The National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) has urged the government to capitalize on the establishment of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to open tuna markets in landlocked areas.
The AfCFTA is expected to increase intra-African trade by over 52% by establishing a free trade single market for products and services to cut down on trade expenses.
Richster Nii Amarh Amarfio, secretary of NAFAG, noted that the European Union remained the industry’s sole mediator of trade concerns until a sizable market for tuna was established within Africa.
Amarfio said that as a component of the media platform known as “Blue Gold: Ghana’s Economic Transformer,” which was started by the Ghana News Agency, Tema Regional Office, and intended to serve as a comprehensive journalistic interaction with participants and other stakeholders in the blue economy arena,
Additionally, “GNA-Tema Blue Gold: Ghana’s Economic Transformer” connects investors to the blue economy value chain, investigates untapped potential in the sector, and helps policymakers comprehend the difficulties that blue economy participants face.
Even though Ghana has enough tuna to meet all domestic and international demand, according to Amarfio, a former secretary of the Ghana Tuna Association, the EU market continues to be the industry’s only source of survival.
“Europeans eat a lot of tuna, both raw and canned, so the majority of it goes to the EU market; that’s why they have enough control over us,” he claimed.
According to Amarfio, Ghana may decide to use the AfCFTA as an opportunity to bypass these restrictions by developing the required market on the continent.
He urged the government to keep the industry alive because doing so would have an impact on both people who were directly involved in it and others who were dependent on its operations for a living downstream.
“I have not seen hotels in Ghana use tuna in their dishes other than the canned tuna they use for salads,” Amarfio said, “creating an internal market could also come in the form of developing dishes that would use tuna.”
One of the world’s leading anti-slavery organisations, International Justice Mission (IJM), has insisted that there was no wrongdoing in its operation of rescuing some Ghanaian children from child trafficking, contrary to a recent report by BBC Africa Eye.
The BBC Africa Eye in an investigative report published on Monday, July 10, 2023, among other things alleged that some Ghanaian children were forcefully taken from their homes in an operation backed by IJM.
In its report, BBC also said, the children who were happily living with their relatives were unjustifiably removed from their homes without any evidence of going through one form of labour or the other.
Responding to this on the Point Blank segment on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, the Country Director for IJM, Anita Budu, said, “We have not found any wrongdoing from the team-IJM Ghana in this particular case. We are an organisation that prioritises the wellbeing and protection of every child, and safeguarding of every child, and this is what drives us. We are a learning organisation, and we will review our safeguarding policy”.
The Country Director of IJM described the revelation by the BBC Africa Eye as shocking and emphasized the need for the organisation to rescue the children from danger.
“Many of the revelations in the BBC report are quite shocking. We did our own internal inquiry and investigations into the case, and what we found out from our side is that there are a lot of inaccuracies in this documentary. We sent out information to the police and the fact of the case was outlined. Initially, the information gathered was not clear-cut, and so when it was presented to the authorities [police], a decision was made to intervene. And there was the need for the children to be out of that situation, and charges were brought against the suspects,” she emphasized.
According to her, they have a team of professionals who weigh the various trafficking issues before a rescue operation is carried out.
“A lot of back and forth happens within the team because you don’t just take one person’s word for it. We have professionals from different fields to discuss these cases and see the merits,” Madam Anita Budu explained to Selorm Adonoo.
She refuted claims that the police used guns to drive out the children from their various homes.
“The police made the intervention, from our observation, the police used a measured approach. We didn’t observe this situation of a gun,” the Country Director for IJM clarified
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has suspended the activities of Samdoe Enterprise, a water-producing company located at Community 18, Spintex Road.
Mrs Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FDA in a statement signed and issued on Wednesday said the premises of Samdoe Enterprise was closed down because the company had been engaged in the production and distribution of unregistered brands of water products in an unlicensed, unhygienic manufacturing facility.
