Day: June 8, 2024

The Overlord of the Waala Traditional Council, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo, has directed all paramountcies within the Council to cultivate two acres of trees each year on degraded lands to replenish the tree cover in the area.

He said planting trees and ensuring that they grow to maturity had been a traditional practice bequeathed to them by their ancestors and that the need to plant trees was more demanding now than ever considering the damage caused to the environment as compared to the past.

He said the time had now come for all to embrace the flagship programme of the government, especially the youth to restock the lost tree cover in the communities.

Naa Seidu Pelpuo gave the directive at the Upper West Regional edition of the 2024 Green Ghana Day celebrations held at the Wa Senior High School, aimed at afforestation and restoration of Ghana’s degraded landscape.

It was on the theme: ‘Growing for a greener tomorrow.’

Naa Seidu Pelpuo also tasked the chiefs and community leaders to stop bush burning at l
ocations where the seedlings were planted to safeguard their growth to sustain the environment.

He appealed to the Ghana Education Service to introduce environmental studies, especially tree planting in the schools, to inculcate in the students appreciation and responsibility to issues regarding the environment.

He also appealed to the Regional Forest Services Division to support the Waala Traditional Council with the technical services and equipment to store water to water the seedlings to grow to maturity.

Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Upper West Regional Minister, said the region was expected to plant 600,000 seedlings of which 500,000 would be planted on reserve and 100,000 seedlings on off-reserve areas.

He appealed to the people in the region to actively participate in the exercise, as the initiative was appropriate for ‘our circumstance since we are very close to the desert and our survival depends very much on the environment as mostly peasant farmers.’

‘The significance of greening Ghana cannot be over
-emphasised as we face the threat of such environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation and pollution’, he said.

‘It has become necessary to take urgent and proactive measures to safeguard our planet and ensure the well-being of present and future generations,’ he added.

Mr Yakubu announced that for the past three years, the region had planted 1.3 million seedlings, exceeding its target of 1.1 million seedlings.

He said the survival rate for planted seedlings during the period had been between 60 and 70 per cent and encouraged the people to plant more trees as ‘our efforts were yielding positive results.’

Mr Godfred Quashigah, the Upper West Regional Manager of the Forest Services Division, said 534,000 tree seedlings including timber species, shade trees, ornamental and fruit trees had been distributed for planting.

He reminded the people to continue to take good care of the seedlings planted by ensuring that they were well nurtured.

Mr Hakeen Musah, Assistant Headmaster in charge of a
dministration of the Wa Senior High School, said it was a priority of the school to nurse seedlings and plant them but encroachment along the school’s fence wall had hampered the success of the programme.

He said there were containers dotted along the school’s wall and appealed to the authorities to remove them to allow the school to ‘green its environment.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The SOS Children’s Village in Tema has planted trees around the school compound as part of its 50th-Anniversary celebration and the promotion of environmental conservation. 

The school children, staff and parents planted about 30 trees of different species across the village and school compounds. 

The exercise was interspersed with educational sessions on the benefits of maintaining a clean environment and the role of trees in promoting ecological health.

Madam Elizabeth Godwyll Ocloo, the Project Manager, SOS Children Village, said the Village’s mission extended beyond providing care to vulnerable children to fostering the holistic development of children, which included education on environmental and national issues.

In the classrooms and homes, the children were taught the importance of preserving and maintaining a clean environment, she said. 

‘This education is particularly relevant in Tema where industrial activities contribute to significant environmental pollution, and the aim of involving the ch
ildren in the exercise is to instill in them a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation from a young age,’ Madam Ocloo said.

The theme for this year’s Green Ghana Day is; ‘Growing for a Greener Tomorrow,’ which underscored the significance of involving all community members in environmental activities.

Mr Christopher Adomey, the Chief Executive Officer of Merchant Alliance Shipping in Tema, who supported the exercise, told the Ghana News Agency that the event was key to environmental conservation. 

He said the strategy revolved around the widespread distribution and planting of tree seedlings in schools and companies across Tema, which aimed to play a part in safeguarding the delicate balance of the ozone layer, a crucial element for the planet’s wellbeing.

Mr Adomey said the focus of his organisation on high-impact areas such as the SOS Children’s Village was key because the planting of trees at those locations were not merely symbolic but served as a solution to environmental degradati
on. 

‘The presence of greenery further beautifies the surroundings and also acts as a natural barrier against the harmful effects of industrial pollution,’ he said. 

 For the past two years, the Merchant Alliance Shipping has planted about 500 trees at some institutions in Tema.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Land encroachment is forcing the relocation of the only health centre in the Tonor Dzemeni – Anum Boso enclave shared by the Volta and Eastern Regions.

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana Health Centre in Tongor Dzemeni serves hundreds of communities including islands on the Volta Lake but it is currently facing a serious threat to its expansion, as descendants of a family that donated a four-acre land for the facility sold off portions.

Less than an acre of the allotment now remains, and an apartment store closely borders the facility on one side.

A new modern residential building also has its front walls just behind a new maternity block constructed as part of planned expansion.

Right Rev. Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bliss Agbeko, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the E. P. Church has vehemently condemned the cornering of the health centre, saying there was currently no space for further development and upgrade of the facility.

He said the Church would relocate the essential facility, which was stra
tegically sited in the most populous community and one of the largest markets in the district, to a community that would facilitate its growth and expansion.

A large tree avenue lining the frontage, which provided convenience for hundreds that visited the place daily, had also been destroyed in a bizarre act that angered many.

Sadly, what was supposed to be a joyful commissioning of a modern maternity ward with the latest equipment supplied by the Rotary Club, became a raw confrontation between the Moderator and members of the said family present.

‘This very good thing that has been serving the community seems not to be appreciated by people who are selling the land and cutting the trees. It is not right and whoever is behind this is against the nation and the world.

Let me reveal to you that discussions are ongoing to expand this place into a hospital, but I am disappointed to announce to you that as Moderator, I will recommend that the people are not ready. We have other catchment areas of the Church th
erefore we will take it there,’ he said.

‘I want this to go across that I am not pleased. You have negated the goodwill of the Church, and its efforts are not appreciated. I am not happy. People need a rebirth to change from such selfish attitude and start working selflessly for the good of humanity. We gave you this facility so that when your wives are pregnant, they don’t need to go far,’ he said.

The Moderator who is the Chairman of Faith Actors in Climate Change in Africa, condemned the felling of the avenue trees.

‘When people are thinking about planting trees and landscaping, you are thinking about cutting the trees and claiming the land. Shame, shame, shame,’ he said.

The Moderator’s rebuke caused an uproar among members of the family and traditional leaders present, who denied any knowledge about the felling of the trees.

The Management of the health centre told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that plans to fence the facility were protested by the landowners.

Larry Elorm Vivie, the Physician Assista
nt in charge of the clinic, appealed to the Member of Parliament and other stakeholders to help address the situation.

The new maternity ward was constructed by the EP Church with support from the Ghana Maternity Ward Project of the First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield, USA.

The Rotary Club of Ho through the Rotary Foundation and the Club of Bridgeport USA, bore the cost of fully furnishing the ward and providing needed tools and equipment worth USD 40,000.

The new ward provides spaces for various maternal and neonatal services, expected to greatly improve access for thousands in the vast enclave.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Charmel Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with Goshen Prayer Network, has organised free health screening for residents of Bankuman, a suburb of Tema Manhean to help improve wellness within the community.

The exercise was held as part of the third anniversary of the Goshen Prayer Network.

Ms Emelia Ofori Agyemang, the Founder of Charmel Foundation, said the primary goal of the exercise was to provide accessible healthcare services for women, children, elderly and the vulnerable in society, to have regular access to medical check-ups.

Ms Agyemang said the participants underwent various health assessments, including breast screening, blood pressure, blood sugar level, hepatitis B, and BMI measurements.

Furthermore, the health professionals made up of midwives, general nurses, and healthcare technicians, engaged the over 200 beneficiaries on educational health topics such as nutrition, physical activities, and preventive healthcare, to empower them to take charge of their wellbein
g.

She said Charmel Foundation and Goshen Prayer Network volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the event, by offering compassionate care and guidance to everyone who visited the screening stations.

Ms Agyemang said the collaborative efforts between the two entities exemplified the power of community partnerships in addressing healthcare disparities and promoting health equity to impact lives positively.

