Merchants have options to deploy hybrid electronic payment devises

The Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GhIPSS) says there are arrangements for local businesses to access hybrid Point of Sales (POS) terminals.

The firm plans to roll out over five thousand devices across the country this year. These are designed for shopping and payments with local ATM cards in some shops.

The system was first introduced about five years ago. But merchants and retailers in the Kumasi and other parts of the country were not attracted to install the e-zwich POS device due to the high cost of the machine.

Head of Business Development at GhIPSS, Mary Dei Sarpong, tells LuvBiz the merchants are now being offered flexible terms to acquire the devises.

She entreats merchants to contact their bankers for available options whilst enjoining banks to take advantage of the KSW loan facility for ezwich infrastructure deployment.

The rollout of the POSes, which accept both local ATM cards and e-zwich cards, begun in Accra, where about 330 of the devices have been placed in various shopping outlets, hotels, pharmacies and restaurants.

 

Major outlets in the Ashanti Regional capital will have the POS devises in the cause of the year.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh

Fish farmer laments lack of access to market for harvest

Agriculture provides food to feed the population but most importantly financial security to the hard working farmers.

It however appears some local farmers are cutting down investment in the business because of little returns.

Nana Asumin Baffour Gyekye, a chief at Asonomaso in the Kwabre East District of Ashanti speaks of his dilemma as a farmer who was encouraged to go into fish farming but later ignored by agricultural officials.

His story is one of many farmers in the area whose passion for farming is gradually dying-off because they are getting virtually nothing from their investment.

Nana Asumin, a former District Best Farmer, was advised by officials of the Fisheries Department to go into aquaculture for which he had two ponds constructed for him two years ago.

He was promised of a ready market for his commercial fish production but now getting bulk buyers for fresh produce remains a challenge.

“They advised me to do this thing and now they have abandoned me; and I know the government wants to improve the aquaculture sector, even in Ashanti region but they’ll come and take their figures and go but some of us who have the interest, the skil and even the land to do it, they won’t approach you,” cried Nana Asumin.

He suspects sabotage to frustrate his efforts because of his potential to become one of the biggest fish farmers in the region.

The fisheries department in the Ashanti region has however denied claims of ignoring some farmers who were encouraged to venture aquaculture.

Officials, who would not speak on record, acknowledged they are mandated to provide technical support and sometimes facilitate the sales of harvested fish.

The department is however not mandated to directly find buyer to purchase the table-size fish from farmers, said the source.

The farmers have therefore been asked to be competitive in pricing their products to attract patrons.

Modern Auto Services pledges skill training support for Kumasi youth

Automobile franchising company, Modern Auto Services (MAS), is strengthening its operation in the Ashanti region with the re-launch of Tata range of vehicles in Kumasi.

General Manager of MAS, Amine Kabbara, says the Kumasi market has shown good sales figures in the past year, hence attention to grow the market.

“With the addition of Tata to the existing franchised brands which we already handle, MAS in Kumasi now becomes the only automobile business in Ashanti which offers consumers a wide variety of choice in respect of brands and vehicle types,” he stated.

Speaking at the commissioning of the MAS/TATA Showroom in Kumasi, Mr. Kabbara said the company would be rolling out exciting activities as part of engagement with existing and potential clients.

Business and individuals in the region can access a variety of brand new saloon cares, pick-ups, SUVs, mini vans, light and heavy duty trucks under one roof.

Modern Auto Services has also committed to share in the educational and economic development schemes in Kumasi, including support for the Otumfuo Charity Foundation and community policing programme.

Mr. Kabbara spoke to LuvBiz on the company’s plans to provide skill training for local youth in the automobile industry.

He observed the need to build capacity in electronic vehicle servicing and repairs, hence MAS’ resolve to plan a training scheme.

The Akyeampemhene, Oheneba Adusie Poku urged the company to particularly support indigenous engineering skills at the Suame light industrial area.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh 

Ghana will lose out if it fails to pass Plant Breeders Rights Bill – researchers

Local farmers and others in the agricultural value chain need new technologies to boost food production and add value to produce.

This is important to ensure higher income earnings for agriculturists and food security for the economy.

Ghanaian agricultural researchers and scientists however want protection for their intellectual property in developing new technologies and crop varieties.

They have therefore been pushing for the Plant Breeders Rights Bill to be passed by Parliament.

The bill was one of the most contentious issues of public discuss in 2014 – some groups, including the peasant farmers association, argued against passage of the bill, saying it will not be in their best interest.

But advocates for the bill want it passed as soon as possible.

Dr. Hans Adu-Dapaah, the immediate past Director of the Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has been championing passage of the bill.

According to him, there have been series of engagements to explain the intent of some clauses in the bill which have been contested by interest groups.

Dr. Adu-Dapaah is worried the country will lose out when local plant breeders are not protected.

“We want the farmers to adopt the technologies we have developed because without it we are losing out,” he said. “All the materials we have developed now because of WAAPP, our neighbors have access to the materials and if we do not protect them, they get it and protect it and we will be at the losing end”.

