Day: March 8, 2024

The Eric Danquah Foundation (EDF) is making a noticeable difference in the lives of students in Ghana, especially with its Highflyers in Plant Breeding and Genetics Programme.

Founded by Professor Eric Yirenkyi Danquah from the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, EDF focuses on preparing young people for the future in sustainable agriculture.

A statement issued by EDF, copied to the Ghana News Agency said the beneficiaries of EDF’s Flagship programme, Highflyers in Plant Breeding and Genetics Programme attest to the pivotal role EDF had played in shaping their academic journey.

Mr Bright Fiakeye, a scholarship recipient, talks about the full support EDF gave him – covering his school fees, housing, and providing a laptop.

This support, combined with mentorship from EDF, opened new doors for him in both academics and future career paths.

Bright, who is now pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, credits EDF for guiding him through the application process, covering costs for Eng
lish proficiency tests, and helping him get recommendations.

This comprehensive support was key to his admission to the University of Cambridge.

EDF’s influence goes beyond just helping students excel academically in Ghana.

It has also reignited interest in agriculture and opened up opportunities for study abroad.

Mr Salaudeen Bandanaa, another EDF scholar, shares how the foundation’s mentorship clarified his career goals.

‘Initially uncertain about my passion for agriculture, witnessing the remarkable achievements of Prof Eric Danquah, the foundation’s director motivated and propelled me for academic excellence ‘he revealed.

Now studying for an MSc in Global Plant Health at the University of East Anglia, UK, and working at the Sainsbury Laboratory,

Mr Bandanaa attributes his securing of the David Sainsbury international scholarship to both his hard work and the support from EDF.

Madam Sandra Awuradwoa Krowa Akrofi, also supported by EDF, highlights the foundation’s role in her academic path.

The Fou
ndation not only provided financial support but also offered invaluable mentorship for her educational journey.

The Foundation also covered the cost of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) of which she achieved exceptional scores.

She is now pursuing an MPhil in Crop Science at the University of Ghana. Her research is supported by mentors from EDF.

Looking ahead, Madam Akrofi aspires to contribute significantly to the global battle for food and nutrition security.

‘I am actively seeking a PhD position with a keen interest in utilizing biotechnology tools to enhance the abiotic tolerance and biofortification of orphan crops,’ she added.

The Eric Danquah Foundation is proving to be a key player in developing future agricultural leaders in Ghana, offering not just financial support but also mentorship and opportunities for international education.

The EDF was announced in the acceptance speech by the honoree during the award ceremony at Nanjing Agricultural University, China, upon rece
iving the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA) World Agriculture Prize on October 28, 2018.

The foundation was officially registered and authorized to begin business operations in February 2020.

The founder, the 2022 Africa Food Prize Laureate, also founded the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) based at the University of Ghana in 2007.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Some Basic School mates and friends of the late Dr John Kumah in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital on Friday said they received information about the demise of the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning with shock and disbelief.

The Deputy Finance Minister, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, who died on Thursday, 7th March 2024, after a short illness, was an old student of the Sunyani-based Rapid Preparatory School, where he completed in the 90s.

Checks by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) reveals he was 45 years old and left six children and a widow.

‘It’s with a heavy heart that I receive the news of honorable John Kumah’s passing. John was not just a colleague or a fellow leader; he was a pillar of strength, a beacon of hope, and a dear friend,’ Mr Richard Osei-Owusu, an entrepreneur and academician told the GNA in an interview in Sunyani.

‘His unwavering dedication to serving the people of Ghana was matched only by his kindness and compassion towards those around him’, he added, saying, ‘h
e served so diligently and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of others and his unwavering commitment to his principles have left an enduring mark on all who have the privilege of knowing him.’

Mr Joseph Kumah Mackay, the Chief Executive Officer of the Middle Belt Development Authority (MBDA) and a classmate stressed: ‘John’s passing leaves an indelible void in our lives and in the nation.

‘As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate his life and the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, generosity, and warmth. John’s legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for a better future and to always lead with integrity and compassion,’ Mr Mackay, also the Sene West Parliamentary Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) stated.

‘It’s shocking and devastating to hear about the sudden demise of my friend and brother, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah, with whom I’ve come so far. In fact, I will forever remember him for his kindness and excellent human relationship. Rapid Preparatory has indeed lost an econom
ic icon,’ Mr Kofi Osei Effah, a politician and schoolmate indicated.

‘Sunyani Rapid Preparatory JSS has lost a great brother, a mentor and counsellor,’ Mr Anthony Okomoh, another school mate of the late MP stated.

He expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family.#

Meanwhile, the death of the late Deputy Minister remained a topical issue in the Sunyani Municipality as most of the local FM stations set the agenda for extensive discussions on their airwaves on their various morning shows in the early hours of Thursday.

Political pundits, analysts, and several serial callers also described the death of the late Minister as shocking and called on the bereaved families to pick solace in God.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Tema-East Constituency women of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have marked the 2024 International Women’s Day with a clean-up exercise in Tema Newtown.

The event, which drew a crowd of community members and market women among others, also served as a platform to educate residents on the need to invest in the girl child as well as address poor sanitation in the constituency.

