Day: June 18, 2024

Imam Yussif Abdulai Korley, the Imam for the Kasseh Central Mosque in Ada, has urged Moslem youth not to allow themselves to be coerced into indulging in violent activities in relation to the elections.

Imam Korley, who is also the Head of the Arabic Department of the Kasseh Islamic School, said violence was an abominable act in the presence of Allah and therefore urged the youth to use their time to learn vocations instead of engaging in violent activities.

‘If you are a youth, learn a skill or a trade, and you will never go hungry. People become frustrated and do so many unpleasant things just because they failed to involve themselves in skill training to get themselves their own work,’ he said.

Imam Korley made the statement in an interview with the Ghana News Agency during the celebration of Eid-ul Adha at Kasseh.

According to him, the Eid-ul Adha festivity was the enactment of Allah’s commandment to Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail for him, but God eventually provided a ram just when Ibrahim was a
bout to carry out the order.

The Imam charged all to protect each other’s property for peace and development during the elections instead of attacking each other.

‘Islam means peace, and it hurts my emotions when I hear that most people who indulge in robbery, violence, land guards, and other abominable activities are bearing Islamic names,’ he lamented.

Mr Yakubu Suleiman, the Public Relations Officer for the Muslim Community at Kasseh, entreated all Muslims to uphold the tenets of virtue to be remembered for a good cause after their demise.

He appealed to those who are well-to-do to help their unfortunate brothers in times of need but remember not to publicise it.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mangroves are unique and vital ecosystems found along coastlines in tropical and subtropical regions. These trees and shrubs grow in salty water and serve many important roles. They protect our coasts and help fight climate change by trapping carbon.

Protecting Our Coasts

Mangroves are natural barriers that protect coastlines from storms and erosion. Their roots hold the soil together, which helps prevent the land from washing away during heavy rains and strong waves. When storms hit, mangroves act like a shield, absorbing the energy of the waves and reducing damage to the inland areas.

During hurricanes and cyclones, mangroves can save lives and property. For example, in 2004, when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck, areas with mangrove forests suffered less damage compared to those without. The thick roots and dense canopy of mangroves slow down the water and lessen its impact.

Mangroves also help build up land over time. They trap sediments carried by rivers and tides, which helps create new land. This pr
ocess is important in regions where land loss due to rising sea levels is a major concern. By stabilising the shoreline, mangroves provide a first line of defence against the sea’s advancing tides.

Home to Many Creatures

Mangroves are home to a variety of animals and plants. They provide food and shelter for fish, crabs, birds, and even some mammals. Many fish species, including commercially important ones, spend part of their lives in mangrove forests. These areas act as nurseries for young fish, where they can grow safely before moving to the open sea.

The rich biodiversity of mangroves supports local communities that rely on fishing for their livelihoods. By protecting mangroves, we also protect the food sources and income of these communities. The health of mangrove ecosystems directly impacts the well-being of people who depend on them.

Mangroves are also important for bird species. They offer nesting sites and feeding grounds for many birds, including migratory ones. This makes mangrove forests crit
ical for maintaining bird populations and supporting biodiversity.

Carbon Sequestration Powerhouses

Mangroves play a key role in fighting climate change by trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process is known as carbon sequestration. Mangroves store carbon in their roots, branches, and leaves. They also trap carbon in the soil, where it can remain for centuries.

Mangroves are more efficient at storing carbon than many other types of forests. In fact, they can store up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests. This makes them a vital tool in the global effort to reduce carbon dioxide levels and combat climate change.

The ability of mangroves to trap carbon is significant because it helps slow down global warming. By protecting and restoring mangrove forests, we can enhance their carbon sequestration capabilities. This is a crucial step in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The Importance of Restoration

Restoring mangrove forests is essential for
maintaining their protective and carbon-trapping functions. Unfortunately, mangroves are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to human activities such as logging, agriculture, and urban development. This destruction not only removes the benefits that mangroves provide but also releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

Efforts to restore mangroves involve replanting trees and protecting existing forests. Successful restoration projects have been carried out in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh. These projects help bring back the benefits of mangroves, such as coastal protection and carbon sequestration.

Restoration also involves educating local communities about the importance of mangroves. When people understand how mangroves benefit their lives, they are more likely to support conservation efforts. Community involvement is key to the success of mangrove restoration projects.

Mangroves and Human Activities

Mangroves are not only crucial for environmental reasons but also have an
interesting link to human activities. In some coastal communities, betting on the health and growth of mangrove forests is a form of live bet which has become a way to engage people in conservation efforts. People place bets on how well newly planted mangroves will grow, adding an element of excitement and involvement in protecting these vital ecosystems.

Global Efforts and Challenges

Many groups and governments are trying to save mangrove forests. Agreements like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands know mangroves are important and work to protect them. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local people also help with projects to save mangroves.