“The unregistered water products are Perfect Ice Drinking Water, Aqua Link Drinking Water and Leaders Drinking Water,” she added.
Mrs Darko said the Authority’s Inspection Team uncovered major safety and quality issues, including operation in an unsuitable wooden structure, presence of open drains with algae and fungi growth, dirty filters, and no pest control regime.
She therefore cautioned the public not to consume the unregistered brands listed above.
“Consumers who have already purchased these products are urged to immediately halt their use and properly dispose of them immediately. Retailers and distributors are also requested to withdraw all these brands from the market,” she added.
The FDA CEO said it was imperative that consumers exercised caution when selecting water products and opt for products that have been duly registered by the FDA, with an FDA number on the label.
“The public is once again reminded to check the registration status of regulated products from the FDA websitehttp://fdaghana.gov.gh or through the Proper platform – https://bit.ly/ProPerFDA before purchase,” she added.
The Government Statistician, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annin has advised the policymakers to keenly examine the factors that are aiding to increasing food inflation in the country.
According to him, after reaching a more than two-decade high of 54.1% in December, inflation had gradually declined for four consecutive months until April. However, annual inflation accelerated to 42.5% in June, up from 42.2% in May.
During a press briefing yesterday in Accra, Prof. Annim advised policymakers to critically examine the factors behind the increase in food inflation.
He highlighted that food inflation consistently showed a higher rise, with a difference of approximately 20 percentage points compared to non-food inflation.
Prof. Annim, addressing journalists after announcing the June inflation figures, pointed out that prices of essential staple foods, including vegetables and fish, continued to witness significant increases during the period. He emphasized the need to understand why food inflation was rising and called for a focus on narrowing the gap between food and non-food inflation.
According to Prof. Annim, food inflation stood at 54.2%, surpassing the national average. The prices of imported food products recorded a substantial increase of 43.8%, while locally produced items experienced a rise of 36.2%.
Christiana Antwiwaa, a 37-year-old resident of Otoase, in the eastern region, has revealed her gains in farming after struggling to find customers for her seamstress business.
Defiling the odds, she made the bold decision to venture into farming, and it has proven to be a lucrative venture. With 5 acres of land dedicated to cultivating maize, cassava, okro (okra), and pepper, she has not only transformed her own life but has also become a pillar of support for her community.
Christiana’s journey into farming began seven years ago when she realized that her tailoring business was not yielding the desired results. Faced with the challenge of attracting customers, she decided to explore other opportunities. With determination and a thirst for success, she turned her attention to agriculture, a sector known for its potential in Ghana.
With her entrepreneurial spirit, Christiana acquired 5 acres of land and started cultivating various crops. Maize, cassava, okro, and pepper became her primary focus, and she dedicated herself to mastering the techniques required to maximize yields. As her knowledge and expertise grew, so did her confidence in the agricultural industry.
To support her farming activities, Christiana employs three permanent staff members who work alongside her. Additionally, she hires two additional laborers as and when needed, depending on the demands of the farm. Through careful planning and strategic investments, she has managed to make her farming operation increasingly efficient.
This year, Christiana made a significant investment of approximately 5000 Ghanaian cedis into her farming business. The funds were allocated towards improving irrigation systems, purchasing quality seeds, and acquiring necessary machinery and equipment. These investments have not only boosted her productivity but have also contributed to the overall growth of her farm.
The fruits of Christiana’s labour extend beyond her personal success. Through her thriving agricultural enterprise, she has been able to provide support to her community. The farm produces an abundance of nutritious crops, which Christiana readily shares with her neighbours and local organizations. Her generosity and willingness to give back have made her a respected figure in Otoase.
In addition to the positive impact on the community, Christiana’s farming endeavours have brought personal rewards as well. Through her hard work and dedication, she has been able to build a house for herself and her family—a dream that she had long aspired to achieve. Her newfound financial stability has provided her family with security and opened doors for a brighter future.
