The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development is Coordinating an inter-agency investigation into the reported incidents of dead fishes of various species, washed ashore beaches in Accra and Axim over the Easter weekend.
The agencies include the Fisheries commission, Food and Drugs Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Navy, the Marine Police, and the respective Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies in the respected areas affected.
The investigations will determine the causes of the incidents and possible preventive measures for the future.
The above agencies are also collaborating to prevent an entry of fish from this incident into the markets and food chain.
The Ministry assures the general public that it will take all necessary steps to protect the fisheries industry from the potentially harmful effects of this incident. Further, the Ministry reiterates the advice of FDA to the general public to desist from consuming the fish, in view of the potential risk to health and safety.
The public is also being entreated to inspect the freshness of the eyes and gills of fish they seek to buy, which should generally be reddish in colour. The washed-ashore fish typically shows signs of popped out and unclear eyes, the dull colouration of gills, bloating around the abdominal areas, and possible oozing of foul scented fluids.
The Ghana Police Service and City security officials have been alerted to arrest any persons found distributing fish from these incidents into the Ghanaian food chain.
The Public will be updated on the outcome of this investigation
The kola nut is used to flavor sodas and as a supplement to increase energy or improve health. But what are the health benefits of the kola nut?
The nut comes from the evergreen kola tree, which is found in the rainforests of Africa. Inside the tree’s star-shaped fruits are white shells, which contain the seeds or kola nuts.
In Nigeria, it is an important cultural symbol for many ethnic groups. It is given to guests at weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies, and it is used in medicine. Ceremonial breaking of the kola nut is important for making people feel welcome in a village or gathering.
The kola nut has some reported benefits for health. Here we explore those benefits and other information about this tropical nut.
Health benefits Regarding the health benefits, kola nuts may be similar to coffee. The health benefits of kola nut align with those of coffee.
Several possible benefits of the kola nut and its products include the following
Boost to metabolism: Kola nut products contain caffeine, which may give a person’s metabolism a boost. Aid to digestion: Kola nut powder and extract may help digestion. They are thought to promote the production of gastric acid, which increases digestive enzyme effectiveness in the stomach. Increase in circulation: The caffeine and theobromine in the kola nut may speed up the heart rate, which increases circulation. Boost to energy levels: The kola nut naturally stimulates the central nervous system, which may increase alertness and boost energy levels. Antibacterial benefits: One study reported in the Journal of Biosciences and Medicines indicates that the use of kola nut extract might stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
There are several health conditions that might be improved by the consumption of the kola nut.
Prostate cancer Although extensive studies have not been conducted, early research indicates that certain compounds found in the kola nut may decrease the risk of prostate cancer.
The research is still being debated, but it is thought that the phytoestrogens in kola nuts may kill cancer cells and stop tumors from growing.
Slow metabolism People with a slow metabolism could benefit from using products that contain kola nuts.
Conditions that may affect a person’s metabolism include low testosterone, Graves’ disease, and Cushing syndrome.
Migraines The kola nut may be helpful for people who have migraine headaches. Migraines often affect the blood vessels in the head and caffeine has been used for headache pain.
The theobromine and caffeine contained in the kola nut may dilate or widen blood vessels in the brain, which might decrease migraine pain.
Asthma Although it may not be recommended as a treatment for respiratory conditions, kola nuts might be useful for people with certain breathing problems, such as asthma.
The caffeine in kola nuts may act as a bronchodilator, which means it opens the airways to make breathing easier.
Uses In certain African countries, the kola nut is chewed during ceremonies and rituals. It is also used to sweeten breath. Another application of the kola nut in the western world is as a flavoring agent for sodas.
The kola nut is also used as an additive in energy drinks and performance enhancers. In some cases, it is used in the form of an extract or powder.
The nut is boiled to extract the kola or it can be ground into a powder. In certain parts of the world, the nut is used as a type of alternative medicine.
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) President Dr. Agnes Kalibata says that contrary to the narratives that farmers are invariably resistant to adopting technology, nine out of ten smallholder farmers engaged with AGRA programmes have adopted one or more technologies within one planting season.
Africa’s strongest route towards the Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating hunger lies in helping smallholder farmers to access capital and supporting governments to promote policies that enable the farmers to adopt technologies and increase yields.
