Month: July 2024

The World Vision Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has presented vocational materials worth $9,208 to more than 30 youth at Sefwi Bodi to help empower them to improve upon their socio-economic wellbeing.

The Items were presented to them after they graduated from vocational skills training of their choices, including tailoring, hairdressing tiling, masonry, carpentry, bakery, electricals, welding, mechanics and catering.

The beneficiaries, between the ages of 14 to 24 years, were made up of 21 females and 10 males drawn from over eight communities within the Bodi District.

The gesture formed part of the Livelihood Improvement and Family Empowerment (LIFE) programme being implemented by the NGO to support vulnerable groups in its operational areas.

Donating the items to the beneficiaries, the Area Project Officer for World Vision, Bodi Office, Madam Madalen Selase Akubaku, said the programme was part of the NGO’s efforts to improve upon food security and ensure the well-being of children and oth
er vulnerable families in their operational areas.

‘As part of our interventions, we looked at improving the lives of the youths, especially the school dropouts through skills training, who will then become master trainers,’ she said.

She stated that the skills they had acquired would also help them to make good living to support their families.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency, expressed gratitude to the World Vision Ghana for the kind gesture, and said the items received would go a long way to help them to improve on their livelihoods.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ms Eugenia Bruce, Adaklu District Director of the Department of Agriculture has advised farmers in the district to register for the second phase of the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative.

She noted that this would enable them to enjoy the benefits under the initiative.

Ms Bruce gave the advice during an engagement with farmers at Adaklu Kodzobi in the Adaklu district.

She said under the initiative, the government would provide credit facility to all registered farmers in the form of ploughing of the land, provision of seeds, weedicides, pesticides, and fertilizer.

She intimated that also under the programme, middlemen would be eliminated from the system, whilst the government through the Department of Agriculture would deal directly with the farmers.

The Director noted that the beneficiaries of the credit facility would pay after harvesting their farm produce.

She said when taken seriously, the PFJ would minimize youth unemployment in the country.

She noted that farming had become
a serious business and a lot of resources needed to be invested in it to yield good dividends.

Ms Bruce appealed to landowners in the district to release land to interested people, especially the youth, who would like to take up farming as a vocation.

She said sensitization and registration of farmers would be done in all communities in the district and called on the farmers for their active participation.

Some farmers expressed dissatisfaction about the timing of the registration, saying that the major planting season was almost ending.

However, Ms Bruce encouraged them to register, assuring that the PFJ initiative was a long-term programme.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Madam Hawa Koomson, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, says the decision to impose a closed season on fishing is scientifically based rather than a political issue.

Madam Koomson noted that it was also backed by law; therefore, no political party could cancel it or prevent its implementation, stressing that the fishing communities should not allow themselves to be used for political gains.

She said this when the ministry distributed rice, cooking oil, can fish, tin tomatoes, fishermen, fish processors, and others at the Tema Canoe Basin to help cushion them during the one-month closed season, which commenced on Monday, July 1.

‘We should not do politics with a closed season; don’t allow yourself to be used for politics; the closed season started with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and as legislation, we inherited it and continued; that is governance,’ she stressed.

She further explained that the request from the fishing community to shift the closed season from July to June wo
uld not be ideal as the month to observe it was identified scientifically, which identified that July was the period that the fish spawned.

‘The month to have a closed season was not my decision; science proved the month. In 2016, the season was implemented in May, but it did not yield the needed result,’ she added.

Madam Koomson bemoaned the dwindling fish stock in Ghana’s marine waters, explaining that the number of canoes fishing within the country’s waters was huge, with the Tema Canoe Basin alone having about 800 canoes.

She said that in addition to the pressure being put on the sea by the large number of canoes, fishing with chemicals such as dynamites and DDT, as well as washing blue and washing power, coupled with light fishing was a great disservice to Ghana’s fish stock.

She stated that light fishing, for instance, heats up the sea, leading to the death of the fish, while the use of dynamite blasts the ground and rocks, which serve as safe grounds for juvenile fish to hide and grow.

The ministe
r cautioned the fishermen against engaging in illegal fishing activities to augment her outfit’s efforts to replenish the fish stock, reminding them that under her leadership, the hitherto 76 trawlers operating in Ghana’s marine waters had been reduced to 41 to make it easy for artisanal fishermen to get the needed catch.

