The Eminent West Africa Nobles have held their end of year congress and Awards night. The event took place at the GS plaza hotel in Accra on Thursday 19th Dec, 2024.
The program was held in collaboration with the Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana.
Grounds Preparation for Arrival of Guests
Chief Bishop Dr. Dr. Stella Dartey – Chairperson
After the necessary salutation and protocols, the speaker highlighted on the importance of integrity.
She stated that “integrity is the hallmark of a noble”. Dr. Dartey referred to the Wikipedia and encyclopedia definition for integrity as “a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectation and outcomes…it is a quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances”
She espoused the topic further to include faithfulness in action and in deeds. In her view, nobles are obliged to show faithfulness in doing what is required of them, the right way, achieve the right results whether it is convenient or not. “Integrity means to stand out as different”, she said.
In being a noble, keeping integrity and being faithful, the speaker said nobles should be afraid to fail or disappoint the trust of people.
In attributing success to God, Dr Dartey told the nobles “there are people who are more hardworking than you are, and others who have made more sacrifices than you have made, yet they may not be as successful as you are. It then means that it is not by your power or might that you are who you are today, but by the courtesy of His grace”
In conclusion, she said “cherished nobles, whatever is true, the bible says, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, think about these things”
Welcome Address
Director of West Africa Nobles Dr. Dee Otibu-Asare
The welcome address was given by the Director of the West African Nobles Dr. Dee Otibu-Asare. Since this was the gathering of nobles from West Africa, the word noble was never absent from the occasion.
Dr Otibu-Asare also espoused further the attributes and characteristics of a noble. For him, apart from the key attribute of a noble being integrity, a noble should be one who can be counted on and continuously exhibit integrity until one is no more. He said “You have to be responsible for both your successes and your failures”.
He further stated that honesty to oneself is foremost of the hallmark of integrity. “Walking the walk and talking the talk and avoiding situations of conflict of interests are essential for building trust” he added.
In this era it is no doubt that corruption has permeated every part of our society. In all ages, well-intentioned people who have tried to establish a more just society have constantly been foiled by greed and corruption. In view of this the Dr. addressed issues that could potentially expose one to the canker, he said “avoid situations where you will have a conflict of interest…if you are caught in something the prevents you from making completely honest decisions, get out…if your company pressurizes you to make unethical decisions, walk away”.
In directing attention to marital infidelity and curbing misplaced emotional dependency, he said “if you find yourself sharing more of your thoughts and feelings with a female friend or co-worker than you do with your spouse, it is time to take a big step back…keep your promises, always follow through the things you have said you will do.”
The message was clear for married couples that an improper relationship can lead to marital disaster, since emotional closeness paves the way for eventual and unintended sexual intimacy.
The speaker quoted the popular axiom “everyone has a price” attributed to Sir Robert Walpole, a British prime minister of the 18th century which nicely sums up the fact that throughout history, loyalty has been traded for selfish gain. Dispelling that notion however, Dr. Asare stated that a man of integrity has no price because he prices himself above all other possessions. He further said, “living with integrity is easier than living with regrets”.
Dr. Asare breathed life into words like loyalty, faithfulness, integrity etc. His message was clear that for some, it is easy to merely speak of such attributes, but true loyalty, faithfulness and integrity have to be backed by actions that do not involve fearful compromise.
Keynote Address
H.E. Amb. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, Commissioner, Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana
Theme : AKL Lumi and Regional Integration: Strengthening Africa’s Economic Identity In The Global Digital Economy.
Perhaps, Ghana has not seen a better marketer in a long while. Consumers are normally subjected to a relentless barrage of marketing, with the endgame or marketers turning wants into needs.
However, the keynote speaker’s address was one that made guests realize their needs instead of their wants
Talk about an ambassador who could sell his country efficiently and effortlessly, Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, Commissioner, Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana.
Insight On Vanuatu.
Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of roughly 80 islands that stretch 1,300 kilometers. Part of the archipelago, which is of volcanic origin, is 1,750 km (1,090 mi) east of northern Australia, 540 km (340 mi) northeast of New Caledonia. It is a three hour flight from Sydney.
