News
Fact sheet about agric machines in Ghana
It is interesting to note that:
- Diesel/kerosene fired dryer was released in 2014. This is a dryer that employs indirect heating for drying grains and for processing food. It is applicable in all maize growing areas in Ghana.
The dryer is suitable for crop grain drying and for food processing; atomiser is locally manufactured; does not use exhaust fumes for drying. The technology reduces postharvest losses.
- Walk-in hot air cabinet dryer was released in 1993. The walk-in hot air cabinet dryer is available in four sizes 56 trays, 84 trays, 100 trays and 140 trays.
The dryer uses electrical energy as its source of fuel and has automatic temperature control system and a 24-hour timer to predetermine period of operation.
It is applicable in all cereals, root and tubers, and fruits growing areas in Ghana. It is used for drying of food commodities such as roots and tubers, vegetables, fruits, cereals, etc.
- Micro-nutrients fortification mixer for dietary supplementation for malnourished community was released in 2007.
The technology is for fortification of food with vitamin premix for malnourished children and women in Northern Ghana.
It is applicable in Northern Ghana. It is used for improvement of nutritional status of rural communities of northern Ghana.
- Snail meat preservation was released in 1995. The technology describes a more hygienic, appropriate and low-cost method for the preparation, spicing and solar dehydration of snail meat.
A second technology developed involved spice extraction and snail meat preparation for the corning of snail meat in brine. It is applicable in snail rearing communities.
It is used for snail meat preservation (solar dehydrated and canned) to offset scarcity of the product during the dry season when snails are scarce.
- Palm kernel shell separator was released in 2012. The technology reduces time for kernel shell separation from 24 hours per 60 kilogramme material to seven minutes per 60 kilogramme material.
It eliminates the use of water in the kernel separation process. Additionally, it eliminates the use of clay in the kernel shell separation process. The efficiency of separation ranges between 90 per cent and 95 per cent, depending on the cracking efficiency. It is suitable for separating palm kernel shells.
Two levels of beneficiaries are targeted. The first would be agro-industrial machinery fabricators who can be trained to fabricate the equipment for sale to palm kernel oil producers. Second, the numerous women and women’s groups scattered all over the country and nearby countries who are involved in palm kernel oil production.
- Best processing practices indicators for artisanal mills to produce high quality crude palm oil was released in 2012.
Attributes: Minimum boiling/sterilisation time of two hours 30 minutes. Keep fruits and ‘digested fruit matrix’ hot throughout digestion and pressing process. Ensure adequate clarification. Ensure adequate sieving to reduce dirt or insoluble content.
The technology is suitable for grain drying and food processing. It is used for production of crude palm oil that meets standards. It minimises postharvest storage of fruits prior to digestion to three to five days.
Source: Manual of Agricultural Technologies developed by
CSIR, MAG and MoFA
Page: 137-140
News
Maternal mortality rate increases in Ashanti Region
The Ghana Health Service has revealed a staggering statistic of 1,000 women losing their lives during childbirth in the Ashanti Region between 2020 and 2024.
This alarming number, according to the Regional Health Director, Dr Frank Adomanko Boateng, highlights the persistent challenge of maternal mortality in Ghana, despite efforts to improve maternal healthcare.
Dr Adomanko Boateng, therefore emphasized on an urgent need for stronger interventions to curb the high rate of maternal deaths.
Speaking at the 2024 Regional Health Forum, he indicated that “Ghana is struggling to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.”
Dr Boateng stressed that time was of the essence, saying, “The clock is ticking, and we must double our efforts.”
He called for intensified measures over the next six years to bridge the gap and prevent further loss of lives.
Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio, he noted, has been declining from 760 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 310 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017.
However, “the country still faces significant challenges in reducing maternal mortality, particularly in regions like Ashanti.”
To address the issue, he said, Ghana has been working to improve maternal healthcare through various initiatives, including the Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
The country aims to reduce maternal mortality by strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality care, and enhancing community engagement
From Kingsley E. Hope,
Kumasi
News
NTC staff demonstrate prowess in fire fighting
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Tuesday held a sensitisation workshop on fire safety for staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator.
It created awareness on fire prevention and safety measures to prevent fire in the home or office.
During the practical session, a section of the staff were taken through fire outbreaks drills steps to take in fire .
tries his hands on
one of the traditional
way to combat fire
Nortey led the demonstration exercise
to staff before the demonstration exercise
of staff Herty Nortey to put off a fire
Can-Tamakloe trying to
extinguish the fire
Led by Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO 1) Isaac Tengfaa, the staff were taught how to use the different types of fire extinguishers to combat fire.
He said it was important for home owners and office workers to put off every electrical gadget at work before leaving for their respective home because more fires in offices occur at closing hours.
He said fire incidence often resulted from carelessness, ignorance or natural occurrence.
Supported by ADO I Richard Mensah, ADO I Eunice Ceasar and Fire woman Anita Amponsah, some of the staff tried their hands on the fire extinguishers and other modes of combatting fire.
By Linda Abrefie Wadie
