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Government commits to making farming more attractive for the youth-Minister  

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Mr Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture has assured the ministry’s commitment to modernise agriculture, thereby making farming more attractive to the youthful population.

He said that, would not only help tackle the teeming youth unemployment situation in the country now but would also position the nation well to reduce the importation of food and further guarantee national food security.  

Mr Opoku emphasised that farming remained a lucrative enterprise, saying the government through the ministry would soon roll out interventions that would make the sector more attractive for the youth to engage in commercial farming.

Mr Opoku also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asunafo South Constituency in the Ahafo Region, gave the assurance at a thanksgiving service held at Sankore in the Asunafo South District of the region.

“The government through the MoFA will soon implement interventions and policies to boost agriculture and farming,” the sector minister stated.

Touching on the recurring political violence at Sankore, a major election flashpoint in the region, Mr Opoku warned the youth to refrain from acts of violence, warning that trouble makers in the area would not be spared.

“So, anybody or group planning to create chaos and confusion must think twice because the security is also ready to deal with them”, he stated, and urged the youth to concentrate on building their lives and future.

The sector minister said, “in fact the law will not spare anybody who will try to disturb the peace of the district,” stressed the government readiness to implement sound socio-economic intervention programmes that would alleviate the plight of the people, and the youth in particular

Prostate cancer tops cancer cases in Ashanti Region in the last three years 

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Kumasi, Feb. 5, GNA – Prostate cancer has dominated cancer cases recorded in the last three years in the Ashanti Region, the Regional Health Directorate, has reported. 

Cases of prostate cancers in the region increased from 1,066 in 2022 to 1,208 cases in 2023 before dropping to 996 cases in 2024. 

Even the drop in 2024 was still higher than breast cancer (561) and cervical cancer (522) during the year under review. 

Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Regional Director of Health Services, who provided the figures at a press briefing in Kumasi, emphasised the importance of sustained advocacy to address the increasing cases. 

The briefing was in commemoration of World Cancer Day which falls on February 4, every year. 

The global theme for this year’s celebration is, “United by Unique.”  

In line with the theme, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is emphasising on people-centered care to address prostate and liver cancers in men across the country. 

Although these cancers are among the leading causes of death in the country, they are unfortunately not highlighted enough for several reasons.  

In Ghana, an estimated number of new cancer cases in 2022 was 27,385 with 17,944 deaths with an estimated 63,764 having survived cancer in Ghana in the last five years. 

The Global Cancer Observatory also reports that prostate cancers accounted for 2,393 new cases with 1,233 deaths, reflecting a 52 per cent mortality rate whereas liver cancer in men was 2,656 out of which 2,390 died, representing 90 per cent mortality during the same period in Ghana.  

According to Dr. Adomako Boateng, patient level and health system challenges such as low awareness, limited capacity and availability of screening services contribute to late diagnosis, poor outcomes, and premature mortality. 

He spoke about the need to explore different dimensions of people-centered cancer care and new ways of making a difference through awareness creation and action. 

“Together with partners in the media, government, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, and advocates, we must promote advocacy, awareness, and behaviour change communication. 

This, he noted, would increase uptake of men cancer interventions throughout the spectrum of healthcare especially screening and early diagnosis, particularly in resource-constrained settings. 

Gushegu Area Child Development Programme ends its operations 

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Gushegu (N/R), Feb. 05, GNA – The Gushegu Area Child Development Programme (GACDP) has ended its operations in the Municipality in the Northern Region, after 19 years of implementing various interventions to enhance the welfare of children among others. 

The GACDP, with funding support from Children Believe, an international Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) during the period, implemented interventions in eight communities focusing on key thematic areas such as education, health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, sustainable livelihood development and strengthening institutions. 

It also supported community organisations, child protection, environment and disaster risk reduction, agriculture and HIV and AIDS. 

The beneficiary communities were Zori, Kpahikpaba, Kpisinga, Kutung, Sukaya, Nayugu, Tingdang and Sampemo. 

Mr.Kweku Asare, the Director of Markaz Al Bishara (MAB), at a durbar at Kpatinga in the Gushegu Municipality to mark the end of GACDP’s operations in the area, said it had been a journey of transformation, empowerment and resilience, which had shaped the lives of many children, families and communities in the area. 

Participants at the durbar included some of GACDP’s sponsored schoolchildren, chiefs, opinion leaders, representatives of the Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service. 