Statistics indicate that by 2050, about four in five people living in extreme poverty will be concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, where food insecurity is already a major challenge as a result of rapid population growth. To ensure food security in the future, experts say current food production levels will need to be increased by at least 70%.
With studies showing that growth coming out of the agricultural sector is eleven times more effective at reducing poverty than growth coming out of other sectors, Dr. Kalibata says AGRA has been pursuing three strategies to unlock the potential of Africa’s smallholder farmers, who produce 80 percent of the food the continent eats.
“We are working with the governments across Africa to prioritize agriculture, supporting the enabling environment to benefit smallholder farmers and to make it possible for the private sector to provide services to smallholder farmers by reducing the real and perceived risk associated with the agricultural sector. We are also supporting farmers to access technologies that enable them to increase the yields and incomes while developing resilience to pests, climate change, droughts, and floods,” she says.
Dr Kalibata credits the Strengthening State Capability pillar of AGRA’s approach as the most transformational in driving scale, pointing out that functional government policies are key to success.
“For example, the provision of early generation seed is usually driven by government institutions. If they aren’t functioning well, it makes it impossible for the private sector to function and farmers to access improved varieties of seeds. If markets don’t function, and they quickly revert to subsistence farming, which perpetuates the poverty cycle,” she says.
Through technical assistance and grants, AGRA has helped to make capital more accessible to farmers, while delivering incentives to the private sector to invest in smallholder farmer systems, to shore up an agriculture sector that currently receives less than 10 percent of private lending.
Apart from finance, AGRA is supporting resilience and sustainability for smallholders especially in response to challenges brought on by climate change. For example, in semi-arid areas of Kenya, AGRA is working with governments and the private sector to conserve, protect and enhance natural ecosystems.
“With the judicious use of appropriate fertilizers and with the right seeds, farmers are able to triple, even quadruple their yields, says Dr. Kalibata.
“Ending hunger is a solvable problem. AGRA has learned the hard way that if you’re going to be serious about pulling farmers out of poverty, you need to support reforms of policies and support programmes that can help reach millions of farmers. If Africa smallholder farmers become prosperous, they will change the continent forever,”.
The Ministry of Fisheries has said it is investigating the cause of the death of tons of fish that were found along the shores of the Osu Castle beach in Accra on Friday.
A statement said samples of the fish have been collected on ice to be examined critically in the laboratory.
“Initial observation of the fishes showed no wound /lesions on their bodies. It is to be noted that after two to three days of the death of an animal pathological signs change. Samples of the fish were collected on ice to be examined critically in the laboratory.
“Seawater samples have also been collected at the beach in the Korle Klottey District in the Greater Accra Region. Examinations will be carried out on the fish gills and other histological examinations will equally be conducted to ascertain any pathological cause,” the statement added.
Below is the full statement from the Fisheries Ministry: INVESTIGATION OF FISH MORTALITY – OSU CASTLE BEACH – GREATER ACCRA REGION. Information got to Fisheries Commission yesterday, April 3, 2021, in the evening, about fish mortalities sighted at the Osu Castle Beach. A team from the Fish Health Unit and the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission was dispatched to the area. Upon arrival at the beach, the team noticed that there were dead small pelagic and demersal fishes at the shore.
Initial observation of the fishes showed no wound /lesions on their bodies. It is to be noted that after two to three days of the death of an animal pathological signs change. Samples of the fish were collected on ice to be examined critically in the laboratory.
Seawater samples have also been collected at the beach in the Korle Klottey District in the Greater Accra Region. Examinations will be carried out on the fish gills and other histological examinations will equally be conducted to ascertain any pathological cause.
The seawater samples collected will be analysed for physical, chemical, and other biological parameters. The colour of the sea and temperature are normal. We assure everyone that we are working hard to ascertain the actual cause of mortality of the fish.
Beans are the seeds from flowering plants in the Fabaceae family and are classified as legumes.
Several beans grow in pods or capsules that develop from flowers. Other legumes include peas, peanuts, and lentils. These beans are available to dry, canned, or frozen.
They differ nutritionally from green beans or wax beans where a person eats the entire pod.
Beans contain amino acids, which are the protein building blocks that the body uses to heal and to make new tissues, such as bone, muscle, hair, skin, and blood. Protein is an essential nutrient.