Even with these efforts, there are still big problems. Mangroves are being cut down for building and farming, which hurts these forests. Climate change also threatens mangroves. Rising sea levels and changing weather can damage these ecosystems.

To fix these problems, we need to enforce conservation laws and make new ones if needed. We should support development
that does not harm mangroves. It’s also important to study and watch mangroves to find the best ways to protect and restore them.

Conclusion

Mangroves are very important for protecting coasts and trapping carbon. They act as natural shields against storms and erosion, support lots of wildlife, and store large amounts of carbon. It’s crucial to protect and restore mangrove forests to keep these benefits and fight climate change.

Source: Ghana News Agency

A two-day consultative dialogue to draft a vision for the country’s development agenda is underway in Accra.

The forum, christened: ‘Citizens’ Convention Ghana Compact’, is organised by the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education and development partners.

The forum brought together over 500 participants, including political leaders, government agencies, civil society organisations, and business leaders, to chart the path to national development.

Dr Kingsley Y. Amoako, President of ACET, said the dialogue sought to bring about political and constitutional reforms to make authorities more accountable and put issues that mattered at the heart of the December elections.

It is also to ensure fiscally responsible policies to raise more money for the country’s development and avoid relying on external loans and aid.

He said in January 2025, a new government would take office and usher in the second quarter of the 21st century, which cal
led for accelerated development and greater prosperity.

Dr Amoako said, that despite decades of progress, Ghana faced persistent political, social, and economic challenges that prevented its citizens from achieving their full potential.

He noted that after nearly seven decades of independence, the country’s structure remained virtually unchanged and was still dependent on the export of unprocessed primary commodities.

All those issues called for stakeholder engagements to urgently address the challenges and ensure sustainable development.

The President of ACET said the dialogue would include breakout sessions on gender equality, youth employment and skills, constitutional review, national development planning, and others.

The outcome of the deliberations, he stated, would be a citizens’ declaration on a social contract, including an accountability mechanism that reflected milestones for the aspirations over time.

For the government, he said the declaration would stress the need to plan and manage financ
es responsibly and to prioritise the well-being of the people over politics.

Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Ghana, welcomed the engagement and said the Compact would serve as terms of reference for the leaders elected to be accountable to the people.

Dr Kodjo E. Mensah Abrampah, Director General, National Development Planning Commission, said the Ghana Compact would enhance the work of the Commission through effective engagement with the citizens.

The Compact, he said, would help reposition the Commission to be responsible and responsive to its mandate, as well as institute monitoring mechanisms to ensure positive outcomes of its development plans.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Marilia (not real name), a teenage girl, was rescued from her intended marriage by the Boys Club of her community, which is one of the strongest men’s advocacy networks in her area and parts of the Upper East Region of Ghana.

For the young girl at 17, she is still looking for help to find a job that will sustain her and prepare her into adulthood.

However, after enrolling herself as an apprentice in her area to start her training as a sewist, she is yet to get a startup, and so must borrow an old sewing machine, which she currently shares with its owner who is also an apprentice.

Marilia said she will need about GHC 5,000 to enable her to get the needed materials as a beginner, which is a prerequisite for her entry as a trainee sewist.

Reports

Teenage Marriages is a human right violation with adverse effects on girl’s health including other socio-economic effects on girls who enter early marriages before they become of age and therefore creating a generational problem for the teenagers themselves and the
ir children.

In Ghana alone, reports indicate that one in five girls aged 20 to 24 years are married before the age of 18. Regional data from the 2014 Demographic Health Survey (DHS) reveals that in terms of regional records of percentages, the Northern region recorded 39.6 of child marriages, Upper West 37.3, the Upper East 36.1, Eastern Region 27.5, Western 32.9, Central Region 29.5, Ashanti Region 25.9, Volta 25.9 per cent, Bono and Ahafo Regions 23.9, and Greater Accra 18.5 per cent.

THE STORY OF THE TEENAGER

Marilia attended school in Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality in the Upper East Region, but because of challenges ranging from financial difficulty by her parents to support her in school, the family decided to give her out for marriage.

Narrating her story during a follow up interview at her community, Marilia said, ‘When my marriage was stopped, not because I misconducted myself, but due to the many eyes of the public and outcry of the public, for being under aged at 17 years and too
young for marriage which put me into more trouble’. She said.

‘I have now opted to learn a trade because my Senior High School results cannot take me further up the educational ladder, so I will need financial support to enable me to achieve my dreams to become a good seamstress,’ she said.

The teenage Muslim girl from Gowrie whose marriage could not come on as scheduled by her family, like other teenage girls in Ghana and other places, go through challenges of abandonment, lack of support from their families when they fail to honour such decisions taken for them.

