The Human Rights Court 1 has dismissed the interlocutory injunction application filed by Food Sovereignty Ghana and others against the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) over the approval given for the registration of 14 GMO crops for food, feed, and processing in Ghana.
The court presided over by Her Ladyship, Justice Barbara Tetteh-Charway in dismissing the application on Tuesday April 30, 2024, acknowledged the NBA’s diligence in executing its statutory mandate in ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of GMOs crops within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Food Sovereignty Ghana and others on April 10, 2024, filed the motion for interlocutory injunction to restrain the National Biosafety Committee and 4 others from “releasing into the Ghanaian ecosystem any GM product”.
The court also admonished that seeking information from the NBA would have averted the filing of the present application. The landmark ruling marks a significant milestone for actors in the biotechnology and agricultural innovation space and affirms that science-based functional biosafety systems are important to expand producer choice, inspire consumer confidence, facilitate trade and promote agricultural research and development.
The ruling of the substantive matter is scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024.
The NBA in a statement dated April 30, 2024, assured Ghanaians of its commitment to ensuring the safety of modern biotechnology in Ghana as well as continuous engagement with stakeholders in a transparent manner.
Dorongo Dam, once a vital lifeline for communities within the Upper East Region, now lies barren, dried up entirely, leaving behind cracked soil and shattered dreams.
Located in the heart of the Upper East Region, the Dorongo Dam was once a symbol of hope and prosperity for surrounding communities.
Constructed in 1963, the dam served as a crucial source of water for irrigation, transforming the lives of farmers and residents alike. However, today, the dam lies barren, dried up entirely, leaving behind cracked soil and shattered dreams.
For decades, the Dorongo Dam played a crucial role in the livelihoods of people in the area. Farmers cultivated vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, okra, and leafy greens, utilizing the water for irrigation during the dry season. The proceeds from these vegetables not only sustained families but also enabled many to improve their living standards, with some using the income for dowries and better homes.
However, with the dam now nothing more than a cracked expanse of earth, these opportunities have vanished, leaving community members disillusioned and vulnerable to social vices. Without adequate water for irrigation, farmers were forced to abandon their crops, leaving their fields barren and unattended. Some farmers have resorted to allowing their animals to graze on the abandoned farmland, exacerbating the loss of potential harvests.
“This year, a bag of pepper was between 2,500 cedis to 2,900 cedis. But sadly, that was the period when farmers under this dam were packing up because there was insufficient water for the crops. We invested so much in our farms, hoping for a good harvest, but now everything is lost. Without water from the dam, there’s nothing we can do. Our crops have withered, and we’re left with no choice but to let our animals graze on the land,” lamented Alex Abunga Abagna, Chairman of the Dorongo Farmers Association.
Adugpoka Adagyine, a widow who traded vegetable produce from the dam, recalls how thriving agricultural activities enabled her to provide for her children’s education. “The dam was our lifeline. It helped us send our children to school and secure a better future,” she said wistfully.
However, with the dam now dried up, Adugpoka and others like Mary Akulga find themselves incapacitated, struggling to make ends meet.
Many youths in the community found employment opportunities through vegetable cultivation, reducing unemployment and improving educational prospects. Among them is Aloliga Paul, a teacher, whose education was funded by proceeds from the dam.
However, with the dam now a cracked expanse of earth, he said, “Poverty will worsen, and youth will be forced to seek opportunities elsewhere, even if it means travelling to the southern part of Ghana in search of non-existent jobs.”
Despite numerous appeals to the government and benevolent organizations for assistance, little has been done to address the plight of the Dorongo community. The assemblyman for the Dorongo electoral area, Atugra Richmond, explains that community members have written letters and made requests to the government through the assembly, but all efforts have proved futile.
“We urgently need the government’s intervention to desilt the dam,” said Samson Akolgo, a youth. “It’s our only hope for restoring our livelihoods and ensuring food security for our families.”
During a visit to the dam by Citi News, the grim reality of the situation was evident. A dead cow lay nearby, a stark reminder of the desperation faced by both humans and animals in the area. Farmers believed the cow died of thirst due to the lack of water from the dried dam.