The women de-silted choked gutters, swept the lorry stations, as well as cleaned the markets and other public places.

Mrs Lola Asiseh Ashitey, wife of the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Yohane Amarh Ashitey, who led the women, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that, it was about time parents become intentional in investing in their children.

Mrs Ashitey said: ‘We all know that cleanliness is next to godliness, it is the food we sell here, so we are making sure that the place is clean, and the food that we sell is wholesome.’

Speaking under the theme;’ Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, she explained
that investing in both girl and boy children was necessary in attaining a society where future generations would positively impact the communities and country at large.

Mrs Ashitey added that empowering the girl child increased their access to decent work which would spark economic development, increase their standard of living as well as shape the upbringing of their children.

‘If you don’t invest in your girl child, if she’s not fortunate to get a good husband, your grandchildren will suffer but if you build your child and she’s on her feet, if she has support from the man, hallelujah, if she doesn’t, you are assured that your grandchildren would be well-taken care off,’ she stated.

She mentioned that the recent increase in women’s representation in decision-making was a step in the right direction and urged more women to aspire for bigger positions.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Sunyani Area of the Northern Electricity Development Company (NEDCo) has scheduled to meet with the management of the Sunyani Technical University (STU) to agree on payment of electricity bill arrears of Ghc 4,944,273.58 million.

The meeting between the two parties was scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2024, to establish a payment schedule for the outstanding debt owed by STU in which failing to do so may result in another disconnection of services.

The meeting followed a disconnection exercise that occurred on Friday morning at the university, however, the university’s management has issued a cheque of Ghc 200,000 as a partial payment of the total amount owed.

However, the mobilization team has restored power to facilitate the university’s business activities based on part payment.

Mr. Augustine Akolgo Nsor, the General Revenue Protection Officer for the Sunyani Area, NEDCo, confirmed that the university had so far made total pay to Ghc 300,000, however the outstanding debt remained substantial.

He
said prior to the start of the mass revenue mobilization exercise, the university was advised to pay their current bills in full each month, along with a portion of the outstanding debt, to clear the arrears but the university did not adhere to the advice.

Mr. Nsor went on to explain that the non-payment of bills was having a detrimental effect on their ability to effectively carry out their operations, saying, the lack of funds hinders their operations of replacing outdated materials and making it difficult for the NEDCo to cover the costs of supplying power to their customers.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gerhard Eke, the Tema Newtown District Police Commander, has expressed worry at the rate at which the youth in the area are abusing drugs.?

DSP Ekey, therefore, called for a comprehensive approach among stakeholders to address the issue, which he described as alarming.?

He said children as young as 10 and 11 years old were now into drugs, stressing that if care were not taken, its impact would be huge on society in the future.

He called on parents, especially in Tema Newtown, to monitor the activities of the wards to ensure that they do not engage in illegal activities such as drug abuse and peddling.

DSP Ekey revealed this during a community engagement organised by the office of the Member of Parliament for Tema-East, Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten, in collaboration with the Manhean Polyclinic, to address some challenges faced by community members in accessing health care services.

‘Parents, let’s monitor the activities of our children. Now, our children are more into dru
gs, boys from 10 or 11 years old; let’s be very careful so they don’t become addicted to drugs because within five to 10 years to come, we might not get good leaders in the country,’ he stated.

He mentioned that the act was gradually becoming a threat to the growth and development of the youth, especially in the district, hence the need for stakeholders, especially parents, to put measures in place to stop it.

?

DSP Ekey cautioned the youth to behave well during the upcoming Kpleejoo Festival and gave the assurance that the presence of police would be massive to ensure that the programme goes on smoothly.

‘Let’s not misbehave during the festival; let’s take our time. If there’s something we don’t understand, let’s ask the appropriate authorities,’ he stressed.?

Source: Ghana News Agency

the Guangdong Provincial Delegation to the Second Session of the 14th National People’s Congress held a plenary meeting at the Capital Hotel. A total of 225 reporters from 102 domestic and foreign media sat in the meeting.

Delegates such as Huang Kunming, Wang Weizhong, Zhang Hu, Qin Weizhong, and Zeng Jinze responded separately to questions from the reporters. They introduced the new progress and achievements made in promoting high-quality development, modernization and construction in Guangdong, from different perspectives extensively and in-depth.

A reporter from Xinhua News Agency asked about the ‘Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation’ project. In response, Huang Kunming summed up the understanding of Guangdong’s deployment and implementation of the ‘Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation’ project, with the three sentences: ‘reciprocal promotion and mutual achievement’; ‘imperative and destined, seizing the momentum’; ‘preliminary establishme
nt of the mechanism and attaining of the initial success’.

Huang Kunming said, that Guangdong in southern China has undergone tremendous changes; the Pearl River Delta region has achieved great development, and the eastern, western and northern regions of Guangdong have witnessed a rapid development.

