Day: June 21, 2024

Market women in the Tema metropolis have been educated on climate change adaptation measures to enable them to cope with its impacts.

Ms Mary Kupualor, the Head of the Horticultural Department, Tema Metro who is also the Tema Metro Landscape Designer, said the move was to equip the women with knowledge and information on how to adapt to the impact of climate change, which posed a significant threat to the various aspect of socio-economic development, especially the growth of the agricultural sector.

She told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the market women and traders in Tema Community One and Nine markets, as well as some traders in the various communities, were targeted for sensitization.

She said the women also received training to start container gardening in their various homes.

Container gardening is the practice of growing plants, including edible plants, in containers instead of planting them on the ground.

Ms Kupualor mentioned that her outfit held the training in collaboration with
the gender, youth, and sports committee of the assembly, which comprises all departmental heads and assembly members, among others, with the aim of educating the public on various issues concerning national development.

The horticulturist said the women were taken through how to choose the right containers, pick suitable plants, plant watering, regular maintenance, sand preparation, application of fertilizers, and others to create and maintain a sustainable food system in the metropolis.

She said the continuous impact of climate change on the agriculture sector required much more effort and innovation to critically increase food production in the country for both local consumption and exportation.

She said that last year was dedicated to the intensification of sensitization and education, as well as the provision of more seedlings to traders, adding that monitoring would be done to ensure that the traders took care of the vegetables to survive.

Ms Kupualor explained that it was also part of activities und
er the government’s Green Ghana project, which seeks to preserve and protect the ecosystem.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Service Scheme (NSS) has dismissed media reports that suggest the Scheme is extorting monies from prospective national service personnel with the GHc40 being charged for PIN codes activation.

It said the GHc40 charge for PIN codes is not a recent development.

In a release issued by Mr Armstrong Esaah, the Corporate Affairs Director, NSS, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, the Scheme explained that since the NSS introduced the online registration system in 2006, all perspective service personnel had been paying the fee for essential ICT infrastructure and other services to ensure operational efficiency.

The Scheme, therefore, provided the breakdown of the GHc40 fee as follows -It uses GHc10.00 for electronic NSS ID cards, GHc10.00 for National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) dues and GHc20.00 for online (Internet) services, paid to the service providers.

‘This covers the cost of NSS certificates awarded upon service completion, facilitates the monthly upload of assessment for
ms and supports the ongoing maintenance and upgrades to the NSS online registration system,’ the statement added.

The statement said it also covered hosting of the NSS ICT infrastructure and the management of the central ICT system for optimal performance.

‘The online system further streamlines the registration process, reducing waiting times and minimising errors, thus ensuring a hassle-free experience for all applicants,’ it added.

‘We reiterate that the GHS40 charge is a well-established practice that supports the essential ICT infrastructure and services necessary for the efficient operation of NSS,’ the statement emphasised.

‘It is important to note that despite the rise in the cost of delivering these ICT services since 2015, Management has chosen not to pass this additional cost onto the service personnel. Instead, they have maintained the fee at GHc40.

‘Management wishes to state that the NSS remains dedicated to the continuous improvement of our processes and services.’

The Scheme expressed its
commitment to enhancing transparency, adding that it was always open to constructive feedback from the public and stakeholders.

‘We believe that together, we can uphold the values and objectives of the National Service Scheme, fostering a seamless and supportive national service experience for national development,’ the statement read.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Scientists, especially those in the agriculture sector, have been advised to safeguard their innovations through Intellectual Property (IP) to ensure sustainability.

Dr Daniel Dzidzienyo, the Deputy Director, Administration, Teaching and Learning, the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, who gave the advice, said the processes involved in innovations required much resources and painstaking investigations hence the need to protect them to reap the benefits.

‘If a researcher develops a seed variety to meet a need, it should be protected so others will not take undue advantage of it. Once that is done and the person is paid royalties, it can be plough back to researching periodically,’ he said.

Dr Dzidzienyo was speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop as part of the University’s celebration of the Day of Scientific Renascence of Africa (DSRA).

He stated that the royalties could also be used to develop new varieties to meet other needs.

