Category: General

The Soil Science Society of Ghana has stressed the need for Ghana to invest in building the organic matter of the country's soils. It said the increase in soil organic matter had the potential to reduce soil erosion and compaction, which improved the soil's capacity to retain more water and reduce the risk of flooding, as well as sand and dust storms. Dr. Edward Yeboah, National President of the Society, who made the call, said healthy soil acted as a carbon sink and helped to adapt to climate change and mitigates its effect. Dr Yeboah, speaking at the 2023 World Soil Day celebrations (WSD) at the Soil Research Institute (SRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at Kwadaso near Kumasi, indicated that each percentage increase in soil organic matter helped soils to hold 150,000 litres more water per hectare. He explained that enhanced soil and water management improved the land's capacity to withstand extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and fires. This year's Day was o bserved under the theme 'Soil and water: a Source of life'. The 2023World Soil Day and its campaign aim to raise awareness on the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agricultural food systems. Dr Yeboah pointed out that healthy soil played a crucial role as a natural filter, purifying and storing water as it infiltrates into the ground. He therefore encouraged farmers in irrigated agriculture to use precision agriculture technologies to optimize irrigation efficiency. Again, farmers must assess irrigation needs through soil moisture sensors and explore alternative water sources such as desalinated water and recycled water. It was also important for farmers in irrigated agriculture to ensure high-quality water for irrigation to prevent soil salinization and pollution and preserve soil moisture. The Soil Scientist advised farmers to keep a permanent soil cover, minimize or adopt zero tillage, harvest rainwater to reduce the dependency on surface and gr oundwater and opt for crop varieties adapted to the local available soil moisture. Dr Yeboah said at the research front, researchers still needed to explore the hypothesis and management practices that minimized greenhouse gas emissions increase or preserve soil carbon. He said the Food and Agriculture Organization through the Recarbonizing Soil Programme (RECSOIL) was supporting Soil Research Institute to implement a two-year programme with focus on the 'SOIL Doctor flagship Program of FAO'. The Implementation of a RECSOIL - Green path pilot project in Ghana is to enhance soil health and soil organic carbon sequestration through the adoption of sustainable soil management practices to contribute to mitigating and adapting to climate change and enhancing food security in cooperation with farming communities participating in the FAO Forest and Farm Facility. Mr. Gabriel Willie Quansah, Director, CSIR - Soil Research Institute said the institute had been at the forefront of sustainable soil management pract ices, researching and implementing interventions. These practices, according to him, not only enhanced soil health but also contributed significantly to mitigating erosion, reducing pollution, and enhancing water infiltration and storage. 'Our efforts are aligned with the aims and objectives of World Soil Day and its campaign, reflecting our commitment to sustainable practices that improve soil health and contribute to global environmental well-being', he indicated. Dr. Andre Bationo, Chairman of the CSIR-SRI, Management Board used the occasion to expose soil scientists to the impact of climate change on water availability and good agronomic practices and response to water among others. Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Hudu Karim, the Metropolitan Environmental Analyst has confirmed that 30 graves had been desecrated and looted at the Takoradi Cemetery. According to him, pieces of materials, among other human remains, were discovered. Mr Karim told the Ghana News Agency that the cemetery, had been closed for official burial but for 'future or Life' graves bought by some living persons for their burials. He added that the cemetery, lacked Security, aside weeds covering the face of the sacred grounds…'I have gone to inspect the place and you see clothing, pieces of human remain indicating indeed these unscrupulous persons have really cause havoc'. The Metropolitan Environmental Analyst said previously, what people did were to remove the metal signpost and iron rods used…'but then it has stopped so we are surprised about this new twist'. 'I will send my man to the place, and we plan to immediately weed the place and we mount surveillance, we will also put a maintenance fee to relatives to rehabilitate, wall and put a gate to it.'. Mr Karim was surprised that people were losing moral and spiritual consciousness and could desecrate the dead. In a related development, the STMA hoped to increase the rate for acquiring space for burial. The Environmentalist said the only active public cemetery in the STMA was the Ketan Road state cemetery which had space to accommodate the dead for the next five years. Meanwhile, the assembly had secured a 37-acre land at Eshiem in Preparation for a new public cemetery. He estimated that annually, between 200 and 300 people were buried aside paupers and unidentified bodies. Source: Ghana News Agency

