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Building youth capacity is key to strengthening Ghana’s food system – World Food Programme.

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World Food Programme, through the Food Systems, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation is embarking on a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening Ghana’s food systems with the goal of promoting increased value chains and generating employment opportunities specifically for the youth.

Over a projected period of five years, this program is designed to support 100,000 smallholder farmers while significantly reducing post-harvest losses and improving the income of these farmers.

This ambitious project was underscored during a graduation ceremony held at Ohawu Agric College on September 20, 2024.

The event celebrated the achievements of approximately 165 beneficiaries who graduated a six-week training program on Agricultural Engineering.

Speaking to Agric Today at the graduation ceremony, Stephen Odarteifio, the Food Systems Coordinator of WFP, Ghana, emphasized the importance of building the capacity of young people to guarantee economic freedom and sustainability.

He highlighted the striking contrast in practical skills acquired through targeted training compared to traditional university education.

“The skills you have acquired to manage agricultural equipment supersede those who have gone to university for four years,” Odarteifio noted.

He expressed his surprise at the disparity in practical training, stating, “it still baffles me as to how you can go through four years of university education, spending about 3,000 Ghana cedis on tuition every year and close to 10,000 Ghana cedis on food, yet not know how to operate a tractor.”

His comments shed light on the urgent need to reevaluate agricultural education in the country.

Odarteifio drew a comparison between medical professionals and agricultural engineers “a Medical Doctor who has studied medicine for about six years can operate on a human being, yet an agricultural engineer undergoes a similar length of study without the practical skills to operate essential machinery.”

He asserted that agricultural engineers are among the most underserved and underprivileged groups within Ghana’s workforce.

Recognizing the importance of practical skills, Odarteifio announced an investment initiative stating, “over the next two years, WFP Ghana, through the Food Systems Unit in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, will invest $100,000 in every agricultural colleges in this country.”

This investment aims to enhance the infrastructure and resources available for training future agricultural professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing the sector.

Sitsofe Nutsukpui, the Director of Finance and Programs of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana reinforced the significance of the graduation ceremony.

He described it as a moment to celebrate not only the beneficiaries but the advancement of the agricultural sector as a whole.

“This ceremony marks not only the culmination of hard work and dedication but also the beginning of a new opportunities in the field of post-harvest mechanization,” he noted.

Nutsukpui articulated the Chamber’s mandate in fostering growth in the agribusiness sector, which is essential for creating substantial job opportunities for Ghanaian youth.

He acknowledged that post-harvest losses continue to pose significant challenges within the agricultural sector and the broader economy. By equipping the beneficiaries with the necessary skills and mechanization, the program addresses critical issues related to food security and livelihoods in Ghana.

Nutsukpui further shared that approximately 60% of the beneficiaries have already secured placements across fourteen regions within various agribusiness enterprises, marking a promising start to their careers.

In an interview with Agric Today Media, Ambrose Entsiwah Jnr., the Volta Regional Director of the National Service Authority commended the graduates for their achievements and underscored the value of training programs that provide practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.

“Such training programs give the opportunity to experience the practical aspect of the theories,” he stated.

Entsiwah highlighted the necessity for beneficiaries to engage in a one-year mandatory National Service, positioning it as a means of mobilizing young people into the workforce effectively.

He reiterated the program’s objective of reducing post-harvest losses, urging graduates to enter the workforce with enthusiasm and a commitment to driving change in the agricultural sector.

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Chamber beverages urge gov’t to tackle rampant soft drink smuggling

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The beverage industry is facing a severe threat from an influx of smuggled soft drinks, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.

The American Chamber of Commerce and the Spain-Ghana Chamber of Commerce have jointly issued a statement containing stark warning about the illegal importation of canned and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaged beverages into the country, citing grave concerns for both the economy and public health.

The illicit trade, which reportedly involves products from neighboring countries, is undermining legitimate manufacturers and depriving the government of crucial tax revenue.

This comes as revenue for that segment of the market is estimated to reach US$1.24 billion this year, according to data aggregator, Statista.

Of particular concern are Coca-Cola products, which the chambers claim are “among the most affected” by this smuggling operation.

Industry insiders reveal that these contraband beverages are often sold without the required tax stamps and at prices that significantly undercut the market, suggesting a sophisticated operation that bypasses customs duties, excise taxes, and other mandatory levies.

“The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) cannot verify the quality of these beverages, as they bypass established health regulatory processes,” the statement warned.

Moreover, the reputation of authorised dealers and franchisees is at stake. The chambers noted that these legitimate businesses “suffer reputational damage when inferior products are passed off as their own in the market.”

The scale of the problem appears to be nationwide, with the Chambers calling for action in major urban centers including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi.

This widespread distribution network suggests a well-organised smuggling operation that has managed to penetrate key markets across the country.

In response to this growing crisis, the chambers are calling for a multi-pronged approach involving several government agencies.

They have urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), particularly its Customs Division, to “take decisive action to halt the smuggling of these PET and canned beverages.”

The chambers are also seeking intervention from the Food and Drugs Authority, local authorities, and market leaders to protect brands and preserve government revenue.

Additionally, they have appealed to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, through the Ghana International Trade Commission (GITC), to address what they term as “unfair trade practices.”

This call to action underscores the complex nature of the problem, which straddles multiple jurisdictions and requires coordinated efforts across various government bodies.

“It is imperative that all stakeholders collaborate to combat this issue effectively,” the chambers emphasised.

In light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) , analysts say the situation highlights the challenges facing Ghana’s efforts to foster a competitive business environment and protect its growing manufacturing sector.

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Galamsey: $50m revenue loss looms if EU bans vegetable exports

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Ghana stands to lose approximately $50 million in revenue if the European Union (EU) enforces a ban on the export of vegetables and other produce from the country, due to the continued devastation caused by illegal mining activities.

The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG) has expressed concerns over the severe consequences a potential EU ban would have on their industry.

In October 2014, the EU imposed a three-year ban on the import of gourds and Asian vegetables, including chillies and aubergines, to the union from Ghana, citing concerns over pest infestations that posed risks to the EU’s ecosystem.

This resulted in a revenue loss of approximately $30 million for Ghana. After an assessment by the EU’s Food and Veterinary Office, the ban was lifted. However, the Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association fears a repeat of this situation due to the ongoing pollution of water bodies used for irrigation, a consequence of illegal mining activities.

In an interview with the Association’s President, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamasah urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further damage to the sector.

“We want to tell the government that they should quickly come out with a policy in terms of standard and quality and the measures we can put in place. This will enable us to secure what we are doing. Because when the ban is enforced, a lot of people will lose their jobs because most of the youth have a lot of interest in vegetable farming or agribusiness. With little knowledge we have, if the ban is enforced, what we are doing, we are looking around 50 million dollars which will be lost, “he noted.

VEPEAG also reaffirmed their commitment to join Organized Labour by the end of September in a demonstration against the government if no decisive policy is introduced to tackle the illegal mining menace.

“If the president does not come out with a policy by the close of the month, if we don’t hear anything from him, we will join the Labour people. This is because we work closely with the labour. We will join them for the demonstration because what we are telling the president is that he should come out like what he did to the COVID-19 issue.

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Ghana Cocoa Board has Outlived its Strategic Organizational Economic Relevance – CEO, Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Farmer Anthony Morrison, has said that the Ghana Cocoa Board has outlived its organizational relevance to cocoa farmers as the 45% producer price increment in cocoa prices does not resonate well with cocoa farmers.

The Chief Executive Officer made this assertion on the GBC Talking Point show on September 15, 2024.

In a conversation about the new cocoa price which has been reported as a 45% increase, Farmer Morrison compared the kilogram that makes up a cocoa bag in Ghana and other countries, indicating that Ghana is buying a bag of cocoa at 64kg, while Indonesia, which is the third-largest producer of cocoa, is buying a cocoa bag at 50kg.

He indicated that in the cases of other countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Indonesia, and other cocoa-producing countries, the kilograms are measured lower than in Ghana.

He indicated that a 45% increase in cocoa price is inadequate as farmers pay for everything they do on their lands, including weeding, spraying, buying and applying fertilizers, among other things.

He further reiterated that some farmers even pay for the lands they farm on because they rent the land.

He went on to say that there should be an examination of the factors that influence cocoa prices internally and globally, and these should be factored into the intervention of the Cocoa Board for farmers.

He therefore disagrees with Cocoa Board expenses at their headquarters since cocoa is produced on the field and not at the headquarters.

He indicated that the bureaucracy at the Cocoa Board is part of the reason why the board has declared losses for the past seven years.

“We need to look into the Cocoa Board’s structural position, functions, and competitive advantage in the global market,” he said.

