Day: April 10, 2024

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Henry Kokofu, has bemoaned the impact of illegal mining, otherwise known as ‘galamsey’ on the production of cocoa in the country.

According to him, apart from the activities of illegal miners affecting the lands of local farmers, the essential commodity – cocoa – was being contaminated too.

He pointed out that Ghana’s cocoa may soon be banned from the world market due to the contamination of the cocoa beans.

Speaking at a public lecture held at Kumasi Technical University, Mr Kokofu said, ‘It is important to note that the cocoa industry which has been the backbone of our economy is in dire straits because of illegal mining. Apart from depriving the farmlands and making it unavailable for farming, cocoa is being contaminated and very soon, the world market will come after us and cite contamination in our cocoa beans and that will be a very bad story for us as a people.’

He therefore called on government to look into this problem
and address it as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the price of cocoa beans has been raised from GHS20,928 per tonne to GHS33,120.00 for the rest of the 2023/2024 cocoa season.

The increment, COCOBOD said was to enhance the income of cocoa farmers.

It is also aimed at discouraging the smuggling of cocoa beans to neighbouring countries.

Source: Ghana Web

The Board and Management of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) have assured the public of its commitment and determination, in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that operations at the airport are safe and secure.

It has also reiterated its warning to staff regarding facilitation of passengers at the airport, failing which punitive measures not limited to but including summary dismissals and prosecution by the State would be effected in line with existing protocols.

A statement issued in Accra by Management of GACL said the attention of the Board and Management of GACL had been drawn to a newspaper publication dated Wednesday, April 1, 2024, with the headline of cocaine smuggling at KIA.

It said Management noted that investigations by relevant authorities into the alleged smuggling of 8.5 kilograms of substance suspected to be cocaine through KIA on March 23, 2024 were ongoing.

The Board and Management, in line with GACL’s internal administrative processes has taken swift measures to interd
ict all GACL staff relevant to the investigation.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The atmosphere at the Rev. Obli Foundation Centre overflowed with jubilant laughter as members of the “Myhelp-Yourhelp Foundation” visited their orphanage.

This delightful spectacle unfolded as the Christian Non-Profit Organization extended its compassionate embrace to the children and caregivers of the centre.

Driven by the essence of Easter, a season synonymous with love and generosity, the foundation orchestrated a day of profound significance for the Childcare Centre.

From delightful feasts to spirited Christian activities such as face painting, Bible quizzes, poetry recitals, musical chairs, and dancing contests, every instant was steeped in warmth and goodwill.

The sheer delight emanating from the children reflected the deep-seated joy one experiences when contemplating the true essence of Easter – a time to honor the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, who selflessly gave Himself for humanity centuries ago. In this spirit of altruism and empathy, the foundation’s gesture resonated profoundly, echoin
g the eternal message of love and hope.

Preceding the visit to the orphanage, meticulous research identified various necessities, including stationery, clothing, food items, and building materials crucial for the completion of their three-story classroom block currently under construction.

On Easter Saturday, March 30, 2024, Mr. Nicholas Cofie, the founder and President of the foundation, spearheaded a donation drive, underscoring the organization’s unwavering dedication to aiding the disadvantaged and underserved in society.

Items donated include:

? Bags of rice

? Bags of corn dough

? Bags of cassava dough

? Bag of gari

? Bag of sugar

? Gallons of cooking oil

? Boxes of tinned fish (mackerel)

? Cartons of milk

? Packs of bottled water

? Packs of soft drinks

? Boxes of biscuits

? Box of tomato paste

? Gallons of liquid soap

? Bags of washing detergent

? Boxes of bathing and washing soap

? Packs of toilet-roll

? Baby potties

? Mosquito nets

? Boxes of clothes for babies

? Boxes of clothe
s for children

? Boxes of clothes for adults

? Boxes of shoes for children

? Boxes of Toys

? A cash donation of GHS 5,000.00

? Stationery

? Four hundred (400) branded My Help-Your Help Foundation Note 1 exercise books.

? Two hundred (200) Note 2 exercise books.

? Two hundred (200) Note 3 exercise books.

? One hundred (100) pieces of pens

? Ten (10) boxes of pencils

? Ten (10) boxes of erasers

? Ten (10) boxes of crayons and colored pencils

? Ten (10) sets of poster colors.

? Textbooks for JHS 1-3 (English, Mathematics, General Science, Social Studies)

? Textbooks for Primary 1-6

Source: Ghana Web

Ms Joyce Asare Kissi, the Nutritionist for the Tema General Hospital, has urged parents to conduct a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) test for their babies before starting complementary feeding.

