Ghana Broadcasting Corporation

The agricultural sector still remains a major pillar in the Ghanaian economy, though its contribution to GDP has declined due to the increasing share of the services sector. It continues to be the largest employer of the economically active population, providing raw material for agro-based industries, generating significant foreign exchange earnings, holding the key to achieving food security and reducing the high unemployment rate. In view of the critical role the sector plays in the Ghana’s socio economic development, one needs to commend the government for the launch of the “Planting for Food and Jobs Programme” aimed at increasing agricultural produce especially, maize, rice, soya, sorghum and vegetables. The programme seeks to enhance food security, provide raw materials for agro-based industries, substitute imports especially for rice and soya beans as well check the cancerous rural urban migration. The usage of improved seeds and optimal level of fertilizers is expected to incre...

During his inaugural speech on 7th January this year, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated, among other things, that as the Head of State, he would protect the public purse. President Akufo-Addo also indicated that he was in a hurry to fix the economy. Immediately after his inauguration, the President started putting together his government through Ministerial nominations for approval by parliament. Parliament also did well by quickly vetting and approving the nominations. Along the line, however, a section of Parliament, notably the minority, boycotted the vetting of the ministerial nominees on the grounds that they needed time to go to do some background checks in their constituencies. This meant holding back the clock of progress, seeing that the President had said he was in a hurry to fix the challenges facing the country. To be able to do this, he needed the full complement of his government. Fortunately, those in the majority sacrificed to vet the rest of the nominee...

Globally, millions of children risk failing to attain an appropriate level of education as a result of learning difficulties. According to All Children Reading, of the more than 150 million children with disabilities under age 18, 80 percent of them live in developing countries, and less than 10 percent of these children go to school. In Ghana, a large number of out of school children on the streets show symptoms of specific learning difficulties. These children also risk failing to reach their educational potential due to general lack of awareness and recognition of learning difficulties as well as absence of appropriate interventions both at home and in school. Specific Leaning Difficulty is a condition that affects a particular area of learning and significantly impacts on an individual’s ability to learn. It can be a life-long condition, affecting many aspects of life, including education, employment, family life and daily routines. Children with Specific Learning Difficulty have a...

After eleven years of military rule, the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana came into force and brought about multi-party democracy and its accompanied rights, responsibilities and limitations. Sadly, political parties, especially the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) encouraged the emergence of vigilante groups which have gone on the rampage at one time or the other. This phenomenon has betrayed the constitution which guaranteed the right and responsibilities of political parties in Ghana. Chapter Seven of the Constitution: “Representation of the People,” Article 55 (1), indicates that “the right to form political parties is hereby guaranteed.” Article 55 (5), adds that: “the internal organisation of a political party shall conform to democratic principles and its actions and purposes shall not contravene or be inconsistent with this Constitution or any other law.” The constitution defines the internal organisation of political parties stress...

James Kwesi Appiah born on 30th June 1960 becomes the 43rd coach of the Black Stars and his appointment has been met with mix feelings by some football fans. The former Kumasi Asante Kotoko captain in 2012 took over from Serbian Goran Stevanovic and subsequently finished 4th in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. The highlight of Kwesi Appiah’s previous reign was a hundred percent qualifying record prior to the 2014 World cup in Brazil, with his team famously beating the Pharaohs of Egypt 6-1 at the Baba Yara Stadium. All was rosy for the man who was tagged as a master tactician after becoming the first Ghanaian and African Coach to qualify Ghana's Black Stars to a world cup. He was always touted as the ideal man until Ghana had a poor showing in Brazil, drawing one game and losing two. There were several reports of Kwesi Appiah not having complete control over the team with some senior players like Kelvin Prince Boateng engaging in an oral war with him which led to the...

There are fears that if care is not taken, Ghana will have to start importing drinking water in the next two decades. This is due to extensive destruction being caused water bodies following illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey. Most water bodies are highly polluted that they can no longer be treated for consumption. This unfortunate situation has led to the shutdown of some water treatment plants in parts of the country including Ashanti, Eastern, Central and Western Regions. Also, where it is possible to treat such polluted water, it comes at a huge cost to the Ghana Water Company. In view of the threat posed by illegal mining, all hands need to be on deck to fight the menace to rescue the nation from future water shortage. Reports that influential people including chiefs, politicians and security operatives are neck deep in galamsey is worrying. The looming water crisis and food shortage as a result of destruction of water bodies and farmlands should send signals to...

The laying of the report in Parliament concerning the bribery allegation against the Appointments Committee of Parliament has revealed that the MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, did not have any evidence to accuse some Members of Parliament of bribery. At the time when Mahama Ayariga and his co-accusers claimed to have been given the money, they said they did not know the purpose for which it was given even though normally the giver and receiver should have known the reason for it. Again, both sides of parliament approved Mr. Boakye Agyarko’s nomination by consensus as there was no evidence to prove the allegation. The Joe Ghartey five-member Committee, made up of both NDC and NPP members, unanimously recommended that Mahama Ayariga needs to be reprimanded by the Speaker in accordance with Section 35 of the Parliament Act, 1965 (300). This decision was also unanimously adopted by the 275-member parliament. Since the Bawku Central MP did not have any evidence against the accused per...

For 24 years in succession, Ghana and other countries have been making March 22 annually as World Water Day. The day is used to highlight the urgent need for the global community to manage its fresh water resources in a sustainable manner. The event has become critical in the face of climate change impact on water resources, rapidly rising global population and associated issues like over exploitation and mismanagement of natural resources. 2017 focus on “Water and Waste Water,” is a signal to nations like Ghana to change their attitude towards waste water, also known as sewage. Because of its composition, waste water is high in pollutants, the haphazard disposal of which impacts negatively on the environment and human health. Additionally, improper discharge of waste water is a major contributor to insanitary environment that breed killer but preventable diseases such as diarrhoea. The US based Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicates that more than 800,000 children ...