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Garden City now ‘city of stores’

Kumasi, once the Garden City of Ghana, is now the city of stores.

Stores continue to spring up at any available spaces and corners of the metropolis either by the Metropolitan Assembly, a private contractor or individuals, or some prominent citizens some of whom do not have building permits.

Old buildings at Adum, the hub of business, and Dr Mensah, among other areas are being developed into three, four and five storey building, all in the name of stores. 

The development is so intense that even school compounds are being turned into stores as in the case of Asem Boys’ School, in Kumasi.

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It would interest one the more to know that the Subin drainage, which stretches through the Railway Corporation at Kejetia, has stores constructed on it.

The fact is, there is no provision of toilet or urinal facilities in these stores which has resulted in the store owners using the already choked gutters by the streets as the dumping ground of urine and other faecal matter.

Almost all the stores at Adum, the hub of business, do not have a place of convenience and the store owners use the gutters thus making it unpleasant walking through the streets especially on a sunny day, as one is greeted by the pungent smell emitted from them.

It is a common sight to see most women displaying cooked food (rice, yam, red red, etc) by the gutters and this poses a serious health danger or hazard to consumers. 

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Majority of the fast food sellers also come to the edge of these gutters to do business without the slightest knowledge of any health implications. 

But, health experts say there is a serious health implication when one is exposed to pungent odour emitting from the gutters or elsewhere.  

According to a former Kumasi Metropolitan Health Services Director, Dr Kwasi Yeboah-Awudzi, “people who are staying near offensive smell almost all the time can be potentially at risk of having nausea, headaches, depression, increased anxiety, elevated blood pressure, decrease in physical energy, asthma attacks in asthmatic patients as well as physical discomfort (aches and pains)”.

Pregnant women are mostly at risk of contracting other infectious diseases like dysentery, typhoid, cholera among others when exposed to such smelly environment.

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Dr Yeboah-Awudzi, therefore, urged pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic health problems like asthma, not to be exposed to such odour as it would have negative health impact on them.

Surprisingly, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has no specific bye-laws which mandate store owners or occupants to provide toilet facilities thus making the developers have a field day.  

The city engineer of the KMA, David Ameyaw, admitting that the Assembly has no specific bye-laws on the provision of toilets in the stores, by owners or occupants, noted that the Assembly had some bye-law (House Owners, Occupants bye-laws 2018, section 103, subsection 1H), which prohibits the construction of a house without adequate toilet facility, which is applicable to store owners and occupants.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         He explained that subsection 2 of section 103 of the House Owners, Occupants bye-laws is used to prosecute a person who contravenes subsection 1H of section 103 of the bye-law and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than 100 penalty units -equivalent of GH¢1,200.00 or three months imprisonment or both. 

The Engineer said the Assembly was rolling out a project to change the phase of the metropolis and as part of the project, there would be first class public place of convenience at vintage areas where stores have sprung up to avoid the use of gutters as dumping ground.

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He pointed out that the proposed project would ensure that private contractors submit a detailed plan with the provision of toilet and urinal facilities to the Assembly before any construction could take place.

He assured that KMA would ensure all newly constructed stores at Adum and parts of the central business areas would have toilet facilities to ensure comfortability.

He said that it was the duty of the Assembly’s health directorate to enforce the bye- laws that expect building owners and occupants to provide toilet facilities.

Source: Ghanaian Times

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The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo introduces Industry Spotlight 

As the world confronts the complex challenges of sustainable development, food security, and economic growth, one thing is clear: women are essential to the future of agribusiness.

 Recognizing this vital contribution, the 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo is set to shine a spotlight on women in agribusiness through its new Industry Spotlight Series with an event dubbed; ‘Women in Agribusiness Industry Mixer’.

 This exciting initiative aims to elevate the voices, achievements, and impact of women within the agricultural sector, ultimately strengthening Ghana’s food value chain and boosting economic development. The event is slated for Friday, 21st February at the Kosmos Innovation Center at 5pm prompt.

Agriculture: The Backbone of Ghana’s Economy

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Agriculture is the beating heart of Ghana’s economy, supporting millions of livelihoods—particularly those of women.

 The sector accounts for around 20% of the country’s GDP and plays an essential role in driving economic growth. Women are at the forefront of food production, processing, distribution, and market innovation, making crucial contributions to the sector’s ongoing development. Yet, despite their significant impact, women in agribusiness still face barriers such as limited access to finance, technology, and markets, which hinder their full participation and potential.

Unlocking the Potential of Women in Agribusiness

The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo aims to tackle these challenges head-on, providing a platform for engagement, knowledge-sharing, and policy discussions. 

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On February 21, 2025, the Women in Agribusiness Industry Mixer at the Kosmos Innovation Center will gather women entrepreneurs, agribusiness professionals, investors, and key stakeholders.