In response to the farmers’ appeal, the Municipal Chief Executive for Bolgatanga, Rex Asanga, declined to speak on tape but mentioned plans to desilt the dam using phase 2 of the SOCO project, provided there are sufficient funds.
A man, identified as Issifu Nyandi has been sentenced by the Odumase Krobo Circuit in the Eastern Region to a 7-year jail term after being found guilty of attempting to smuggle bags of cocoa beans from Ghana to neighbouring Togo.
The accused was convicted on his own plea, by the Presiding Judge, Kwesi Apiatse Abaiddu after he was arrested with the cocoa beans on Wednesday, April 24, by the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce.
The arrest was made while on board a Ho-bound Ford Transit Bus with registration number GG-2749-21, to transport them to the Republic of Togo.
Presenting the facts to the court, the Prosecution said on Friday, April, 26, the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce, upon a tip-off, intercepted the said bus around 5pm and upon thorough search, six bags of cocoa beans, concealed in poly sacks were subsequently retrieved. Upon interrogation, the accused, Issifu, claimed ownership of the contrabands.
According to the prosecution, the accused bought the cocoa beans from Koforidua, the Eastern Regional Capital and transported them to Tudu in Accra to cart them to the Republic of Togo to sell.
However, upon tip-off, the Taskforce swiftly arrested him whilst on board the bus and subsequently handed him over to the Akosombo Police on the same day.
The Prosecution continues that upon further investigations, Issifu was arraigned before the Odumase Krobo Circuit court and charged with offences of Purchase of Cocoa without authority contrary to S4 of Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 1984(PNDCL81).
“Attempting to smuggle cocoa beans contrary to S317 (i) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act 1960(Act29) and attempting to export cocoa beans which have not been inspected, graded and sealed by an Inspector of cocoa, contrary to S 3 of Cocoa Industry Regulations Act, 1968(NLCD278)”.
The accused therefore pleaded guilty to the offences and was subsequently convicted on his plea by the Presiding Judge to seven years in prison.
Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has promised to revolutionize the fishing sector when voted into power.
He made this known in an address to the fisher folks in the Western Region, as part of his ongoing nationwide tour.
According to the Vice President, the fisheries sector when harnessed, will contribute essentially to Ghana’s economy.
Dr Bawumia, however, cites supply chain inefficiencies for Premix Fuel distribution and inadequate cold storage facilities as major impediments to the sector. He also cited illegal and unreported fishing and inadequate access to credit and financial services as hindrances faced by the sector.
To address these, the Vice President is promising to implement a robust plan that will maximize fisheries resources from the sea. The plan according to him will support industrial, semi-industrial and artisanal players to address the issues identified.
Dr. Bawumia is also promising to promote female participation in the sector. He contends that his government will work to amplify the voices of women in the sector, to increase their participation beyond the 40% rate identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The Vice President took the opportunity to list the achievements of the NPP in the fisheries sector. Some of the achievements outlined include the construction of coastal fish landing sites in communities such as Axim in the Nzema East Municipal, Discove in Ahanta West Municipal, and Mumford in the Gomoa West District.
Additionally, he listed Moree in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District, Winneba in the Effutu Municipal, Ekumfi-Otuam in the Ekumfi District, Mfantseman in the Mfantseman Municipal, Senya Breku in the Awutu Senya West District, and Elmina in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem District, all in the Central Region, as part of the NPP’s achievements in the fisheries sector.
In the Greater Accra region, he noted that three landing beaches are currently at various stages of completion, calling on the fisher folks to help him ascend to the presidency to continue working in their interest. The three landing sites in Greater Accra are in Jamestown in the Ga Mashie District, which is 65% complete; Teshie in Ledzokuku Municipal, Greater-Accra, which is 80% complete and Osu in the Korle Klottey Municipal, which is 99% complete.
Other achievements of the government include Sea Defence (Coastal Protection Project) and their stages of completion. In Anomabu in the Mfantseman Municipal (75%) and Komenda in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (95%), both in the Central Region.
In the Greater Accra Region, he highlighted Ningo Prampram in the Ningo Prampram District, as 50% complete.
The government according to Dr Bawumia, has also digitized the distribution of premix across the country using premix fuel automation and monitoring system machines. Premix Fuel Automation Projects, he indicated, have successfully been completed in Nungua, Abia, Kokrobite, Old Ningo, Elavanyo, Wokumagbe, and Otrokpey, all in the Greater Accra region. Others are Dadoto, Dambai, and Kete Krachi Main in the Oti region, and Yeji A, B, and C in the Bono East Region. There are other automation projects at various stages of completion in the Volta Region, Central Region, and the Western Region.
The Vice President also highlighted other achievements of the government, which include the provision of GH¢2 million to the Ministry of Fisheries to contain and prevent the outbreak of “Infectious Spleen and Kidney Virus Disease”; usage of all condensate produced by Ghana Gas for premix fuel to ensure adequate and affordable supply of premix fuel. He included the training of 321 people, under the first phase of the Aquaculture for Food and Jobs Initiative as part of their achievements. This according to Dr. Bawumia gives the trainees, fingerlings and fish feed to start businesses.
The President of the Federation of Association of Ghana Exporters (FAGE), Davies Korbo, has advised the food processors to directly contact the registered production association to purchase raw materials from them.
He mentioned this during the launch of the CIB Ghana Dried Fruits Project at Accra. According to him, producing quality products is the hallmark of every company, and to achieve this in the food industry, the processors should contact the associations for quality raw materials.
Traceability is very important in production, and purchasing raw materials from the registered associations aids in tracing the bad nuts from the good ones.
Answering the question on the unwillingness to deal with the producers who purchase small quantity of the raw materials from the associations, he said there is no registered association who will not be willing to sell his produce to a processor.
For instance, he said no registered association would be unwilling to sell six (6) tonnes of farm produce to a processor.
He urged all processors to make quality products as their hallmark.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Bryan Acheampong has announced the approval of $20 million to expand the left bank of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, which will be implemented by the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP).
This comes after the government earlier pumped $20 million, which was under the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) in 2011, to commence the Kpong Irrigation project which farmers in the Asutuare enclave, including Golden Exotic Company Limited benefit from.
The rehabilitation of the irrigation scheme is expected to further improve the water situation and help farmers in the enclave improve their yields.
Bryan Acheampong announced the approval during during a speech at a grand durbar to commemorate the 20th anniversary celebrations of Golden Exotic Company Limited, Ghana’s largest banana exporter, at Kasunya in Asutuare on Thursday, April 25.
“The people of this community must know that the government has pumped $20 million into the irrigation scheme around this area and I have also approved another $20 million to expand the left bank of the irrigation scheme in this area which is going to be implemented by the Food Systems Resilience Programme and that will amount to $40 million in this area alone.”
The Managing Director of Golden Exotic Company Limited, Benedict Rich, in an interview intimated that the company has leveraged on drone technology to improve productivity.
“Drone technology has really advanced in the last few years and we have been trying it and a lot of the work that can be done by hand has now been done by aeroplanes and drones are just a gamechanger and we use them to apply fertilizer and use them to count the bananas and use them to monitor diseases.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has raised critical concerns about the implementation of the new EU Regulations on deforestation and its cost ramifications to farmers and producing countries.
The new EU Regulations on deforestation require amongst others, that producing countries comply with stringent measures aimed at protecting the environmental ecosystem, resulting in sustainable and ethically sourced cocoa.
Despite the noble intentions behind the promulgation of the regulations some of which were already being addressed, there are huge ethical and economic concerns for countries like Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroun, as to who bears the extra cost of compliance.
Ghana, for example, even before the advent of the EU Regulations, had already commenced and completed the Cocoa Management System (CMS), one of the critical requirements for the cocoa traceability system and will be ready for full roll-out in October this year.
But for the Chief Executive of COCOBOD, the cost implications of compliance is a critical matter that must not be ignored, since it has the tendency to increase not only the cost of cocoa but also present social and economic challenges to farmers who are already reeling under general debilitating economic conditions in their respective countries.
