Ghana drops to 63 in World Bank Business report

The Governor

Ghana has dropped three places in the latest World Bank-IFC Doing Business 2012 report. Ghana dropped to 63rd this year out of 183 countries for doing business surveyed across the globe.

The Doing Business report assesses regulations affecting organizations in 183 economies and ranks them in 10 areas of business regulation including starting a business, resolving insolvency, and trading across borders.

The high cost of starting a business in the country went up about 70 percent, causing Ghana’s downgrading in the report.
Ghana ranked 104 in this category as against 85 it had in the previous edition.

This seems to be a reflection of Bank of Ghana’s MPC report that indicated that Business Confidence in the country has waned.
According to the Central Bank, the economy is being managed to arrest the situation.

The Governor, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur said that the Bank of Ghana have a responsibility to restore confidence in the public, in terms of the economy’s strength.

“If people feel there are inflationary pressures in the economy, we therefore must tighten policy to reduce those pressures, That will restore confidence in our ability to manage. ” He added.

In the area of Dealing with Construction Permits rankings, Ghana dropped again to 156 as against 152 in the previous edition.
 
Credit: http://www.ghanacedi.gov.gh/Business-in-Ghana/ghana-drops-to-63-in-world-bank-business-report.html

Read the following by Ivy Awurama Sarfo very well……Selling the family’s silver -comes to mind…

Investigations conducted by The Finder newspaper at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra have revealed that the stationary Ghana Airways Boeing aircraft has been sold to be used as a restaurant.


The aircraft, a DC 10, one-time pride of Africa, but now a pale shadow of its once glamorous self has been abandoned at the KIA awaiting final plans to be towed to its final destination, where people can go in to eat and drink. Some workers at Hanger Two, where the 276-seater aircraft has been abandoned told ‘the Finder’ that the plane had been sold to a wife of a Togolese Minister who would soon introduce the Ghanaian public to some local and Togolese cuisines. All I know is that it will be used for a restaurant, but I don’t know when they will start operating the restaurant”, a male worker said. Further investigations have confirmed that the handing over process has also been completed and the aircraft is on its way to start its new life as a restaurant.

Until the intervention of the said Togolese woman, most parts of the Flight DC-10 had been sold as scrap. It was also gathered that three engines had been removed and sold to an unknown buyer. The sources explained that the current state of the plane was as a result of consistent removal of its aluminum components for smelting. When ‘the Finder’ got the location of the plane, it was clear that parts of the wings had been removed with the remaining parts hanging out. The centre tyres had also been removed with wires hanging precariously from the upper parts of the plane. It’s amazing how government can allow this huge plane to rot.

I can’t believe this is the same plane I flew in to the US when Ghana was so much respected for it,” a worker lamented. The soon-to-be restaurant plane has had a difficult history. The 276-seater capacity plane purchased from the USA, ceased operations in 2004. The Government of Ghana acquired a loan using the plane as collateral on work-and-pay basis. Its operations were saddled with series of litigations. In June 2002, the DC-10 was seized at Heathrow Airport, after a British creditor of the airline got a legal judgment in order to recoup some £4million in unpaid debts. After that seizure, the chairman of the airline, Mr. Sam Jonah, stated that Ghana Airways owed some US$160million and the airline would require a foreign partner if it was to survive. He also noted that the British creditor released the aircraft after the airline paid US$1million.

The Ghana Government announced in September 2002 that it had signed a deal with Nationwide Airlines which would see the South African airline taking over the management the airline, which would have been renamed Ghana Nationwide International Airlines.

In February 2003, Mr. Richard Anane, then Minister of Roads and Transport, announced that the government had withdrawn from the deal with Nationwide Airlines. The aircraft was to be revived in 2010 as a partnership between the government of Ghana and Arik Air of Nigeria, but that plan did not see the light of day.

The site adjacent to Aviance Ghana Limited, formerly AFGO, is being cleared to host the DC10 as a restaurant. When contacted, an official of the Ghana Tourist Authority told ‘the Finder’ that he was unaware of any law that bars anybody from using a stationary aircraft as a restaurant ‘provided it is well ventilated.”


***Asem!!! …….I have never heard or seen anything like it, have you??? !!!!!! I'm lost for words....... The “one-time pride of Africa” is now going to become a restaurant owned by a Togolese business woman…. -can you believe it???? I wonder…..what happened to the flag bit on the tail?
Do you think it was turned into a washing machine or a walk-in wardrobe for a Zimbabwean business woman -say?



Main Story Credit: http://www.ghanagossip.com/index.php/the-news/1963-ghana-airways-boeing-aircraft-to-be-used-as-restaurant

Duaba Serwa, Christie Brown and KIKI Clothing show at Africa Fashion Week 2011

Label: Duaba Serwa
Designer: Nelly Aboagye
Nelly Aboagye was originally inspired to pursue a career in fashion through the arts and crafts teachings of her mother. She then went on to study graphic design, textiles and art, before changing to nursing. After graduating from the University of Ghana, she re-entered the creative space with the label, Duaba Serwa.

