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World Bank earmarks $45 billion to tackle food insecurity

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The World Bank has announced that it has scaled up its  food and nutrition security response.

In May 2022, the World Bank made a commitment of making available $30 billion over a period of 15 months to tackle the crisis. But the Bank said they have surpassed that goal.

It announced that it has scaled up its  food and nutrition security response, to now making $45 billion available through a combination of $22 billion in new lending and $23 billion from existing portfolio.

“Our food and nutrition security portfolio now spans across 90 countries. It includes both short term interventions such as expanding social protection, also longer-term resilience such as boosting productivity and climate-smart agriculture.

“The Bank’s intervention is expected to benefit 335 million people, equivalent to 44% of the number of undernourished people. Around 53% of the beneficiaries are women – they are disproportionately more affected by the crisis,” the World Bank said in its latest update to its responses to rising Food Insecurity, published on April 29.

Domestic  food price inflation remains high. Inflation higher than 5% is experienced 57.1% of low-income countries (no change since the last update on April 11, 2024), 63.8% of lower-middle-income countries (no change), 33% of upper-middle-income countries (3.0 percentage points lower), and 12.7% of high-income countries (9.1 percentage points lower). In real terms,  food price inflation exceeded overall inflation in 48.8% of 166 countries where data is available.

Compared to two weeks ago, the agriculture and cereal price indices closed 1% higher, respectively, and the export price index closed 3% higher. Among cereals, maize and wheat prices closed 2% higher, respectively, while rice closed 1% lower. On a year-on-year basis, maize prices are 34% lower and wheat prices are 17% lower. Rice prices on the other hand are 24% higher. Compared to January 2020, maize prices are 15% higher, wheat prices are 3% higher, and rice prices are 47% higher.

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, global wheat ending stocks for the 2023/24 period are anticipated to hit an eight-year low, dropping 0.6 million metric tons (MMT) to 258.3 million metric tons (MMT). This decline is primarily attributed to India’s diminished wheat stocks, forecasted to decrease by 2.1 MMT to 6.9 MMT due to faster consumption rates than previously estimated. India’s ending stocks will have plummeted by over 20 MMT from their peak in 2020/21, reflecting a substantial reduction. Overall, global stocks have seen a decline of 39 MMT from their peak in 2019/20, with China contributing 18 MMT to this decrease.

According to the latest Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), nearly 282 million people in 59 countries and territories experienced high levels of acute hunger in 2023 – a worldwide increase of 24 million from the previous year. This rise was due to the report’s increased coverage of  food crisis contexts as well as a sharp deterioration in  food security, especially in the Gaza Strip and the Sudan. For four consecutive years, the proportion of people facing acute food insecurity has remained persistently high at almost 22 percent of those assessed, significantly exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels. The Global Network Against Food Crises urgently calls for a transformative approach that integrates peace, prevention, and development action alongside at-scale emergency efforts to break the cycle of acute hunger which remains at unacceptably high levels.

According to new research published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), international fertilizer prices have fallen by 50% from their peak in April 2022. Factors such as an increase in demand in the post-COVID economic recovery, disruptions to the global supply chain, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused global fertilizer prices to increase significantly from 2021 to 2022. These events raised concerns that fertilizer application would be reduced, which could decrease production and increase  food insecurity, but price shocks appear to have had a limited impact on fertilizer use.

As highlighted in a recent IFPRI blog, parts of Southern Africa have been reeling under the grip of a severe drought since late 2023, exacerbated by the ongoing El Niño Southern Oscillation. This has resulted in plummeting harvests; prompted disaster declarations in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe; and affected countries across the region. Dwindling maize yields pose a grave threat to  food security for millions of households reliant on this staple for a significant portion of their daily calorie intake.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, trade-related policies imposed by countries have surged. The global  food crisis has been partially made worse by the growing number of food and fertilizer trade restrictions put in place by countries with a goal of increasing domestic supply and reducing prices. As of April 22, 2024, 16 countries have implemented 22 food export bans, and 8 have implemented 15 export-limiting measures.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, trade-related policies imposed by countries have surged. The global food crisis has been partially made worse by the growing number of  food and fertilizer trade restrictions put in place by countries with a goal of increasing domestic supply and reducing prices. As of April 22, 2024, 16 countries have implemented 22  food export bans, and 8 have implemented 15 export-limiting measures.

World Bank Action

In May 2022, the World Bank made a commitment of making available $30 billion over a period of 15 months to tackle the crisis. We have surpassed that goal. The World Bank has scaled up its food and nutrition security response, to now making $45 billion available through a combination of $22 billion in new lending and $23 billion from existing portfolio.

Our food and nutrition security portfolio now spans across 90 countries. It includes both short term interventions such as expanding social protection, also longer-term resilience such as boosting productivity and climate-smart agriculture.

The Bank’s intervention is expected to benefit 335 million people, equivalent to 44% of the number of undernourished people. Around 53% of the beneficiaries are women – they are disproportionately more affected by the crisis. Some examples include:

  • In Honduras, the Rural Competitiveness Project series (COMRURAL II and III) aims to generate entrepreneurship and employment opportunities while promoting a climate-conscious, nutrition-smart strategy in agri-food value chains. To date, the program is benefiting around 6,287 rural small-scale producers (of which 33% are women, 15% youth, and 11% indigenous) of coffee, vegetables, dairy, honey, and other commodities through enhanced market connections and adoption of improved agricultural technologies and has created 6,678 new jobs.
  • In Honduras, the Corredor Seco Food Security Project (PROSASUR) strives to enhance food security for impoverished and vulnerable rural households in the country’s Dry Corridor. This project has supported 12,202 extremely vulnerable families through nutrition-smart agricultural subprojects, food security plans, community nutrition plans, and nutrition and hygiene education. Within the beneficiary population, 70% of children under the age of five and their mothers now have a dietary diversity score of at least 4 (i.e., consume at least four food groups).
  • A $95 million credit from IDA for the Malawi Agriculture Commercialization Project (AGCOM) to increase commercialization of select agriculture value chain products and to provide immediate and effective response to an eligible crisis or emergency.
  • The $200 million IDA grant for Madagascar to strengthen decentralized service delivery, upgrade water supply, restore and protect landscapes, and strengthen the resilience of food and livelihood systems in the drought-prone ‘Grand Sud’.
  • A $60 million credit for the Integrated Community Development Project that works with refugees and host communities in four northern provinces of Burundi to improve food and nutrition security, build socio-economic infrastructure, and support micro-enterprise development through a participatory approach.
  • The $175 million Sahel Irrigation Initiative Regional Support Project is helping build resilience and boost productivity of agricultural and pastoral activities in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Senegal. More than 130,000 farmers and members of pastoral communities are benefiting from small and medium-sized irrigation initiatives. The project is building a portfolio of bankable irrigation investment projects of around 68,000 ha, particularly in medium and large-scale irrigation in the Sahel region.
  • Through the $50 million Emergency Food Security Response project, 329,000 smallholder farmers in Central Africa Republic have received seeds, farming tools and training in agricultural and post-harvest techniques to boost crop production and become more resilient to climate and conflict risks.
  • The $15 million Guinea Bissau Emergency Food Security Project is helping increase agriculture production and  access to food to vulnerable families. Over 72,000 farmers have received drought-resistant and high-yielding seeds, fertilizers, agricultural equipment; and livestock vaccines for the country-wide vaccination program. In addition, 8,000 vulnerable households have received cash transfer to purchase food and tackle food insecurity.
  • The $60 million Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Research for Africa (AICCRA) project has reached nearly 3 million African farmers (39% women) with critical climate smart agriculture tools and information services in partnership with the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR). These tools and services are helping farmers to increase production and build resilience in the face of climate crisis. In Mali, studies showed that farmers using recommendations from the AICCRA-supported RiceAdvice had on average 0.9 ton per hectare higher yield and US$320 per hectare higher income.
  • The $766 million West Africa Food Systems Resilience Program is working to increase preparedness against food insecurity and improve the resilience of food systems in West Africa. The program is increasing digital advisory services for agriculture and food crisis prevention and management, boosting adaption capacity of agriculture system actors, and investing in regional food market integration and trade to increase food security. An additional $345 million is currently under preparation for Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
  • A $150 million grant for the second phase of the Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project, which will help address food insecurity, strengthen resilience and protect livelihoods.
  • $50 million grant of additional financing for Tajikistan to mitigate food and nutrition insecurity impacts on households and enhance the overall resilience of the agriculture sector.
  • A $125 million project in Jordan aims to strengthen the development the agriculture sector by enhancing its climate resilience, increasing competitiveness and inclusion, and ensuring medium- to long-term food security.
  • A $300 million project in Bolivia that will contribute to increasing food security, market access and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
  • A $315 million loan to support Chad, Ghana and Sierra Leone to increase their preparedness against food insecurity and to improve the resilience of their food systems.
  • A $500 million Emergency Food Security and Resilience Support Project to bolster Egypt’s efforts to ensure that poor and vulnerable households have uninterrupted access to bread, help strengthen the country’s resilience to food crises, and support to reforms that will help improve nutritional outcomes.
  • A $130 million loan for Tunisia, seeking to lessen the impact of the Ukraine war by financing vital soft wheat imports and providing emergency support to cover barley imports for dairy production and seeds for smallholder farmers for the upcoming planting season.