There are many types of beans. Dried beans need cooking to make them tender enough to eat. Canned and frozen beans are typically ready to eat after warming on the stove or in the microwave. Some of the most popular bean varieties include:
Lima beans
Black beans
Black-eyed peas
Soybeans
Kidney beans
Garbanzo beans
Navy beans
Pinto beans
Red beans
Health benefits of beans Beans offer several health benefits.
Protein Protein is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining and repairing the body. Beans are high in amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
There are 20 amino acidsTrusted Source, and nine of these are essential. There are also two types of protein sources: complete and incomplete.
Animal products, soy, and quinoa are all complete proteins, which means they contain all nine essential amino acids.
However, of all the types of beans, only soybeans contain all nine amino acids.
People can combine incomplete proteins with nuts, seeds, dairy products, or grains at a single meal or throughout the day to make complete proteins.
For example, a person can:
Eat beans with rice or couscous for lunch Have black beans at lunch with almonds or cheese Beans make an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
They are also lower in calories and saturated fat than some other protein sources, such as meat and full fat or low-fat dairy products.
Examples of the protein content of beans are: A 1-cup or 40 grams Trusted Source (g), serving of canned black beans provides 14.5 g of protein, 16.6 g of fiber, and 4.56 milligrams (mg) of iron. A 1-cup or 155 g Trusted Source, serving of shelled edamame beans provides 18.5 g protein, 8.06 g fiber, and 3.52 mg iron.
Folate Beans contain several vital nutrients, including folate. Folate is essential for overall health, to make healthy red blood cells, and help prevent neural tube defects in a fetus during pregnancy. A 1-cup, or 155gTrusted Source, serving of shelled edamame beans provides 482 micrograms (mcg) of folate.
Antioxidants According to research Trusted Source, beans are rich in polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants fight the effects Trusted Source of free radicals, which are damaging chemicals that the body produces during metabolism and other processes.
Free radicals can cause cell damage that can result in various diseases. Antioxidants help the body remove free radicals. In this way, antioxidant-rich foods, such as beans, can help protect the body from disease.
Heart health People who consume beans regularly may be less likely to die of a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems. The authors of a 2017 meta-analysis Trusted Source suggested that one reason for the decrease in cardiovascular risk was that people had replaced higher fat animal meat proteins with beans.
A 2013 review and meta-analysis found a clear correlation between eating beans and a lower risk of coronary heart disease.
Other research suggests that nutrients in beans may help lower cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and heart attacks.
There is evidence Trusted Source that a high-fiber diet may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A half-cup or 88 g Trusted Source, serving of black beans provides about 14 g of fiber, which is over half an adult’s daily requirement for fiber.
Reduced risk of cancer Some studies have shown that beans act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These effects could reduce the risk of cancer.
Research published in 2015 analyzed whether beans might have antioxidant properties that fight intestinal cancer. The results suggested that black beans had the highest antioxidant activity.
A 2016 study also found that chemicals in Northeast China black beans could slow the growth of colorectal cancer by preventing cancer cells from multiplying.
Diabetes and glucose metabolism Beans may help stabilize Trusted Source blood glucose levels or even prevent diabetes. Beans are high in fiber, which can help lower blood glucose.
The author of a 2018 review Trusted Source concluded that consuming a high fiber diet could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. There was also evidence that it may help lower blood sugar in people who already have the condition. Another study Trusted Source looked specifically at the effect of adding a cup of legumes to the daily diet of people with type 2 diabetes. This study showed a reduction in blood sugar levels and lower blood pressures in the group who ate beans over the control group who included more whole wheat fiber.
Preventing fatty liver Fatty liver happens when fats accumulate in the liver. It can develop alongside obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other aspects of metabolic syndrome.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease.
Doctors base the treatment of fatty liver disease on weight loss and controlling blood sugars, as well as reducing blood levels of fats, such as triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol. Replacing higher fat animal proteins with beans is a good step towards better liver health.
Controlling appetite When a person eats beans, the fiber and healthful starches they contain can help create a feeling of fullness and satisfaction. As a long-term dietary strategy, this could help prevent overeating and may lead to weight loss, according to a 2013 review Trusted Source.
Improving gut health Research Trusted Source has shown a variety of beans, especially black beans, enhance gut health by improving intestinal barrier function and increasing the number of beneficial bacteria. This may help prevent gut-associated diseases.
Healthful gut bacteria also support immune system function and may promote weight loss. Beans feed the healthful gut bacteria colonies.