As a designer, she has adopted the saying “La mode se de’ mode” by Jean Paul Gaultier, meaning “Fashion goes out of Fashion”. The comment represents her desire to be versatile and innovative as a designer.

Nelly’s latest collection, entitled “Five Notes in Moments” aims to play on several different style notes: bold colours, African prints, futuristic structures, timeless glamour and masterful tailoring.

The latest Duaba Serwa collection will be shown at Africa Fashion Week 2011 at 18.30 on Friday, 21 October 2011.

W: http://www.duabaserwa.etsy.com/
Twitter: @DuabaSerwa

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: The Duaba Serwa fashion label is new to Ghana Rising! Although Ghana Rising has celebrated Duaba Serwa’s jewellery line, her delectable garments are all together something new, and I’m very impressed as its my favourite collection from the whole of Africa Fashion Week! Cute and sexy, girly and grown-up, Duaba Serwa offered new comers to her fashion label like myself, glimpses into her many personalities. From the youthful pretty girly dresses to va-va-voom show stoppers like the black body-con top and mini skirt with sequin details, and black body-con long sleeve top with gold pearls details and bold patterned full skirt, the Duaba Serwa Spring/Summer 2012 collection is to-live-for. I love it paaa and predict big things for Nelly Aboagye and Team Duaba Serwa.

Label: Christie Brown
Designer: Aisha Oboubi
Aisha Oboubi’s passion for fashion started at an early age. The brand was founded in March 2008, hitting the runway for the first time in Accra, Ghana and has since won multiple awards at various fashion weeks across the globe. The name is is inspired by the memory of Aisha’s grandmother, Christie Brown, a seamstress who introduced the designer to fashion at a young age.

The Christie Brown designs cater to contemporary African women with a distinctive use of colour, all inspired by African culture and art. Her collections range from innovative tailored gowns to beautiful statement pieces and accessories.

Currently sold out of the Christie Brown studio in Ghana, in a boutique in Lagos and online, the label is accessible to the African market.

The latest Christie Brown collection will be shown at Africa Fashion Week 2011, at 18.30 on Friday, 21 October 2011.

W: http://www.christiebrownonline.com/
Twitter: @_christiebrown

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: The best collection from Christie Brown to date. Grown up and elegant, the collection is inspired by the Talensi Tribe in northern Ghana was made using the very best fabrics (it shows) and divinely cut, offered one elegant dress after another must-have skirt with slit-to-the-thigh details -after a host gorgeous tops -making this collection a must for any successful wardrobe. The two main colours, I think its neon green or yellow and her signature blue, made for a light, fresh, springy -yet powerful collection. An inspired collection, -I’m predicting Christie Brown’s opening jacket is the only jacket to be seen in next season.

Label: KIKI Clothing
Designer: Titi Ademola
Creative Director and Founder, Titi Ademola studied fashion at the London College of Fashion and the American Inter-continental University and has worked for internationally renowned labels, Burberry and for Betsey Johnson.

Despite her global experience and training, her primary focus has always been to promote ‘Made in Ghana’ designs. The label manufactures all of its products in Ghana and Ademola is passionate about promoting Africa to the rest of the world through her fashion.

Ademola makes use of African textiles, vibrant colours and Afro-centric prints to create easy and wearable garments. The KIKI Clothing label caters for both adults and children and incorporates a range of items from clothing to footware. Ademola draws her inspiration from everyday people and a variety of different cultures, particularly her own African heritage.

The latest KIKI Clothing collection will be shown at Africa Fashion Week 2011, at 17.30 on Friday, 21 October 2011.
W: http://www.kikiclothing.com/

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: Unfortunately the above photo is the only one available via the official Africa Fashion website, so I know very little about the KIKI Clothing S/S 2012 collection. From the one ensemble above, its lovely and playful, well made with a touch of whimsy, I’m guessing that KIKI Clothing’s latest collection is a winner!


The Front Row….

South Africans get fashion, don’t they? The get that the front row of any noteworthy fashion show is just as important as the collection and models it showcases -something I’ve yet to see in Ghana.