Under the West African Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP), countries specialize in developing crops of comparative advantage for adoption by other countries. New technologies are put in a common basket for accessibility, in a bid to enhance integration and collaboration of agricultural research activities in the sub-region.

In Ghana, priority crops under the first phase of the ten-year project focused on root and tubers – mainly yam, cocoyam, sweet potato and cassava.

“I’m praying that parliament passes it as early as possible,” expressed Dr. Adu-Dapaah.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh 

Ghanaian scientists edge up with GM rice trials

Researchers in Ghana say they are recording favourable outcomes in the trials of genetically modified (GM) rice in the country.

The confined field trials started in April 2013 at Nobewam in the Ashanti region, after receiving approval from the National Biosafety Committee (NBC).

The fourth successive experiment of the Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) rice is being conducted by the Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Principal Investigator, Dr. Maxwell Asante, says the project has already identified a lead event which will give at least a 15percent yield advantage over non-GM version of the planted rice.

“If the lead event is confirmed, we will request for permission from the NBC to allow it to be grown by farmers in Ghana after testing. The genes that make the GM rice nitrogen-use efficient will then be transferred to other varieties in Ghana through conventional breeding methods,” he stated.

There is strong opposition to the introduction of GM crops in Ghana’s food production chain.

Biosafety advocate, Albert Aubyn, however says there is no cause for worry with the current trials, noting that field activities are strictly in conformity with regulative measures.

 

“Not until the experiment has proved that it is safe for humans to use, what we do is that we make sure that in this case of rice, pollen doesn’t flow out to pollinate other related crops,” he said.

Ghana spends over $500million annually in rice importation, in addition to huge foreign exchange in the importation of other food items.

“Biotechnology is cutting-edge technology that can help us in our quest to improve food security,” said Dr. Stella Ennin, Director of the CSIR-CRI. “Fertilizer is very necessary for our plants, yet the cost is so high and our farmers cannot afford it; so we are going around the system to find varieties that can produce a good crop of rice with minimum nitrogen fertilizer applied and we are using the science of GMO.”

The next set of experiment will involve the evaluation of the triple-stack gene rice plants to identified lead events in nitrogen-use efficiency, water-use efficiency and salt tolerant genetically modified rice – dubbed “NEWEST Rice”.

This will especially help farmers deal with the effects of climate change and expand rice cultivation to areas previously not supported.

Ghana’s GM or NEWEST Rice is projected to go commercial within the next three to five years.

Three confined field trials of rice, cowpea and cotton are currently being evaluated in Ghana in compliance with the Biosafety Act 2011, Act 831, which regulates GMOs.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh

Microfinance industry to consolidate recovery process in 2015

There is stability in Ghana’s microfinance industry, according to the sector Association.

Operational and liquidity challenges, over the past three years, led to the collapse of some companies and depositors losing their funds.

The Ghana Association of Microfinance Companies (GAMC) however says there is stability in the microfinance industry, though the storm has not finally settled.

“In our records 2014, we wouldn’t say we even lost a company and so we can say that we closed the year very well,” observed Collins Amponsah-Mensah, National Chairman of GAMC.

The turbulent period of 2012 and 2013 left over 60 firms collapsing.

GAMC has therefore been working with the Bank of Ghana to facilitate a recovery process.

Mr. Amponsah-Mensah told LuvBiz that 2015 will be a year of consolidation in training and capacity building, strengthening of institutional structures as well as encouraging share floatation, mergers and acquisitions.

The proposed establishment of a deposit security insurance scheme is also expected to protect the saving public against losing their funds in times when financial intermediaries go into distress.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh 

Ghana will meet cocoa production targets, says LBC

Licensed buying companies say the business of cocoa purchases was generally slow in 2014.

The industry players are however optimistic business will pick up gradually before closure of the main crop season.

“When you have a bounty harvest the previous year, the following year is likely to be a bit slow,” explained Emmanuel Arthur, Managing Director of Kuapa Kokoo Company Limited, a Ghanaian farmer-based organization.

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has projected a production target of 850,000 metric tonnes for the 2014-2015 cocoa crop season.

The upward review of the producer price of cocoa and premium payments for certified cocoa beans are factors expected to motivate farmers to boost production.

“The season being slow does not mean we are not getting the cocoa but it is not as brisk and as bountiful as it used to be, but it is likely we can meet target,” stated Mr. Arthur.

He has also observed that the 62 percent increase in producer price of cocoa announced in October 2014 is attracting a lot more people to venture cocoa farming.

“People are now rehabilitating their farms and trying to put up new farms; people are now going back to the hinterlands looking for their lands which they abandoned,” Mr. Arthur noted. “I believe that if we will be very brave and be marching our local price against the world market price, especially anytime it goes up, then I believe a lot of people will go into cocoa farming”.

