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SYND, FoE equip journalists on how to report on banks and biodiversity
Journalists with interest in climate related issues have been equipped to enhance their reportage on the banks and biodiversity no go policy.
For the strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), the media cannot be sidelined in the efforts to create public awareness on some of the negative activities of the bank that was affecting the environment.
The Banks and Biodiversity No Go Policy is an active campaign plan of Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) in partnership with Friends of the Earth (FoE) US.
Speaking at a Media Engagement organised by the Biodiversity Team of SYND, the Focal Point lead, Ms. Gifty Eliklim Agbenyefia explained that, for the Biodiversity No Go policy to yield results, the ‘watchdogs’ of the society, (media) could not be left out of the process.
The policy she pointed out had eight targeted points that clearly stated areas banks were supposed to invest in.
She said some of the banks were unconsciously financing project that destroyed the environment and are yet to develop robust policies or practices to address the biodiversity impacts of their lending”.
Citing mining projects that had been financed by banks with the sole aim of looking at profits, Ms. Agbenyefia stated that, those initiatives had destroyed the environment and if care not taken would have dire consequence on the life of the citizenry.
“We can talk about the Densu river, we can talk about mangroves, we can talk about wetlands, which are currently becoming housing grants for building projects in our country”, she noted
It is in this regard, she explained the media needed to extend its ‘watchdog’ role in ensuring that, banks don’t finance or invest in projects that destroys the numerous ecosystems such as river bodies, forests among others.
“These are ecosystems that has been in existence for years, so why should we engage in activities that would us at risk”, she quest. ne.
However, she was quick to say that, sometimes the banks were not aware of how some of their funded projects were destroying the ecosystem but believed that, when the media publishes such stories, it will awaken the banks.
To her, continuous highlighting and hammering on such harmful projects funded by banks would streamline the No Go Policy’ in its agreements to safeguard the ecosystem.
“We want the media to be able to understand our position on the banks and biodiversity global policy. And then populate the idea in that regard”, she emphasized.
Meanwhile, she hinted at some progress made after some engagement with the banks.
Some of the media personnel present at the media engagement pledged to join the fight in ensuring that, bfundfunds environmental Sustainability projects in the country through their various media channels
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
Parliament has confirmed that the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, has been detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Parliament said the incident had been brought to the attention of the House leadership.
According to the statement, the Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of the House are currently in contact with Ghana’s Mission in The Hague to gather detailed information about the matter.
Parliament, however, did not disclose the reasons behind the MP’s detention.
“The public will be duly informed appropriately on this matter,” the statement added.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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.
