top ad
Home Blog Page 45

GIRSAL adopts net house technology to revive chili production for export.

0

Ghana was banned from exporting vegetables to the EU market in 2014. Although the ban was lifted in 2017, the country’s vegetable sector has not recovered from its negative impact in terms of production and export.

Before the ban – which was caused by non-compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, Ghana was the largest exporter of fresh chili to the United Kingdom (UK), exporting 1,903 metric tonnes valued at US$ 5.2 million per annum. However, the value of chili exports took a nosedive, dropping to US$87,000 in 2021 – approximately 0.5 percent of the worldwide market share.

But in an effort to resuscitate the ailing sector, the Ghana Incentive-based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), in collaboration with its technical and funding partners, has embarked on a commercial trial of the vegetable, using a basic agricultural technology known as net house.

The net house technology is a form of protected cropping structure that offers an ideal environment for plant growth while protecting them from foreign elements and pests.

Chief Operating Officer at GIRSAL, Takyi Sraha, explained to the B&FT that the project is to establish and validate the concept of a business case for commercial-scale chili production in net houses by establishing production protocols and determining the cost of setting up production equipment and infrastructure and using the results of the trial to advocate private sector investment in vegetable production.

Mr. Sraha noted that using this less costly but effective technology for chili production can significantly improve the quality and quantity of yield, making it more marketable as there is a reduction in reliance on pesticides.

“It is easier to install, low-cost, and better suited for warmer climates compared to greenhouses. This technology reduces the risk of insect pest invasion as it uses insect-proof nets, and minimises wind damage and water stress during warm, dry, and windy conditions,” he elaborated.

According to him, the GIRSAL project has identified four locations for commercial trials, namely Ziope and Woadze in the Volta Region, Kyekyewere in the Eastern Region as well and the Dahwenya Irrigation Site in the Greater Accra Region.

“Currently, the pilot has been rolled out in trial production of the Birds Eye variety of chili on a 0.4-hectare net house at the Agri Impact Greenhouse Enclave in Dawhenya,” he said.

Highlighting the core objectives guiding GIRSAL’s operation, he said the company was set up to de-risk financing to the agricultural sector by financial institutions and by so doing, stimulate investment. “As a limited liability company owned by the government, we have the credit risk guarantee facility which we use to support the banks to lend to the agricultural sector. We also have the technical assistance facility, which we use to build the capacity of the banks to understand agriculture and agribusiness so that they will feel confident lending to this sector.”

With respect to the market potential of chili, Mr. Sraha indicated that the country has an estimated untapped world market potential of US$ 380 million over a five-year period. He attributed its demand increase in Europe to the growing popularity of ethnic cuisines that use chilies as a key ingredient in their recipes as well as the growing cultural diversity of the world.

He was optimistic that with adequate capital investment and adoption of the net house system, the country could rake in about US$ 30 million from chili export annually.

“Based on our budget and analysis, the margins would be so high to cover the cost of production. We are expecting to get not less than US$48,000 from a hectare of the chili pilot. Cultivating just 100 hectares using the net house system will give you US$ 4.8 million, according to our cost-benefit analysis,” Mr. Sraha explained.

He noted that the pilot project has the potential to make a significant impact on Ghana’s vegetable industry, helping to recapture the lost international market share while improving the quality of chilies produced.

As the chili export business charts a recovery from a series of setbacks and predicaments occasioned by the ban, it has become necessary that it prioritises the adoption of sustainable practices to enhance and protect yields from pests and diseases in order to meet export requirements.

Ad article

USAID supports pineapple production expansion to position Ashanti Region as another pineapple production hub in Ghanaian

0

The US Government, through the USAID-supported Feed the Future Ghana Mobilizing Finance in Agriculture (USAID MFA) Activity, under the COVID-19 Relief and Resilience Challenge Fund, is assisting in expanding pineapple production in the Ashanti Region to create jobs, especially for the youth and women, and produce raw material for the fruits processing industry.

