Alan Kyerematen Slams Government for Intimidating Youth Protesters
Alan Kyerematen, the presidential candidate of the Afrafranto Alliance, stood tall and resolute as he addressed a crowd of supporters and journalists at the Ghana International Press Centre. Apexnewsgh reports The date was Sunday, September 29, 2024, a day that would be etched in the memories of many Ghanaians. With passion and conviction, Kyerematen condemned the authorities for their treatment of young protesters who had taken to the streets in a series of demonstrations against illegal mining, known as Galamsey. The protests, aimed at highlighting the government’s failure to tackle this pressing issue, had led to the arrest of several young Ghanaians. Kyerematen expressed dismay at the Ghana Police Service’s handling of the situation, questioning their decision to charge the protesters with unlawful assembly. In a powerful and unwavering voice, Kyerematen criticized the police for denying the detained protesters access to essential rights such as legal counsel, medical care, food, and water. He called this an abuse of power that undermined the constitutional rights of all Ghanaians. The Afrafranto leader did not stop there; he also questioned the judiciary’s refusal to grant bail to the detained youth, stating that the charges against them were minor and did not warrant prolonged detention. During his speech, Kyerematen did not shy away from criticizing both the ruling party, NPP, and the opposition party, NDC, for their failure to address illegal mining and environmental destruction, which had fueled public discontent. He described the protests as a symptom of deeper systemic failures, particularly the lack of job opportunities and hope for the future. In a poignant moment, Kyerematen appealed to the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, to discontinue the case, emphasizing that the responsibility to correct this injustice lay with him. He expressed solidarity with the detained youth, hailing them as “heroes of our time” and assuring them that their sacrifices would not be in vain. As he concluded his speech, Kyerematen made a firm commitment to seeing justice done, declaring, “Together, we will win, and Ghana will rise again.” After the press conference, Kyerematen continued his show of support by visiting the detained protesters at the Legon Police Station, promising to advocate for their immediate release and uphold their constitutional rights. His actions and words ignited a spark of hope in the hearts of many Ghanaians, as they looked to him as a beacon of justice and change. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Climate Change/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen For publication please kindly contact us on +233256336062, +233248250270 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
EC Under Pressure: Omane Boamah Demands Live Broadcast of IPAC
The Electoral Commission of Ghana called for an emergency meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to address the contentious 2024 voters’ register. Apexnewsgh reports The meeting, scheduled for October 1, 2024, comes after a period of tension between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Electoral Commission. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, took to Facebook to advocate for a live broadcast of the meeting in order to ensure transparency and accountability. He emphasized that allowing media coverage would provide Ghanaians with unbiased, real-time information about the ongoing issues, especially after the EC’s self-audit to rectify previous errors. Advocates for live coverage argued that it would mitigate misinformation and misrepresentation risks following the meeting. “The public deserves to witness the discussions as they unfold,” Dr. Boamah stated. “We need to ensure the integrity of the electoral process is maintained.” The NDC has been calling for a forensic audit of the voters’ register and the EC’s IT systems, expressing concerns that these issues cannot be fully addressed in the IPAC meeting. Recent reports from the NDC’s #EAGLEEYES initiative revealed that the EC is still struggling with missing names from the voters’ register, raising concerns about potential data manipulation. “The problem is more serious than it appears,” Dr. Boamah added. “Until those responsible for any intentional manipulation of voters’ data are identified and held accountable, we risk repeating these mistakes as we approach the December 7 elections.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Climate Change/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen For publication please kindly contact us on +233256336062, +233248250270 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Ablakwa Challenges Government’s Stance on Galamsey
North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has recently made headlines with his strong allegations against the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Apexnewsgh reports Ablakwa has accused the government of shielding politically exposed individuals involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. His claims were backed by evidence contradicting the Ministry’s position, particularly regarding the involvement of President Akufo-Addo’s daughters in the controversial issue. At the heart of the controversy is Elite Minerals Ghana Limited, a company allegedly linked to the President’s daughters. Ablakwa challenged the Ministry’s assertion that the company was incorporated in 2008, presenting documents from the Office of the Registrar of Companies that indicated Elite Minerals was actually incorporated on April 22, 2014. Additionally, he disputed the Ministry’s claim that Elite Minerals had a mining license dating back to 2012, pointing out that the company didn’t even exist at that time. Ablakwa further raised concerns about Elite Minerals’ directors, Alvin Mensah and Awo Mensah, who are said to be close associates of the President’s daughters. He alleged that they have been involved in questionable business dealings, including a USD34.9 million ambulance scandal. The MP’s accusations have ignited a heated debate about the government’s handling of galamsey and its connections to powerful individuals. Ablakwa emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the fight against illegal mining, urging the government to act in the nation’s interest and not protect elite individuals engaged in such activities. As the controversy continues to unfold, it is evident that the fight against galamsey requires utmost transparency and accountability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Climate Change/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen For publication please kindly contact us on +233256336062, +233248250270 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Ghana’s Economy Shows Resilience and Stability in the Face of Challenges
