Day: April 11, 2024

The National Council of Catholic Women, in partnership with the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, has donated food and other items to asylum seekers at Tarikom, a refugee reception and resettlement centre in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region.

The donation, worth about GH?11,500 consisted of bags of rice, maize, millet, groundnut, gallons of cooking oil, vegetables and other local ingredients.

Other items included liquid soap, bathing and washing soap, footwear, clothes including African print, toilet rolls and toothpaste.

The donation, which coincided with the celebration of the Eid-ul-Fitr, was part of the activities and mission of the Catholic Women to support vulnerable and displaced persons, particularly women and children to live dignified lives.

Currently, about 1,129 asylum seekers are being hosted at the Centre due to fctivities of violent extremists in some parts of Burkina Faso, which compelled many to seek refuge in Ghana.

Most of them are women and chil
dren.

The Council of Catholic Women comprises representatives of the various women groups in the Catholic Church who work to support, empower and educate Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service and provide relief to vulnerable people in society.

On the sidelines of the exercise, Dame Cecilia Asobayire, the National President, National Council of Catholic Women, told the Ghana News Agency that one of the thematic areas of the Council was to support women and the less privileged.

Most of the asylum seekers were Moslems, and it was refreshing for the Council to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr with them, she said.

‘We know they are really traumatised because they have left their homes forcefully and some of them are separated from close relatives and don’t even know when and where they can find them. It is really difficult to live in a strange place,’ she said.

‘So, we the Council of Catholic Women think that by doing this we will be able to transform some lives, bring some joy and inner peace to th
em so that they will know that they are not alone.’

Dame Asobayire reiterated the fact that women and children suffered the most in times of violence, which the youth were often used to perpetuate.

‘We need to speak to our fellow women, to speak to our children so that they do not allow people to use them to perpetuate violence,’ she added.

She appealed to other humanitarian, civil society and non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to assist the asylum seekers to live dignified lives.

Mr Adam Mohammed, the Camp Manager, Tarikom Resettlement Centre, thanked the Council of Catholic Women for the gesture and said it would complement the humanitarian efforts made so far.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, former Upper West Regional Minister, has urged Moslem leaders to guide against religious fundamentalism to safeguard the long-standing peace Ghana has enjoyed.

He said the country cherished its accolades as the most peaceful nation in the West African sub-region and that must be upheld and preserved.

Dr Salih, reassigned as the Upper East Regional Minister, was addressing Muslims in Wa, on Thursday, during the Eid prayer.

Hundreds of Muslims in the township gathered at the old T. I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School to observe the Eid prayer, marking the end of the month of Ramadan.

He said religious differences in some countries in the sub-region, including Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Mali were affecting the development of those countries.

He observed that abuse of substances such as tramadol and tobacco had become a trend among the region’s youth, affecting their holistic growth.

‘Many of our youth are addicted to these substances, a situation that is jeopardising their future,’ he lament
ed.

Dr Salih called on Islamic preachers to tailor their messages in advocating against substance abuse by highlighting the negative effects.

He appealed to the people to report illicit drug peddlers in the region to law enforcement agencies as part of measures to help nip the menace in the bud.

He encouraged Muslim youth to take advantage of the Government’s flagship programmes, especially those in agriculture, as that was a promising sector for employment to ensure food security.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) says it has not granted approval for the seeds of 14 genetically modified (GM) products to be cultivated in Ghana.

The authority, which is responsible for the regulation of GM and its related products, instead said it has only registered 14 GM products to be imported into the country.

A statement signed and issued by Mr Eric Amaning Okoree, Chief Executive Officer of NBA, and copied to the Ghana News Agency explained that any entity interested in importing any GM products into the country is required to get an import permit from the NBA to be able to do so.

It said the 14 approved GM products are also not for cultivation but ‘they are for the purposes of food, feed or processing.’

‘They have been registered to allow for importation for those purposes by individuals or groups interested in them. Any entity interested will require an import permit from the NBA to be able to import them for use in the country. Therefore, the NBA wishes to state categorically that those
events or products have not been imported into the country for food, feed, or processing yet,’ it explained.

The statement noted that the NBA as the government agency responsible for the regulation of GM and its related products has laid down procedures in line with the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831) and with international best practices in deciding on any application brought before it.

‘Authority therefore wishes to assure Ghanaians of the safety of GM product(s) that have received the NBA’s approval; notably the Bt Cowpea submitted by SARI and the fourteen (14) events submitted by Bayer West-Central Africa S.A and Syngenta South Africa which are intended for food, feed or for processing.’

The statement explained that the 14 approved products, made up of eight maize and six soybean events are not intended for cultivation.

‘They are, rather, grains for direct use as food, feed or for processing as stated above. This approval was granted under Section 13 of the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831) and Regulation 1
5 of the Biosafety (Management of Biotechnology) Regulations, 2019 (LI 2383) following the evaluation of data and information supplied by the applicant and a thorough risk assessment by the NBA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC),’ the statement added.

It explained that having received the applications for registration, the Authority evaluated the events in line with available data provided by the applicants in line with the authority’s mandate and regulatory processes.

The statement expressed the concern that the call to reject any GM seeds that would be supplied was ‘unfortunate’, adding ‘The NBA recognises the need for Ghanaians to adapt to the emerging plant breeding technologies in the agricultural space for sustained crop improvement and food security.

‘We wish to reiterate the fact that the improved yield and sustained food security will rather inure to the benefits of farmers rather than impoverish them as being speculated by a section of the media. Again, there is a robust biosafety system in place
to ensure the safety of GMOs officially released in the country.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaians to reject all forms of divisiveness that threaten the country’s unity and cohesion.

He has urged for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among practitioners of all religions in Ghana, particularly as the country approaches the election period.

President Akufo-Addo made the call on Thursday when he joined the Muslim community at the Independence Square in Accra to mark this year’s Eid-al-Fitr.

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the month-long fasting in the Islamic month of Ramadan.

The President cautioned that as the election season approaches, Ghanaians should avoid disinformation and manipulative propaganda that could undermine the country’s democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights.

‘I make this point, particularly, because we are in an election year and there is the tendency for self-seeking people to exploit our differences of religion and ethnicity to foment divisions in order to promote narrow, parochial, sectarian and political agenda,’
he said

President Akufo-Addo stated that the age of technology and news media, which also provided people with a high degree of anonymity, provided a space for the peddling of half-truths and blatant lies to form perceptions.

‘We should be careful about the spread of misinformation and disinformation, especially such misinformation and disinformation that destroys the hard-earned reputation of people,’ he said.

The President thus urged Muslims and Ghanaians not to ruin people’s reputations for politics.

‘Let us remember that this country is more important than our personal egos and ambitions.’

The President told the gathering that the significance of Ramadan was not lost on the average Muslim since it sought to inculcate the spirit of sacrifice, brotherhood, commitment to ethical living, love of family and nation and God-consciousness.

‘I urge you not to abandon these values after the passage of Ramadan…indeed the purpose of Ramadan is to instill these values in us and for us to keep them all our lives.

‘These are the exact same values every nation needs in order to develop. No Muslim has been unable to fast in this month of Ramadan because they did not have what it takes either to eat the dawn meal or break their fast during Iftar thanks to the time-tested practice of communal sharing of the feast at dawn and in the evenings.

‘Let us make this spirit of togetherness a national value that would give true meaning to the principle of one nation, one destiny. Let us, therefore, eschew all forms of divisiveness that have the potential of destroying the unity and cohesion of our country,’ he said

President Akufo-Addo reminded the gathering that Ghana remained the envy of the world due to the religious unity it created and the practice of various religions in a circular state that promotes religious freedom.

He urged them to continue to promote religious harmony and co-existence because ‘it is the essence of Islam, which means submission to the essence of Allah.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamidu, the Volta Regional Chief Imam, has pleaded with political parties, particularly the spokespersons, to ensure dignity, harmony and peace in their communication with the public.

That was particularly important considering the impending general election, which could be marred without peaceful coexistence to enhance Ghana’s socio-economic development, he said.

Alhaji Hamidu, speaking during the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in Ho to commemorate the end of Ramadan, emphasised the value of stability and unity in building formidable nations.

He charged Moslem youth not to allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians to create mayhem but should rather strive for peace, love, and unity, and always accept the opinions of others.