Some of the students and pupils performed drama on the importance of education, while others shared testimonies and gave appreciation for the impact of GACDP’s interventions on their lives. 

Mr Asare said some of the projects executed by the GACDP in the area, included the construction of a four-unit kindergarten block with an office, store, kitchen and dining for the Kpahikpaba, Kutung and Sukaya Schools. 

It also supported the Kpatinga Health Centre with a Child Welfare Clinic, two motorbikes for community outreaches, and the provision of over 1,000 age-appropriate dual desks for schools in the community. 

Others were the provision of 13 rain harvesting tanks (10,000 litres) for seven primary schools namely Tingdang, Zori, Sukaya, Kutung, Kpahikpaba and Nayugu, the construction of one set (merry go round, slide, swing and climber) outdoor play materials for seven kindergarten schools, construction of household latrines in seven communities namely Zori, Kutung, Sampemo, Tingdang, Sukaya, Kpahikpaba and Nayugu. 

Further, the project saw the construction of over 700 ‘soakaways’ for wastewater in seven communities, mechanised and piped water at Kpahikpaba community, three overhead installed polytanks for water storage, three fetching points, 25 bicycles for students, 25 dual desks for primary schools, as well as 25 back packs for pupils. 

Mr Asare said the organisation also formed and trained Parent Committees with a membership of 56 in these areas, formed 39 village savings and loans associations and 38 Youth Savings and Loans Associations, and formed seven disaster risk reduction groups in seven communities.  

He said “As we celebrate this graduation, let us remember that it is not an end but a new beginning. The structures we have built, the knowledge we have shared, and the lives we have transformed will serve as the foundation for continued progress.” 

Madam Esenam Kavi De Souza, the Country Director, Children Believe, said the successes and impact recorded over the period of the interventions in the area, had been a shared responsibility between the community and stakeholders. 

She urged community members to take good care of the facilities to help improve their livelihoods. 

Mr Lawrence Abdulai Iddrisu, the Gushegu Municipal Director of Education, said the projects had been instrumental in promoting holistic development in the area, as they addressed educational and other critical needs of the people. 

Mr Asuma Mahama Jato, a sponsored child, who is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy Degree at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, spoke on behalf of the sponsored children, and commended GACDP and its partners for their support. 

He said “Your efforts have not only transformed individual lives but also brought meaningful development to the communities. Through your generous sponsorship, many of us have been able to achieve milestones that were once unattainable.” 

The GACDP later presented start-up kits to some youth who underwent skills training in the areas of cosmetology, carpentry and tailoring, (10 in carpentry, 10 in tailoring, two in hair dressing, two in welding, one in glasswork and one in make-up and decoration). 

The start-up kits included manual planer, electric drill, handsaw, butterfly sewing machine, grinder, welding machine, make-up bag, trimmer, cutter, ring light among others. 

Minority leader apologises to Clerk of Appointments Committee  

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Accra, Feb. 5, GNA- Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has issued an unreserved apology to Madam Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, Clerk of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, for his recent outburst during a vetting session.   

He had accused Madam Jiagge-Gobah of alleged bias and procedural lapses, leading the Minority to call for her resignation over unprofessional conduct.  

The Minority claimed Madam Jiagge-Gobah displayed open allegiance to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), compromising the neutrality of the vetting process.   

However, after Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, the NDC Member of Parliament for Adaklu and Minister for Roads and Highways, called for an apology during a parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed regret for his remarks.  

“… Mr Speaker let me unreservedly say to the clerk to the Appointments Committee Mrs Gifty Jiaggae-Gobah I am sorry… Mr Speaker I am sorry,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said on the Floor of the House.  

He acknowledged that his frustration led to an unprofessional reaction, emphasizing the need for decorum in parliamentary proceedings.  

Mr Afenyo-Markin’s apology was directed not only to Jiagge-Gobah but also to her husband, children, extended family, and colleagues in the parliamentary service who may had been affected by his remarks.  

He said: “… Mr Speaker, let me unreservedly say sorry to the extended family, those close and dear to her who are affected by my outpouring of disappointment in her conduct, and to all her colleagues in the Parliamentary Service, including colleagues who felt I could have managed the matter better. Mr Speaker, I am sorry,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated.  

