General News
Ghana fears losing its premium cocoa status due to galamsey – COCOBOD
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has drawn a bleak picture of Ghana’s impending loss of its premium position in the world cocoa market as a result of unlawful mining operations.
Prof. Michael Kwarteng, Director of COCOBOD’s Anti-Corruption Galamsey Unit, spoke with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on the negative impact of illicit mining, often known as “galamsey,” on cocoa output.
His views come after former EPA CEO Henry Kokofu warned of a probable restriction on Ghana’s cocoa bean exports to the global market owing to illicit miners’ rising activity.
“Per what we’re seeing, if nothing is done to stop this act [illegal mining], we may lose even our position as the number one premium cocoa. In terms of quality, we all know that, in the whole world, Ghana’s cocoa is the best. If we continue to this, then we’re going to lose that, the quality of our cocoa beans is going to be affected seriously.”
“I know our Cocoa Research Institute is researching that, and I’m sure they will come out with their findings. But per what we’re all seeing, we stand the risk of losing, so he’s right.”
In response to the EU’s study on a potential cocoa embargo on Ghana, he asked for an examination of the advantages of cocoa to Ghanaian residents.
“I believe we have not fully realised the benefits of cocoa production as a nation. COCOBOD is doing so much for us; cocoa production provides work, as does road development. Cocoa is the primary source of income for our cocoa producers. “I believe that as a nation, we should begin to assess the importance of cocoa production,” he stated.
Prof Kwarteng highlighted the difficulties cocoa growers have in acquiring water for irrigation on their fields, citing contaminated water bodies.
“There’s no way we can ignore cocoa and focus on minerals. All of our bodies of water are drying up, making it even more difficult for farmers to nurture their crops; some purchase sachet water and transport it to the farms.
Ghana has seen the lowest cocoa production in the last ten years.
General News
Power interruptions damage our enterprises; release dumsor schedule – GUTA
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has joined demands for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to produce a load-shedding schedule, citing the persistent power outages that are badly impacting companies and livelihoods across the nation.
GUTA issued a statement emphasising the considerable impact of the power outages on many sectors, including agriculture, trade, and industry.
According to them, firms are struggling to meet production schedules and prepare for their personnel as a result of the irregular power supply, which raises production costs and degrades living conditions.
Traders, store owners, wholesalers, tailors, dressmakers, electricians, and other artists are also suffering business losses as a result of the “Dumsor phenomenon.”
GUTA is asking for answers from ECG about the true reasons of the unpredictable power outages, measures to resolve the issue, and a deadline for resolution.
They also requested ECG to publish a timeframe for load-shedding so that companies may organise their activities appropriately.
Because of the unpredictability of power outages, many shop owners have turned to generators, which has resulted in rising fuel costs to keep them operating during outages.
General News
The Foreign Affairs Ministry cautions against travelling to Northern Mali
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has advised Ghanaians not to travel to certain areas of Northern Mali.
In an official statement, the Ministry underlined recent security concerns along critical routes connecting Mali and Niger, notably in the Gao and Ansongo regions of Northern Mali.
The Ministry mentioned incidents of terrorist activity targeting travellers along these routes.
“The Ministry remains committed to the safety of Ghanaians and will provide updates on the security situation in the region under reference in due course,” the statement went on to say.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry reminded the people to always prioritise their safety when travelling.
Find the statement below:
General News
Gov’t settles on blue and white as new paint for basic schools
Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, has declared that the government intends to repaint all public basic schools in blue and white, replacing the present brown and yellow.
This programme is part of a rebranding campaign to improve the appearance of the institutions.
Dr Adutwum went on to say that this is only one of several initiatives targeted at revitalising and improving basic education in the country.
“We’re moving to blue and white. We are painting all of the schools to give them an appealing appearance. This is the revolution Ghana deserves, and it is on its way,” the minister said at a “The free SHS tale” discussion in Accra on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
He also announced the replacement of the brown and yellow outfits.
“We are modifying the uniforms of public elementary schools across the country. The yellow and brown that you see now will go. Reformation is coming to a community near you, and you will witness it.”
The education minister expanded, saying that this project is part of the government’s attempts to demonstrate to critics that its concentration is not exclusively on secondary education.
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