Month: December 2023

More than 2.1 million persons aged 15 to 35 were not in education, employment, or training in 2022, according to the Ghana Statistics Service (GSS).

As of the last quarter of the year, one in every five persons, 20.2 per cent, aged 15 to 35 was not in education, employment or training.

The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest rate of 26.5 per cent in the fourth quarter followed by Ashanti and Upper East with 22.9 per cent.

All 16 regions recorded double-digit figures for youth not in education, employment or training with the lowest recorded in Oti in the fourth quarter 11.2 per cent.

This was contained in the GSS released Ghana Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey – Quarter 4 2022 Labour Statistics Report.

According to the report, there were at least a quarter of a million persons who were unemployed and living in food insecure households in all four quarters of 2022.

The report noted that more than half a million persons in the labour force were unemployed and multidimensionally poor i
n the year, ranging from an estimated 550,000 in the fourth quarter to 780,000 in the first quarter.

‘The unemployment rate in the fourth quarter was 11.5 percent, the lowest recorded across all quarters in 2022.’

‘Fourth quarter unemployment rates are higher for females (12.5%) compared to males (10.3%); and higher in urban areas (14.3%) compared to rural (7.8%), patterns consistent with what was observed for the previous three quarters,’ the report added.

According to the report, two in every three, 68.1 per cent, employed persons 15 years and older in the fourth quarter were in vulnerable employment, meaning they were self-employed without employees or contributing family workers.

The report added that all regions except for the Greater Accra had more than half of the employed persons in vulnerable employment.

‘The highest rate of vulnerable employment in the fourth quarter was recorded in the North East Region with 92.1 per cent, Savannah Region 90.6 per cent, and Northern Region with 84.2 per cent,’
the report noted.

The Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES) is the first nationally representative high-frequency household panel survey in Ghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ghana Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) has acknowledged the enormous contribution and sacrifices that farmers make towards achieving food and nutritional security as well as contributing to economic growth.

The Association said the agricultural sector had been the backbone of the economy and

contributed significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said over the years, veterinary services delivery systems had played a key role in reaching this milestone, by providing effective technical and advisory support for Ghanaian farmers.

The statement said it was laudable and required the application of digital and scientific approaches in an integrated way to provide solutions to challenges in the agricultural sector where every stakeholder has a critical role to play for sustainability.

It said veterinary service delivered in Ghana had resulted in a successful containment of zoonotic and transboundary animal disease outbrea
ks such as Bird Flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Anthrax, Rabies, African Swine Fever (ASF), and others.

‘We however, take this opportunity to remind our farmers that the Bird Flu (AI) outbreaks are still active and government of Ghana is yet to lift the ban on movement of poultry and poultry products in the outbreaks areas’, it added.

The Association advised poultry, livestock and fish farmers on improving farm biosecurity as a means of preventing infectious diseases, and the prudent use of antibiotics to reduce the increasing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) of pathogens worldwide.

It pledged its support to farmers and all citizens, and assured them of unwavering commitment to providing quality animal health care and advice, for an improved livestock and poultry production, food security and safety in the country.

‘This would in turn contribute to the government’s resolve to drastically reduce the

importation of meat and other animal products which had caused a significant drain on our econ
omy’, it said.

It appealed to government and donor communities to increase their support

to the animal health sector through retooling of the Veterinary services and its allied

institutions such as fisheries, wildlife, private veterinary hospitals or clinics and the veterinary medical schools.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Agave Development Association, in collaboration with the Ship Owners and Agents, and Onix Data Centres associations have extended support to flood victims of 20 communities in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.

They donated sachet water, 100 bags of 25 kg rice, sanitary towels, detergents, soft drinks and other essentials worth GHS60,000.

Sokpoe, Tefle, Fievie, Tademe, Agorme, Alikekope and 14 other communities benefited from the relief items.

Mr Wilberforce Isaac Azumah, the Chairman of Agave Development Association, said though the flood from the Akosombo Dam spillage weeks ago had receded, many of the victims still needed support to face the consequential challenges.

He assured the victims that the Association would continue to offer them the necessary support until the situation was resolved.

Mr Justice Pobee, a representative of the Ship Owners and Agents Association, called on individuals and other organisations to also support.

