Day: June 22, 2024

State security agencies operating at the Tema Port have organised a simulation exercise, dubbed ‘kwemo ojogban’ as part of the fulfilment of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).

The ISPS code requires member ports to partake in quarterly drills and annual exercises to maintain alertness and combat readiness as part of a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities.

The ‘kwemo ojogban’ (a Ga statement meaning be careful) exercise saw the combined forces of security personnel, including Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA) Security, Ghana Navy, Marine Police, and Ghana Immigration Service, among others, quell four volatile scenarios with relative efficiency.

The exercise, which was only known to a few top officials, featured four scenarios: an uprising at the transit terminal, demonstrators breaching the eastern gate, pirates infiltrating through the fishing area, and the army deactivating an explosive at the central gate.

Captain Bramwell
Tawiah, the Incident Commander and Harbour Master at the Tema Port, rated the performance of the combined forces at 85 percent efficiency.

He said the response from the various security agencies was superb

‘Even within our medical team and the fire and safety, how they responded to the calls, everything was on course,’ Capt Tawiah said.

Colonel Benjamin Boamah, the Tema Port Security Manager, expressed impressive interoperability between his outfit and the other security agencies.

He said the cooperation was very good, noting that it exceeded his expectations, as everything went well from the word go.

He added that ‘even at the pre-coordinating conferences we had, there was full participation from all parties; therefore, by the time we came in, we were all prepared and knew what was expected of us. When we started, the cooperation and enthusiasm were there, which is why the exercise ended very well and was very successful.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Addis Ababa: Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Ethiopian government has embarked on a strategic mission to address the country’s longstanding humanitarian challenges and steer the nation towards self-sufficiency. This transformative approach aims to empower Ethiopia to meet its own needs, reduce reliance on external aid, and ultimately, achieve sustainable development.

Prime Minister Abiy has repeatedly emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, “To attain true freedom, we must enhance productivity. We have a wonderful country with enough water, enough land, and more than enough youth population. Freedom becomes meaningless unless we free ourselves from the shackles of dependency.”

One of the key priorities for the Ethiopian government is to tackle the critical issue of food insecurity and hunger. The Prime Minister has placed a strong emphasis on modernizing the agricultural sector, improving crop yields, and diversifying the country’s food production. This includes in
vestments in irrigation infrastructure, the promotion of climate-smart farming practices, and the expansion of agricultural extension services to support smallholder farmers.

The government’s commitment to agricultural development is evident in initiatives such as the ‘Bounty of the Basket’ (Ye Lemat Tirufat) program. According to PM Abiy, “In the past Ethiopian calendar year, milk production, poultry and meat production rates have marked good results as per the plan.” He also highlighted successes in honey production, stating, “Through our ‘Bounty of the Basket’ initiative launched last year, we have managed to increase honey productivity to around 98,000 tons per year through modern methods.”

In addition to strengthening food security, the government is taking proactive steps to enhance the nation’s resilience to natural disasters, such as floods and droughts. This involves reinforcing early warning systems, improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, and implementing comprehensive disaster r
isk management strategies. By mitigating the impact of these calamities, Ethiopia aims to reduce the need for emergency humanitarian assistance and foster a more self-reliant approach to crisis management.

Furthermore, the government is working to address the root causes of dependency on external aid. This includes concerted efforts to improve domestic resource mobilization, promote local entrepreneurship, and diversify the country’s economic base. The ultimate goal is to reduce Ethiopia’s reliance on foreign aid and instead, harness the nation’s own resources and human capital to drive sustainable development.

Prime Minister Abiy has vowed to “make Ethiopia Africa’s Beacon of prosperity and unity by freeing the country from economic dependence.” He emphasized that while “Ethiopia has repeatedly fought for its independence and it is a country that has thwarted all attempts of external aggressions,” the nation “has not realized economic development and freed from dependence in this regard. Thus, the East Afr
ican nation should strive to extricate itself from economic dependence.”

Over the past two weeks, higher officials of the government have held a series of public discussions with the wider public. These discussions have centered on the nation’s concerted efforts to avoid aid dependency and further strengthen its path towards self-sufficiency.

During these dialogues, senior government representatives emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in the country’s approach to development. Government Chief Whip Tesfaye Beljige stated that “efforts are underway to build a strong stance that enables the country to handle crises on its own by breaking free from aid dependency mindset during the years of reform.”

Agriculture Minister Girma Amente pointed out that “climate change, natural disasters, and vicious cycles of conflict have been the major reasons for relying on aid. In this respect, the belief that provision of aid is a better alternative has played a role in perpetuating the dependency mindset.”

The public
has responded positively to these discussions, expressing a shared sense of responsibility and a desire to work alongside the government to build a more self-reliant Ethiopia. Participants have highlighted the importance of strengthening local production, promoting entrepreneurship, and investing in community-based resilience initiatives.

By prioritizing self-sufficiency, the Ethiopian government under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is positioning the country to take greater control of its own future. Through targeted investments, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and a renewed commitment to self-reliance, Ethiopia is poised to overcome its humanitarian challenges and reduce its dependency on external aid.

While fostering the proper utilization of national resources to mitigate economic challenges and improve the livelihood of citizen is the center of Ethiopia’s development path, international cooperation would also be instrumental to scaling up the national effort to further sustain country’s prosperity.

As Pri
me Minister Abiy concluded, “Our cluster farming approach is testament to what we can achieve in unity for food security and national development.” This transformative journey towards self-reliance will not only enhance the nation’s resilience but also empower its people to shape their own development pathway, ushering in a more prosperous and self-sufficient future for the country.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially opened the Local Medical Products Manufacturing and Innovation Exhibition at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa today.

The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Tagesse Chaffo, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Agegnehu Teshager, Speaker of the House of Federation, regional state presidents, Health Minister Mekdes Daba, local medical supply manufacturers and distributors, academics and senior officials from federal and regional research institutions.

The exhibition, running under the theme “Our Health byOur Products,” will be open to visitors from June 22-27, 2024 with the main objective to boost the local medical equipment manufacturing sector among other related issues.

This event showcases Ethiopia’s healthcare investment opportunities as well as domestically produced medical products and services.

Over 110 manufacturers from the sector are participating in the exhibition, which will also feature networking opportu
nities for investors, panel discussions, and other programs.

Organized for the first time in Ethiopia, this exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and local medical supply manufacturing and innovation sector associations.

The event aims to highlight the country’s progress in developing its domestic healthcare industry and promoting innovation in the medical field.

The exhibition serves as a platform for businesses to connect, attract investment, and increase the market share of Ethiopian-made medical supplies which in turn reduce reliance on imports.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: By Haile Henok Tadele

Ethiopia’s tumultuous past, characterized by human rights transgressions, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective consciousness. Those who have hitherto assumed political power condemns and punishes others by shifting the blame on others it considered as transgressors. Such approach will never promote the prevalence of justice. It would only produce regrets, and escalation of revenge. This is the major reason why a vicious circle of the desire for vengeance, revenge and unforgiving have prevailed in the country. The implementation of a transitional justice is therefore a viable strategy to break the dichotomy between the transgressors and the victims. As the country ushers in an era of democratic reforms and national reconciliation, the implementation of a comprehensive transitional justice framework emerges as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable transformation and long-term economic prosperity.

Belayhun Yirga, Ethiopia’s State Minister of
Justice, affirmed the government’s dedication to an impartial and professional transitional justice process, eschewing any intervention that might compromise its integrity. This approach encompasses a spectrum of judicial and non-judicial measures designed to address the legacy of past atrocities and human rights violations, aiming to ensure accountability, provide redress for victims, foster reconciliation, and establish the foundations for a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous society.

Previous attempts to resolve human rights violations, conflicts, and abuses in Ethiopia have fallen short, failing to implement universal transitional justice principles based on truth, reconciliation, mercy, and justice.

Recognizing this shortcoming, a new Transitional Justice Policy has been developed to manage and implement the process in a cohesive, integrated, and effective manner at the national level. A multidisciplinary panel of ten highly qualified experts from academia, the legal profession, and other relevan
t fields has been assembled to craft this policy.

The State Minister revealed that this independent taskforce has conducted over 60 public workshops and consultations nationwide, culminating in a comprehensive “green paper” policy framework endorsed by the council of ministers. The objective was to devise a policy grounded in Ethiopia’s realities by involving all stakeholders, including victims, women’s groups, civil society organizations, regional states, the federal government, and the general public.

Central to Ethiopia’s transitional justice journey is the establishment of a truth-seeking process, such as a truth and reconciliation commission. This systematic investigation aims to illuminate past human rights abuses, identify perpetrators, and uncover the circumstances surrounding these atrocities. By acknowledging victims’ suffering and confronting the nation’s history, this process can foster a shared understanding and pave the way for accountability and justice.