The speaker revealed that Vanuatu has been saddled with natural disasters like cyclones in the past few years because of it’s geographical location. It has a total population of about 330,000 people. Irrespective of the country’s small population, it is very strategic in revenue generation. The country was badly affected by COVID 19 which invariably deeply impacted the tourist industry. Prof Aryee said one of the advantages Vanuatu has is that it is “the only country in that region that is fluent in English and French”. This is because the country was colonized by the English and the French. Hence, both languages are used in the curriculum of schools.
Trade & Economy
A small country however boasts of its trade strengths. The only country which has an underwater post office. Speaking on trade capabilities of Vanuatu, the Prof stated to the amazement of all guests “the Tuna you take here is actually from Vanuatu, it is taken to Thailand, repackaged and sent here as Tuna flakes. The Ginseng you have here is also from Vanuatu, it is taken to China, re-packaged and sent here”.
According the Ambassador, beef from Vanuatu is adjudged as the best in the world by the UN. Talking about peace and happiness, the speaker said “The country has been voted four consecutive times as the happiest place in the world. It is the best destination for tourism and business”.
“Its visa free for Ghanaians, you can invest there and even get citizenship by investing, and travel to 154 countries with its passport. Government has enabling environments to repatriate profit as well” he said
AI Training In Africa: A Pathway To Transformation
The ambassador stressed the importance of the digitalization era that dominates almost all activities. He said the commission had received enough funding to train about 5 million African’s in AI industry from 2025. He said “The race for AI has began for everyone, whoever sees the opportunities will benefit immensely. Already, some institutions in Ghana are benefiting from the commissions efforts in training: Accra Technical University, Ho Technical University, Sunyani Technical University, Wisconsin University etc.”.
Outside of Ghana, Prof Aryee mentioned other beneficiaries of the commission’s training. He said “Over 3million Rwandans have also benefited from the training. From now till 2030, about 11 million individuals will be trained in AI. Now this is where AKL Lumi comes in. “All these projects are being funded in AKL Lumi”.
He also mentioned that Global Digital economy underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration and technology in shaping Africa’s economic future. He said “today, i will delve into how artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and trade partnerships such as those advanced by the Vanuatu Trade Commission can be instrumental in achieving this vision”. Particularly, he stressed on cryptocurrency and Lumi.
The professor, in outlining how profound AI training in Africa can lead to massive transformation stated “Africa’s digital revolution is underway, but the full potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence remains untapped. AI has the power to transform industries, boost trade efficiency, and address developmental challenges in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago”.
He further espoused that the AI Africa Training Initiative plays a pivotal role in the objectives of the Vanuatu Trade Commission.
Among the numerous benefits of the program are capacity building, Innovation driving, and policy framework.
He also noted “As AI continues to grow and dominate world economies, the effectiveness of the commission’s AI training program is being reflected in fintech, agriculture, healthcare, mobile banking, data protection, privacy and many others”.
In further advancing argument for the benefits of AI in the business community, the Ambassador said “AI can improve trade forecasting, optimize supply chains, and enhance market analysis, which are all critical for strengthening intra-African trade and partnerships with regions like the Pacific”
Conclusion
The Prof and Ambassador called all in attendance to adopt the fast moving pace of the digital market. He said initiatives like AI and AKL Lumi and regional integration are not just tolls, but are pathways to a more inclusive, innovative and prosperous Africa.
Presentation Of Awards
MRS. SYLVIA ASAFU-ADJAYE FRIMPONG
Chief Operating Officer at Spectra Health and Imaging since 2013.
MRS. DIANA ADARKWAH ADDO
A Distinguished Healthcare Leader
HON DR. ALEX ADOMAKO-MENSAH
An Accomplished Politician and Financial Administrator, currently serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
LT. COL. RASHID SALIFU (RTD)
A Retired Officer Of The Ghana Army
DAVID ASUMADU-BOATENG
Technologist & Cloud Infrastructure Specialist
Founder/CEO for Asustem Robotics Academy(non-profit)
Dr. DANIEL NTI KWARTENG
Chief Executive Officer of Dank Natural Healthcare Complex and the manufacturer healthcare products, including Dank Procare, Dank Xtrok,
Dr. RICHARD NANA SARPONG
Managing Director of McSarpong Medical Systems.
New members were inducted into the West African NoblesÂ
New Members of the West African Nobles Take photos
Chairperson’s closing remarks
The closing remarks was given by the chairperson