 The event will facilitate idea exchange, explore potential partnerships, and drive collaborative solutions. Discussions will focus on four critical areas:

The 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo 2025 is more than just an event—it’s a call to action for gender equality. By focusing on agribusiness, an industry crucial to economic transformation, this year’s summit will serve as a launchpad for meaningful engagement, policy dialogue, and business opportunities.

Participants will

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• Network with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers

• Explore partnerships and collaborative solutions

• Engage in high-level discussions on key industry challenges

• Showcase innovative products and services

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• Champion the future of women in agribusiness

At the National Women’s Summit & Expo on  March 7, will focus  thought-provoking and in-depth discussion on “Women in Agribusiness” as part of our Industry Spotlight series. 

Additionally, they will delve into the following topics;

1. Access to Finance and Investment Opportunities for Women in Agriculture

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Access to finance remains one of the biggest hurdles for women in agribusiness, restricting their ability to scale and innovate. The Industry Mixer will offer a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs to connect with investors, financial institutions, and development partners, exploring innovative financing models and investment opportunities that can fuel growth.

2. Sustainable and Innovative Agricultural Practices

As pressure mounts for the agricultural sector to adopt sustainable and innovative practices, the event will spotlight best practices in sustainable agriculture. Success stories will be shared, and participants will gain insights into innovative approaches that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact in production, processing, and distribution.

3. Market Expansion and Value Chain Optimization

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Many women in agribusiness struggle with limited access to markets and value chains. 

The mixer will focus on strategies to overcome these barriers, facilitating discussions on how women-led ventures can tap into local, regional, and even global markets, thereby unlocking growth and expanding their reach.

4. Policy Advocacy for Gender-Inclusive Agribusiness Growth

To create an environment where women in agribusiness can truly thrive, policy reform is key. 

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The event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations to discuss and advocate for policy initiatives that foster gender-inclusive growth within the agribusiness sector.

The Industry Spotlight Series – Women in Agribusiness is a Charterhouse production and brought to you by Geisha in partnership with Kosmo Innovations Center.

Admission is absolutely free!

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Gyakye Quayson calls for unity and reform in Black History Month address

James Gyakye Quayson, Member of Parliament for Assin North, delivered a compelling speech in Parliament to mark Black History Month, emphasizing unity, self-sufficiency, and inclusive governance.

He paid tribute to Black leaders such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, highlighting their contributions to justice and equality.

 He also addressed Africa’s paradox of wealth and underdevelopment, citing historical exploitation and economic dependency as major obstacles.

“Black History Month is a call to action. It reminds us of the need for unity among Black people worldwide. By learning from the past and building solidarity, we can create a future of dignity and empowerment,” he stated.

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Ghana as the Gateway to Africa

Mr.Quayson reaffirmed Ghana’s role as the Gateway to Africa, pointing to the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives, which have strengthened ties with the global African diaspora.

 These programmes have brought investments in real estate, hospitality, and tourism, boosting economic growth and cultural connections.

Call for Reform: Dual Citizenship and Governance

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A key focus of his address was the need to amend Ghana’s dual citizenship laws, which restrict Ghanaians with dual nationality from holding political office. He urged Parliament to expedite the Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill to allow skilled and committed diaspora Ghanaians to contribute to leadership and development.

“The fight against dual citizenship restrictions is not a personal battle but a national conversation. Our Constitution must evolve to reflect the global realities of our people,” he asserted.

The Black Star Experience: A Cultural and Economic Vision

Mr.Quayson also highlighted the Black Star Experience, an NDC initiative aimed at making Ghana a global hub for arts, culture, and tourism. With year-round celebrations in literature, fashion, film, and music, the initiative is expected to attract investment, create jobs, and boost local businesses.

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“This initiative will enhance tourism revenues, provide skills transfer, and cement Ghana’s position as a leader in creative and economic innovation,” he noted.

Recognizing and Empowering New Citizens

Mr.Quayson advocated for policies that integrate African Americans and other nationals who have settled in Ghana, allowing them to contribute to governance and leadership.

“Leadership is not confined to nationality by birth but defined by the ability to serve, innovate, and uplift communities,” he emphasized.

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A Call for Unity and Progress

Concluding his speech, he urged for a collective effort to create an inclusive and progressive Ghana.

“The journey ahead is long, but together, we can redefine what it means to be Ghanaian, ensure equal opportunities, and build a future our children will be proud of,” he affirmed.

Mr.Quayson’s remarks has reignited discussions on diaspora engagement, constitutional reforms, and Ghana’s cultural and economic leadership. His message of resilience and unity serves as a guiding beacon for the nation’s future.

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