The government seeks to pursue transi
tional justice through a reconciliation process tailored to Ethiopia’s unique context. While drawing on global best practices, the State Minister emphasized the need for a reconciliation process fundamentally rooted in Ethiopia’s diverse regional and communal situations. As part of the policy implementation, several institutions will be established, including a truth and reconciliation commission, special attorney general’s office, and dedicated courts.

A comprehensive transitional justice framework must prioritize a robust system of reparations and victim support, potentially involving compensation, rehabilitation services, and symbolic gestures such as official apologies or memorials. By addressing victims’ needs and restoring their dignity, these measures can contribute to healing, reconciliation, and societal cohesion – vital prerequisites for sustainable economic development.

Sustainable transition and economic growth in Ethiopia necessitate reforming key institutions. This may involve vetting public o
fficials, implementing human rights training, and establishing independent oversight mechanisms. Such reforms can prevent future human rights abuses, rebuild public trust in democratic institutions, and create a stable, predictable environment conducive to investment and business growth.

In addition to formal mechanisms, Ethiopia will strive to explore community-based approaches to reconciliation, leveraging traditional conflict resolution systems and creating platforms for inter-community dialogue. By fostering grassroots reconciliation and empowering marginalized groups, these initiatives can complement top-down processes, contributing to national healing and unlocking the full potential of Ethiopia’s human capital for inclusive economic development.

A draft roadmap delineating detailed activities for the policy’s implementation phase has been prepared. Key elements under consideration include accountability mechanisms, procedures to investigate abuses, provisions for amnesty and reparations, institutiona
l reforms, incorporation of customary justice systems, and clear delineation of federal-regional state roles.

The government aspires for this reconciliation process to foster lasting peace, accountability, and healing in Ethiopia. “By establishing a robust accountability system, we aim to deliver a genuine sense of justice to aggrieved parties,” the State Minister affirmed.

As Ethiopia stands at this critical juncture, the international community, civil society, and the Ethiopian people must collaborate to ensure an inclusive, transparent, and victim-centric transitional justice process. Only through such concerted efforts can the country progress towards a future marked by justice, reconciliation, enduring stability, and shared prosperity.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revealed that considerable attention has been given to encourage the domestic production of medical supplies and medicines in Ethiopia.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Domestic Medical Supplies Production and Innovation Exhibition at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa today.

On the occasion, he highlighted that in recent years, the government has been working to replace imported medicines with domestically produced alternatives.

‘Considerable attention has been directed towards the sector , beginning with policy reforms aimed at the domestic production of medical supplies and medicines. For Ethiopia, with a population exceeding 120 million, producing its own medicines is an urgent priority.’

Premier Abiy recalled that previously only 8 percent of medicines were produced domestically, but this figure has now increased to 36 percent.

He emphasized that the government is focusing on increasing the accessibility and capacity of domestic pharmaceutical production in t
he coming years.

Currently, not only are medicines being produced domestically to replace imports, but they are also being exported to other countries.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Ethiopia offers not just opportunities but also favorable conditions for investing in medical equipment production, with the sector having a market potential of over 1 billion USD.

The government is providing various support mechanisms, including creating favorable policy frameworks, to encourage both domestic and foreign investors to engage in pharmaceutical production.

PM Abiy invited investors to participate in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector through various options, including industrial parks.

He mentioned that this year’s Green Legacy Initiative will include extensive planting of medicinal plants and urged all citizens to embrace this practice.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need to enhance Ethiopia’s long-standing traditional medicine production with scientific knowledge, calling on everyone to cont
ribute to this effort.

Abiy has announced that extensive efforts are underway to expand hospitals and increase the number of healthcare professionals alongside medicine production.

The Premier further highlighted ongoing efforts to expand clean and hygienic spaces in support of the country’s preventive healthcare policy, with the “Clean Ethiopia” initiative being part of this work. He emphasized that expanding clean environments is not only beneficial for health but crucial for disease prevention.

To ensure comprehensive healthcare and disease prevention, the Prime Minister noted that alongside medicine production, work is being done to expand hospitals and increase the number of healthcare professionals.

Describing the newly opened Medical Supplies Production and Innovation Exhibition as a showcase of Ethiopia’s significant potential in the sector, Prime Minister Abiy invited all Ethiopians to visit and explore the exhibition.

The exhibition organized under the theme “Our Health byOur Products,” will be
open to visitors until the next Friday.

The main objective of the event is to boost the local medical equipment manufacturing sector among other related issues by showcasing Ethiopia’s healthcare investment opportunities as well as domestically produced medical products and services.

Over 110 manufacturers from the sector are participating in the exhibition, which will also feature networking opportunities for investors, panel discussions, and other programs.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency