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.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has clarified that it has not given the green light to commercialise certain maize and soya bean products.
This clarification comes in the wake of concerns expressed by various commercial and small-scale farmers and aggregators regarding the registration and approval of 14 maize and soya bean products for use in food, feed, and other industrial applications by the National Biosafety Authority, under the Biosafety Act 2011 (831).
In a statement released on Wednesday, MoFA emphasized that “It is instructive to note that MoFA has not, through its National Variety Release and Registration Committee (NVRRC) of the National Seed Council (NSC) approved the commercialisation of the maize and soya products as approved by NBA.”
“Thus, these released products should not and must not be used as seeds in Ghana.”
MoFA reiterated its commitment to monitoring the use of these products within the country.
The Ministry also encouraged all stakeholders, including commercial and small-scale farmers, to adhere to the use of MoFA-approved (registered) seed varieties.
“This will help maintain the integrity of agricultural practices and ensure the well-being of both farmers and consumers in Ghana,” it added.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has expressed disappointment in the government’s interest in promoting the agenda of multinational seed companies in Ghana, following the recent approval of the commercialization of 14 novel Genetically Modified (GM) products. These products comprise eight maize and six soya bean varieties.
The association’s stance was articulated in a press release signed by the national president, Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala, dated April 9, 2024.
The association highlighted that the government’s decision to approve GM crops contradicts a previous promise made by the Minister for Food and Agriculture in 2020.
The Minister had stated that Ghana had capable scientists who could produce high-yielding varieties and disease-resistant plants using traditional breeding methods, thereby obviating the need for GMOs in the country for the next 100 years.
The release reiterated the association’s argument that Ghanaian farmers have been able to produce significant amounts of food using farmer-saved seeds and new seed varieties from local breeders.
They emphasized that the challenges faced by farmers, such as climate change, lack of mechanization, difficulty accessing finance, high post-harvest losses, and increasing input costs, should be the focus of government and scientists, rather than promoting GMOs.
The president of the Peasant Farmers Association warned of the dire consequences of approving GMOs, stating that it would lead to the loss of Ghana’s control over its indigenous agricultural system, placing it in the hands of multinational companies.
The association expressed concern that GM seeds would be expensive, leading to increased costs for farmers who would have to purchase seeds every season.
Additionally, they highlighted that the approval of the Plant Variety Protection Act could jeopardize the culture of farmer-saved and exchanged seeds.
The Association, therefore, urges the government and Ministry of Food Agriculture not to include GM varieties in the inputs that would be supplied under the PFJ 2.0. Also, the association calls on its members to reject any GMO seeds that will be supplied by any company, individual, or government.
Cocoa farmers across Ghana are expressing frustration in response to the recent announcement of new farmgate prices for cocoa beans.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) announced a 58.26 percent increase, setting the price at GH¢33,120 cedis per ton for the 2023/2024 crop season.
This decision, according to COCOBOD, aims to distribute the benefits of soaring global cocoa prices and discourage the smuggling of cocoa beans.
However, the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association has voiced strong opposition to the increase, stating it is inadequate.
President of the association, Stephenson Anane Boateng asserts that cocoa farmers are being unfairly treated.
“Cocoa has been raised globally to $10,000 per metric ton. So if you compare, and you convert to our currency, it is running into over GH¢9,000. We totally disagree with them. We pay our labour, we buy inputs for the farm, and then we also pay ourselves.
“So in a nutshell, we get only GH¢600 for that while COCOBOD also gets GH¢7,000. So what work did COCOBOD do and give us that money? It’s an insult!”
The Ghana National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has approved the commercialization of 14 novel genetically modified (GM) products, comprising eight maize and six soybean products.
This decision marks a significant milestone in the country’s strategic utilization of biotechnology to enhance its agricultural sector, catering to local food demands, nutrition requirements, and potential exports.
The NBA’s approval extends to the use of these GM products in various sectors, including food, feed, and industrial applications, underlining the versatility and potential impact of these advancements. This move aligns with Ghana’s broader agenda to harness biotechnology responsibly for sustainable agricultural development and economic growth.
Notably, this latest decision follows a previous milestone in 2022 when the NBA authorized the environmental release of GM cowpea resistant to the destructive Maruca pod borer. This pest, known to ravage over 50 percent of cowpea pods without control measures, presents a significant challenge to traditional farming practices. In contrast, the GM cowpea requires minimal chemical treatments, representing a promising solution for farmers and enhancing crop resilience.
A report by the United States Department of Agriculture praised Ghana for continuing “to demonstrate its conviction that proven science-based advanced technologies remain viable options in the global efforts to achieve food security in the face of various production constraints like climate change”.
“Though coming four months later than anticipated, by authorizing the commercialization of 14 new biotechnology events in late February 2024, Ghana, again made a significant stride towards lending credence to its growing popularity as a leading nation in Sub-Saharan Africa that aligns its policies with proven science. Ghana’s decision is welcomed by the global scientific community and is expected to enhance trade and impact food security positively,” the report said.
The Minority in Parliament has acknowledged recent shifts in the international cocoa market, particularly regarding price fluctuations.
In a press statement signed by Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Eric Opoku, the Minority highlighted that global cocoa prices have surged, reaching an unprecedented peak of $10,000 per ton.
The Minority stated that the surge in cocoa prices on the world market, primarily stem from a substantial decrease in cocoa output in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
“The NDC is deeply concerned about the sharp decline in Ghana’s cocoa production volumes under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government. This situation is set to get even worse, as Ghana’s cocoa production for the 2023–2024 crop season is reported to be about 450,000 metric tons, the lowest in the past two decades.
The statement further said that the average international market price of cocoa is currently $10,000 per ton (equivalent to approximately GH₵130,000 per ton, based on a conservative exchange rate of $1 to GH₵13).
“This means that a bag of cocoa is currently being sold on the world market at about GH₵8,125, while the Ghanaian farmer is being paid a paltry GH₵1,308 by the insensitive and corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government.
This is a clear rip-off of our hard-working cocoa farmers by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government, who continue to mismanage the cocoa sector.”
Youth are the machinery for national development and In quest of national development, it is critical to develop their capabilities in all the sector of the economy, especially, in aquaculture.
The CEO of the Chamber of Aquaculture, Mr. Jacob Adzikah revealed this during the launch of the 2024 aquaculture exhibition at Accra.
Speaking to the theme “Stakeholders collaborations: A key to building a resilient Aquaculture industry,” the CEO of the Chamber stated that the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana has the youth at heart and has established the start-up arena, where all young men and women will be assembled to showcase their potentials in the aquaculture sector.
This according to him, would aid in shaping and guiding the potentials embed in the youth. The industry need the young individuals to thrive it in the expense of the aged and such exhibition relevant to converge the youth under one umbrella for capacity building to the nation building.
Talking about the exhibition, he mentioned that the Aquaculture exhibition is scheduled to take place from May 30 to May 31 this year at the World Trade Center in Accra.
He indicated that the goal is to provide a forum for aquaculture practitioners to build the capability of the youth, network, showcase, and educate stakeholders on modern trends to promote aquaculture sector.
He assured that aquaculture 2024 will be impactful and engaging, featuring all stakeholders not limited to fish farmers, rather in academia, feed producers, researchers, food vendors, media, financial and insurance institutions.
He again said that such events help the chamber appreciate personalities and institutions doing well in the aquaculture sector.
The CEO also indicated that the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana will present eighteen awards to individuals and organizations that have worked tirelessly to ensure the industry grows, despite all the hurdles confronting the industry, including the recent dam spillage that caused many people to lose their jobs.
He also said that there is less collaboration among stakeholders within the aquaculture sector and that this year’s event will bridge that gap.
Adding his voice to the launch was the Director of Research at MoFAD, Mr. Ishmael Nii Adjei Browne, who indicated that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development acknowledges the role of sustainable aquaculture in alleviating pressure on wild fish stocks.
He further said that aquaculture is the vehicle to bridge the gap between escalating fish demand and the nation’s natural resources.
He urged financial institutions to invest in aquaculture, stating that it will be successful. He again said that there should be a partnership with international organizations and government which will help the aquaculture sector thrive.
Also echoing what was being said was the CEO of Aquatic Foods, Mrs. Mabel Quarshie, who also asserted that Aquaculture Ghana includes everyone affected by a decision, as she classified Ghana’s aquaculture as having different groups involved in the value chain.
She indicated that they do their things without the involvement of others within the value chain, which is impeding the progress of the chamber.
She therefore questioned the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as to the reasons why aquaculture wasn’t featured in the planting for foods and jobs phase two. “Where is the rearing for foods and jobs?” she questioned.
Mrs. Mabel Quarshie mentioned that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and policymakers did not consider the aquaculture sector when thinking through the prospects of phase two of the planting for foods and jobs and urged them to consider aquaculture.
The launch of Aquaculture Ghana 2024 event featured distinguished speakers like Hon. Moses Anim, MP, Former Deputy Minister at MoFAD, Mr. Wisdom Abodakpi, CEO of Cycle Farms, Mr. Jacob Adzikah, CEO of the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, Mr. Ishmael Nii Adjei Browne, Director of Research at MoFAD, Mr. Naga Murali, CEO of Fish and Feed Limited, Mrs. Mabel Quarshie, CEO of Aquatic Foods, Dr. Cudjoe Kofitsyo, Mr. Fred Kwasi Antwi-Boadu, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, and Professor Francis Nunoo, Chairman of the Board of Fisheries Commission.
A shortage of cocoa beans has led to a near shutdown of processing plants in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the two countries responsible for 60% of global production.
With chocolate makers around the world reliant on West Africa for cocoa, there is significant concern about the impact on the prices of chocolate and the livelihood of farmers.
Cocoa researcher Michael Odijie explains the reasons for the shortage.
Why has cocoa production declined sharply in West Africa?
Three factors are at play: environmental, economic cycle-related and human.
One environmental factor is the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has caused drier weather in West Africa. It has contributed to problems on farms, such as the swollen shoot virus disease. As a result, Ghana has lost harvests from nearly 500 000 hectares of land in recent years.
The economic cycle of cocoa production refers to the inherent patterns of expansion and contraction in cocoa farming. For example, as cocoa trees age, they become susceptible to diseases, requiring high maintenance costs. Historically, farmers have tended to abandon old farms and start anew in fresh forests. Unfortunately, finding new forests is now increasingly difficult.
The human factor includes challenges such as illegal mining, which has overtaken numerous farms in Ghana. Sometimes, farmers lease their land to illegal miners in exchange for payment. These mining activities degrade the quality of the land, making it unsuitable for cocoa cultivation.
The global market for chocolate and chocolate products is on the rise. It is projected to grow faster than 4% annually over the next few years. This growing demand for cocoa underscores the urgency of addressing the intertwined issues that relate to the industry’s sustainability.
Have West African governments intervened to help cocoa farmers?
In February 2024, the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod), the country’s cocoa sector regulator, secured a World Bank loan of US$200 million to rehabilitate plantations affected by the cocoa swollen shoot virus. The board will take over the disease-ridden farms, remove and replace the afflicted cocoa trees, and nurture the new plantings to the fruiting stage before returning them to the farmers.
This practice of Cocobod taking out loans to assist farmers is a longstanding one in Ghana. For instance, in 2018, Cocobod used part of a $600 million loan from the African Development Bank to rehabilitate ageing plantations and those hit by diseases. And at the start of the current harvest season in October, the producer price was raised: farmers are paid more, a move made inevitable by the surge in global prices. Also, Ghana Cocobod has established a task force to shield cocoa farms from the harmful impacts of mining. It has cooperated with police to stem cocoa smuggling to neighbouring countries, particularly those offering a stronger currency.
In Côte d’Ivoire, relatively little action has been taken. It appears the government is still assessing the situation. But there have been measures to curb cocoa smuggling, prompted by the fact that the shortage is driving up prices in neighbouring countries. Côte d’Ivoire does benefit from numerous sustainability programmes initiated by multinational corporations. The current shortage has accelerated these initiatives. Regrettably, some of the programmes do not disclose their data, making it difficult for academics to access and analyse their information.
African governments have yet to address significant structural issues in their interventions.
How have cocoa farmers and cocoa-producing countries’ economies been affected?
At the farm level, although the rise in prices may initially appear beneficial to farmers, the reality is not straightforward. A decrease in output leads to fewer harvests on average, which means that, overall, farmers are not earning more. This issue is compounded by recent economic challenges in West Africa, such as high inflation and currency devaluation, particularly in Ghana. These factors have resulted in farmers becoming poorer.
Another impact of the output decline is a reduction in local processing. Major African processing facilities in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have either ceased operations or reduced their processing capacity because they cannot afford to purchase beans. This likely means that chocolate prices worldwide will surge. This, in turn, adversely affects the local production units that have been emerging in recent years.
However, the bargaining power of West African cocoa-producing countries seems to have increased. Now is an opportune moment for these nations to unite and negotiate more favourable terms for their cocoa farmers.
Will chocolate makers eventually turn to cocoa alternatives?
It’s inevitable because continuing to cultivate cocoa under current conditions is unsustainable. I don’t perceive this negatively; I hope it occurs sooner rather than later. In fact, it is already underway with the rise of cocoa butter equivalents, cocoa extenders and artificial flavours (synthetic or nature-identical flavours that mimic the taste of chocolate without the need for cocoa).
The German company Planet A Foods is a leader in this area. It produces cocoa-free chocolate, using technology to transform ingredients such as oats and sunflower seeds into substitutes for cocoa mass and butter.
Overall, this is beneficial for everyone. The demand for cocoa has resulted in mass deforestation and significant carbon emissions, issues that are likely to worsen due to climate change. Moreover, the push for cultivation has led to various forms of labour abuses. Exploring cocoa alternatives is certainly part of the solution.