‘There are other victims in several communities who a
lso need support. So, I urge everyone to give a supportive hand to our brothers and sisters,’ he said.

He assured pupils and students whose education had been affected by the floods of the Organisation’s plans to map out measures to support them.

Mr Samuel Polley, the Head of Communications of Onix Data Centres, said it was the company’s responsibility to stand with communities in times of need and

expressed its commitment to supporting them to lessen their suffering.

He expressed gratitude to Romeo Hademe and Evelyn Goni of the Agave Development Association for being instrumental in ensuring that the relief items got to the most affected communities.

Mr Benjamin Amekudzi, the Assembly member for Tefle, received the items and expressed appreciation on behalf of the victims.

He assured of the fair distribution of the items and called for more support from corporate Ghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ms Egbeegbe Anagbuno, a Senior Midwifery Officer, Krachi East District Health Centre, Oti Region, has emerged the overall most outstanding staff at the maiden Ghana Health Service Excellence Awards.

She took home a brand-new VW car, a plaque and citation for her exceptional performance in healthcare delivery.

This was followed by Mr Christian Kwadzo Vorleto, a Senior Physician Assistant, Anyanui Health Centre, Anloga District, Volta Region, as the overall best in the leadership Excellence category.

His prize is an all-expense paid trip to Dubai, a plaque and citation.

In all, 66 healthcare workers, including facilities and development partners were honoured for their outstanding performance in healthcare delivery.

The other award winners were Mr Emmanuel Atta Boakye, Ms Halimatu Sadia Halidu, Mr Micheal Dogumka Kojo, Mr Abraham Gyeru, Mr Kennedy Selorm Ekuanor, Mr Samuel Yankey, Dr Issac Kofi Darko, Mr Clement Dieyel, Mr Richard Worlako Totime, Dr Nihad Salifu, Mr Mark Anthony Azongo, Mr Emmanuel Tampah
Lensie, Mr George Alhassan, Mr Bismark Kparikpari Wononuo, and Mr Majid Sulemana.

Others were Mr Solomon Obiri, Ms Victoria Mensah, Ms Margaret Adatorwovor, Mr Iddris Musah Naparow, Ms Martha Sottie, Ezekiel Nagben Lalibo I, Mr Maxwell Avolsure Tisosgom, Dr Benjamin Yitah, Dr William Okyere Frimpong, Dr Osman Abdulai Musah, Dr Robert Amesiya, and Dr Joseph Kojo Tambil.

The rest were Mr George Opoku-Asumadu, Dr Esther Priscila Biamah Danquah, Dr Akosua Adumea Gyimah Omari-Sasu.

Development partners honoured were the World Health Organisation, USAID, KOICA, JICA, KOFIH, UNFPA, World Food Programme, Center for Diseases Control Ghana, Kokrokoo Charity Foundation, and Rebecca Foundation.

Facilities awarded were Nkoranza North Yefri Health Centre, East Gonja Municipality Salaga Health Centre, Nkwantanum Health Centre, Atebubu Hospital, Achimota Hospital, South Tongu District Hospital, Hohoe Municipal Hospital, Volta Regional Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and Northern Regional Hospital.

All the awa
rd winners received plaques, some won chest refrigerators, motorcycles, flat screen television and tabletop fridges.

Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady, commended the award winners, saying the country owed immense gratitude.

Mrs Akufo-Addo pledged her commitment to improving healthcare in the country and called for collaboration to build a resilient healthcare system that left no one behind.

Mrs Tina Mensah, the Deputy Minister for Health, speaking on behalf of the Minister, assured that the government was committed to building a responsive and resilient healthcare system to prepare the country towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

‘The government again is committed to training more healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of the health sector to employ more personnel,’ she said.

Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director General, GHS, said the awards, structured at three competitive levels of district, regional and national, saw winners at the district level moving to compete at the regiona
l level, and those who won at the regional level, moving to compete at the national level for the grand ceremony.

He noted that the ward scheme launched in 2022 was designed to recognise and celebrate outstanding performance and meritorious service by individual health workers as well as health facilities to motivate them to do more and inspire others.

The Director-General said it was integral to the Service’s effort to reposition itself to enhance customer care and promote patient satisfaction in healthcare facilities.