‘Even when the closed season is stopped, if you don’t stop the illegal fishing activities, there won’t be fish in the sea, and there will be no work for you people.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

A total of 19 Schools, comprising Senior High and Junior High Schools in the Volta region, have converged at the St. Paul’s Senior High School (SPACO) for the third edition of ‘Ormi Volta Stem Fair.’

The two-day event, to commence from Friday, July 5 to Saturday, July 7, is expected to produce technology-based practical exhibitions from the participating schools which would be assessed by professionals from the various fields of study.

Mrs Stella Attakpah, Managing Director of Opportunity and Risk Management Institute (ORMI), the organisers of the programme, explained that each School would present two projects.

A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday morning to the exhibition venue saw the various Schools converging with their projects for assessment.

Some students from Sogakope Senior High School disclosed to the GNA they remained resolute to translate their theoretical knowledge into a more practical form which would go a long way to prepare them to become future engineers.

Projects such as a
solar oven, Drone, Electric Fence, windmill, Free Wifi, ATM Machine, Foldable massaging chair, vacuum cleaner, Security doorbell, Organic Pesticide, and others were expected to be displayed.

The Fair, with the primary objective of motivating students to unearth their innate potential, to contribute to developing Ghana’s human capital in the face of the changing global market trends, self-dependence, and others, would see industry players also attending.

It is on the theme: ‘Developing Future Engineers Today,’ that would transform the various communities and contribute to the economic growth of the country.’

Schools from Ho, Adidome, Hohoe, Kpando, and others are participating in the event.

The third edition of the fair, according to the organisers, ‘promises to be a great success due to the number of schools participating.’

These include Bishop Herman College, Ola SHS, Adidome Senior High, Abor SHS, Avenor SHS, Dzosec, Dabala SHS, Zion College, Dzelukorpe EP JHS, Abor RC JHS, and others.

Deserving schoo
ls and individuals would be recognised with awards and mentorship opportunities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs. Ophelia Hayford, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), has called for sustainable funding for Ghana’s research institutions such the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

She stressed the need for collaboration and networking for the country to transition away from its over-reliance on external funding and explore domestic alternatives for research and development activities.

Speaking at the celebration of the Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, she called on stakeholders to explore internal funding mechanisms to support research.

‘It is…important for us to look within to assess our current situation and explore better ways to source for sustainable funding for our research institutions in Ghana,’ she said.

‘I know how far we have overly relied on external funding for research and development activities. Of course, we didn’t have a choice then because we could not generate enough resources internally
to support our own research and development activities.’

She stated that science and technology played a crucial role in driving national development and noted that the 2024 DSRA theme: ‘Leveraging Science and Technology for Wealth Creation,’ was timely and relevant, given the current global economic challenges.

She particularly lauded the CSIR and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission for their immense contributions to national development.

She cited their works in areas such as food security, renewable energy, green economy, biodiversity, bio-medical research, and public health.

Mrs. Hayford stressed that science and technology were key drivers of economic transformation, and encouraged the country’s scientists, researchers, innovators, and technologists to step up their efforts to achieve that goal.

She also highlighted the government’s vision to mainstream science and technology in all aspects of development, with a focus on industrialization, job creation, sustainable development, tackling climate chan
ge, inter-generational equity, and improving livelihoods.

She said that stakeholders should work together to promote science and technology-led growth in Ghana and leverage their partnerships and networks to drive innovation and progress.

‘We have come far as a nation and on this Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa, let our contributions in science propel us to work together, build the right networks and partnerships, let us strive to deliver on our various mandates,’ she said.

She added: ‘Let us continue to bring on board fresh ideas and guide the political leadership to do more for ALL, which propel the economic growth of the Country through science, technology and innovation.’

However, she told the stakeholders to exhibit professionalism and sense of duty to drive progress towards leveraging science and technology for wealth creation.

Professor Paul Bosu, Director-General of CSIR, also emphasized the critical role science and technology play in national development, highlighting the need for the c
ountry to mainstream science and technology in its educational system to bridge the economic gap among citizens.

He noted that science and technology were crucial in addressing economic challenges threatening global peace and security.

He cited a World Bank report which indicated that over 850,000 people in Ghana have been pushed into poverty due to external and internal factors.

He said it was important to utilise innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and policy framework to facilitate the effective delivery and utilization of scientific knowledge.

‘Leveraging science and technology for wealth creation will involve several strategies, including innovation and AI,’ he said.

‘However, inadequate policy framework to facilitate effective delivery and utilization of knowledge and the integration of science and technology into the economy is an issue that needs urgent attention.’