‘My single mother was earnestly happy that the marriage was the best option because after my father’s death, life had been difficult for her to single handedly support my siblings and I,’ she said.

In her response to how the family has been treating her after the failed marriage, she responded in a positive way. She said it is cordial.

‘My mother has no other option than to admit to the outcry of the community members, friends and activists aga
inst teenage marriages as the new law demands,’ she said.

Marilia, however, said things have not been the same, because her plans of learning a trade instead are being challenged by the lack of financial support, contrary to her expectation of life after her curtailed marriage.

UNFPA INTERVENTIONS

Thankfully, the UNFPA has been pushing for an end of the phenomena through its policies and drives programmes that support evidence-based, girl centred investments that empower girls with information, skills, and services they need to be healthy, educated, and safe to be able to transition into adult women.

Like other teenagers, Marilia has just ended a marriage that is believed, not right for her because of her health and her future, however interventions that will help her to keep herself out of the same situations call for interventions from the public, philanthropists, and individuals.

Though the UNFPA may not be supporting livelihood programmes directly, it is in partnership with institutions that can supp
ort activities to save young girls like Marilia through their collaborations.

However, but for the boys and Men’s network, the young girl would have been one of the latest recorded teenage marriages in the region.

The Network currently works under the Department of Gender, of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) in collaboration with communities, the district Assembly Members, traditional authority, and religious leaders aiming to educate the youth against child marriage, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and consequences of gender based violent acts.

Meanwhile, many challenges abound when girls of her kind are rescued from such predicaments and require societal support to come out of the challenges they face.

Recommendations

While Ghana is making efforts to promote girls’ education, skill development, and providing employment opportunities through government policies, there should be accelerated action to end child marriages in Ghana.

Mr James Twene, Regional Director of Upper East
Regional Department of Women who spoke with the GNA on the plight of the teenage girl, and efforts underway to support victims, reiterated calls for more advocacy to bring sectors together to improve situation of young girls in the country.

The Bolgatanga Regional Coordinating Council in the Upper East Region is one of the implementing partners on child marriage collaborator of the UNFPA in addressing Child marriage issues and will need to do more to harness the various sectors that support livelihood activities for young girls both married and unmarried with skills and information, increase their knowledge and skills.

The current UNFPA-supported intervention programmes are in six out of the 15 districts in the Upper East Region and such interventions should be extended to cover all districts and traditional authorities, to stamp their feet in condemning and helping to curtail child marriages.

The Department of Gender should receive support to upscale its intervention efforts to reach out to the districts
that have not yet been covered. This unified approach is vital in eliminating GBV and early marriages, as emphasized in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), target 5.3.

The media also plays critical role in highlighting some of the health-related issues and therefore the Communication Advocacy Network (MCAN) is one media network that plays such significant roles in promoting health and social development in Ghana, working with partners to advocate against child marriages in the country.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi ll, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi-Anhwiaso Traditional Area, has urged fathers to live up to their responsibilities to bring change within society.

According to him, fathers must provide direction and care for their children, and provide their emotional needs to help guarantee them a brighter future.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi ll, who is also the President of the National House of Chiefs, made the call at a ceremony to honour fathers at Bibiani in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.

The occasion was characterized by a series of activities including, a health walk, health screening, indoor games, and street jams.

He said some children engaged in activities that hindered their growth due to poor parental care, especially with fathers.

‘It is the duty of fathers to cater for their children because it is the children’s rights to be catered for, as they did not ask to be born,’ he noted.

The Paramount Chief, however, commended all responsible fathers for their effort
s to raise decent children for future generations.

As part of the celebration, Ogyeahoho Gyebi ll, presented stationary such as 300 pencils, 300 pens, 144 mathematical sets, and 800 exercise books among other items to the Municipal Education Directorate for onward distribution to some selected basic schools within the Municipality.

The occasion also afforded him the opportunity to donate 69 bedsheets, 500 street bulbs, toiletries, and 45 crates of assorted drinks to fathers on admission at Sefwi Anhwiaso Health Centre and Bibiani Municipal Hospital.

Dr. Adu-Gyamfi, the Administrator of Bibiani Municipal Hospital, who received the items, thanked Ogyeahoho Gyebi ll and the Sefwi-Anhwiaso Traditional Council for the kind gesture.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Emancipation Day holds a profound significance in Ghana, a nation with a rich history of struggle, resilience, and liberation. The word emancipation means to be free from restraint, control, or the power of any entity.

Etymology

It comes from a Latin word combining the prefix e-, meaning ‘away’ and mancipare meaning to transfer ownership of. Putting together, emancipation means transfer away of ownership.’

In Ghana, this annual commemoration, observed on August 1st, every year and serves as a sorrowful reminder of Ghana’s fight against slavery and colonialism, while also highlighting the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equality, and social justice.