Each year, DSRA is marked to rec
ognise and celebrate the vision, sacrifices, investments, tenacity and hard work of scientists in the nuclear and allied sciences.

The workshop sought to engage industry stakeholders to provide input to improve curriculum to train students with requisite skills and knowledge to address the complex challenges of modern agriculture.

The event also aimed at creating awareness among researchers and students on the importance of intellectual property for agricultural innovations.

Participants would be equipped with tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of intellectual property to drive growth of innovative agricultural businesses.

Dr Dzidzienyo said protecting and managing intellectual property was crucial for fostering creativity and ensuring that innovations could be effectively commercialised and brought to market.

‘IP’s are becoming a big deal now globally. However, some researchers are often not knowledgeable in IP and do not take it seriously in our part of the world. We need to embrace this
era of research and development, so we benefit from whatever is associated with it.’

Dr Dzidzienyo urged scientists to seek assistance from professionals to safeguard their innovations.

The Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU), in 1987 passed a resolution for the celebration of the Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) on 30th June each year.

The core objective of the celebration is to remind African governments and people about the critical roles played by Science and Technology in national development.

This is also done in remembrance of the continent’s great contribution to the rise and development of modern Science and Technology.

Source: Ghana News Agency

he Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mrs Hawa Koomson has entreated fishers and those in the value chain to show interest in fish rearing as an alternative to the over-reliance on the sea.

She said the Ministry in collaboration with R and B Farms was training interested applicants in aquaculture, after which the fingerings and the needed resources were funded by the Ministry as a start-up capital for the fisher folks.

‘Please, show interest in this alternative livelihood and that a team from Liberia have come to Ghana to be trained on the concept of how much more we Ghanaians.

‘We need to take advantage of this, and I mean particularly the youth amongst you to create more jobs and kill poverty in our communities,’ she noted.

The Minister was speaking at an engagement with canoe owners, fishermen and chief fishermen on plans concerning the First July to the 31st of July close fishing season for artisanal fishers.

Turning attention to bad practices at sea, the Minister said the pollution
of the ocean with waste and plastics was becoming a major threat aside from the use of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing methods employed by some unscrupulous fishers at sea.

She encouraged them to avoid selfish and deadly fishing practices which contributed to the depletion of marine resources.

The Minister said, ‘Don’t allow yourselves to be arrested. Let us comply with all fishing rules, particularly the close season because if for nothing at all, and you are asked to pay even one hundred cedis, there is a cost meanwhile that money could be invested.’

Mrs Koomson said the Moratorium on Canoe still existed but that there was room for replacement should one apply.

She said the Ministry would support them throughout the close season and encouraged all communities to comply with modalities for the distribution of relief items, adding that the Ministry would make available outboard motors in the coming months at cheaper rates to ensure that fishers could purchase them.

The fishers suggested a ba
n of two years for offenders at sea, collaboration with traditional rulers along the coast to ensure sanity on the sea and devices to test the quality of the catch.

Other concerns were the effects of illegal mining on the sea and the need for recycling plants along the beaches.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana (EPL Ghana), with the support of the Mastercard Foundation, has announced the induction of 35 young graduates into its flagship Public Service Fellowship (PSF) Programme.

The EPL Ghana in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said this significant event marked the beginning of their journey as the next generation of change agents in Ghana’s public and civil sectors and opens unique opportunities for them to make a real difference in their communities.

It said the orientation, held over three days at Ensign College at Kpong in the Eastern Region, was a testament to their commitment to preparing these top candidates selected through a rigorous, merit-based recruitment process for the realities, challenges, and opportunities within Ghana’s public service.

It said the comprehensive orientation programme, with its focus on ethical leadership, change management, resilience, and a strong work ethic, was designed to equip Fellows with the skills and knowledge necessary for e
ffective performance throughout their fellowship, instilling confidence in their preparedness.

Madam Juliet A. Amoah, Country Director of EPL Ghana, inaugurated the orientation by addressing the new Fellows’ responsibilities.

She emphasised the importance of upholding high standards and a code of conduct, urging the Fellows to embody the discipline and leadership expected from their national leaders.

