Day: April 22, 2024

It was all joy at Pakyi No 1 in the Ashanti Region when the Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye cut the sod for the commencement of work on the Pakyi-Antoakrom road project.

The residents could not hide their excitement when the Minister and his team of officials arrived in the community for what they described a historic event, having endured the effects of bad roads for many years.

According to them, they have been calling on successive governments to fix their roads, which have been in bad shape for years and could not help but appreciate the intention to tackle an age-long problem confronting them.

The Manso enclave is known as one of the areas in Ashanti Region with poor road network despite being a hub for mining and food production.

Inhabitants have been in the news severally for protesting the bad nature of their roads as they sought government’s intervention to enable them transport farm produce and other goods to market centres.

It is against this background that they wer
e seen singing the praise of government openly in appreciation for attending to one of their pressing needs as a community.

The 24.6 kilometre project is expected to bring relief to the thousands of people living along the stretch while enhancing business activities for socio-economic development.

Also awarded to contracts are the internal roads of Pakyi No 1 and Pakyi No 2, totalling 4.2 kilometres.

‘We are eternally grateful to the government for finally coming to our aid after years of waiting to get our roads fixed,’ Kofi Agyei, a middle-aged man told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) with excitement.

He said their expectation was that beyond the ceremony the roads would actually be fixed, saying that they had previously witnessed a situation where a certain contractor abandoned site after constructing drains and only left with the application of bitumen.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye assured them of uninterrupted construction of the roads, and introduced the two contractors tasked to execute the projects.

He acknowl
edged how the people had suffered over the years due to bad roads and urged them to cooperate with the contractors to deliver quality work for their own benefit.

The Minister advised residents to resist temptations to connive with workers to steal materials meant for the project in order not to compromise the quality of work.

He said despite the global devastation of economies by the COVID-19 pandemic, the government remained resolute in providing essential amenities to improve livelihoods across the country.

‘I wish to urge Ghanaians to bear with the government as it takes steps to mobilise resources to fix roads gradually because it is practically impossible to tackle all of them at a go,’ the Minister noted.

Mr. Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, said the Region had benefitted immensely in terms of road projects under this administration, but people did not appreciate because of the level of deterioration of roads in the region.

‘This government has constructed roads in this region than
any other government and the Regional Coordinating Council would soon update the public on the number of roads constructed in the last seven years,’ he assured.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs Dorcas Owusuaa Agyei, the National Coordinator of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has encouraged beneficiary communities of the Land of Opportunity Global Mechanism (LOGMe) project to usurp ownership of the project interventions.

She said embracing, owning and managing the interventions would enable them derive the maximum benefits of the project for the transformation of their socio-economic livelihoods.

Mrs Agyei was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Nanchalla, a predominately farming community in the Sissala East Municipality during a tour of the LOGMe project sites.

The project was dubbed: ‘Creating Lands of Opportunity: Transforming Livelihoods through Landscape Restoration in the Sahel’ and is known as: ‘Land of Opportunity Global Mechanism (LOGMe).’

Funded by the Italian Ministry for Ecological Transitions, through the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), it is being implemented in Ghana, Burkina Faso and Niger to con
tribute towards meeting the land degradation neutrality targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The IUCN led its implementation in Ghana in partnership with A Rocha Ghana, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), and in collaboration with the Water Resources Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The project is being implemented in eight communities, six in the Upper East Region and two – the Sakalu, and Nanchalla communities in the Sissala East Municipality, Upper West Region.

Mrs Agyei commended the communities for the high level of commitment they had exhibited towards the project implementation, which had translated into the benefits the communities were deriving from it.

She mentioned specifically the Nanchalla community where the people were maximizing the project interventions, including the beekeeping and the shea processing machine to improve their livelihoods.

‘The project
has various thematic areas with the main focus of improving significantly towards landscape restoration whilst creating income generation opportunities for communities.

‘Oftentimes, we talk about restoration with the focus on only trees standing without emphasising the livelihoods of these communities, this project actually merged the two.

We focused on regaining the ecological functionality of the land, including grasslands, agriculture production, trees, and then ensuring that best and sustainable agricultural practices are done to improve the soil fertility, which is a major challenge in this area,’Mrs Agyei explained.

As part of the renewable energy component of the project, eight solar-powered mechanised boreholes were constructed in all eight communities and the beneficiaries were taught how to produce grass briquette charcoal and energy-efficient cooking stoves.

