Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have agreed to form a joint committee to find a lasting solution to security challenges faced by cocoa farmers along with the southern parts of the shared border of the two countries.
Ghanaian cocoa farmers who farm across the Tano River are often accosted by irregular Ivorian Para-military forces when they are ferrying their harvest inland.
Cocoa farmers report falling victim to the activities of the irregular Ivorian forces, who extort the farmers or seize their cocoa beans.
The agreement to form a joint committee was reached when Ghanaian officials hosted their Ivorian counterparts in a meeting at Half Assini in the Western Region on 24th February 2021.
The delegation from Ghana was led by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Hon Joseph Boahen Aidoo, and made up of officials from COCOBOD, the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, members of the Regional Security Council, and border security agents.
The Ivorian delegation was constituted by the Deputy Director-General of Le Conseil Du Café-Cacao (CCC), Dr. Koffi N’goran, their National Land Forces General, and other members of various security agencies and a Regional Minister for Agriculture.
The joint committee will be tasked to work with all stakeholders on both sides of the border to fashion an enduring solution to the problem which has been in the area for decades.
The farmers have been traumatized for decades, hence the need for this urgent meeting with our Ivorian counterparts, Hon Boahen Aidoo said, in an interview with the media after the meeting.
This is not a new problem but it has been escalating of late and for us, in Ghana we see it as a national security issue. So, the National Security Minister and the President have been made aware and for the first-time major steps are being taken to stop the illegal activities and give the farmers peace.
He added that the Ivorians admitted to having been made aware of the activities of the Para-military forces. Many Ivorian farmers have also reported similar encounters with the forces. They gave the assurance that in the immediate term they will conduct a thorough “clean-up” of the boarder and crackdown on the criminal elements.
The Ghanaian Marine Police will also be conducting regular patrols of the Ghanaian side of the Tano river to check criminal activities.
Moringa is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years. It is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.
Moringa is believed to have many benefits and its uses range from health and beauty to helping prevent and cure diseases. The benefits of moringa include:
Protecting and nourishing skin and hair Moringa seed oil is beneficial for protecting hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy. Moringa also contains protein, which means it is helpful in protecting skin cells from damage. It also contains hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also boost the skin and hair.
It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores. Treating edema Edema is a painful condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may be effective in preventing edema from developing.
Protecting the liver Moringa appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.
Preventing and treating cancer Moringa extracts contain properties that might help prevent cancer from developing. It also contains niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
Treating stomach complaints Moringa extracts might help treat some stomach disorders, such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of moringa may help inhibit the growth of various pathogens, and its high vitamin B content helps with digestion.
Fighting against bacterial diseases Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, moringa extracts might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E. coli.
Making bones healthier Moringa also contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties moringa extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones.
Treating mood disorders Moringa is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Protecting the cardiovascular system The powerful antioxidants found in Moringa extract might help prevent cardiac damage and have also been shown to maintain a healthy heart.
Helping wounds to heal Extract of moringa has been shown to help wounds close as well as reduce the appearance of scars.
Treating diabetes Moringa helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar and protein in the urine. This improved the hemoglobin levels and overall protein content in those tested.
Treating asthma Moringa may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.
Protecting against kidney disorders People may be less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder, or uterus if they ingest moringa extract. Moringa contains high levels of antioxidants that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys.
Reducing high blood pressure Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, compounds that help to stop arteries from thickening, which can cause blood pressure to rise.
Improving eye health Moringa contains eyesight-improving properties thanks to its high antioxidant levels. Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.
Treating anemia and sickle cell disease Moringa might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease
Daniel Kofi Abu, the Project Manager of Tropenbos-Ghana has urged farmers to adopt organic and climate-smart farming to improve the quality of food production and promote food security in the country.
He said farmers must adopt climate-smart agricultural practices which were better to reduce the use and application of agrochemicals such as weedicides, herbicides, and inorganic fertilizers for food production.
This, according to him would indeed promote healthy food crop production to improve the healthy living conditions of the people.
Mr. Abu gave the advice when he was speaking at a day’s multi-stakeholder dialogue platform that comprised about 50 participants that included farmers, representatives of civil society and non-governmental organizations, persons with disabilities, and District Assemblies on Tuesday at Techiman in the Bono East Region.
The dialogue revolved around the Research for Development and Innovation Agriculture Learning (ReDIAL) project, which focused on contributing to transform and innovate agriculture and food systems in Ghana through action research, application of innovative technologies, and organization of farmers.
The ReDIAL, a four-year project spanning 2020 to 2024 has five intervention areas – Techiman, Donkorkrom at the Eastern Region part of Afram Plains, Sefwi-Wiawso, Western North Region, Yendi, Northern Region, and Ejura in the Ashanti Region.
Mr. Abu said the aforementioned areas formed part of the cereal belt in Ghana and the farmers in those areas would be introduced to new organic farming practices to contribute towards food security in the country.
He stressed the need for farmers to adopt innovative and organic farming practices since that added more quality value to farm produce than the produce through the use of agro-chemicals.
Mr. Abu stated the project would again introduce farmers to other innovations like soil testing to enable them to know the vulnerability of the soil before planting to get good yields.
Mr. Vanancious Ngbenkom Tuor, the Communications and Feasibility Coordinator of the project, disclosed the project was being funded by the European Union and is implemented by a consortium consisting of Friends of the Nation (FoN), Tropenbos-Ghana, the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and supported by SAYeTECH Company and SESI Technology.
The BBN Rice Par-boilers Co-operative in the Upper East Region has called on the general public and Boarding schools to consume locally produced rice.
The par-boilers, mostly women, said local foods including rice would enhance economic empowerment and promote good health as the local rice had no dangerous additives.
Madam Gilberta Akuka, the President of the Co-operative, speaking on behalf of her colleagues at a durbar in Bolgatanga, organized by SOCODEVI, an NGO, to present rice stoves to Par-boilers in its project areas in the Upper East Region, said local rice was well processed, had no stones or other foreign materials and was easy to cook.
She said it did not only taste delicious but had a special aroma and a full complement of its nutrients.
Madam Akuka said they had undergone a series of capacity-building training and were presently producing delicious rice suitable for cooking any rice meal.
She said SOCODEVI through its PROCEED project also thought them to par-boil without endangering the environment as well as their health.
She explained that the process was so efficient, hygienic, and qualitative.
“So now, when we produce rice, it looks very white and very appealing just like other rice brands,” she said.
Madam Akuka commended SOCODEVI for the support given to them and said it would improve their lives.
The BBN Co-operative is made up of about 1,409 women rice par-boilers drawn from 59 Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) in three districts in the region, Bolgatanga, Bawku, and Kassena Nankana Municipalities.
Pregnant women are fragile and they need not engage in certain foods which harbor bacteria or chemicals that could disturb their health condition as well as the babies. Remember that there are some items that should be taken off the menu.
For the time being, pregnant women should avoid these foods until delivery.
Unpasteurized juice Unpasteurized cheese Raw seafood Rare meat Hot dogs and deli meats Raw eggs High-mercury fish like swordfish, king mackerel, orange roughy, bigeye tuna, and tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico Raw sprouts Alcohol
It’s normal to worry that your pregnancy diet is not quite hitting the mark. But sticking with good-for-you foods — especially ones rich in key nutrients like folate, protein, iron, calcium, vitamin D, DHA, and iodine — and limiting empty-calorie snacks will help you and your baby get the nourishment you both need.
And if at any point during your pregnancy you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough of certain vitamins or minerals, talk with your practitioner. Together, you can determine where you might be falling short and how to fill the gaps.
The Hult Prize Foundation has officially announced the locations and co-hosts of its 2021 Impact Summits. This year’s summits will take place across 50 different cities around the world, each hosting the regional final round of the Hult Prize flagship one-million-dollar startup challenge.
Afrivoices for Climate Change (AFC) has been selected as a co-host for one of the 50 summits happening in March and April. In its 12th year, the Hult Prize Foundation received a record number of city-wide bids from over one-thousand applicants across the world, representing more than 3,000 organizations including private foundations, NGOs, and higher education institutions.
“Ghana is an ideal location to spark innovations among the next millennials and here at Afrivoices for Climate Change (AFC), we couldn’t be more thrilled to be hosting such a prestigious gathering of young people in partnership with the University of Energy and Natural Resources. Moreover, it is affirmative that this year’s theme: Food for Good-Transforming food into a vehicle for change, will support in creating viable food enterprises, stimulate Ghana’s economy to impact a million of lives in the next decade” says Mr. John Baptist Kabo-Bah, Executive Director of AFC.
Mr. Charlemagne Quinitio, Chief Operating Officer at the Hult Prize Foundation credits Afrivoices for Climate Change (AFC) and the University of Energy and Natural Resources commitment to building forward-thinking leaders who put an emphasis on shared value as the main reason the bid committee gave them the nod. “It’s not every day you find a partner organization that feels the exact same you do about the potential of young people to change the world. We are really looking forward to seeing the regional level impact that our Impact Summit at Accra can have.”
Hult Prize Impact Summits have a history of being life-changing experiences for attendees and bring together a community of people with an outlook of changing the world through business. Events are open to college and university students, industry professionals, academic leaders, and non-profit / government executives. Planned programming includes professional networking mixers, social events, inspirational keynote speeches, workshops, and the headline activity of the summit – the regional final demo day of the million-dollar Hult Prize Challenge. More than 200 short-listed entrepreneurs will be pitching startups that solve this year’s UN-issued food challenge. At stake for one lucky team is a golden ticket invitation to attend the award-winning Hult Prize Accelerator program getting them one step closer to winning US$1,000,000 in startup capital.
Registration for the Impact Summits opens on February 27th. Learn more about the Hult Prize by visiting hultprize.org.
About [Co-Host Organization]. Afrivoices for Climate Change (AFC): is a registered not-for-profit organization in Ghana pioneered by dynamic and innovative people that helps demonstrate the uncovering mitigation potential we have as people to contribute to a more sustainable environment and food for the future. We simply inspire, empower, connect and engage food and climate movements for more resilient actions for SDG 2 and SDG 13.
About the Hult Prize Foundation. The Hult Prize Foundation is the market leader in action-based learning, impact education, and large-scale job creation for youth. Founded in 2009 by impact pioneer, Ahmad Ashkar, the Hult Prize Foundation transforms how young people envision their own possibilities as leaders of change in the world around them. With a network of 3,000 university chapters and international headquarters located on five continents, the organization has been a global force supporting youth everywhere who seek to build their capacities in the world of entrepreneurship and to connect to the world of business. Through a flagship one-million-dollar global entrepreneurship prize, the Hult Prize Foundation has helped launch thousands of startups that actively solve UN SDGs and create new jobs across 121 countries. In partnership with the United Nations Office of Partnerships, EF Education First, and the Hult International Business School, the Hult Prize has brought impact-focused programs and events to millions of people, creating a pathway for youth everywhere to take action to build a better world.
To learn more about the Hult Prize Foundation and how to get involved, visit https://www.hultprize.org/
Not only do apples taste delicious on their own or when added to dishes but they come loaded with health benefits. “Apples have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved gut health and reduced risk of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and some cancers
Apples may Lower High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
“Studies have linked apple consumption with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, which may be related to the cholesterol-lowering benefits of the soluble fiber found in apples,” says Anzlovar.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gellike material, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to the University of Illinois, soluble fiber helps prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, therefore lowering the incidence of atherosclerosis (restricted blood flow in the arteries due to plaque buildup) and heart disease. It can also help lower blood pressure levels. A study found that a higher intake of soluble fiber was associated with a decreased cardiovascular disease risk.
Research shows that eating apples (or pears) regularly was associated with a 52 percent lower stroke risk. Furthermore, a study published in February 2020 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating two apples a day helped study participants lower both their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Eating Foods with Fiber, Including Apples, Can Aid Digestion
You’ve likely heard that fiber is good for digestion — and what you’ve heard is true! According to Harvard Health Publishing, both types of fiber (soluble and insoluble, which means it can’t be absorbed in water) are important for digestion. And you’re in luck — apples have both types, according to the University of Illinois.
Soluble fiber helps slow down digestion, allowing you to feel full, and also slows the digestion of glucose, which helps control your blood sugar. Meanwhile, insoluble fiber can help move food through your system and aid with constipation and regularity, per Harvard.
Just be sure to eat the apple skin, which contains much of the apple’s insoluble fiber, according to the University of Illinois.
Apples can boost Immune System
Who doesn’t want a stronger immune system going into autumn? Apples might be an important tool in your immune-supporting tool kit.
According to research in animals, a diet filled with soluble fiber helped convert immune cells that were pro-inflammatory into anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting ones. Another animal study, published in May 2018 in the journal Immunity, found that a diet high in dietary fiber protected mice against the flu. Whether those effects would be seen in humans is unclear until there are more studies.
Still, there’s reason to believe that apples may bolster immunity, in part because they contain immune-boosting vitamin C. A review published in November 2017 in the journal Nutrients found that vitamin C plays many roles in helping the immune system function, such as by strengthening the epithelial (a type of tissue) barrier against pathogens and guarding against environmental oxidative stress, such as pollution to radiation, according to research.
Apples are a Diabetes-Friendly Fruit
If you have type 2 diabetes, consider adding apples to your diet. Sure, they’re a fruit, but it’s a common misconception that people with diabetes can’t eat fruit.
In this case, apples’ soluble fiber can help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and may improve blood sugar levels, the Mayo Clinic notes. Plus, per Mayo, a healthy diet that includes insoluble fiber can lower your odds of developing type 2 diabetes in the first place.
Furthermore, a study of people with type 2 diabetes published in August 2016 in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine found that regularly consuming soluble fiber helped reduce insulin resistance and improved blood sugar and triglyceride levels.
The Antioxidants in Apples may play a role in cancer prevention
While there’s no one surefire way to prevent cancer, apples could help play a role. “Apples may reduce the risk of certain cancers, which researchers speculate is related to the antioxidants found in apples,” says Anzlovar. Research suggests that apples have a very high level of antioxidants, and in laboratory studies, these antioxidants have been shown to limit cancer cell growth.
A review published in October 2016 in Public Health Nutrition found that eating apples regularly is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including colorectal, oral cavity, esophageal, and breast cancers.
The fiber in apples may provide cancer-preventing perks. A study published in March 2016 in the journal Pediatrics found that women who ate more high-fiber foods during adolescence and young adulthood (especially lots of fruits and vegetables) had a lower breast cancer risk later in life.
And another study, published in January 2019 in the journal The Lancet, found that a diet high in dietary fiber could protect against colorectal cancer and breast cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Eating Apples can support healthy weight loss
A diet rich in fruit (and vegetables) can help you maintain a healthy weight — or shed pounds — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Because apples are filled with dietary fiber, they are high on this list. “Fiber slows digestion and the rise of blood sugar, keeping you satiated and less likely to overeat,” says Levinson.
According to that study in The Lancet, people who ate the most fiber had a significantly lower body weight. Research shows that overweight women who ate three apples a day lost 1.22 kg (2.7 pounds) after 12 weeks.
Apples may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Time to start eating more apples and other flavonoid-rich foods like berries and tea. Research published in August 2020 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adults age 50 and older who included only a small amount of flavonoid-rich foods like berries, apples, and tea in their diet were a whopping 2 to 4 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and related types of dementia over 20 years compared with people who ate more flavonoid-rich foods.
On top of that, a review published in January 2020 in the journal Biomolecules found that quercetin, a flavonoid found in apples, protects neurons from oxidative damage and contains other anti-Alzheimer’s disease properties, too. But, the researchers say, more research needs to be done outside of a laboratory setting
Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in collaboration with Light A Village, a Non-Governmental Organization has donated complete sets of a solar lamp to 48 cocoa and Coffee farm households in Adofe and Dzogbedo in the Ho West District of the Volta region of Ghana.
Presenting the solar lamps to the beneficiaries, Mr. Owusu Manu, Deputy Director of Research at COCOBOD indicated that the donation formed part of a larger education support programme by the two organisations in aid of the educational aspirations of wards of farmers in remote communities. The programme also aimed at lighting up communities that are not connected to the national electricity grid.
Mr. Owusu Manu noted that cocoa and coffee are important to Ghana’s economy so the Board and its collaborators will make efforts to support its development adding that, ‘It is in view of this that we support schools and communities without light.
He was quick to add that the reason for the donation was to help the children study in the evening.
Concluding, Mr. Manu entreated the farmers to form groups to make them stronger in seeking support and building a better-managed market for their produce. “To get the best outcome of your activities, your best bet is to form groups”
The Ghana Cocoa Bod and Light A Village presenting the complete sets of solar lamps to the beneficiaries at Adofe and Dzogbedo in the Ho West District of the Volta region of Ghana.
The President and Founder of Light A Village, Dr. James Quartey in his message to the beneficiaries, expressed his joy about being able to organize resources to support those without electricity in Ghana to access light for their daily lives. He was particularly happy about the close cooperation with COCOBOD on this venture.
Dr. Quartey expressed confidence to continually partner with COCOBOD in helping children access education by providing their communities with solar lamps for studies.
Ms. Benedicta Tamakloe, founder of Bean Masters coffee and a lead person for organizing the farmer group who was at the presentation ceremony recounted that her organization sources and roasts Ghanaian coffee from women-owned farms.