‘This is not your usual leadership training. It is about change. You have received more than enough leadership training to last you a lifetime. It is time for you to step up as a change maker. You have everything it takes to take action. Change must happen and it must start now,’ she said.

Among the new Fellows is Derick Mintah, a person living with a disability who appreciated the PSF programme’s inclusivity.

He said, ‘I am grateful to EPL Ghana for providing the necessary tools to compete equally during the recruitment process,’ expressing his enthusiasm for making a positive impact.

Callister Tiitaabu Mu
onah, a nursing mother, also shared her story of perseverance.

She remarked, ‘The process was tough, but my passion for public service and resilience kept me going. This opportunity is essential for every young person aspiring to make a significant impact, and I am eager to use it positively.’

The statement noted that the 35 Fellows would be placed in various civil service and public sector organisations in Ghana.

It said throughout their one-year fellowship, they would engage in mentorship and continuous training programmes to equip them with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change and innovation within the public sector.

It said EPL Ghana was confident that these high-achieving individuals, through their participation in the PSF programme, would not only enhance the public sector workforce but also contribute significantly to the shared vision of a prosperous Ghana, instilling a sense of hope for a brighter future.

EPL Ghana is a nonprofit organisation that aims to equip young Ghanaian leader
s with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive transformational change in Ghana and Africa.

EPL Ghana partners with the Government of Ghana, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and public service organisations among other partners to train and develop a crop of ethical and competent young public service professionals who are committed to good governance and excellent delivery of public services.

Source: Ghana News Agency

TUDEC Development Centre has slaughtered and shared 950 cattle to 32,000 families across the country to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, the feast of sacrifice for Muslims.

The bags of meat were shared nationwide, especially at 63 different locations in Wa, Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast, Koforidua, Accra, Takoradi, and Akosombo.

Ms Sukran Kaya, a Volunteer with TUDEC, said the celebration with the usual act of love was important, hence it was necessary to slaughter and share bags of meat to people from all walks of life in their homes, workplaces, at the churches and the mosques, among others.

‘Putting people first, which is the motto of TUDEC, is something the organisation takes seriously. It believes in sharing so everyone can have a piece of the pie.

‘The gesture is a motivation from Allah to share with the needy and put a smile on their faces. Nothing can be bigger than helping the needy,’ she said.

The main objective of the gesture, Ms Kaya said was to build a bridge between those who were capable of helping an
d those who needed help, adding: ‘We will keep sharing the goodness with the people of Ghana and across the globe’.

Ms Faila Ibrahim, a 35-year-old single mother of four and a food hawker, who benefited from the exercise said: ‘TUDEC always thinks about us the needy ones. It’s been a long time since my children and I chewed meat, so today is our day. We will prepare a nice meat light soup with fufu’.

Mr Fred Acheampong, a 61-year-old auto mechanic, after receiving bags of meat said: ‘Now we barely buy meat because it’s very expensive, so this one from TUDEC will make my wife and children so happy today.

‘I really love rice balls, so I will let my wife prepare groundnut soup first with some of the meat. Thanks to TUDEC, thanks to all their donor partners. We are hoping for a similar gesture next year,’ he added.

The exercise was organised in collaboration with Time-to-help; a non-governmental organisation based in Germany and the Netherlands.

TUDEC was established as a non-governmental organisation for sc
ientific, cultural, charitable and educational purposes.

Source: Ghana News Agency

This year’s Refugee Day has been celebrated at Tarikom, the Resettlement Center in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region with a call to show more solidarity with refugees and work towards making them feel welcome in a friendlier world.

The occasion which was observed with diverse cultural displays from young and old from the host community and asylum seekers was celebrated on the theme; ‘For a world where refugees are welcomed.’

It was attended by the Catholic Bishop of Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, The Bawku West District Chief Executive, Mr Daniel Anania Atanpuba, Heads of Department (HODs), representatives of partner NGOs, the refugees and school children.

Mr Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Djerassem Mbalorem, the UNHCR Head of Office, called for the need to celebrate the millions of people around the world who have been forced to flee violence and persecution.

