Day: May 16, 2024

Dr Michael Teye Barnor, Plant Breeder at Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) at Bole, has advised farmers, especially those in the savannah ecological zone to preserve the shea tree from going extinct by integrating it into their crop production system.

He said such initiatives would not only help maximise the economic benefits of the shea tree but also restore the depleted vegetation, which exposed communities to floods, droughts and food insecurity.

Dr Barnor gave the advice in a presentation on the prospects for the shea tree at a two-day research pipeline workshop, held in Tamale.

He expressed the need to invest, optimise and popularise developed technologies required to promote efficient shea development plantation.

The workshop was organised by Feed the Future Ghana Market Systems and Resilience (Ghana MSR) Activity, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

It was to showcase technologies and crops that were legally released, registered and ready for c
ommercialisation as well as upscaling of other technologies that would be ready in coming years.

It was attended by research scientists, seed companies, out-grower businesses, agro-input dealers, agro-processors and equipment dealers from the northern sector of the country to dialogue on advancing research and technology to sustainably improve productivity.

Mr Samson Konlan, Enabling Environment Team Lead, Ghana MSR Activity, said the event was tailored to ensure stakeholders were fully aware of the technologies at the various stages of their life cycles, either on the pipeline, under trial, released, commercialised or for upscaling.

He said the workshop was among others to help develop a roadmap highlighting roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the technology upscaling and commercialisation processes.

Dr Emmanuel Yaw Owusu, a Research Scientist and Cowpea Breeder at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), said CSIR-SARI had deve
loped some cowpea priority varieties ready for upscaling, including Kirkhouse-Benga and Wang-Kae, which were rich in both protein and iron with a maximum yield of 2.4 tons per hectare respectively.

He said other varieties that had been released since 2022 and were yet to be commercialised included Kanton-Bongdaa and Awudu-Benga, adding the varieties were tolerant to drought and other harsh weather conditions.

Mr Abdallah Abubakari, Secretary, Northern Out-grower Business Association, bemoaned the inadequate harvesting machines such as mechanical planters and the lack of modern storage and warehousing systems for farmers.

He called for more robust local seeds, driven by strong research and private sector collaboration to improve food production.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Lands and Mining Watch Ghana (LMWG), a civil society organisation has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to intervene to restore the rule of law and to protect Ghana’s 10 per cent stake in the Adamus Resources.

‘We are appalled by the revelation that Angela List, Group CEO of Nguvu Holdings Limited in collaboration with select individuals from political and security circles, has orchestrated a bold and illegal scheme to export gold allegedly valued at over seven million US dollars from Adamus Resources, a cornerstone of Ghana’s mining industry.

‘This egregious violation of the law has been facilitated under the guise of the non-existence of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), in direct defiance of the consequential orders issued by the esteemed Accra High Court,’ it stated.

The LMWG at a news conference addressed by Mr Solomon Owusu, the Convenor said the contempt displayed by Angela List and her cohorts towards the clear directives of the Accra High Court regarding the constitution of
an IMC for Adamus Resources was deeply troubling.

‘Despite the court’s unambiguous instructions, our investigation has uncovered no evidence of an appeal lodged against these orders. This blatant disregard for the rule of laws and the judiciary’s authority is unacceptable and demands immediate redress,’ the organisation stated.

The LMWG said it was imperative that the government fulfilled its duty to protect its interests, particularly its substantial 10 per cent stake in Adamus Resources.

‘However, the concerning indifference exhibited by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in addressing this matter promptly raises serious doubts about its commitment to upholding the nation’s sovereignty in the mining sector.

‘Furthermore, the collusion of certain security agencies in facilitating the illegal exportation of gold, despite a pending injunction application, undermines public trust in the integrity of law enforcement institutions and calls for urgent investigation and corrective action,’ it stated.

The LMWG said the conduct of the Attorney General’s office in providing questionable advice to Angela List and Nguvu Mining regarding the effect of an injunction application, was deeply troubling.

‘Such interference in judicial matters undermines the independence and impartiality of our judicial system and erodes public confidence in the administration of justice. The Attorney General’s role is to uphold the law, not to circumvent it or undermine the authority of our courts.’

It stated; ‘In light of these egregious transgressions, LMWG urgently calls upon His Excellency the President of Ghana to intervene decisively and restore the rule of law in the mining sector.

‘The President in these difficult times of massive depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi should be more concerned about how dollars are shipped out of the country which dollars could be used to shore up the cedi’s stability.

