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AU to adopt AATF as an advisory lead on biotech-Mr Sarpong

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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.”

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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.

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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

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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

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The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.

In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.

The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.

According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.

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UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.

The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.

It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.

UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.

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The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.

The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.

Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.

The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.

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It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.

“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.

The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.

The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.

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The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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