According to Farmer Morrison, there is a need for a new Cocoa Board that is market-oriented.

“Its approach must add value to Ghana’s cocoa. We need to export value-added cocoa to the international market and not raw cocoa; that is where the board can get money to pay the cocoa farmers what they deserve.”

Echoing the sentiments of Farmer Anthony Morrison, the Executive Director of Tarzan Enterprise Limited, Ziad Hamoui, also questioned the Ghana Cocoa Board on their huge expenses while their mission is to produce, process, and export cocoa.

He also shared the thoughts of Anthony Morrison, stating that the current cocoa price increase of 45% doesn’t seem fair to farmers.

He indicated that cocoa price alone doesn’t determine the value of cocoa, as pricing is one of the factors that lead to the smuggling of cocoa to other countries.

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Agriculture and Aquaculture Associations call on the government for immediate cease of all galamsey operations.

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The agriculture and aquaculture associations has called on the President and the Parliament for immediate and decisive actions to combat galamsey by ceasing all galamsey operations immediately, and requested immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies, restoring degraded lands, and prosecuting perpetrators.

According to the associations, the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) is wreaking havoc on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.

They called for urgent implementation of measures to halt galamsey operations and conduct environmental assessments.

They made their stance known in a press release dated September 12, 2024, jointly signed by stakeholders in the Agriculture and Aquaculture value chain.

The associations called for the implementation of sustainable mining practices, support for affected communities and industries, the setup of a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee comprising respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders, and the deployment of military and police personnel to galamsey-prone areas.

To end galamsey, the associations stated that there should be the provision of alternative livelihoods, the development of a National Mining Policy, and the setup of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund, as well as promoting agroforestry and reforestation efforts.

The associations further reiterated the detrimental impacts of galamsey activities on Ghana’s environment.

They highlighted the widespread depletion of Ghana’s Forest Reserve and the destruction of 78% of freshwater bodies (FAO, 2022), loss of aquatic life, biodiversity, and significant economic repercussions, including a $1.2 billion annual fish import bill (GSA, 2023).

They indicated that the threats to food security, job creation, health, and national stability (MoTI, 2022), alarming pollution levels in water bodies and forest cover loss (EPA, 2023), health risks such as cancer, respiratory diseases, and birth defects linked to exposure to hazardous substances used in galamsey (GHS, 2023), and estimated annual economic losses of $2.3 billion with over 1 million individuals directly involved in galamsey (GSS, 2022).

The coalition, therefore, urged the Minister of Food and Agriculture to publicly denounce galamsey’s impact, collaborate with the Minister of Environment, protect farmers’ lands, and support affected farmers, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices.

The coalition stands resolutely against the devastation caused by galamsey and calls for innovative solutions, community involvement, and justice for affected regions.

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Ghana to celebrate the National Livestock Day on 3rd – 4th October 2024.

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The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in partnership with the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers have officially launched the National Livestock Day that is scheduled on October 3rd and 4th, 2024 at the Efua Sutherland Park, Accra.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has stated that livestock farming is crucial in the country as it creates jobs, provides food and nutrition, and boosts the country’s economy.

The Ministry, through the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru made this statement at the media launch of National Livestock Day, held at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Project Office in Cantoment-Accra, on September 10, 2024.

The Deputy Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing livestock farming as a key factor in its development agenda. The celebration of National Livestock Day aligns with this commitment and aims to spotlight the sector’s importance.

Speaking to Agric Today on the theme, “A Thriving Livestock Industry Towards Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security for Economic Growth,” the Deputy Minister pointed out that livestock farming is integral to the livelihoods of many Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas who rely on it for income and sustenance.

As part of the National Livestock Day celebrations, the event will feature a diverse range of ruminant livestock breeds. There will be significant discounts on meat products available to the general public.

Hon. Tufeiru highlighted that the future prosperity of Ghana is closely linked to the growth of the livestock sector, which plays a pivotal role in boosting the national economy.

He encouraged corporate entities, businesses, and other organizations to participate as sponsors and partners in this important event.

Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, the Acting Deputy Director of the CSIR-Animal Research Institute, echoed the Deputy Minister’s sentiments. She emphasized that the livestock sector is essential to the country’s development, contributing 4.9 billion Ghana Cedis to the GDP in 2022.

Dr. Yaa Osei said the benefits of livestock extend beyond food and nutrition security; they also include valuable by-products such as manure for crop farming and hides for manufacturing footwear and bags.

