Latest news with #ETAM
Ya Biladi
06-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Ghana and Morocco to simplify residency, work toward visa-free mobility
In a significant shift in its position on the Sahara issue, Ghana has expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan, describing it as the «only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution» to the regional dispute. The announcement came during a joint statement delivered in Rabat by Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. The two also held a press briefing following the signing of the declaration and a memorandum of understanding on political consultations. This endorsement reflects a broader strengthening of ties between the two countries, particularly in areas such as people-to-people mobility, economic cooperation, and academic exchange. As part of this deepening partnership, both sides announced plans to simplify residency procedures for Moroccan and Ghanaian citizens, with the aim of eventually removing visa requirements altogether. Facilitating Mobility to Strengthen Cooperation In their joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and economic development between Morocco and Ghana. They also expressed their intention to finalize a visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports. In the interim, Minister Bourita announced the immediate implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization to Morocco (ETAM) system for Ghanaian citizens, allowing them to obtain visas online within 24 hours. «We've agreed to make mobility easier for our citizens», said Minister Ablakwa during the press briefing. «Although there is already a direct air link between Ghana and Morocco, the visa has been the main barrier to trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. Now, with this new measure, that barrier is lifted. This will significantly boost tourism and trade, especially since Morocco is a very popular destination». Investing in Human Capital Through Academic Exchange Both countries also emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and strengthening academic and cultural exchanges. Minister Bourita announced that the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) would increase the number of scholarships awarded to Ghanaian students from 90 to 140 annually, across various disciplines. «This is excellent news for us», said Ablakwa. «Our universities will also welcome Moroccan students, particularly those interested in English-language programs and African studies. We'll soon have a specific agreement in place to facilitate this academic cooperation». Economic and Agricultural Cooperation Ghana and Morocco also reaffirmed their economic partnership, which was initially cemented in 2017 during King Mohammed VI's visit to Accra through the signing of 25 cooperation agreements. According to Ablakwa, these agreements have already «greatly boosted bilateral trade». «We believe that a reciprocal visit would significantly strengthen our ties. Today's meeting lays the groundwork for a future meeting between the King and President John Dramani Mahama», he added. Looking ahead, the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security, areas with strong economic potential for Africa. The partnership will focus on producing fertilizers tailored to local conditions, including soil types, climate, and staple crops. Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa exporter, will be a key focus. «Ghana currently spends nearly $3 billion annually on food imports. Our new President is committed to reversing that trend», said Ablakwa. «Morocco's expertise in agriculture, agri-food, and fertilizer production gives it a clear advantage. Moroccan experts will soon collaborate with their Ghanaian counterparts to determine the best fertilizer type for our needs, starting with the cocoa sector, which is a vital crop for us». At the regional level, Minister Bourita praised Ghana's continued commitment to African integration, highlighting its active role in ECOWAS, its hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and its accession as a full member of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) in October 2024.
American Press
01-05-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Cowgirls walk off ETAM
McNeese outfielder Samantha Mundine makes a sliding catch by the left field wall against East Texas A&M Thursday. (Kirk Meche/Special to the American Press) This was no simple walk in the park for the Cowgirls. Facing eighth-seeded East Texas A&M, top-seeded McNeese State was given all it could handle in the opening game of the postseason. The Cowgirls survived thanks to a bases-loaded walk to Samantha Mundine in the bottom of the eighth that gave McNeese a 5-4 victory at Joe Miller Field. 'We could not get the timely hit,' said McNeese head coach James Landreneau. 'We had traffic on the bases, but we needed that one swing and couldn't get it. 'Tip your cap to their pitcher, she kept us off balance, and they played good defense behind her.' ETAM starter Kate Houser worked 7⅓ innings, allowing just three runs on seven hits. She had to be pulled with one out in the eighth after injuring her back. McNeese then jumped on reliever Maddie Muller, who allowed a hit and had seen the bases become loaded on a fielder's choice. She then threw four straight balls to send Kassidy Chance home from third with the winning run. 'I don't think we played badly, but they played really well,' said Landreneau. 'We will have to play better moving forward.' McNeese will take on the winner of Thursday's second game between No. 4 Incarnate Word and No. 5 Lamar at 6 p.m. Friday. The loser will play ETAM (10-41) in an elimination game at 3 p.m. in the Lake Charles bracket. 'We are going to have to cut down on our swings, use the middle of the field more, and drive in some runs,' said Landreneau. McNeese left 10 runs on base. Just two weeks earlier, the Cowgirls (38-18) swept the Lions, outscoring them 36-6. McNeese appeared to win it in the bottom of the seventh on Reese Reyna's line single to left. Lion outfielder Maddie Cason came up throwing and appeared to get pinch-runner Adriana Mireles, who was trying to score from second, at the plate. However, home plate umpire Nikos Williams called Mireles safe, saying ETAM catcher Aaliyah Wilcox had blocked the runner's path. After a brief replay review, the call was overturned. Ryann Schexnayder worked the final 2⅓ innings for McNeese and didn't allow a base runner for the win to improve to 7-1. 'She has been really clutch for us,' said Landreneau. 'It was good to see her throwing with confidence.' Jada Munoz had the big hit for McNeese, a three-run homer in the bottom of the third that gave the Cowgirls a 3-2 lead. It was her 15th of the season, tying her for the league lead. The Cowgirls added a run in the fourth without a hit on Chance's sacrifice fly to left. The Freshman of the Year finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Mundine also had two hits. The Lions scored their runs on a pair of two-run homers. Darby Hickey gave ETAM a 2-0 lead in the second with her second home run of the season. In the sixth, Wilcox hit one two-thirds of the way up the scoreboard in left to tie the game at 4-4 and chase McNeese starter Kandence Williams. The freshman righty went 6⅔ innings, allowing four runs on five hits with three strikeouts. She did not walk a batter. For Wilcox, the homer was her sixth of the season. The Cowgirls extended their SLC home winning streak to 43 games with the victory. 'We know tournament play is going to be tough,' said Landreneau. 'We have to make adjustments and be ready.'
