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Provide tax incentives to research institutions – Prof. Mustapha to African leaders
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Nigerian National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has appealed to African leaders to waive tax tariffs for private and international organizations who are interested in funding research institutions.
He explained that relieving the tax burden on research-focused organizations would attract investors and create an enabling environment for research.
Prof. Mustapha was speaking as a panel member on the theme: “The role of biotechnology and emerging technologies in transforming agriculture and food systems in Africa” at the African Conference on Agricultural Technology (ACAT) in Kenya, Nairobi.
The five-day event brought together scientists, farmers, researchers, academia, and policymakers.
He said the government has limited funds to finance issues related to biotechnology but can provide incentives that promote adaptation investments, offer risk guarantees, and use procurement contracts that help secure the demand for climate-resilient products and services.
“Governments can use mechanisms like taxes, levies, fees, and royalties to raise funding that allows financial support to be offered for climate risks assessment; extension services including partial credit guarantees, political risks guarantees, and blended finance to help bear the risk adaptation investment, particularly for large-scale investment,” he stated.
Adding her voice to the creation of an enabling environment, Ms. Patience Koku, CEO Replenish Farms said it was time policymakers adapted to biotechnology in order to help with the issue of climate change.
She said that world leaders meet periodically to find measures to address climate change and that one of the potential measures to help in finding solutions to the canker was biotechnology.
“With the usage of genetic seeds, farmers would not have to use a lot of agrochemicals to yield plenty of crops adding that climate change is affecting the biology, distribution, and outbreak potential of pests in a vast range of crops and across all land uses and landscapes” she stated.
She said up to 40 per cent of the world’s food supply was already lost to pests; the reduction in pest impact was more important than ever to ensure global food security, reduce application of inputs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr Titus Alicai, Director of Research and Postgraduate Studies, National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) asked for the building of more infrastructures for local scientists so they could do more research.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
