News
250 tractors, implements procured for smallholder farmers to boost agric production
Government in collaboration with Knight Transfer of Technology, a Czech-based technological entity, has procured 250 modernised mini tractors and implements for small and medium-scale farmers in the country.
This forms part of efforts in achieving the goals for the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJs) programme.
The implements comprised hand-held machines, mini tractors, double-sided ploughs, trailers, mulchers, boom sprayers, mist blowers, threshers, rotovetess, corn crushers and rice rippers.
The equipment would, among other things, enable the farmers to do land preparation, planting and harvesting.
They were procured through a public-private partnership at a cost of €10 million, an interest-free loan facility from the Czech Republic Export Bank.
Director of Agricultural Engineering Services Directorate (AESD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Mr Amatus Deyand said the implements would boost agriculture in the country as it would augment activities of smallholder farmers.
“The set of agriculture implement have been subsidised as government has taken 40 per cent of the original cost of the machines which ranges between GH₵18,000 and GH₵ 125,000 ,” he said.
According to Mr Deyand, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was poised to help small and medium-scale farmers have access to suitable and modernised machines to increase production.
“The vision of the Ministry is to equip, especially small and medium-scale farmers, with appropriate mechanisation options to ease the laborious work associated with farming operations and to ultimately enhance productivity,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Knight Transfer of Technology, Dr Karl Laryea said the procurement of the implement was the company’s contribution to realising of the PFJs programme by helping farmers move from the traditional farming to a mechanized system.
In order to develop implements to suit the agriculture conditions in Ghana, Dr Laryea noted that some Ghanaians were sent to Czech for training.
These individuals, according to Dr Laryea, “can now assemble, operate and service both the Cabrio Compact and Global Multipurpose Mini Tractors.”
The equipment was showcased at the Awutu Camp Prison in the Central Region last Friday.
Speaking at the event, the District Director of Agriculture for Awutu Senya East, Mr A. K. B. Beyang urged small and medium-scale farmers to harness resources to buy and use the equipment to boost agricultural production.
Source: Ghanaian Times
The 24 Hour Economy Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group to support the planning of the Volta Economic Corridor.
The agreement aims to guide how land within the corridor will be used, design key infrastructure, and develop systems that will support large scale production.
The partnership will focus on detailed planning to make the area ready for investment and smooth business operations.
The project will include the development of agroecological parks, industrial zones, and transport networks to connect production centres to markets.
According to the Authority, proper planning is critical to building strong economic systems and expanding production across the corridor.
It noted that the collaboration with the Chinese design firm will help lay a solid foundation for industrial growth and long term development within the Volta Economic Corridor.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has called on judges and lawyers to carry out their duties with humility, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
She made the appeal during the Supreme Court at 150 celebration held at the University of Ghana, under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
Addressing participants, she noted that those in the legal profession occupy positions of great power and influence, and must therefore remain humble in the discharge of their duties.
She urged both the bench and the bar to deliver justice without fear or ill will, stressing the need for fairness in handling cases.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, she explained that the year 1876 marks not only the establishment of the Supreme Court but also the beginning of formally trained lawyers in the Gold Coast.
The GBA President questioned what Ghana would be without the rule of law, which is upheld by judges and lawyers, adding that the country could descend into a system where only the strongest survive if justice is not properly administered.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to reflect on their responsibilities and remain committed to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.
By: Jacob Aggrey
