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Russian Embassy only protecting its sovereignty; global economic challenges is due to Ukraine invasion – Stephen Amoah
A member of the Finance Committee in Parliament, Stephen Amoah, has stated that Russia’s attempts to dissociate itself from the current economic challenges in Ghana is only a move to protect its reputation.
He said it is undeniable that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated global economic difficulties, a situation that has caused hikes in general goods and services in Ghana.
The Nyieso MP was reacting to a statement by the Russian Embassy, which attributed the current hardship to the high demand and rising prices of food, raw materials and transportation services as part of the post-Covid-19 recovery.
It argued that difficulties in economies started before the invasion of Ukraine because there has been a steady trend of happenings on the global stage in the last two years.
But in defence of government’s stance, the NPP MP said the move by Russia is only meant to save face.
“There is this ongoing IMF forum in Washington, and member countries have had the opportunity to speak on their countries’ economies, I mean their sovereignties, and all of them are attributing the challenges they are having today to too many factors.
“One, the Covid; two, the war in Ukraine, and I think the authorities from Russia are aware of all these facts and these assertions or claims.
“Of course, they have their prerogatives or exclusive rights to manage the reputations of their sovereignty or their country,” he told JoyNews in an interview.
The Nhyiaeso lawmaker noted that “diplomatically, they wouldn’t want to associate anything untoward or going on against the war with or to their war – they wouldn’t want to see that.”
Inasmuch as any country would have defended its reputation, Mr Amoah stressed that “the facts remain untouched” and that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had significant impacts on countries across the world.
What happened?
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, while addressing Ghanaians on the state of the economy at the National TESCON Training and Orientation Conference on April 7, noted that aside from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war is adversely affecting the Ghanaian economy.
He noted that the prices of food supplies have shot up because the two countries that are exporters of commodities such as wheat, and grains, have withheld supply due to the crisis.
“The Russia-Ukraine conflict has exacerbated the increase in commodity prices. Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of global wheat exports; the longer the conflict ensues, the greater the disruption to global food supplies. The conflict is also likely to slow down global growth.
“According to the AfDB, the price of wheat has shot up by 62% since the war began, the price of fertiliser is up by 300%, and the price of maize is up by 36%. Here in Ghana, some 60% of our total iron ore and steel imports are from Ukraine; Russia accounts for some 30% of Ghana’s imported grains, 50% of flour, and 39% of fertiliser.
“So we are directly affected by the Russian-Ukraine war. Unfortunately, we do not know when it would be over,” he said.
But in a statement on Twitter on Monday, the Russian Embassy in Ghana disagreed, saying it cannot be blamed for the current price hikes.
The current situation in the food markets is not a result of two months of this year, but a steady trend of at least two years. Food prices started rising in mid-2020 and reached an all-time high in February 2022.
“This is a real market shock caused by high demand and rising prices on food, raw materials, and transportation services, including freight, in the post-Covid recovery period,” the Embassy tweeted.
Recent reports have indicated that about 10,000 people have lost their lives following the Russia-Ukraine war.
Several sanctions have been imposed on Russia by developed countries.
Most countries say the Russia-Ukraine war is directly affecting their economies and agricultural value chain.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
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