‘Our message for this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr is peace, love, and unity,’ he said and called for togetherness, upholding the rule of law and abstaining from actions that endangered the security and tranquillity of the nation.

He urged Moslem communities to place high priorit
y on their children’s education, particularly for girls, to help them reach their full potential and make a positive contribution to the nation’s growth.

Alhaji Hamidu urged the youth to pursue apprenticeships to get useful skills to improve their lot, adding that education was a strong tool for transformation and growth.

The Chief Imam demanded practical action to address early marriage, which he said was stunting the growth of young girls and damaging their prospects.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Alhaji Zubeiru Kassim, the Effutu Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has called on Muslim youth, particularly those in the Effutu Community, to comport themselves and ensure their 30 days of fasting made a positive impact on society.

Ramadan enjoined Muslims to repent from their sins, to bring before Allah their supplications and pray for redirection in all their endeavours, he said.

Alhaji Kassim made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at his office in Winneba, the Effutu Municipal Capital, where he noted that peace and tolerance were some of the pillars of Islam.

‘Hence the need for every one of them to desist from indulging in negative tendencies that will render the month-long fasting useless,’ he said.

‘As we have peacefully and successfully ended the 30 days fasting, we must let the blessing and grace we have received during Ramadan reflect in our daily lives, continue praying and not go back to put on our old garments.’

He thanked the Almighty Allah for bringing them that far
and advised Muslim youth riding motorbikes during the celebration to do so with decorum.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Nana Kwaku Beyennor II, Chief of Dambai, has urged all Muslims to use the Eid al-fitr celebration to pray for peace as the country prepares for the 2024 elections in December.

He called on Muslims to use their platforms to preach peace and unity during and after the polls.

He also urged the Imams and the clergy to organise platforms, where leaders of all the political parties would be brought together and deliberate on issues affecting the development of the nation.

Nana Beyennor II, made the call, when he joined the Ahlussuna Wal-Jama’Ah Muslim community on Wednesday at Dambai Lapaz park as they celebrated Eid Mubarak.

‘Let’s use this occasion of Eid al-fitr to reflect on the spirit of sacrifice and loyalty that inspired Prophet Ibrahim to accept Allah’s commandments.’

He said there was the need to continue to drum home the message of peace because that was the mainstay for economic and social development.

‘Let us remind ourselves that a nation divided, is a nation defeated, so, let us be wise and live
together in peace. Violence only causes destruction, cowards and empty heads engage in violence, brave and intelligent minds engage in peace and dialogue.

‘All should remember that the measure of a man’s bravery is not by the number of people he kills rather it is by the number of lives he saves from being killed,’ Nana Beyennor told Muslims community.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Vice President, Dr Mohammudu Bawumia, says he does not support or condone same sex marriage in any form.

He said his faith and religion abhors the practice of same sex and he would not in any way, support the practice of homosexuality in Ghana.

Addressing hundreds of Muslims during the Eid prayers at the Kumasi Central Mosque, he said his belief was consistent with the stance of his religion, Islam, other religions such as Christianity, as well as the social and cultural norms of Ghana.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to personally comment on the raging issue of LGBTQ+ in Ghana.

‘First of all, it is important to note that our cultural and social norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality.

‘Furthermore, as a muslim, my view on this matter aligns with the position of my religious faith,’ he stated.

Dr Bawumia, who is also the Flag-bearer of the ruling NPP, said the Holy Quran was replete with verses frowning on LGBTQ+ acts, including same sex marriages.

‘My faith is t
herefore very strictly against the practice of homosexuality, no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts,’ no shades of grey,’ he pointed out.

‘I personally, therefore, cannot support that which my religion and indeed all the major religions in Ghana clearly and unequivocally forbid.

‘All the major religious traditions in Ghana are opposed to this practice and I stand opposed to now, and I will stand opposed to it as President, Insha Allah,’ he emphasized.

Ghana’s parliament has passed the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill and it is now waiting for presidential accent.

President Akufo-Addo had already indicated his inability to accent to the Bill for it to become law, since the constitutionality of the Bill is being challenged in the Supreme Court by some human rights groups and activists.

Source: Ghana News Agency