Four of the beneficiary communities were provided with a five-acre fenced area to produce vegetables for sale and consumption to help enha
nce their income levels and improve their nutritional status.

Mrs Agyei indicated that demonstration plots were also established in the project communities and farmers outside those communities were brought to the fields to learn good agronomic practices to enhance their farming activities.

Dr. Joachim Ayiiwe Abungba, the Head of the Black Volta Basin, indicated that the high demand for fuel wood and charcoal in recent times had led to the destruction of the vegetation and put pressure on the water resources.

He said that informed the need to adopt an integrated watershed management approach to restore areas that had been destroyed and protect water resources for the communities.

He commended the communities for caring for the trees planted under the LOGMe project, saying, ‘As you can see, we have almost 99 per cent survival in terms of restoration. And this is in April. So, it tells us that the communities are doing very well.’

Dr. Abungba appealed to the communities along the watersheds to take keen in
terest in making sure that they also develop plants to restore some destroyed areas.

He assured them that the commission was ready and willing to support any degraded watershed that required restoration.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Western Nzema Youth League (WNYL) has paid glowing tributes to the late Mr John Emmanuel Ackah, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Jomoro Constituency, in the Western Region for his contribution to development of the area.

A statement signed by Dr Patrick Ekye Kwesie, Leader of the WNYL, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Takoradi, described the late Mr Ackah as a true statesman who dedicated his service to the development of Jomoro and the country in general.

The statement said: ‘His loss is not only a profound personal tragedy for his family, but also a significant loss for Jomoro and Nzemaland, and the nation at large.’

It continued: ‘His distinguished career in Parliament saw us having the Osagyefo Barge and electricity in Jomoro, marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, liberty, and equality.’

The statement noted the late former Jomoro MP left an indelible mark on the history of Nzemaland, adding ‘His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of lea
ders and citizens alike.’

The WNYL expressed its sympathies and condolences to the family, friends and all affected by the loss of Mr Ackah.

Mr Ackah, also an educationist, was a National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP from 1993 to 2005, making him the longest serving MP for Jomoro.

From 2013 to 2016, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Takoradi Technical University where he played a pivotal role in bringing transformation to the institution.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Minister for Roads and Highways has expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing the condition of roads in Kumasi, and across the country.

He has therefore asked the people in the area to have faith in the government and support it to ensure speedy completion of the roads and other road networks within the Greater Kumasi metropolitan area.

Mr Boakye, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bantama, stated this, when he led a team to conduct an inspection of road infrastructure in the Kwadaso Municipality.

Among the roads inspected were Tanoso market to Pokukrom, Tanoso to Takyiman, Tanoso to Topre, Anhwiakwanta to Kessben, Lazab to Nwamase road, and the ongoing construction of Kwadaso to Trabuom, among others.

The purpose of the inspection was to assess the condition of the roads and identify the areas which need development.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the inspection expressed satisfaction at the progress of work done by the
contractors so far.

The Minister said the roads, when completed, would ease the stress of drivers and passengers in the area passing through every day commuting from and to the area.

He said the massive road construction currently ongoing across the country was a clear manifestation of President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to improve road infrastructure and transportation systems in the country.

The Minister, therefore, entreated all contractors to expedite their work to ensure timely completion.

Prof. Kingsley Nyarko, the MP for Kwadaso, said the completion of the roads within the constituency would enhance economic development and make it one of the beautiful constituencies within Kumasi.

He appealed to the drivers and constituents to exercise patience and rally behind the government to develop the constituency.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ten finalists out of 2,000 applicants from across Africa are set to converge in Uganda for the much-anticipated Africa Monologue Challenge (AMC) 2024.

The finalists are Agume Mark, Uganda; Delove Augustt, Ghana; Ijeoma Grace Agu, Nigeria; Noluthando Shandu, South Africa; Kelvin Maxwell Ngoma, Malawi; Maud Guerard, Ivory Coast; Esther Wanjiru, Kenya; Chimwemwe Chipidza, Zimbabwe; Jang Afanyuh Gehnjang, Cameroon; and Chadzanso Mwenda, Zambia.

‘Mr Mawuko Kuadzi, the Chief Executive Officer of MK Casting, described the finalists as ‘eloquent storytellers’ who would engage in a healthy contest to market their countries’ unique culture.

He said: ‘Representing the spirit of their nations, these eloquent storytellers will engage in a healthy contest to determine who can best market their country’s unique culture through the art of monologue,’

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Kuadzi stated that the AMC was not just a competition; but a celebration of African diversity, adding that; ‘As the finalist
s take up residence in the Pan African house, they will live out the differences and similarities of their cultures.

‘From the fiery jollof battles to the rich flavours of East and Southern African cuisines and the opportunities in their home countries, the event promises to be a feast for the senses and a testament to the joy of unity in diversity.’

Mr Kuadzi said: ‘Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, extends its renowned hospitality as the host country for this year’s AMC. The global audience is in for a treat as they witness the finalists, each a remarkable talent from their respective countries, share interesting, exciting, and educational experiences.

Mr Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, the Executive Director of the African Chamber of Content Producers, revealed that the AMC 2024 was a beacon for cultural exchange, illuminating the diverse dynamics of African cultures to a global audience, fostering understanding and appreciation across continents.

He said the event was poised to generate significant economi
c activity, driving tourism and local business patronage, and creating a ripple effect that benefits multiple sectors.

‘The AMC champions the message of unity in diversity, resonating with global audiences and promoting a shared sense of humanity.

‘The finalists, as ambassadors of their cultures, will have the opportunity to forge international connections, opening doors to cross-border collaborations and innovations,’ he stated.

Mr Benjamin said the competition happening in Uganda under the auspices of the Uganda Communications Commission offers an unparalleled educational experience, providing insights into African history, languages, and social dynamics, enriching the global narrative on cultural heritage.

He stated that the stakes are high, as the ultimate champion would not only claim the title but also earn the honour of hosting the next Monologue Challenge in their home country.

Additionally, a Pan African film would be produced in the winner’s country, starring the victor and supported by the oth
er finalists. Alongside these prestigious opportunities, the winner will also receive exciting cash prizes and more.

He said the journey to this stage had been rigorous, with the 10 finalists emerging from a pool of 2,000 entries over 10 months of evictions.

The AMC, an initiative of MK Casting in partnership with the African Chamber of Content Producers and the National Film Authority of Ghana, will this year operate under the auspices of the Uganda Communications Commission.

Mr Benjamin said the organizers were actively engaging with various African governments to garner support for their finalists, ensuring that each participant was backed by their nation as they step onto this Pan African stage.

The organizers also stated that they were in talks with various Pan African businesses and institutions to support and sponsor this year’s AMC to benefit from the global visibility the challenge will provide.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Some 25 African news agency journalists are undergoing a five-day training seminar to enhance their skills in combating the spread of misinformation and countering fake news.

The training seminar, organised by the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) at the African Centre for Training of Journalists (CAFJ) in Rabat, Morocco, is on the theme: ‘Fact-Checking: Detection of fake news in media content’.

In an era of digital information, the need for fact-checking has become more crucial than ever as journalists play vital roles in maintaining public trust by ensuring credibility, accuracy, and reliability in their reporting.

The training seminar is, therefore, a step towards equipping journalists with the necessary tools to identify and counter fake news and ultimately safeguard democracy across the continent.

In partnership with the Bank of Africa and Royal Air Maroc, the seminar will strengthen the capacities of journalists in fact-checking by acquiring theoretical knowledge and practical sk
ills necessary to master the techniques for verifying the reliability of the information to counter fake news and mis/disinformation.

The seminar will result in the creation of a framework for journalists, allowing them to set up a platform specialised in verifying information and multimedia content as well as the development of a guide on fact-checking with a view to putting it into practice.

Mr Fouad ARIF, the President of FAAPA, in his welcoming address, emphasised the relevance of the seminar theme as it reflected the importance of FAAPA on strengthening skills and exchanging experiences between journalists from African news agencies on fake news.

He said the training seminar had become necessary to combact misinformation, disinformation, and fake news by strengthening journalists’ resilience in nipping the phenomenon in the bud.

Professional journalists and expert trainers, he noted, were expected to supervise various workshops by providing participants with advice in their fact-checking efforts.

Mr
Arif, also the Director General of Moroccan News Agency (MAP), said at a time characterised by the impact of social networks and the proliferation of fake news, African press agencies were expected, as part of a new dynamic, to recommend innovative approaches in order to support the frantic evolution of information systems and adapt to the profound changes taking place in the world of media.