Minority leader defends protest during vetting, citing lack of dialogue  

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Accra, Feb. 5, GNA- Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, Tuesday defended the Minority’s decision to stage a protest during the vetting of Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa, minister-designate for Foreign Affairs and Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, minister-designate for Health, citing a lack of room for dialogue.  

He explained that the Minority had agreed to vet four nominees, but the Majority changed the plan to five without consulting them.  

 “… Mr Speaker, around 2200 hours, we had indications from the majority of the intent to continue the vetting of more nominees rather than agreed. There was no room for us to discuss the way forward, which resulted in our decision as the minority to protest,” he said.  

Mr. Afenyo-Markin gave the account when in a formal communication to the Speaker, Mr Alban Bagbin to rescind his decision of suspending four Members of Parliament (MPs) for their alleged involvement in the chaotic scenes that erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees.  

The protest turned chaotic, leading to a clash between Minority and Majority MPs.   

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, subsequently suspended three New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs and one National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP over disagreements regarding whether the vetting should continue on January 31.  

Mr. Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that the situation got out of hand during the protest, assuring to work with the speaker to uphold the dignity and integrity of the House.   

He said: “Mr. Speaker, our intention was to have a peaceful protest to express our displeasure at the excesses of our colleagues in the majority.”  

In a positive development, Speaker Bagbin lifted the ban on the four MPs after both the majority leader and minority leader appealed to him.  

The four MPs included Mr. Dickson-Nelson Este Dafeamekpor, Majority Chief Whip; Mr. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip; Mr. Jerry Ahmed Sahib, Second Minority Whip and Mr. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, an NPP MP for Gushegu.  

Confusion rocked Parliament’s Appointments Committee sitting Thursday night, when members of the Minority and Majority caucuses clashed over the vetting of Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, minister-designate for health, and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, designated for Foreign Affairs.  

The disagreement began after 2200 hours when the vetting of the nominee for Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, had been concluded.  

The Majority Caucus decided to vet two more ministerial nominees that night after having already vetted five others.  

The Minority group on the Committee, however, proposed rescheduling the vetting to Friday, January 31, saying it was too late.  

The Majority rejected that suggestion, insisting that the vetting should continue as scheduled.  

It accused the Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo Markin, (Ranking Member on the Committee), of spending more time on nominees, hence the delay.  

The situation escalated into chaos, disrupting the session as tables were broken and microphones destroyed in a tussle between some committee members.  

In response, the Majority Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga, intervened and apologised for the unfortunate incident, suspending the vetting and rescheduling it to Friday, January 31.   

“The microphones have been destroyed and even if we want to proceed with the hearing, the media cannot pick the feed. It is unfortunate this has happened,” he said.   

“Let us not destroy the enviable image that Ghana has carved for itself in terms of our democracy.”  

The clash between the two causes brought the Committee’s work to a standstill, with both sides refusing to back down from their positions.   

The incident had raised concerns over the integrity of the vetting process and the ability of Parliament to conduct its business in a peaceful and orderly manner.  

Meanwhile, the Minority Leader, Mr. Afenyo-Markin, alleged that the Clerk to the Appointments Committee, Madam Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, was being partisan and favoring the NDC.   

“… The Clerk to the Committee is a partisan clerk…, she agrees with the NDC and she advertises and informs people to come,” he told the media.  

Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would not be bullied into submission and prevented from asking the necessary questions during vetting.  

“We will not accept any bullying. They can call us micro-minority, they can say whatever they want to say. We have been cooperating with them.”  

Earlier Thursday morning, the two sides reached an agreement to vet three nominees, but the Majority later attempted to push for additional nominees without proper consensus, hence the disruption in the vetting process, he said.  

In a response to the recent altercations in Parliament, Speaker Alban Bagbin Friday outlined a series of measures to address the immediate fallout and prevent future occurrences.  

The Speaker’s decisive actions aimed to restore trust, ensure accountability, and maintain order in the legislative body.  

Mr. Bagbin in his formal communication to  

MPs on the Floor of the House on Friday, January 31, 2025 suspended four MPs involved in the clashes for two weeks.   

The suspended MPs which MPs, included Majority Chief Whip, Mr. Rockson-Nelson Este Dafeamekpor and Minority Chief Whip Mr. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, were barred from participating in parliamentary sittings and activities during this period.  

“…These people are suspended from Parliament for two weeks from today,” Speaker Bagbin ruled decisively during Friday’s sitting.  

He, also directed the Clerk to Parliament to formally lodge a criminal complaint with the police, paving the way for a full investigation into the incidents.   

