News
Supreme Court dismisses case against regulation of plant breeders
The Supreme Court has, in a unanimous decision, dismissed a case filed against the regulation of plant breeders.
Parliament in 2020 passed the Plant Variety Protection Act, 2020 (ACT 1050) to regulate breeders.
A breeder under this law is a person who bred or discovered and developed a variety, the employer of the person or the successor in title of the person.
The law makes a breeder bound to any measure taken by Ghana to regulate the โproduction, certification and marketing of material of a variety of the importation or exportation of the material.
The law requires breeders to apply for a plant breeder right in order to undertake the activity.ย Food advocacy group, Food Sovereignty Ghana dragged the Attorney General to the Supreme Court contending that these portions of the law are unconstitutional.
The group through its lawyers argued that these portions of the law constitute โan unnecessary infringement on the farmersโ rights to save, use, exchange and sell farm-saved seeds and other propagating material.
They also pointed out that it hinders โfarmersโ right to propagate material as same is hindered by authorisationโ.
They pointed out that this law was passed to enforce an international convention which has not been ratified by Ghana.
The group wanted the Supreme Court to declare these portions of the law as unconstitutional. A seven-member Supreme Court panel presided over by Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie on May 31 unanimously dismissed the case. Justice Bonnie pointed out that โthe case fails in its entirety as the jurisdiction of the court has not been properly invokedโ.
He said the Courtโs full reasons will be available on October 2, 2023. Other panel members were Justices Gabriel Pwamang, Professor Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, Lovelace Johnson, Emmanuel Y. Kulendi and Barba Ackah-Yensu. Lead counsel for the group Wayoe Ghanamannti told JoyNews he disagrees with the decisions.
โThey said their jurisdiction have not been invoked. We are yet to see the reasons but we will wait and advise our clients and seek a review. It is trite law that domestic law and international law are different and must be ratified before they are used,โ he stated.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
Organisers of the One Humanity International Beach Soccer Cup Ghana 2026 have announced the postponement of the tournament originally scheduled to take place from May 8 to May 10, 2026.
In a statement, the organisers explained that the decision was taken after recent tidal activity and coastal erosion affected the section of Laboma Beach designated for the competition venue.
According to them, the affected area no longer meets the technical and safety standards required for hosting an international beach soccer tournament.
They noted that the damaged section was intended for the construction of the tournament arena and other event infrastructure.
The organisers said extensive consultations were held and alternative options explored, but it was not possible within the available timeframe to secure another venue that met the operational, logistical and compliance requirements for the event.
The tournament is aligned with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations One Humanity Campaign and is supported by Beach Soccer Worldwide and the National Sports Authority.
According to the organisers, postponing the competition is in the best interest of all stakeholders and consistent with the standards and values of its international partners.
They stressed that although the development is unfortunate, they remain committed to promoting beach soccer and international sporting events in Ghana.
The organisers disclosed that efforts are currently underway to reschedule the tournament for October 2026.
They added that further details regarding the new dates and arrangements will be announced later after plans have been finalised.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
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The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Bank Group, has launched a Regional Health, Nutrition and Population Strategy to drive a new era of stronger, more resilient healthcare systems across West and Central Africa.
Unveiled under the theme โFit to Prosper,โ the initiative targets critical challenges including infectious diseases, malnutrition, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, while positioning health as a key engine of economic growth.
At the launch, Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh called for urgent and coordinated action across the region, stressing that health challenges are interconnected and demand collective solutions.
He noted that no country can achieve meaningful development without a strong and reliable health system.
Mr.Akandoh highlighted Ghanaโs ongoing efforts to expand primary healthcare, reduce financial barriers, and strengthen infrastructure, workforce capacity, and disease prevention systems, measures aimed at improving access and building resilience against future shocks.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, noted that health remains central to Ghanaโs economic transformation agenda, stressing that investments in healthcare are not merely social spending but a critical foundation for productivity, innovation, and national prosperity.
Addressing participants on behalf of the President, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, highlighted key reforms including the Free Primary Health Care Initiative and ongoing efforts to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He noted that these measures are aimed at expanding access, improving the quality of care, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of healthcare financing.
World Bank Division Director Robert R Taliercio commended Ghanaโs leadership and longstanding partnership with the Bank, noting that the countryโs progress in improving health outcomes demonstrates what sustained investment and strong policy direction can achieve.
The one-day event brought together Ministers of Health from across West and Central Africa, senior government officials, representatives of the World Bank Group, development partners, health experts, academics, civil society organisations, and stakeholders from the private health sector to deliberate on strategies for strengthening regional health systems and improving population wellbeing.