In that context, he urged participants of the training to attach importance to the exchange of experiences and the sharing of knowledge while cultivating credible sources of information to deal with fake news.

Mr Arif said the phenomenon of fake news was ‘a real scourge for the media sector…which was taking on increasingly worrying dimensions’, adding that journalists from African news agencies must be vigilant in the process of collecting, processing, and disseminating information through the application of effective fact-checking techniques.

The President of FAAPA expressed optimism that the seminar will ‘result in t
he creation of a network of Fact-Checkers with the aim of promoting the intensification of exchanges of information and experience in this area and strengthen coordination to combat fake news and demystify disinformation.’

Mr Jean Bedel Ndandula, a facilitator from the Congolese Press Agency, said information and data were key in news reporting and that journalists must at all times verify such information.

He said verifying information from the original source was essential as a first step in fact-checking,

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ghana has assumed the presidency of the Consultative International Cashew Council (CICC).

The country takes over the reign of CICC, an international organisation with legal capacity and financial autonomy responsible for promoting the sustainable development of cashew in the world, from Côte D’Ivoire at the end of April 2024.

The CICC seeks to provide a framework for consultation and to promote the development of the cashew sector in Member States through the coordination of policies and cooperation between States.

Mr Yaw Frimpong Addo, a Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture in charge of Crops told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that Ghana’s mandate commenced from April 2024 to April 2025.

He expressed joy, noting that the country had been preparing for the position over the years by putting in place regulations and structures.

Mr Addo said leading the 11-member Organisation would be an opportunity to leverage and learn from other countries’ best practices in production, processing and accessing funding
opportunities.

‘Some of the countries like Cote D’Ivoir are advancing from production to marketing so, we will leverage that to build ours,’ he said.

Mr William Agyapong Quaittoo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Development Authority, told the GNA that leading the CICC would offer Ghana many opportunities, including foreign investment to conduct research and upscale sustainable initiatives.

‘Any institution that wants to do any business or study on cashew will first have to start from Ghana even though the Secretariat of CICC is in Cote D’ Ivoire. Through this, the sector will build its capacity and harness the potential to benefit actors, especially farmers,’ he said.

Cocoa, he said, had been one of Ghana’s foreign exchange earners for over 50 years, however, climate change and other challenges were declining its production hence the need to develop the cashew sector to take over.

Mr Quaittoo stated that the production of cashew had increased in the last three years from 100, 000 metric tonnes t
o over 250,000 metric tonnes.

He said it was the aim of the country to produce and process about 50 per cent of cashews instead of the current situation where 90 per cent was exported as tax free.

The CICC members are; Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo.

Established on the 18th of November 2016 in Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire, the CICC aims to create a consultation framework and synergies between member states for a sustainable cashew sector.

Africa’s cashew industry has come up strongly in recent years as one with enormous potential and one that can significantly contribute to the economic growth of the continent.

About 60 per cent of the world’s global raw cashew nuts are produced in Africa, with Cote D’Ivoire being the world’s leading producer, producing 1 million tons in 2021.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Caleb Gidisu, a 20-year-old resident of Adabakpo, a farming community in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region, was electrocuted in the aftermath of a heavy rainstorm that ravaged the community in the early hours of Friday, April 19, 2024.

Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and indicated that they rushed out to discover Caleb electrocuted on his farm after hearing a distressing noise.

Swift action from residents saw Caleb being rushed to the Adidome Government Hospital for immediate medical attention.

Mr Wisdom Tokpo, one of the eyewitnesses who took Caleb Gidisu to the hospital described the scene as extremely dire.

‘The doctors are working on him, and we thank God that he’s responding to treatment,’ he stated.

The tragedy, however, had raised serious concerns among residents regarding the response of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Prior to the incident, the residents made numerous appeals through the local radio station in Adidome for the urg
ent intervention of the ECG after the storm toppled a high-tension electricity pole and cables. 

Despite these pleas, the Company allegedly failed to act promptly, leaving the community vulnerable to such a tragic outcome.

Madam Esenam Kaka, the Assembly Member of the area when contacted by the GNA, noted that she was not aware of the incident.

The residents of Adabakpo have called on the local leaders to ensure that similar incidents in the future are prevented.