She disclosed that her organization is committed to using 10% of their net profit in the development of the farms from which they source their coffee.
She encouraged other farmers who are actively in coffee farming to join the association adding that combining skills, knowledge and other abilities help them develop together while sharing skills and opportunities and to overcome challenges collectively.
Mr. Owusu Manu later presented bars of chocolates to the school children emphasizing its nutritional and health benefits. He noted that cocoa which forms the base of every chocolate product has the propensity to boost the cognitive ability of humans especially children in their formative years while providing the highest source of antioxidants for the human body.
Our immune systems are the basis of our health, which of course plays a big role when it comes to our overall wellness and happiness. The immune system’s complex network of organs, cells, and molecules protects us from anything foreign and potentially harmful, such as viruses, bacteria, cancer cells, toxic chemicals, and more.
Through a process called the immune response, this system attacks invading organisms and substances as they enter the body and work to inflict disease. Especially important are the white blood cells produced and stored in the spleen, bone marrow, and other sites. They circulate through the body and spring into action to destroy potentially harmful foreign invaders — and then remember those invaders so they can guard against them in the future.
Your immune system likely needs to be boosted and you are the only one who can do it. Things like stress, foods high in saturated fat, alcohol, and skipping exercise can all weaken this key part of the body that helps fight off infection and keep you healthy.
Be Proactive When It Comes to Cold and Flu Prevention. Whether or not you find yourself under the weather has a lot to do with the actions you take to keep from getting sick. To be more proactive about warding off viruses:
Get a flu shot! The flu vaccine has been proven to reduce the risk of flu, potentially make symptoms milder if you do get sick, and reduce the risk of a hospital trip for the flu, according to the CDC. The vaccine is also important for individuals who may be more vulnerable to getting sick — or may have a tougher time recovering from a cold or flu, like women who are pregnant, older adults, and individuals with certain chronic health problems.
Wash your hands: Stop germs in their tracks. Remember: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry. Practice it frequently throughout the day to prevent the spread of diarrhea and respiratory disease, too.
Take Vitamin D: Vitamin D is known to play an important role in keeping your immune system operating at its best. Our bodies make the vitamin naturally when the skin is exposed to sunlight. But if you’re not getting a lot of time outside (due to winter weather or other reasons), research suggests that taking vitamin D supplements can help to lower your chance of catching a cold or the flu.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep Every Night. In a holiday swirl? Pulling an all-nighter won’t help. You need seven to nine hours of sleep. Period. (That’s according to guidelines from the National Sleep Foundation.) A growing body of research shows that not getting enough sleep has an immediate (and long-term) effect on how well the cells in your immune system actually function. That means not getting enough sleep could make you more likely to get sick. Here are a few tips to sleep better tonight:
Make sure your room is as dark as it can be. Get light-blocking curtains for your windows and cover digital clocks that may give off extra light.
Sleep in a cool room. The National Sleep Foundation recommends setting your thermostat for between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Turn in and wake up at the same times each day. A routine sleep schedule makes it easier for your body to accomplish important nighttime functions and improves sleep quality.
Turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed. The light that comes from devices like phones, laptops, and TVs actually sends signals to the brain to stop releasing melatonin (the hormone that makes you feel sleepy) when it otherwise naturally would.
Make Healthy, Nutritious Food and Drink Choices. Making healthy, nutritious food choices can give your immune system a big boost. And conversely, making unhealthy food choices can hamper immune function. Here are a few superfoods with extra immune-boosting potential:
Garlic. This pungent bulb is an immune system powerhouse. Garlic can boost the number of virus-fighting T-cells in your bloodstream, help mediate your body’s response to stress, and more.
Whole grains Quinoa, oats, and other whole grains are high in complex carbohydrates, which provide fiber. As fiber breaks down, its by-products support healthy gut microorganisms that defend against viruses, fungi, and parasites. A study published in the March 2017 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adults who consumed diets rich in whole grains had improved immune function compared with adults who consumed diets with more refined grains.
Yogurt. Opt for yogurt with live cultures, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which have been shown to help the healthy bacteria in our intestines flourish, according to a review article published in March 2013 in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. This “gut flora” benefits us by zapping disease-causing organisms, optimizing digestion, and manufacturing certain vitamins to protect against diarrhea, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Make Time for Exercise. Regular exercise helps keep our immune system running by supporting overall health and wellness. And newer research suggests that exercise also boosts immune function specifically by improving circulation, relieving stress, promoting “good” bacteria in the gut, and more, according to a review article published in the February 2016 issue of the journal Immunology and Cell Biology.