Improved port activities will also enhance haulage of cocoa beans for export, he added.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh 

Biomedical lab practice in Ghana impeded by two challenges

The practice of biomedical laboratory services in Ghana is confronted with two major challenges, according to the professional group promoting best practices.

These are the delayed launch of three National Health Laboratory Policy documents and the stoppage of the Health Services Workers Union (HSWU) dues deductions by the Comptroller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD).

The new leadership of the Ghana Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists (GABMLS) has therefore set out to get the challenges addressed as soon as possible.

“In our pursuit to becoming an autonomous labour union, we have the arduous task of dealing with the intransigence of the HSWU leadership who are happily riding on the backs of some of our own members to frustrate our efforts at stopping the HSWU dues deduction by the CAGD. This unfortunate development sought to make nonsense of our claim of dis-affiliation in the sight of our membership”, said GABMLS President, Thomas Kwabena Gyampomah.

 

He cites the occupation of a new office complex for the Association’s National Secretariat in Accra as one of the successes in the past year.

“The advocacy roles of GABMLS for the smooth start of the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Sciences program in the University Development Studies (UDS), Tamale; the issuance of professional practice Certificates and Licenses to most applicants by the Allied Health Professions Council; and the development of the draft technical Legislative Instrument (LI) are worthy success marks chalked,” he noted.

The Association has set new objectives and priorities to meet the aspirations of the profession and its members within the next two years.

“We have committed ourselves to implementing innovative policies, programs and activities that will project the Association to greater heights,” said Mr. Gyampomah.

The Association will improve its online presence, introduce an overseas GABMLS group and establish new groupings to complement the work of statutory committees.

“We have already started collaborative engagements with the Allied Health Professions Council to sanitize the system and for the promotion of professional ethics and standards,” said the President.

Members have been urged to “make sure we maintain the highest and strictest professional codes and ethics of medical laboratory practice as we seek to provide quality medical laboratory services to our citizenry and the world”.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh

Action 2015 momentum builds to end poverty and inequalities

Ghana needs to redouble efforts if the country is to achieve targets set in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The year 2015 marks the end of set targets of the MDGs, which test a country’s human rights’ credentials and values.

Non-governmental organizations want government to increase the momentum in poverty reduction, fight against climate, inequality and support services.

Abibimman Foundation and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP-Ghana) are pushing the “Action 2015” of ensuring generations are able to lead good and dignified lives enriched with opportunity.

Though Ghana has showed its leadership capability in reducing extreme poverty by half ahead of 2015, a lot of people still live in poverty, observed Kenneth Nana Amoateng, Chief Executive Officer of Abibiman Foundation.

“If Government fails to take bold decisions to tackle poverty, climate change and inequality, am afraid the MDGs will not be achieved. Every government policy should have a lasting impact in addressing poverty. No excuse will be enough if Ghana fails to achieve the MDGs targets,” he said.

He believes government has the opportunity to chart a new course of equity, environmental sustainability, social justice and human rights enjoyment and dignity for all.

“There should be a radical demonstration of will power and commitment to fight poverty, inequality and make the MDGs a reality. Climate change drives poverty, vulnerability and inequality that disproportionately affects women, children, vulnerable communities and nations that are the least responsible for the crisis”, said Nana Amoateng.

He has also called for a strict regulation with usage of land as the issue of land for farming has become a major problem for farmers in recent times.

“Land meant for farming must be solely used for that purpose. It is sad that some lands which should be used for farming are now being used estate development,” he emphasised.

Governments must also guarantee food sovereignty by investing in small-scale sustainable agriculture and enact and fully implement laws that protect women, children and people of different sexual orientation from discrimination.

The NGOs are also demanding just governance, transparency and accountability at both the public and private sectors of the State, while acknowledging that the need for civil society live up to these tenets.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh 

Ghana needs selfless leaders to push economy forward, Rev. Asante

Selfless leadership is what Ghana needs to push the economy to greater heights, says Rev. Robert Asante, Head Pastor of the Grace Baptist Church in Kumasi.

For the many Ghanaians who trooped in to 31^st watch night services to usher in the New Year, 2015 should be a year of good tidings and economic turnaround.

Rev. Asante in an interview with Luv Fm on New Year’s Day, noted that such expectations can be fulfilled when people in authority perform their duties devoid of greed.

“Service must go with selflessness,” he stated. “Leadership is actually to serve; to make life better for those that are led, so any leadership that lords it over those that are led is not the leadership from God”.

According to him, the generality of the population will enjoy a better life if political, corporate and religious leaders of the country decide to serve “because we have enough resources to make everyone feel better.”

Rev. Asante outlined the Church’s commitment to human development to ensure “everyone in this church is helped to unearth their potentials and get to where God wants them to be.”

Grace Baptist Church supports members and other within the local community with educational scholarships and grants for vocational training and apprenticeship.

“We want to get to a point where the Church take care of everyone who comes here and is financially handicapped to go through school or to be equipped with skills so that they can start their own businesses,” said the Head Pastor.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh