News
HTU develops ‘resilient’ baobab seedling
The Department of Agro-Enterprise Development of the Ho Technical University (HTU) has achieved a record in the re-breeding of baobab seedlings domestically for rapid multiplication.
The research team of the university has come out with a baobab tree which took 27 months to flower instead of the usual 14-27 years.
Dr Kenneth Fafa Egbadzor, the Principal Engineer of the research team said that the demonstration plant proved resilient to human activities and stray animals.
He said that baobab had more than 300 uses in the food, cosmetic, medical and art sectors.
Dr Egbadzor said that the Vitamin C, zinc and iron content of the plant, played important roles in addressing desertification and climate change.
He said that the plant remained undomesticated and under-utilised in spite of its usefulness.
“We argued in a review to be published soon that baobab could be more important economically than the country’s foreign exchange earner, the cocoa.
“We are advocating that the baobab be added to the tree crops selected by the government for development,” he added.
Dr Egbadzor maintained that domestication and cultivation of the baobab would largely contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, Vice Chancellor of HTU has lauded the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology of the institution for re-engineering the baobab to flower in a short time, saying that bore testimony to the fact that a little resolve could produce huge results.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Ho
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