The Africa Energy Technology Centre (AETC), in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, has unveiled all registration portals for the upcoming Africa Energy Technology Conference, scheduled to take place in Accra from 12th to 15th, March 2024. The AETC inaugural conference would bring together global leaders, policymakers, and trailblazers in the energy sector for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable energy future. The event is anticipated to play a pivotal step towards forging a sustainable and innovative path for the future of Africa's energy landscape. Ms Emelia Akumah, the Founder and President of Africa Energy Technology Centre said in an official release issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency. She said attendees would have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, witness innovative advancements, showcase their brands, celebrate achievements, and network with the brightest minds in the energy sector. There would be high profile speakers at the conference including P resident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. There would be thought-provoking sessions and networking and offer a multifaceted experience including Conference Sessions, Energy Tech Live, Exhibition, Gala/Dinner Night, and Networking Opportunities. 'This conference isn't just about discussions; it's about forging partnerships, exploring investments, and embracing technological advancements that drive Africa's energy revolution,' she said. 'It's about shaping policies and initiatives that pave the way for an inclusive and sustainable future,' she added There would be special sessions for Women in Energy and will place a strong emphasis on the imperative of diversity and leadership within the sector's evolution. The sessions would serve as platforms for amplifying the voices of women and the next generation, underscoring their essential roles in revolutionizing the energy landscape. 'From sponsorship packages to exhibition spaces, the conference offers unique avenues for brands to stand out, connect with industry giants, and play a crucial role in Africa's energy growth,' Ms Akumah stated. Interested people and organisations can visit www.aetconference.com to secure a spot at the conference. Source: Ghana News Agency

Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, Northern Regional Minister, has said the region is currently witnessing a vast number of development projects and programmes being implemented through either direct funding by the central government or development partners. He said, 'These development projects cut across sectors of education, health and agriculture among others.' Alhaji Saibu said this at the second meeting of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) held in Tamale and attended by Heads of Department from regional and district levels, development partners, and traditional authorities amongst others. He called on all stakeholders to uphold strong collaboration and cooperation to promote law and order to translate into the accelerated and sustained development of the region. The meeting, which focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and peace and security, saw representatives of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), and STAR Ghana Foundation make presentations on WASH, and the Northern G hana Peace Index, respectively. Alhaji Saibu gave assurance of the NRCC's commitment to effective and efficient monitoring and evaluation of all the ongoing development interventions to ensure projects and programmes were executed to specifications and completed within schedule. He touched on peace and security, emphasising that 'As we are in the festive season, I entreat every one of us to as a matter of urgency, take our security and that of our communities seriously, and support the security agencies in sensitising members of the communities to be security conscious and law-abiding.' He gave assurance that the Regional and District Security Councils and traditional authorities would continue to monitor security situations with the potential of breaching the peace and security of the region, especially during the yuletide. Mr Bhanu Pathak, Chief of Field Office, Tamale, UNICEF Ghana, said whilst access to water looked good on paper, one in three (1 in 3) water access points in communities was not workin g. He called for increased domestic funding to sustain the gains made in sanitation to ensure good health for residents, especially children. He expressed a need for authorities to ensure that schools had well-functioning water and sanitation systems for the benefit of children. Source: Ghana News Agency

Onankali, Oshikoto Region - A 43-year-old man was apprehended on Thursday in Onankali village, Oshikoto Region, for possessing 259 packs of contraband whisky. The Namibian Police Force reported on Friday that the suspect was caught by police on patrol around 22h00.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), The crime report detailed that the confiscated whisky packs contained 5180 sachets, valued at N.dollars 25,000. The suspect, hailing from Engela village in the Ohangwena Region, has been taken into custody following the discovery of the illicit goods.

Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani, Friday, had a meeting at the Prime Ministry with Algerian Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production Ali Aoun. Hachani commended the cooperation between Tunisia and Algeria in various fields, particularly in the health field and in the pharmaceutical industry, reads a statement of the Prime Ministry. The Prime Minister also praised «the fraternal and distinguished Tunisian-Algerian relations, which are reflected in high-level visits between officials from both countries.» For his part, the Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production underlined that this visit is part of following up the implementation of the recommendations issued in the Tunisian-Algerian Joint Higher Commission held in Algeria on October 3 and 4. The Algerian minister pointed out that consultations are underway to launch joint cooperation projects in the field of pharmaceutical industries. The meeting was attended by Health Minister, Ali Mrabet, and Algerian Ambassador to Tunisia, Azouz Baal al. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse