General

1. CLIMATE CHANGE & JOURNALISM In a world teetering on the brink of irreversible climate disaster, the need for robust, actionable solutions has never been more acute. At the intersection of science, policy, community action, and global consciousness stands a singular force: Journalism. Armed with the power of the pen and the reach of the airwaves, journalists have the unparalleled opportunity — and indeed, the responsibility — to serve as catalysts for change. As we grapple with current extreme weather events and the stark reality that a majority of Ghana, nay the human race, remains vulnerable, the role of journalism in communicating, educating, and mobilising has evolved from being merely informative to fundamentally transformative. A. The Climate Imperative The world is increasingly besieged by climate challenges. Taking action has never been more crucial. While the threats are dire, opportunities abound for various stakeholders to make a tangible impact. B. The Role of Information Dissemination Journalists, influencers, and even casual social media users wield immense power in shaping public perception and driving collective action. These groups can act as catalysts in the fight against climate change. C. Business Incentives The business community is often viewed as reluctant to participate in sustainability efforts, primarily due to perceived costs. However, we will explore how adopting a climate-friendly stance can be simultaneously morally right and financially advantageous. D. What Lies Ahead From examining the role of journalism in propagating accurate information to investigating the untapped potential of social media influencers, we’ll explore a multi-faceted approach to climate action. Additionally, we’ll shed light on the financial incentives available to businesses for adopting sustainable practices. 2. THE SCIENCE BEHIND CLIMATE COMMUNICATION A. The Critical Intersection of Media and Science Climate change is not merely a narrative about rising temperatures and extreme weather events. It is a story deeply rooted in scientific research and data. Consequently, the media’s role isn’t merely that of a message-bearer but that of an educator in some respects. B. The State of Media Resources As it stands, many media houses will be quick to tell you that they are not fully equipped to disseminate the complexities of climate science to the global community. While there is a concerted effort to bring climate issues to the forefront, the focus often leans towards sensationalism, potentially leading to diluted or even inaccurate portrayals. The media houses have a point. C. Limitations and Challenges There are notable limitations to this scenario. Firstly, media personnel may not always have the scientific background to convey such intricate information. Secondly, the fast-paced nature of news dissemination may not lend itself to the thoroughness that scientific discussion often requires. Thirdly, there may be a lack of access to reliable scientific resources or experts, particularly in economically or socially disadvantaged regions. D. The Need for Up-skilling and Collaboration The obvious solution to this inadequacy lies in enhancing the capabilities of media professionals. This could include specialised training programs in climate science and continuous collaboration between journalists and scientific experts. This approach would help ensure that the information being spread is both accurate and impactful. 3. THE ROLE OF JOURNALISM IN CLIMATE ACTION A. The Media as a Funnel for Climate Awareness In our increasingly connected world, the media is a potent conduit for disseminating information. When it comes to climate change, the stakes are significantly higher. Journalists are not merely reporters; they become stewards of public awareness, tasked with communicating the severity and urgency of the issue. A journalist’s words can influence public opinion, spark debates, and even catalyse policy changes. Hence, the media’s role in shaping a collective consciousness about climate change cannot be overstated. B. The Challenge of Cross-Disciplinary Communication While the media have a substantial role in climate change communication, they also face the challenge of translating complex scientific jargon into accessible language. For instance, terms like ‘carbon footprint,’ ‘greenhouse gas emissions,’ or ‘ocean acidification’ might seem bewildering to a layperson. Journalists, therefore, must serve as intermediaries, capable of conveying scientific data in a manner that the average person not only understands but also feels compelled to act upon. It’s about making climate science as relatable as household discussions. This is clearly a challenge, but not an impossible one. C. The Power of Local Leadership in Climate Communication Local leaders, be they community elders, religious figures, or politicians, have a unique influence over their communities. Their words often carry more weight and immediacy than an outsider’s. Journalists can leverage this local influence by partnering with these community figures. The idea is to ‘localise’ climate change, to make it a pressing issue that communities can relate to and act upon. In essence, the media