts to expand its reach and expertise in waste management beyond Ghana’s borders.

The Executive Chairman of JGC, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, signed the contract for his company, while FIMA Industries GmbH was represented by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Markus Maierhofer.

The signing ceremony, which took place in Accra on Friday, September 13, was attended by the Foreign Affairs Minister of Austria, marking the official opening of the Austrian Embassy in Ghana.

The contract is expected to leverage the strengths of both companies, combining Zoomlion’s expertise in waste collection and management with FIMA Industries’ cutting-edge technology and global reach.

Mr. Maierhofer described the partnership with Zoomlion as a “significant milestone.”

“By aligning with such a prominent and influential entity, we are poised to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s waste management sector. Our collaboration with Zoomlion and Jospong Group marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that will bring innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions to waste management in the region. We look forward to expanding our footprint and ensuring that this partnership drives sustainable development across Africa,” he emphasised.

According to him, this partnership will enable the export of waste management services and equipment to other countries, promoting sustainable waste management practices and contributing to a cleaner environment.

He explained that it comes on the back of a successful completion and delivery of a top-tier waste management recycling plant in Ghana.

He disclosed that FIMA Industries have additionally secured insurance from their Austrian contractual partners, which has enabled them to obtain credit for Zoomlion Ghana, further solidifying this partnership.

“Jospong Group, with its extensive footprint, is a major player in Africa’s industrial landscape, spanning multiple sectors. Zoomlion, as a key part of the group, stands out as one of the largest waste management and recycling companies, not just in Ghana but across the entire African continent,” he expressed.

“The Jospong Group, through Zoomlion, has been at the forefront of waste management in Ghana, providing innovative solutions to tackle the country’s waste challenges. This new partnership with FIMA Industries is a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence and its vision to become a global leader in waste management,” he pointed out.

The Director of FIMA Africa, Egya-Boi Awoonor, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that it will bring together Austrian and Ghanaian expertise and focus on the supply of waste management technology.

He stressed the long-standing relationship between the two companies, saying, “Zoomlion has been a valued client of ours for the past eight years, during which time we’ve supplied recycling plants from Austria and vehicles from Germany. What makes today particularly special is that, for the first time, we have financed a major transaction for a Ghanaian company.”

He noted that the partnership is expected to leverage the strengths of both companies, combining Zoomlion’s expertise in waste collection and management with FIMA Industries’ cutting-edge technology and global reach.

This collaboration will enable the export of waste management services and equipment to other countries, promoting sustainable waste management practices and contributing to a cleaner environment.

Source: Adomonline

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The Jospong delegation was led by the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong.

The summit, brought together top African and Chinese leaders and provided an exceptional platform for the Jospong Group to deepen its collaborative efforts with Chinese companies, focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, and technological advancements.

The Jospong delegation was alongside the Ghana Government’s delegation led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. They engaged in bilateral discussions with the Government of China and several Chinese private sector players.

According to the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, the discussions aimed to explore new opportunities and strengthen existing relationships, with a focus on projects that will contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic development and promote a shared future in the new era.

“As a Group we have been trading with China for over two decades and we deemed it necessary to use this platform to build new relationships and deepen existing ones,” Dr. Agyepong said, adding, “Our participation in the FOCAC Summit underscores our commitment to leveraging international partnerships to drive sustainable development in Ghana.”

Key areas of interest discussed during the summit included the development of infrastructure projects, the enhancement of agricultural value chains, and the introduction of innovative technologies to improve efficiency in various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

“The Jospong Group’s commitment to these sectors aligns with Ghana’s broader economic goals,” he explained further.

Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong who also spoke during the plenary session of the summit highlighted the long-standing relationship the Group has with Chinese partners and companies and invited potential companies and investors to partner with the Jospong Group.

He also threw light on the critical role of private sector partnerships in achieving long-term economic stability and growth in Africa.

The FOCAC Summit, takes place every three years and serves as a critical forum for strengthening Sino-African relations, with a focus on enhancing mutual development through economic, political, and cultural cooperation.

The 2024 summit in Beijing attracted high-level delegations from across Africa and China, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving shared prosperity.

As part of engagements of the Jospong Group at FOCAC, the Group also hosted an exhibition on the sidelines of the Ghana-China Investment Summit at the Four Seasons Hotel in Futian-Shenzhen.

The Jospong Group of Companies is the most diversified conglomerate in Ghana .It has over 60 subsidiaries and operates in 16 sectors of the economy.

These include operations in Waste management and processing, oil and Gas, Information Communication Technology, Manufacturing and Logistics, Vehicles, earthmoving equipment, Banking and Insurance among others.

“China has been a keyl partner in our growth journey for over 20 years, and we are excited about the new avenues of cooperation that this summit has opened,” Dr. Agyepong added.

Source: Adomonline

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According to the managers, the efficiency with which the Group is managing Ghana’s waste is commendable.

They made the remark after touring the Pantang Waste Transfer Station, Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) and JA Plantpool, all belonging to the Jospong Group in Accra.

Addressing the media after the tour, the National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, Olugbenga Adebola, said “Lagos is ready for the partnership: We are doing something in Lagos but we’re ready for improvement and there is room for cross border investment, Lagos is ready.”

He added that the recycling plant is a “wonderful investment and very impressive.”

“With a facility like this, Nigeria can be assured of reducing the effect of climate change, improving efficient and effective waste management of the country,” he stressed.

He commended Jospong for its value addition to waste by processing compost and plastic pellets from the waste.

“Waste is not waste until you waste it and what is happening here is not wastage but adding value to waste and this is impressive,” he noted.

The Plant Manager -ACARP, Mr. Malik Makik Ganyo, explained the the operations of the recycling machines to the visiting delegation from Lagos State and how it is adding value to waste being collected.

“I am confident that this can be replicated in any part of Africa to give credence to the statement that indeed waste is a resource in the circular economy,” he stated.

The visit by the Waste Managers is a follow up to an earlier visit by the Lagos State House of Assembly following the signing of MoU between Jospong Group and Lagos State Federal Government earlier in the year.

The Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) is a cutting-edge facility located in Accra, Ghana, with a daily capacity of 2,000 metric tons.

Executed by the Jospong Group, ACARP plays a vital role in managing municipal solid waste in the region. The plant sorts and processes waste to produce high-quality organic compost for agricultural use.

Since its expansion, ACARP has significantly enhanced its capacity to bridge the existing gap of untreated solid waste in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).

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“Partnering with Jospong will help us improve all aspects of sanitation management in Kenya and enhance the lives of our citizens,” says the Wajir County Governor and Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors. “We are impressed by Jospong Group’s expertise and achievements in waste management.,” he added.

Speaking after a tour of Jospong Groups plants in Kumasi on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, H.E. Ahmed Abdulai, Wajir County Governor and Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors said the team is grateful for the opportunity.

After observing the separation process, production of plastic pellets, and youth entrepreneurship initiatives at JGC, the Kenyan delegation praised Jospong’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The General Manager of the KCARP, Ing. Samuel Ntumy was optimistic that the visit would yield positive results.

“We are looking forward to further discussions and timelines with them to finalise the arrangements,” Mr Ntumy said.

Besides KCARP, Kumasi Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Kumasi Medical Waste facilities, the delegation also visited ACARP, SSGL, Zoomlion’s Pantang Solid Waste Transfer Station, and JA Plantpool, among other key facilities.

The potential partnership between Jospong Group and the Kenyan Council of Governors is expected to lead to improved sanitation services in Kenya, benefiting millions of citizens.

The delegation is on a five-day mission to study Jospong Group’s waste management systems, following Kenyan President H.E. William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto’s visit to Ghana in April 2024.

The mission aims to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two countries, aligning with the theme “Driving Investment and Intra-Africa Trade: The Ghana-Kenya Experience.

“This business development mission demonstrates the Kenyan government’s admiration for Jospong Group’s contributions to Ghana’s economy and its desire to replicate similar successes in Kenya,” said.

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According to him, South Korea has advanced technology in renewable energies such as solar and wind power, which could be advantageous for the continent.

Dr. Agyepong mentioned that, South Korea’s capacity can benefit African businesses, and called for them to tap into this potential to benefit the continent and Ghana.

He also emphasized the readiness of the private sector to partner with Korea, urging for the removal of restrictions and bureaucracy in supporting 48 African nations.

“Opportunity is crucial in business. South Korea has a capacity that can benefit African businesses and they need to unleash that to benefit the continent and Ghana. The Private sector is ready to partner with Korea which must remove restrictions and bureaucracy as it seeks to support 48 African nations,” he said during a television interview after the Korean-African Summit in Kintex, Korea.

Dr. Agyepong commended South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol for his commitment to boosting support for Africa, including enhanced trade and investment pledges.

He also highlighted Jospong Group’s efforts in Ghana to address waste management through various initiatives.

“The whole world is about climate change. In Ghana, Jospong Group has tackled waste management as a serious issue, from collection, haulage, composting, recycling and other forms of treatments.”

The Summit focused on key initiatives such as Economic Partnership Agreements, Trade and Investment Promotion Frameworks, and support for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

During the Summit, South Korea announced plans to increase official development assistance to $10 billion by 2030 and provide $14 billion in export financing.

Dr. Agyepong emphasized the need for collaboration in critical areas such as minerals, digital transformation, climate change, food security, and public health.

The Korea-Africa Summit, held on June 4-5, 2024, in Ilsan and Seoul, aimed to boost cooperation, address global challenges, and promote collective strength for sustainable development.

The outcome is expected to lead to new agreements and investments in energy access, agricultural transformation, and capacity building across Africa.

This summit was the first of its kind since the founding of the Republic of Korea. However, there have been other summits and conferences between Korea and Africa, such as the 7th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference in September 2023.

The Korea-Africa Energy Investment Framework (KAEIF) was also established in 2021.

Ghana and South Korea have maintained diplomatic relations since 1977.

These relations have spanned various areas including political, economic, trade, investment, technology, security, and culture.

The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has implemented various projects in Ghana, including the Dawhenya Integrated Rural Development Project, a maternal and child healthcare project, a water and sanitation project, and a capacity-building project focused on the power transmission system.

Dr. Agyepong expressed his optimism about the future of Korea-Africa relations, stating, “The future looks bright, and I’m thrilled to be part of this transformative journey.”

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Speaking with the Managing Director of Waste Landfills, a subsidiary of Jospong Group, Peter Dagadu, he affirmed that as per practice, the Group always employs the locals to manage its facilities in the countries where it operates.

“95% of the staff that will manage the facility will be Nigerians, we will not bring workers from anywhere,” he assured.

He stated that, they are looking forward to concluding the feasibility studies and designs so they can start the procurement process of contracting contractors to start developing the site.

The Managing Director of Sewage Systems Ghana, Ing. Mrs. Florence Cobbold, on her part said they will work with the local associations to ensure they agree on the appropriate technology that is suitable for the Nigerian market.

In another development, the Group paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Consul-General to Lagos, HE Hajia Samata Gifty Bukari.

The visit led by the Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong was to introduce the Group and inform the Consulate that JGC has reached an agreement with the Lagos State Government to build an integrated waste recycling plant in Lagos, Nigeria.

According to Dr. Agyepong, JGC had made some mistakes in the past when it ventured into some countries without consulting Ghana’s missions in those countries.

“We have learnt our lessons from past mistakes when we didn’t consult Ghana’s missions in foreign countries so we are here to do the right thing,” he asserted.

He announced that the Group has started advocacy activities and community engagements to sensitize the people in the community where the plant will be located.

Dr. Agyepong promised the Consul-General that JGC will continue to engage the Consulate and keep it updated on the needed information on the progress of work and other activities.

The Executive Chairman also announced the Group’s interest to participate in the Consulate’s independence day exhibition scheduled for March 23, 2024.

Ghana’s Consul-General to Lagos, HE Hajia Samata Gifty Bukari, assured the Executive Chairman of the support from her office.

She noted that her office will assist JGC in every way to succeed and eventually expand to other states.

The National President of the Ghananian Community in Nigeria, Frank Ekow Quaye, who was in the meeting also assured the Group of their support to ensure their success in Nigeria.

Mr. Quaye who has been living in Nigeria for over 40 years noted that he and his executives will share experiences and guide the JGC’s team to efficiently navigate the Nigerian market.

The Jospong Group of Companies this week entered into agreement with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to build waste treatment plants in Lagos, Nigeria.

The integrated waste treatment facility will help to transform the environmental situation of Africa’s most populous city.

The landmark agreement was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Jospong Group of Companies led by its Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong and the Honourable Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab in Lagos on Monday February 26, 2024.

Per the MoU, Jospong Group will establish a Material Recovery Facility; Mobile Transfer loading stations; Repurposing of current Olusosun landfill, Supply of self-tipping tricycles; and Bin manufacturing and plastic recycling plant to streamline recyclable activities.

According to a report by the Lagos State Waste Management Agency, Lagos State produces approximately 13,000 tons of waste per day.

The consequences of poor sanitation are dire, ranging from the spread of waterborne diseases to environmental degradation, and disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable segments of our society, including women, children, and the elderly.

In Ghana, JGC has established 58 sustainable sanitation infrastructures for liquid, medical, plastics, and municipal solid waste including 16 integrated recycling and compost plants. These plants produce compost which is also helping to boost the agricultural sector of the economy.

The gesture which forms part of the Group’s corporate social responsibility it is aimed at assisting with the medical bills of renal patients at the hospital.

Presenting the cheque, the Director of Communication and Corporate Affairs at Zoomlion Ghana Ltd. Ms. Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duah noted that every year the company embarks on charity endeavours by identifying needy institutions and individuals and supports them in which ever means they can.

Last year, the company took a decision to support the dialysis program, hence settling on three dialysis units in Accra for the support.

“Every year after our end of year Thanksgiving service, we engage in charity, and in 2023, we decided to support the dialysis units of three hospitals,” she explained.

The total figure for the three beneficiary hospitals; the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC), and the Bank Hospital, is GH¢500,000.

Receiving the cheque, the Chief Finance Officer, madam Grace Awotwi, commended the Jospong Group for the support and promised that the money would be of great support to the patients.

On his part, a dialysis specialist at the hospital, Franklin Asare, noted that it has been very challenging for some patients to pay for their bills.

He therefore called on the government to consider absorbing the cost of dialysis on the national insurance scheme.

“I believe the government can help with the cost of at least a session of dialysis a week, which could be covered under the national insurance scheme to help reduce the burden,” he pleaded.

A patient, Ms. Stacy Adam Behinni, a 24-year-old, former student of the Tema Secondary School, commending the Jospong Group for the benevolence, said she has been on dialysis for four years and this has hindered the advancement of her education.

This is because the sickness has been a toll on her parents.

“This sickness has brought a lot of pain to my family because every week they have find money to pay my bills, and this has not been easy at all,” she cried.

It is estimated that between 13% and 17% of Ghana’s population have some form of renal function impairment.

This equates to between 4 million and 5.2 million citizens. Researchers suggest that, from this segment of the population, between 15,000 and 19,500 should be on dialysis.

The data available suggests that approximately 2,000 people are currently on dialysis.

This means between 13,000 and 17,500 people are without treatment. These people will often seek alternative forms of treatment and access renal care only when the situation is acute. This has an impact on their quality of life and life expectancy.

He explained that, when leaders begin to place value on the life of an African and places them first, they will implement policies and programmes that will benefit all without discrimination.

“Africa’s problem is not finance, Africa is where it is because most leaders do not place enough value on human life,” he lamented.

Dr. Adeyemi said “Most African leaders do not believe that the average African deserve better and that’s why its development is slow and often discriminatory”.

Speaking at the 2024 Jospong Leadership Conference on the topic “Inclusive Leadership” on Tuesday January 15, 2024 at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoah Fetteh, Dr. Adeyemi urged African leaders to love without discrimination.

“Africa’s problem is not money but lack of love,” he emphasized.

He mentioned that, one of the characteristics of an inclusive leader is one who cares for others.

“Love is the essence of inclusive leadership in the relationship of a leader-follower since it remains the foundation n delivers solid business results,” he stressed.

He said as an African, he understands the many things that divide the continent and practically incapacitate its capacity to innovate, create and take its rightful place in the world.

“Let’s treat every man with the same dignity,” he therefore challenged African leaders.

Touching on the characteristics of a great leader, he noted that leaders must be willing to admit weakness.

He said “leaders are not perfect, and admitting mistakes rather builds trust in the followers”.

He commended the Jospong Group for organising such conference for its staff.

“It seem normal but it’s absolutely phenomenal for an African institution to organise leadership conference for its staff,” he lauded the company.

Mr. Edward Ato Sarpong, a business and leadership consultant, taking his turn to speak at the conference, identified five enablers to make change happened in any given society.

Using the ‘APPLE’ analogy (Anger, Pressure, Possibilities, Learning and lessons and Environment) he noted that before change could happen, the change seekers must be angry and must exert pressure to see a change.

He advised management of the Jospong Group to create the enabling environment that encourages positive change.

“An organisation is doomed if change only comes from the top,” he advised.

The 11th edition of the Jospong Leadership Conference drew participants mainly leaders and staff both of the Jospong Group of Companies. Others also joined online from across the country.

The theme for the 2024 Leadership Conference, “Driving Business Excellence through Innovation, Sustainability, and Empowerment,” was unveiled, with a clear message that innovation is crucial for achieving the Group’s vision of becoming a leading business in Africa.

The Jospong Academy’s role in designing innovative learning programmes has been critical to the growth of the conglomerate.

They will work together exclusively to identify relevant experts, rice farmers and value chain players through EGTA to support the Jospong rice project in Ghana spearheaded by the Asian African Consortium (AAC).

The MoU further sets out the general framework which shall serve as the foundation upon which a binding agreement shall be subsequently signed.

The Lead Coordinator for the Jospong Rice Project, Rev. George Tsidi Blavo, noted at the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja- Nigeria on Friday, September 8, 2023, that, the economic vision of Ghana hinges on transforming its economy beyond aid, shifting from import dependency to becoming a manufacturing and value-added economy, with a central role of the private sector.

Adding that the AAC, is committed to contributing significantly to the transformative journey by partnering with countries and institutions possessing the necessary expertise.

“Given Ghana’s geographical proximity and similar economic characteristics, it is prudent for us to draw from Nigeria’s experiences and insights to achieve our goal of ensuring food security” he added.

“It is against this backdrop that we have chosen to pursue this MoU with EGTA of Nigeria, with the primary objective of promoting the growth and development of various agricultural sectors, including the production of rice, soya beans, wheat, yellow corn, sunflower, milling, storage, marketing, export, research, training and related industries,” he further stated.

Also, the Managing Director of EGTA Investment, Bashiru Ibrahim said the future of Africa depends on the concept of cooperation, financial, investment, technical, social, economy and political cooperation between African nations.

He explained that, under the technical, financial and investment cooperation component of the MoU, “we are going to share the technical know-how, we are going to bring investment into Ghana and under training and capacity building, we will expose the players to a lot of training in both Nigeria and Ghana and even elsewhere so that whatever we do is in line with international best practices”.

“We are confident that at the end, this cooperation will create wealth and employment in the two countries and the private sector in both counties will set example for other private sector organizations to follow,” he concluded.

Ghana’s acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Edison M. Agbenyega was excited that one of the cardinal foreign policies of Ghana which is economic diplomacy is uniting various countries through economic activities adding that “this signing ceremony is a step towards achieving such goal.”

He observed that, Nigeria has the potential to develop its agricultural sector to feed Africa and the rest of the world.

He reiterated that, the Planting for Food and Jobs project has contributed to Ghana’s agricultural growth “and indeed this is the underpinning policy to the MoU that we are signing today.”

The enduring brotherly relations between Ghana and Nigeria is a source of pride and the AAC is determined to continually strengthen the ties through robust collaborations for mutual benefit. Over the years, the two nations have cooperated in diverse fronts, including economic, trade, investment, technology, security and agriculture.

The Federal Government of Nigeria was represented at the ceremony by Hon. Mohammed Bello, Federal Minister of Water Resources who excitedly witnessed the signing ceremony to signify the importance the Nigerian government attaches to this partnership.

She received the Excellence In Leadership Award in recognition of her exemplary leadership skills, relentless efforts, and her contribution to the growth of corporate governance in the country.

Receiving the awards, Mrs. Okpoti-Paulo, who also doubles as the Finance Director for Zoomlion Ghana Limited, was confident the recognition will motivate not just her but other female executives to excel in their chosen career, “knowing that whatever they do in their small office someone somewhere has seen them and will reward them in due course”.

Other awards won by the Group on the night are Excellence in Leadership of the Year (Printing Services) Jacqueline Afful from Appointed Time Printing Press, Outstanding Printing Company of the Year – Appointed Time Printing Press, National Hospitality Company of the Year – AH Hotel and Conference and National Business Hero of the Year – AH Hotel & Conference.

The rest are National Business Hero of the Year -AH Hotel &Conference, Transformational Company of the Year – Dredge Masters and Excellence in Leadership Award of the Year (Environment Sustainability) – Captain Ansar Ahmed

The 3rd edition of the National Business Honours took place on Saturday, August 19th, 2023, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, under the theme “Navigating uncertain Times; Empowering Businesses for a Resilient Future.”

The National Business Honours seeks to recognize companies and individuals for their visionary leadership, trade skills, resilience, innovation towards business growth and sustainability, market development, and overall business competitiveness.

As a high-level public- private award, the National Business Honours provides a unique platform for government to deepen their strategic relationship with the business community, including CEOs, Board of Directors, and investors for national development.

The National Business Honours is a C-level, high-impact, economic empowerment, and leadership awards program developed by Global Ovations to champion business growth, economic empowerment, and job creation in Ghana. With the business community at heart and Ghana’s future in mind, the National Business Honours is committed to promoting professionalism and high standard of operation among sector players across the country.

The National Business Honours is a climax to the National Business Week 2023. The National Business Week highlights the critical growth enablers that will ensure business continuity and drive momentum across all Industries in the future. It also provides an opportunity for commercial entities to exhibit their organizations, products and services.

Led by Dredge Masters Ltd. who won two awards on the night, the other subsidiaries won an award each.

The Managing Director of Dredge Masters Ltd, Captain Ansar Ahmed Khan, received the prestigious Dredging Industry Leadership Award, while the deputy CEO Samuel Borquaye, received the enviable Top 10 Transformational Deputy CEO Leadership Award.

Receiving the award Captain Ansar Ahmed Khan, expressed appreciation of Dredge Masters’ contribution to solving the perennial flooding of the capital city, adding that “Dredge Masters is making a positive and tangible impact in addressing the pressing challenges associated with flooding in the capital city”.

Other awards won by the Group on the night were Procurement and Supply Chain Business Leaders, Hannah Boohemaa Otu, (Head Supply Chain, Jospong Group of Companies), Impactful Emerging Business of the Year – Medical Waste Services Ltd, and Top 20 Influential HR Business Leader in Ghana – Collins Kofi Frimpong (Group Head, Human Capital- Environment and Sanitation Cluster of the Jospong Group of Companies.

The rest are Outstanding Business Leader of the Year (Logistics) – Mr. Alex Atakora-Chief Operating Officer, Technical and Logistics Cluster of the Jospong Group, Innovative Port Services Provider, Amaris Terminal, Outstanding Business Impact Award – Ing. Senam Tengey, Excellence in Change Management Strategy Award – Zoomlion Ghana Limited HR Team, Impactful Emerging Business of the Year – Medical Waste Service Limited.

The colourful ceremony took place on Friday, 4th August 2023, at the esteemed La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, under the theme “Transformational Leadership; Passion, Vision & Strategic Management for Development.”

The NGBLA Awards celebrated leaders across various sectors of the Ghanaian economy, encompassing Energy, Finance, Manufacturing, Trade, Transport, Education, Agri-business, logistics, and telecommunications, among others.

The event also highlighted the significant contributions of social entrepreneurs and individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on others through their charitable causes.

The National Governance & Business Leadership Awards is a distinguished, C-level high-impact, economic development and strategic leadership awards program, created by the Governance & Business Boardroom, which aims to champion and celebrate good corporate governance, outstanding leadership, economic empowerment, and job creation in Ghana.

The event recognizes and honours top CEOs, Board chairs, procurement leaders, HR leaders, business executives, companies, and organizations that exemplify excellence in their respective fields.

The criteria for selecting the CEO of the Year at the National Governance and Business Leadership Awards were rigorous, encompassing Visionary Leadership, Strategic Planning, Innovation and Creativity, Financial Performance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Industry Impact, and Personal Integrity.

The three-day exhibition and conference saw in attendance a delegation of eight officers from subsidiaries of the E&S Cluster of the Jospong Group of Companies namely (Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited, AfES Consult and Waste Landfill).

Despite the main theme being on Water and Waste Water Treatment, Solid Waste, and Medical Waste, the team was tasked to drive a strong awareness campaign on the 360 integrated waste management services the cluster provides in Municipal Solid Waste, Industrial waste, and the processing of waste recyclables.

Over 100 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors who graced the three-day event, confirmed the fair as a giant platform for the exhibition of environmental technologies.

IFAT Johannesburg 2023, exhibition and conference was a concentrated knowledge transfer and networking event that has over the years drawn interest from across the world.

This year’s edition as usual attracted global participation, with delegates from as far afield as Germany, Austria, China, Italy, Norway, the UK, and Ghana.

Having attracted exhibitors from different countries and visitors from other countries, the show offered perspective on urgent matters like the circular economy and resource efficiency, confirming its position as the world’s leading platform for water, sewage, waste, and raw material management.

Taking her turn on Tuesday during a presentation, the General Manager, SSGL Private, Ms. Lola Asiseh Ashitey threw more light on the journey and achievements of the Jospong Group of Companies in the area of waste management in Ghana.