Rev. Ebenezer Bessey, the Leader of Goshen Prayer Network, recommended that as people prayed to build their spiritual lives, it was also important that they worked on the physical aspects of life to know their health statuses through regular check-ups.

He appealed for some support for the Charmel Foundation to continue their great work of helping the needy and vulnerable.

Participants expressed gratitude to the organisers for the opportunity to receive valuable health information and services without financial burden, while promoting community wellbeing.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The South Tongu District Health Directorate and the Tongu Council of Chiefs have concerted to taken stringent strides to address the issue of teenage pregnancy, following its escalating rate in the district.

Madam Rachelle Elikem Zewu, a Public Health Nurse said the district had recorded staggering statistics, with the first quarter of 2024 already showing a 15.6 per cent rate of teenage girl pregnancy.

She said pregnancy cases rose to 120, which was equivalent to 13.5 per cent in 2023, compared to 100 cases representing 12 per cent recorded in 2022.

Previously in 2021, 128 girls aged 10-19 became pregnant, amounting to 14.3 per cent, she disclosed.

Madam Zewu attributed the high incidence to unprotected sexual activities, socio-economic hardships, and migration.

She said the situation was further compounded by the prevalence of substance abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, and lack of adolescent-friendly services in communities and schools in South Tongu.

She said the consequences of teenage pregn
ancy were severe, with many of these girls facing eclampsia, premature births, difficult labor, depression, and sexually transmitted diseases.

‘This menace does not only harm the young girls but also leads to school dropouts, thereby crippling their future prospects,’ she added.

Madam Mavis Agumeh, the District Health Director told the Ghana News Agency that her outfit would continue to intensify adolescent health education in public institutions and engage in intensive outreach programmes in schools.

Madam Agumeh emphasised the need for parents to provide sexual orientation to their children at home.

Zikpitorga Awuku Doe Atakli, the Paramount Stool Father of the Fievie Traditional Area, pledged on behalf of the Tongu Council of Chiefs to collaborate with the Ghana Health Service in combating the escalating menace.

Zikpitorga Awuku stressed the importance of collective efforts in addressing the problem and ensuring the future wellbeing of the children.

He urged all relevant stakeholders and corporate Gh
ana to unit in tackling the root causes of teenage pregnancy in the district, encouraging parents to join forces in providing adolescent-friendly services, education, and support to every girl child.

Source: Ghana News Agency

A new documentary film highlighting diverse investment opportunities in Ghana will premiere next week on CNBC Africa Television.

The production dubbed: ‘Africa’s Golden Opportunity’, will project thriving activities across sectors of the economy, including tourism, finance, real estates, creative arts, hospitality, and local businesses.

It is produced by Strategic Investment Media in partnership with Globe Productions and other partners and will air on June 12, 2024.

Sections of the public provided positive reviews on the 15-minute production at a pre-screening event held in Accra early this week.

Mr Latif Abubakar, CEO Globe Productions, speaking at the gathering, said the documentary was put together based on Ghana’s ‘recent attractive investment indicators and its efforts to sustainably diversify its economy’.

He said Ghana, as one of the growing economies on the African continent, was providing varied opportunities for tourists and investors with the creative arts industry also contributing to the gr
owth.

Despite the impact of local creatives, he said the sector, compared with other industries, continued to receive ‘little attention and support from the government and relevant stakeholders’.

Mr Abubakar said the documentary, in addition to other objectives, was to ‘set the tone’ for the government and its agencies to consider more investment in the creative arts industry.

‘Through major cultural and creative events such as Afronation, Afrofuture, Chalewote as well as the African Festival, which create about 700 direct and indirect jobs, the creative arts industry has not only placed Ghana on the global stage, but also boosted the country’s tourism by bringing in people across the globe.

‘It is my belief that, given the necessary attention and support, the creative arts will not only boost Ghana’s tourism sector but also contribute significantly to its GDP,’ he said, and thanked the private sector for its continuous support to the arts.

Mr Juan Clark, Managing Director, Strategic Investment Media, sa
id the positive narrative about Ghana informed the production of the documentary.

‘Ghana is a wonderful country, a good place to do business, safe and stable, and that is something that really put us in motion…We thought that we can communicate globally about all the opportunities that are in Ghana.

