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AU to adopt AATF as an advisory lead on biotech-Mr Sarpong
The African Union (AU) has been urged to adopt the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) as its technical and advisory lead to propagate the issues of biotechnology.
Mr. George Sarpong, Executive Trustee at AATF made these remarks at the African Conference Agricultural Technologies (ACAT) in Nairobi on Wednesday.
He said the mission of AATF was to help farmers in need of agriculture support in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to find the tools and resources to compete in today’s modern agriculture markets adding that AATF promotes new technology, establishes partnerships between institutions and farmers.
Mr Sarpong said “when it comes to biotechnology AATF has so much expertise in that regard and I believe that if AU adopts it, it can help to manage the imminent climate change and its devastating effect.”
Speaking on the mission of his outfit he said the Foundation established in 2003 was basically created to address Africa’s food security prospects through agricultural technology as well as serve as a response to the need for an effective mechanism that would facilitate and support negotiation for technology access and delivery.
“AATF believes that the agricultural sector is a key foundational pillar as Africa consolidates its economic growth and carves out its new position as a major global economic powerhouse and the next growth market in the world’’ he stated.
He indicated that the negative impact of climate change like drought and pest infestation had threatened the food security of Africa coupled with increase of population.
Mr. Sarpong said the earlier Africa took biotechnology as a catalyst to help manage food insecurity in the country the better urging policy makers preparing to represent their countries at the up-and-coming COP 28 to propose biotechnology as a measure to manage climate change because the technology was environmentally friendly and would help attain the SDGs.
Dr. Leena Tripathi, Director, Eastern Africa Hub Biotechnology Program Leader, IITA said Africa needed all technologies together to address food scarcity.
She said apart from the lack of rain and poor irrigation, there was also the serious issue about the invasion of millions of acres of farmlands by pests.
This she argued called for the introduction of scientific techniques in food production to help address the challenge.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