“Ghana is very much aligned to implementing the European Union regulations but this will come at a cost to farmers and producing countries which is likely to increase the cost of cocoa from Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroun”, Mr Boahen emphasized on Tuesday during a panel discussion at the ongoing World Cocoa Conference in Brussels, Belgium.
Joseph Boahen averred that long before the EU considered the new regulations, steps had already been taken by producing countries, particularly Ghana, to address the myriad of challenges associated with climate change and its consequences on production.
“Yes, the regulations are meant to enhance the awareness of sustainable production, but for us we were already bothered about the way climate change was affecting production and disrupting local activities, so even before the idea of the regulations was conceived, Ghana had already started mapping farms which is another element because without the polygon maps you cannot trace the source of the cocoa,’ he stressed.
He however observed that the new regulations failed to consider issues relating to costs and who bears responsibility for the technologies and tools involved in implementing these programmes, which he said were very expensive and could not be borne by the individual farmers.
“So now the conclusion is that having done all that, who pays for the cost, right from the polygon maps, bringing in the technology and the training because you need real-time data to make it work, which means that since this has not been factored in the new EU regulations, the operator has to pay and this is going to make cocoa from Ghana, Cote d’lvoire and Cameroun very expensive.”
Against this backdrop, some have argued that the liability of paying for the cost of compliance must partly be borne by the wealthy nations that consume the majority of the cocoa produced.
Considering the substantial investments in resources involved in compliance and the fact that producing countries are already reeling under economic pressure, advocates of this position believe that the EU and other developed countries should be prepared to support cocoa-producing countries for ethically and sustainably sourced cocoa.
Agrisolve Ltd. proudly welcomes Mrs. Augusta Nyamadi-Clottey to its esteemed Board of Directors. With the press release issued on 17th April, Mrs. Clottey with her illustrious career spanning over two decades, will brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization.
Mrs. Augusta Nyamadi-Clottey has served as the CEO of the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG) since 2016, demonstrating exceptional leadership and vision in agricultural development.
Her professional journey includes pivotal roles with renowned organizations such as Catholic Relief Services, UN World Food Programme, UN Development Programme, AGRA Funded Ghana Agro Dealer Development Project, Africa Health Economics and Policy Association (AFHEA), and the Ghana Grains Council.
With a focus on Organizational Development, Programme and Project Development, Coordination and Management, and Capacity Building in Business Administration, Mrs. Clottey has been instrumental in the success of various agricultural, health, education, disaster management, and recovery programs. Her expertise extends to Programme Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Data Management and Analysis, and Administration.
Mrs. Clottey’s academic achievements include a BSc. in Agriculture from the University for Development Studies, a Commonwealth Executive MBA from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, a Certificate in Project Management from GIMPA, and an Executive Certificate in Managing Business, Trade Associations, and Chambers from the African Trade Academy.
Recognized for her versatility, assertiveness, and strong team player qualities, Mrs. Clottey is poised to make significant contributions to Agrisolve Ltd. as we continue our mission to revolutionize agricultural practices and empower women and young farmers across the country.
“We are thrilled to have Mrs. Augusta Nyamadi-Clottey join our Board of Directors,” said Raymond Enye, Projects Lead of Agrisolve Ltd. “Her wealth of experience and dedication to agricultural development, particularly in service to women and the youth will be invaluable as we navigate new challenges and opportunities in the communities we serve.”
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Augusta Nyamadi-Clottey to the Agrisolve Ltd. community.
ABOUT AGRISOLVE LTD.
Agrisolve is a social enterprise empowering smallholder farmer with a market driven approach by providing them with access to improved agricultural inputs and equitable market platforms. Our mission is to enhance sustainable food production, improve livelihoods, and increase incomes, with a special focus on supporting women and young people.
For media inquiries, please contact: info@agrisolvegh.com
The Food Sovereignty Ghana has cautioned Ghanaians against accepting the introduction of 14 genetically modified (GM) products, comprising eight maize varieties and six soybeans, into the food system.
The assertion is that these GM products will have long-term effects on Ghanaians, according to research.
