Latest news with #GSS
The Star
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Agape ATP forms strategic partnerships
PETALING JAYA: Nasdaq-listed Agape ATP Corp (ATPC), via its subsidiary ATPC Green Energy Sdn Bhd, has signed a strategic partnership with Global Strategic Solutions LLC (GSS) and BM Trading Services Co Ltd (BMT) to expand into large-scale energy and infrastructure projects in key emerging markets. GSS is a US-based advisory firm specialising in digitalisation, infrastructure, and government engagement, while BMT is a Vietnam-based company focused on cross-border trade and strategic partnerships in sectors such as energy and infrastructure across South-East Asia. Under the agreement, ATPC will provide EPC services, technical advisory, and access to clean energy and petroleum infrastructure, while GSS will oversee project sourcing and due diligence.
New Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nasdaq-listed ATPC forms regional alliance for energy, infrastructure projects
KUALA LUMPUR: Nasdaq-listed Agape ATP Corp (ATPC), through its unit ATPC Green Energy Sdn Bhd, has teamed up with Global Strategic Solutions LLC (GSS) and Vietnam-based BM Trading Services Company Ltd (BMT) to pursue major energy and infrastructure initiatives. The collaboration marks a significant step in ATPC's expansion into large-scale energy and infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. The trilateral alliance is set to advance initiatives in petroleum trade, energy transition, and infrastructure development in emerging markets by leveraging the partners' combined technical, operational, and strategic expertise. Its founder and global group chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Dr How Kok Choong, said the partnership represents a strong synergy to address complex challenges in the sector. "By combining our technical, operational, and strategic strengths, we are well-positioned to deliver transformative projects that improve lives and drive economic growth while accelerating the adoption of sustainable solutions in emerging markets," he said in a statement. The US-based firm GSS said the initiative opens exciting opportunities to implement energy and infrastructure solutions that address pressing needs in underserved markets, particularly through its expertise in digitisation, infrastructure, and government engagement. BMT, with a solid presence across Southeast Asia, is focused on enabling cross-border trade and aligning strategic business initiatives, bridging Vietnamese business opportunities with international markets. The partnership agreement includes an initial three-year exclusivity clause, which will automatically renew for successive one-year periods, covering projects within the agreed regions. Under the agreement, ATPC will offer engineering, procurement, and construction services, along with technical advisory, particularly in clean energy and petroleum trading infrastructure. GSS will lead project identification, due diligence, and investor engagement across multi-jurisdictional efforts. BMT will serve as the on-ground commercial facilitator, overseeing deal structuring, regulatory navigation, and project execution in sectors such as diesel, digitalisation, hydrogen, and logistics.
Metro
01-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Failing water firms forced to pay ten times as much compensation
The move will mean more money for victims of water company mistakes (Picture: Bloomberg via Getty Images) People whose homes are left flooded could get twice as much money in compensation from water companies after a shake-up of the payout scheme. Reimbursements for a range of issues, from cancelled appointments to late restoration of supply, will be boosted from today. It means those who consistently face low pressure in their homes could go from getting a maximum payout of £25 once a year to £50 up to five times each financial year. And the top amount of compensation for victims of internal flooding from sewers will double from £1,000 to £2,000. Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: 'Too many water companies are letting down their customers – with leaking pipes, poor water supply and low water pressure. 'The government is holding water companies to account by making them put money back into people's pockets when they fail their customers.' Sign up to Metro's politics newsletter, Alright Gov? Craig Munro breaks down Westminster chaos into easy to follow insight, walking you through what the latest policies mean to you. Sent every Wednesday. Sign up here. Compensation will also be awarded for a wider range of issues from later this year, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said. They will include times when customers are asked to boil their water due to a contaminated supply. At least 46 people fell in in Brixham last May due to a waterborne disease (Picture:) That was the case last year in the Devon town of Brixham, where some South West Water customers had to boil their water for more than a month due to a Cryptosporidium outbreak. The government said the changes to the Guaranteed Standards Scheme (GSS) announced today were the first raise in compensation rates for 25 years. How water supply compensation is changing Internal flooding from sewers : Previously minimum of £150 and maximum of £1,000, rising to minimum of £300 and maximum of £2,000 : Previously minimum of £150 and maximum of £1,000, rising to minimum of £300 and maximum of £2,000 External flooding from sewers : Previously minimum of £75 and maximum of £500, rising to minimum of £150 and maximum of £1,000 : Previously minimum of £75 and maximum of £500, rising to minimum of £150 and maximum of £1,000 Low pressure : Previously £25 once a year, rising to £50 up to five times a year for total of £250 : Previously £25 once a year, rising to £50 up to five times a year for total of £250 Supply not restored on time : Previously £20 for households, with £10 for each subsequent 24 hours, and £50 for non-households, with £25 for each subsequent 24 hours. Rising to £50 for households with £50 for each subsequent 24 hours, and £100 for non-households with £100 for each subsequent 24 hours : Previously £20 for households, with £10 for each subsequent 24 hours, and £50 for non-households, with £25 for each subsequent 24 hours. Rising to £50 for households with £50 for each subsequent 24 hours, and £100 for non-households with £100 for each subsequent 24 hours Planned interruption to