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Government-Unveil $227.5 million Tree Crop Diversification Project .

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Minister for Food and Agriculture
Minister for Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong

The Government of Ghana (GoG), in collaboration with the World Bank, will launch the Ghana Tree Crop Diversification Project (TCDP) on Thursday, November 14, 2024, in Accra.

This innovative initiative aims to transform Ghana’s agricultural sector and promote sustainable economic growth by diversifying tree crops.

In a statement on Monday, November 11, 2024, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) highlighted that the government seeks to tackle key challenges affecting productivity and sustainability in the production of cocoa, cashew, coconut, and rubber.

The project will also address critical issues such as child labour and gender inequality within the industry.

“The TCDP proposes a two-pronged approach focusing on both cocoa and other strategic tree crops to enhance productivity, improve market access, and bolster the competitiveness of the private sector. With a total budget of USD 227.5 million, which includes a USD 27.5 million contribution from the GoG through COCOBOD, the project encompasses four primary components: 1. Institutional Strengthening and Value Chain Governance 2. Enhancing Tree Crop Productivity and Climate Resilience 3. Support for Post-Harvest Management, Value Addition, and Market Access 4. Project Coordination, Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation.”

“The project aims to achieve significant outcomes, such as increased yields and value addition for target tree crops, improved climate adaptation strategies, and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”

The TCDP will introduce protective measures to combat child labour and enhance gender equity within the agricultural workforce.

 “The TCDP will be rolled out in eleven districts across six regions of Ghana, carefully chosen for their potential to maximize impact. The targeted areas include: • Cocoa: Western North’s Essam and Adabokrom, and Asamankese in the Eastern Region. • Cashew: Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Savannah Region, Wenchi and Tain in the Bono Region, and Techiman Municipal and Techiman North in the Bono East Region. • Coconut: Upper West Akim and Suhum in the Eastern Region, and Rubber in Upper West Akim,” it added.

BY: OSEI – TUTU ESTHER KUMAH

Supreme Court overrules Bagbin’s decision on vacant seats.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Supreme Court-Ghana
Supreme Court-Ghana

The Supreme Court has ruled against Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, in agreement with Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and the New Patriotic Party Parliamentary Caucus.

The ruling was given on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 by a the seven-member panel, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. They delivered a 5-2 majority decision in favour of Afenyo-Markin. Chief Justice Torkornoo noted that a detailed explanation of the ruling will be provided later.

The dispute revolves around Speaker Bagbin’s interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) of the Ghanaian Constitution, which he cited as the basis for declaring the seats vacant. The move was met with legal and political pushback, with Afenyo-Markin arguing that Bagbin had exceeded his authority by bypassing judicial review and denying the possibility of by-elections in the affected constituencies.

The Supreme Court had initially issued an interim injunction to prevent the implementation of the Speaker’s ruling. However, Speaker Bagbin filed a counter-application, arguing that parliamentary decisions are beyond the judiciary’s reach, as they are an independent arm of government and are non-judicial matters.

Thaddeus Sory, Bagbin’s counsel contended that judicial intervention in parliamentary affairs undermines the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

However, Chief Justice Torkornoo dismissed Bagbin’s application, affirming the Court’s authority to intervene when parliamentary actions are suspected of violating constitutional provisions.

She expressed concern over the potential disenfranchisement of constituents who might lose their parliamentary representation without the option of by-elections, especially with the upcoming December 7 general elections.

The Chief Justice directed both parties to submit their statements of claim within seven days to ensure a swift resolution.

Written by

Cindy Adasah Boamah

Ghana ranks third in food security in Africa- Bawumia says

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, has announced that Ghana is the third most food-secure country in Africa.

He credited this achievement to the successful implementation of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, which has led to a significant increase in food production across the nation.

“We have supported farmers through the Food and Jobs initiative, resulting in a thriving agricultural sector with abundant food production nationwide. Ghana now ranks third in Africa out of 54 countries in terms of food security,” he stated.

Speaking at a rally in the Bekwai constituency during his tour of the Ashanti Region, the Vice President noted that the government significantly supported farmers through the initiative, which led to the huge food production across the country.

