News
IFDC marks Golden Jubilee with open door event

Dr Bocar Diagana (inset) speaking at the event
Photo: Godwin Ofosu Acheampong
The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) has held its 2024 open door event in Accra to mark the 50th anniversary of the centre.
The event showcased IFDC’s innovative technologies in support of Ghana’s agricultural agenda and also sought to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

It is celebrated under the theme “50 years of developing agriculture from the ground up.”
The Director-in-charge of Enabling Impact Programmes at IFDC, Dr Bocar Diagana said, his outfit was dedicated to promoting relevant technologies, soil fertility management, crop productivity, agricultural value chains, market information systems and supportive policy on both public and private sector development in the agricultural sector.
He said the centre was committed to supporting the agricultural transformation agenda in Ghana and across the continent, adding that “our mission is rooted in empowering farmers, enhancing soil fertility, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security for all.”
He mentioned that, IFDC was currently implementing four projects in the country which includes 2SCALE, a programme that incubates and accelerates inclusive business through partnerships with companies, the Fertilizer Research and Responsible Implementation( FERARI), a public-private programme that integrates an on-the-ground implementation programme to develop the fertilizer value chain with trans-disciplinary research.
Also, the IFDC, Dr Diagana said, had implemented the feed the future Enhancing Growth through Regional Agricultural Input Systems (EnGRAIS) project which aims to increase the availability and use of fertilizers for smallholder farmers, focusing on women and the youth.
The final project, according to Dr Diagana was the AfricaFertilizer initiative, a premier source for fertilizer statistics in Africa.
The Global Corporate Communications Manager, Mr James Thigpen said the centre had reached nearly 150 countries with new technologies, trainings and pro-agriculture policies while researching and developing more than 50 innovations in soil health, research, nutrient delivery and market access.
The Vice President of Programmes, Dr Oumou Camara said in order to address agricultural challenges regarding fertilizer and soil health, there was the need for collaboration to develop and deploy innovative tools and technologies to improve the capacity of the soil to produce food.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
News
Muslims mark Eid-ul-Adha with call to be peaceful, united

Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.

While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.




The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.



Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
News
My Muslim boyfriend’s snoring is my headache
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.