‘The media, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders must unite in demanding accountability and transparency. It is
imperative that those responsible for violating the law are held to account and that measures are put in place to prevent such flagrant disregard for court orders and national interests from occurring in the future.’

The LMWG noted that transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law are essential for the sustainable management of Ghana’s natural resources and the equitable distribution of their benefits among all citizens.

‘We are therefore calling on the media as the fourth Estate of the realm to see this development as a call to duty to follow the court proceedings regarding this matter with eagle eyes to ensure that the country, Ghana is not short changed.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Fidelity Bank, Ghana’s largest privately-owned bank, has signed a landmark agreement with Proxtera on to empower Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the Ghana Integrated Financial Ecosystem (GIFE) Platform.

The agreement was signed Wednesday during the ongoing 3i Africa Summit, a major gathering focused on driving Africa’s growth potential.

GIFE, a collaborative effort between the Development Bank Ghana (DBG), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Bank of Ghana (BOG), with Proxtera as the digital infrastructure provider, aims to address these very challenges head on.

The platform provides MSMEs with a comprehensive digital solution for growth.

Nana Esi Idun-Arkhurst, Divisional Director, Retail and Business Banking at Fidelity Bank, and Mr. Saurav Bhattacharyya, Chief Executive Officer of Proxtera signed on behalf of their respective organisations.

Ms Idun-Arkhurst emphasised the crucial role of SMEs in Ghana’s economy, highlighting job creation and innovation.

She, however, identi
fied challenges such as limited access to finance, customer reach, and essential business skills.

This lack of expertise, Ms. Idun-Arkhurst explained, hindered informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

‘GIFE presents yet another opportunity for the bank to provide the needed solutions to today’s modern SMEs, helping them compete locally, regionally, and globally, in addition to all the programs, platforms, and solutions we already offer SMEs,’ Ms Idun-Arkhurst said.

Ms. Idun-Arkhurst expressed the hope that all SMEs who signed up on the GIFE platform would have the unparalleled opportunity of positioning themselves to be a global player.

Ms. Idun-Arkhurst highlighted that Fidelity Bank looked forward to working with Proxtera to deepen the governance of Ghanaian SMEs , ‘and we will work with all the various stakeholders in the value chain to make this possible.’

Mr. Saurav Bhattacharyya, CEO of Proxtera, reiterated Proxtera’s commitment to the shared vision of empowering Ghanaian MSMEs. ‘We are ded
icated to making GIFE a successful platform that fosters inclusive economic growth,’ said Mr. Bhattacharya.

‘Our collaboration with Fidelity Bank and other GIFE participants ensures that the platform meets the specific needs of Ghanaian SMEs.

‘We have plans for continuous improvement and expansion of the GIFE platform, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for businesses well into the future, ‘ he said.

Fidelity Bank’s signing with Proxtera on the GIFE platform marks a significant step towards empowering Ghana’s SMEs.

‘This collaboration demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to supporting the growth of this vital sector and contributing to a more prosperous Ghanaian economy for all,’ he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

A teacher, who defiled his student at Attakrom in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, has been sentenced to 18 years imprisonment in hard labour by the Tarkwa Circuit Court.

The convict, Benjamine Hanson, pleaded not guilty to the offence but after the case had gone through full trial he was found guilty and convicted accordingly.

Superintendent of Police Juliana Essel-Dadzie, prosecuting told the court presided over by Mrs Hathia Ama Manu that the complainant is the victim’s mother, and both resided at Nsuaem.

The victim, a 13-year-old and a Junior High School one student attended school in Nsuaem where Hanson taught Carrier Technology and Computering.

She said on Sunday March 12, 2023, the victim visited Hanson in his house at Attakrom and he had sexual intercourse with her after which the victim left to her house, but she did not inform anyone.

On Friday March 31, 2023, the victim paid another visit but someone who knew the victim’s sister saw them, and the person informed her that Hanson was having an af
fair with the victim.

Prosecution said the victim’s sister informed her parents and when they confronted the victim she answered in the affirmative.

The victim’s parents arrested Hanson and handed him over to the Nsuaem police and lodged a formal complaint against him.

Superintendent Essel-Dadzie said during investigation Hanson admitted having carnally known the victim, claimed he proposed love to her, and she agreed.

After investigation convict was charged with the offence of defilement of a female under sixteen years and arraigned.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Auditor General’s (AG) report has consistently piqued public interest over the past decades. This is evident from the annual media attention it receives when presented to parliament. The report’s ability to arouse curiosity can be attributed to the significant monetary value, scope, and nature of the infractions it covers.