As of August 2023, about 300 smallholder farmers – 20 percent youth – in selected communities in Atwima-Kwanwoma, Sekyere East, Afigya-Kwabre North, Juaben, Ejura, Amansie Central, Amansie West, and Asante Akyem North Districts have benefitted from the introductory phase of the pineapple project as an alternative source of livelihood and enhanced resilience.

The smallholder farmers include the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme beneficiaries as well as youths under the umbrella of the National Youth Authority (NYA) in the Ashanti Region. Each farmer was given about 5,000 pineapple suckers – planting materials – for a start, and this will increase in subsequent seasons. The introductory phase covers about 120 acres.

The farmers have received free pineapple suckers for cultivation; and on top of it, they have received integrated pests management (IPM) training. Departments of Agriculture in Atwima-Kwanwoma, Sekyere East, and Afigya-Kwabre North Districts as well as NYA Ashanti Region received a tricycle each to assist farmers with their pineapple production activities. The Regional Department of Agriculture, Ashanti is also providing extension services to the farmers.

The initiative is geared toward positioning the Ashanti Region as another pineapple production hub in Ghana. The leading pineapple production areas in the country are Akuapim South in the Eastern Region and the southern part of the Central Region.

Dr. Victor Antwi, Chief of Party – USAID MFA Activity who disclosed this said an agro-processing company, Bodukwan Farms, and Multi Fruit Processing Factory in Kumasi, has shown interest in buying the pineapple fruits from the farmers when harvested. It has an excess capacity to buy about 12,000 MT of pineapple fruits in the short term, and this could double in the medium term. It will also explore the use of the Kumasi International Airport to develop other products for the export market.

He added: “Other fruit processing companies have shown interest in setting up processing plants in the Ashanti Region to broaden the market base for the farmers. This will also spur more farmers and agricultural investors to set up pineapple farms to take advantage of the promising market. This enhances the potential of processing pineapple in the Ashanti Region for export by taking advantage of the soon-to-be-commissioned Kumasi International Airport”.

Dr. Antwi was speaking at the launch of the Ghana Association of Female Agricultural and Fish Farming Award Winners (GAFAFAW) in Accra. The Association is made up of women who were recognized as best female farmers during the 2022 National Farmers’ Day celebration in Ghana.

“I want to challenge you female awardees to encourage your fellow farmers to invest in pineapple production as an alternative activity in addition to your current crops to create jobs and enhance your livelihoods. This will be an opportunity for the teeming youth, especially tertiary graduates, to also show interest in the pineapple value chain,” he said.

In an address, the Chairperson of GAFAFAW, Ernestina Osei-Tutu, said the primary objective of the association is to empower and support female farmers across the country, fostering their personal and professional growth while advocating for gender equality in the agricultural industry.

She said: “GAFAFAW seeks to address the specific challenges faced by female farmers, such as limited access to resources, financial constraints, and gender-based discrimination. By providing mentorship, access to credit facilities, and establishing networks with key stakeholders, we strive to create an enabling environment for female agricultural entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the agricultural development in Ghana”.

Ad article

Innovation at the Agric Sector: how Volta Region is taking gari to a new level with sweet potatoes

0

In Anlo Tsiame, nestled in the heart of the Volta Region, a captivating culinary innovation has emerged.

The Pink gari is made from purple potatoes. This stunning fusion of traditional African cuisine and modern culinary creativity has been capturing the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.

This innovation was first discovered on Twitter, this delectable delight will not only add a splash of color to the local cuisine. But it will also contribute to the socio-economic development of the community.

The Origin of Pink Gari

Gari, a popular West African staple made from fermented cassava, has been a dietary mainstay for generations.

However, in the vibrant town of Anlo Tsiame, a twist has been introduced that has taken this everyday dish to new heights. The secret lies in the use of purple sweet potatoes, a colorful tuber rich in antioxidants and nutrients

Purple sweet potatoes

The innovation was made known to the public through @seyramofficials, a local collective committed to enticing the youth into agriculture by using his page to promote the sale of agricultural products.