He said: “This move ensures that those found culpable will face legal consequences.”  

To restore trust and ensure the Committee operates effectively and without bias, the Committee of Selection had been instructed to reconstitute the Appointments Committee.  

According to the Speaker, the Clerk to Parliament will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused to Parliamentary property during the confrontations.   

“MPs found responsible for the destruction will be surcharged to cover the costs of repairs or replacements,” the Speaker said.  

Further, a seven-member committee, chaired by Mr. Bedzrah, an NDC MP for Ho West was established by the Speaker to investigate the incidents in detail.   

Speaker Bagbin’s swift and decisive actions demonstrate his commitment to maintaining order and accountability in Parliament.   

As the legislative body navigates these challenging times, the Speaker’s measures aim to restore trust and ensure the smooth functioning of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.  

President El-Sisi holds a telephone conversation with President Mahama  

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Accra, Feb. 5, GNA – President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt has conferred with Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama in a telephone conversation.  

Mr Mohamed El-Shennawy, Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency, said President El-Sisi congratulated President Mahama on his re-election in Ghana’s December 7 Presidential Election.   

President El-Sisi confirmed Egypt’s commitment to cultivating closer bilateral relations and to promoting them toward broader horizons during his presidency, in alignment with the distinguished relations between the two countries and their brotherly peoples, as well as Ghana’s esteemed position among the Egyptian people.  

During their call, the two Presidents emphasized the importance of further strengthening economic and trade relations between Egypt and Ghana to be commensurate with the robust and historical political ties that bound the two countries.   

President El-Sisi highlighted the keenness of Egyptian companies to work in Ghana in sectors of mutual interest, taking into account the successful experiences and contributions of Egyptian companies in Ghana’s development process.  

On his part, President Mahama expressed his profound appreciation for President El-Sisi’s keenness on congratulating him, affirming the special status and the respect the people of Ghana hold for Egypt.   

President Mahama underscored the longstanding relations and historical bonds the two countries and their peoples share.   

He also expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s role in supporting Ghana’s efforts to achieve development and build the capacities of Ghanaian cadres in various fields.   

President Mahama said Ghana was eager to foster bilateral relations in all domains and closely coordinate with Egypt on the African continent’s issues.  

Development Bank Ghana announces Dr Randolph Nsor-Ambala As New CEO 

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Accra, Feb. 5, GNA-Development Bank Ghana (DBG) has announced Dr. Randolph Nsor-Ambala as the Bank’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 21st of January 2025. 

The Board Chairman, Dr. Yaw Ansu, who announced the appointment, extended gratitude to Mr K. Duker, the outgoing CEO, for his contributions to the Bank and welcomed the new CEO, expressing the confidence of the entire Board in the new leadership, pledging their total support. 

Dr. Nsor-Ambala is a seasoned development finance professional with several years of executive leadership experience in multi sectoral corporate organizations, including Promasidor Ghana Limited, Coca-Cola, Diageo, and MTN. 

Over the past 15 years, Randolph has been involved in development assignments funded by development partners within the agriculture, manufacturing, education, ICT, governance, energy and health sectors that aim to position the private sector as the engine of growth, improve gender parity, address climate change and unleash possibilities for marginalized, underserved and vulnerable persons.  

His appointment marks a new era of strategic growth, reinforcing DBG’s commitment to fostering a competitive and resilient private sector in Ghana.

As DBG transitions into this new phase, the Bank remains steadfast in its mission to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.

Under Dr. Nsor-Ambala’s leadership, DBG expects to be innovative and catalytic, accelerating impact investing and technical assistance to propel transformative growth led by the private sector through access to long-term finance, fostering women’s economic empowerment, promoting environmentally friendly actions and aligning with contemporary ESG practices.

Since its inception three years ago, DBG’s wholesale financing model has facilitated significant disbursements through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), unlocking projects and value chains to empower several businesses across agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT, and high-value services. 

The Bank continues to be dedicated to bridging the MSME financing gap to ensure that Ghanaian businesses gain access to long-term, competitively priced capital, fostering resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth. 

Adidome residents issue ultimatum to ECG over power disconnection 

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Adidome (V/R), Feb 4. GNA – The recent power disconnection exercise carried out by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) at Adidome in the Central Tongu district of the Volta Region and its environs has sparked outrage among residents. 

