Hot!
Fact sheet about agric equipment in Ghana

IT is interesting to note that: • Improved manual cassava harvester was released in 2017. Harvesting, one of the serious bottlenecks in the cassava production value chain, has received little attention in terms of mechanization. Earlier attempts at mechanising cassava harvesting have been challenged mainly by inappropriate method of planting, field topography and scale of cultivation.

Developing and adopting simple but efficient energy-saving manual harvesting tools and equipment is a sure way forward in overcoming these challenges in cassava harvesting. The cassava harvesting tool was constructed with the idea of reducing drudgery due to waist bending associated with existing manual harvesting tools which usually leads to waist pains and other bodily weaknesses.
The equipment is suitable for all cassava growing ecologies in Ghana. The improved hand-held tool can harvest cassava twice as fast with half the effort required when using existing manual harvesting options. Farmers have increased their production area and yield by 15-25 per cent after being introduced to the harvester.
• Recirculating aquaculture technology was released in 2015. Simple raised tanks that can be set in the backyard with minimal skill requirement. This technology is an aquaculture system composed of a raised tank structure (rectangular, circular or ellipsoid) made of either a cement block or wooden frame and lined with a canvas material to make. It is applicable to all cassava growing parts of the country. It can be done in homes.
• New oven for smoking fish (AFSMO-150)/ Ahotor stove was released in 2007. A brick oven which reduces tar deposition on smoked fish with increased fish smoking capacity. Ahotor stove is applicable in all fishing communities in Ghana. It is less laborious to operate, has higher smoking capacity, it is more economical to use because it consumes less fuel, and it deposits less tar on the fish and, therefore, produces better quality smoked fish.
• Improved Chorkor smoker (AFSMO) was released in 2005. This technology is to help to reduce Poly-aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in smoked fish and reduce the drudgery involved in the other means of smoking fish. The use of fuel wood is reduced. Chorkor smoker is applicable in all fishing communities in Ghana. It reduces PAH in smoked fish which makes it healthy.
• Flash Dryer- drying of root crops cakes, was released in 2004. A typical flash-drying process consists of a modified pneumatic conveyor in which the wet solids are introduced. They go through a chute where they are transported in a high velocity hot air stream. Particles fall under high velocity and pressure through a cyclone (in some instances 2, 4 or 6 cyclones).
Thermal contact time between the conveying air and the solids is usually very short and, therefore, flash dryers are most suitable for removal of external moisture.
It is applicable in all parts of the country. Compared to solar drying (two days for drying) and cabinet drying (12-15hrs), flash dryer dries one ton of cassava (for example) in 1hr 30mins. Flash dryer dries in a flash. Flash Dryer is fast, and temperature build-up after an hour is enough to keep on drying without fuel. It can utilise either LPG or diesel in operating. Capacity is between 250- 500kg/ hr output 7. It requires little oversight after temperature build-up.
Source: Manual of Agricultural Technologies developed by CSIR, MAG and MoFA Page: 133-136
Hot!
First Lady boosts Black Maidens, Black Princesses’ morale with generous support

Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
Hot!
State closes case in missing US$2M ‘Sky Train’ matter

The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment1 week agoBig Ghun and Doreen Avio record massive turnout as Scarlett Unveiled auditions draw over 300 actors
News5 days agoUniversity of Ghana launches UGA Network App to reconnect global alumni community
News5 days agoUG professor calls for responsible behavior from Ghanaians during the rainy season to prevent malaria




