Day: June 18, 2024

Emancipation Day holds a profound significance in Ghana, a nation with a rich history of struggle, resilience, and liberation. The word emancipation means to be free from restraint, control, or the power of any entity.

Etymology

It comes from a Latin word combining the prefix e-, meaning ‘away’ and mancipare meaning to transfer ownership of. Putting together, emancipation means transfer away of ownership.’

In Ghana, this annual commemoration, observed on August 1st, every year and serves as a sorrowful reminder of Ghana’s fight against slavery and colonialism, while also highlighting the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equality, and social justice.

Reflection

As the nation gathers to celebrate Emancipation Day, it provides an opportune moment to reflect on Ghana’s journey, acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, and reaffirm the commitment to a better and brighter future.

Emancipation Day marks the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in the British Empire in 1834 and the emancipation of enslaved A
fricans.

It recognizes Ghana’s pivotal role as a hub of the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent efforts to dismantle this horrific trading system.

The coastal forts and castles, such as Elmina and Cape Coast, stand as solemn reminders of the painful history that Ghana endured.

Emancipation Day serves as a platform for remembrance, education, and a collective vow to never forget the atrocities of the past.

Emancipation Day is not only a day of remembrance, but also a time for vibrant celebrations and cultural revival. Throughout the country, colorful parades, traditional ceremonies, music and dance performances, and intellectual discussions occur.

This celebration showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Ghana and serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Ghanaian people. It is a moment to honor ancestors, embrace cultural identity, and foster national unity among different ethnic groups.

Role of GTA

The Emancipation Day celebrations are organized by the Ghana Tourism Author
ity under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and other bodies like the Pan-African Historical and Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) foundation.

During the celebrations, Ghanaians and visitors pay homage to historical sites like Assin Manso, where enslaved people were held captive to take their last bath before being shipped overseas. Memorial services and wreath-laying ceremonies are done to honour the ancestors.

While Ghana has made significant strides, Emancipation Day serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges that the nation faces. Issues such as poverty, inequality, corruption, youth unemployment, and environmental sustainability require continuous attention and action.

It is a moment to renew the commitment to address these challenges and build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Ghana for all its citizens. Education, job creation, good governance, and sustainable development must remain at the forefront of the national agenda.

2024 Celebrations

This year’s Emancipat
ion Day Celebration is on the theme. ‘UNITY AND RESILIENCE; BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE.’ As we celebrate the legacy and the victory of our ancestors, it is incumbent on us to unite and build stronger communities for all regardless of our race, gender or ethnicity.

Imagine the agony, the torture of walking in chains from the Northern or the Western part of the country to the Central part, where our ancestors were shipped to Europe. This slave raid was brutish, nasty chaotic and inhumane experience our ancestors endured. This tragic occasion must remind us about where we come from and bind us together as one people.

Cultural Heritage

This is a moment we must cherish and embrace our cultural heritage and traditions. It is a time African politicians and their cronies must eschew from plundering the wealth of their various countries and stop misappropriating public funds that could have been utilized to ameliorate the lot of their people to feel proud as citizens.

‘It beholds on us as
citizens, journalists, politicians and civil servants to encourage ourselves to improve humanity, dignity and the spirit of patriotism.’

Tourists?

Emancipation Day attracts both local and international tourists who are interested in understanding Ghana’s history and culture.

The influx of visitors during this period stimulates the tourism industry, leading to increased revenue from accommodation, transportation, food services, and other tourism-related activities.

Many tourists also partake in guided tours, visit historical sites, and engage in cultural events, contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.

Besides, Emancipation Day celebrations often involve various cultural performances, music, dance, and exhibitions.

These activities showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and provide opportunities for local artists, musicians, craftsmen, and artisans to display their talents and sell their products.

The celebration helps to promote the cultural and creative industries, leading to incre
ased income and employment opportunities for individuals involved in these sectors.

Activities

As Ghana celebrates this year’s edition of Emancipation Day, the activities start on 22nd July, 2024 with the commissioning of the Salaga Slave Market at Salaga in the Savannah Region of Ghana.

