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Government urged to create a supportive environment for local businesses
Mr Jeroen Verheul
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, Mr Jeroen Verheul has tasked government to create a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive.
Speaking at the official closing ceremony of the SNV GrEEn Project in Accra, the diplomat said the reduction of inflation and interest rate must be tackled by the government to achieve this goal.
The SNV GrEEn Project is a four-year action plan implemented in the Ashanti and Western regions under the anchor of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.
The project was funded by the European Union in Ghana and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands.
Juxtaposing the results of the GrEEn Project, Mr Jeroen Verheul cited that such achievement “is a drop in the ocean” because Ghana would need 500, 000 jobs annually to help the population overcome the high rate of unemployment.
“We need 500, 000 jobs per year and SNV has produced 6, 000 jobs over four years, however we need to scale up through the support of the environment which is a key element for entrepreneurs to flourish,” he stated.
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is a not-for-profit international development organisation creating a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services.
Since its commissioning in 2019, the Project aimed to enhance employability and entrepreneurship opportunities within Ghana’s green economy, contributing to the development of a climate-resilient local economy.
The primary objective of the Project was to address the root causes of irregular migration amongst Ghanaians, by promoting green and climate-resilient local economic development.
This initiative provided affordable financing aid to SMEs and micro businesses, especially in the sustainable and circular economy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Asaasepa Naturals, Mrs Matilda Stemn, noted that the project has aided her set up a factory and purchase some equipment to upscale her business.
However, Mrs Stemn, also a beneficiary of the Project, mentioned that accessing loans was a challenge for SMEs on increasing productivity despite the fact that they have the raw materials and machineries at their disposal.
Present at the ceremony were the Country Director of SNV Ghana, Mrs Barbara Nkoala amongst other dignitaries.
SNV specialises in three sectors: agri-food, energy and water systems and is present in over 25 countries.
By Yunusah Essandoh
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
