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Use of artificial over natural plants …experts express worry

Artificial grass

There is a new phenomenon of artificial plants and trees briskly taking over restaurants and bars.

In an interaction to know the motivation for this trend, two reasons run through most of the conversations which was “easy to maintain and the little or no stress in keeping them.”

The natural plants must be watered sometimes twice a day, pruned from time to time and have fertilizers applied to them occasionally just to mention a few.

A number of hotels prefers artificial to natural plants

A Restaurant Operator who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Spectator on Monday said the use of natural plants was a drain on their finances.

“We pay a gardener and spend so much on watering them, especially, the grass. We hire experts to advise us and several others but with the artificial plants, we do not give them much attention except that we dust them and when very necessary, we re-spray to maintain their colour and appeal,” she disclosed.

She said in place of grass, they had also resorted to the use of carpets which were very economical.

A Florist at the Adjei-Kojo Underbridge area, Yaw Kissi said as a person with a lot of passion for natural plants, the development breaks his heart.

“Aside taking our jobs from us because they don’t buy our products anymore, they are not helping our society to combat climate change. Fake plants also attract a lot of dust as compared to natural plants and trees so it is not good for us,” he said.

He said there was the need for an all-hands-on deck approach to address the development urgently to take steps to change the situation “before it got out of hand because we need oxygen.”

Meanwhile, a Research Scientist with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr. Gordon Akon-Yamga has expressed concern about the development.

He said it was a clear indication that much was not known about the benefits of natural plants on the health of people.

He said it was worrying that in an environment which supports the growth of natural plants even if they were placed indoors, the replacement of natural plants with artificial ones leaves much to be desired.

He said aside providing colour to the facility, there was nothing more to it and so it should be discouraged and persons in the hospitality industry educated to use natural plants.

Dr. Akon-Yamga admitted that as compared to natural plants, artificial plants needed little or even no attention and hardly needed a replacement but natural plants have enormous health benefits.

He said in terms of carbon sequestration, the trees take up the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and make it safe for humans.

He said natural plants purified the air around us as they absorbed a lot of pollutants and also reduces dust into such premises.

He called on regulatory bodies of the hospitality industries to educate the operators to replace the artificial plants with natural ones.

From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema

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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.

Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.

He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.

“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.

President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.

He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.

He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.

“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23

Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.

The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.

The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.

It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.

The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.

Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.

CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.

Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.

In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.

He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.