In May 2022, the World Bank Group and the G7 Presidency co-convened the Global Alliance for Food Security, which aims to catalyze an immediate and concerted response to the unfolding global hunger crisis. The Alliance has developed the publicly accessible Global Food and Nutrition Security Dashboard, which provides timely information for global and local decision-makers to help improve coordination of the policy and financial response to the food crisis.

The heads of the FAO, IMF, World Bank Group, WFP, and WTO released a Third Joint Statement on February 8, 2023. The statement calls to prevent a worsening of the food and nutrition security crisis, further urgent actions are required to (i) rescue hunger hotspots, (ii) facilitate trade, improve the functioning of markets, and enhance the role of the private sector, and (iii) reform and repurpose harmful subsidies with careful targeting and efficiency. Countries should balance short-term urgent interventions with longer-term resilience efforts as they respond to the crisis.

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Two arrested for attempting to smuggle 130 bags of cocoa beans to Togo

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A swift action by members of the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force at dawn of Tuesday has resulted in the arrest of two persons for attempting to smuggle 130 bags of cocoa beans concealed under quarry stones from Ghana to neighbouring Togo. 

The suspects, Dennis Hodo, a driver and his mate, Kwesi Edem, were accosted at the River Crossing point near Adowso in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region by the Task Force at about 04:45hrs with the consignments which were hidden in a fully-loaded tipper-truck with registration number GE 6486-23.

According to the Head of the Anti-Smuggling Task Force, Lawyer Charles Amenyaglo, the contrabands, packed in branded plastic sacks, originated from the Suhum District and were destined for Togo via Adowso, Ekye Amanfrom, Tease, Donkorkrom, Agordeke and Kpando Torkor routes.

The Task Force, acting upon tip-off, intercepted the truck which were transporting the items under the guise of carting quarry stones. Upon further interrogations, the suspects revealed admitted that they were contracted to transport the items to neigbouring Togo.

The two are expected to be arraigned before court by the Mpraeso District Police Command 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 latest arrest is one of many such success stories recorded in the war against cocoa smuggling since the beginning of the 2023/24 cocoa season.

In the past two weeks, the Krobo Odumase Circuit Court has sentenced two persons to a total of 14 years in prison in separate incidents of attempted smuggling of cocoa beans to neighbouring Togo.  

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Are tomatoes fruits or vegetables?

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Tomatoes are one of the most commonly used ingredients in the culinary world, yet there has been a long-standing debate regarding their classification as either a fruit or a vegetable.

This debate has been ongoing for centuries, with no clear consensus being reached. In this article, we will explore the science behind this debate and try to unravel the mystery of whether tomatoes are a fruit or a vegetable.