Agrihouse Foundation’s Production Team are presently traveling across all 33 districts in the Eastern Region, their mission is to document the remarkable achievements of 62 shortlisted women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Eastern Region, for the upcoming 5th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards, an annual rotational Regional intervention organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with global affairs Canada, captured the story of Christiana.
Travelling from district to district, Agrihouse Production Team seeks to capture stories of resilience, innovation, and success, showcasing the immense talent and achievement and hard work of these women farmers in the Eastern Region.
Their efforts aims to make a profound impact by highlighting the incredible contributions of women farmers and farmers with disabilities, who pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women in shaping the future of food security.
Global Affairs Canada has for the past five years shown a continued commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women farmers by sponsoring Agrihouse Foundation’s production team in our quest to recognize, honour and celebrate women farmers and farmers with disability, other partners for this year’s 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil awards also includes Yara Ghana and RDF Ghana LBG.
Antwiwaa Christiana’s story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the possibilities that lie in perseverance and adaptability. By recognizing an opportunity in the agricultural sector and embracing it wholeheartedly, she has not only transformed her own life but has also become a catalyst for positive change in her community. Christiana’s success story is a testament to the potential that can be unlocked when one follows their passion and remains committed to their goals.
As Christiana continues her journey as a farmer, she hopes to inspire others to explore the possibilities in agriculture and realize their own potential. Through her story, she demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and a willingness to adapt, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve success in unexpected ways.
The 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards is scheduled for July 26-27 in Koforidua in the Eastern Region under the theme “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS,” promise to be a momentous occasion. These events will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, and women farmers and farmers with disability to award and celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
ABOUT WOFAGRIC AND GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS: Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual event that strengthens and promotes a paradigm shift in celebrating women farmers, processors, marketers, and individuals contributing to the agricultural value chain. These awards acknowledge the remarkable efforts of women in various sectors, including transportation, packaging, technology, and input dealers. Every year, the event moves from region to region, searching for these extraordinary women who play a significant role in putting food on our tables. Regardless of their abilities, they are thriving to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.
The Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) has inaugurated an office and incubation hub in Tamale to expand agribusiness services and targeted policy initiatives to improve local economic governance.
The KIC set up the office with support from the Ghana Market Systems and Resilience (MSR) Activity, a USAID-funded programme under the Feed the Future Initiative.
The office, located at Kanvili in the Sagnarigu Municipality, is an apartment with offices, washrooms, kitchenette and a conference hall.
Mr Joe Mensah, Board Chairman of KIC, speaking at the inauguration ceremony said KIC seeks to give distinct attention to agriculture, and poised to invest appropriately in the sector to promote food security. Mr Mensah said Northern Ghana is a location to scale up agricultural investments to create employment for the youth, and called on community leaders to support the initiative.
He said, “The KIC, after exploring oil, seeks to explore more sectors, in partnership with stakeholders to engage more females as well as the youth.”
Mr Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC, said the centre is committed to transforming the agriculture value chain by equipping the youth with ready market skills that would empower them economically to contribute to community development.
He stated that the MSR Activity, which seeks to ensure more resilient markets within the agricultural sector, led to the setup of the incubation hub to reach young entrepreneurs within 17 districts across four regions in the north.
The conference hall of the newly inaugurated office was named after its Board Chair, Mr Joe Mensah, in recognition of his contribution to the organisation.
As part of the inaugural activities, staff members of KIC visited business start-up centres in the region.
Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, Northern Regional Minister, lauded the initiatives of the KIC in the agricultural sector, women empowerment and capacity building spaces.
He said the inaugurated office would deepen KIC’s partnership with key stakeholders and provide entrepreneurial skills to enhance the government development policies.
He urged the youth to seize the opportunity by venturing into agribusiness to become economically viable.
Accomplished Cardiothoracic Surgeon and former Minister of Environment Prof. Frimpong Boateng has sounded a word of caution, calling the judgement of God on all persons destroying rivers, forests and natural habitats.
