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.


Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium launches in Riyadh

Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium launches in Riyadh
Updated 7 sec ago
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Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium launches in Riyadh

Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium launches in Riyadh
  • Sculptures were created during a live public exhibition last month
  • Works will be displayed across the city after event ends

RIYADH: The sixth annual Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium began in Riyadh on Wednesday with 30 works of art created during a live sculpting exhibition at Roshn Front last month.

Held under the theme “From Then to Now: Joy in the Struggle of Making,” the event runs until Feb. 24.

The annual symposium brings together local and international artists, and includes a series of workshops, educational trips and interactive talks.

Organizers have announced that all sculptures created during the event will become part of the permanent collection of Riyadh Art.

These sculptures will be placed in prominent public spaces across the city, complementing the 35 sculptures from previous editions of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, which were installed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.

Among the prominent additions to Riyadh Art’s permanent collection are “LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside)” by American artist Robert Indiana and “Janey Waney” by American artist Alexander Calder, both located at the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station.

Additionally, “Sun” by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone was recently installed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.

Riyadh Art is dedicated to installing more than 1,000 public artworks throughout the city as part of its efforts to enhance and diversify Riyadh’s cultural landscape.

The symposium showcases works created at Roshn Front during a live public sculpting phase which took place from Jan. 15-Feb. 8. The event featured artists from a range of backgrounds.

Out of more than 750 applications from around the world, 30 artists from 23 countries were selected. The artists represent a wide range of sculptural traditions and contemporary practices, with each piece reflecting this year’s theme.

Sebastian Betancur-Montoya, curator of the 2025 Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, said: “The exhibition is the culmination of weeks of dedication, artistic exchange and craftsmanship.

“These sculptures are not merely temporary installations; they are part of an ongoing cultural dialogue that connects history with modernity, contributing to the development of Riyadh’s public art scene.”

As part of the public engagement program for the live sculpting phase, which features group discussions, workshops, training sessions and guided tours, the exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to interact with the artists’ creative processes and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of contemporary sculpture.

Tuwaiq Sculpture is a key program within the Riyadh Grand Projects, an initiative launched by King Salman in 2019.


E-waste recycling — a win-win for environment and economy

Recycling e-waste supports a sustainable economy, effectively utilizes natural resources, and minimizes financial waste. (SPA)
Recycling e-waste supports a sustainable economy, effectively utilizes natural resources, and minimizes financial waste. (SPA)
Updated 27 min 23 sec ago
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E-waste recycling — a win-win for environment and economy

Recycling e-waste supports a sustainable economy, effectively utilizes natural resources, and minimizes financial waste. (SPA)
  • E-waste poses considerable health and environmental risks if not disposed of safely and responsibly
  • It also presents significant economic and social opportunities through proper recycling and investment in sustainable e-waste management

RIYADH: The expansion of the tech sector and the surge in the use of electronic devices has led to a significant increase in waste from electrical and electronic equipment, one of the fastest-growing types of solid waste globally.

E-waste poses considerable health and environmental risks if not disposed of safely and responsibly. However, it also presents significant economic and social opportunities through proper recycling and investment in sustainable e-waste management.

According to the executive regulations of the electronic and electrical waste management law, e-waste is defined as waste generated from equipment that operates via electric currents or electromagnetic fields. This includes all components, sub-assemblies and consumables associated with the product when discarded.

E-waste encompasses a wide range of electronic products including laptops, printers, digital cameras, portable gaming devices, smartphones and wearable devices such as wireless headphones. These contain harmful and toxic materials like lead, mercury and cadmium. Improper disposal contaminates the environment, including groundwater, and poses significant risks to human health.

Many electronic and electrical devices accumulate in homes, offices and other facilities, often discarded prematurely. They could be repaired, refurbished or have their parts reused; however, improper disposal methods, such as burning or heating, are prevalent. These release toxic fumes, which travel long distances, impacting public health and contributing to environmental degradation, including reduced vegetation cover, increased global warming and the rise of respiratory diseases.

Proper e-waste management is crucial, involving recycling and reusing valuable components while safely disposing of hazardous materials.

Government efforts in e-waste management

The Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability, as outlined in Vision 2030, drives its efforts to recycle e-waste. This aligns with national and global goals, including reducing carbon emissions, achieving carbon neutrality and fostering a circular economy.