A statement issued by Mr Guggisberg Fiagbenu, Assembly Member of Adidome Central Electoral Area, said the disconnection exercise was carried out without prior notice to residents, resulting in significant inconvenience and economic hardship for many households and businesses in the area. 

According to him, residents have raised several concerns regarding the disconnection exercise, including the lack of actual bills, issuance of estimated bills, insufficient communication, and misconduct by ECG staff. 

Mr Fiagbenu has issued an eight-day ultimatum to the ECG to address the concerns of the residents.  

The ultimatum demands that the ECG reconnects all residents, who were disconnected from the National Grid, initiates a sensitization project to educate residents on planned disconnection, and provides detailed information on measures to avert estimated bills. 

Additionally, the residents are demanding that the ECG provides a clear and transparent billing system, ensures that all residents are informed of planned disconnection exercises, and takes disciplinary action against ECG staff who have misused their privileges and verbally abused residents. 

Mr Fiagbenu emphasized that the residents of Adidome are seeking a prompt response and resolution to the matter and are willing to work with the ECG to find an amicable solution. 

The Electricity Company of Ghana has been urged to take immediate action to address the concerns of the residents and prevent further hardship and inconvenience in the enclave.  

Meanwhile, in a reaction to the press release, the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer, Ms. Eunice Tweneboah-Kodua, told the Ghana News Agency, that disconnections are normal operations to mobilise revenue and only customers, who owe were disconnected. 

“We do not have planned disconnection exercise,” and urged customers not to hesitate to deal with ECG offices for prompt resolution of issues. 

She said meters were read to determine actual bills but when they delay, customers would receive digital messages from ECG to prompt them of bills due for the month before hard copy follows. 

“We are appealing to our cherished customers to always pay their bills to help ECG keep the lights on and to always contact our offices for their issues to be addressed.” 

On the issue of staff misconduct, she entreated “customers to report staff to the office for a disciplinary action to be taken against them.” 

Koensim M/A JHS appeal for decent classroom blocks 

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Koensim (O/R), Feb 4, GNA-Authorities at Koensim M/A Junior High School (JHS) in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region have appealed to the Jasikan Municipal Assembly and benevolent organisations to provide the school with a modern three-unit classroom block with other ancillaries. 

Such a facility would enhance an effective learning and teaching environment. 

The school, established in 1952, had three teachers and 29 students, including 15 boys and 14 girls, who study under dilapidated bamboo structure, which is on the verge of collapse. 

Mr. Nyasorgbor Benoni Komla, Headmaster of the School, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during a visit to the school on Monday, February 3. 

He said the lack of decent classroom blocks was a headache for him, as it was affecting teacher retention, enrollment, and hindering the progress of the learners. 

Mr. Nyasorgbor appealed to the Jasikan Municipal Assembly and NGOs to provide with decent classroom block equipped with advanced technology, such as smart boards, projectors, and high-speed internet access to facilitate interactive and multimedia learning experiences.  

He added that the provision of such modern facilities to the school would attract learners and teaching staff, who currently prefer attending modernized schools. 

Mr. Kennedy Akoto, the Assemblyman for Nsuta East Electoral Area, said the provision of contemporary classroom with design would allow for flexible configurations to accommodate different teaching methods, group work, and collaborate learning activities. 

Mr. Akoto, who led the GNA to the School, said his appeal to the Jasikan Municipal Assembly for the provision of such a modern edifice for the school has fallen on deaf ears; hence, he is calling on NGOs for help.  

Master Karim Aziz, a 14-year-old form three student, told GNA that due to the deplorable state of the structure, he found it difficult to concentrate on learning. 

He reiterated the need for decent and modern classroom blocks to support effective teaching and learning.  

China responds with fresh levies on American products.

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On Tuesday China announced it would impose new tariffs on U.S. imports in retaliation for Washington’s recent tariff hike. The new measures include a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as 10% tariffs on crude oil, agricultural machinery, large vehicles, and pickup trucks.

These actions come after the U.S. imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods over the weekend.

On Saturday, President Donald Trump unveiled a series of tariff increases targeting major trade partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico. The measures add a 10% tariff on top of the existing duties. Trump framed the tariffs as a way to punish countries he says have failed to stem the flow of illegal migrants and drugs into the U.S.

As tensions rise between the world’s largest economies, the global economic landscape remains uncertain, with potential consequences for both businesses and consumers.

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