Day: December 3, 2023

Ghana and Norway are partnering to increase the development of on-farm fish feed using locally available feed ingredient resources.

Ghana’s new Aquaculture Development Plan envisions increasing the country’s fish farming output from 89,376 tonnes to 211,697 tonnes by the end of 2028, a 136 per cent increase.

Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, stated at an awards ceremony to end the 39th National Farmers’ Day Celebration in Tarkwa, Western Region, that the vision was to ensure the availability of high-quality feed to all fish farmers at an affordable cost.

She said the country abounds in viable sources of fish feed ingredients; therefore, the partnership with Norway would make a significant difference in national aquaculture output.

Mrs. Koomson, speaking at an awards’ ceremony to climax the commemoration of the 39th National Farmers’ Day Celebration, at Tarkwa, Western Region, said the vision was to ensure the availability of high-quality feed to all fish farmers
at affordable cost.

The steps being taken by the authorities are anticipated to go a long way to reduce the cost of producing cultured fish, thus enhancing the profit margin for fish farmers.

While locally produced and imported feeds are widely available on the market, most small pond farmers find them expensive and avoid the problem by using self-formulated feeds.

The Minister said the ministerial directive on trawl gear specifications was yielding positive results.

This has reduced the catching of juvenile and small pelagic fish by industrial trawlers and the transshipment of such species at sea between trawlers and canoes.

Ms. Koomson said the government made aquaculture a top priority to sustain per capita fish consumption.

She said the goal was to address the deficit in the country’s fish requirements to ensure the availability of fish for current and future generations.

According to marine development experts, Ghana’s fish populations are in serious decline, and local demand for fish has outstrip
ped supply due to a combination of factors, including overfishing.

To address fleet overcapacity and reduce fishing pressure on fisheries resources, the government instituted a three-year moratorium on new canoe entrants.

This would be reviewed annually during the period.

Ms. Koomson said the country was developing innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, citing the construction of the National Aquaculture Centre and Commercial Farms to provide aquaculture skill training.

The scope of training encompasses production, farm management, fish health, feed formulation, and processing for the youth to take up aquaculture as a viable enterprise.

Also, the Ministry has introduced tarpaulin tanks for fish farming and re-circulatory aquaculture system.

The technology has low water usage, energy efficient and easy to harvest fish.

Vice-President Alhaji Dr. Bawumia gave an address at the awards ceremony on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, outl
ined the government’s programmes and policies aimed at ensuring food security in the country.

Charity Akortia, a 57-year-old teacher from Agona West in the Central Region was named the 2023 National Best Farmer. She was given a one million Ghana Cedis cash prize.

Other awardees are Kwesi Mensah, National Best Fisher, Grace Tsali, National Best Fish Processor, Godfred Dadson, National Best Aquaculture Farmer, John Osabutey, National Best Inland Fisher, Charlotte Ndah, National Best Fisheries Extension Officer, and Adwoa Sintim, National Best Cocoa Farmer.

Edith Weatland emerged as the National Best Female Farmer, Augustine Asubonteng, National Best Livestock Farmer, Kwame Boafo, National Best Coffee Farmer, and George Opoku, National Best Promising Young Cocoa Farmer.

A total of 16 farmers were awarded at the programme, which was held on the theme, ‘Delivering Smart Solutions for Food Security and Resilience’.

The award winners were honoured with cash prizes, plaques, tractors, sprayers, and trucks.

The
National Farmers’ Day was instituted by the Government in 1985 in recognition of the vital role farmers and fishermen play in the Ghanaian economy.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Apostle Joseph Felix Kwesi Mensah, the Chairman of the Executive Council, Great Commission Church International (GCCI), has urged Christians to use their spiritual gifts to build the Church of God.

He said Jesus Christ, after his resurrection, gave spiritual gifts to the apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers and pastors to equip them to effectively undertake ministering and build the Church on a strong foundation.