The introduction of pink gari has not only been a gastronomic revelation but has also brought about positive changes in the local community. By utilizing locally available ingredients and traditional techniques, Anlo Tsiame has reinvigorated interest in traditional foods while opening new economic avenues.

Additionally, it is gaining attention from both locals and tourists, boosting tourism and promoting the region as a culinary destination.

Embracing Innovation while Preserving Tradition

The emergence of pink gari made from purple sweet potatoes in Anlo Tsiame stands as a testament to the dynamic nature of culinary evolution. This innovative twist on a classic dish showcases how traditions can be respectfully upheld while allowing room for creativity and experimentation.

Anlo Tsiame has demonstrated that by combining the past and the present, it is possible to create a culinary masterpiece that not only delights the senses but also sustains local communities and traditions.

The pink gari phenomenon is a living example of how food can be a powerful tool for cultural expression and economic progress.

Ad article

Tax exemptions for agricultural inputs: Gov’t delibrates on the exemptions.

0

The government is currently deliberating on the possibility to granting tax exemptions to imports on agricultural inputs, Bryan Acheampong has hinted.

“The problem is, when prices go up, no matter what we do, our businesses are unwilling to bring prices down and that is the problem. Irrespective, I will do all I can to ensure your request is granted,” he stated during a meeting with the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG).

At the meeting held in Accra, the two parties discussed crucial matters influencing the sector’s growth, including granting tax exemptions for the importation of agricultural inputs.

While awaiting the conclusion of discussions at the cabinet level, Mr. Acheampong said his office has been actively approving requests for exemptions for such inputs by importers, disclosing that as at the beginning of this month, more than 60 exemptions had been granted.

The minister’s disclosure comes on the back of concerns raised by PFAG over the austere economic conditions brought about by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bail-out.

PFAG’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Charles Nyaaba, told the B&FT that given the country’s unsatisfactory performance in food production, leading to rising food inflation, farmers had anticipated that measures would be implemented to enable farmers to enhance their output, ultimately boosting food supply and mitigating inflation.

“We were expecting to see radical measures that will ensure that the Planting for Food and Jobs policy delivers on its mandate; but that hasn’t happened. Instead, as part of the IMF conditions, the government took off tax waivers that the sector actors were benefitting from. For instance, we used to have tax waivers when you are bringing farm mechanisation products; tax waivers on fertiliser, imported seeds, agrochemicals and veterinary medicines. All these waivers have been taken out,” he stated.

He also said food prices, which continue to drive inflation up, will keep rising unless something is done to lower the cost of farm inputs.

Working together for food sustainability

Acknowledging the impact of the taxes on farmers, the Food and Agriculture Minister assured PFAG during the meeting of his resolve to work closely with the association and farmers across the country to increase yields and productivity.

He added that the ministry was implementing strategic measures to guarantee that farmers around the nation have access to inputs.

Onion crisis

The issues discussed at the meeting ranged from the current onion crisis – which has resulted in the lock-up of over 60 trucks of imported onions at the Benin and Burkina Faso border, the implementation of the PFJ phase two, and the implications of the new Tax Exemptions Act on the prices of agricultural inputs.

Addressing the onion issue and the plea by onion traders for the ministry to intervene to enable them to move their goods into the country, Mr. Acheampong asserted that the government’s preoccupation was to ensure enough production of onions locally to reduce and eventually stop its importation.

He insisted that while the government is concerned about the locked-up goods and is working diplomatically to resolve the issue, the priority of the ministry is to bring onion producers together and work out a modality that will address the current challenges preventing them from producing enough for domestic consumption.

He continued that the ministry has worked out modalities for the PFJ phase two, which is expected to be launched later in the month. It will address the major concerns of farmers. With an aggregator system, farmers will have access to seeds, fertilisers, extension services, mechanisation and post-harvest services, and will only repay the cost of these services after harvesting.