Guangdong attaches importance to promoting the coordinated development of urban and rural areas, and has attained remarkable results. Due to different geographical conditions and different aggregation levels of productivity factors, there is an imbalance in the development of urban and rural areas in Guangdong substantially, which is more reflected in the imbalance in the urban and rural development. Guangdong must face and solve the practical problems in order to introduce mutual promotion and achievement between urban and rural areas.

Huang Kunming said that the key to implementing the ‘Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation’ project is the prosperity of industry, science and ed
ucation as well as people’s livelihood.

A reporter from Channel News Asia Singapore asked, ‘How could Guangdong achieve the transformation of the manufacturing industry?’

In response, Wang Weizhong said that Guangdong insists on the provincial establishment through manufacturing. Guangdong’s manufacturing value added accounts for 32.7% of the province’s GDP, accounting for 1/8 of the country’s total, with 8 trillion-level industrial clusters.

Guangdong is unswervingly a participant and promoter of the global industrial chain as well as the global value chain, and actively supports enterprises to ‘Go Global’ and participate in the construction of the ‘B and R Initiative’.

According to Wang Weizhong, Guangdong will attach the greatest importance to the real economy and the manufacturing industry. The first move is to adhere to the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, cultivate and expand emerging industries, and lead the layout of future industries.

The second item on the plot is to stic
k to the mutual enhancement between the industries, science and technology.

The third measure is to insist on the balanced development of large, medium and small enterprises.

A reporter from Sing Tao Daily asked, ‘How could Guangdong continue to cooperate with Hong Kong and Macao to promote a better integration of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao?’

Zhang Hu responded in this regard, that Guangdong has strengthened the mutual promotion between industries, science and technology, and promoted greater progress in scientific research in cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao.

Guangdong, also strengthened all-round connectivity, and further improved the level of facilitation of personnel and vehicle exchanges, customs clearance of goods, cross-border funds, and secure transmission of data.

It steadily expanded institutional opening-up, and accelerated the construction of new advantages in international cooperation and competition.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Women in Construction Industry Services, a wing of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI), says gender bias, discrimination, and other limitations are preventing women from participating fully in the construction sector.

In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and signed by Joan Adjei, Chairperson for the Wing, it said a recent report indicated that 3 per cent of workers employed in the construction sector were women.

The statement said challenges, including gender bias, lack of representation, limited access to opportunities, and balancing work and family were preventing women from fully participating in the industry.

‘Lack of representation of women and underrepresentation in leadership and decision-making positions limit their ability to influence industry policies and practices,’ the statement said.

‘Women most often face barriers to accessing training, education, and career advancement opportunities in construction-related fields. Balancing work and family responsibilities c
an be challenging for women in the construction industry, particularly in demanding and male-dominated work environments,” it added.

The statement said interventions such as implementing gender-sensitive policies, providing training and mentorship, encouraging diversity and inclusion, raising awareness, and celebrating success stories can address some of the challenges preventing women from participating in the industry.

It said the adoption of policies that promoted gender equality, such as prompt and equal pay for equal work, flexible working arrangements, and zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment could help reverse the trend.

In addition, offering training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and professional development opportunities to support women’s career advancement and skills development in the construction sector would be key to addressing the challenges.

There is also the need to create a culture of diversity and inclusion and increase awareness about the importance of women’s parti
cipation in the construction industry through advocacy campaigns, educational initiatives, and industry partnerships.

The statement stressed the need to highlight the achievements and contributions of women in construction, serving as role models, and inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in the sector.

The statement said that by taking these actions, the construction sector would be a more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and vibrant construction industry that harnesses the full potential of all its talent, irrespective of gender.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission and the Elsie Initiative Friday embarked on a health walk and Outreach to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD).

The event witnessed hundreds of uniformed personnel, including some members of the military high command. It was held on the theme: ‘Advancing GAF’s commitment to inclusiveness’.

The health walk was used to educate girls in selected Schools within the La-Dadekotopon Municipality on Menstrual Hygiene and Nutrition. Each girl within the selected schools received a pack of sanitary pads.

Major-General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), in an address to female officers and the schoolgirls of the La Wireless Cluster of Schools, said GAF’s celebration of this year’s IWD focused on the promotion of the health and wellbeing of young women and girls.

‘The health walk and education will be centred on good personal hygiene particularly on Menstrual health for girls and adolescents as well as nut
rition,’ he said.

He commended the Elsie initiative – a programme that supports and advocates for female inclusion in peace support operations worldwide for their assistance to GAF in the area of gender mainstreaming and infrastructure support at the training schools in Daboya and Bundase camps.

Group Captain Theodora Agornyo, the Gender Policy Advisor to the CDS, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said their chosen theme aligned with the United Nations requirements aimed at promoting women’s inclusion, especially at the high-level positions within the GA.

Group Captain Theodora Agornyo, the Gender Policy Advisor to the CDS

It is also in accordance with the international theme: ‘Inspire Inclusiveness’.

”It is Important that women enjoy full inclusion in the high echelons of the Ghana Armed forces and in peace support operation, according to UN resolution 1325,’ she said.

GAF officially adopted the celebration of the IWD in 2022. Since then, the event has received massive recognition and patron
age amongst female and male officers and men alike.

Source: Ghana News Agency