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COCOBOD to address swollen shoot disease, over-aged cocoa trees–CEO
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) will commit more than a third of the USD 600,000 loan it has secured from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to address the problem of swollen shoot diseases and over-aged cocoa trees in the country, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COCOBOD, Mr Joseph Boahen-Aidoo has said.
“We will also do an assessment of the problem and see how it had impacted the lives of cocoa farmers and their families and seek solutions to the problems,” he emphasised.
Mr Boahen-Aidoo disclosed this to the media when he paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa at his office on Tuesday as part of his three-day duty tour of the Volta and Oti regions.
The visit was to enable him and his entourage inspect cocoa farms as well as assess various crop initiatives, and the degree of damage caused by the swollen shoot disease on their farms.
Mr Boahen-Aidoo said so far, 300,000 hectares of the cocoa lands had been affected by the swollen shoot disease in the country, adding that the Volta and Oti regions were not left out.
Meanwhile, he said 3.6 million cocoa seedlings had been raised for distribution to farmers and that a total of 3,000 hectares of cocoa farms affected by swollen shoot were to be rehabilitated.
“This will begin to yield results between six and seven years”, the COCOBO CEO added.
In the meantime, he said, hand pollination and pruning were among measure adopted to protect the cocoa farms.
Mr Boahen- Aidoo commended the security agencies in the Volta Region for their ferocious fight against cocoa smuggling, saying “The recent seizure of a total of 625 bags of cocoa from smugglers in the Wudome, Ave, Papase and Kadjebi areas testified to their strong stance to protect the cocoa industry from nation wreckers.”
On his part, Dr Letsa said that cocoa was a national treasure and for that matter, the Regional Security Council would always protect the interest of the farmers and deal ruthlessly with the smugglers.
FROM ALBERTO MARIO NORETTI, HO
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Bawku crisis: Mahama to announce major security appointments this week
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to announce key security appointments by the end of the week as part of efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
This development follows the recent nomination of ministers-designate for Finance, Energy and Green Transition, and the Office of the Attorney General and Justice.
Speaking at the Bawku Naba Palace during an address to the chiefs and people of the Kusaug Traditional Area, President Mahama emphasized that the security appointments are a crucial first step in his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and stability to the conflict-ridden region.
He said, “And so within this week, we’ll do the appointments of the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Interior, the National Security co-ordinator, the national security advisor, the BNI director; and when these appointments are made I am going to charge them to make Bawku one of their major priorities.”
“This last election has cemented our reputation as the leading democracy in Africa and a good part of the thanks goes to you the security services who have maintained peace,”he added.
He expressed confidence that the new security measures would help de-escalate tensions and promote harmony in Bawku.
“We still have threats to our peace that we must continue to look at internally and externally. Internally to do with chieftaincy disputes and some incidents of armed robbery and things like that. Externally to do with the threats on our northern borders and so we cannot let our vigilance down”, President Mahama added.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
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The girl from Kwahu Obomeng: Nana Akua’s inspiring media journey
Rising from the serene hills of Kwahu Obomeng to the bustling studios of Ghana’s top media houses, Sheila Owusu, affectionately known as Obomengniibaa Nana Akua, is carving an indelible mark in Ghana’s entertainment industry.
A dynamic blend of talent, creativity, and determination, Nana Akua has become a powerhouse, mastering the realms of radio, content creation, event hosting, and media production.
Her journey began humbly at GhanaCelebrities.com, where she emerged as an engaging entertainment presenter and content creator. With a knack for celebrity trends and stories that resonated with youthful audiences, Nana Akua quickly became a standout in the digital space, laying a solid foundation for her media career.
Her talent didn’t go unnoticed. At Despite Media, Nana Akua brought her flair to Entertainment Ghana and the Social Trends segment on Neat FM. As a production assistant for Entertainment Review on Peace FM, she fine-tuned her production skills while navigating the fast-paced world of entertainment news and celebrity gossip.
The turning point in her career came at Asaase Radio, where her creativity soared. As the producer for Asaase Café, hosted by Caroline Sampson, and 995 Rush Hour with Elvis Crystal, she curated dynamic, engaging content that captivated listeners. Nana Akua also added her voice to the mix, hosting The Juice, an entertainment news segment that delivered the latest happenings in Ghana’s entertainment world.
Her influence extended to AsaasePa 107.3 FM, where she produced the Kete Drive show, cementing her reputation as a versatile producer with a keen understanding of diverse audiences.
The face of major events
Nana Akua’s charisma shone brightest as an event host. In 2023, she took centre stage at the Miss Natural Beauty Ghana Pageant, wowing audiences with her professionalism and ability to connect. Her involvement in high-profile events such as AfroFuture (formerly Afrochella), AfroNation, Taste of Ghana, and the Bhim Concert highlighted her role in crafting impactful radio content and live coverage that brought these events closer to listeners.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Nana Akua was awarded the Entertainment Personality of the Year in 2022 at the Ghana Media and Entrepreneurship Awards, a testament to her growing influence.
Championing women in media
A staunch advocate for women in entertainment, Nana Akua currently produces and hosts Penpensiwa on AsaasePa, a groundbreaking show featuring all-female panels discussing pivotal issues in Ghana’s entertainment industry. By amplifying the voices of women, she is fostering a platform for empowerment and dialogue.
Nana Akua’s creativity extends beyond the airwaves. Through her personal website, nanaakuaohenewaa.com, she writes on entertainment, lifestyle, and social issues, further enriching her digital footprint. Her vision doesn’t stop there; her passion project, the Obomengniibaa Creative Network, promises to showcase her creative genius and inspire others in the industry.
Despite her success, Nana Akua’s heart remains in her hometown, Kwahu Obomeng. She treasures its lush greenery, iconic architecture, and serene atmosphere, often retreating there to recharge. For her, Kwahu is more than a home; it is an endless source of inspiration.
Outside the spotlight, Nana Akua enjoys music, writing, shopping, traveling, cooking, and exploring true crime documentaries—interests that enrich her multifaceted personality.
As Nana Akua continues to push boundaries, her journey inspires a new generation of creatives and entrepreneurs. With a vision of empowering others and redefining media excellence, she is poised to leave a legacy that resonates far beyond Kwahu Obomeng.
