Ghana hospital inaugurates rehab project backed by Saudi Fund for Development

Ghana hospital inaugurates rehab project backed by Saudi Fund for Development
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Unveiling of the inaugural plaque of the hospital's renovation and expansion project. (SPA)
Ghana hospital inaugurates rehab project backed by Saudi Fund for Development
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Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led the inauguration of the project on Friday. (SPA)
Ghana hospital inaugurates rehab project backed by Saudi Fund for Development
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Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cuts the ribbon during the inauguration of the project on Friday. (SPA)
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Updated 17 August 2024
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Ghana hospital inaugurates rehab project backed by Saudi Fund for Development

Ghana hospital inaugurates rehab project backed by Saudi Fund for Development
  • The project is funded by SFD in two phases with a total value of $32 million through development loans
  • Specialized medical departments, emergency services, maternity and pediatric wards, and emergency units to be modernized

RIYADH: Work on the Saudi-backed rehabilitation and expansion project of Ghana’s Bolgatanga Regional Hospital has begun.

Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led the inauguration of the project on Friday, with Saudi and other officials of the west African republic in attendance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Representing the Kingdom were Saudi Ambassador Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Dakhil and Director General Mohammed bin Adhan Al-Shammari of the Saudi Fund for Development’s Department of Africa Operations.




A view of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital in Ghana. (SPA)

The project is funded by SFD in two phases with a total value of $32 million through two development loans, according to the report.

“The project includes the construction and equipping of various buildings, including specialized medical departments, emergency services, maternity and pediatric wards, and emergency units. This aims to help reduce the spread of diseases and epidemics and enhance the level of integrated health care,” the report said.

SFD has supported 10 development projects and programs in Ghana through concessional development loans amounting to more than $124 million, aimed at enhancing sectors such as education, health, transport, energy and agriculture.




Under the project, the hospital will be supplied with modern medical facilities and equipment. (SPA)

About SFD

Since it started operating in 1975 and up to the end of 2020, the SFD had provided 730 development loans to finance 692 development projects and programs for 84 developing countries worldwide, according to the fund’s website.

SFD has also contributed to the signing of two financing agreements with the International Development Association, with a total amount of SR905.01 (more than $240 million), to bring the total amount provided by the SFD to SR69 billion.

Many countries in Africa have benefitted from the SDF’s soft loans. During the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh last November, the fund signed 14 new development loan agreements worth more than $580 million with 12 African ministers.

The amount is to fund projects in health care, water, education and transportation sectors in Angola, Burkina Faso, Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Tanzania.

One of SFD’s projects for the continent is the Saudi Program for Drilling of Wells and Rural Development in Africa, which aims to sustain livelihoods by providing sustainable access to water resources.




Some 2,000 residents of two villages in rural Gambia had relied on this well for their water supply for more than three decades. (SFD photo)

Among the most enduring projects of this program are water wells in Gambia’s rural communities.

Safiya Saidi, a 50-year-old Mandinka woman from Gambia who has served as a caretaker of one of the SFD-funded water wells, said that her family and nearly 2,000 other residents of two villages had relied on the well for their water supply for more than three decades.

“Most people rely on this water well for years; it’s a source of water and food security for all of them,” she said.


Saudi leaders offer condolences after passing of Kuwait’s Sheikh Bader Nasser Al-Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi leaders offer condolences after passing of Kuwait’s Sheikh Bader Nasser Al-Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • Sheikh Bader died aged 70 and funeral prayers were held for him on Wednesday afternoon

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince offered their condolences to the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Tuesday after the passing of Sheikh Bader Nasser Al-Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

In separate cables of condolences, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prayed that God have mercy on the deceased. 

Prince Mohammed also sent a cable of condolences to his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Bader died aged 70 and funeral prayers were held for him on Wednesday afternoon. 


Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation
  • Minister Mansour Al-Mushaiti urged GCC countries to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative charter and set national targets for tree planting and land rehabilitation
  • Al-Mushaiti said that GCC meetings had advanced environmental efforts and sustainable development in the region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emphasized the need for regional and international cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, particularly in rehabilitating degraded lands and boosting resilience to drought.

Deputy Minister of Environment Mansour Al-Mushaiti highlighted these points at the 26th GCC meeting on environmental affairs in Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Mushaiti urged GCC countries to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative charter and set national targets for tree planting and land rehabilitation.

He also called for increased support from GCC national development funds for vegetation projects.

Al-Mushaiti said that GCC meetings had advanced environmental efforts and sustainable development in the region.

He stressed the importance of addressing environmental protection, climate change, and balancing development with resource preservation.

Al-Mushaiti expressed the hope that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 in December would significantly impact global efforts to combat land degradation and drought.

He called for active participation from all GCC countries, international and regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society.


