Day: May 12, 2024

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Legbaja, has ordered an investigation into the state of all Nigerian Army detention facilities across the nation.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said that the order was in response to the recent protest by some detained personnel at the 8 Div. Garrison detention facility in Sokoto State.

He described the Sokoto incident as ‘quite unfortunate and an embarrassment to the sound administrative efforts of the COAS’.

‘The COAS wants to determine whether it was an isolated incident or widespread situation in similar detention facilities,’ the statement said.

Nwachukwu said that while the service regretted and had gleaned some lessons from the incident, it would not condone the manner the inmates expressed their purported grievance.

He added that mutiny and conduct prejudicial to service order were grievous misconducts, adding that the Sokoto incident epitomised such.

‘The army will go ahead to implement the COAS d
irective to look into the state of all army detention facilities as detainees’ lives also matter.

‘The service shall not shy away from appropriately sanctioning the soldiers involved in the unruly behaviour in its Sokoto detention facility, for failing to exhaust all available options to channel their complaints to the appropriate authorities.

‘If it is discovered they did and nothing was done, necessary administrative actions will be taken against anyone found to have failed to discharge his/her duties effectively.

‘While the Service is mindful of its subjective oversight engagements by statutory bodies, it remains primarily a responsible, self-regulating professional body.

‘The army wants to ensure that every detainee, including those found guilty of aiding terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits, and awaiting confirmation of their sentences, is accorded a decent life until judgment is confirmed and executed.’

This commitment, according to him, underscores army’s dedication to upholding professional standa
rds and maintaining a just and fair system.

‘The Nigerian army appreciates all Nigerians for their concern and support. We pledge to remain focused on the drive to defeat security challenges facing the nation in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies,’ he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has praised Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for his extraordinary leadership, saying he is a symbol of unity for Asanteman, and Ghana as a whole.

Speaking at the Akwasidae Kese durbar in Kumasi to climax the 25th anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of Otumfuo Osei Tutu, as the 16th occupant of the golden stool, President Akufo-Addo said Otumfuo Osei Tutu was also a symbol of peace and national cohesion.

This, he said set him apart as an exemplary leader.

President Akufo-Addo, pointed out that, the harmonious and peaceful co-existence of various tribes from Ghana and other west African countries in the Ashanti region, was a magnificent demonstration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s love for peace and unity among all people.

He commended the Asantehene for his various social interventions in the areas of education, health, economic empowerment, environmental protection and others, which had helped improve the lives of many people in Ghana.

President Nana Akufo-Addo
and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the commissioning of the re-modelled Kumasi International Airport, May 10, 2024.

The President said the wise counsel of Otumfuo Osei Tutu on critical national issues had contributed significantly to the thriving democratic governance in the country.

Dr Keith Christopher Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who was the Guest of Honour, urged Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen cooperation to improve the lives of their peoples.

He said it was important to increase trade and investments among countries in Africa and the Caribbean to help improve the lives of the people who were historically brothers, but set apart by colonial circumstances.

He also praised Otumfuo Osei Tutu for his outstanding leadership and love for peace and unity among the people of African descent.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu paid glowing tribute to various groups of professionals, individuals and organisations. They include teachers, doctors, nurses,

judicial staff, clergy, traditio
nal rulers, farmers, civil society organisations, diplomatic missions and others, who had supported him in various ways throughout his 25 year reign.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continue to work to improve education, health, protect the environment and other initiatives that would help improve the lives of the people.

The Asantehene said it was the important to overcome the menace of galamsey by every means necessary.

The Akwasidae, celebrated every six weeks, provides an occasion for communion with ancestors as well as the reunion of families.

It gives the opportunity to all the chiefs in the domain of the Golden Stool of Asante to renew their allegiance to the occupant of the Golden Stool.

Clad in a splendid Kente cloth and adorned in gold ornaments, the Asantehene, who turned 74 on Monday, May 6, acknowledged the respects of his subjects, admirers and well wishers, amid the display colourful skills in drums, music and dance.

There were hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and wal
ks.

On display was the Golden Stool, the Sikadwa Kofi, the ultimate symbol of the power and unity of Asanteman.

The Stool, rarely displayed in public, is believed to have been commandeered from the heavens by Okomfo Anokye to seal the bond among Asantes towards building a powerful kingdom.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II succeeded Otumfuo Opoku Ware II on 26 April 1999, following his demise.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET), in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has engaged various groups in the Western Region to collate their inputs in drawing up the Ghana Compact.

The Ghana Compact is an initiative focused on setting a national vision to drive socio-economic and political transformation of the country.

The three-day Compact Citizens’ Engagement workshop, held in Takoradi, was attended by representatives of Civil Society Organisations, Persons with Disability, artisans, entrepreneurs, religious and traditional leaders, students, and youth groups among other stakeholders.?

The engagement sought to identify the pressing challenges confronting them and collectively recommend some strategies to help address such issues, to be incorporated into the Compact.?

Professor John Asafu-Adjaye, a Senior Fellow at ACET, said the Ghana Compact focused on setting a national vision that sought to drive socio-economic and political transformation in the c
ountry.

As part of efforts to put together the Compact, ACET partnered with some key stakeholders to undertake technical studies of the country’s critical challenges in all sectors of the economy.?

‘What we are doing today is coming to the grassroots to listen to their concerns and possible solutions, since they are the ones on the grounds…they can also tell us what is wrong with the country,’ he said.

Prof. Asafu-Adjaye noted that ACET would combine recommendations from both the technical experts and the citizens and compile them into a social contract between governments and the people.?

‘We have already engaged political parties and they are aware of all these issues, and we’re hoping that they will also incorporate some of them into their manifestos for solutions,’ he said.

The final report would be presented at a National Convention in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, in June, where all political parties would sign the social contract, he indicated.

‘What we want them to do is to look at all t
hese issues and affirm that these are the challenges confronting the country and agree to implement the recommendations in the Compact.’

Mrs Lucille Hewlette Annan, the NCCE Secretary, said one of the Commission’s mandates was to collaborate with institutions to mobilise the citizenry to educate them on key national issues, hence, the idea behind the partnership with ACET to organise the workshop.?

The engagement would be held in other parts of the country to generate a comprehensive report for the Compact.

Mr Justice Yaw Ennin, the Western Regional Director, NCCE, commended the ACET for collaborating with the Commission to collectively champion the course of civic education.?

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Maxwell Zu-Cudjoe, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in South Tongu District, has initiated stringent measures to clampdown on unregulated sand winning activities in the Tongu Districts of the Volta Region.

Sand winning from the Volta Lake has emerged as a prominent economic endeavour, particularly in South, Central, and North Tongu districts.

However, recognizing the potential detrimental impacts on the environment, the EPA has prioritized regulation and oversight of such activities.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Zu-Cudjoe underscored the necessity of regulating these activities to mitigate any adverse effects on the environment and water bodies.

He highlighted instances where residents with trucks, have engaged in unregulated sand winning operations, neglecting proper documentation and adherence to regulations.

Taking decisive action, the EPA, in collaboration with various security agencies, has intensified efforts to curtail these unregulated activities.

‘We would ensure compliance with existing regulations and deter unauthorized sand winning operations through increased surveillance and enforcement measures,’ he explained.

Mr Zu-Cudjoe issued a stern warning to residents involved in unregulated sand winning activities, urging them to desist from such practices and abide by established regulations to promote sustainable development while safeguarding the natural resources and well-being of communities in Tongu.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Upper West Regional branch of the Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) has celebrated the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day with some students in Wa to revitalise the spirit of volunteerism among the school children.