Professor Francis Kasolo, the World Health Organisation Country Representative, congratulating the winners, pledged WHO’s continued support to the Government of Ghana and encouraged healthcare workers to continue striving for excellence.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoanpong Tabrako III, Wenchi Manhene, has appealed to the government to help establish a factory dedicated to the processing of cashew.

This move, he believed, would not only benefit the people but also contribute to the economic growth of the country, as opposed to simply exporting the raw cashew beans.

Osagyefo Tabrako III made the appeal at the 39th Bono Regional Farmers’ Day celebration held in Akrobi-Wenchi in the Wenchi Municipality of the region.

The theme for this year’s event was ‘Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.’

The event saw the recognition and rewarding of distinguished farmers who have shown exceptional commitment and hard work in promoting agriculture in the region.

Osagyefo Tabrako III said a deliberate effort was needed to create job opportunities, particularly in the form of large-scale farming, for the youth, adding that the approach would not only equip the younger generation with essential skills but also enable them to ac
tively participate in the agricultural sector.

Osagyefo Tabrako III stressed the importance of focusing on agro-processing and reviving the Wenchi Tomacan factory, which used to employ over 1000 people and had the potential to promote other farm produce such as juices and tomato puree.

Osagyefo Tabrako III highlighted the significance of expanding the Wenchi Agriculture College into a University, as well as supporting institutions like the Crop Research Institute, the Cocobod coffee seedling station, and animal husbandry to provide essential education to the farmers.

He urged all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to ensure availability of vast land and resources suitable for industrial and value-added farming practices.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, has assured farmers that lost their farmsteads in the spillage of the Akosombo Dam of the needed support.

He said the flood devastation was sure to affect food security in the region and the country , and that stakeholders would provide the needed support to revive farm holdings.

More than 40,000 people were displaced in the floods, which affected thousands of farms feeding off the river.

Dr Letsa, speaking at the regional farmers day celebration being held at the Jubilee Park in Ho, said the regional agriculture directorate was tasked to compile a list of affected farmers and holding for the needed support.

‘The Region is counting its losses, but we are also positioning ourselves to properly take stock and make the best out of the situation by documenting the most pressing needs and proffer the best prescriptions, especially for our gallant farmers to get back to work.

‘I want to assure the farmers of the affected areas that the Region will continue to
stand with them to the end. We will facilitate the process by liaising with the appropriate authorities to provide them with the necessary support, especially planting materials and fertilisers when the next season is due.

‘The Region plays a pivotal role in the nation’s food security drive and our dear nation Ghana will not turn its back on the region. We currently produce over 23 per cent of the local rice stock which has become a major staple in the average Ghanian’s diet.

‘I have tasked the Regional Department of Agriculture to come up with the most pressing needs of farmers and rank these in order of priority in readiness for any intervention by the State to assist farmers.

‘Though this devastation in the short term will impact the Region’s food situation, we are quite sure that our next breakthrough is not far from us,’ he said.

A total of 6,740 farmers have been reported affected across the Region, and Mr. William Dzamefe, Regional Agric Director, said more than 6000 hectares of cropped fields tran
slating into over 50,000 metric tonnes of various crop produce were lost.

He assured the farmers of the needed technical support to the VRCC to revive the farmsteads.

Mawuwoe Xesumali, from the Ketu South Municipality, was adjudged the best farmer for the Region, and he has some 50 acres of maize, 35 acres of rice, 20 acres of potatoes, vegetables 36 acres among others.

A women’s farmers group from Akatsi won the district women’s processing group for the Region for producing flour from potatoes, cassava, and producing soya milk among other products.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Emmanuel Gemegah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Keta in the Volta region, has urged farmers to adopt the best forms of farming systems to produce better yields.

This, he said, would promote and improve farm products for high consumption.

Mr Gemegah made the appeal during the 39th Municipal Farmers’ Day celebration held at Sasieme in the Keta Municipality.

‘Let me use this opportunity to congratulate our gallant farmers who always produce a lot through many difficulties to feed the public,’ he said.

Mr Godwin Tettey, the Keta Municipal Director of Agriculture, on his part, commended the farmers, sponsors and the public for a successful programme.

‘The best way to respect our galant farmers is to make good use of their product and award them for their hardwork.’