G6PD is an enzyme that helps the red blood cells perform their functions by carrying oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body.

Ms. Kissi said a deficiency in G6PD causes the destruction of the red blood cells, which could lead to anaemia, stressing that the test helps determine foods that must be given to the babies.

She mentioned that legumes especially soy products, fava beans, peanuts, camphor artificial species, especially curry powder, which is a mixture of different spices, and other items are not supposed to be given to babies if the G6PD test is not conducted.

She made this known during an educational programme for pregnant women and mothers with children under five years organised by Raphal Medical Centre in collaboration with the Tema General Hospital, and sponsored by the Koko Plus Found
ation.

The nutritionist stated that most canned processed foods contained additives that would not be good for babies, hence the need to do all required tests before complementary feeding.

She urged parents to manage their busy schedules, cook nutritional foods, and prepare natural fruit drinks for their children, especially when going to school, to ensure their well-being.

She cautioned against pre-packed foods and sugary drinks given to children, as they were contributing to a high rate of diabetes in children.

Ms. Kissi urged mothers with children with G6PD to be cautious of their diets and the things they use for them.

Free samples of Kokoplus were given to the caregivers for their children to provide them with essential daily nutrients.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) on Tuesday 9th April 2023, organized its maiden Iftar at the Bank’s headquarters, located at the African Trade House, in Accra. The Iftar was part of activities organized by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.

The Iftar was attended by several notable personalities from the public and private sector, leaders of the Ghanaian Islamic community, GEXIM Muslim staff members, Executive Management, and Muslim clients of the Bank as well as representatives of other Banks and Financial Institutions.

They included Management and staff of the Agricultural Development Bank led by the Managing Director, Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, Management and staff of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Management and staff of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).

Also in attendance were staff of the Central Bank -Bank of Ghana, Stanbic Bank Ghana and Ghana Commodity Exchange. Imam Mutala, from Talal Fatal Mosque in Accra, led the Iftar and Maghrib pr
ayers which were followed by a brief and inspiring sermon on religious tolerance and unity in diversity.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM, responsible for Banking, Ms. Rosemary Beryl Archer indicated that the Bank was organizing its maiden Iftar to commemorate Eid-ul-Fitr in the spirit of fostering unity, togetherness and appreciating the unique diversity of the Bank’s Muslim clients and staff.

She emphasized that ‘On behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of GEXIM, I wish to thank all of you for spending this important evening with us and I feel privileged to be representing Executive Management at our very first Iftar.

“Ramadan is a period of spiritual rejuvenation which promotes a heightened focus on devotion to guidance and blessings from Allah. Religious tolerance is a vital tool for national development and an essential element of a peaceful nation, where people from different religions, beliefs and cultures can coexist peacefully without discrimination.

“AT GEXIM, we are committed to prom
oting religious tolerance and also leveraging it to achieve our mandate in facilitating Ghana’s international trade’.

GEXIM also hosted the ‘Eid Mart Tuesday Market’ on Tuesday 9th April and Wednesday 10th April 2024 at the forecourt of the Africa Trade House from 8 AM to 8 PM daily to commemorate this year’s Eid Al Fitr celebration. ‘Eid Mart Tuesday Market’ is a special edition of the Bank’s popular Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fair dubbed Tuesday Market.

‘Eid Mart Tuesday Market’ provided a platform to showcase a wide variety of top-quality Made-In-Ghana products at unbeatable prices. Some of the very unique, and authentic products exhibited were food and ingredients, beverages, skin and beauty care products, textiles, apparel, garments, leather footwear, slippers and many others.

Source: Ghana Web

The Ningo-Prampram District Assembly (NiPDA) has held a town hall meeting, to analyse its achievements on projects and interact with residents about it’s activities.

Mr Al-Latif Tetteh Amanor, the Ningo-Prampram District Chief Executive (DCE), said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the Assembly had over the years achieved a lot, contributing to the development of the district.

The Assembly worked hard in the educational and agricultural sectors, oversaw the construction of road and drainage, and enhanced environmental sanitation, among others.

He said the Assembly needed to have developmental goals that included the improvement of the socio-economic well-being of the community, and the promotion of quality and accessible education and health care for all.

Mr Amanor said for the educational sector, NiPDA had built a three-unit classroom block at Omankope and constructed a 10-seater water closet toilet facility for the D/A Basic School at New Dawhenya, as well as the ensured the supply
of furniture to basic schools within the community.

He told participants at the town hall meeting that in 2023, the Assembly improved in the agricultural sector through the planting for exports project, the supply of coconut and mango seedlings to farmers, and embarking on a rice demonstration field projects among mothers.