Responding to concerns of farmers regarding the criteria for the selection of the aggregators under the model, the minister assured that existing aggregators will not be crowded out due to this programme and that the ministry will continually work with the farmers to ensure that the right aggregators are selected for this programme.

He emphasised that the programme is inclusive and that all farmers, including youths, women and aggregators, will form an integral part of it.

Speaking on behalf of PFAG, Dr. Nyaaba was grateful to the minister for his unwavering resolve to work with farmers to improve the fortunes of the sector. He pledged his outfit’s cooperation and support to enable the government to achieve the long-term vision of ensuring food sufficiency in the country.

He also called on all farmers, value chain actors and service providers to join in helping to make Ghana a food hub in the sub-region.

Ad article

121 female farmers in the central region are receiving training under the AICCRA Ghana project.

0

The Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) Ghana project is training 121 female farmers out of more than 1,000 farmers in the Central Region on a new farming technologies.

The Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR) is a global partnership that unites organisations engaged in research for a food secure future.

The AICCRA project has 31 demonstration farms in 22 communities across six regions. These are the Greater Accra, Central, Bono East, Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions.

In the Central Region the project is being undertaken in the Cape Coast Metropolis and the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality with attention on identified improved varieties of maize, cowpeas and sweet potatoes.

The participating farmers were taken through demonstrations on the Mempeasem demonstration farms last week.

Auntie Maanan, one of the 121 female farmers commended the organization for the new technologies introduced to the females farmers to improve the livelihoods of the farmers in the region.

She mentioned that though she farms sweet potatoe, the new technologies that has been introduced, thus Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes is new to her and would need to cultivate it to boost the health benefits and income of her family.

The orange fleshed sweet potato, which derives its name from its orange colour is known to have enormous health benefits, including its ability to help gain weight and boost immunity. 

It is also known to help ease digestion and treat bronchitis, arthritis and stomach ulcers, prevent dehydration and help control diabetes.

The OFSP is a great source of Vitamin A and hence helps prevent Vitamin A deficiency and is mainly used as baby foods due to its properties as an all-in-one food benefit. It can be eaten uncooked or boiled.

“I grow the white potatoes but I have taken stems (stolons) for planting. It’s healthy and with the practices we have been taught I believe the harvests will be good,” she said.

Another farmer, Monica Amonoo, said the good agronomic practices learnt under the project had positively impacted her farm yields and urged the participants to adopt them.

Senior Research Officer at the CSIR-CRI working on the project, Dr Stephen Yeboah, explained that women remained critical to the well-being of families and the involvement of the women farmers was essential if the project was to achieve its goals of ensuring food security and health for all.

He observed that in the face of climate change it was important that farmers understood the relevance of their crops to the health and socio-economic welfare of their families and their communities.

“It is necessary that they don’t just grow but grow crops with essential food nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development and that is what this project seeks to do,” he stated.

Neem technology 

The introduction of the “neem technology” where powder from neem leaves is applied to the soil before planting the potatoes to prevent nematodes attacking the potatoes was a plus for the farmers.

Farmers were taught how to apply the neem powder in planting the potatoes and other crops to get the best yields.

Dr Yeboah said maize varieties such as the Opeaburo, Atika Denbea, and Ahofew were all bio-fortified varieties with disease resistant character, to ensure farmers got the most from their farms and fortified food for their families and for sale.

He said it was important that farmers were equipped with local and cheaper solutions to problems for better outcomes in the face of climate change and its impact on farming.

The Central Regional officer of Women in Agriculture Development urged the farmers, especially the women, to be advocates in the communities and to use the knowledge acquired to boost yields.

The Cape Coast Metropolitan Director of Agriculture, Olympia Williams, urged farmers to remain critical in food security, adding that the project was also to improve the nation’s food security.

Ad article

Developing Ghana and Africa requires more I.T. skills training – Prof. James Owusu.

0

Ghana and Africa at large need more than book knowledge to enhance their development status and create jobs for the youth. Africa has extreme poverty issues due to a lack of skills training.