He indicated that Ghana’s food security ranking is a testament to the country’s agricultural progress.

Dr. Bawumia further praised the government’s decision to raise cocoa prices, noting that this move will greatly benefit cocoa farmers.

President Nana Akufo-Addo recently announced an increase in the cocoa producer price to GH₵3,100 per 64kg bag, representing a slight surge of 0.03% from the previous rate set in September for the 2024/2025 crop season.

The adjustment, which translates to GH₵49,600 per tonne, is intended to align cocoa prices with current market conditions and provide additional support to Ghanaian cocoa farmers.

Dr. Bawumia therefore said this is an indication of the NPP’s commitment towards supporting farmers.

Bawumia accuses Mahama of lack of policy, resorting to insults

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has criticized the National Democratic Congress’ Flagbearer, John Mahama, for his continous reliance on insults rather than presenting his policies.

Bawumia noted that Mahama’s resort to insults is indicative of a lack of substantive policy proposals.

He stated that the focus should be on issues and solutions rather than personal attacks.

“The insults have begun, but we will not mind him (Mahama), because insults cannot do anything. We’re going to win this election,” he noted.

During his campaign in the Bekwai constituency as part of his tour of the Ashanti Region, the Vice President called out the NDC government, attributing issues such as the cancellation of teachers’ and nurses’ allowances and frequent power outages, among others to incompetence and mismanagement.

Dr. Bawumia indicated that the NPP excelled in various sectors compared to the NDC, citing achievements in roads, employment, railways, airports, hospitals, and schools.

Dr. Bawumia also assured the people of the constituency that his government will never support same-sex marriage in Ghana.

He noted that his administration will firmly oppose LGBTQ rights as it goes against the cultural norms and traditions of the nation.

Bawumia is expected to visit four constituencies in Ashanti Region today.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Dr. Bawumia The flagbearer for NPP
Dr. Bawumia The flagbearer for NPP

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP Flagbearer, will continue his campaign in the Ashanti Region, visiting Bekwai, Bosomtwe, Ejisu, and Asokwa constituencies on November 11, 2024.

Dr. Bawumia started his constituency tour in the region on Monday, November 4. Monday’s activities will mark his visit to 22 out of the 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region.

The day begins in Bekwai with a meet-and-greet session and a stakeholder engagement.

During the campaign, Dr. Bawumia has engaged with local party officials, community leaders, and residents, discussing key issues and presenting his vision for Ghana’s future.

This extensive tour demonstrates the NPP’s dedication to strengthening its support base in the Ashanti Region.

With its large voter base, the Ashanti Region is vital to the NPP’s election strategy, making this tour a key part of their preparations.

Dr. Bawumia’s outreach highlights the NPP’s commitment to strengthening its position in the region, boosting supporter confidence, and promoting unity within the party as they gear up for the December elections

BY: OSEI –TUTU ESTHER KUMAH

Supreme Court- To announce verdict in vacant seats case today.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
Supreme Court-Ghana
Supreme Court-Ghana

The Supreme Court will announce a landmark ruling today on the contested decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, sparking significant political debate and highlighting the constitutional powers of the Speaker of Parliament.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the NPP parliamentary caucus, contests Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of vacant seats without judicial oversight or by-elections.

The dispute centers on Speaker Bagbin’s interpretation of the 1992 Constitution concerning parliamentary vacancies. On October 17, 2024, Bagbin declared four seats vacant, arguing that the MPs had violated constitutional requirements, justifying their removal from office.

Afenyo-Markin argues that Bagbin exceeded his constitutional authority by making the decision on his own.

He asserts that only the judiciary has the authority to interpret the Constitution in such matters, and that the Speaker’s actions bypassed the proper judicial process. Afenyo-Markin argues that Bagbin’s declaration disenfranchises the constituents, denying them their right to representation.

After Afenyo-Markin filed the suit, the Supreme Court issued an injunction to halt any action on the vacated seats until a final decision. However, Speaker Bagbin challenged this interim injunction by filing a motion to have the court reverse its decision.