Tomatoes have been a part of our diet for centuries, and yet there still seems to be confusion over whether they are a fruit or a vegetable. While the answer may seem straightforward, the great tomato debate has continued to spark controversy amongst food enthusiasts, nutritionists, and botanists alike.

The Definition of a Fruit vs. a Vegetable

Before we dive into the tomato debate, let’s first define what constitutes a fruit versus a vegetable. Botanically speaking, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, containing seeds. This means that any edible plant part that contains seeds is a fruit. On the other hand, vegetables are typically defined as the edible parts of plants that do not contain seeds, such as leaves, stems, and roots.

The Botanical Perspective

When it comes to tomatoes, botanically speaking, they are classified as a fruit. This is because they contain seeds and are derived from the ovary of a flowering plant. In fact, tomatoes belong to the same family as other fruits such as apples, oranges, and grapes.

However, the confusion arises because tomatoes are often used in savory dishes and treated as a vegetable in culinary contexts. This is due to their mild flavor and their ability to be cooked and used in a wide range of dishes, from salads to sauces.

Seedy Secrets: Why Some Vegetables Are Technically Fruits

It’s a fascinating fact that many vegetables we consume, such as cucumbers, peppers, zucchini tomatoes, pumpkins, and other squash, contain seeds, yet they are not classified as fruits. The reason behind this lies in the botanical definition of fruits and vegetables. Fruits are the mature ovaries of flowering plants that grow after fertilization and contain seeds that aid in reproduction. Vegetables, on the other hand, refer to any edible portion of a plant, including roots, leaves, stems, and even flowers. As a result, while being officially classed as fruits due to their seed-bearing nature, they are nonetheless considered vegetables based on their cultural and culinary usage. So, the next time you savor a juicy tomato or a crunchy bell pepper, keep in mind that despite their seedy secrets, they are still regarded as savory vegetables in the culinary world.

The Legal Perspective

The debate over whether tomatoes are a fruit or a vegetable has even made its way into the legal system. In 1893, the United States Supreme Court ruled that tomatoes should be classified as a vegetable for the purposes of taxation. The decision was based on the fact that tomatoes were typically used in savory dishes and therefore should be considered a vegetable.

However, from a botanical perspective, the Supreme Court’s ruling was incorrect. This decision has led to a continued debate over whether tomatoes should be classified as a fruit or a vegetable in various contexts.

The Nutritional Perspective

Regardless of whether tomatoes are considered a fruit or a vegetable, they are a highly nutritious food. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. They also contain antioxidants, such as lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Tomatoes are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great food for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Whether you choose to classify them as a fruit or a vegetable, there’s no denying that tomatoes are a nutritious addition to any diet.

Yummy food.

Incorporating Tomatoes into Your Diet

Whether you prefer to classify tomatoes as a fruit or a vegetable, they are delicious. Tomatoes can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches, or cooked in a wide range of dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, and more. With their bright color, juicy texture, and sweet, tangy flavor, tomatoes are a true culinary staple that can be enjoyed year-round.

While the great tomato debate may never be fully resolved, it’s clear that tomatoes are a versatile and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in a wide range of dishes. Botanically speaking, tomatoes are classified as a fruit, but they are often treated as a vegetable in culinary contexts. Regardless of their classification, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and should be included in a healthy and balanced diet.

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Eating more tomato products may reduce your risk of cancer. Here is why

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Not only do tomatoes add juiciness and acidity to a dish, they are also packed with nutrients, like potassium and Vitamin C.

Tomatoes also contain a beneficial compound called lycopene, which has antioxidant properties.

Lycopene is more available when exposed to heat, like in cooked tomato products such as tomato sauce. And that’s good news because research states that over 80% of all commercially grown tomatoes are used in tomato products, like soup, juice and sauce. 

Let’s take a look at the health benefits of eating tomatoes, frequently asked questions about tomato products and yummy tomato recipes. 