Mr Asafo Martin Klu from Abor-Atsukope was adjudged the Overall Best Municipal farmer of the year.

His farms include 30 acres each of maize and cassava, 15 acres of cowpea, 8 acres of sweet potato as well as one acre each of waterme
lon and Cassia farm, oil palm, coconut farm, and livestock, among others.

He received a motorcycle, knapsack sprayer, Wellington boot, fertilizers, herbicides, a cloth and a certificate.

Other award winners include Madam Janet Dosu, Mr Ebenezer Wilson Hlovor and Mr Aseye Kumahor, who were awarded for been the best Municipal crop farmer, livestock farmer and Agro-processor respectively.

The best youth farmer of the year went to Mr Augustine Dogbey, whilst Nyagavi Avorgbedor and Yao Alorde were best fish processor and Disability farmers of the year respectively.

The 39th National Farmers’ Day Celebration was on the theme: ‘Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Madam Charity Akortia, 47, has been adjudged the 2023 Overall National Best Farmer at the 39th National Farmers’ Day Celebration, held at Tarkwa, in the Western Region.

The winner, a mixed farmer in the Agona West District of the Central Region, received one million Ghana Cedis as her prize.

Theophilus Ackah, also a mixed farmer, emerged as the First Runner-up and was given a tractor, trailer and sprayer, while Kwaku Asiamah, a mixed farmer, took the Second Runner-up position, and went home with a tractor and implements.

In all, 16 Ghanaian farmers who have distinguished themselves in their businesses were awarded for their dedicated services to the nation.

The other award categories include: National Best Female Farmer, National Best Physically-Challenged Farmer, National Best Livestock Farmer, National Best Fish Processor, National Best Fisher and National Best Cocoa Farmer.

The prizes ranged from cash prizes, plaques to KIA double cabin trucks.

This year’s celebration of the Farmers’ Day was held on
the theme: ‘Delivering Smart Solutions for Food Security and Resilience’.

It was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to recognise the unwavering efforts of the Ghanaian farmer to ensure food security and agricultural growth.

In an address, Vice-President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, lauded the award winners for the feat achieved.

He lauded farmers for being the cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural growth, saying the nation was appreciative of their commitment and patriotism.

Agriculture, he said, held the key to the nation’s growth amid the global development challenges.

The government was determined to inject the requisite resources into the sector for progress, he assured.

‘There is still a lot that can be done to enhance efficiency in all the agricultural value chains,’ he noted.

Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, expressed optimism that the country would achieve food sufficiency soon given the vibrant nature of the second phase of the Planting fo
r Food and Jobs initiative.

Nana Yaw Sarpong Sriboe was the 2022 National Best Farmer.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Red Cross Society has secured funds for the procurement of essential foods and non-food items for flood victims in the Savanna and Volta Regions.

The International Federation of Red Cross, and Red Crescent (IFRC) through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) has provided relief support of CHF462, 699.00 to the Society.

Rotary International District 9104 has also provided GH?100,000.00 to the Society to procure and distribute some items to 12,000 flood affected families in the Savanna and Volta Regions.

The items include 1050 hygiene kits (which includes bathing soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, among others for household personal hygiene) for 2,000 families.

It also includes the provision of dignity kits to 350 of the targeted females for three months and procurement of jerry cans for the affected families to enable them store clean water for cooking and drinking.

Again, a total of 4,000 jerry cans and 180,000 tablets of aqua tabs will be procured and distributed.

Mr Kwame Gyimah-Akwa
fo, President of Ghana Red Cross Society, speaking at a press conference in Accra, said his outfit was actively coordinating with Local Authorities, National Disaster Management Agencies, non-governmental organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and effective response.

He said a total of 110 volunteers would be deployed to support the communities to carry out clean up campaigns, adding that ‘the aim is to clear the debris in areas where the flood water will be subsiding’.

Mr Gyimah-Akwafo noted that families residing at North and South Tongu and Buipe had suffered substantial losses, ranging from partial to destruction of their dwellings and livelihoods such as businesses and investment hence the need for the intervention.

He said the Society would conduct hygiene and sanitation campaigns twice a month for three months to clear the waste and remove all signs of traumatic events, adding that the activity would go with health promotion with emphasis on awareness against cholera and
malaria.

Source: Ghana News Agency