Saudi crown prince receives China’s PM

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday. (SPA)
Updated 41 min 34 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives China’s PM

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday. (SPA)
  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese PM Li Qiang chaired a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee on Wednesday

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday.

A welcoming ceremony was held in the premier’s honor and the two leaders held an official session of talks shortly afterwards.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang hold talks on Wednesday. (SPA)

Later, the two leaders chaired a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee. Aspects of joint cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China were reviewed, especially areas of political and security coordination. Opportunities in the fields of trade, energy, investment, culture, and technology were also discussed.

The crown prince and Li also discussed developments in the region and the latest international developments. 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese PM Li Qiang chair a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee on Wednesday. (SPA)

Li is also due to visit the UAE this week.


Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility

Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility
Updated 11 September 2024
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Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility

Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility
  • Experts from around world to share strategies for sustainable business models, community empowerment 

JEDDAH: Riyadh will host the Global CSR Forum on Oct. 28-29, promoting social responsibility and sustainability worldwide.

The forum aims to share global experiences, encourage discussions, and identify solutions to enhance innovation and competitiveness in the social responsibility sector.

The two-day event will feature more than 100 speakers and experts from across the world. It seeks to deepen understanding of corporate social responsibility and empower sectors to excel locally and internationally.

Mubarak Al-Bogami, director general of the social responsibility department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, said: “The forum is poised to deliver a powerful impact both locally and globally.”

He said: “On the home front, it promises to enhance corporate social responsibility efforts, while on the global stage, it will serve as a vibrant hub for showcasing and sharing best practices in CSR.”

Al-Boqami added: “The core message is clear: The Global CSR Forum is a catalyst for change. It is a space where companies from around the world can connect, share insights, and collaborate to advance social responsibility on a global scale. This collaborative approach not only benefits the environment and communities but also empowers businesses to thrive and achieve their goals.”

Mubarak Al-Bogami, director general of the social responsibility department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

The forum’s diverse program will highlight key CSR themes, including the public sector’s role in supporting CSR initiatives, responsible business models, capacity building, and using technology to enhance social and environmental impact. It will also cover principles, standards, best practices for CSR compliance, and share experiences from various sectors.

Al-Boqami said that the forum would contribute to the knowledge economy in social responsibility by sharing the latest advancements and improving best practices.

“It aims to embed a culture of social responsibility across global sectors, share successful experiences, build strategic partnerships, and support individuals in developing specific social responsibility skills.”

He added that the forum would facilitate the exchange of global best practices for Saudi companies.

“Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in global indicators, securing leading positions in many areas. The 2024 Competitiveness Report from the IMD World Competitiveness Center highlights this progress, particularly in social responsibility, where the Kingdom now ranks 16th globally,” Al-Boqami said.

Saudi Arabia has launched several initiatives to promote social responsibility, including designating March 23 as Social Responsibility Day, which has gained international recognition for its impact on global efforts.

Al-Boqami said that the forum presented a valuable opportunity to align these efforts by fostering communication and sharing successes and best practices.

He added that with participation from experts across all sectors, the forum would support precise knowledge transfer and the refinement of experiences.


Study finds fish farming wastewater boosts date fruit weight, nutrients

Study finds fish farming wastewater boosts date fruit weight, nutrients
Updated 11 September 2024
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Study finds fish farming wastewater boosts date fruit weight, nutrients

Study finds fish farming wastewater boosts date fruit weight, nutrients

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Environment has introduced an innovative irrigation technique using fish farming wastewater, significantly increasing date palm productivity across the Kingdom.

Recent research reveals that this method boosts soil nutrient levels and enhances various qualities of dates, improving their economic value, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

Conducted by a specialized team, the study, titled “The Impact of Using Fish Farm Wastewater on Palm Production” highlights this approach as a breakthrough in sustainable agriculture.

Nutrients in fish food residues, especially ammonia, enhance soil health and crop yield, SPA stated.

According to the study, date palms irrigated with fish farming water saw a 26 percent increase in fruit weight, 17 percent in length, and 13 percent in diameter.

Key nutrients in the dates also surged: sugar content increased by 25 percent, zinc by 367 percent, manganese by 112 percent, copper by 9 percent, calcium by 15 percent, phosphorus by 42 percent, and iron by 162 percent.

This research supports a national initiative to expand applied agricultural research, integral to the Kingdom’s transformation strategy.

The study estimates that the Kingdom’s 362 fish farms produce 386 million cubic meters of wastewater annually. Utilizing this for irrigation could significantly improve local date production and quality, aligning with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals.

The study also emphasizes economic benefits, including enhanced soil nitrogen and organic matter, reduced dependence on synthetic fertilizers, water conservation, increased farmer income, and promotion of a circular economy.