News
Two timber firms depleting the Tindibu Forest Reserve at Tsyome-Sabadu
The two licensed timber firms (name withheld) operating in the Tindibu Forest Reserve at Tsyome-Sabadu in the North Dayi District of the Volta Region are not felling only the Teak trees they were licensed to cut, but other trees as well.
This was disclosed to The Spectator at Tsyome-Sabadu a fortnight ago by the assemblyman, Mr Amedor Senyo Dzamposu.
According to him, they were also felling other trees which were not stipulated by their licences.
For instance, Mr Dzamposu said, the merchants were also vigorously harvesting Wawa, Rosewood and Odum trees with impunity although their licences permitted them to cut only teak trees in the reserve.
He said that it was high time the merchants committed resources and zeal to a re-afforestation plan in the reserve to save it from turning it into a desert.
“The rate at which they cut the trees in the reserve without replacing them is, indeed, scary,” Mr Dzamposu complained.
He said in additon, the two timber firms have not paid the agreed royalties to the seven families who own the land, since 2011.
He recalled that in 2011, the merchants harvested 1,500 teak trees in the reserve, saying the increase to more than 4000 last year was great cause for concern.
The assemblyman said that it was only proper for the merchants to pay the royalties due the land owners for goodwill to prevail between them and the community.
He revealed that last year the merchants harvested more than 4,000 teak trees from the forest and paid a paltry GHS 3,100 to the traditional authorities in social responsibility.
The impoverished land owners are now crying for their due from the forest in which the Indian merchants enrich themselves in superlative terms on daily basis, said Mr Dzamposu.
He renewed his call on the government to intervene in the matter as and help to form fire volunteer and afforestation brigades to protect the forest, in which illegal timber racketeers were now carrying out their despicable activities at night and rapidly depleting the vegetative cover.
From Alberto Mario Noretti, Tsyome-Sabadu
News
University of Ghana opens maiden ‘Artify’ visual arts exhibition
The University of Ghana, in partnership with Nubuke Foundation and KGL Foundation, has launched a week-long visual arts exhibition titled ‘Artify’ on the University’s campus.
Running from November 26 to December 2, the event showcases drawings and paintings by eight visual artists selected by the University.
The artists participated in a two-week skills and business orientation training before the exhibition, where they were coached on art practice fundamentals, copyright and intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management.
The training was to help the artists upscale their craft and expand their client reach, equipping them to become more business-oriented art professionals.
The Artify project, under the theme Amplifying Art as a Business, was conceived by the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID).
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, said they aimed to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive as artists and entrepreneurs.
“This initiative nurtures talent and fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” he said.
Prof. Asante said that the skills required to run an art business were often overlooked, as art was commonly perceived as a hobby that doesn’t necessitate specialised management skills.
He argued that by integrating business and project management skills into the art ecosystem in Ghana, more organisations and investors could be encouraged to support creatives.
Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, called on authorities to create more platforms, similar to the Artify exhibition, where artists could showcase their work.
She advocated the establishment of visual arts spaces in communities, where local talents could receive training and be nurtured in their craft.
Mr Sedem Atsu Avornyo, one of the participating artists, praised the University and its partners for the initiative.
He noted that his knowledge and skills had been greatly enriched, better preparing him for the job market. –GNA
News
Don’t harass, visitors on period of election …Comptroller-General cautions Immigration staff
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, (Esq.), has asked personnel of the service, especially those at the various borders of the country, not to harass people who travel in and outside of the country during the election period.
The advice is to stem reports that usually characterise immigration operations in border communities in such crucial moments.
He gave the advice at the 2024 Comptroller-General’s end-of-year games held at the McDan La Town Park on Friday.
It was under the theme “Kick for unity, sports for peaceful elections.”
According to Mr Assuah Takyi, It was important for personnel of the staff to behave professionally and live by the high standards required to ensure peace and tranquility at the border towns where elections would be ongoing.
“I want to remind you of the roles and responsibilities expected from you. Don’t take advantage of the upcoming general elections to harass visitors and passengers going in and out of the country.
“Perform your duties professionally as immigration officers and, where necessary, assist other security agencies to maintain peace, law, and order before, during, and after the elections.”
“Be apolitical because your services are to Ghana first and only, and not to any individual or political party. As officers in uniform, don’t put up behaviours that would question your professionalism.”
“This is not a call on immigration staff alone. All the security agencies are poised to display high standards of professionalism to ensure that Ghanaians vote in a peaceful atmosphere,” Mr Takyi said.
Flanked by three-time African best player and former captain of the Black Stars Abedi Ayew Pele, who was the special guest of honour, the Comptroller-General stated that as officers and men in uniform, their duty to the country was to maintain peace, law, and order and not to be involved in dubious or political activities.
“If any of you want to do politics, resign and hand over your uniform to the service and go. This information should go out there to our officers across the country.”
Mr Assuah Takyi urged members of the general public to behave responsibly to make the work of the security officers simple and peaceful while cautioning potential troublemakers to have a change of mind because that would not be tolerated.
“The National Elections Security Taskforce (NESTF) met the political parties on Thursday to reaffirm our commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.”
“Our actions will be impartial and guided by the law, and anyone who decides to violate the laid-down laws will be made to face the law.”
Mr Asuah Takyi urged all to operate within the confines of the law to ensure a successful and trouble-free election.
By Raymond Ackumey
