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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
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