can serve as catalysts, empowering local leaders to drive home the urgency of the climate crisis. D. The Economics of Climate Communication: A Sustainable Approach Financial resources are the lifeblood of any large-scale initiative, and climate action is no exception. One can have all the good intentions in the world, but without the necessary funding, even the most ambitious projects will falter. That is why I advocate for a sustainable funding model involving both public and private sectors. Journalists should not be left to shoulder this financial burden alone; partnerships should be forged and funding allocated to ensure that accurate and impactful climate communication can occur. Whether through grants, advertisements, or public-private partnerships, a financially sustainable model can drive climate action from the grassroots level all the way to the global stage. 4. THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS A. The Currency of Impressions In the age of social media, influencers are driven by a clear objective: to garner impressions that translate into monetary value or brand partnerships. But what if these impressions could serve a greater purpose—namely, the cause of climate awareness? B. The Power of Recognition Recognition plays a crucial role in human behaviour, and influencers are no exception. By applauding and acknowledging the efforts of those who use their platform for climate advocacy, we can inspire a new wave of influencers to

Before we begin, we must understand the for-profit model that keeps our not-for-profit passion for football alive and thriving, especially overseas. Every sustainable development model of a not-for-profit endeavour needs a robust for-profit engine to secure longevity. THE FOOTBALL REVENUE TRIAD Like thriving enterprises, football clubs hinge on robust revenue streams to fuel their aspirations and sustain their operations. The revenue triad of Match Day Revenue, Broadcast Revenue, and Commercial Revenue forms the financial bedrock of these clubs. Comparatively, European football clubs have traditionally excelled in optimising these revenue streams, with the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga being quintessential examples. Through recent strategic investments, Saudi clubs are ascending on a similar trajectory. However, Ghanaian clubs lag in harnessing the full potential of these revenue avenues, indicative of a pressing need for innovative financial strategies and infrastructural upgrades. THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS ARTICLE So it’s last Friday, early afternoon. I get a call from Charles Nixon, Head of Joy Business. He’s inviting me to a Thought Leadership Event. But it’s the way that he does it that catches my attention. He reminds me that I have lived in the UK and throws staggering stats at me on the English Premier League’s contribution to the British economy during and after COVID – staggering figures. I wondered if he knew I play in the Amateur Premier League as a goalkeeper with Pilsley Community FC. So he has my attention. Then I realised from the invite and flyers that Dr. Daniel McKorley would be there. McDan, the builder of stadiums, the Ghanaian King of Entrepreneurship, the one-person microeconomy stimulator… that McDan. As a long-time Accra Hearts of Oaks fan, I also geeked out when I saw our former Hearts CEO, Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, would also be there. The icing on the cake is the coolest Chancellor in Africa: Prof Robert Hinson. And a couple of the finest, most renowned sports journalists and hosts there are. At this point, I’m sold! And it didn’t disappoint. The theme was “Football Economy: Repurposing our Approach to Development, The Saudi Arabian Experience”. The Event was Insightful, to say the least. SAUDI ARABIA’S FOOTBALL RENAISSANCE Saudi Arabia has heralded a new era of football prosperity through strategic investments in top-tier talent and significant infrastructure upgrades. The acquisition of marquee players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema not only elevates the competitive stature of the Saudi Professional League but also casts a global spotlight on it. The ripple effects of these star-studded signings extend beyond the football pitch, luring in a broader fan base and enticing a slew of sponsorships, thus fostering a conducive framework for revenue augmentation. Parallelly, Saudi Arabia has channelled substantial capital towards modernising football infrastructure. From erecting state-of-the-art stadiums to fostering a conducive environment for world-class talent, these infrastructural strides are indispensable cogs in the wheel of football revenue generation. The blend of international star appeal and infrastructural finesse has significantly bolstered the Match Day, Broadcast, and Commercial Revenue streams of the Saudi Professional League. The resonance of these investments is noticeable in the surging attendance rates, increasing broadcast rights agreements, and lucrative sponsorship deals. The Saudi football blueprint is a testimony to the transformative power of strategic investments in elevating a league’s global stature and financial robustness. IMPLICATIONS