Good governance guarantees national stability - Former National Security Coordinator

By Dennis Peprah 

Sunyani, May 31, GNA - Mr Francis Poku, a former National Security Coordinator has said good governance and regime protection is a guarantee to national security and stability. 

"If we are able to ensure good governance, then we wouldn't have problems with threats of violent extremism and radicalism in the country," he stated. 

Mr Poku said the high unemployment rate and underdevelopment create dissatisfaction and thereby undermined national peace and stability. 

The former national security coordinator under the former President John Agyekum Kufuor's government was speaking at the Regional Dialogue session on trending conflict issues in Sunyani. 

The National Catholic Secretariat organised the day's session, attended by traditional leaders, representatives of religious bodies, security services, youth groups, policy implementers, trade associations and Senior High School students. 

It was on the theme: "Trending Conflicts in Ghana, Fertile Grounds for Violent Extremism: A Call for Action," and was in line with the Sahel Peace Initiative project being implemented by the Secretariat with funding from the Catholic Relief Services, a non-governmental organization. 

Citing Burkina Faso as an example, Mr Poku said about 60 per cent of that country had been taken over by rebels where people could not go on with their normal lives. 

"In fact, Ghana must ensure we don't run into that kind of situation where traditional chiefs had been slaughtered openly before their subjects," he stated. 

Insecurity, Mr Poku emphasized, remained a serious problem, hence the need for the nation to do more by tackling its security threats proactively to sustain national stability. 

Mr George Agbozo, a Senior Lecturer at the Catholic University of Ghana and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Practitioner, expressed regret that the citizenry had certain misconceptions about governance, with some gradually losing faith in the judicial system. 

This, he added, had the potential to breed the culture of violence and extremism, if not tackled proactively. 

Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister mentioned chieftaincy conflicts, illegal mining, unemployment, and activities of nomadic Fulani herdsmen as some of the security challenges, which needed attention in the region. 

She commended the organisers for the dialogue and expressed the hope that it would strategised and help provide realistic interventions to tackle the threats of security, not only in the region, but the nation by extension. 

Deputy Foreign Minister pays tribute to UN Peacekeepers

By Iddi Yire, GNA

Accra, May 29, GNA - Mr Thomas Mbomba, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has paid tribute to United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers on their day of recognition and commended them for the contributions towards the maintenance of global peace.

The Deputy Minister gave the commendation during a flagraising and wreath laying ceremony in Accra in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on the theme: "Peace Begins With Me: 75 Years of UN Peacekeeping."

This year's theme recognises the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, past and present, including more than 4,200 who have given their lives under the UN flag. 

Mbomba said it was a great pride and honour to pay tribute to the remarkable achievements of the UN Peacekeepers who had selflessly dedicated themselves to the cause of peace, security, and stability across the globe.

As one of the pioneering Troop Contributing Countries of the UN peacekeeping efforts, Ghana recognises the key role that the UN plays in the maintenance of international peace and security. 

"We have volunteered approximately 100,000 uniformed personnel as well as civilians in various capacities in more than 35 UN Missions around the world," Mr Mbomba said.

"Our uniformed personnel have served with pride and distinction since the 1960s, working in diverse and challenging conflict and post-conflict situations". 

Their contributions had not only brought hope to conflict-affected regions but had also brought honour and pride to the nation.

He said for 75 years, UN peacekeepers had played a vital role in saving lives, protecting civilians, and rebuilding communities torn apart by conflict. 

The Deputy Minister said those brave men and women had faced immense challenges and danger while striving to achieve extraordinary outcomes. 

He said their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and dedication deserve their utmost admiration and gratitude.

Ghana had witnessed firsthand the impact of its peacekeepers in restoring stability, promoting dialogue, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance. 

Mr Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, reaffirmed that the UN would continue to be a reliable partner in the agenda for peacekeeping adding: "I call on everyone; man, woman, young and old, to join the global movement for peace.”

“Let us become the catalyst for peace and change makers. Achieving peace is a goal for all."

Mr Dominic Nitiwul, the Defence Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, urged member nations to recommit themselves to the noble ideals of the UN and forge a future where generations could live in a world of lasting peace.