The Eastern Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority, Mr. Samuel Kwakye says FDA is going to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service to enforce part seven section 97(1) of the public health acts, 851, 2012 which states “A person shall not manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell or supply food or expose food for sale unless the Authority has registered the food” to clamp down on all illegal operators in the food chain industry to help sanitize the industry which will lead to safeguarding public health and safety.
He was speaking during a stakeholder engagement and training program for water manufacturing producers in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The aim of the engagement was to foster good relations with their stakeholders.
Speaking during the engagement, the Eastern Regional Head of the FDA, Mr. Samuel Kwakye said the water producing industry is very important and it is the vision of the FDA to help them to sustain their business, he further said the industry is very essential and they should continue to hold the fort.
Mr. Kwakye reiterated that the key responsibility of the FDA is to ensure product quality and safety and called on them to continue to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in their daily activities that will assure the quality and safety of their products.
Speaking during the program Mr. Kwakye said “it is not the priority of the Food and Drugs Authority to make things difficult for you and coming to FDA should not be a problem” he stressed.
He further called on them to “Report all illegal manufacturers to the FDA to help the authority sanitize the industry and the market because their water is not good and it is not helping the FDA and general public, we will maintain your confidentiality”.
Mr. Richard Abotsivia, Vice Chairman National Association of Sachet & Packaged Water Producers said their association was not left out of the hardship of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and called for some relieves to cushion their operations.
He also said they are ready to collaborate with the authority to flush out illegal operators who are manufacturing in their bedrooms to the authority to face sanctions to help sanitize the industry.
He ended by commending the FDA for their responsiveness over the years and support which has helped them to grow their business.
The projected 2021 budget is seen to increase the budget for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development by 163.6%. This was revealed at the press conference on the 2021 budget assessment by Send Ghana at Accra.
Evaluating the budget to the press, Send Ghana noted that the increment is in line with calls for increased funding for the development of the sector. However, the analysis over the years shows that execution rates have been low, owing to non-releases of substantial amounts of approved budgets for spending.
The instances are that, in 2018, the total approved budget for capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the Ministry was GHS 39,142 million, but only 15.8 percent (GHS 6, 208 million) was released.
Similarly, in 2019, the ministry spent less than half (45.7 percent) of its approved budget of GH¢59,592,448. This was because, not a pesewa out of the approved budget expected to be funded by Development Partners (DPs) for capital expenditure (CAPEX), (GH¢24,050,000) was released. Meanwhile, in 2021, DPs are expected to contribute about 84. 8 percent to fund CAPEX.
This is a worrying trend that could potentially hinder progress in undertaking important infrastructural development in the sector
Men and women are the pillars of the development of every sector of the economy. To ensure faster economic growth and development, the government must therefore ensure gender responsiveness in the implementation of projects and activities in the country.
Assessing the 2021 Ghana’s budget, Send Ghana has called on the government to ensure gender-responsive during the implementation of the budget.
According to Mr. George Ose-Bimpeh, Country Director of Send Ghana, the role of both men and women contributing significantly to the growth of the agricultural sector especially the fishing industry cannot be overlooked. He said this during a press conference at Accra.
He explained that while some 500,000 affiliated workers are engaged in the processing, distribution, and marketing of fish (which are female-dominated), the sector employs some 135,000 fishers. “Whereas access to outboard motors, fishing nets, etc. are of primary concern to men, access to improved ovens remains a challenge for women, with only about one percent of them using improved ovens for processing” he added.
However, the Fisheries Input Support Scheme does not seem to prioritize the needs of women in the provision of inputs. With specific challenges of men and women in the industry, the seeming lack of due consideration for both men and women in the budget of the ministry is worrying.
To tackle this issue the Government must therefore ensure gender responsiveness in the implementation of projects and activities of the ministry.
Mr. Osei-Bimpeh urged the government to give equal priority to Rearing for Food and Jobs as it was done for Planting for Food and Jobs.
“The continuous yearly allocation to Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) must be commended. However, the government should prioritize and provide clear budgetary allocation to Rearing for Food and Jobs (RFJ) too. Although the budget statement outlined key activities to be implemented in 2021 under the RFJ programme, the budget is silent on a dedicated expenditure line” he reiterated.