ON THE THREE REVENUE STREAMS Saudi Arabia’s football investments have had a ripple effect on the revenue ecosystem of the Saudi Professional League, with a notable impact on the three pivotal revenue streams. The metamorphosis of the Saudi Professional League is symbolic of how strategic investments can substantially uplift the financial health of a football league. The Saudi model clarifies a viable pathway for other leagues that are in a difficult position, laying a blueprint that, albeit requiring a tailored approach, could be emulated to foster financial rejuvenation. A CRUCIAL TAKEAWAY The Saudi example should be seen in the proper context. In Saudi Arabia, the government’s Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of the nation, bought majority stakes in the top clubs of the Saudi Pro League, making decision-making on investments into the clubs, infrastructure and the League a far more straightforward endeavour that it would be in, say, the Ghana Premier League. The problem of investment for growth in non-English football leagues is well-documented. On one side of the coin, there’s the allure of escalating League and club revenues through enhanced viewership, akin to the lucrative trail blazed by the English Premier League. Yet, on the flip side lies the upfront financial leap needed to attract superior playing talent, essentially to enhance the on-field product, which, in theory, should magnetise more viewers. This cyclic dilemma is not just a solo expedition but a collective one, where all clubs within a league must be on the same fiscal page. The obstacle? Convincing the cohort of all the club owners in a League to unclench their fists and loosen the purse strings, especially when many are already echoing sentiments of over-investment with underwhelming financial returns. Imagine achieving this in Ghana! Not an easy feat. European football leagues, like the Bundesliga or Serie A, have shown a semblance of the investment-viewership growth model. Germany’s Bundesliga, for instance, prides itself on its boisterous matchday atmosphere, owing to its club’s fan-centric approach, which has also been a drawing card for TV viewership locally and internationally. On the commercial front, clubs in these leagues have sought to augment their brand allure through strategic player signings and brand partnerships, propelling their commercial revenue streams. However, the financial model of football is not without its pitfalls. The English Premier League, despite its global viewership magnetism, has its clubs grappling with soaring player wages, which, as of 2019, consumed as much as 61% of their revenues. Around the same 2019, in Spain, Barcelona’s financial woes with the player-salary conundrum had the club pay 80-90% of all of its revenues to players as salaries. This financial back-and-forth, balancing investment for growth and fiscal prudence, is the tightrope that non-English leagues and

The Importance of Defining Roles Clearly In the dynamic corporate governance landscape, clearly defined roles facilitate smooth operation and are pivotal in steering the organisation towards its strategic objectives. A vivid outline of responsibilities ensures that every financial process is undertaken judiciously, maintaining a balance between strategy and day-to-day management. Within this framework, the roles of a treasurer and a financial secretary emerge as two distinct yet symbiotic functions, each catering to different facets of the financial management spectrum. Background on the Traditional Roles of Treasurers and Financial Secretaries Traditionally, the treasurer assumes a more strategic role, spearheading the company’s financial direction and ensuring fiscal health through insightful budget management and financial planning. Their purview extends to long-term financial strategies that are crucial for sustainable growth. Conversely, a financial secretary is engrossed in the daily financial undertakings, meticulously managing records and ensuring precise documentation of all transactions. This role is foundational, guaranteeing the smooth operation of the financial department by facilitating seamless transaction management and fostering organisational efficacy through detailed record-keeping. DELVING INTO THE ROLE OF A TREASURER The Strategist Behind Financial Health In the modern corporate world, a treasurer is the company’s financial health guardian. Their role extends far beyond mere financial management; they are strategists equipped with a forward-thinking approach to sustain and grow the company’s financial status healthily. By having a hawk’s eye on the market trends and economic forecasts, they ensure the firm is always a step ahead in its financial planning. Overview of the Strategic Role At the heart of a treasurer’s role lies strategic financial planning. They oversee the organisation’s financial activities, ensuring liquidity is maintained while mitigating risks associated with investments and other financial undertakings. Their strategic insight is critical in fostering financial stability and steering the organisation towards prosperous horizons. Importance in Budget Management Budget management is another critical facet of a treasurer’s