In recent months, Ghana’s economy has shown remarkable resilience and stability in the face of challenges. Apexnewsgh reports The exchange rate, which faced pressure in May and June, has finally stabilized, thanks to the Bank of Ghana’s tight monetary policy stance and improved forex liquidity support. Governor Ernest Addison highlighted that the Ghana cedi depreciated by 24.3% against the US dollar from January to September 25, 2024. However, the good news is that the depreciation pace slowed down to 7.1% in the second half of the year. The country’s economic outlook is looking up, driven by private and government spending, a resilient services sector, and declining oil prices. Additionally, the anticipated policy easing cycle initiated by major central banks in advanced economies has also supported growth. Ghana’s domestic economy is on the path to recovery, with a stronger-than-expected GDP outturn for the second quarter of 2024. Key sectors driving growth include sustained activities in the construction sector, increased consumption by households and firms, robust gold and crude oil production driving exports, and banks extending credit to the private sector. The external payment position has also improved, characterized by a higher trade surplus and strong reserves build-up. This improvement can be attributed to robust gold exports and external financial inflows from the IMF and the World Bank. The balance of payments is projected to achieve a surplus by the end of the year, driven by increased exports, stronger remittance growth, and lower government external payments. Inflation has eased, with headline inflation declining for five consecutive months by 5.4 percentage points, and core inflation declining sharply by 6.9 percentage points. The Monetary Policy Committee has responded by lowering the Monetary Policy Rate by 200 basis points to 27.0%, indicating that the disinflation process is on the right track. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Climate Change/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen For publication please kindly contact us on +233256336062, +233248250270 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
GH¢2.671bn Black Hole: Gov’t’s T-Bill Sale Flop
The government’s latest treasury bill auction fell significantly short of its target, missing by a whopping GH¢2.671 billion. Apexnewsgh reports The Bank of Ghana’s results revealed an undersubscription of 35.9%, with only GH¢4.767 billion raised out of the desired GH¢7.438 billion. The funds were meant to cover maturing debt and finance key projects. Interestingly, all bids were accepted, with 91-day treasury bills making up the bulk (54.5%) at GH¢2.59 billion. The 364-day and 182-day bills contributed GH¢1.33 billion and GH¢830 million, respectively. Meanwhile, interest rates saw a notable increase across the board. Rates for the 91-day bill jumped 63 basis points to 25.64%, while the 182-day bill ticked up to 26.92%. The 364-day bill saw the largest rise, climbing 66 basis points to 28.67%. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Climate Change/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen For publication please kindly contact us on +233256336062, +233248250270 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Minnesota Couple’s Regenerative Approach Combats Climate Change
In the heart of America’s Corn Belt, there’s a remarkable story of innovation and dedication to sustainable farming. Apexnewsgh reports Grant and Dawn Brights, a third-generation farming couple, have been making waves with their pioneering approach to agriculture on their 1,400-acre Stoney Creek Farm in southwest Minnesota. For over a decade, the Brights have been leading the charge in shifting away from traditional industrial agriculture to embrace regenerative farming methods. They’ve bid goodbye to tilling and chemical usage, opting instead for a nature-driven approach aimed at rejuvenating the soil. “We’re turning our soil from yellow clay to black, rich soil,” Grant exclaimed, proudly displaying a handful of dark, earthy soil. “It’s like chocolate cake!” Their commitment to regenerative agriculture has yielded remarkable results, including improved soil health, increased earthworm activity, enhanced biodiversity, reduced chemical usage, and better crop resilience. Even during the challenging wet years of 2018-2019, the Brights’ farm thrived while neighboring farms struggled with flooded fields and damaged crops. “There’s a lot of benefits to healthy soil,” Dawn said. “We used to lose crops to wet spots, but now we harvest every acre.” The Brights’ regenerative approach encompasses practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, crop rotation, and integrating livestock. By working with nature, they are not only sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also supporting essential ecosystem services. Amidst the global challenge of climate change, the Brights’ story stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the immense potential of regenerative agriculture to transform farming practices and mitigate the climate crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Climate Change/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen For publication please kindly contact us on +233256336062, +233248250270 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
The Soil Solution: Can Climate-Resilient Dirt Save Humanity?
At the Bright Creutz farm in Minnesota, a remarkable transformation has taken place. Soil expert Ray Archuleta reveals the hidden power behind this regenerative farm’s success. Apexnewsgh Reports Archuleta, a retired USDA NRCS soil health specialist, demonstrates the magic of functioning soils using a rain simulator. Comparing soils from a natural forest, pasture, Bright Creutz farm, and conventional farm, he shows how each absorbs and filters water. The Results: The forest soil showed 95% infiltration and 5% runoff, while the regenerative farm (Bright Creutz) demonstrated 90% infiltration and 10% runoff. In contrast, the conventional farm only had 20% infiltration and a staggering 80% runoff. The Bright Creutz farm’s soil stands out for its ability to absorb more water, reducing runoff and increasing resilience against flooding and droughts. The Secret to Success: Archuleta explains that the integrity of the soil relies on biotic glues – organic matter created by living organisms and plants. Regenerative agriculture mimics nature, leveraging earthworms as tillage equipment, living roots, microorganisms breaking down organic substances, and secretions from microbes and earthworm waste as soil glue. How it Works: Plants absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, and the carbon becomes sugars and compounds, feeding microorganisms. These microbes break down organic substances, aiding nutrient absorption, while their secretions and waste create soil glue, maintaining the soil’s structure. By farming like nature, the Bright Creutz farm has achieved remarkable results, showcasing the potential of regenerative agriculture to combat climate change. Regenerative agriculture enhances soil health and resilience, while soil’s biotic glues maintain its structure and function. Nature-inspired farming methods reduce runoff and increase water infiltration, and the soil’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide can mitigate climate change. As the world seeks climate solutions, the Bright Creutz farm’s story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of regenerative agriculture. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Climate Change/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen For publication please kindly contact us on +233256336062, +233248250270 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
The Hidden Climate Solution Beneath Our Feet: Soil
It is mind-blowing that, as the world searches for answers to the climate crisis, a scalable, affordable, and effective solution lies right beneath our feet – soil. Apexnewsgh reports On an organic farm in New York, a community-driven initiative is showcasing the power of soil in combating global heating. The farm’s rich, dark soil, reminiscent of chocolate, is teeming with carbon. This element, often villainized in climate conversations, may hold the key to tackling the crisis. By utilizing atmospheric carbon to enrich soil, farmers can produce more nutritious food, a practice known as regenerative agriculture or carbon farming. The Carbon Conundrum The Earth’s atmosphere contains 750 billion tons of carbon, while soil holds twice that amount – 1,500 billion tons. However, human activities like deforestation and cultivation have released 500 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere over thousands of years. Modern industrial agriculture has accelerated this trend, contributing to planetary warming. Reversing the Trend Carbon farming offers a solution, shifting the paradigm from conventional agriculture to regenerative practices. By adopting these methods, farmers can: Store carbon in soil, revive natural ecosystems and produce nutritious food A Growing Movement One thing you cannot take away is that efforts to adopt regenerative agriculture are spreading worldwide, from the United States to Africa, Asia, and Europe. This movement, dubbed “Carbon Farming” or “Regenerative Agriculture,” aims to: Restore soil health, enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change. As the world seeks innovative solutions to the climate crisis, the humble soil beneath our feet may hold the answer. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Climate Change/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen For publication please kindly contact us on +233256336062, +233248250270 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Bossman Asare Uses Ci to Defends Voter Register Audit Stance
Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has clarified why the commission cannot allow a forensic audit of the voter register. Apexnewsgh reports According to Dr. Asare, the commission’s decision is rooted in the existing legal framework provided by Constitutional Instrument (CI) 91, amended by CI 126. Dr. Asare explained that regulations 23 and 24 within these instruments offer a comprehensive framework for auditing the voter register. He emphasized that these processes have not been exhausted, and therefore, the commission must adhere to the law. “The law is very clear that after registration, we must display the register for exhibition, which is a cleaning process,” Dr. Asare stated. This process allows for corrections, inclusion of eligible voters, and objection of unqualified registrants. By relying on these regulations, the EC aims to ensure a clean, robust, and credible voter register for the 2024 general election, just as it did in 2020. Dr. Asare assured that the register is authentic and credible, with auditing being conducted through the exhibition process as mandated by law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Addressing Climate Change’s Impact on Women in Agriculture
Madam Jangu Barikisu Alhassan, representing Women in Agricultural Development Directorate (WIAD) in the Upper West Region, has highlighted the devastating effects of drought on farmers due to climate change at the 2024 GhaFFap National Dialogue Series in Bolgatanga the Upper East Regional Capital. Apexnewsgh reports According to Madam Barikisu, Climate change poses significant challenges to smallholder farmers, particularly women, who face limited access to land, productive resources, and finance. She further emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address these worrying issues. Advocacy for women’s access to land and resource, Collaborative efforts with traditional leaders and policymakers, Financial inclusion and empowerment for women and Joint action with men to promote gender equality are some of the issues she raised during the National Dialogue. The theme for the 2024 GhaFFap National Dialogue says “Small holder producer organizations access to finance market linkages and social protection key to delivering sustainable climate resilience and green recovery,” Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen/Bolgatanga