Hot!
Cultivation of Irish potato, apple and grapes to start again in Avatime after 80 years
Almost eight decades after the cultivation of Irish potatoes, apples and grapes was abandoned in the Avatime traditional area as a result of World War II, all is now set to revamp the industry.
The Osie of Avatime, Osie Adza Tekpor VII who disclosed this to The Spectator in Vane on Tuesday, said that the venture, which would create jobs for more than 1000 young people in all the seven Avatime towns, has very bright prospects for export and also from the local hospitality industry.
He said that the endeavour was also Avatime’s response to the Planting for Export initiative.
“There are ready markets in the restaurants and hotel industries in nearby Togo and Ghana as well,” said the Osie.
He stated that the move which involved local investors was also meant to diversify the economy of Avatime, which had for years thrived on cocoa, coffee, oil palm and other crops.
The cultivation of Irish potatoes, apple and grapes was introduced in Avatime by the German missionaries in the first half of the 19th century, and the crops flourished under the cold weather of about 18 degrees Celsius, which also supported the production of tea bountifully.
Osie Adza Tekpor gave the assurance that there were vast lands available for the project and urged investors to take up concessions for the lucrative undertaking.
“We will collaborate with the Ho West District Assembly and the District Department of Agriculture for the smooth implementation of the project,” said the Osie.
According to him, the traditional authorities were presently in the process of negotiating with the owners of family lands to make acres available for the project, which he said would benefit generations yet unborn.
Osie Adza Tekpor gave the assurance that the project had come to stay adding that, “We do not want our children to migrate to the cities in search of non-existent jobs while they can rake all the fortunes here.”
The seven Avatime towns are also known for the production of brown rice (Amu) which thrives on the slopes of the mountains.
They are Vane, Fume, Gbadzeme, Amedzofe, Biakpa, Dzogbefeme and Dzokpe.
Osei Adza Tekpor urged Ghanaians to eat the highly nutritious brown rice.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Ho West, Mr Ernest Victor Apau has described the move by the Avatime traditional authorities as timely and appropriate and gave the assurance that the assembly would give it the necessary support.
He said that feasibility studies were underway to embark on similar ventures in the Kpoeta and Kpedze areas.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Vane
Hot!
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
Hot!
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.