The celebration was also to revamp the visibility of the GRCS among the populace as the knowledge and enthusiasm of the Society among the people was gradually diminishing.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during an engagement with students of the Fongo M/A Junior High School, Madam Maria Johana Yuorpor, the Upper West Regional Chairperson of the GRCS, said being a member of the GRCS was an opportunity to volunteer one’s services to society.

She, therefore, encouraged the students to volunteer with the humanitarian Society and to render their charitable services to help make their communities and the world a better place for all.

Madam Yuorpor explained that Fongo M/A JHS used to have a strong and vibrant GRCS club hence the need to visit the school to rekindle their interest in the So
ciety.

The students were sensitised to the operation of the GRCS, disaster preparedness, mitigation and management, volunteerism and COVID-19 prevention and safety precautions among others.

The team also visited the Wa Municipal Hospital Children’s Ward and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to make a modest donation to the children on admission as part of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebration.

Mr Emmanuel Djan, the In-Charge of the Children’s Ward, expressed appreciation to the members of the GRCS in the region for the kindness and generosity they had shown the children.

Madam Georgina Maaliwombu, a Neonatal Nurse at the NICU of the hospital, while thanking the GRCS for the visit and donation, appealed to the Society to support the facility to celebrate the ‘Yellow Month’ dedicated for public sensitisation, awareness creation, and advocacy to neonatal jaundice.

Mr Abdul Rauf Issahaku, a volunteer with GRCS in the region, in a presentation at the school on disaster preparedness and mi
tigation, urged the school children to contribute in any little way to preventing disasters, both natural and artificial, particularly floods and fires.

He emphasised the need to keep the gutters and drainage systems clean to ensure easy flow of rainwater, which was necessary to help prevent flood.

‘It is important we all keep our gutters clean to prevent them from getting choked by the garbage, which can lead to the occurrence of flood,’ he explained.

Some of the children who participated in the sensitisation thanked the GRCS team for the knowledge imparted to them and expressed willingness to become active volunteers in their communities.

This year’s World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebration in the region was on the theme: ‘I Give with Joy, and the Joy I give is a Reward.’

Other activities lined up for the celebration in the region were a route march along the principal streets of Wa and a football match between members of the GRCS and the Cadet group in the region.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Scientists are appealing to the government and international bodies to provide funding to conduct a comprehensive surveillance on emerging diseases that threaten food systems in Ghana.

Ghana loses about 30 per cent of its annual crop yields to pests and disease infestation.

Dr Andrew Sarkodie Appiah, who is the Manager of the Plant Disease Research Centre of the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and a member of the Technical Panel for Diagnostic Protocols of the International Plant Protection Convention, told journalists as part of activities to mark the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) in Accra.

He said the United Nations had designated 12 May each year as the IDPH to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health could help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.

Dr Appiah mentioned cassava brown streak disease, maize lethal necrosis disease, banana bunchy top virus d
isease, citrus greening disease and Foc TR4 as some of the diseases that threatened agriculture in Ghana.

However, these diseases are yet to be reported in the country.

‘Some of the countries where some of the diseases occur are not far from us. For instance, the banana bunchy top disease has been found in Benin, causing serious destruction to plantain and banana plantations,’ he stated.

He said insects (Asian citrus psyllid) that transmitted the citrus greening disease, a bacterial disease that affects citrus and result in huge production losses, had been identified in parts of Volta Region.

Dr Appiah added that the citrus greening disease, which originated from Asia, had spread globally through trade and now posed a huge economic threat to nearly all citrus-producing regions around the world.

Pest and disease, he said, reduced crop yields and led to diminished incomes for farmers, and exacerbated poverty, pushing vulnerable populations deeper into hunger and malnutrition.

Dr Appiah said known and emer
ging plant diseases were spreading and their effects were being exacerbated by climate change, global food trade networks and pathogen spill over.

Mr Patrick Beseh, a Scientist at Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, said although the country had a robust structure, resource constraints and attitudes of the public did not support them to deliver their mandate.