‘ We celebrate their remarkable f
ortitude, and capacity for renewal despite the daunting challenges they face,’ he said.

‘We live in a world where conflicts are left to fester, the political will to resolve them seems utterly absent and even as these crises multiply, the right to seek asylum is under threat and to make matters worse the global effects of climate change take an even more devastating toll,’ the UN High Commissioner noted.

He reiterated that the day was also celebrated for the progress made so far and said, ‘Let’s not leave refugees in limbo, instead let’s give them the chance to use their skills and talents to contribute to the communities that have welcomed them.’

Mr Djerassem Mbalorem shared some light on the Tarikom settlement centre and thanked the Government and the people of Ghana for the tireless hospitality given to brothers and sisters from Burkina Faso.

He noted that since March 2023, the Ghana Refugee Board, working through UNHCR and stakeholders, made tireless efforts in providing protection and assistance in v
arious sectors to the asylum seekers in some host communities.

He said the exceptional collaboration led to a consortium of reception settlement centres in Tarikom and the inclusion of asylum seekers into National Services such as health and education as well as the enrolment of 237 children into primary school. Also, 860 asylum seekers had been enrolled on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He commended the Chiefs of Tarikom and Tilli for opening their hearts and doors to the asylum seekers by providing land for accommodation at the settlement centre.

‘On this World Refugee Day, let us recall our common humanity to help rekindle the flame of hope for all asylum seekers from Burkina Faso until conditions are conducive for their return home,’ he appealed.

With the deterioration situation in Burkina Faso, over 15,000 asylum seekers are estimated to have crossed the borders into Ghana including more than 8,000 in the Upper East R and the number of new arrivals from Burkina is likely to continue to
rise as the security situation deteriorates going forward.

Four Motorbikes were donated to the Police command of the district to support the key security roles played in ensuring safety in the area, while a tree planting exercise was undertaken with the Catholic Bishop planting the first tree.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Residents and motorists plying Jasikan to WoraWora corridor roads of the Oti Region are lamenting the bad state of the road network.

The rehabilitation of Jasikan-Worawora roads was awarded on August 20, 2020, and was supposed to be completed on February 19, 2022.

A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the stretch noticed that the road was riddled with deep potholes that make driving a harrowing experience for motorists.

It was learnt that it was more difficult driving on the roads when it rains as drivers are at the risk of not knowing how deep the potholes filled with rainwater are.

Some motorists, who shared their pains with GNA, while trying to find their way through the bad roads urged the Ghana Highway Authority, government, and Biakoye District Assembly to consider their plight and fix the road urgently.

Mr Elijah Amanyaglo, a driver said motorists were deceived into believing that the road was ready for fixing, when excavators, motor graders, pavers, road rollers, wheel loaders, truck cranes,
backhoes, bulldozers, compactors, and other road construction equipment were brought down during 2020.

A resident identified as Mr Anane Totokari, recalled how the deplorable state of the road nearly caused an accident and left him with a permanent scar on his right leg.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Madam Angela List, a Ghanaian businesswoman and owner of Nguvu Holdings says Jordanian authorities have not issued any warrant for her arrest.

‘The defamatory allegation that Jordian Authorities have issued an arrest warrant and travel restrictions against me is a complete fabrication.

Further, the claim that I forged corporate documents and obtained a false power of attorney in Jordan to remove Paul List’s control over his company is preposterous.’

In a statement issued and signed by Angela List in Accra, the businesswoman also denied embezzling millions of dollars from a Jordanian company.

‘I have never embezzled any funds from any company, and I have consistently maintained the highest possible standards of integrity and transparency in my business dealings in Jordan.

These unsubstantiated allegations are nothing more than a deliberate endeavour to undermine my credibility and reputation.’

Madam Angela List was reacting to publications in a section of the media.

According to the businesswoman, the
such articles were not just repleted with unsubstantiated, defamatory and fraudulent allegations against her, but it was also to cause significant damage to her reputation.

‘I categorically and fervently refute each allegation made in the article.