responsibility. They are charged with meticulously crafting and managing budgets, working with various departments to align financial plans with the company’s overarching goals. Monitoring budget adherence fosters financial discipline, ensuring resources are judiciously utilised and financial objectives are met seamlessly. Treasurer: Skills and Expertise Financial Management Acumen A treasurer must exhibit a deep understanding of financial management principles. Their role necessitates expertise in managing large portfolios and a profound comprehension of market dynamics and investment principles. Their financial acumen ensures the company navigates through economic fluctuations adeptly, maintaining a sound financial footing. Analytical Skills Required Analytical prowess is non-negotiable in the treasurer’s role. They must be able to scrutinise financial reports, discern market trends, and make data-driven decisions that align with the company’s strategic goals. These skills enable them to forecast potential opportunities and risks, helping to shape a prudent financial strategy. Treasurer: Collaboration and Reporting Reporting Structures Within the corporate hierarchy, the treasurer typically reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or the board of directors. Their reporting structure is designed to facilitate strategic alignment with the company’s vision, ensuring that financial strategies are woven intricately with the firm’s broader objectives. The Collaborative Approach to Strategy Alignment A treasurer doesn’t operate in isolation; they work collaboratively with various departments to foster synergy in achieving the company’s financial objectives. This collaborative approach ensures that financial strategies are not just theoretical constructs but are grounded in the practical realities of the company’s operations, thus enabling a harmonised approach to achieving fiscal goals. UNPACKING THE ROLE OF A FINANCIAL SECRETARY The Guardian of Daily Financial Operations The financial secretary operates as the backbone of the daily financial operations, standing as a steward over the fine details that facilitate the smooth running of the organisation’s financial functions. This role involves meticulous financial records management, ensuring transactions are accurately recorded, and financial data is readily available for scrutiny and decision-making. Overview of the Day-to-day Role A day in the life of a financial secretary is characterised by a relentless pursuit of accuracy in the record-keeping process. Their daily tasks include managing receivables and payables, recording financial transactions, and maintaining an organised system of financial documentation. This role is critical in ensuring transparency and fostering a culture of financial accountability within the organisation. The Necessity for Detailed Record-keeping Record-keeping stands as a cardinal responsibility for the financial secretary. This involves documenting transactions accurately and safeguarding financial documents to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitate audits. The financial secretary ensures that every financial movement is recorded diligently, thus building a robust financial infrastructure that stands the test of time. Financial Secretary: Skills and Expertise Precision and Attention to Detail Serving as the guardian of daily financial operations requires a meticulous approach to work. The financial secretary must exhibit unparalleled precision and attention to detail, ensuring that every transaction is documented correctly and that financial reports are error-free, safeguarding the company against potential financial discrepancies. Organisational Prowess A financial secretary is often tasked with managing various documents and data. Thus, organisational skills are paramount. They must create and maintain systems that allow for easy information retrieval, promoting efficiency and aiding in swift decision-making processes within the organisation. Financial Secretary: Collaboration and Reporting Reporting Lines The reporting lines of a financial secretary can vary depending on the organisational structure. Generally, they report to the treasurer or the financial manager, facilitating a streamlined flow of financial information and ensuring that the strategic financial objectives of the organisation are met through diligent daily operations. Inter-departmental Collaboration A financial secretary plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration across various departments. By maintaining open communication channels and sharing vital financial data, they enable different units to work in harmony, thus ensuring that the financial aspirations of the organisation are achieved collaboratively and efficiently. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Similarities between the two roles In the complex structure of an organisation, both the treasurer and the financial secretary play instrumental roles, often working hand in hand. One of the defining similarities is their core objective: ensuring the financial stability and health of the organisation. They both are involved in financial planning, management, and reporting, albeit