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Consume Made-in-Ghana chocolates — Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged Ghanaians to consume Made-in- Ghana chocolates to benefit from its rich nutrients, including antioxidants that boost the immune system.
She said this at the climax of this year’s National Chocolate Week celebration, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Cocoa Board and the Cocoa Processing Company on Friday, in Accra.
The celebration was on the theme ‘Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana,’ with the sub-theme: ‘Chocolate for All: Taste, Share, and Care.’
The week-long celebration, coincided with the Valentine’s Day which is marked on February 14.
It was used to project the rich history and cultural significance of Ghana’s cocoa, and to remind Ghanaians of the importance of love, affection, and the joy of sharing chocolate with others.
“Chocolate is indeed a universal language that brings people together, and we are proud to be one of the world’s leading producers. By the celebration, we are not only promoting our local chocolate industry but also showcasing the best of Ghanaian culture and hospitality,” Madam Gomashie said.
The occasion was also to pay glowing tribute to Tetteh Quashie for introducing cocoa beans to Ghana from Fernando Po in the late 19th century, and to honour farmers who cultivate the prestigious crop, which was transformed into the sweet delight that brings joy to millions worldwide.
The Minister urged Ghanaians to taste, share, and care for local chocolates and continue to promote them, support cocoa farmers, and preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage.
She reiterated government’s commitment to providing resources, training, and market access to help Ghana’s chocolate industry to thrive.
The Chief Executive Officer, GTA, Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, said the theme epitomised the need to inculcate in the people the habit of consuming cocoa in its various forms.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
The Minority in Parliament has strongly objected to any planned merger or partnership between the government and Telecel, describing the deal as “technically, operationally, and financially unconscionable.”
Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, raised the concern during a media briefing in Parliament.
He questioned why both the Minister of Communications and Telecel would publicly announce a merger and then suddenly go silent on the matter.
“We object to any deal with Telecel by way of merger, absorption, or acquisition. This is a scheme to dispose of a national asset to fill private pockets,” Mr. Nyindam stated.
He argued that Telecel has not demonstrated any special technical or operational expertise that staff and management of AT (formerly AirtelTigo) do not already possess.
According to him, Telecel had earlier promised to invest $500 million after acquiring Vodafone Ghana but failed to do so, a situation he fears could repeat itself if the government allows another deal.
Mr. Nyindam claimed that Telecel was already indebted to the tune of $400 million, adding that the company only seeks to benefit from AT’s over three million customers to expand its own base without making any real investment.
“The government must not surrender the capacity of a state-owned company to a private entity through majority ownership. There is no clear plan to protect the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of workers,” he stressed.
The Minority Caucus is therefore calling on the government to halt any discussions or agreements with Telecel regarding the proposed merger, insisting that the deal is not in the national interest.
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bryan Acheampong, has called for an emergency 90-day suspension of all forms of mining in Ghana to help restore polluted rivers and water bodies.
He made the call during his campaign tour, where he engaged party members and residents on issues of national concern, including security, the environment, and responsible mining.
Mr Acheampong explained that the temporary ban should take place during the rainy season to allow the environment to recover naturally while the nation rethinks its mining practices.
“Let’s clear our water bodies and engage on how we can go back to mining. I’m not talking about a state of emergency, but mining, regardless of where, should stop now for the next 90 days,” he said.
He warned that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to poison food sources and destroy farmlands, posing a major threat to public health and food security.
“If our food systems are being poisoned and we just look on because we prefer to make money, our people will not be around in a very short time to address the situation,” he cautioned.
Mr Acheampong urged government, miners, and local leaders to use the proposed 90-day period to develop a sustainable framework for responsible mining that protects both livelihoods and the environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