According to Angela List, the accusation that she was involved in a web of deceit and corruption that spanned multiple countries was wholly unfounded and devoid of any credible evidence.

Again, the claim that she received preferential treatment within the Weah-led government in Liberia and benefited from her father’s political connections in Ghana was false and misleading.

‘My professional accomplishment stands as a testament to my own diligence, hard work and commitment, entirely independent of any political influence.

I have never capitalised on political connections for personal benefit and any suggestion that I have done so is a flagrant misrepresentation of my business ethics, values and character.’

According to her, over the years, she had the privilege
of leading ‘a talented team’ that had built a reputation of integrity and excellence in Liberia’s mining industry, predating the administration of former President Weah.

‘Our success is a direct result of our collective tireless work ethic, firm dedication and resolute commitment to ethical business practices. As the leader of this team, I am proud of the achievements we have made together, which testify to the hard work, expertise and dedication of each team member.

Together, we remain steadfast in our steadfast commitment to conducting responsible and sustainable mining operations, playing an essential role in fostering the growth and development of Liberia’s Mining Sector whilst prioritizing the well-being of local communities and the environment.

Angela List denied that she was compelled to resign from BCM Group on allegations of negligence, theft, and malfeasance.

The businesswoman said she remained a shareholder and a director of BCM Group of mining contracting companies (made up of BCM Internationa
l Limited and BCM Ghana Limited) and she was largely responsible for the success of the company from the year 2001 to 2021.

‘During my tenure at the helm of affairs at BCM Group, I did not face any allegations of misconduct and was responsible for the Company’s success in securing many contracts across the region and in Jordan.

She implored SNA, Opera News and other media houses to provide any evidence to substantiate those unfounded accusations.

‘The allegation that I unlawfully transferred ownership of BCM Group assets to my own company, Nguvu Holdings, without the knowledge of my business partner and estranged husband, Paul List, is a blatant falsehood and devoid of any basis of fact.

With the consent of all relevant parties, we conducted all business transactions and asset transfers with the utmost transparency, in compliance with all legal requirements and in all fairness, taking into account any financial contribution made,’ she said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Jubilee Catholic Children Hospital at Apowa in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region, has launched its fifth anniversary to celebrate success chalked in healthcare service delivery since its establishment in 2019.

The Hospital, which started operating as a Paediatric Hospital, now provides general healthcare services to both children and adults.

Mr Daniel Bomah, the Hospital’s Administrator, said the fifth-anniversary celebration sought to strengthen partnerships and sustain excellence in healthcare service delivery.

He said the facility had made significant strides over the past five years in providing quality healthcare service to clients, saying ‘The hospital started with 6,000 patients, but now we attend to about 41,000 of them per annum which is a great achievement.’

Touching on other achievements, he mentioned that they had introduced new services to help meet the needs of patients in areas such as ultrasound and mental health units, and laboratories and secured National Health Ins
urance Scheme (NHIS) accreditation.

Mr Bomah said: ‘Despite the successes chalked so far, we will need the support of everyone to help the Hospital continue providing quality healthcare services to clients within the Municipality, Region and country at large.’

Mr Eric Daning, Board Director of Ahantaman Rural Bank and Guest Speaker for the occasion, commended the Catholic Church for establishing the Hospital to cater for the health needs of the people of Apowa and beyond.

He encouraged the management and staff of the Hospital to give to humanity through the administering of proper healthcare services, saying, ‘Look beyond the appearance of clients and give the best of health care irrespective of their status and background.’

He called on corporate bodies and individuals to support a worthy course by helping the Hospital grow with the necessary medical equipment and facilities to help enhance their service delivery.

The Most Reverend John Baptist Attakruh, the Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi Catholic Diocese,
pledged the Church’s commitment to support the Hospital to achieve its vision and mission for the betterment of all and the Catholic church.

He encouraged the health care providers to keep up with the good work as ‘Service to mankind is service to God.’

As part of the anniversary celebration scheduled between July and October this year, some activities which would be held include retreat, health screening, outreach, public lecture, family meeting, float, and dinner night, among others.

Source: Ghana News Agency