She affirms the CSIR-Animal Research Institute’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers, and other stakeholders in the livestock value chain.

The goal is to achieve national self-sufficiency in food and nutritional security while generating income through improved and sustainable livestock production practices.

The Deputy Director of the Animal Production Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Dr. Abdul Razak Okine spoke on the directorate’s objectives.

He stated that the directorate is committed to creating an enabling environment for the livestock sector to thrive in Ghana.

As part of this commitment, they plan to embark on a nationwide tour to gather input from livestock farmers, processors, and other stakeholders involved in the livestock value chain.

Dr. Okine reiterated the importance of the exhibition, which will be held on October 3rd and 4th, 2024, and expressed the positive impact that the event will have on the sector.

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We’ll use self-financing alongside syndicated loans for next crop season – COCOBOD

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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has reiterated plans to implement a self-financing model for the 2024/2025 cocoa crop season.

He clarified, however, that this initiative will operate alongside the traditional syndicated loan system.

COCOBOD recently unveiled its intention to shift towards self-financing for the upcoming season, but Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam contradicted this announcement, stating that the government will still seek external funding to support the cocoa sector.

Speaking during a meeting with farmers from various cocoa districts in Kumasi on Friday, Aidoo assured that the self-financing model will be integrated with the existing loan structure, ensuring a blended approach to funding the sector.

“It is just a blend. We are blending what we’ve been doing for years. I don’t think there is anything wrong with introducing a new thing. Once you have an existing model, you can only combine that model with a new one, and I believe that if it works, then Ghana will work with that model going forward.

“We have already tried it during the last crop season, from June up to the end of August. That was the model we were using to buy cocoa and ship, and it has worked, but we want to scale it. So even as we may be going for a loan, because when you talk about syndication, it is like going to borrow, and what we are doing will not require borrowing. So if we are blending not borrowing with borrowing, I don’t think it should become an issue.

“We want to implement the not borrowing, thus the self-financing. That is what we are starting the season with, and once it works, there will be no need for us to go for borrowing,” he stated.

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Over 100,000 acres of Cocoa farms destroyed by illegal mining – Farmers Association

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The Mankrom Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association has revealed that over 100,000 acres of cocoa farms have been destroyed due to illegal mining activities.

The farmers voiced their concerns over the severe impact on cocoa-growing areas, where farmlands are being ravaged in the pursuit of gold.

Speaking in an interview with Citi News, the president of the association emphasised the urgent need for government intervention to halt the ongoing destruction and protect the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.

“They are destroying cocoa farms and lands for this illegal mining and we have not heard anything. In case the government is not aware of the destruction; the cocoa board is telling farmers that they cannot do anything as of now looking at the level of harm and the big men that are into gold mining.

“Now, even the government has changed the name and made it community mining. What is community mining? They are doing exactly what the illegal miners are doing.

“More than 100,000 acres of farmlands have been destroyed due to illegal mining and it has affected us and our production for this year. Because most of the cocoa has been cut down and once they have been cut down, it is making things difficult for us to get the harvest that we are getting.

“So, I believe that going forward the government should declare a state of emergency in the galamsey areas. All galamsey issues should be halted so that after the elections, a commission should be set up to investigate all the illegal mining in the country so that we come up with a blueprint, for the way that we should do mining in Ghana.

“Other than that everybody has to just wake up and search for gold and illegally continue on those businesses, then lives and properties will continue to be affected,” he stated.

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PFJ Phase 2: Distributing fertilisers to party cronies disappointing – Peasant Farmers

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The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has expressed its disappointment over the alleged politicisation of fertiliser distribution under phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative.

Concerns were raised after reports surfaced that Members of Parliament and District Chief Executives were distributing fertilisers based on political party affiliation.

Speaking to Citi News, the Programmes Manager of the association, Charles Nyaaba, confirmed these allegations after engaging with peasant farmers nationwide, who shared their experiences regarding the biased distribution.

“We, as farmers, were expecting that it [the fertiliser] would be evenly distributed according to vulnerable people. At the beginning of the week, I have so far visited about 20 districts and in all these districts I visited, those are the complaints that were coming from our members, that if you are not a member of NPP, they will not even allow you to be part of it.

“So there are farmers who have not even attempted to go there because if you go there and you are not a member of the party, you will not be allowed to take part and get your share.

“But as an association that represents the voices of farmers across all political divides, we are so disappointed.”

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