GNA

Selorm Dzramado to contest as independent candidate

By Iddi Yire, GNA

Accra, May 29, GNA - Mr Selorm Dramani Dzramado, a political activist, has declared his intention to contest the Tongu Central parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the 2024 general election.

Mr Dzramado announced his intention on Monday in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.

"I declare to run as an independent parliamentary candidate for Central Tongu in the upcoming 2024 general election after giving it enough thought and consulting with a wide range of people within and outside the constituency," he said.

"As a selfless political activist who has consistently held governments accountable for 23 years, I have exceptional understanding of the real challenges the residents of Central Tongu Constituency are facing as well as the effective solutions to those challenges."

Mr Dzramado said his leadership would be echoed in forward-thinking ideas and the 'servant leadership' principle, which prioritised the needs of the group over the interest of the individual.

"I shall soon articulate my vision and objectives for the residents of Central Tongu when I officially launch my campaign."

Kwadaso MP cuts sod for construction of reproductive and child health block

Professor Kingsley Nyarko, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso, has cut the sod for work to commence on a reproductive and child health block for the Nwamase Health Centre.

The project, comprising of a ward, two-unit office with washroom, is being executed by Nana Banahene Company Limited, a local contractor in the Kwadaso Municipality.

It is expected to be completed within six months, with funding from the central government.

Prof. Nyarko, addressing residents of Nwamase during the sod-cutting ceremony, said he remained committed to making health care accessible to the people of Kwadaso.

He noted that the project when completed, would help enhance healthcare delivery in the area and beyond.

Currently, the health centre has inadequate space for reproductive and child health services, making it difficult for effective and efficient health delivery.

The MP asked the people to remain patient and support him to continue to bring more development projects to the Municipality.

Mrs Grace Billi Kampitib, the Kwadaso Municipal Director of Health Services, said the project was timely and commended the MP for the intervention.

According to her, the project would have a great impact on healthcare delivery in the area and urged the contractor to work within the stipulated time for the contract.

Mr Richmond Agyenim Boateng, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the Assembly would supervise and support the contractor to ensure speedy completion.

 

Accident claims four lives at Akatsi Yaluvi-Junction on Aflao Highway

 By Agbaxode Emmanuel, GNA

Akatsi (V/R), May 26, GNA - Four people on Friday lost their lives in an accident at Akatsi Yaluvi Junction stretch of the Accra-Aflao Highway. 

The deceased, Rita Foli and Dzodzi Agbemenya, both residents of Torve within Akatsi South, and two other unidentified males, were crushed by a Lexus 4x4 vehicle with registration number UW 200-22.

Chief Superintendent Isaac Baah, the Akatsi South Municipal Police Commander, who confirmed the fatal accident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said Rita Foli, onboard a tricycle with registration number M-19- GW 467 died on the spot.

The remaining two unidentified males; one on board the tricycle and the other riding the motorbike, and Dodzi, who was riding the tricycle, were pronounced dead upon arrival at the St Paul’s Hospital at Akatsi.

Mr Baah said the tragedy, which happened at about 0800 hours, involved a Lexus 4x4 vehicle, an unregistered Boxer-type motorbike, a tricycle, and one stationary tipper truck.

He said investigations were ongoing to establish the cause of the accident.

However, Assistant Divisional Officer Grade II, Mr Clemence Kponyo, the Akatsi South Municipal Operations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, during their rescue operation, disclosed to the GNA at the scene of the accident that the Lexus vehicle was moving from Accra towards Aflao.

The five passengers onboard escaped unhurt when the accident occurred.

He said the driver in charge of the Lexus, in an attempt to swerve an object, hit the motor rider before running into the tricycle, and finally hitting the tipper truck in the process.

The tipper truck driver, who sustained some injuries, is currently receiving treatment, whilst the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the St Paul’s Hospital Morgue awaiting autopsy, Mr Kponyo said.

GNA

AU Day: Ghana's ‘Jollof’, ‘Waakye’ receive high patronage in Morocco

 By Edward Acquah, GNA

Rabat (Morocco), May 26, GNA- It was an interesting sight to behold at the King Mohammed V Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, as many queued to taste Ghana's local dishes and beverages served as part of the commemoration of the "Africa Day" in Rabat, Morocco.