Continue
Ad article

How to get more peppers from your plants – The secrets to a bigger pepper harvest!

0

Peppers are a beloved addition to vegetable gardens, but they can be a bit frustrating when it comes to getting plants to produce a bumper crop. Not only are peppers among some of the last vegetable crops in the garden to start producing, they also often seem to lag behind other plants when it comes to early season growth.

One thing is for sure, peppers need warm soil and warm weather to truly hit their stride. Because of that, they do take a bit longer to start setting and ripening their fruit. But once they do, there are a few key secrets to getting your plants to produce better than ever – and for longer than ever!

Green Chiles - how to get more peppers from your plants
Achieving a plentiful yield requires a simple approach that involves not only proper care but also consistent harvesting and fertilization that can help plants continue to produce

When it comes to getting a bigger harvest of peppers, the saying “the more you pick the more you get” couldn’t be more true. Especially when it comes to picking the first of your peppers off the plant. And that is even before they are ripe!

Picking Off Immature Early Fruit

Ever notice how the first peppers that form on your plants take forever to ripen? The very first peppers take a tremendous amount of energy to produce and turn. This is because the plant is still growing and maturing, and simply doesn’t have enough strength and power to do all at once.

Because of this, removing those first peppers can actually help the plant produce more peppers later on. It is amazing how by simply picking off the first five to ten peppers can help the plant really power up to produce more peppers that ripen far faster than the first fruits to form.

But beyond picking off the early peppers, it is also important to pick of mature peppers that form as soon as possible for the rest of summer. And harvesting often helps for three very important reasons!

Get More Peppers From Your Plants
Regular harvesting will keep your plants productive. The more you pick, the more your peppers plants will use the remaining energy to produce more blooms for more peppers.
3 Reasons To Pick Your Pepper Plants Regularly
  • Preventing Stress To Your Pepper Plants

Allowing too many peppers to remain on the plant puts your plants under a lot of stress. Plants with too many peppers struggle to allocate resources effectively. This can lead to smaller and less flavorful fruits – and to the peppers taking far longer to ripen on a consistent basis.

  • Preventing Damage To Your Pepper Plants

The more peppers that remain on your plant at one time, the more chance there will be of the branches bending and breaking under the weight of the fruit. Regular picking can help keep the overall weight down, and the likelihood of your plants toppling over during a storm or simply from being too heavy.

In addition, the longer a ripe pepper stays on the plant, the more likely pests will attack it. Insects and animals are drawn to mature fruit. The are easy to eat and ooze with flavor and juice. By picking regularly, you eliminate the risk of having pests find and destroy all of your harvest.

  • Preventing Fruit Overload

Pepper plants are programmed to produce more fruit as a response to regular harvesting. When you pick peppers, the plant interprets it as a signal to continue producing more. Hence, the more you pick, the more blooms it will continue to produce.

Red Chile Peppers

Regular harvesting not only promotes continuous pepper production but also ensures the health and vitality of your plants.

Picking Often – How To Get More Peppers From Your Plants

Get into the habit of checking your pepper plants daily during the peak harvesting season. Look for mature peppers that have reached their desired size and color and harvest immediately.

When picking peppers. always use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to snip off the peppers. Avoid twisting or pulling the fruit away from the plant. Not only will this prevent unnecessary damage to your peppers, it more importantly protects the remaining branches, blooms and peppers from damage.

Last, be sure to remove any overripe or damaged peppers promptly. Old and/or damaged fruit uses a lot of energy from the plant as it tries to heal or help the old fruit. By simply taking them off, that energy can then go to producing new blooms.

Keeping Your Peppers Powered Up – How To Get More Peppers From Your Plants

In addition to keeping your plants picked regularly, providing them with additional nutrients and water are the other two major keys to a bigger and better harvest.

Peppers require a well-balanced diet to thrive and produce abundant fruits. And understanding those nutrient requirements is key to getting more peppers from your plants. 