The front row of Africa Fashion Week 2011 (in Johannesburg) was made up of its finest socialites & It girls, actors, celebrates and uber insiders -including: my old London College of Fashion lecturer -Shaun (I can‘t remember his surname), Vanity Fair’s Editor-at-Large Michael Roberts and supermodel Ajuma. For more details about Africa Fashion Week 2011 visit its official website at: http://www.afisa.co.za/

*****All images by Simon Deiner / SDR Photo

GHANA’s NEXT BIG THING: KAAKIE

There’s a new girl on Ghana’s music scene and I’m uber excited oOOo! Unafraid, sexy and unapologetically in-ya-face, hotness Kaakie’s ’Too Much’ is burning Ghana’s airways and Ghana Rising is predicating Big-Things for this singing Diva. I don’t know much about her, and as always -its difficult to find a website or Facebook page dedicated to her, but I’m thinking, -it wouldn’t be long until her PR is tight!! I’ll keep you in the loop, as and when more information comes in, but in the meantime you can download this fierce tune at: http://www.4shared.com/audio/NX_gUICG/Kaakie_-_Too_Much__Merqury_Qua.html

"BUARI VILLE, Nadia Buari and family to star in a new reality TV show in Ghana…….

I don’t know what to think but uber private Nadia Buari and her family are embarking on a new reality TV show, due to air very soon on Ghana TV -where we get to see her life played out -warts and all. Personally I’m amazed, I guess I was hoping that Nadia’s sister known here as S could be Ghana’s next GIG (Ghanaian ‘it’ girl),… all private, groomed to within an inch of her life, wearing fabulous dark glasses, out shopping and dining and being papped by Black Star magazine’s secret paparazzi on the streets of Accra, -well that was all in my head, -but you know what I mean????? Anyway if this is Nadia Buari’s family’s next move ….then I wish them luck and every success. A big thanks to Ameyaw Debrah (http://www.ameyawdebrah.com//) for sharing this news on YouTube….….

Ghana and Nigeria Draw 0-0 -in this years most anticipated football match…

Ghana and Nigeria played out a 0-0 scoreline on Tuesday in a friendly at the Vicarage Road in Watford.

The match gave Black Stars coach Goran Stevanovic a chance to look at some new faces ahead of the 2012 African Nations Cup.

Stevanovic handed Massawudu Alhassan his senior debut at left back as he made six changes to the team that started in Ghana’s previous game, deciding to rest Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Samuel Inkoom and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu while also giving Mohammed Abu and Albert Adomah a rare start.

Both sides headed into the game with contrasting fortunes after the final day of 2012 Nations Cup qualifying with Ghana earning their spot while Nigeria failed to qualify.

And it was Ghana who dominated the early exchanges with Adomah sending a dipping 20-yard volley over Austine Ejide’s bar after seven minutes.

Prince Tagoe followed up with a drive from the edge of the area straight at goalkeeper Ejide.

It took Nigeria 21 minutes to test Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey when he came out to gather a shot across the face of goal.

Nigeria, finally fought back as they looked to have put their qualification disappointment behind them and looked more dangerous going forward as Brown Ideye hit a shot that cannoned off the crossbar and Ikechukwu Uche saw his shot blocked by Kwarasey to end the half.

Ghana made a raft of changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Gyan, Muntari and Agyemang-Badu.
With the game slowing down, both sides occasionally pushed for the breakthrough but were left to share the spoils of the game.

Ghana line up: Adam Kwarasey, John Painstil, Massawudu Alhassan/Lee Addy, Isaac Vorsah, John Mensah, Anthony Annan, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie/Samuel Inkoom, Mohammed Abu/Agyeman-Badu, Prince Tagoe/Asamoah Gyan, Albert Adomah/Dominic Adiyiah, Kwadwo Asamoah/Sulley Muntari

Subs: Daniel Agyei, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Derek Boateng, Lee Addy, Dominic Adiyiah, Samuel Inkoom, Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu


(Credit: Vibe Ghana at: http://vibeghana.com/2011/10/11/ghana-vs-nigeria-stars-eagles-settle-for-draw/)

SVELTE's Elaine Mensah honored to be one of featured Project Inspiration Non-Profit Leaders!

SVELTE, LLC & Fashion Group International® of Greater Washington, DC's Elaine Mensah ( http://www.svelte-emc.com/ ) is proud to be selected by Shoot for Change as one of its 16 non-profit leaders & on styling team for “Old Hollywood” fashion photo exhibit.

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Tickets to Project Inspiration photo exhibit benefits the organizations selected for exhibits and includes chance to join photographer Walter Grio at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC.

For more details on Project Inspiration visit http://www.inspirethepossibility.com/pi

More Info
(Taking place on November 16, 2011)

Shoot for Change is proud to present a very special black and white photo exhibition in Washington DC. Several leaders from various nonprofit organizations were invited to participate in an “Old Hollywood” fashion editorial.

With the help of some of the most talented stylists, hair stylists, and makeup artists in the area, these nonprofit organization leaders were transformed and sent into the glamorous world of classic movie stars. They had so much fun that some of them even kept the clothes.

In addition to their photographs, each one of the nonprofit organization leaders wrote a one-page essay on what inspires them to do what they do and what inspires them to keep doing it. Their photographs and inspiration essays will all be on display at L2 Lounge.