Tomato nutrition

One cup of tomatoes has:

  • 32 calories
  • 2 grams protein
  • 0 grams fat
  • 7 grams carbohydrates
  • 2 grams fiber (7% daily value (DV))
  • 25 milligrams Vitamin C (28% DV)

What are the health benefits of eating tomatoes?

Tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a nutrient that is known for its role in immune health. Vitamin C contributes to many other bodily processes, such as wound healing, collagen synthesis, protein metabolism and iron absorption.

This water-soluble vitamin is also an antioxidant that helps rid the body of harmful free radicals — atoms that damage the body’s cells.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a plant compound that has been studied for cancer prevention and heart protection. A 2022 review found that lycopene plays a role in preventing prostate cancer and breast cancer, two of the most common forms of cancer. Specifically, lycopene is thought to encourage cancer cell death. 

Another review states that lycopene consumption reduces the blood concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays a role in the development of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. Lastly, a review of over 30 different articles concluded that there is an inverse association between tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk.

Beyond cancer, eating tomatoes has been linked to heart health. A tomato-rich diet has been linked to a reduction in the risk of heart disease. Several studies have found a link between lycopene consumption and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. A separate meta-analysis concluded that high lycopene consumption was linked to lower incidences of mortality, cardiovascular disease and stroke. 

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Exporting Ghana Dried foods to EU market; a key to the economic growth and development – CBI

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CBI, the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries, an agency of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has revealed the contribution of exporting Ghana’s dried foods to the European market.

According to CBI, this would promote economic growth and development. To achieve this, the agency would work towards sustaining sectors in developing countries and upcoming markets, especially Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, by supporting the producers in growing the exports.

This was revealed at the launch of the CBI dried fruit project at Erata Hotel, Okponglo, East Lagon, Accra.
Addressing the launch, the CBI program manager, Ms. Afke Van der Woude, stated that the goal of CBI is to grow dried fruit and exports from Ghana to the European Union market to create job opportunities for the youth in the sector.

She further stated that CBI will aid SMEs in improving the production of dried fruits to meet EU market standards and introduce them to international buyers and importers. “CBI aims to address the challenges SMEs face in Ghana, such as supply chain inefficiencies, issues with raw materials and inputs, and gaps in skills and technology”. Ms. Afke Van der Woude asserted.

To make this successful, the CBI program manager highlighted that they would partner with educational institutions like TVET and bring on-board university graduates to the sector.

She further stated that CBI cannot do this alone and will be partnering with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).

Adding her voice to the launch was the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, who also expressed GEPA’s support for CBI stating that GEPA would look forward to supporting the good works of CBI and would do everything possible to facilitate and provide the requisite support.

The CEO believes that the good intention of CBI to support young people in the country is commendable, and the association will also do everything possible to support the project.

She further stated that agriculture has gone beyond cutlass and hoe, as the world is advancing, and Ghana needs to subscribe to this advancement.

Joining the launch by virtual, the CBI sector expert, Mr. Aleksandar Jovanovic, mentioned that SMEs must plan for growth, have market knowledge, be realistic, set time bounds, and be people-oriented.

Conducting a study on how to access the EU market with dried fruits, the CEO of Polaris Meetings, Mr. Chris Debove indicated that the market for all the foods in Europe is decreasing, and Ghana must take advantage of that to participate.

He indicated that Ghana has a good quality of products but lacks certification to enter the EU market. He therefore recommended that exporters to Europe focus on certification as the first step.

He urged the SMEs to promote their enterprises and products to attract the required buyers. He advised SMEs to selectively allocate and spend their budget and ensure they target the right audience.

The CBI Ghana Dried Fruits Project has been duly launched and has started operation as indicated by the CBI program manager, Ms. Afke Van der Woude.

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Court dismisses injunction against approval of 14 GMO products in Ghana

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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.

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Dry Dorongo Dam leaves farmers in despair

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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.

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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.

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Issifu Nyandi sentenced for attempting to smuggled cocoa beans from Ghana to Togo

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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.

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Bawumia promised to revolutionised the aquaculture sector.

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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.

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Contact the registered associations in the sector for the quality produce – the President of FAGE advises processors.

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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.

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