Reflection

As the nation gathers to celebrate Emancipation Day, it provides an opportune moment to reflect on Ghana’s journey, acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, and reaffirm the commitment to a better and brighter future.

Emancipation Day marks the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in the British Empire in 1834 and the emancipation of enslaved A
fricans.

It recognizes Ghana’s pivotal role as a hub of the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent efforts to dismantle this horrific trading system.

The coastal forts and castles, such as Elmina and Cape Coast, stand as solemn reminders of the painful history that Ghana endured.

Emancipation Day serves as a platform for remembrance, education, and a collective vow to never forget the atrocities of the past.

Emancipation Day is not only a day of remembrance, but also a time for vibrant celebrations and cultural revival. Throughout the country, colorful parades, traditional ceremonies, music and dance performances, and intellectual discussions occur.

This celebration showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Ghana and serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Ghanaian people. It is a moment to honor ancestors, embrace cultural identity, and foster national unity among different ethnic groups.

Role of GTA

The Emancipation Day celebrations are organized by the Ghana Tourism Author
ity under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and other bodies like the Pan-African Historical and Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) foundation.

During the celebrations, Ghanaians and visitors pay homage to historical sites like Assin Manso, where enslaved people were held captive to take their last bath before being shipped overseas. Memorial services and wreath-laying ceremonies are done to honour the ancestors.

While Ghana has made significant strides, Emancipation Day serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges that the nation faces. Issues such as poverty, inequality, corruption, youth unemployment, and environmental sustainability require continuous attention and action.

It is a moment to renew the commitment to address these challenges and build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Ghana for all its citizens. Education, job creation, good governance, and sustainable development must remain at the forefront of the national agenda.

2024 Celebrations

This year’s Emancipat
ion Day Celebration is on the theme. ‘UNITY AND RESILIENCE; BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE.’ As we celebrate the legacy and the victory of our ancestors, it is incumbent on us to unite and build stronger communities for all regardless of our race, gender or ethnicity.

Imagine the agony, the torture of walking in chains from the Northern or the Western part of the country to the Central part, where our ancestors were shipped to Europe. This slave raid was brutish, nasty chaotic and inhumane experience our ancestors endured. This tragic occasion must remind us about where we come from and bind us together as one people.

Cultural Heritage

This is a moment we must cherish and embrace our cultural heritage and traditions. It is a time African politicians and their cronies must eschew from plundering the wealth of their various countries and stop misappropriating public funds that could have been utilized to ameliorate the lot of their people to feel proud as citizens.

‘It beholds on us as
citizens, journalists, politicians and civil servants to encourage ourselves to improve humanity, dignity and the spirit of patriotism.’

Tourists?

Emancipation Day attracts both local and international tourists who are interested in understanding Ghana’s history and culture.

The influx of visitors during this period stimulates the tourism industry, leading to increased revenue from accommodation, transportation, food services, and other tourism-related activities.

Many tourists also partake in guided tours, visit historical sites, and engage in cultural events, contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.

Besides, Emancipation Day celebrations often involve various cultural performances, music, dance, and exhibitions.

These activities showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and provide opportunities for local artists, musicians, craftsmen, and artisans to display their talents and sell their products.

The celebration helps to promote the cultural and creative industries, leading to incre
ased income and employment opportunities for individuals involved in these sectors.

Activities

As Ghana celebrates this year’s edition of Emancipation Day, the activities start on 22nd July, 2024 with the commissioning of the Salaga Slave Market at Salaga in the Savannah Region of Ghana.

Subsequently there will be host of activities such as Durbar at Pikworo Slave Camp, Tribute to the Ancestors at W.E.B. Dubois and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Durbar of Chiefs at Assin Praso, Echoes of Culture Celebrating Diasporan Diversity at the Elmina Fishing Harbour, Reverential Night at Cape Coast Castle and the main event, Emancipation Day Durbar at Assin Manso.

It is an opportune moment for introspection and envisioning a brighter future. It is a time to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, to recognize the achievements made, and to challenge the status quo.

Embracing the spirit of Emancipation Day, Ghanaians can collectively work towards a society where every individual enjoys equal rights, econ
omic opportunities, and social justice.

It is a call to action, urging citizens to build on the legacy of liberation and forge a path toward a truly inclusive and prosperous nation.

‘Emancipation Day stands as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s journey from oppression to freedom. It provides an occasion for both celebration and reflection, honoring the past and inspiring a better future. As the nation commemorates this significant day, let it serve as a catalyst for unity, progress, and the relentless pursuit of social justice.

By acknowledging the challenges, embracing cultural heritage, and working towards a more inclusive society, Ghana can rise above the shadows of the past and create a brighter tomorrow for generations to come, and never again must we allow ourselves to be enslaved either physically or mentally.

Never again are we allowed to be colonized and oppressed.

Source: Ghana News Agency