News
‘Prioritise needs of women in agric sector’
Women farmers and agribusiness owners have called on the government and stakeholders in agriculture to prioritise the unique needs of women in the sectorin order to enhance the country’s food security and foster economic growth.
According to them, women who play significant roles in ensuring the nation’s food security faced numerous challenges that hindered their ability to increase their production.
Madam HabibataHaruna, a farmer, made the call on behalf of her colleagues on Friday at a policy dialogue at Wa in the Upper West Region on the theme, “Shaping Ghana’s Agricultural Future: The Role of Rural Women”.
It was part of activities to herald the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Rural Women.
It was organised by the Feed the Future Ghana Policy LINK Activity in collaboration with four other partners; the Ghana Market Systems and Resilience (MSR) Activity, Ghana Mobilising Finance in Agriculture (MFA) Activity, Resilience in Northern Ghana and Strengthening Systems Activity, Ghana Trade and Investment Initiative (GTI) supported by the Women in Agriculture Development of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).
The dialogue brought together over 80 participants, with the majority being women groups and associations in agriculture from the five USAID’s Zone of Influence (ZOI) districts, namely Daffiama-BussieIssah, Wa East, Sissala West, Sissala East and Nadowli-Kaleo.
Madam Habibata, summarising the discussions by the women, said they hoped for inclusion and active participation in the sector’s policy and governance processes.
Addressing the participants, MrYunusAbdulai, the Country Lead of Feed the Future Ghana Policy LINK, emphasised that the United States Government, through its Feed the Future initiative, had been dedicated to addressing issues affecting women, particularly rural women in agriculture.
He said the active involvement of women in agriculture was pivotal to enhancing productivity at all levels, and said women needed support to enable them work diligently.
Present at the dialogue session were officials of the Regional Department of Agriculture led by Mr Emmanuel SasuYeboah, the Regional Director and representatives of civil society organisations in the region.
From Rafia Abdul Razak, Wa
New Patriotic Party communicator Awal Mohammed has issued a public apology after comments he made during a television discussion drew criticism.
Awal Mohammed explained that he appeared on Joy News on Tuesday for the station’s morning show, where he took part in a debate on what he described as stringent bail conditions under the current government.
During the discussion, he used the word “junkies” to describe a section of supporters of Dancehall musician Shatta Wale.
The comment sparked backlash from fans of the artiste, popularly known as the Shatta Movement.
In his apology, Awal Mohammed stated that he did not intend to insult or belittle anyone.
He admitted that the word he used was unnecessary and inappropriate.
He noted that he respects the passion and loyalty of Shatta Wale’s supporters and acknowledged that his choice of words was wrong and out of character.
According to him, the remark did not reflect his personal values.
Awal Mohammed expressed regret for the offence caused and appealed for calm, saying he hopes all parties can move forward in a positive manner.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Elikplim Akulugu, has expressed her deepest respect and appreciation to the late Dr. Omane Boamah and the late Dr. Simon Sarpong for their commitment and efforts toward victory in the 2024 general elections.
She made these remarks at the NDC Dome–Kwabenya Recognition & Awards Ceremony held in Accra.
The event, held under the auspices of the Dome–Kwabenya MP, Hon. Elikplim Akurugu, was themed “Twenty Years, One Moment: The Dawn of Change.”
It brought together party leaders, supporters, and grassroots members to celebrate loyalty, sacrifice, and hard work.
The ceremony was used to honour deserving members of the party who have demonstrated immense dedication and commitment to the mission and vision of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Addressing members of the National Democratic Congress, the MP said Dome-Kwabenya had entered a new chapter of progress, accountability, and inclusive development.
She noted that the constituency was gradually seeing improvements in roads, markets, schools, health facilities, and street lighting, adding that efforts were also being made to support young talents and restore the pride of the area.
She explained that the awards ceremony was meant to show appreciation to party faithful whose sacrifices contributed to the party’s success, especially during the 2024 elections.
According to her, the recognition was not just symbolic but a sign that the party valued commitment, loyalty, and hard work at all levels.
Akulugu also emphasised the importance of unity and discipline within the party, stressing that electoral victory depended heavily on grassroots efforts, particularly the work of polling agents.
She said her administration would continue to engage party members and residents to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, reminded party members that Ghanaians voted the party into power and would also vote it out if expectations were not met.
He said the responsibility of good governance rested on everyone, not only the President or party leaders.
Mr. Asiedu Nketiah urged party supporters to remain patient and disciplined, noting that government appointments were limited and could not satisfy everyone at once.
He cautioned members against selfishness and internal division, warning that such actions could weaken the party and cost it future elections.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of President John Mahama, saying the President had already begun fulfilling his promises step by step.
He added that if the government performed well and the party remained united, Ghanaians would be willing to give the NDC another mandate.
The National Chairman called for unity within the party, urging members to focus on governance and service to the people rather than internal disputes or the problems of political opponents.
He stressed that unity and discipline were key to the party’s long-term success.
Since becoming Member of Parliament, Madam Elikplim Akulugu has engaged heads of departments to identify challenges in the constituency, visited schools and health facilities to understand their needs.
She has also supported improvements in education and healthcare, strengthened sanitation efforts in collaboration with local authorities, and worked to improve basic infrastructure, including roads and street lighting, across Dome-Kwabenya.
By: Jacob Aggrey