Ghana's ‘Waakye’ and ‘Jollo’, served with indigenous pepper sauce and spicy beverage known as ‘Sobolo’ attracted many participants at the exhibition coordinated by Ghana's Embassy in Morocco.

The swift manner in, which some patrons completed their first course and opted for another turn was indicative that their tongues had had a memorable encounter with a good meal.

"This is very good. I'll taste it again. We also prepare jollof in our country but this is more spicy," Philip, a participant from Cameroon, said.

Fasouma, a Nigerien student in Morocco, told the Ghana News Agency that: "I have heard about Ghana's jollof so I wanted to have a taste of it. This is really good and I wish your people can teach me how to prepare it."

Nasiru, a Nigerian journalist, revived the Ghana-Nigeria jollof debate, but admitted in the end that "Ghana's jollof is almost as good as that of Nigeria”. 

Earlier, some Ghanaian students in Morocco performed Ghanaian cultural dances at a ceremony that preceded the food exhibition.

The Kingdom of Morocco on Thursday held series of events to mark the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU) in 1963.

In an interview with the GNA, Mr Samuel Jojo Effah-Broni, Ghana's Ambassador to Morocco, said the country's rich local meals demonstrated its unique culture and identity.

He said many Moroccans and other foreign nationals were in love with Ghana's local dishes and beverages.

"Everybody enjoys the taste of Ghanaian food. Ours is unique . Other countries prepare waakye and jollof, but they are not smooth like ours," Mr Effah-Broni said.

He said the country must package and market its local dishes well to drive cultural export and to reap benefits for the country in the area of tourism.

GNA

ActionAid supports agriculture in two Districts in Upper East

 By Godfred A. Polkuu

Zebilla (U/E), May 25, GNA-ActionAid Ghana (AAG), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has presented 60 bicycles to female Agriculture Extension Volunteers in two Districts in the Upper East Region to boost agricultural activities.

The two districts, Bawku West and Nabdam Districts, each received 30 bicycles for the women, as part of the Northern Ghana Integrated Development Project (NGIDP) implemented by AAG together with Urbanet and Tree Aid with funding support from the European Commission.

The NGIDP directly empowered 13,500 women smallholder farmers, some young people and persons with disabilities, strengthened 300 women farmer groups, 15 farmer networks and trained 1,050 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and group leaders.

The project also reached a total of 825,000.00 people, directly and indirectly in 15 selected districts in Northern Ghana including all districts in the Upper East Region.

It ensured improved delivery of extension services, increased awareness on rights to land, social protection and decent work.

At two separate ceremonies at Zebilla and Nabdam to present the bicycles, Mr Alhassan Sulemana, the Regional Manager of AAG, said 240 Female Extension Volunteers were trained by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to support their communities and catchment areas with basic extension services.

He said the Female Extension Volunteers would help improve the ratio of agriculture extension service personnel and as they were indigenes within the communities who would directly work with farmers in their respective communities, it would be most beneficial to the farmers.

He said the bicycles were to facilitate movements of the volunteers to augment the services of the few overburdened Agriculture Extension Officers within their catchment areas.

“So, the essence of these bicycles is for them to be able to move from farm to farm to offer extension services as to what to do, and how they are supposed to do it to get some better yields,” Mr Sulemana said.

He said the four-year project, expected to end in June 2023, had the overall objective “To contribute to rural poverty reduction in Ghana through economic development, adoption of environmentally sustainable agriculture policies and practice, and greater access to social protection.”

Mr Rasheed Imoro, the Nabdam District Director of MoFA, said even though the NGIDP had ended, MoFA would continue to train more women groups to serve as community extension services volunteers.

He said the Ministry’s Extension Officers could not reach all the communities, therefore, the services of the volunteers were relevant, as they would offer first-hand advice to farmers in the communities based on what they were taught.

He said even though MoFA could not supply bicycles to volunteers, it would continue to build the capacities of more volunteers, “Going forward, we need to train more of them, so that they can give first-hand help to the farmers before technical advice by Extension Officers.”

Some volunteers after receiving their bicycles, expressed gratitude to AAG for the training and the bicycles presented to them.

According to them, farmlands within their catchment areas were far apart, so the bicycles would facilitate their movement within the communities to assist farmers improve on their yields, especially as the rains had set in.

GNA