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AU to adopt AATF as an advisory lead on biotech-Mr Sarpong
The African Union (AU) has been urged to adopt the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) as its technical and advisory lead to propagate the issues of biotechnology.
Mr. George Sarpong, Executive Trustee at AATF made these remarks at the African Conference Agricultural Technologies (ACAT) in Nairobi on Wednesday.
He said the mission of AATF was to help farmers in need of agriculture support in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to find the tools and resources to compete in today’s modern agriculture markets adding that AATF promotes new technology, establishes partnerships between institutions and farmers.
Mr Sarpong said “when it comes to biotechnology AATF has so much expertise in that regard and I believe that if AU adopts it, it can help to manage the imminent climate change and its devastating effect.”
Speaking on the mission of his outfit he said the Foundation established in 2003 was basically created to address Africa’s food security prospects through agricultural technology as well as serve as a response to the need for an effective mechanism that would facilitate and support negotiation for technology access and delivery.
“AATF believes that the agricultural sector is a key foundational pillar as Africa consolidates its economic growth and carves out its new position as a major global economic powerhouse and the next growth market in the world’’ he stated.
He indicated that the negative impact of climate change like drought and pest infestation had threatened the food security of Africa coupled with increase of population.
Mr. Sarpong said the earlier Africa took biotechnology as a catalyst to help manage food insecurity in the country the better urging policy makers preparing to represent their countries at the up-and-coming COP 28 to propose biotechnology as a measure to manage climate change because the technology was environmentally friendly and would help attain the SDGs.
Dr. Leena Tripathi, Director, Eastern Africa Hub Biotechnology Program Leader, IITA said Africa needed all technologies together to address food scarcity.
She said apart from the lack of rain and poor irrigation, there was also the serious issue about the invasion of millions of acres of farmlands by pests.
This she argued called for the introduction of scientific techniques in food production to help address the challenge.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
The Ashanti South Regional Police Intelligence Directorate has arrested two suspects in connection with a robbery attack on an Indian national in Obuasi and a separately planned robbery operation targeting a distribution company in the same area.
On April 16, 2026, Police received credible intelligence that a group of armed men were planning an attack in Obuasi. A police team moved swiftly into the area and arrested suspect Iddrisu Fuseini, also known as “Iddi”, at his hideout in Bedieso, Obuasi.
During interrogation, he confessed to being part of a six-member gang that attacked an Indian national at his residence at New Baakoyeden, Obuasi, on April 12 2026, robbing him of GH₵150,000.00.
He disclosed that the attack was orchestrated following a tip-off from suspect Ibrahim, an employee of the victim, who informed the gang that the victim kept large sums of money.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a second suspect, Shaibu Mohammed, also known as “SM” or “Cicinati”, on 20th April 2026 at his hideout in Gausu, Obuasi. During interrogation, he admitted to participating in the planning of the robbery and confirmed that the gang had further planned to rob a distribution company near Mawuli Hotel in Obuasi.
Investigations have further revealed that both suspects are currently standing trial at the Obuasi Circuit Court in connection with a separate robbery of GH₵600,000.00.
A manhunt is ongoing to arrest the remaining accomplices, identified as Khalifa, Edward, Prof, Waddle, Ebbe, and Ibrahim, and to recover a pump action gun and a locally manufactured pistol believed to be in their possession.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), on April 17, 2026, decorated nineteen (19) senior officers who have been promoted to their next ranks based on the recommendations of the Police Council and approval of the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, forms part of efforts to recognise merit, dedication, and long-standing service within the Ghana Police Service, while strengthening leadership across key operational and administrative levels.
The officers promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP) are Dr. Luke Asue-In-Yeng Zakpaa, Mr. Frederick Agyei, Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Mr. Arthur Osei-Akoto, Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Mr. Barnabas Nambont Nasumong, and Mr. Desmond Owusu Boampong.
The IGP and members of POMAB congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