He contended that halting his declaration interfered with his responsibilities as Speaker, asserting that his decision was within his authority to uphold parliamentary integrity. The Supreme Court rejected Bagbin’s motion to lift the injunction, maintaining its previous ruling and paving the way for today’s critical judgment on the issue.

BY: OSEI-TUTU ESTHER KUMAH

Digitalization is crucial for solving Ghana’s economic issues- Dr. Bawumia

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has repeated his firm stance against LGBTQ+ legalization in Ghana.
Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, has responded to critiques that he has shifted focus from Ghana’s economic challenges to digitalization.

He emphasized that digitalization is a key part of his economic plan, aimed at addressing critical issues through transformative technology.

His comments came after opposition John Dramani Mahama, who accused him of downplaying urgent economic concerns.

Bawumia defended his approach during the launch of the National Credit Scoring System, a digital initiative to improve credit accessibility for Ghanaians.

He emphasized that digital solutions are crucial for addressing financial transparency, access and economic involvement.

He noted that digital tools aim to create a developed economic system aiding efficiency, fairness, and broader participation.

For instance, mobile money interoperability has boosted financial inclusion by facilitating easy transfers across different mobile networks, demonstrating the benefits of digital initiatives for Ghana’s economy.

“When I was pushing for the implementation of these projects, many people said I had abandoned economics to pursue digitalisation. They did not understand that I was just using digitalisation to solve economic problems,” he said.

By Osei Tutu Esther Kumah

Bawumia pledges free tertiary education for the children of cocoa farmers.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,  has promised to provide free tertiary education for children of cocoa farmers if elected.

This initiative seeks to replace the SHS cocoa scholarship scheme, which is now unnecessary due to the Free SHS programme.

During the Farmers’ Day celebration in Jocubu, Odotobri constituency, Dr. Bawumia highlighted that this policy aims to assist cocoa farmers by helping their children enroll to higher education without financial obstacles.

Initially, COCOBOD provided scholarships for the children of cocoa farmers to attend Senior High Schools.

However, with the introduction of the free Senior High School (SHS) policy, every child can now attend SHS at no cost.

As a result, the government plans to reallocate the funds that were previously used to cover the fees for cocoa farmers’ children.

“Starting next year, COCOBOD will take over the responsibility of paying the fees for cocoa farmers,” he said.

By Osei Tutu Esther Kumah

Election 2024: Chief of Akpafu backs Mahama

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Bosatē Ledzasē Mireku II, the Chief of Akpafu in the Oti Region, has endorsed John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)  for the 2024 election season.

Bosatē Ledzasē Mireku II publicly endorsed during a recent event in Akpafu, addressing community members and political figures.

In his speech, the Chief expressed confidence in the NDC’s dedication to developing the Oti Region and the broader Volta Region, especially in areas like Lolobi (SALL), Santrokofi, Akpafu and Likpe.

The Chief commended the NDC for their longstanding focus on these often-overlooked communities and indicated hope that, if voted, Mahama would prioritize their economic and social development in Ghana.

The Chief supports the National Democratic Congress due to their fair and accelerative vision for Ghana, that he trust  line up with the needs and desiress of Akpafu and nearby communities.

“We are forward to your continued support and leadership in making Guan communities and our nation a better place for all.
It is our desire and hope that you win this election in the first round,” he noted.

By Osei Tutu Esther Kumah

Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong wins 2024 National Best Farmer

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong, a seasoned farmer with five decades of experience, has been honored as the top farmer in the nation for 2024.

Hailing from the Sekyere Central district in the Ashanti Region, the 70-year-old leads the successful North American farms, where a team of 168 workers tend to a variety of crops such as cocoa and cashew.

At the recent Farmers Day celebration on November 8, Nana Owusu emphasized the importance of enhancing efforts to ensure food security in the country.

The event, which was held nationwide to acknowledge the hard work and vital contributions of farmers to the economy, was graced by the presence of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other esteemed guests.

As a token of recognition, Nana Owusu was awarded one million Ghana cedis, a testament to his dedication and excellence in the agricultural sector.

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