Participants present lauded the Jospong Group of Companies for establishing Zoomlion, Dredge Masters, and Sewage Systems, IRECOP, Waste landfill, among others, adding that a collective effort from these subsidiaries has seen Ghana not only making progress in the environmental space but also in the recycling of reusable waste materials into new and beneficial products in Sub-Saharan Africa and the world across.

Also during a breakfast meeting organized by Cleantech Business Roundtable, Switzerland Global Enterprise, and the Norway Embassy, General Manager, Ms. Lola Asiseh Ashitey, and Elsie N. E Ekumah, Asst. Technical Manager PSB threw more light on the good works of the Jospong Group and emphasised the advanced technological wastewater treatment practices employed by her company.

On their part, Mr Edmond Kweku Vidjah, the Business Development Manager of Zoomlion, Dr Yahaya Yakubu, Director of Environmental Analysis and Consultancy of AfES Consult, Mr Richard Omani, the Operations Manager of Waste Landfill, Ms Cynthia Gbadago, Zoomlion PSL, Mr Jephthah Tetteh, Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer of Zoomlion and Nana Kofi Tego, Communications Officer of the Jospong Group engaged investors and prospective partners from South Africa and all participating countries who were impressed with the exploits in Ghana and across Africa on possible future collaborations in their countries.

The gathering is one of the main events that pull participation across multiple industries in the environmental and engineering space in the manner it did.

Exhibitors and visitors immensely benefitted from our international network and global partnerships with associations, key industry players, and the media.

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He expressed satisfaction about what Ghana has done so far through Jospong to be able to create value from the waste menace.

President Hichilema was addressing leaders of the Jospong Group of Companies at the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) in Accra during a working visit to Ghana.

He said leaders of Africa have shifted focus on talking politics to how to create opportunities for the African people and that is the new paradigm on the table.

“We don’t need you to persuade us to give you the opportunity to operate; it is our responsibility to build African businesses that will give jobs to our people” he assured.
 
He was categorical in his assurance to the JGC that, he (President) would immediately set up a committee at the Zambia Presidency to coordinate with the Jospong team to start work as a matter of urgency.

“We won an election massively, and we are going to walk the talk to improve the lives of the people” adding that Africans must learn how to choose their leaders so that these leaders can work to the larger benefit of the people.

The Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, who received the entourage with his better half, Mrs. Adelaide Araba Agyepong, and key executives of the JGC said the nature of African waste is that organic waste constitutes 61%.

He said, we, therefore, must turn all that component of waste into fertilizer and the rest are plastics 14%, leather, glass 3%, textiles 2%  and e-waste 5%, among others are exactly what Jospong is doing in Africa.

He assured the Zambia President and his entourage of immediate action in that regard where several waste recycling plants and mechanisms will be put in place to rid their cities of the waste menace.

The president was accompanied by the Zambian Ministers for Tourism Hon. Rodney Sikumba, Mines and Minerals, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, the Ambassador to Ghana and Ghana’s Ambassador to Zambia together with members of the diplomatic corps among others.

The entourage toured the waste management facility to abreast themselves of its operations.

The agreement seeks to tap into the expertise of IRRI to accelerate the development of the rice industry in Ghana, by supporting the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with knowledge sharing, while building the capacity of rice growers, and researchers with the necessary skill set.

“This new connection builds on the recent agreement between Jospong Group and the CSIR, forming a tripartite partnership that will ensure Ghana has access to the latest scientific advancements and innovations,” noted Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Chair and Founder of Jospong Group.

“This new partnership will be very important for ensuring nutritious, high yielding and climate resilient rice varieties are available in Ghana, like high zinc rice, as well as new production methods to harness the potential of these varieties,” highlighted Dr Joanna Kane-Potaka, Deputy Director General, Strategy, Engagement & Impact, at IRRI.

She added that the partnership will make rice farming more profitable in Ghana, which means smallholder farmers will benefit more. “And it will be done sustainably in an environmentally friendly manner,” she emphasized.

The Director General of the CSIR, Prof. Paul Bosu, who described the event as historic, was hopeful that the project will be successful and will address the country’s import cover on rice.

“It is disturbing to note that Ghana spends so much to import rice and the success of this project will address that. We, therefore, have no option than to succeed,” he challenged his colleagues.

He stressed that the Jospong Rice project is not a knee-jerk reaction but rather seeks to bring all the stakeholders together to forge and support a national agenda.

“The knowledge component has been placed in a high pedestal to ensure the project succeeds. We are making considerable preparation before take off,” he underscored.

Dr. Abdelbagi Ismail, IRRI-Africa Director, noted that “The agreement and the tripartite link is expected to be a model for other countries in Africa to show how it can accelerate research and delivery of high-quality rice and develop effective rice value chains for national and regional food and nutrition security”.

This partnership was brokered by the High Commissioner, Her Excellency Florence Akonor, who visited IRRI’s global headquarters requesting technical advice and collaboration with the Ghana Rice Project, private industry and other key stakeholders. It will ensure better yields and livelihoods for farmers, at the same time ensuring sustainable production using the latest nutritious and healthy rice available.

The scale will be reached through investments by the Jospong Group and supporting smallholder farmers with high-quality seeds, modern production technologies and training.

Jospong Group is focused on scaling up the rice industry in Ghana to replace the large and increasing quantities of rice being imported.

Rice consumption in Ghana has almost tripled in the last 10 years with individuals now consuming approximately 45kg of rice each year. There are excellent opportunities to build new rice-based industries in Ghana as well as there is an urgent need to produce locally to reverse the financial stress on the country of increasing imports and demand for foreign exchange.

IRRI is dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people and populations that depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Through its work and partnerships, IRRI aims to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change; and support the empowerment of women and the youth in the rice industry.

Background

In 2023, the Asian African Consortium a subsidiary of the Jospong Group entered into a partnership with major rice industry players in Thailand and Ghana to develop an integrated rice farming project. This move by Jospong Group stemmed from the government’s decision to boost the economy through import substitution.

A core team later visited Thailand for the Ghana-Thailand Business conference in March 2023 with researchers from various universities in Ghana as well as major players in the rice industry.

It is on record that Ghana spent over GH¢6.8billion (equivalent to US$ 560 million at current market rates) importing rice, a grain that can be produced locally.
While total rice consumption stood at 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2022, imports valued at US$560 million accounted for 800,000 metric tonnes (mt) of the consumption figure, with domestic production catering for the remaining demand – according to data from IDH Sustainable Trade, a foundation headquartered in The Netherlands.

Similarly, according to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, between 2010 and 2020 the country’s rice imports hit a staggering US$ 8 billion. This, in addition to imports of other food items that can be produced locally, has been a major source of concern for stakeholders.

Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the conglomerate, received an award as the Group CEO, 2022– Private Sector Business at the 7th Ghana CEO Summit and awards held at the Kempinski Hotel. The award was in recognition of his immense contributions to private sector development through his Group of companies under the Jospong Group.

The event was hosted by the Chief Executive Officers (CEO)’s Forum and was attended by CEOs across Ghana. The award was received by representatives of the Group in his stead. In all, over 50 CEOs received Leadership Excellence Awards while 14 public officials received Outstanding Public Leadership Awards for the year, 2022.

In a related development, two other subsidiaries of the Jospong Group, Dredge Masters and Kumasi Composting and Recycling Plant (KCARP) also received two prestigious awards at the National Brands Innovation Awards.

Dredge Masters Limited received the prestigious Community Impact Award of the year for its exceptional contribution to the dredging sector and the significant impact it has made in sanitizing the national water bodies, while KCARP was honoured with the prestigious Waste Management & Recycling Facility Excellence Award.

According to RAD Communications, the awarding institution, the two subsidiaries have showed exceptional innovation in their respective fields.

“This award acknowledges Dredge Masters as a leading brand in the dredging sector and recognizes the profound influence of their work in preserving and reviving the country’s water resources,” an accompanying statement said.

“The Jospong Group takes great pride and joy in receiving these esteemed awards and recognition. The entire organization is filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratification, knowing that our hard work and dedication have been acknowledged and celebrated,” says Ms. Sophia Kudjordji, Chief Corporate Communications Officer in an interview after the awards ceremony.

“This recognition is a testament to their remarkable achievements as a brand in Health Safety Security and Environment and outstanding commitment to health improvement within their sector of operations,” she added.

The award for Dredge Masters was received by the Captain Khan Ansar, Managing Director and his Deputy Mr. Samuel Borquaye and other staff while the Award for KCARP was received by the Managing Director Ing. Samuel Ntumy and his team and assisted by Ms. Sophia Kudjordji, Chief Corporate Communication Officer.

The Awards ceremony took place at the plush Labadi Beach Hotel.

Dredge Masters Limited (DML Ghana) is an ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015, and 45001:2018 certified Ghanaian company and a leading provider of cutting-edge, modern technological dredging services.

DML provides cost-effective dredging services to the government of Ghana and private institutions.

Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (KCARP) on the other hand is a mega-scale municipal solid waste treatment plant which was set up to receive and treat municipal solid waste from the Kumasi Metropolis and adjoining district assemblies. Over the years it has established itself as a first class solid waste treatment and recycling plant.

Speaking at B2B session with the Austrian delegation led by the Federal Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, in Accra under the auspices of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Vice President reiterated Ghana’s commitment to strategic partnership with the private sector and enhanced efforts for industrialisation and productive transformation to achieve sustainable economic growth.

He said Ghana is open for business and is eager to forge mutual beneficial rewarding relationships with Austria.

“As Ghana and Austria seem to forge stronger bonds we have to sustain such relationship through improved technical and science based education, technology and also address unfair trade relations among others”, he stressed.

He noted that the Austrian Federal Chancellor’s participation at this business forum also demonstrates the commitment of the Austrian government to enhance collaboration between private and public sectors of the two countries for mutual benefits.

He noted that Ghana has a stable political environment, strong democratic culture, safe and happy people underpinned by freedom of expression.

“In the volatile West Africa, Ghana is ranked as the most peaceful country and the second most peaceful country in Africa, he emphasised.

He also noted Ghana has educated and competitive and trainable labour force which should motivate the Austrian investors to consider investing in Ghana.

He observed the timing for the meeting was auspicious as the devastated effects of COVID 19, climate change and ongoing energy and food crisis has desmonstrated the need for increased global collaboration.

“These global development has amplified protection and distortions of supply chains with ramifications for economies in the continent including Ghana,” he stated.

Dr. Bawumia however noted that Ghana has initiated steps to bounce back stronger.

“Ghana had its fair share of these burdens and is making concrete efforts to bounce back stronger, ” he stressed.

As we pull together to revive the global economy, and secure our future against economic, environmental, health security treats the contribution of Africa to these efforts cannot be understated.

Dr Bawumia was pleased to see the the union of Jospong Group and Komptec as the two signed a 30 million Euro agreement to support rice production in Ghana.

With the agreement, Komptec will support the Jospong Group rice project with machinery and technology.

“We see prospects of reassuring and making the case for some your companies to operate from Ghana and export,” noted Dr Bawumia as he witnessed the signing ceremony.

The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Mrs Cecilia Abena Dapaah, made the call when she received a delegation from Wongpanit Pathong Company Limited, a leading Thailand and global waste management company, at her ministry on Friday, February 24, 2023.

The meeting with the minister and the Wongpanit delegation, led by their President, Dr Somthai Wongcharden, was facilitated by the JGC.

According to Mrs Dapaah, recycling of used cars will be a new area for Ghana’s waste management sector, adding that it holds prospects for potential investors.

“It will be very interesting for the Jospong Group of Companies and other interested private companies to explore the possibility of investing in the recycling of used cars,” she urged.

She was very delighted that the Thailand waste management giant was into recycling of used cars and other car products including used batteries.

“We have a lot of damaged cars sitting in the police stations; a lot of used car tyres gathering mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season, and this is a very interesting area,” she said.

She was also happy that the Jospong Group of Companies was forging a new relationship with a global waste management company in Thailand.

“I must say that you are with the right person and the right company (making reference to Dr Siaw Agyepong and his Jospong Group of Companies),” she told the delegation.

She praised the Jospong Group of Companies for its growth in the recycling space of waste management.

“But I am sure you [Wongpanit Pathong] are older and bigger as a company so the mutual working together will be highly profitable,” she optimistically stated.

Mrs Dapaah, therefore, appealed to both foreign and local investors to come and invest in Ghana’s waste management space, underscoring that Ghana produces about 7 million tons of waste a year of which about 64% is organic.

She intimated that the collaboration between the government and the private sector was yielding “huge results.”

“…and I must say that we are on the right path,” she admitted.

One of such major collaborations, she said, was the construction of recycle plants in all 16 regions of the country.

“And as I speak, we have 2 of 3 liquid waste management companies that are also ready. One has been commissioned and we have 2 more coming up,” Mrs Dapaah said.

These waste management facilities, she said, were made possible through the government’s collaboration with the JGC.

Mrs Dapaah re-affirmed the government’s policy of collaborating with the private sector to spur the country’s growth, insisting that “without the private sector we will not succeed.”

Earlier, briefing the minister on Wongpanit’s operations, the President of the Thai waste management company, Dr Somthai Wongcharden, said his company focuses mainly on recyclable materials but added that “right now we are also developing through non-recyclable waste from the municipal solid waste, so we also work on landfills.”

“We collect waste from various households and then transfer them to our recycle facilities,” he said.

He pointed out that a key success factor of the company was first to think of the needs of the market, then “we tailor our products and services to meet the demands of the market.”

Dr Wongcharden, who spoke through an interpreter, noted further that they were into urban mining of waste, indicating that the company mines waste from the cities.

“We work as a private company but we have also connections with the government of Thailand,” he admitted.

As a directive from the Executive Chairman of JGC, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, staff members of JGC and ZGL on Thursday, December 8,2022, marched onto the streets to speak to people about the unfailing love of Jesus Christ.

The evangelism programme, which began from the group’s premises through to the School Junction end of the main Ashley Botwe-Nmai-Dzorn in Accra, saw the participants interact with people on the streets, homes and in vehicles about the saving grace of Christ.

Many who received the good news were excited about the fact that Christ is the centre of the JGC and ZGL.

Speaking in an interview with the media on the essence of the programme, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of JGC, Mrs Sophia Kudjordji, said the outreach was meant to remind Ghanaians that all hope was not lost.

She said the only way to be joyful in life was to surrender one’s life to Christ and as well experience peace.

Just as cleanliness is next to Godliness, she admonished Ghanaians to ensure that their environment was treated with respect.

For her part, the Communications and Corporate Affairs Director of ZGL, Mrs. Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duah, entreated the citizenry to take advantage of the free bins initiative currently ongoing, stressing however, that they may doon be required to pay fot it.

She again urged the public to eschew the practice of dropping trashes around and rather adopt putting them into dustbins.

Earlier, the Mission Director of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyeman Bekoe, stated that the Lord deserves to be celebrated for what He has done and who He is.

He explained that celebrating God for His greatness was very vital, especially in the light of His mighty works.

Sharing the word of God with a gathering of staff members, heads of departments of JGC and ZGL Apostle Agyeman Bekoe underscored the importance of celebrating the Lord always.

According to him, God ought to be worshipped for all His deeds

He further explained that offering thanksgiving to God means sounding trumpets and other musical instruments.

While in the Old Testament, thanking the Lord means singing and marching to the glory of the Lord, praying and singing are characteristics of the New Testament era, he averred.

Tracts and placards bearing inscriptions such as “Are you ready for His coming?, Jesus still saves, Jesus is the Way,the Truth and the Light and Jesus, your Shepherd is looking for you amongst others were on display with the aim of reconnecting lost souls back to their Maker.

Gospel Musician, Akesse Brempong, who was the guest artiste, graced the celebration with his melodic ministrations as well as the Present King Choir.

There were amazing displays from various departments within the Jospong Group and Zoomlion.

The thanksgiving service is a yearly celebration by JGC and ZGL to commemorate the awesomeness of God throughout the year, despite challenges along the way.

Themed “Celebrating The Goodness of The Lord”, the five-day event (Monday, December 5 – Friday, December 9, 2022,) which kicked-off at the Adjirigarnor headquarters of Zoomlion in Accra, is also being replicated at the regional offices of the company across the country.

Addressing a gathering of staff members of JGC and ZGL, and other invited guests, the Executive Chairman, JGC, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, reiterated that the essence of the annual event is to give glory and thanks to Almighty God for all His goodness in sustaining the JGC and Zoomlion.

He added that for the protection of lives and property, the Lord Almighty deserved loads of praises.

Lamenting the number of lives lost to road carnages, floods and fire outbreaks and yet they have been sustained, he underpinned the need for them to be thankful to the Lord.

Dr Agyepong was equally elated that God has granted journey mercies to staff members of his group as well as himself and family.

With a joyful heart, he led the gathering to sing sweet melodies to praise God, stressing that the “Lord deserves more for His mercies on us.”

Delivering a sermon on the opening day, the Area Head of Church of Pentecost, Teshie-Nungua, Apostle Welberforce Nkrumah Agyemang, espoused situations that should warrant thanksgiving to God.

According to him, when God delivers one from a severe situation, that person must offer thanks to Him.

However, he pointed out that thanksgiving should not only be done in good times but in all situations (good and bad).

Quoting from the book of Psalm 107:7 which says “Oh see that the Lord is good and His mercies endure forever,” he intimated that one ought to give thanksgiving when he/she is healed from an acute illness.

“You thank God when you have been delivered from financial hardships; you need to offer God thanks,” he stressed.

Apostle Nkrumah Agyemang urged the gathering to also remember the goodness of God when a new door of opportunity opens.

He said one should be grateful and offer thanksgiving when God opens their eyes to new frontiers and enables them to take advantage of them.

“We should learn to propagate the goodness of God to repose hope in another,” he advised.

He recounted the story of a man who fell ill and was discharged following a few days of hospitalisation.

According to the man of God, this man broke down into uncontrollable tears upon spotting his bills.

He narrated that the healed sick man’s bill was eventually paid by his children yet this man never stopped the tears and when asked, he said “for this short period I came to lie yet for all what God has been doing for me, I have held His praise.”

He used the analogy to emphasise the need for human beings to be thankful to God.

The completion of the above facilities will help boost rice production in the country which will drastically reduce its importation.

Presenting the 2023 Budget in Parliament last week, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, said as part of efforts to promote exports, the government will expand the productive capacity in the real sector of the economy and actively encourage the consumption of locally produced rice, poultry, vegetable oil and fruit juices, ceramic tiles among others.

In the light of the above, the first batch of the technical team from Thailand is expected to arrive in Ghana in December, this year.

It follows a visit to Thailand by a team from JGC led by its Executive Chairman, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong.

The team was in Thailand to understudy the Thai rice sector in order to replicate their experiences and strategy in Ghana.

The intention of Jospong Group of Companies is to partner with major rice industry players in Thailand to provide technical and equipment support for the entire rice value chain in Ghana with the aim of producing rice for the local and export market.

The JGC delegation was supported by the High Commissioner of Ghana in Malaysia in charge of Thailand and other South-East Asian countries, H.E Mrs. Florence Akonor,

In her remarks, the High Commissioner indicated that the rice project marks another level of bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Ghana for mutual benefits.

She expressed deep appreciation to the Honorary Consul, Dr Sicha Singsomboon, and her team for their hard work in facilitating the visit.

She stressed that the collaboration was fundamental for deepening cooperation to improve the economies of both countries, especially for rice production.

Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the trip in Bangkok, the Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, called on players within the Ghana rice value chain to collaborate for the development of the industry.

The importation of rice into Ghana exceeds 60% annually, with dire economic consequences. Between 2007 and 2015, the amount spent on imported rice rose from $151m to $1.2bn per annum, with domestic consumption supplemented by imports primarily from Thailand, Vietnam and India. Ghana’s annual rice importation, which currently stands at 1.3billion USD, continue to increase year after year.

This negative narrative in the rice sector can only be changed with the injection of massive capital by big sector players from the private sector. The decision of JGC heeding to the call of government to venture into the sector, especially in value addition, is great news.

The JGC has always led in improving lives of people through provision of solutions to problems.

Already, JGC has commenced its 100,000acres of rice production, with land banks secured. The Group intends to partner with the Ghana Rice Inter-professional Body (GRIB) and other local rice players to achieve this vision. The project involves integrated rice farming methods ranging from seed development, paddy cultivation, milling, packaging and marketing.

The delegation visited and discussed with captains of industry in the rice sector in Thailand. This included Thai Farmers Lifestyle and Learning Centre, rice equipment manufacturers such as Kubota, Satake and Deler Engineering Services as well as Thai EXIM Bank.

The Thai EXIM Bank was impressed and thus expressed its readiness to support JGC. The delegation also visited Fertiliser manufacturers, Institute of Food Research and Product Development, Kasetsart University.

These young hardworking individuals whose nominations were facilitated by Sophia Kudjordzi-Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Jospong Group were nominated in the categories of Transport & Automobile contested by Adwoa Frimpomaa Nimako Boateng, GM for J. A. PlantPool and S. A. Automobile, Environment and Climate Sustainability contested by Ing. Senam Tengey the GM for Medical Waste Services Ltd., Logistics & Supplies contested by Hannah Boohemaa Otu, Head Procurement and Supply Chain at the Jospong Group Office and Consultancy and Professional Services which was also contested by Mr. Felix Atsrim C.E.O of FEDEMS LTD. a consultant and a business partner to the Jospong Group.

In the various categories contested, Adwoa Frimpomaa Nimako Boateng, GM for J. A. PlantPool and S. A. Automobile emerged the Winner for Transport & Automobile followed by Hannah Boohemaa Otu, Head Procurement and Supply Chain at the Jospong Group Office who also won her category, Logistics and Supplies, however Ing. Senam Tengey couldn’t win his category which is Environment and Climate Sustainability

In an appreciation remarks, all awardees dedicated their awards to the hardworking staff and partners whose contributions and corporations propelled them into achieving this feat.

Addressing patrons at the event, Richard Abbey Jnr. Event Director, Xodus Communications Ltd. underscored that the 40 under 40 awards scheme seeks to identify, honor and celebrate a cross-section of the nation’s most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age Forty from a wide range of industries.

According to the Event Director, putting the spotlight on these young achievers will not only celebrate them but also build a strong platform for them by giving a voice and opportunities to the next generation of industry pacesetters whiles building a positive attitude in our youth to strive for excellence at a tender age.

The JGC emerged the Group of Companies of the Year, while its Executive Chairman, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, received the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Two of its subsidiaries—Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL) and Dredge Masters Limited (DML)—were awarded the Sanitation Company of the Year and Community Impact of the Year awards respectively.

In all, 70 individuals and institutions, both public and private, received recognitions for their excellent performances and impacts on the social and economic development of Ghana.

Some of the JGC nominated included JSA Logistics, Appointed Time Printing, Accra Compost and Recycling Plant, Kumasi Compost and Recycling, Integrated Compost and Recycling Plant, Zoomlion Ghana Limited and other individuals among others.

About JGC

The JGC is one of the most diversified holdings companies in Ghana with operations in other African countries and Asia. The company has business interest in about fourteen (14) sectors of the economy with its biggest operations in waste management, ICT, and banking as well as automobile and equipment. Established in 1995, as a printing press, the company has since, its inception, experienced phenomenal growth and now has operations covering diverse sectors with over sixty (60) companies with a focus on delivering quality services and products using simple technology at competitive prices.

Jospong Group’s core business is to identify gaps, churn out innovative businesses and build capacities to provide value, and nurture them to become market leaders; fit to play on both the local and international markets.

About GBA

Ghana Business Awards is a prestigious programme that recognises and rewards excellence across all sectors in Ghana. The awards provides a platform to recognise individuals and companies that play a significant role in the growth and development of their business sector while recognising the key functions within the sector that promote growth and sustainability.

This was during an award event dubbed ‘Celebrating Women of Excellence’ held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel-Accra.

The Jospong Group of Companies received an award for being Excellent in Promoting & Developing Women Leaders; while the Chief Operating Officer for the Environment and Sanitation Cluster of the Jospong Group; Mrs. Florence Larbi, also received an award for being an Exceptional Woman in Environmental Protection.

JGC leads the way in women empowerment and development in excellence with women generally constituting 42% of 3,500 being the total number of staff members in the company with more women occupying and playing leadership positions and roles than the men.

Among these numbers is a pacesetter and the longest serving staff, Mrs Florence Larbi –the Chief Operating Officer for the Environment and Sanitation Cluster of the Jospong Group, whose immense contribution undoubtedly has brought the group all the successes it has achieved.

In a brief remark, Mrs Larbi dedicated the award to all staff members both men and women, especially women in the company, from the board, management and to the lowest rank, and appreciated them for their support to her in diverse ways in making her become who she is today.

Besides, she also extended her appreciation to the organisers of the award scheme for recognising the effort of the Jospong Group of Companies in raising women of excellence.

Mrs Florence Larbi is a Human Resource and Business Administration expert and the Chief Operating Officer for the Environment and Sanitation Cluster of the Jospong Group. She manages a core staff of 3,000 and has oversight over 85,000 project staff.

Florence is a product of the University of Cape Coast and University of Ghana Business School.

She has successfully completed courses from the Graduate School of Governance and Leadership-Ghana, and the Gamey &Gamey Academy of Mediation (affiliated to the Pulse Institute, Calgary-Canada).

She has attended several relevant seminars and workshops notably the MENA CEO Forum, African Leadership Fellows Program, and the IFC-IOD-GH Seminar on Corporate Governance for Directors.

Florence is a member of the Institute of Directors – Ghana.

About Instinct Women Awards

Instinct Women Awards focuses on rewarding exceptional women of value and impact in various sectors and industries; to increase gender inclusiveness, visibility of women who are positively impacting lives, adjusting the history through their work and inspiring the new generations to actualise their potentials.