Recycling e-waste supports a sustainable economy, effectively utilizes natural resources, minimizes financial waste and enhances social responsibility by enabling needy families to access technology.

The National Center for Waste Management plays a pivotal role in organizing, monitoring and stimulating investment in waste management activities. It aims to significantly reduce e-waste and battery disposal in landfills, targeting a 90-95 percent exclusion rate by 2035 and achieve a reuse and recycling rate for e-waste and damaged batteries exceeding 90 percent.

At COP28, the commission announced the launch of the Developing E-Waste Management Regulations initiative, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union, to implement e-waste management regulations in Zambia, Rwanda and Paraguay.

This initiative reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership in global digital sustainability efforts. By introducing regulations that promote a circular economy and offering innovative solutions, the initiative seeks to accelerate the transition to green practices. This is crucial as global e-waste generation has reached 54 million tonnes annually, of which only 17 percent is recycled.

Following a royal order, government agencies can donate used computers to the Ertiqa association.

Ertiqa Executive Director Omar Al-Shaibani told the Saudi Press Agency the association focused on collecting used computers, refurbishing them and distributing them to social and educational entities. It utilizes the Blancco program and adheres to globally approved methods to securely erase all data from donated devices, ensuring user privacy.

One of Ertiqa's notable projects is an initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide computers to students from needy families to facilitate remote learning.

This achieved significant success, with over 40 million educational and training hours logged, over 30,000 devices distributed, and over 27,000 devices recycled. A total of 1,296 entities benefited from this program.

According to Al-Shaibani, over the past ten years, Ertiqa has received over 223,000 devices of which over 97,000 were refurbished and distributed to 3,404 entities, resulting in a reuse rate of 46 percent and a recycle rate of 43 percent.

Recycling operations resulted in a reduction of 13,039,815 kg of carbon emissions, equivalent to the recycling of 2,608 tonnes of e-waste. This involved the participation of over 3,000 volunteers who contributed 57,080 hours, with an estimated economic return exceeding SR2.6 million ($693k).

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission also carried out the “Recycle Your Device” initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and MWAN.

The scheme, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, saw more than 100,000 devices, with a market value exceeding SR30 million, collected from 20,000 participants. More than 240 tonnes of e-waste were recycled and repaired, and over 120 schools and charitable associations received recycled devices.

In the investment sector, the Saudi Investment Recycling Co., a Public Investment Fund subsidiary, was established by a royal decree to spearhead investment in the Kingdom’s recycling sector, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.

The company’s strategy focuses on investing in recycling 12 waste types to significantly advance the circular economy and contribute to the national target of increasing overall recycling operations to 81 percent.

A key subsidiary of SIRC is ELECTA, which specializes in the treatment and recycling of electronic, electrical and metal waste. ELECTA further invested in the Sorting and Recycling Company for Environmental Services, SIRC’s executive arm for electronic waste and metal recycling.

Citizens and residents wishing to donate devices, which will be collected free of charge, may submit a request through the Ertiqa website at ertiqa.org/en or its app.


Saudi attorney general meets Egyptian counterpart in Cairo

Saudi attorney general meets Egyptian counterpart in Cairo
Updated 30 min 25 sec ago
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Saudi attorney general meets Egyptian counterpart in Cairo

Saudi attorney general meets Egyptian counterpart in Cairo
  • Visit to Egypt reaffirms strong ties between Riyadh, Cairo

RIYADH: Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib, Saudi Arabia’s attorney general, met his Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Shawky Ayyad on Wednesday, along with the Egyptian Minister of Justice Adnan Al-Fangari.

The attorney general’s visit to Egypt this week reaffirms the strong ties between the two prosecutors and their ongoing cooperation in combating emerging and cross-border crimes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The parties emphasized the strong judicial ties between Cairo and Riyadh, and the importance of maintaining cooperation in judicial training and governance procedures, the SPA added.

Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, the Saudi Ambassador to Egypt, also attended the meeting.


Islamic military coalition addresses extremism prevention at Riyadh forum

Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh Wednesday.
Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh Wednesday.
Updated 12 February 2025
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Islamic military coalition addresses extremism prevention at Riyadh forum

Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh Wednesday.
  • Al-Dawah explained that the symposium serves to address the complex drivers of extremism and explore preventive measures

RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh on Wednesday, commemorating the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism.