That doesn’t mean you have to run marathons every day in December to stay well (in fact, that same Immunology & Cell Biology review concludes that too much intense exercise can actually be harmful to our immune systems). Aim for just more than 20 minutes of some physical activity every day to clock 150 minutes each week (the amount recommended by the American Heart Association and other health organizations for optimal health).
Enjoy Family and Friends. Over the past decade, several scientific studies have been done on how supportive family relationships and social interactions lower stress, make us happy and also boost our immune system. Conversely, loneliness and negative social interactions have been shown to increase stress and hurt our health, according to a review published in the January 2016 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Make it a point to spread good cheer during this holiday season and make time for the people in your life — and the positive results will return to you in health spades.
GHANA TUNA ASSOCIATION BANKERS: P. O. Box SC. 102 Ghana Commercial Bank – TemaCommunity l, Tema Barclays Bank – TemaTCI: 0303 204137 E-mail: www.ghanatunaassociation.com Our Ref:……… Your Date: …………………20 Friday, February 19, 2021 The Rt. Hon. Speaker Parliament of the Republic of Ghana Parliament House-Accra Dear Sir, PETITION THE MATTER OF PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE FOR THE MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND DEVELOPMENT. The Ghana Tuna Association congratulates you on your election for the High Office of the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana and wishes you a successful tenure. The Association looks forward to a fruitful working relationship with you and Parliament as a whole.
Rt. Hon. Speaker, as stakeholders within the fisheries sector particularly the tuna sector, we listened to the vetting of the Hon. Nominee for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Ministry and we are of the humble opinion that her basic skill sets, biases, and passions are such that they may not fit into dealing with the challenges that the sector faces currently and the other workings expected of the sector Minister.
The Association writes to bring to your attention some major issues that confront the sector and key engagements within the sector such as international trade as well as international relations that continue to inform policy direction of the sector. These issues we strongly affirm should also be part of the considerations in selecting a Minister, Deputy Ministers, and other appointees to lead the fisheries sector.
As an industry, we admit we are part of a whole, and consideration needed to be given to other players in all decisions; however such considerations must fairly reflect the interest of all the sectors.
Such include:
COLLAPSING POLE AND LINE SECTOR (P&L); the Pole and Line sector is almost collapsed with only six out of the twenty vessels currently active. The causes of this challenge are mainly the inability of the vessels to harvest live baits (anchovies) and the high cost of operations including exorbitant license fees and the high cost of marine gasoline. These are issues that can no longer wait and losing our pole and line fleet may not be looked on favorably by the international community. This is because the pole and line fishing method is considered the most environmentally friendly and conservation compliant, giving its catches a premium pricing on the international market.
SKILLED LABOUR; the sector has for a long while relying on the skilled crew from Korea to captain our vessels. There is a need not just to train skilled crew but also deck sailors. A situation requiring leadership with an in-depth appreciation of the sector and issues within the sector.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIP; the European Union and many interesting countries regularly engage Ghana on many issues including Illegal Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing practices, international trade relationships, and appeal for access to fish in our Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). These are relations that are ongoing and will require that a Minister, once appointed should quickly develop the set skills for such engagements. Without prejudices to the Hon. Nominee, it was quite evident that the Hon. the nominee may require longer than expected time to develop the needed passion and set skills to be the arrowhead for such policy engagement. The industry, as well as the country, are likely to suffer the consequences for any lapses that may arise.
EMERGING ISSUES; emerging issues such as the blue economy with all its activities, including Hydrocarbon extraction, Climate Change, Maritime Transport, and piracy require a certain level of understanding of the sector in making a choice for the Minister responsible for Fisheries as the policy head.
As an industry, we have been so willing to work with any person who is appointed at the pleasure of H. E the President without raising any concern. However, recent experiences have taught us that we need as stakeholders to pick the early signals and submit our concerns to the attention of the appointing authority for whatever remedy that may be available, in order to protect our industries and businesses from decisions that are likely to impact them negatively and further collapse the sector.
It is our humble opinion that our concern will be given the needed consideration in appointing the nominee for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
We are grateful. cc. The Hon. Chairman Appointments Committee Parliament House-Accra The Ag. President National Fisheries Association of Ghana-Tema The Ag. President Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association-Tema The President Ghana Inshore Fisheries Association Tema The Executive Secretary Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council Accra
