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Fact sheet about agric machines in Ghana
It is interesting to note that:
- Diesel/kerosene fired dryer was released in 2014. This is a dryer that employs indirect heating for drying grains and for processing food. It is applicable in all maize growing areas in Ghana.
The dryer is suitable for crop grain drying and for food processing; atomiser is locally manufactured; does not use exhaust fumes for drying. The technology reduces postharvest losses.
- Walk-in hot air cabinet dryer was released in 1993. The walk-in hot air cabinet dryer is available in four sizes 56 trays, 84 trays, 100 trays and 140 trays.
The dryer uses electrical energy as its source of fuel and has automatic temperature control system and a 24-hour timer to predetermine period of operation.
It is applicable in all cereals, root and tubers, and fruits growing areas in Ghana. It is used for drying of food commodities such as roots and tubers, vegetables, fruits, cereals, etc.
- Micro-nutrients fortification mixer for dietary supplementation for malnourished community was released in 2007.
The technology is for fortification of food with vitamin premix for malnourished children and women in Northern Ghana.
It is applicable in Northern Ghana. It is used for improvement of nutritional status of rural communities of northern Ghana.
- Snail meat preservation was released in 1995. The technology describes a more hygienic, appropriate and low-cost method for the preparation, spicing and solar dehydration of snail meat.
A second technology developed involved spice extraction and snail meat preparation for the corning of snail meat in brine. It is applicable in snail rearing communities.
It is used for snail meat preservation (solar dehydrated and canned) to offset scarcity of the product during the dry season when snails are scarce.
- Palm kernel shell separator was released in 2012. The technology reduces time for kernel shell separation from 24 hours per 60 kilogramme material to seven minutes per 60 kilogramme material.
It eliminates the use of water in the kernel separation process. Additionally, it eliminates the use of clay in the kernel shell separation process. The efficiency of separation ranges between 90 per cent and 95 per cent, depending on the cracking efficiency. It is suitable for separating palm kernel shells.
Two levels of beneficiaries are targeted. The first would be agro-industrial machinery fabricators who can be trained to fabricate the equipment for sale to palm kernel oil producers. Second, the numerous women and women’s groups scattered all over the country and nearby countries who are involved in palm kernel oil production.
- Best processing practices indicators for artisanal mills to produce high quality crude palm oil was released in 2012.
Attributes: Minimum boiling/sterilisation time of two hours 30 minutes. Keep fruits and ‘digested fruit matrix’ hot throughout digestion and pressing process. Ensure adequate clarification. Ensure adequate sieving to reduce dirt or insoluble content.
The technology is suitable for grain drying and food processing. It is used for production of crude palm oil that meets standards. It minimises postharvest storage of fruits prior to digestion to three to five days.
Source: Manual of Agricultural Technologies developed by
CSIR, MAG and MoFA
Page: 137-140
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