In the wake of climate change and uncertainties in crop yields, an alternative to improve incomes and sustain the livelihoods of crop farmers will be the rearing of small ruminants. In addition, the effective implementation of RFJ will improve the household nutrition of smallholder farmers.
Everyone experiences an upset stomach and indigestion, or dyspepsia, from time to time after eating or drinking. The condition is usually no cause for concern, and it is often possible to treat the symptoms using home remedies.
Common symptoms of an upset stomach and indigestion include: Heartburn, or acid reflux Nausea Bloating Gas Belching, sometimes bringing up bitter or foul-tasting fluid or food Farting Bad-smelling or sour breath Hiccupping or coughing
Some of the most popular home remedies for an upset stomach and indigestion include:
Drinking water Dehydration can increase the likelihood of an upset stomach. The body needs water to digest and absorb nutrients from foods and beverages efficiently. Being dehydrated makes digestion more difficult and less effective, which increases the likelihood of an upset stomach.
In general, the Health and Medicine Division (HMD) recommends that: Women should have around 2.7 liters (l), or 91 ounces (oz), of water a day Men should have about 3.7 l, or 125 oz, of water a day Around 20 percent of this will come from food, with the rest coming from beverages. For most people, a good figure to aim for is approximately 8 or more cups of water a day. Younger children require slightly less water than adults.
For those with digestive issues, it is imperative to stay hydrated. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration very quickly so people with these symptoms should keep drinking water.
Avoiding lying down When the body is horizontal, the acid in the stomach is more likely to travel backward and move upward, which can cause heartburn.
People with an upset stomach should avoid lying down or going to bed for at least a few hours until it passes. Someone who needs to lie down should prop up their head, neck, and upper chest with pillows, ideally at a 30-degree angle.
Ginger Ginger is a common natural remedy for an upset stomach and indigestion. Ginger contains chemicals called gingerols and shogaols that can help speed up stomach contractions. This may move foods that are causing indigestion through the stomach more quickly.
The chemicals in ginger may also help to reduce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. People with an upset stomach could try adding ginger to their food or drinking it as tea. Some all-natural ginger ales may also contain enough ginger to settle an upset stomach. Ginger tea is widely available to buy in supermarkets and online.
Mint In addition to sweetening the breath, the menthol in mint may help with the following:
Preventing vomiting and diarrhea Reducing muscle spasms in the intestines Relieving pain Researchers Trusted Source have found that mint is a traditional treatment for indigestion, gas, and diarrhea in Iran, Pakistan, and India.
Raw and cooked mint leaves are both suitable for consumption. Traditionally, people often boil mint leaves with cardamom to make tea. It is also possible to powder or juice mint leaves and mix them with other teas, beverages, or foods. Mint leaves are widely available in health stores and online. Sucking on mint candies might be another way to help reduce the pain and discomfort of heartburn.
Taking a warm bath or using a heating bag Heat may relax tense muscles and ease indigestion, so taking a warm bath may help to ease the symptoms of an upset stomach. It could also be beneficial to apply a heated bag or pad to the stomach for 20 minutes or until it goes cool.
BRAT diet Doctors may recommend the BRAT diet to people with diarrhea. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are all starchy, so they can help bind foods together to make stools firmer. This may decrease the number of stools a person passes and help ease their diarrhea.
As these foods are bland, they do not contain substances that irritate the stomach, throat, or intestines. Therefore, this diet can soothe the tissue irritation resulting from the acids in vomit. Many of the foods in the BRAT diet are also high in nutrients such as potassium and magnesium and can replace those lost through diarrhea and vomiting.
Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol Smoking can irritate the throat, increasing the likelihood of an upset stomach. If the person has vomited, smoking can further irritate the tender tissue already sore from stomach acids.
As a toxin, alcohol is difficult to digest and can cause damage to the liver and stomach lining. People with an upset stomach should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol until they are feeling better.
Avoiding difficult-to-digest foods Some foods are harder to digest than others, which increases the risk of an upset stomach. Anyone with an upset stomach should avoid foods that are: Fried or fatty Rich or creamy Salty or heavily preserved
Lime or lemon juice, baking soda, and water Some studies suggest that mixing lime or lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda can help to relieve a variety of digestive complaints.