Apostle Mensah said this in a homily to climax the 33rd General Council Meeting of the GCCI Ghana at Adenta in Accra on the theme: ‘Structuring to Deliver the GCCI Mandate’.

The four-day meeting, which ended on Sunday, was attended by 160 participants, comprising GCCI pastors and their spouses, Board of Trustees, presiding elders and presbyters.

He reiterated that the Church of God was a goal driven one, the reason structure was important, adding that no Christian denomination had the monopoly over the goal of the Church.

He said the spiritual maturity of church members was very important
to God, hence the need for every church to ensure that the five-fold ministry gifts were in place and working.

However, every church member had to play his or her part for the Church to grow.

Apostle Samuel Vincent Ansah, the Chairman of the Ghana National Council of GCCI, lauded the pastors for their sacrifices and commitment towards advancing the Kingdom of God.

The GCCI was founded on 1st April 1991, on the campus of the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra.

The Church has since been established in other countries such as Togo, Benin, Mali, the Ivory Coast and Gabon.

The founding fathers include apostles Joseph Felix Kwesi Mensah, Professor Samuel Asuming-Brempong, Joseph Kwabena Antwi, and Dr Samuel Vincent Ansah.

The rest are apostles Richard Kwami Adanu, Komla Ebenezer Hagan, and Derrick Sarpong.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, says countries must continue to collaborate to find long-term solutions to the world’s socio-economic, environmental, and cultural challenges.

He argued that problems like poverty, inequality, terrorism, and climate change could all be resolved through collaboration and ‘effective diplomacy.’

Mr Bagbin, speaking at the launch of the International Relations and Diplomacy Network, Ghana (IRDN), underlined the importance of dialogue in resolving challenges and fostering an environment conducive to progress.

He said conflicts and simmering tensions on the global political landscape required expertise, ‘meaningful conversations’ and the establishment of ‘solid’ diplomatic ties.

Mr Bagbin cited the conflicts in Ukraine, the Sahel region, and Gaza, stating that the humanitarian needs of people in the affected areas must be met.

‘The worsening situations in Ukraine, Sahel, and Gaza provide into the insight of war on global geo-political dynamics. The significant loss
of lives, displacement of people and strained relationship affects, and continue to be a matter of concern to all nations and people in the world.

‘Addressing the humanitarian needs and finding practical solutions are crucial priorities to mitigate the suffering of the affected populations,’ he stated.

The Speaker envisaged ‘a world where everyone has an equal chance to prosper and make a positive contribution to society,’ as the universe moved toward ‘inclusive global governance.’

‘Together let us end poverty, empower women, close the digital divide and guarantee everyone success to high quality healthcare and education,’ he said.

He described IRDN as a ‘bold initiative to leverage global cooperation for sustainable and inclusive development.’

The International Relations and Diplomacy Network was launched on the theme: ‘Towards A Better Equitable World.’

It brings together professionals, practitioners, and students of international relations and diplomacy who will use their expertise to influence globa
l policies, initiatives and developments.

Mr Alban Bagbin, who was presented with a citation at the launch, urged the Network to support the government and key stakeholders to resolve conflict in parts of the country.

As the current President of the Conference of Speakers and Heads of Parliaments in Africa, he asked IRDN to contribute to the work of Parliament and support the mission of the Conference of Speakers.

Ambassador Dr Kodzo Akaba, Rector of the SALT institute, said IRDN will serve as a platform for positive change, share knowledge and foster partnerships that will help ‘shape the future.’

Prof Lord Mawuko-Yevugah, Convener and Patron, IRDN, said the community of scholars and practitioners will whip up public interest in matters of international relations.

‘We are a democracy and there should be participation of the people in every aspect of government policy, so we need to create that space for people who understand international relations to engage government on what it does on our behalf on t
he international stage,’ he said.

Other distinguished members of the Network were recognised for diverse contributions towards the establishment of the association, as well as the activities of the International Relations and Diplomacy faculty at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

Source: Ghana News Agency