News
Women farmers acquire skills in soap making, financial management
Farmers in Adansi South, in the Ashanti Region, known for their production of rice, cassava, plantain, maize and vegetables, used to make little profit from their farms, due to little or no access to market opportunities.
To improve the farmers’ livelihoods, the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) programme through the Kokoo Pa Farmers Association has given the farmers a means to make a profit for themselves and their families.
Kokoo Pa Farmers Association (formerly known as AHANSUCOFA) was formed in 2009 by cocoa farmers from an initial 10 communities in the Ahafo Ano North and Ahafo Ano South districts.
It is supported by the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) which is a partnership involving the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and other partners.
The women acquired new skills in soap making from cocoa waste materials such as the cocoa pod, and were trained also in financial management.
The beneficiaries, according to the association, are now able to “build a strong business in soap making while managing their finances through the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) method of saving their profit.”
The Association is membership-based with about 8,600 farmers, 5,676 men and 2,924 women in seven districts in the Ashanti (Adansi South district), Brong, Ahafo, and Western regions.
The association promotes cocoa beans production to meet member farmers’ livelihood needs.
The FFF programme supports the Kokoo Pa farmers association to promote women entrepreneurship and access to markets and finance, through training in different livelihood ventures of soap making, pastries, and the establishment of VSLA in three communities for financial inclusion.
Since November 2020, through the training given to the farmers, the farmers’ association using VSLA has improved the attitude of savings and financial management in their businesses. The association has helped farmers build skills in entrepreneurship.
The FFF programme led by FAO is a partnership launched in 2012 to improve rural farming, forestry, and farmers’ organisations through collective action.
By Spectator Reporter
President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the proposed free primary healthcare policy is designed to support the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), not to take its place.
He explained that the initiative will work alongside the NHIS to improve access to basic healthcare services across the country.
He made the remarks at the official launch of the free primary healthcare programme held on Wednesday April, 15th 2026 at the Shai Osudoku District Hospital in Dodowa.
According to him, the introduction of free primary healthcare does not mean Ghanaians should stop registering for the NHIS.
He urged citizens to continue obtaining their NHIS cards, stressing that the scheme remains important for healthcare delivery beyond the primary level.
He further explained that under the new arrangement, patients seeking care at polyclinics, health centres, CHPS compounds, and health kiosks will not be required to present an NHIS card at the point of examination and treatment.
Instead, individuals will only need to show a Ghana Card or any valid form of identification to prove they are Ghanaians and residents within the community to access services.
He noted that the policy aims to remove barriers to basic healthcare and ensure that more people can receive treatment at the primary level without difficulty.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Police Service has arrested three (3) suspects in connection with a case of possession of narcotic drugs and engaging in prohibited drug-related activities within the Accra metropolis.
On April 10, 2026, the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector General of Police received intelligence that a group of individuals were planning to engage in the sale of suspected narcotic drugs at Dzorwulu in Accra.
A surveillance operation was mounted and on 11th April 2026, a Police team proceeded to the area and arrested two suspects, Bright Ayivor and Ifeanyi Ijeoba.
The suspects were found in possession of twenty-two (22) compressed substances suspected to be cocaine, which were being prepared for sale to a prospective buyer.
Further interrogation of the suspects led to the identification of a third suspect, Kwabena Botwe as a key figure in the drug trade.
A follow-up operation at Caprice resulted in his arrest after Police mounted surveillance during a planned transaction involving proceeds from the sale of the suspected drugs.
The suspect later led Police to his residence at Greda Estates, where a search resulted in the retrieval of an amount of GHc400,000 and a counting machine.
According to the police, during the operation, he attempted to bribe the arresting officers with an additional GHc420,000, which has been retained as evidence.
All the suspects are currently in Police custody assisting investigations and will be put before the court.
- Sports6 days ago
Former Black Stars player opens up on personal struggles, alleges family betrayal
News2 days ago“We are working to transform the Kwahu Business Village into an international conference hub”
- News2 days ago
Kwahu Business Forum:My engagement with President Mahama has boosted my business — Lydia Forson