The primary nutrients peppers need are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This is listed as N-P-K on fertilizer labels with the (N) standing for nitrogen, the (P) of phosphorous and the (K) for potassium.

During the early stages of growth, peppers need a fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen content. Nitrogen helps to promote vigorous leaf and stem growth. Hearty leaves and stems are what help to create a strong plant that can set the stage for the plants to bear peppers later. 

However, as your pepper plants transition to the flowering and fruiting stage, they need a fertilizer with higher phosphorus and potassium content (the second and third numbers in the N-P-K ratio). These nutrients are the main power to support flower and fruit development.

Using A Liquid Fertilizer- Get More Peppers From Your Plants

Although you can power your peppers with granular fertilizer, in the summer, liquid is the best option to supply nutrients fast for blooms and fruiting.

Select a high quality water soluble fertilizer that has more phosphorous and potassium. Fertilize plants every seven to ten days at about half of the recommended dose. This lighter but more regular dose will keep the plant strong without overpowering it. Too much power can lead to all leaf and stem growth – and little to no fruit.

how to have a bigger harvest
Keeping your plants supplies with the right type of energy can help increase yields dramatically.
Ad article

Oyster Agribusiness, innovative AgriTech firm secures US$310,000 funding for agricultural transformation

0

Oyster Agribusiness, an innovative agricultural technology (AgriTech) enterprise collaborating closely with smallholder farmers, is delighted to announce the successful acquisition of substantial funds to advance its mission of sustainable agriculture, gender inclusivity, and talent management.

The company has recently garnered a total of US$310,000 in grants and a line of credit for funding, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward effecting positive change in the agricultural sector.

Root Capital, nonprofit lender committed to promoting resilience and prosperity in rural communities, has extended Oyster Agribusiness a substantial line of credit totaling US$300,000.

This financial infusion will play a pivotal role in expanding the operations and extending assistance to more smallholder farmers in need. With the capital injection, Oyster aspires to empower greater number of farmers, augmenting the current 3,000 smallholder farmers they collaborate with.

Through provisions like sustainable fertilizers, compost, improved seeds, and expert agronomical practices, the goal is to elevate the productivity and enhance livelihoods the livelihood of the farmers

“We express our deep gratitude to Root Capital, our collaborative partners, and the grant providers for acknowledging the worth of our endeavors and the potential of smallholder farmers,” stated Edmond Kombat, Founder/CEO, Oyster Agribusiness.

“This funding will enable us to broaden our outreach, strengthen our gender inclusivity initiatives, and invest in our exceptional team, propelling us closer to our vision of a flourishing, sustainable agricultural sector”, he added.

Mr. Kombat explained that Oyster Agribusiness leverages technologies such as temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, GPS technology, automation, information monitoring, and data gathering and analysis. This comprehensive technological integration not only enhances efficiency in our smallholder farms but also augments yields, trims costs, and reinforces sustainability, making our approach environmentally conscious.

These climate-smart agricultural practices contribute to improved forecasting and decision-making processes, ensuring efficient delivery of farm inputs to farmers and the transportation of farm produce from farmers to off-takers.

Additionally, Oyster Agribusiness has been awarded two generous grants to underpin crucial elements of social impact initiatives which include a Gender Inclusion Grant and a Talent Management Grant.

The former will be allocated to promote gender equality and empower women within the agricultural landscape. Oyster Agribusiness firmly believes that nurturing gender inclusivity is pivotal for the sustainable growth of farming communities. “Through this grant, we will introduce targeted programmes aimed at granting women farmers’ access to resources, training, and decision-making roles, thereby reinforcing their contributions to the sector,” Mr. Kombat noted.

Human capital forms the bedrock of Oyster Agribusiness’s accomplishments, and this grant is dedicated to nurturing talented pool of professionals. By investing in talent development, Oyster aspire to foster a culture of innovation, excellence, and empathy, equipping us to better cater to the needs of farmers and drive enduring positive change, he said of the latter.

Oyster Agribusiness is firmly convinced that sustainable agriculture and ethical business practices have the potential to catalyze social and economic transformation. With the unwavering support of its partners, stakeholders, and the commitment of our dynamic team, we are confident that these freshly acquired funds will accelerate our endeavors to forge a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous agricultural ecosystem.

Ad article

COCOBOD to halt construction of new cocoa roads

0

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced that it will no longer undertake the construction of cocoa roads across the country after the completion of ongoing ones.

The Cocoa Road Programme by COCOBOD was initiated to address the transportation challenges faced in bringing agro-inputs to cocoa farmers in those communities and in evacuating cocoa beans to Take Over Centres.

However, in an address at the 50th Anniversary Celebration symposium of the Cocoa Clinic, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo said the policy will be scrapped following negotiations with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“The EU sent a team last year to do due diligence on sustainable production and when they came, they wanted to know why COCOBOD was involved in cocoa roads construction because it is not a core business of COCOBOD and they insisted that we take that venture out of our equation and of course, the IMF is also saying the same thing. They say that we can continue with what we are currently constructing and not start new ones.”

That notwithstanding, Joseph Boahen Aidoo also announced plans by COCOBOD to establish health centres across a number of cocoa-growing communities in the country to improve access to healthcare for cocoa farmers.

“I have had the experience where a woman who was in labor and couldn’t deliver had to be carried in a hammock and traveled over 28 kilometers and couldn’t survive and when we look at the countryside to see how our cocoa farmers struggle to access health delivery, you will be touched to do something and that is why as an institution, it is important to bring health services and facilities as closer to these farmers as possible.”

Ad article

ASSF commends Cocobod for initiating steps to protect cocoa farms.

0

The Africa Schools Sanitation Foundation has behalf of Ghanaian schoolchildren, applauded COCOBOD for putting protective measures in place to safeguard cocoa farms from the effects of illegal mining operations.

In a statement, the non-governmental organisation praised COCOBOD for establishing the Galamsey Desk in the Chief Executive’s office to protect cocoa farms from galamsey threats through advocacy for applying statutes and other campaigns.

It stated that illegal miners’ activities endanger schoolchildren’s lives and that COCOBOD’s efforts to address the issues are commendable.

It congratulated Prof. Michael Kwarteng on his appointment as Head of the Galamsey Desk.

The NGO, as part of its core values and objectives, mobilise Ghanaians and other individuals both at home and abroad to raise funds or mobilise resources to build, renovate toilet facilities and provide a befitting general school environment in public schools in Africa with a special emphasis on Ghana.

Read the full statement below

GHANAIAN CHILDREN SALUTE COCOBOD GHANA FOR EMBARKING ON A CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT COCOA FARM LS FROM DESTRUCTION BY GALAMSEY ACTIVITIES.

On behalf of the children of Ghana, whose lives and future are in danger due to the eminent environmental destruction through galamsey and other activities, poor sanitation and non application of the laws, and our own behalf salutes COCOBOD GHANA for establishing Galamsey Desk in the office of the Chief Executive to protect cocoa farms from the threats of galamsey through advocacy of the application of the statutes and other campaigns.

Ghana as we are aware, is known internationally as a major producer of Gold and Cocoa.

It is therefore imperative to protect both industries and commodities. We must not allow the exploration and extraction of gold destroy another that earns the Country huge sums of foreign exchange.

To protect both industries means protecting the employment and livelihood of thousands not a few.

We congratulate Prof Michael Kwarteng on his appointment as Head of the Galamsey Desk.

We at Africa Schools Sanitation Foundation are touched by his drive and passion.

Ad article
1...444546...172Page 45 of 172
agrictoday.com
Agric Today is a news agency that publishes on Agric and provides vivid update of news and analysis on topical issues of national and international importance in Agriculture. The agency also analyses sectoral issues involving news on Agri business, Crops, Animals etc
Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© 2023 Agrictoday.com.gh