The former Minister made the emphatic pronouncements backed with scriptures at a breakfast meeting held by the Kumasi Chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship to mark its 40th anniversary in the Ashanti Region.
“Revelations 11:18 says the nations are angry because your wrath has come. The time has come for you to punish the dead and to reward your servants the prophets and saints who revere your name.”
“The last line is, ‘and to punish those who destroy the earth. That is what God says. He will destroy people who destroy the earth.” He asserted.
Professor Frimpong Boateng’s report on activities of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining which revealed alleged involvement of politicians and influential persons in government, the media and the presidency, has generated a swell of both praise and vilification.
Prof Frimpong Boateng cautioned, “When we are destroying our environment, we must know we are not alone. All the other creatures are very important. God created us to do His will. To cater for the last, the least and the lost.“
Buttressing his point, he described how destroying one tree caused a significant ecological imbalance and disrupts a whole symbiotic chain of natural habitats and organisms created in the infinite wisdom of God.
“When we take machines into the forest, pull down trees; there may be a dozen birds with their nests there as their home. We might find lizards, termites and other things there as their habitat. When we take it down it is like an earthquake to these organisms. For these animals, there are thousands of earthquakes in Ghana everyday destroying their habitats, water and food sources.”
Professor Frimpong Boateng chided, “They will not survive, and God is not happy with that.”:
He asked, “When was the last time you saw a vulture in Ghana? Vultures need tall trees and if you destroy their habitats, their food and sources of water, they will die.”
Prof. Frimpong Boateng challenged the gathering to imagine the scenario where a more powerful being came to the earth pulling down homes and taking away all the food and water that humans survived on.
In an astute memory of verses, he pointed to the story of Jonah’s mission to Nineveh and explained how God was not only concerned about saving the lives of the 120 thousand residents but also spoke about the animals that lived in the land.
The Kumasi Chapter President of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship Gideon Tei was elated Prof. Fimpong Boateng shared valuable keys for living a life that mirrored the Grace of God.
He told reporter Ivan Heathcote – Fumador, “Listening to him, he has come this far by grace. If we look at his age, those of us coming up can only look up to God to help us attain this honor.”
Ghana is this year hosting the world conference of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship which comes off from the 13th to the 15th of July in the capital Accra.
This will be the second time the conference has come to West Africa after Nigeria Hosted the conference in the year 2003.
Ghana further holds a notable position in the Fellowship as a Ghanaian, Francis Owusu, was elected the current international President of the Full Gospel Business Mens’ Fellowship, on February 9th, 2023 in Malaysia.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Bryan Acheampong says the government will soon roll out an unprecedented policy that will seek to change the welfare of the Cocoa farmers.
Without giving any hint about the nature of the intervention, the Abetifi Member of Parliament said the programme, which will be announced before the next cocoa season, will be the biggest intervention that will discourage farmers from trading their Cocoa farms for illegal mining.
“I don’t want to take the wind out of the president’s sail. There’s a big announcement coming for Cocoa farmers in this country. It is unprecedented. There’s going to be a big, big, big announcement for Cocoa farmers” he reiterated.
Cocoa farming is going to change in this country because we know it is an important crop, and we know the toils of farmers” he stated
In an interview aired concurrently on three Nkawkaw-based radio stations, the Minister stated that the aim of the government is to reverse the the trend where Cocoa farmers are tagged poor.
“I don’t think the money the ‘galamsey'[illegal miner] person will give you if you aggregate it over ten years, it will beat what cocoa will give you” he argued.
“Yes, if you compare what you will get from Cocoa to that of what the galamsey person will give you, maybe the galamsayers money will be so much for this year, but what happens next year, next five years and next ten years. You may be coerced to give out your property but in the long-term, you will lose”he explained
Cocoa is the largest agricultural export of Ghana, and Ghana’s main cash crop.
However, farmers over the years have bemoaned over the lack of support and low income from their sweat despite their vital contribution to the Ghanaian economy.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong has explained that his confrontation with members of the Minority Caucus at the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) on Friday, July 7, was out of shock.
He said he had visited the aggrieved suppliers on Thursday, July 6, and that he had a fruitful engagement with them, and they agreed and vacated the Buffer Stock Company premises only for them to resurface through alleged machinations from the Minority Caucus.
Mr. Acheampong told Selorm Adonoo on Eyewitness News on Citi FM that he was later informed on Friday, July 7 that the members of the association had regrouped and were meeting the Minority which came to him as a shock.
“We discussed a roadmap to a solution and the people agreed and left. I drove past the Buffer Stock Company at 12 am [Thursday, July 6] and I saw only two of the protesters. When I went there this morning, I saw the same two because they were supposed to go home and have a meeting on Monday.”
“Around 3 pm, I had information that they have regrouped and that the Minority had gone there with food and other things and so when I got there, I told the Minority Leader that what they were doing is not right, and so I confronted them in my state of shock.”
“I am saying that when I went there yesterday, I solved the problem with them, and they were to go home, and they did, and I was going to tell them how they were going to get paid and there is a meeting coming on Monday and so that was the end of the matter and so for them to all of a sudden come back to meet the Minority with cameras was a show,” Mr. Acheampong added.
The Agrihouse Foundation’s Gold in the Soil Awards has garnered significant attention and participation this year, as it has received a record-breaking 96 nominations from 33 districts in the Eastern Region.
This remarkable achievement highlights the growing recognition of exceptional women farmers and farmers with disability in the agricultural industry, along with their invaluable contributions to the sector.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming awards ceremony, let’s explore the categories that received the highest to the lowest number of nominations. This will showcase the diverse talents and accomplishments within each category across the districts of the Eastern Region.
Scheduled for July 26-27 in the Eastern Region, under the theme “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS,” the Gold in the Soil Awards comprises 15 categories that represent a diverse range of achievements.
These categories highlight the exceptional accomplishments of women along the entire agricultural value chain, from farm-to-market excellence and innovation-driven solutions to community impact and sustainable practices. Each category holds its own significance, reflecting the multifaceted nature of women’s contributions to agriculture.
PASSION FOR THE FARMS AWARD:
This award pays tribute to an individual woman who exhibits boundless enthusiasm and a deep passion for agribusiness. Whose commitment to the growth of her community, job creation, mentoring young girls, and promoting agriculture on both small and large scales sets her apart as a true inspiration.
This category received the highest number of nominations, with 29 nominations from women in Farming,Processing , packaging Poultry and Livestock in Akuapim North District, Afram Plains South District, and Ayensuano District.
OUTSTANDING WOMAN IN EXTENSION SERVICES AWARD:
Recognizing women in the public or private sector, this award commends women who tirelessly contribute to agricultural development through training, capacity building, and advocacy.
Their efforts empower farmers with best practices, leading to socio-economic development and empowerment at both the societal and national levels. This category received sixteen (16) nominations from Fanteakwa North District, New Juaben North Municipal, and Yilo Krobo District.
GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARD:
This prestigious accolade acknowledges the remarkable accomplishments of a woman who has made a significant impact along the entire agricultural value chain. From production and processing to branding and marketing, this outstanding individual has not only achieved excellence but has also positively influenced her community. Extra recognition will be given if she has successfully exported her products.
This year, this category received eleven (11) nominations from woman farmers in cocoa, rice, livestock, poultry farming in various districts including Akuapim North, Afram Plains South, Kwaebibirem, Akyem Krobo, Ayensuano, Anum Apapam, and Fanteakwa North.
SHE INNOVATES AWARD:
This esteemed award celebrates a woman who demonstrates the power of innovation in her agribusiness. By identifying challenges within her community and the agricultural value chain, has developed innovative solutions that add value to her business and positively impact the industry as a whole. The She Innovates