supply lasting more than four hours, with less than 48 hours' notice : Previously £20 for households and £50 for non-households, rising to £50 for households and £100 for non-households : Previously £20 for households and £50 for non-households, rising to £50 for households and £100 for non-households Failure to make automatic compensation payment : Previously £10 to £20 for households and £10 to £50 for non-households, rising to £40 for households and £100 for non-households : Previously £10 to £20 for households and £10 to £50 for non-households, rising to £40 for households and £100 for non-households Appointments not kept : Previously £20, rising to £50 : Previously £20, rising to £50 Appointments not made properly : Previously £20, rising to £40 : Previously £20, rising to £40 Failure to action complaints, account queries, or requests to change payment arrangements on time: Previously £20, rising to £40 Ofwat Chief Executive David Black said: 'When customers suffer from problems like low pressure, disruptions to supply or sewer flooding they can experience major stress and inconvenience, and payment amounts must recognise the disruption to their lives when standards are not met. 'These new changes are another way to make sure customers are protected when companies get it wrong.' Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Tim Farron said 'half-baked announcements' wouldn't achieve the 'fundamental reform' his party believes is needed in the sector. He said: 'To create real change in our failing water industry, the regulator Ofwat must be abolished and replaced with a tough new regulator that can hold companies accountable.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Inside 'Alligator Alcatraz', the abandoned airport turned Trump's migrant detention facility Arrow MORE: Let's give back to the environment on David Attenborough's 100th birthday Arrow MORE: Major parental leave review launched with current system 'not working'
Business Insider
01-07-2025
- General
- Business Insider
Nearly 30.7% of Ghana's population lives in slums
A new report released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed that approximately 29.5% of Ghana's population, representing about 4.8 million people, are living in slums or informal settlements. Accra and Ashanti regions have the highest slum housing rates, over 50%. Recent Ghana Statistical Service report shows 29.5% of Ghanaians live in slums. Women in slums face higher fertility rates, posing additional challenges. The findings underscore the severity of Ghana's housing challenges and the urgent need for targeted urban development policies. Slums and informal settlements spread across cities Titled The Slums and Informal Settlements Report, the publication highlights widespread issues with housing, poor urban planning, and limited infrastructure in many Ghanaian communities. Launched on 30 June 2025, the report exposes deepening inequalities in the country's urban landscape. Speaking at the launch, Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, described the figures as 'a serious wake-up call' and urged local authorities to take leadership in addressing urban poverty and housing deficits. 'This data must not be shelved,' Dr Iddrisu insisted. 'It should inform how we plan, allocate resources, and intervene at the local level to reduce disparities.' Greater Accra and Ashanti regions top slum sousing rates The report found notable regional disparities in slum conditions. The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest proportion of slum dwellers in rented spaces at 52.5%, followed by the Ashanti Region at 51.8%. Other regions posted significantly lower figures, suggesting that slum living is particularly concentrated in the nation's most densely populated urban centres. Dr Iddrisu called for urgent reforms in housing, sanitation, and social service delivery, noting that slum conditions pose serious threats to public health, safety, and equity. He urged metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies to align their budgets and development strategies with the data presented. The report also observed that women living in slum areas exhibit slightly higher fertility rates compared to women in non-slum localities—a dynamic that may add pressure to already overstretched infrastructure and services in informal settlements. Despite Ghana's rapid population growth and increased internal migration, the GSS report revealed that only 10% of localities across the country are formally classified as urban, even though slum conditions persist in many areas. This mismatch between population trends and urban classification highlights a critical gap in planning and infrastructure expansion.
Business Insider
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Ghana ranked 12th in Africa with highest cost of living despite inflation drop
Ghana has been ranked 12th out of 23 African countries with the highest cost of living, according to new data released by Numbeo. The country recorded a Cost of Living Index score of 30.6, with sub-indexes of 12.1 for rent and 33.3 for groceries, reflecting the pressure on consumer budgets despite recent inflation relief. Ghana ranks 12th among 23 African countries with high living costs, according to a Numbeo study. The country's Cost of Living Index is 30.6, with rent at 12.1 and groceries at 33.3. Despite high living costs, Ghana notices the fifth consecutive month of declining inflation, reaching 18.4%. Top African Countries by Cost of Living The report ranks Ethiopia as the most expensive country in Africa (43.2), followed by Botswana (39.5) and Mozambique (38.9). Others in the top 10 include Ivory Coast, Somalia, Cameroon, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Zambia, and Tanzania. Inflation sees fifth consecutive decline Despite Ghana's high living costs, inflation has declined for the fifth straight month. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reported that inflation fell to 18.4% in May 2025, down from 21.2% in April. The decline is largely attributed to reduced transport fares and a fall in non-food inflation. Breakdown of inflation trends Food inflation dropped to 22.8% from 25.0% the previous month. Non-food inflation recorded a sharper fall to 14.4% from 17.9%. Transport inflation saw the biggest decline, plunging from 14.9% to just 3.1%. Food remains the largest contributor to Ghana's inflation, accounting for 9.7 percentage points of the 18.4% total headline rate. Conclusion
