Hot!
Firms convert seaweed, clay into raw material
Mr Faibille addressing the House
The Petroleum Commission, in partnership with Tullow Ghana Limited (TGL), has transformed the Sargassum seaweed into a raw material for the production of ovens in fishing communities in the Western Region.
The Ahoto ovens are environmentally-friendly and also promote good fish hygiene and preservation.
It also seeks to enhance energy efficiency, enhance job creation, and improve the local economy and profitability of the project.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Commission (PC), Mr Egbert Faibille Jnr, announced the innovation at the eighth edition of the PC-Western Regional House of Chiefs annualmeeting at Sekondi, on Monday.
The event was to update the House on the upstream petroleum activities and social investment in the Western Region.
The Sargassum seaweed, MrFaibille noted, hitherto, was a public nuisance that hindered fishing activities and endangered livelihoods of fisher folk along some coastal beaches in Ghana.
He stated “I am glad to announce that hydrofoam bricks made from a mixture of processed seaweed and clay are being produced in Axim and used to construct Ahoto fish ovens, used by our fish processors.”
Mr Faibille said, by the end of 2023, about 100 ovens would be distributed to fishmongers in all the seven coastal metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in the Western Region.
He assured the Commission would ensure the implementation of social investment to benefit oil host communities in the Western Region.
He told the House that, upon the request of the Bakanta Royal Stool, the Commission gave approval for ENI, as part of its local content obligations, to asphalt the 3.2km Sanzule-Old and New Bakanta road in the Ellembelle District.
This is to check flooding and improve road networks in the Sanzule area, Mr Faibille explained.
On the Exclusive Zone demarcated for safety at sea, he commended the fisher folk for observing restrictions at the 500-metre area, leading to drastic reduction in incursion rates.
“It is gratifying to note that year-on-year, the rate of incursions around petroleum facilities reduced from 36 in September, 2022, to 11, same period in 2023, representing about 69 per cent decrease,” the CEO explained.
He said, a dispute resolution committee comprising the Ghana Navy, Canoe Fishermen Council, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exploration and production companies and the Commission would be formed.
That, he added, would promote peaceful co-existence between the security services, upstream operators and other users of the marine space.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Sekondi
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
