Category: General

Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, Monday said the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which sought to proscribe witchcraft accusations, was passed on Thursday, July 27, 2023, yet to receive Presidential assent.

However, during Monday’s proceedings, the Bill resurfaced as Motion 41 in the Order Paper at the Consideration Stage, hence the Speaker directed the Table Office to remove it.

The object of the Bill is to amend the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Acts 29) to prohibit the practice by any person as a witch doctor or a witchfinder; to proscribe the declaration, accusation, naming or labelling of another person as a witch; and for related matters.

The Private Member’s Bill was sponsored by Mr Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina.

Other sponsors included Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, NDC MP of Pusiga; Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, NDC MP, Wa East, Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, NDC MP, Krachi West, and Madam Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, NDC
MP, Afram Plains North.

Mr Bagbin said a letter to the Presidency, regarding the non-signing of the Bill was yet to receive a response.

He, therefore, urged the President to ‘follow the dictates of the 1992 Constitution to register his concerns over the Bill and not seek to flout the same Constitution.’

Commenting on the issue, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, an NDC MP for Tamale South, explained that the non-signing of the Bill by President Akufo-Addo was a ‘breach of Article 106 of the 1992 Constitution.’

Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority leader, clarified that the President had several issues with the passed Bill and had been seeking a meeting with the Speaker over the development, adding that he (President Akufo-Addo) had not refused to give his assent to it.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ho Jubilee Park, venue for the Sixth Volta Trade and Investment Fair, is witnessing the billing of lots of exhibitors from all over the country positioning their products to do business.

The Fair is expected to offer a common platform for business owners within the region and beyond to market their products to the rest of the world.

The Ghana News Agency’s visit to the venue on Monday, the first day of the Fair, saw many exhibitors from different parts of the country, including Tamale and Accra, with variety of local produce.

The Fair will officially be opened on Tuesday, November 28, on the theme: ‘Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Economic Development.’

The theme aligns with the AfCFTA’s overarching goal of fostering inclusivity by empowering young Africans, women and integrating informal cross-border traders into formal economic framework.

The exhibitors present included the State Insurance Company, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Stanbic Bank, Ghana Export Promot
ion Authority, Ekumfi Fruit and Juice, GCB Bank, and Ghana Water Company Limited.

Others are Salaria Eyemed and Optical Suppliers, Teracita SPA, Ghana Standard Authority, Lareine Ventures from Accra, Mallai Enterprise from Tamale, Divine Superplus Enterprise and the Hohoe Municipal Assembly.

Those who spoke to the GNA said though the programme was yet to officially open, they had already started making good sales.

They were optimistic that there would be a massive turnout for them to sell, network and get new customers.

Mr Taufik Hudu of Mallai Enterprise, producers of African wear, was hopeful of getting new customers to expand his business and work towards exporting his brand.

Mabel Zewu of Lareine Ventures from Accra, producers of local body lotion, body and facial wash, commended the organisers for the programme and said the Fair offered an opportunity to market their products, network and expand their markets.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Five people are feared dead in a tragic road crash, which occurred on Monday on the Sunyani-Berekum Highway.

The Ghana News Agency (GNA) learnt that the accident occurred around 1400 hours when a taxi cab, with registration number BA GT 5591-12, heading towards Nsoatre, collided head-on with an unregistered private Salon car, which was coming from the opposite direction.

All five occupants, including the driver, were reported to have died on the spot, while the other driver, who was the only occupant of the private car, is said to be in critical condition.

When the GNA visited the scene, Police and Fire Service personnel retrieved the yet-to-be-identified bodies and deposited them at a mortuary in the area for preservation and identification.

A police source at the scene told the GNA that investigations had begun into the issue.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The bad road network in the Bono East Region continue to hamper farming activities, compelling some farmers to abandon their farms for other means of survival.

The trend has affected food prices in the area.

Although the region is known to be one of the country’s key food baskets, its farmers have persistently complained bitterly about post-harvest losses, as most of their productions are often left on the farm to rot due to poor accessibility of road networks.

A survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in some major farming communities including Atebubu-Amantin, Prang, Kwame-Danso, Techiman North and South, Kintampo North and South and Nkoranza, revealed that about 45 to 65 per cent of farmers in the Bono East Region continued to suffer the same predicament.

The situation, which had not been attended to for a long time was gradually creating food insecurity which may impede the country’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The road system at Tadieso, Wuraso, Aworopata
, Akisimaso and Bamiri all in the Techiman South, established the plight of farmers who use the bad roads, making it difficult to get vehicles to transport their products to the market.

In the area of Krabonso and Jema communities in the Kintampo South District, Bomini, Busunya and other communities in the Nkoranza North district were also not left out in the situation as they also find it very difficult to send heavy agricultural equipment to the farms due to bad road networks.

Some of the farmers interviewed in the Tadieso community told the GNA that they had cultivated varieties of food crops ranging from vegetables to tubers on a vast land but did not have access to the market due to the bad road network in the area.

‘We are not able to send our produce from the farms due to bad roads and it is affecting our livelihood,’ they stated.

At Konkonti a farming community in the Techiman North district, a cocoa and yam farmer, Mr Awini Atongo, lamented about the lack of Agricultural Extension officers to sup
ervise and teach new farming methods, to increase productivity.

He said this had been a challenge to farmers in the area over the years.

He said quality healthcare services to farmers and their dependents had been another worrying issue, as health workers were not able to access the road to the area to provide healthcare to the people.

Mr Opoku Nyame, the District Chief Executive of Kintampo South Assembly, confirmed the situation to the GNA and said the government had initiated plans to address such road networks, indicating that most of the roads in these farming communities, had been given the needed attention for reshaping.

Source: Ghana News Agency

All is set for the Western Region to host the 39th edition of the National Farmers’ Day at Tarkwa in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality on December 1, 2023.

This is the first time the region is hosting the Day, which would be jointly organised by the ministries of Food and Agriculture, and Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.

It is on the theme: ‘Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience’, under the distinguished patronage of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

It promises to be a momentous celebration as the event will be attended by farmers, fishers, traditional rulers, policymakers, researchers and members of the public.

Fifteen award categories are up for grabs. These are; the Overall National Best Farmer, the First and Second runners-up, National Best Livestock Farmer, National Best Female Farmer and National Best Physically Challenged Farmer.

The rest are the Best Fisher, Best Marine Fisher, Best Inland Fisher, Best Fisher Farmer, Best Fish Processor, Best Cocoa Farm
er, Best Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer, Best Most Enterprising Cocoa Farmer, and the Best Shea Nut Picker.

As a prelude to the national awards night same day, there would be a Regional Celebration where the Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, will confer regional honours to deserving farmers.

The agricultural sector accounted for at about 20 per cent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs about 60 per cent of the population in the agricultural value chain.

The Western Region’s contributions to the development of the country’s agricultural sector has been enormous since about 58 per cent of the indigenes are into agriculture.

The region is the nation’s largest producer of cocoa, rubber, coconut and one of the major producers of oil palm, while having the potential to become a major producer of rice and livestock.

In terms of fish production, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture reports that about 45 per cent of fish on the Ghanaian markets are from the region.

It i
s also endowed with considerable natural resources like gold, oil, and bauxite, giving it a significant economic importance within the context of national development.

Mr John Kwamina Gyimah, the Western Regional Director of Agriculture, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the national awardees would arrive in the regional capital, Sekondi-Takoradi, on Thursday, November 30, to pay a courtesy call on the Regional Minister and other dignitaries.

They would also be taken through some rehearsals before proceeding to Tarkwa, where the event would be held.

On what the celebration was meant to the region, he noted that: ‘The 39th edition of the farmers’ day comes to us a business blessing and a massive window of opportunity to showcase the economic potential of agricultural production in terms of crop, fish and animal productions.’

Mr Gyimah said the event would expose farmers to new strategies to improve upon agricultural production, including technology for marketing on both the local and in
ternational landscapes, job creation, capacity development, and partnerships.

‘At this great meeting, all stakeholders in the agriculture industry, both local and international, are going to be present to explore the various agro-ecological production zones in the Western Region,’ he said.

‘I believe many of them will remain here to establish new value chains due to our great potential, coupled with good weather and agronomic conditions for successful production in all sectors.’

Beyond the celebration, Mr Gyimah said his team would create opportunities for continuous engagement with industry players and interested groups to attract investment and create jobs for the youth

This year’s celebration would be preceded by a five-day national agricultural festival, dubbed: ‘AgriFest Ghana 2023,’ from Monday November 27 to Friday, December 1.

It will be held on the principal streets of the ministerial enclave in Accra.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Chiefs and people of Suma-Ahenkro in the Jaman North District of the Bono Region at the weekend enstooled Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament as the ‘Adasuokohene’ of the Suma Traditional Area.

He was enstooled under the name Nana Adasuokohene (a god possessing strength to resist external powers) Alban Bagbin I.

His new chieftaincy title, according to Odeneho Dr Afram Brempong III, the Paramount Chief of the Suma Traditional Area was to recognize and acknowledge his immeasurable contribution in the fight against LGBTQI in the country.

Odeneho Dr Brempong III took Mr Bagbin through the customary rites of the chief and people of the area to seal his enstoolment at a durbar to climax the 2023 Suma Royal Retreat at Suma-Ahenko.

During the weeklong retreat on the theme ‘if the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed’, a theme picked from the Holy Scriptures, Suma-Ahenko natives and royals, home and abroad return home to strengthen family ties.

Odeneho Dr Brempon
g III congratulated Speaker Bagbin, saying the chieftaincy title was a reserve for only deserving and resilient individuals and politicians.

The Paramount observed that the Speaker of Parliament had demonstrated to the people the ‘power to defend Ghana from the invasion of LBGTQI community despite the midst and threats from the western powers’.

Odeneho Prof Brempong III said he was optimistic that the Speaker of Parliament, and the House in general would remain resolute and not allow anything to sway or influence them to accept LGBTQI to preserve the nation’s culture and tradition.

On his part, Speaker Bagbin expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of the town and pledged to continue with his stand against LGBTQI.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Over 250 businesses in the Adansi enclave are expected to participate in this year’s Obuasi Trade Show (OTS) set for this Christmas, Mr. Ishmael Yakubu Coffie, Chairman of the show, has announced.

The annual event, which is the sixth edition, brings together small and medium enterprises and exhibitors to showcase their products at one place to promote sales for local businesses.

The theme chosen for this year’s event is ‘Harnessing our Creative Potential to Diversify the Local Economy of Obuasi.’

Consequently, a media launch has been held in Obuasi to unveil activities lined up for the event, which is put together annually by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine and its partners, made up of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, Obuasi East District Assembly, Akrofuom District Assembly and the Ghana Enterprise Agency.

Mr. Coffie told the media that this year’s edition would be spiced up with other side attractions such as music and fashion shows, comedy shows, rep your jersey, rep your community, and health screening.

H
e said the goal was to boost the local economy by providing a platform for businesses in Obuasi to showcase their products to create a market for them beyond the trade show.

Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Land Management of AngloGold Ashanti, said the company prioritised innovation and sustainable development as underpinned by its 10- Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP).

‘Today, as we mark the preparation towards organising the five-day Obuasi Trade Show, we are thrilled to share that our focus on diversification goes beyond just mining,’ he told the media.

He said AngloGold Ashanti recognised the importance of supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.

‘Through strategic partnerships and investments, we aim to stimulate the growth of various sectors within Obuasi’s local economy to nurture vibrant and self-reliant communities,’ he emphasized.

He entreated entrepreneurs and artisans to seize the opportunity to showcase their talents, products and services, while fo
rging networks and partnerships to strengthen the local economy.

Dr. Maurice Jonas Woode, the District Chief Executive for Akrofuom, said empowering local businesses was the way to build a resilient local economy.

He reminded the people of how Obuasi became dormant when AngloGold Ashanti suspended operations to undergo care and maintenance, stressing that it was important to diversify the local economy.

He applauded AngloGold Ashanti for implementing various interventions in the areas of health, education, and economic development under its 10-year development plan.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Jasikan Municipal Assembly in the Oti Region will honour six gallant farmers at the municipal edition of the 39th National Famers’ Day celebration.

The awardees would be the Overall Best Farmer, Best Livestock Farmer, Best Crop Farmer, Best Youth Farmer, Best Physically Challenged Farmer and the Municipal Office of the Department of Food and Agriculture.

The event will be held at Dzolu, a farming community in the Jasikan Municipality on Friday, December 1, Mr. Moses Elorm Agbenyo Aneka, the Jasikan Municipal Director of the Department of Food and Agriculture, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview.

Mr. Aneka advised the farmers to form groups to help access and disseminate relevant information on best agriculture practices.

He said group formation would also enable them to reach out to the Agriculture Extension Agents through their leaders with ease as such officers are scarce nowadays.

The first Ghana Farmers’ Day was instituted in 1985. It was created by the Provisional Nati
onal Defense Council (PNDC), which, at the time, made up the whole of Ghana’s administration.

The day came because of the 30 per cent growth of the farming industry the year before.

The 2023 National Farmers’ Day celebration will be held on the theme: ‘Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.’

Source: Ghana News Agency