As a result, the report becomes a major news story, often trending for a substantial period. As discussions unfold, emotions run high, and there are calls for the prosecution of public officials implicated in the report.

By the time the discussions subside, public opinion may have already judged the management of the entities involved, accusing them of misappropriating public funds.

Upholding the tenets of good governance

The interest shown by civil society organisations, social and political commentators, hosts of morning and political talk shows, practitioners, and scholars is beneficial for good governance. This is because some of these stakeholders meticulously analyze the AG re
port to inform citizens about how much money the state has lost within a financial year.

At times, they exert pressure on anti-graft agencies to recover these lost funds from public officials and call for their prosecution. These media professionals should be commended for consistently advocating the protection of the public purse.

They also bring to light significant financial issues that could have otherwise been overlooked, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.

However, while some media outlets act as watchdogs over the public purse, others use the AG report for malicious and propaganda purposes.

The misinformation

It is disheartening to see or hear that some media and social commentators, who aim to inform the public about alleged corrupt practices highlighted in the AG report, sometimes end up misinforming the public.

Educated elites sometimes suggest that every infraction in the AG report is synonymous with corruption, when in fact; this may not be the case.

They often add up all the
infractions and corresponding figures to imply that the total amount is the cash that has been ‘chopped’ by public officials.

Additionally, public officials who appear at the Public Accounts Committee sittings are unfairly labelled as corrupt. Unfortunately, in some cases, either the host misinforms the listeners or the pundits misinform the host and the listeners.

As these discussions continue, emotions can override logic and rationality, leading to irredeemable reputational damage for some of the public officials mentioned in the report.

Is it justifiable to classify all infractions as corruption?

The AG’s report for Metropolitan Municipal District Assemblies is categorized into two: the reports on the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) and the Internally Generated Funds.

According to the 2022 report on the DACF, the AG reports that the total value of infractions amounted to GHS53.6m.

At first glance, this amount may seem significant and could understandably trigger the anger of the citizens.

Howev
er, the AG report breaks the infractions into four thematic areas: cash, contract, procurement, and tax irregularities.

The AG reports stated that GHS12.09m, GHS40.27m, GHS0.751m, and GHS0.495m were the monetary values of infractions under each of the thematic areas respectively.

When delving into the specifics, a significant percentage of the infractions had no relationship with corruption themes such as misappropriations, fraud, or stealing.

For example, out of the total reported cash irregularities of GHS12.09m, a significant amount of GHS8.1m is attributable to over-utilization of the DACF on recurrent expenditures, non-allocation of funds to substructures, and payment of judgment debts.

Similarly, out of the total contract irregularities of GHS40.2m, GHS33m is attributable to delayed and abandoned projects, while the remaining GHS7.1m is attributable to completed projects not in use.

It is noteworthy that these two thrust areas, cash and contract irregularities, constitute 90 per cent of the total r
eported infractions of GHS53.6m in the 2022 AG report on the utilization of the DACF.

This raises questions such as whether public officials can be compelled to refund an amount of GHS40.2m on the grounds of a stalled or abandoned project attributable to the non-release of earmarked funds, or whether officials can be prosecuted for the same infraction.

The question that we must all ask as a nation is why the nation continues to award contracts despite the cash flow challenges leading to stalled projects over the years.

Additionally, can one link the over-utilization of the DACF for recurrent expenditures, because of low IGF generation, to corruption? It is important to understand that while infractions may be a loss to the state, not all infractions signify financial losses or corruption.

Is it justifiable to label certain infractions as corruption?

The AG report highlights several financial irregularities, including unpresented payment vouchers amounting to GHS 0.749m, unaccounted payments of GHS 0.191m
, payment for unexecuted projects amounting to GHS 0.137m, and payments for goods not supplied amounting to GHS 0.149m.

These infractions could lead to serious consequences for public officials, particularly spending and finance officers, as outlined in Regulation 82(2) of LI 2378. If these issues remain unresolved, the public may be justified in calling for the retrieval or prosecution of those found responsible.

This is because the lack of supporting documents for payments or non-delivery of paid-for goods raises suspicion about the legitimacy of the transactions.

The AG’s report also raises concerns about criminal activities such as fraud, theft, and misappropriation, which cannot escape public scrutiny.

It would not be unfounded for commentators and citizens to demand the activation of section 98 of the Public Financial Management Act of 2016 in such cases.

The way forward

Media outlets interested in discussing technical subjects such as the AG report should involve qualified journalists who are kno
wledgeable about financial and economic issues.

Media organizations need to consult professionals in public financial management to provide technical support. This will ensure that accurate information is shared with the public to promote good governance.