The DCE added that smartphones were also presented to the Landing Beach Enforcement Committee (LaBEC) members to aid in the reportage of illegal fishing activities within the district, held the climate change Green Ghana Day ceremonial planting, and the training and demonstration on climate change.

Again, the Assembly had constructed an alternative road from Prampram to Tema through Kpone, as well as the construction of a sea defence programme, undertook the dredging of the Djange lagoon, evacuation of refuse at Ningo, and the spraying of water bodies to contain the black fly invasion.

Other projects mentioned were the newly constructed Agenda 111 hospital in Old Ningo and the construct
ion of the Ningo Prampram District Assembly complex office.

Mr Amanor said NiPDA facilitated the support of vulnerable groups and distribution of items after the Dawhenya Dam spillage and disbursed the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Fund support for beneficiaries.

The 2024 Annual Action Plan for the Assembly contained 160 activities, which included 2023 rolled-over projects, capacity-building programmes for staff, assembly members and unit committee members; the acquisition of land for landfill sites, as well as support for the poor and vulnerable groups, he said.

The town hall meeting was attended by Assembly members, departmental heads, trade unions, religious leaders, chiefs, and opinion leaders.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The population growth in Ghana in 2023 was 34,121,985, a 1.93% increase from 2022. The population of Ghana in 2022 was 33,475,870, a 1.96% increase from 2021.

The population of Ghana in 2021 was 32,833,031, a 2.03% increase from 2020. A year – is indirectly driving all kinds of environmental degradation. There is an incessant demand for more space for people to live in and use.

One of the consequences is the destruction of forests. Forests that are close to water, known as riparian forests, tend to be the most vulnerable.

Access to a watercourse has often informed the choice of human settlement or activity. Needing a year-long supply of water for their crops, farmers often convert riparian forests to agricultural lands. In many cases, especially in the dry season, such farmlands encroach almost into the waterways.

Other kinds of business also need a source of water. In Ghana, car wash centres are often situated along rivers and streams where forests once existed. Block-making operations, too, are often s
ituated close to waterways.

The rapid decline in freshwater biodiversity has been attributed to deforestation of riparian corridors and human activities where there were once forests.

Source: Ghana Web

Three teachers held for alleged employment scam have been granted a GHC350,000.00 bail each by an Accra Circuit Court.

Samuel Mensah Amelikpo, David Bacha Ntenyam and Daniel Ofori Boateng are to get two sureties each who from the Ghana Education Service (GES) teaching profession or family members.

They are to report to the Police every Wednesday.

The case has been adjourned to April 30, 2024.

All the three denied conspiring to defraud 42 persons of GHC394,500.00 under the pretext of securing jobs for them into the GES.

Police Chief Inspector Daniel Danku told the Court presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah that Sumaila Awueidze, the complainant was unemployed and resident of Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region.

He said Amelipko lived at Awoshie, a suburb of Accra, Bacha, resident of Asamankese, Eastern Region, while Boateng stayed at Effiduase in the Ashanti Region. They are all teachers.

In August 2023, Amelikpo communicated to the complainant that GES recruitment slots were available and that he ha
d protocol to recruit people.

Amelipko during the conversation allegedly gave full assurance and promised to make refund when the recruitment failed.

The prosecution said due to such representation, the complainant became convinced and organised forty-two (42) interested applicants.

It said on August 29, 2023, Amelikpo demanded and collected GHC394,000.00 from the complainants to get them the jobs but failed to do so and went into hiding.

The Court heard that all efforts made by the complainant to reach Amelikpo proved futile thus, a report was made to the police.

The prosecution said on October 18, 2023, Amelikpo was arrested at Odorgonno Accra and in his investigation cautioned statement, he admitted having collected the above-mentioned amount of money from the complainant to secure jobs for his applicants but failed.

Amelikpo mentioned Bacha and Boateng as his accomplices, leading to their arrest on November 10, 2023, at Asamankese and Asante Effiduase respectively.

The prosecution told the Court th
at Bacha in his cautioned statement admitted the offence and told the Police that he only received GHS388,000.00 from Amelikpo and same was handed over to Boateng and one Reuben Bempoh for the recruitment.

Boateng in his cautioned statement also admitted having received monies from Amelikpo and Bacha but paid into the Vodafone Cash wallet accounts produced by Bempoh, whom he met online and also claimed working at GES, National Headquarters Accra.

During investigation, the police retrieved GHC70,000.00 from Boateng and same was handed over to the complainant.

The police are still investigating the matter.

Source: Ghana News Agency