They also advocated for improved emergency response protocols and enhanced communication channels with utility providers. 

Source: Ghana News Agency

The government has given an indication about reaching an agreement with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on debt restructuring as part of measures to reduce deficit in the energy sector.

That, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, Finance Minister, said would be essential in solving the country’s energy sector financial challenges, which has been largely attributed to recent power outages across the country.

The Minister was speaking at a press briefing to wrap up Ghana’s activities at the just ended International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Group (WBG) Spring Meetings in Washington, US, monitored by the Ghana News Agency.

He noted that though the country did not have excess capacity, it had to pay for the debt accumulated in addition to the payment of legacy debt in the energy sector.

‘As a result of these’, we have renegotiated with the IPPs to restructure the debt and once we complete the negotiations, the debt overhung, shortfall will reduce. I can tell you that in the next one month, we should be signing off w
ith the IPPs on the restructuring of our debt,’ he said.

Dr Amin Adam added that, ‘once the shortfalls are reduced, we should be working towards bringing the sector into financial sustainability in line with the Energy Sector Recovery Programme.’

Currently, Ghana has some US$1.9 billion energy sector financing gap to tackle, which the Minister during an earlier engagement at the spring meetings said had made the government take the ‘bullet’ to solve.

‘We assure investors that while there are challenges, we’re bold as a government to take the necessary bullet for us to put the sector in a more sustainable manner so as to address the challenges that investors are usually worried about,’ he said.

The reforms include the implementation of the Energy Sector Recovery Programme, which started in 2019, and renegotiation of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) agreements to reduce the cost of generation.

There is also the implementation of a quarterly tariff adjustment review, which accounts for inflation, exchange
rate depreciation, and changes in the generation mix, as well as a cash waterfall mechanism.

He disclosed the government’s plan to procure some one million revenue efficient meters through a partnership with the World Bank under a Programme-for-Result scheme to shore up revenue and support value chain operational effectiveness.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Energy Security (IES), has called on the Energy and Finance Ministries, to team up and urgently provide the money required to solve the current energy sector challenges to make Ghanaians enjoy reliable and affordable electricity.

The Institute also highlighted the importance of the government to resource the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to bring down its technical and commercial losses.

Such support, Nana Amoasi VII, Executive Director, IES, recommended should go into the deployment of more smart meters, capable of detecting theft, in addition to having a more efficient distribution system to increase revenue.

Speaking to GNA last Tuesday, Nana A
moasi VII, noted that doing so would help in fulfilling ECG’s mission of providing quality, reliable and safe electricity services to support the economic growth and development.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The military junta in crisis-hit Myanmar has responded to the takeover of the important trading town of Myawaddy by rebel groups with heavy airstrikes.

Since Friday, the army has dropped at least 130 bombs over the town on the border with Thailand, members of the armed wing of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and local media reported on Monday. According to unconfirmed reports, at least 10 civilians were killed.

However, as airstrikes also hit remote villages near Myawaddy, the exact number of casualties is still unclear, said a 25-year-old woman who is helping refugees on the Thai side. According to Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, around 3,000 more people have fled to the border town of Mae Sot in Thailand since the weekend.

‘It was like it was raining bombs from the sky. We were so scared,’ one of the refugees, 23-year-old Saw Htoo, told dpa.

Myawaddy in Myanmar and Mae Sot in Thailand are only separated by the Moei River. A revolutionary alliance led by the KNLA occupied the la
st military garrison in the city on April 11. Since then, some of the remaining soldiers have been holding out at a bridge to Thailand. According to reports, they are refusing to surrender to the rebels.

The Thai army has been deployed at Moei for days with numerous armoured vehicles. Soldiers patrol the border to provide security.

According to reports, it is difficult for Myanmar’s military junta to reinforce the troops in Myawaddy as there is only one major access road and this is monitored by rebels. According to the rebel alliance, the generals are therefore currently responding mainly with airstrikes.

For Myanmar’s junta, the loss of Myawaddy was a further serious blow, having already lost a town on the border with China to rebels from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Myawaddy is considered one of the most important trading posts between the former Burma and Thailand. Myanmar has been mired in chaos and violence since the coup in February 2021.

The military junta, which ousted and detained head of
government Aung San Suu Kyi, has recently come under increasing pressure in the multi-ethnic state.

Source: Ghana News Agency