‘With the positive feedback, we are thinking of a new documentary series on Ghana to make sure that we continue to communicate about what is happening in Ghana,’ he said.

He added that the premiere on CNBC Africa will reach about 25 million people and there would be social media and television campaigns, to promote the documentary.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC), with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has organised a four-day intensive training at Koforidua for Community Health Nurses on implant insertion and removal.

Implant insertion and removal, also known as long-acting reversible contraceptive, is among the interventions of the UNFPA’s Eighth Country Programme that spans a period of five years; 2023 – 2027.

The programme focuses on zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning; and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices including child marriages and female genital mutilation.

The nurses were selected from the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compounds and health facilities in 11 districts and municipalities of the Eastern Region.

The districts were selected based on their vulnerability in maternal health, family planning, gender-based violence and harmful practices as well as health facilities accessibility.

Addressing the participant
s, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, said the UNFPA was ensuring that ‘every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled, which I agree and share.’

However, he added; ‘If indeed every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe, then the 70 maternal deaths and 335 stillbirths recorded in the region last year was highly unacceptable.’

‘It is against this background, that I want to use the opportunity to urge you to take this training seriously, as well as your health care services at your various facilities, in order to reverse these unenviable statistics on maternal deaths.’

Implant is used to prevent pregnancy for up to three – five years and it is a thin rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin (subdermal) on the inside of one’s arm.

It can be removed at anytime for any reason if the woman chooses.

The facilitators for the programme; Mrs Ellen Darkoa Asare, Eastern Regional Director of Public Health
Nurses, and Mesdames Peace Ametsitsi and Irene Yeboah at the Regional Health Directorate, took the participants through the introduction of anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive system.

They were also updated on contraceptive methods, family planning, and implant insertion and removal.

They did a demonstration of insertion and removal on arm model, after which they had a practical training session at the Eastern Regional Hospital and Koforidua Polyclinic to boost their confidence and competencies in implant insertion and removal.

The participating districts/municipalities were Akuapem South, New Juaben North, Birim North, Atiwa West, Ayensuano, Yilo Krobo, Akyemansa, Fanteakwa North, Upper Manya Krobo, Okere and Asuogyaman.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The crew of the Norwegian Research Vessel, R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, has commemorated the 2024 World Oceans Day, which

catalyses collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate. 

The World Oceans Day was first declared on 8th June,1992 in Rio de Janeiro at the Global Forum, a parallel event at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

This provided an opportunity for non-government organizations and civil society to express their views on environmental issues.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture (FAO) and other stakeholders were part of the commemoration of the 2024 World Oceans Day.

The research vessel has docked at the Tema part as part of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF-Nansen Programme), which is committed to improving fisheries management, strengthening the capacities of fisheries institutions, and generating scientific knowledge on marine resources and ecosystems.

It will dock in Ghana for 30
days to conduct marine ecosystem survey to determine the country’s fish stock levels and other related issues.

The Vessel, owned by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), is equipped for operations in developing coastal countries across Africa and Asia, with the primary duties of ecosystem studies with a focus on fishery research operations.

Ghana has been a long-standing partner in the Nansen programme, with the first survey in the country taking place in 1981.

The country has benefited from over 18 surveys to strengthen and develop fisheries management systems and capacity development.

Mr David Phiri, the Special Adviser to the FAO Africa Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative, said the collaboration of the FAO with Norway commenced in 1975 to enhance fisheries research to ensure sustainability.

There have been three Norwegian vessels to carry the name of Dr Fridtjof Nansen, an oceanographer, which are state-of-the-art floating laboratories for undertaking research in
the West Coast of Africa and Asia.

Mr Phiri said as the world celebrated the Ocean Day, there was the need to create awareness for sustainable fisheries globally, as the ocean provided a source of livelihood and food for many.

Mr Abdul-Aziz Ayaba Musah, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, said Ghana’s marine waters were rich with fisheries resources that must be exploited sustainably to benefit the people and promote the common good.

‘The sector significantly contributes to Ghana’s developmental agenda, provides employment, boosts gross domestic product, ensures food and nutritional security, and increases foreign exchange earnings,’ he said.

However, the fisheries sector faced challenges, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, climate change, marine habitat destruction, and pollution from plastics and industrial waste, Mr Mush said.

The practice had led to the overexploitation of fisheries resources, depletion of fish species, loss of habitat and biodiversi
ty, declining profitability for fishers and women fish processors, and increasing poverty in fishing communities.

He indicated that in response to those challenges, the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission, in collaboration with the various fisheries associations and agencies, were pursuing programmes to address them and prevent the collapse of Ghana’s fishing industry.

The absence of a dedicated research vessel has hindered the ministry’s ability to assess the impact of the measures implemented so far, he noted, thus welcoming the arrival of the Norwegian Vessel to determine the country’s fisheries resource levels and related issues.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Institute of Nature and Environmental Conservation (INEC) Ghana, has planted about 5,000 native tree species in the Mankrang Forest Reserve as part of activities to mark the Green Ghana Day.

The Mankrang Forest Reserve, located within the Offinso Forest District and shares boundary with Bono Region, has parts of the reserve going under considerable levels of degradation which needed urgent restoration attention.

The INEC-Ghana with support from its funders, Fondation Franklinia and TerraFund for AFR100 are restoring the reserve.

They are currently working on 240 hectares of land.

Mr. David Kwarteng, Executive Director, INEC-Ghana, speaking to the media after the tree planting exercise, said the native species planted to mark the Day included Mahogany, Rosewood, Ceiba pentandra (onyina), Mansonia, Pericopsis elata (African teak), Oframo among others.

Community members including school children as well as students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) participated in the e
xercise.

Mr. Kwarteng indicated that the overall survival rate of trees planted in the last two years to mark the Green Ghana Day had been amazing.

According to him, the Institute had recorded about 70 percent success rate of the more than 8,000 trees planted in the Asenanyo Forest Reserve and Afram Headwaters Reserve.

The success had been greatly hinged on the onsite management which ensured all the necessary silvicultural activities, including weeding, maintenance, pest management and control as well as survival rate monitoring assessment.

Mr. Kwarteng also indicated that INEC-Ghana had adapted drip irrigation, especially in the dry season to help the trees flourish, adding that most of the restoration sites were within the semi-deciduous forest ecozones.

Mr. Samuel Ofori, Project Manager, TerraFund for AFR100, encouraged the students to avail themselves of Ghana’s efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

He observed that, ‘if we do not make the impact as a people now, the climate change w
ill have dire consequences on our lives in the next 50 years’, and explained that these tree planting exercises if taken seriously would have positive environmental impacts.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Felix Owusu Gyimah, the Municipal Chief Executive of Nkwanta South, has encouraged the residents of the Municipality to safeguard food security through tree planting.

He made the call during the commemoration of the 2024 Green Ghana Day in the Municipality at the Kyabobo Girls School, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the school.

Mr Gyimah said the initiative was to help preserve the forest reserve, which came with a lot of benefits, including potable water system, good climate condition, medicine and beautification.

The MCE also emphasised food security through the planting of trees, urging individuals to get involved for preserving the vegetation for future benefits.

He commended efforts by the Forestry Commission in seeing that the project was successful and also encouraged them to continue with the good works towards the survival of the planted trees.

Mr Isaac Boamah, the Nkwanta South Municipal Manager, Forestry Commission, noted that in order to bring forest degradation and deforestat
ion under control, the Commission had been embarking on tree growing activities over the years.

‘Therefore, it is heartwarming that the current government through Lands and Natural Resources Ministry instituted the Green Ghana Project and enjoined every individual and organisation to take part.’

He said four years of the project had been successful even though the Commission had faced a lot of challenges from nurturing to maturity, planting and survival of the plants .

Mr Boamah said the Commission was expected to plant about 50,000 tree seedlings this year and urged all to plant trees.

‘The Forestry Commission is tasked to account for seedlings distributed and is to continue educating and providing technical advice to all’.

The event was on the theme: ‘Growing for greener future.’

In attendance are the Oti Regional Manager of Forestry Commission, Mr Bernard Tarbil, Assistant Manager, Forestry Commission, Mr Henry Kudiabor, Municipal Director of Education, Mr Jonathan Korsinah, security services and oth
er heads of departments.

Source: Ghana News Agency