Food Sovereignty Ghana and its allies issued this caution at a press conference in Accra.
Speaking under the theme “Say No to GMOs,” the Communication Director of Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG), Edwin Kweku Andor Baffour, urged Ghanaians to take the approval of GMOs serious and reject Genetically Modified Organisms, as they could lead many people to the grave.
He mentioned that FSG has filed a motion in court challenging the introduction of GM products into the country. The Attorney General, who is a defendant in this case, flout court rules and allowed for the introduction of these 14 GM products. There has been an application of an interrogatory injunction on the 14 GM products and are awaiting court proceedings.
Mr. Edwin Kwaku Andor Baffuor highlighted that the court should determine whether the country needs to use GM products based on the facts the FSG has produced.
He further stated that food production in Ghana will not improve even if GMOs are introduced, as farmers depend solely on rainfall for farming. He emphasized the need for leaders to address this issue.
Food Sovereignty Ghana expressed concern about the dangers these GMOs may cause and called for thorough education on their introduction. They made the following demands to protect the rights of citizens: The National Biosafety Authority must immediately halt the planned release of the 14 GM products until a nationwide engagement campaign is carried out.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture must ensure that the input for Phase Two of the Planting for Food and Jobs program does not include GM varieties.
The National Biosafety Authority must release to the public the processes and proceedings for granting approval, including evidence of engagement with Ghanaians accepting the introduction of GMOs.
Proper and appropriate labels for GM products for easy identification so that farmers and consumers can make informed decisions.
The Ministry of Agriculture must address infrastructural problems in the agricultural sector.
The Food and Drugs Authority must assure the general public of how it will ensure the mandatory labelling of any GM product that will be on the market.
The media should conduct a survey with their audiences to gauge their knowledge of GMOs.
Food Sovereignty Ghana calls on the National Biosafety Authority to publish all names of entities granted licenses to import GM products for transparency. Mr. Baffuor concluded by mentioning the allies of Food Sovereignty Ghana, stating that the Peasant Farmers Association is a signatory to their call.
He further mentioned the General Agricultural Workers Union, Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Agriculture in Ghana, Action Aid, Rastafarian Council of Ghana, Centre for Climate Change and Food Security, among others. He concluded by stating that they look forward to making Ghana GMO-free.
It has been revealed that approximately 400 acres of cocoa farms are under threat due to the exploration activities conducted by MIGOP Mining Limited.
Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, has strongly criticized the actions of MIGOP Mining Limited, a foreign-owned gold mining firm accused of jeopardizing the livelihood of cocoa farmers in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, Ashanti Region.
Aidoo asserts that the attempts by the mining company to explore and mine in the affected communities destroying several cocoa farms in the process are unlawful and unacceptable.
The potential commencement of full-scale operations by the firm could have detrimental effects on five cocoa-growing communities in the area.
In a firm stance, the CEO of COCOBOD declared the company’s actions are illegal, emphasizing the protection afforded to cocoa trees under the law.
“It is unlawful to destroy any cocoa tree or even to remove any tree on the cocoa farm. Which means that you can’t even go there and mine. Even if loggers cannot go and take timber trees, then it means that as for mining, it cannot come to any cocoa farm at all.
“The Minerals Commission is also complicit in whatever that is going on. In this instance that we are discussing, they were issued with an exploration license and not a mining lease. It is only when you’ve gone through all the necessary processes and procedures, then you need the final stage to establish that you have a commercial precious mineral there that is only when you will be issued with a mining lease but in this instance, they only have exploration license from the minerals commission,” he stated.
He further criticized the Minerals Commission for its lack of oversight, noting that the commission had an exploration license to the mining company but it didn’t follow up to ensure that there was no mining.
The CEO assured that COCOBOD is committed to supporting the affected farmers and will assist in securing fair compensation for any disruptions caused to their farms.
“The minerals commission has not followed up to see whether they are doing exploration or mining and by law, they are not supposed to use heavy machinery through any cocoa farm. So, whatever is going on there is unlawful and COCOBOD is going to assist the farmers to have the get compensation for whatever disruption might have occurred to their farms,” he added.