Professor Bosu also stressed the need for application of science and technology in areas such as biotechnology, drought manage
ment, and addressing biotic and abiotic stresses that lead to losses due to pests and diseases.

He said improved quality service delivery in health facilities through science and technology applications could contribute to a healthy population.

He called for linkages between research findings and industry, diversification of productive capacity of local industries, increasing adoption of new technologies, promoting appropriate technologies, promoting growth of SMEs, and increasing utilization of cleaner production techniques.

He noted as the world’s population is expected to hit 9.7 billion by 2050, leveraging science and technology in agriculture and other sectors would transform global food production systems and mitigate the impact on the climate and environment.

He urged policymakers to lead the way in mainstreaming science and technology in Ghana’s educational system to close the economic gap among citizens.

The DSRA was instituted by the African Union in 1987 to recognize the continent’s significan
t contribution to the development of modern Science and Technology.

It was launched during the 46th Ordinary Session of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1987.

The initiative aims for Member States to commit to celebrating Africa’s Day of Scientific Renaissance on June 30 every year. However, since this year’s June 30th falls on a Sunday, the celebration was rescheduled to Monday, July 1st.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Rev John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, has presented free drivers licences to 100 drivers in the area to support their livelihoods and enhance road safety.

Some of the drivers had new licences, others had theirs renewed and the rest had theirs upgraded.

Speaking to drivers after the presentation, the MP said some of the drivers needed assistance to make a difference in their lives.

Rev Fordjour, who is also the Deputy Minister of Education, revealed plans to establish a driving school in the constituency to train drivers and improve their well-being.

He advised them to be abreast with road signs, drive carefully and avoid over-speeding.

Mr Isaac Nti, Vice-Chairman of the Drivers Association for Rev Fordjour and Dr Bawumia, expressed gratitude for the gesture and pledged their commitment to remain focused and behave well on the road to avoid accidents and cautioned drivers to drive with extra care and stay away from drugs.

ASP Robert Kyeremeh, Assin South District Police Comma
nder told drivers to exercise cation on the road, obey traffic rules and regulations, avoid over speeding and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol.

Later, the MP appealed to voters in the constituency to vote for Dr Bawumia in the presidential race and for him to retain his seat to continue with the developmental projects in the constituency.

Rev Fordjour later toured the Nyankumasi Ahenkro market, interacted with market women, distributed more than 300 aprons to the traders and inspected on-going projects in the market.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Oguaa Traditional Council has graciously extended an invitation to Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to be the esteemed Guest Speaker at the Oguaa Fetu Afahye grand durbar scheduled for Saturday, September 7.

The invitation was extended during the Asanteman Council Meeting held at the Manhyia Palace, emphasising the strong cultural bonds between the two traditional authorities.

The delegation to the Manhyia Palace was led by Nana Kwaku-Yensu, the Sanaahene of the Oguaa Traditional Area and Mrs Charlotte Osei, Chairperson of the Fetu Afahye Planning Committee and former head of the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

This year’s Fetu Afahye festivities are expected to be exceptionally grand, with the anticipated presence of the revered Asantehene coupled with the organisational skills of the newly appointed members of the Fetu Afahye Planning Committee.

The Asantehene’s historic debut in Oguaa is expected to bring a distinctive ambiance, showcasing his role as a custodian of tradition and a symbol of unity
and resilience.

His stature and influence as the spiritual and cultural leader of the Asante Kingdom will bring immense significance to the occasion, in relation to culture.

The joint participation of Asanteman and Oguaaman also serves as a testament to the harmonious relationships among Ghana’s diverse ethnic groups and the mutual respect between traditional authorities.

Previously, the Asantehene and the Ewefiaga, Torgbi Agorkoli IV from Notsie in the Republic of Togo, graced the Hogbetsotsoza festival by the Chiefs and people of Anlo in the Volta Region in 2019.

Following that, the Asantehene and a retinue from the Manhyia Palace honoured the Homowo durbar of the Ga State on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

This historic visit was hosted by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, at the forecourt of his palace.

The event follows the Ga Mantse’s recent participation in the 25th-anniversary celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s ascension to the throne, which coincided with his 74th birthday celebration.

Likew
ise, a vibrant and convivial atmosphere filled the Emintsimadze Palace of Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II on Saturday, January 20 this year as he commemorated the 4th Osabarimba Royal Awards.

It also marked his 84th birthday and part of the events celebrating his 25th anniversary on his ascension to the throne as Oguaamanhen.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mama Attrato II, Queenmother of Ho-Dome in the Volta Region, has donated some educational and food items to the New Horizon- E.P Educational Centre for the Blind in Ho.

The items included laptops, digital voice recorders, writing frame, stylus pens, keyboards, foot wears for both boys and girls, dresses for girls, bags of rice, cooking oil, tin tomatoes and milo beverage.

Mama Attrato told Ghana News Agency the items were supplied by Madam Rebecca Tetteh-Addo, a Ghanaian nurse working in London, and were intended to put a smile on the children’s faces and motivate them to learn.

The Queenmother stated that a few months ago, she discussed the difficulties facing the children at the Centre with Madam Tetteh-Addo and she made a commitment to provide them with support.

Mama Attrato said the gesture was part of her commitment toward enhancing learning for children within the community, especially those with special needs.

The Queen mother stressed the need to ensure that children with disabilities were suppor
ted to explore their full potential and make positive impact in the society.

She asked the children to avoid acts that would jeopardise their lives, urging them to focus on their studies so they could achieve greater heights in life.

The Queen mother expressed her appreciation to Madam Tetteh-Addo for her support and entreated management of the Centre to ensure the items were properly maintained.

Mr Eric Kwabla Ofori, Director of the Centre, described the donation as timely and vital, and was grateful to Madam Tetteh-Addo and Mama Attrato for the support.

He said the world had become digitalised so the tools were very important to empower the children to participate equally with their colleagues in terms of education and work.

The Director appealed to benevolent organisations and philanthropists to emulate Madam Tetteh-Addo and support the Centre in similar ways.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr. Divine Bosson, Ho Municipal Chief Executive, has pledged to ensure the highest quality in ongoing road construction works in the Municipality.

A number of road networks are being provided under the Secondary Cities Programme, and his assurance comes amidst public concerns over the quality of works on certain stretches.

One stretch behind the Ho Central market, which recently had road markings done is of most concern to members of the community.

They alleged that the contractor had skipped the second coat bitumen overlay and gone ahead to apply the markings.

The MCE, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the back of public pronouncements of possible shoddy work, pledged to investigate the works done and ensure it was delivered according to the agreement, which detailed a two-coat bitumen surfacing.

‘Rest assured that we will follow up until the right thing is done,’ he said while admitting some consultancy challenges with the construction firm working on the project, Openya Construction, and w
hich he said were being resolved.

He said the work of First Sky Company, which shares with Openya the four lots of the Urban Development Grant project were also ongoing and commended the company for quality delivery so far.

The Volta regional capital is receiving a number of new routes among them a street dedicated to Ho’s designation as Ghana’s oxygen city, while some rehabilitation and upgrades of existing roads are also ongoing.

The MCE announced some new drainage projects for the city to support increasing flood volumes, and promised to ensure the realisation of sports facilities, social parks and other public infrastructure attached to the project.

He said the municipality would soon take delivery of some road equipment from the government and which would help address accessibility challenges in the various communities.

Mr. Bosson, who is running to become a Member of Parliament for the Ho Central Constituency, said he would continue to pursue deep commitment to the development of the Municipality.

‘
I will do nothing but to give my best for the people of the Municipality. I am aware of all the challenges facing Ho and every community in Ho will have a face lift,’ he said.

The MCE further said the regional capital already made gains from the oxygen city designation as visitors and prospective residents began to increase, and therefore various initiatives including tourism and hospitality would be pursued.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Some Staff of the Kadjebi District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and members of Civic Education Club (CEC), a voluntary study group, have embarked on an educational tour of Afadzato and Wli Waterfall sites.

The students were from Ampeyo D/A Junior High School (JHS) in the Kadjebi District and Victory Preparatory School at Nsuta-Buem in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region.

The adventure was organised by the Club in partnership with the NCCE Office.

Ms Janet Yaa Obido, an Assistant Civic Education Officer of the NCCE, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the tour formed part of the CEC activities.

She said the students needed to visit the sites personally since ‘seeing is believing’ and that as they were at the sites, they would be able to write on them perfectly in an examination as compared to those who had not visited those scenes.

Ms. Obido said it was believed that the human brain stored visuals faster than audiovisuals, hence the students would
not forget the experience they had.

She asked them to see the journey as academic one, but not for fun alone.

Master David Napor, the School Prefect of Ampeyo D/A JHS, in an interview with the GNA, said they were happy and excited about the adventure as they only read on them in books, but they could now write on them well after the visit.

Source: Ghana News Agency