Professional accounting institutions should regularly provide their expert opinion on the AG reports to contribute to public discourse.

District Assemblies are also urged to address all audit findings in the management letter to prevent these issues from being included in the AG report, which often leads to public outcry.

Lastly, MMDAs should strengthen their internal audit units to prevent audit violations.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Nanumba North Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has held an Inter-party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meeting for stakeholders ahead of the 2024 general election.

The event, which took place at Bimbilla in the Northern Region, was a step in fostering cooperation among political parties with the aim of promoting peace before, during and after the elections.

It brought together members of various political parties, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, security services and persons with disabilities.

It was also attended by the Northern Regional NCCE team, representatives of the Electoral Commission, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.

Participants were taken through electoral processes and a presentation on preventing and containing violent extremism as the country prepared for the elections.

Mr Issahaku Mahamudu, Nanumba North Municipal Director of NCCE, speaking during the event, urged members of the public to embrace peace,
saying a peaceful election dependeded on all stakeholders.

He said the municipality, due to its geographical location and hospitality, appeared vulnerable to extremism, adding the membership of the IPDC was carefully and strategically composed to achieve a wider spread of impact within the municipality.

He urged residents to be security conscious and educate them on ways to monitor and report security threats, detect youth radicalisation and conflict resolution.

Mr Joseph Kodua, Nanumba North Municipal Director, Electoral Commission, who sensitised participants on the election processes, assured them of a serene process, indicating that political parties had so far been cooperative.

Inspector Abdullai Anass, Nanumba North Municipal Commander, Ghana Immigration Service, appealed to chiefs, landlords, and all residents to grant them the necessary space for uninterrupted investigations whenever security issues arose.

He admonished participants to always be vigilant, embrace peace and consider women and chil
dren in their dealings.

The Regent of Bimbilla, whose speech was read on his behalf by Kpaling Naa Osman Tahidu, said peace and the overall success of the elections largely hinged on the Electoral Commission and political parties.

He stated that if the Electoral Commission conducted itself appropriately and all parties consented to the process from beginning to end, there would be no cause for Ghanaians to object to an election outcome.

Representatives of political parties took turns to pledge to ensure peace ahead of the elections and beyond.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Discussants at the third Executive Breakfast Conversation, in Accra, have called for the strengthening of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, and the establishment of National Sanitation Authority to drive water, sanitation and hygiene to national development.

They thought the nation had made some progress in providing water, but the challenge was water quality and the need to fill the sanitation gap.

A National Sanitation Authority, they pointed out, would be the agent to handle the daily operational activities of sanitation and hygiene.

The dialogue, on theme, ‘Repositioning Water and Sanitation as a Key Driver of National Development’ discussed the enabling and catalytic role of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for accelerated growth and wellbeing and why the country should prioritise and recognise its use.

The discussants at the dialogue noted that Ghana risked missing all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) if it failed to meet SDG Goal Six meant to ensure availability and susta
inable management of water and sanitation- described as ‘the gateway to improve health, productivity and development socio economic development,’ for all.

The conversation recognised the need to create the enabling and catalytic role of WASH for accelerated growth and well-being and why the county should prioritise and make it a national development priority.

Prof Simon Mariwah, a development geographer at the University of Cape Coast, observed that sanitation was doing badly compared to water, and referenced the report 2018 National Population and Housing Census had about 90 per cent access to basic water, that of sanitation had improved to 25 per cent since the 2010 National Population and Housing Census.

Hitherto, previous discussions had focused on water, Prof Mariwah noted, and called for more national discussions to handle the daily operations.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana is embarking on a nationwide scout for young innovators from across the country to join the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) programme.

The YAI aims to identify and empower atypical innovators, especially between ages 18 and 35.

These are innovators who are often marginalized include women, people living in rural communities, those with low levels of literacy and persons with disabilities.

The Young Africa Innovates programme is specifically supporting young innovative Ghanaians who have the potential to drive positive change across the country.

Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, in an interview with the media, said the scouting was the first stage to discover and support innovative solutions, products, and services that had the potential to transform communities and improve lives.

This would take place in phases across the country throughout 2024 and 2025.

She expressed the UNDP’s enthusiasm to embark on the national move to un
leashing talent, pledging their unwavering determination to work with key partners to empower young and innovative individuals from across Ghana to drive sustainable development and social progress.

According to her, during the nationwide scouting, UNDP and its partners including the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, the Ministry of Education, and community-based organisations, such as PHG Foundation would build on initial piloting.

The piloting is underway in the Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono and Bono East regions.

