News
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donates dates to government
The government yesterday took delivery of 2,500 cartons of dates presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for onward distribution to selected Muslim communities across the country.
The annual gesture, indicative of the long standing relationship between Ghana and Saudi Arabia, is to help Muslims replenish their lost energies in the holy period of Ramadan.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Ghana, Meshal Hamdan Al-Rogi, handed over the gift which is the eighth donation to be presented to Ghana.
In a brief remark, Mr Al-Rogi, conveyed to government the compliments of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the custodian of the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia, through whose benevolence the donation was made possible.
The Ambassador recounted the existing bond of friendship between both countries which had culminated into strong cultural and economic ties to the benefit of citizens in diverse ways.
According to him, the date fruit which remained Saudi’s most treasured natural resource serves not only as food to beneficiaries but had medicinal value to boost one’s health.
“The fruit is encouraged to be eaten prior to the breaking of the Ramadan fast because it is a natural energy booster, contains vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and a rich taste to not only help Muslims replenish their lost energies but also benefit all Ghanaians across the religious divide,” he said.
Receiving the gift, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Mohammed Habibu Tijani was grateful for the donation “considering the fact that dates are a national symbol of Saudi Arabia and also because it was personally from the custodian of the two Holy Mosques; King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.”
He noted that the Saudi government had over the years demonstrated trust and commitment in its relationship and dealings with Ghana.
“Due to the energy qualities of dates, its consumption during the month of Ramadan is very important and we appreciate the donation.
“We also acknowledge many other contributions made to other vital sectors of the country’s development, most importantly, health, education, energy, road, mosques and many more in the Muslim dominated communities,” Mr Tijani noted.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
News
Government takes further actions against illegal mining
Government in its continued efforts to clamp down on the long-standing menace of Illegal Small-Scale Mining, has concluded operational measures to intensify the ongoing “Operation Halt”.
This was contained in a statement issued by the ministry of Information on Wednesday October 9, 2024.
According to the government, the initiative is led by the Ghana Armed forces, to rid the river bodies of all forms of mining activities.
This phase of the operation will be done in conjunction with the Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana.
As part of the measures, the government has reasserted that river bodies and forest reserves remain red zones.
Additionally, the government has reiterated its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and calls on all stakeholders to join the fight.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Breaking: Organised Labour suspends strike
Barely twenty-four hours to Organized Labour’s nationwide strike, its leadership have backtracked on their action by suspending the industrial action.
The strike, had garnered the backing of various unions, and aimed at pressuring the government to take decisive action on illegal mining (galamsey) and other pressing issues.
They arrived at this crucial decision during an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders assessed the situation and agreed to call off the industrial action.
The decision to suspend the strike comes as a surprise to many, as unions had appeared resolute in their stance during previous meetings and public statements.
However, in the submission to union members, the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, indicated that the President had directed the Lands Minister to submit a request to Parliament for the revocation of L.I. 2462.
He mentioned that this, along with the deployment of soldiers to assist in the fight and the establishment of 14 courts for the trial of all arrested illegal miners showed enough commitment on the government’s part.
This notwithstanding, he added that the Organised Labour would continue to monitor the implementation and government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining.
Organised Labour had initially planned the indefinite strike to compel the government to declare a state of emergency and ramp up efforts to address the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
