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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
Ghana’s singing Prophet, Joseph Atarah, has released a video for his new song dubbed ‘Increase’. The video was directed and shot by renowned director, Sky Web.
The motivational video exhibits captivating dance moves, set against the vibrant and beautiful city of Accra. Prophet Atarah co-wrote the song with Nana Boateng.
Touching on the message during an interview on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz, he said, ‘Increase’ is a motivational song telling people not to give up in their present situation. According to him, with determination and a relentless desire to succeed, God will make everything beautiful.
“As you trust in God’s plan, remember that ‘INCREASE’ is on the way. Just as seeds grow into harvest, your faith is growing into abundance. God’s got you, and His increase is surrounding you,” he added.
Prophet Atarah resigned from the military band in 2006 after an encounter with God to start his prophetic ministry and commenced his music journey about four years ago.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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President John Dramani Mahama, in in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has made donations on behalf of the people of Ghana to Jamaica, Sudan and Cuba to support those countries as they struggle to rebuild.
On behalf of Ghana, he donated over 2,400 bags of made-in-Ghana rice, assorted clothes, mattresses, made-in-Ghana cocoa products, bags of sugar, polytanks and other essential items to the victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica , Cuba , and the people of Sudan suffering from war.
The decision stems from Ghana’s solidarity with the affected compatriots.
President Mahama in his address during the presentation at the presidency, said the humanitarian items were worth GHC10 million.
He said 50 percent of the items will go to Jamaica, 30 percent to Cuba, and 20 percent to the International Red Cross for their camps in Sudan.
President Mahama said they appealed to private individuals among others who generously contributed towards the humanitarian course.
Foreign Affairs minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed the country’s appreciation to institutions and private individuals who supported in raising the items.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