The search for talent process would involve engaging with local communities, innovation hubs and grassroots organizations to ensure a diverse range of applicants to YAI.

Dr Lusigi also explained that a team would later review submissions and select those who would benefit from further technical support and funding to refine, test and scale up their solutions.

Selected applicants through the YAI Programme would take part in different a
ctivities in capacity development at regional boot-camps, sharing knowledge through learning circles, networking, and many opportunities to showcase their solutions and create impact.

She called on target brackets with distinguished abilities not to miss out on such an opportunity to be part of the innovation revolution in Ghana in harnessing the power of local talents to address real-world societal challenges.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, has asked politicians to conduct their 2024 general election campaigns devoid of intemperate language and rancour.

He said everything possible should be done to avoid needless acrimony often linked with elections by being tolerant of divergent views and mutual respect.

‘There is no need for anybody to die because of an election,’ he said and admonished the electorates, particularly the youth, not to allow themselves to be influenced by politicians to cause mayhem before, during and after the 2024 general election.

‘The political parties must call their members to order, unite their front to tolerate dissenting views through effective collaboration and sense of purpose to spearhead development,’ he stated.

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta was speaking at the launch of the 2024 Oguaa Fetu Afahye on the theme: ‘Celebrating the City of the first, our People and our Future.’

The launch coincided with the unveiling of the 60th anniversary logo depicting the
crab as a strong icon of authority celebrated on the first Saturday of September.

Osabarima Kwesi Atta cited the recent reports of gunshots at a voter registration centre in the Cape Coast Metropolis, saying they were unwarranted.

Additionally, he indicated that the Council was collaborating with the security agencies to quell any unforeseen disturbances in the area.

Similarly, he reminded the media, particularly some local radio stations in the city, to refrain from being the conduit to denigrate the Oguaa Traditional Council.

‘The insults, curses, and insubordination are destroying Cape Coast. The Traditional Council is there for all and anyone who needs information is so welcome.

‘Sometimes it becomes disheartening how some radio stations without regard, insult the Traditional Council as if they are talking to their children. The Traditional Council has been quiet for long, hoping such radio stations will refrain and reform from their misdeed, but I can assure you that the Council is now watching them
keenly,’ Osabarima Kwesi Atta cautioned.

He reflected on the harmonious relationship between the Traditional Council and the media fraternity towards sustaining peace to accelerate development.

For that matter, he urged such media houses to exercise utmost decorum on their unguarded attacks on the Traditional Council to avoid the consequence thereof.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Coastal Development Authority (CODA), mandated to accelerate economic and social development in coastal regions, has commissioned five projects for use in Ketu South Municipality.

The projects in education and health sectors included a two-unit ultramodern Kindergarten block at Agavedzi AME Basic School, a three-unit classroom block at Atsiaklorbor Basic School, a three-unit classroom block at Tublukope Basic School and a six-unit classroom block at Viepe RC Basic School.

Also commissioned was a community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Amutinu.

These projects aimed to address the unique challenges of inadequate education infrastructure and health needs faced by the communities in the coastal municipality.

Speaking during the commissioning, Mr Selorm Kofi Gakpetor, acting Regional Director of CODA, said these projects were a testament that the government was delivering on its policies and programmes as promised to the people of Ghana, indicating that the five projects formed part of
the one million dollar per constituency policy.

‘The one million dollars for every district doesn’t mean handing the money over to the districts but the monies are used to implement projects such as these towards sustainable development and growth.

The projects we’re commissioning today, and others being implemented form part of the one million dollars for Ketu South. So, if you hear people say that Ketu South has not benefitted from the one million dollars meant every district, know that cannot be so.’

Stakeholders in the various communities were grateful for the projects, which they said would greatly serve the needs of the people while assuring of maintaining the facilities so they could serve the purpose for which they were built, for generations to come.

Madam Clara Sedinam Kudah, Headteacher of Viepe RC Basic School, in an interview with Ghana News Agency said the new classroom block (in use since completion) for the school was a relief from the inadequate classrooms it suffered over the years decla
ring that overcrowding in the school ‘is now a thing of the past.’

Mr Sylvester Kumawu, Assembly member for Amutinu/Salakope, appealed to the authorities to furnish the newly commissioned CHPS compound with working equipment to get the place operational to help deliver quality healthcare to residents.

Mr Maxwell Koffie Lugudor, Municipal Chief Executive of Ketu South, thanked CODA and government for delivering on their promises and asked that other projects currently being implemented be completed early and commissioned for use to improve lives while assuring his people that ‘more is to come.’

Source: Ghana News Agency