‘We conduct surveillance at all ports of entry and conduct pest risk analysis on species that are alien to the country but people sneak them in at our blind side,’ he said.

‘Aside the smuggling, logging and illegal mining are human activities harming plant species. We are not doing enough to protect the very resources that give us food and medicines.’

Dr Fidelis Ocloo, the Deputy Director of Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research, Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, said a Plant Disease Research Centre had been established to serve as a diagnostic centre to test plant path
ogens and promote plant health in the country.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Janusz Wojciechowski, the European Union (EU) Agriculture Commissioner, accompanied by a business delegation of senior representatives from the EU agri-food sector, visited China in April, 2024.

The visit aimed to facilitate European agricultural food and beverage exports to China and broaden their footprint in the market.

China is the third largest agri-food export market for the EU-27 after the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK).

Guided by the 2019 EU Strategic Outlook, which seeks to improve access to the Chinese market, the recent visit not only demonstrated China’s continued attractiveness to Europe but also highlighted the symbiotic economic ties between the two economies.

With 2.3 billion euros ($2.4 billion) of trade per day, the relationship supports growth across various industries in China and Europe.

Through the visit, which took place from April 21 to 26, the EU sought to strengthen cooperation with relevant Chinese stakeholders in the agri-food sector and further open up new oppo
rtunities for the two parties.

In 2023, China imported approximately $36 billion of agricultural products from Europe, contributing to the EU’s record surplus of agri-food trade that year.

As the world’s top food producer and consumer, China, known for its rapidly growing consumption levels, imports agricultural products from Europe to meet domestic demand.

Conversely, access to the Chinese market fosters expansion in the bloc’s agriculture sector, which provides jobs for 8.6 million people, constituting 4.2 per cent of the EU’s workforce.

Since China joined the World Trade Organisation in 2001, trade and investment, the cornerstone of China-EU relations, have seen significant expansion and deepening.

China has become the bloc’s largest partner for imports and third-largest market for exports of goods.

With the two economies accounting for over a third of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), EU and China exports also account for over a third of the world’s total. The EU and China trade goods worth
over 800 billion euros annually.

Mutually beneficial, the trade and investment are a source of growth, job creation, and development for both parties.

For China, trade and investment ties with Europe, at least over the last two decades, have been instrumental in the country’s transition from labour-intensive, low-value goods to tech-intensive, high-value products, fostering job creation and lifting millions of people out of poverty.

On the other hand, China’s vast and rapidly growing domestic market, home to more than 1.4 billion people, currently the world’s second-largest consumer market and also the world’s largest middle-income group, presents enormous and diverse opportunities for EU enterprises across a range of industries, including manufacturing, food and cosmetics.

Data released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, shows that in 2023, China was the largest partner for EU imports of goods (20.5 per cent) and the third-largest partner for EU exports (8.8 per cent).

Among the
Union’s member states, in 2023, the Netherlands was the largest importer of goods from China, and Germany was the largest exporter.

For the same year, Germany, the largest economy in Europe, saw its direct investment in China rise by 4.3 per cent to a record 11.9 billion euros, demonstrating German companies’ strong desire to expand operations in China.

In fact, on the eve of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s scheduled visit to China in mid-April this year, the German Chamber of Commerce in China released a report showing that though German companies currently operating in China face several challenges, they are optimistic about growth in the Chinese market.

According to the report, 79 per cent of surveyed companies remain competitive in China and plan to make further investments. The trend is not limited to Germany.

The European Business in China Confidence Survey (2023) revealed more than 90 per cent of surveyed firms from Europe plan to utilise China as an investment destination, with 59 per cent of resp
ondents indicating the Chinese market ranks among their top three investment destinations.

Similarly, a 2023 report from the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU showed that out of the nearly 180 Chinese enterprises surveyed, 90 per cent reported an increase in revenue in the EU, up from 70 per cent in the previous year.

The report further revealed that about 80 per cent of companies planned to invest more in Europe, though 63 per cent were grappling with the EU’s ‘de-risking’ approach (restricting business relationships with clients or categories of clients to avoid, rather than manage, risk)

For decades, China-EU trade and investments have been characterised by advantages and mutual economic benefits.

However, since the EU adopted a more complicated strategy toward China, guided by the 2019 Strategic Outlook Joint Communication, which views the Asian country in a multifaceted manner – as a partner, economic competitor and systemic rival – the once-flourishing economic relationship has faced headwinds.

T
he EU noted that the growing complexity of China-EU relations amid evolving geopolitical landscapes compels the bloc to prioritise what it calls the ‘reduction of vulnerabilities and the enhancement of resilience.’

In other words, the EU is ‘de-risking’ its interactions with China.

However, given China’s prominence in global supply chains, dominance in emerging industries, together with its huge domestic market, the bloc’s attempts to ‘de-risk’ from the Asian giant will undoubtedly do more harm than good, especially in the long term.

Yet, China sees the EU as a key partner for economic and trade cooperation, as the country has stayed committed to innovation-driven growth and high-level opening-up, sharing the gains of trade and development with countries worldwide through several initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative.

The future course for sustained economic and trade ties between China and the EU could be reflected in President Xi Jinping’s remarks at a China-France-EU trilateral meeting wi
th French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Elysee Palace on Monday, May 6, 2024.

Xi said China-EU cooperation was in essence complementary and mutually beneficial, and the two sides had extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation in green and digital transition.

‘China and the EU should make good preparations for a new round of China-EU Summit and for high-level dialogues in the strategic, economic and trade, green, and digital fields, and foster a partnership on industrial and supply chains featuring stability and mutual trust,’ he stated.

(Alexander Ayertey Odonkor is a global economist with keen interest in the social, environmental and economic landscapes of developed countries, emerging markets and developing economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and North America).

Source: Ghana News Agency

Kenyan athletes dominated the classic 42-km course at the Varna marathon on Sunday.

Shadrack Kimaiyo took victory, scoring 2:24.02 hrs in the men’s event, ?nd in the women’s event, Sheila Chebet with 2:40.35 hrs.

Second came Kennedy Rono (Kenya) with 2:24.20 hrs, and third Nikolay Kaufman (Bulgaria) with 2:38.12 hrs.

Ruth Mbatha from Kenya came second in the women’s marathon with 2:40.16 hrs. Last year’s winner, Bulgarian athlete Marinela Nineva, finished third with 2:49.29 hrs.

A total of 179 athletes started in the classic marathon event. The winner receives a prize of EUR 1,500, and the runners-up EUR 1,000 and EUR 500 respectively.

Some 418 contestants entered the half marathon and 532 the 10.5 course. In total, 1,200 entrants from 33 countries took part in the marathon.

Mohamed Chaaboud from Morocco won the half marathon among men with 1:07.50 hrs, and among women Valeria Dimitrova with 1:33.13 hrs.

The youngest contestant was 9-year old Dimiter Georgiev, and the oldest – 77-year old Remzi Narli f
rom Turkiye. Both took part in the 10.5 km course.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Bui Power Authority (BPA), managers of the Bui Generating Station in the Banda District, Bono Region, has provided financial assistance totaling GHC442,480 to yam and groundnut farmers around the dam’s enclave to engage in commercial farming.

The financial support is in line with the implementation of the Phase Two of the Authority’s flagship Livelihood Enhancement Programme (LEP), which commenced in 2019.

About 160 farmers of the Bui Dam Project Affected Persons (PAPs), residing at the Resettlement Community within the dam’s enclave, benefited from the package to enhance their socio-economic livelihoods.

Mr Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, the Chief Executive Officer, BPA, stressed the Authority’s readiness and commitment to improving the socio-economic livelihoods of the locals by helping to alleviate their plight.

He said agriculture remained a lucrative enterprise and, therefore, advised the groundnut and yam farmers to take their work seriously, while the Authority assisted to maintain and expand their farms
.

They must also remain disciplined and work hard to be self-reliant and prosperous, he said.

Mr Eric Acheampong, the Deputy Director, Human and Natural Resource, BPA, said the implementation of the LEP Phase One encountered certain challenges, which led the authority to suspend it and undertake some assessments to tackle those challenges in the interest of the PAPs.

So far, phases One and Two had impacted about 660 PAPs out of the targeted 816, he said, and that the Authority was on course to improving the socio-economic livelihoods of the locals.

Giving a brief background of the LEP II, Mr Ahceampong said the Authority constituted the?eligible PAPs into groups as either ‘standalones or service providers’ and adequately resourced with tools as well as personal protective equipment to operate as independent entities.

With the Bui enclave being a predominantly farming area, the Authority constituted the Agricultural Modernization Module, also known as the BPA LEP 2 Irrigation Farming Module, to strategica
lly invest in the farming exploits of the PAPs.

Nana Kwadwo Wuo II, the Chief of Bui, acknowledged the commitment of the BPA towards improving health, education and sports and enhance the socio-economic lives of the people.

He said though the residents were living comfortably, it was still imperative for the Authority to do more to ensure that all the unemployed youth got something to do to better their lot.

Mr Maxwell Gbadagbo, a yam farmer, and the spokesman for the beneficiaries, commended the BPA for the support and encouraged the farmers to invest the money in their farms to improve their income.

Madam Judith Nsiah, a groundnut farmer, also appealed to the Authority to assist in getting ready market and good prices for their produce.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Togbi Awlavi IV, the newly installed chief of Bate Clan (of the Anlos) at Dzita in the Volta Region has called for unity among the citizens to build a new Dzita with endless possibilities.

He underscored the importance of collective action in addressing contemporary challenges like poverty and educational disparities, drawing inspiration from the community’s past triumphs, saying; ‘A single bracelet does not jingle.’

Togbi Awlavi made the call during his official installation at a well-attended ceremony steeped in culture.

It was presided by Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada of Anlo, which drew dignitaries from far and near, including Togbi Zewu IV, Dufia of Anloga, and Mr Leo Skarlatos, Chief Executive Officer of AT Ghana.

He assured of best practices to ensure peace, an important ingredient for development, reigned at Dzita, by upholding the legacies and values of his people.

‘It is important to maintain a united Dzita for only through that can we have peace to think about development efforts for the
progress of our community,’ he said.

‘It is possible. I have deep respect for my predecessors and I acknowledge the rich legacy entrusted to me and I won’t do anything in the entirety of my reign, to mar that.’

Togbi Awlavi said he would stay true to the values of his Clan and not be deterred by circumstances to fail in his duties, pledging to uphold the values of bravery and resilience that had long characterised the Bate Clan.

‘Education is pivotal in the progress of any community and that is why I’m so passionate about the education of the current and future generations of our people.’

‘I vow to collaborate with the Dufia, Togbi Sarbah IV, to cultivate a future where every child in Dzita has the opportunity to thrive.’

Togbi Agbesi Awusu, the Chairman, reaffirmed his support for Togbi Awlavi and pledged to work towards a unified Anlo to ensure success for Anlo Dukor (state) and for all Ewes and the country at large.

Mr Leo Skarlatos, the Guest of Honour, expressed excitement about Togbi Awlavi’s inst
allation and hoped for a stronger collaboration between AT Ghana and Dzita during his reign.

He acknowledged the network challenges faced by the community and pledged the telecommunication company’s commitment to finding solutions for a better experience.

Some residents told the Ghana News Agency that Togbi’s installation marked a new chapter for Dzita and the Bate Clan and a time of growth and development for the community.

Source: Ghana News Agency