The event was attended by the coalition’s assistant military commander, Air Force Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Qurashi, as well as member state representatives and coalition personnel, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Chaired by Abdullah Al-Dawah, director of monitoring and analysis at the Intellectual Affairs Department, the symposium emphasized the day’s role in enhancing global efforts to combat terrorism and extremist ideology while fostering peace and tolerance.

Al-Dawah explained that the symposium serves to address the complex drivers of extremism, explore preventive measures, and highlight the crucial roles of community awareness and global cooperation.

In the first session, Yahya Abu Maghayed, director of preventive programs at the Intellectual Affairs Department, examined extremism’s dynamic nature and stressed the need for increased public awareness.

He discussed factors driving its spread and indicators of violent radicalization, such as violence justification, conspiracy theory adoption, and participation in social unrest.

The second session featured Col. Malik Al-Farrayeh, Jordan’s representative to the Islamic coalition, who highlighted the importance of public education on extremist ideology risks.

He emphasized that prevention begins with promoting moderate religious values while rejecting hardline ideas. Al-Farrayeh also noted the critical role of educational and media institutions in promoting tolerance and moderation.

He stressed the need for regional and international cooperation to prevent extremism from evolving into a security threat.

The event concluded with recommendations to strengthen community oversight, reinforce moderate values, and address extremism’s root causes.

Participants underscored the need for coordinated international action to combat this phenomenon and protect communities from its impact.


Team behind Dammam’s doors exhibition highlights importance of traditional crafts

Abwab Al-Sharqiya (The Doors of the Eastern Province), was installed in late 2024 along Dammam’s corniche. (Supplied)
Abwab Al-Sharqiya (The Doors of the Eastern Province), was installed in late 2024 along Dammam’s corniche. (Supplied)
Updated 12 February 2025
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Team behind Dammam’s doors exhibition highlights importance of traditional crafts

Abwab Al-Sharqiya (The Doors of the Eastern Province), was installed in late 2024 along Dammam’s corniche. (Supplied)
  • Abwab Al-Sharqiya exhibits traditional carved wooden doors along Dammam’s corniche
  • Creators want to promote traditional Saudi craftsmanship

DAMMAM: The team behind a public exhibition showcasing the artistry of eastern Arabia’s carved wooden doors has spoken of their cultural significance.

Abwab Al-Sharqiya (The Doors of the Eastern Province), was installed in late 2024 along Dammam’s corniche, and the exhibition’s creators are highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting traditional Saudi craftsmanship.

Sculptor Hassan Al-Hussain, who carved the doors, emphasized their significance: “Each door carries engravings and motifs that reflect the ancestors’ stories, traditions and deep cultural ties.”

Sculptor Hassan Al-Hussain. (Supplied)

Engineer Ayat Al-Herz, who designed the doors, added: “Creating these traditional doors required a balance between cultural authenticity and modern design standards, ensuring both heritage preservation and high-quality craftsmanship.”

Among the experts behind this initiative is Saeed Alwayel, an Al-Ahsa-based artist, researcher and academic specializing in the architectural heritage of the Arabian Gulf.

With a PhD in interior architecture, and during more than four decades of research, Alwayel has extensively documented traditional crafts, particularly wooden and plaster ornamentation. He describes door-making as “one of the deeply rooted professions in Saudi society, particularly in Al-Ahsa and the Eastern Province.”

Saeed Alwayel, an Al-Ahsa-based artist, researcher and academic specializing in the architectural heritage of the Arabian Gulf. (Supplied)

His research involved fieldwork, interviews and material analysis. His first study on wooden decorations in Al-Ahsa’s traditional architecture was published in 1998, and he later expanded his research to cover the entire Eastern Province, culminating in a book published by the King Abdulaziz Foundation in 2011.

Reflecting on his efforts, he said: “Despite the extensive work involved, this project remains one of my most rewarding contributions.”

In recognition of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, the Ministry of Culture has designated 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, an initiative celebrating traditional craftsmanship and its artistic and historical significance.

This installation was gifted to the people of the Eastern Province in celebration of the fifth anniversary of Ithra’s “Al-Sharqiya Gets Creative” initiative, which launched in 2020 and has become an annual tradition. The project visually connects the region’s creative history with its promising future.

The installation features five traditional door styles historically prevalent in the Eastern Province, while the sixth door symbolizes the region’s creative diversity.