This mixture produces carbonic acid, which may help to reduce gas and indigestion. It may also improve liver secretion and intestinal mobility. The acidity and other nutrients in lime or lemon juice can help to digest and absorb fats and alcohol while neutralizing bile acids and reducing acidity in the stomach. Most traditional recipes recommend mixing the following quantities:
1 tablespoon (tbsp) of fresh lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon (tsp) of baking soda
8 oz of clean water
Rice Plain rice is useful for people with many types of stomach complaints. It can help by: Adding bulk to stool Absorbing fluids that may contain toxins Easing pain and cramps, because of its high levels of magnesium and potassium
Someone who is vomiting or has diarrhea could try slowly eating half a cup of plain, well-cooked rice. It is best to wait until at least a few hours after the last episode of vomiting. The person may continue to do this for 24–48 hours until diarrhea stops. Rice is also part of the BRAT diet that doctors often recommend.
Coconut water Coconut water contains high levels of potassium and magnesium. These nutrients help to reduce pain, muscle spasms, and cramps.
Coconut water is also useful for rehydrating and is a better option than most sports drinks as it is also low in calories, sugar, and acidity. Slowly sipping on up to 2 glasses of coconut water every 4–6 hours could ease upset stomach symptoms.
Bananas Bananas contain vitamin B6, potassium, and folate. These nutrients can help to ease cramps, pains, and muscle spasms. Bananas can also help by adding bulk to loose stools, which can alleviate diarrhea.
The Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of Ghana (CSIR) has engaged stakeholders in the food industry on Ghana’s response plan against cassava viral diseases to improve yield.
The meeting was to enhance the understanding of key stakeholders on the health and economic importance of cassava, the viral diseases affecting the crop, and measures to adopt to eliminate and control them.
Representatives from CSIR-CRI, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) attended the meeting.
Dr. Moses Mochiah, Director of CSIR-CRI, in a welcome address, said cassava is an important crop as it provided food for nearly 800 million people worldwide, including 500 million Africans and some 25 million Ghanaians.
He said the crop’s resilience makes it a strategic one for food security and poverty reduction since its derived products such as gari, tapioca, fermented dough, flour, starch, and chips, amongst others, helped to boost sub-regional trade.
Despite its importance, Africa, the world’s largest cassava producer, had the lowest yields compared to other continents as cultivation of the crop was impeded by several constraints, including viral diseases.
Dr. Mochiach said African Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Steak Disease (CBSD) constituted the most eminent restrictions to cassava production due to their geographical distribution, resulting in an annual economic loss which is estimated at two to three billion dollars in Sub-Saharan Africa alone.
He said the recent spread of CBSD from East Africa into Central Africa and the threat it posed to West Africa was a great concern because it could lead to yield loss of up to 90 percent or more.
These two viral diseases are transmitted by whiteflies, which are abundant in Ghana and disseminated by humans through the exchange and use of infected planting materials.
He said the havoc that the diseases could wreak on cassava production necessitated the meeting to discuss the response plan and the role of key stakeholders.
He expressed the hope that the response plan and its implementation would receive support and cooperation from stakeholders to contribute to Ghana’s effort in controlling the disease.
Dr. Allen Oppong, a Senior Research Scientist at CSIR and Ghana’s leader of the West Africa Virus Epidemiology (WAVE), who presented the objectives and outputs of the plan, said out of the two viral diseases, the most prevalent in the country was the African cassava mosaic viral disease.
He said the cassava mosaic disease varied from country to country, including, Cameroon, South African, Ivory Coast, and Ghana.
Any of these varied types have a serious effect on the cassava crop and result in about 20 to 40 percent loss in yields.
Dr. Oppong said although the cassava brown steak viral disease was not yet in Ghana, there was a need for stakeholders to prepare for its control to prevent the devastating effects on cassava production.
He said farmers often did not know the symptoms of the cassava viral diseases and indicated that the Ghana cassava response plan spelled out elaborate education of farmers to raise awareness of the diseases.
It would also help to promote the highly resistant cassava crops produced out of research to farmers as a measure to control the viral diseases.
Dr Oppong said the key structure of the response plan when accepted by all key stakeholders would be the setting up of an Emergency Operation Centre (ECO) to facilitate all activities towards a quick response against the cassava viral diseases.
Nana Fobi Kropa, the Chief of Atwimanim, who chaired the function, noted that cassava provided food and jobs for many Ghanaians, and therefore, commended stakeholders for the response plan to improve cassava production.