Subsequently there will be host of activities such as Durbar at Pikworo Slave Camp, Tribute to the Ancestors at W.E.B. Dubois and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Durbar of Chiefs at Assin Praso, Echoes of Culture Celebrating Diasporan Diversity at the Elmina Fishing Harbour, Reverential Night at Cape Coast Castle and the main event, Emancipation Day Durbar at Assin Manso.

It is an opportune moment for introspection and envisioning a brighter future. It is a time to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, to recognize the achievements made, and to challenge the status quo.

Embracing the spirit of Emancipation Day, Ghanaians can collectively work towards a society where every individual enjoys equal rights, econ
omic opportunities, and social justice.

It is a call to action, urging citizens to build on the legacy of liberation and forge a path toward a truly inclusive and prosperous nation.

‘Emancipation Day stands as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s journey from oppression to freedom. It provides an occasion for both celebration and reflection, honoring the past and inspiring a better future. As the nation commemorates this significant day, let it serve as a catalyst for unity, progress, and the relentless pursuit of social justice.

By acknowledging the challenges, embracing cultural heritage, and working towards a more inclusive society, Ghana can rise above the shadows of the past and create a brighter tomorrow for generations to come, and never again must we allow ourselves to be enslaved either physically or mentally.

Never again are we allowed to be colonized and oppressed.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Minister of the Interior Mr Henry Quartey, has been summoned to brief Parliament on Wednesday, June 26, on measures being taken by the Government to address recent serial killings of private security personnel in Bole and Wa in the Upper West Region.

Mr Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker, Tuesday, gave the directive, when he presided over the House, during which Mr Yusif Sulemana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Bole Bamboi raised the issue on the floor of the House.

‘Mr Speaker, I want to report to you that the people of Bole are living in fear, between May and June, three people lost their lives through serial killings. And this morning I also read or watched TV and also heard that two people have been murdered in a very similar manner in Wa,’ Mr Sulemana said.

He said the Minister of Interior last week sent some men and women to Bole to help curb this situation, however, he thought that much more was needed to be able to address the situation.

‘Mr
Speaker, the murderers are targeting watchmen, and so there is a watchman lying, taking care of whatever he is supposed to take care of, and then a stone or block is used in hitting his head and killing the person instantly,’ he stated.

Mr Sulemana said within this short period, three people had been killed and even before that, there were serial killings taking different forms and that he thought that this was an important matter; saying ‘and I want to draw your attention to it, so that the Interior Minister can come to this House and brief us, and give some hope to those areas that are affected’.

Mr Sulemana said last month for instance, he decided to take a walk in the Bole township and by 2030 hours, everybody was asleep; adding that ‘self-imposed curfew. Mr Speaker, we cannot continue in this manner’.

He, through the Speaker, appealed to the Minister of Interior to do more to help address the situation.

He said three days ago, former President John Dramani Mahama while in Bole had to go to the Police
Station to encourage the Police men and women to do their best.

Mr Sulemana said, he (Mr Sulemana) interacted with the Police, and they told him that in 2021, the Police men were 71, but currently the number had reduced to about 50, and that many more were waiting to go because they had received some transfer approvals.

He appealed to the Interior Minister to update the House on the number of permanent Police officers currently at post in Bole.

On his part, Dr Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, NDC MP for Wa Central, said a dubious trend was taking place, which had resulted in the deaths of innocent people, security guards who were on duty at nights, who were fathers and heads of families, trying to earn something for their lives.

He recalled that last year, nine people were killed in this manner in Wa Central.

He noted that the Police, since last year, had indicated that there were some investigations going on, but before they even got the results of the investigations, some other killings happened again in Bole.

H
e said the return to Wa just happened today with two people killed at a stretch.

‘Mr Speaker, I think that the Police must sit up, and I also think that some further and quality investigations have to happen into this matter. We are worried about the situation; we are worried that lives are lost…’ Dr Pelpuo said.

He urged the Police to be up and doing to bring the perpetrators of crimes to book.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mangroves are unique and vital ecosystems found along coastlines in tropical and subtropical regions. These trees and shrubs grow in salty water and serve many important roles. They protect our coasts and help fight climate change by trapping carbon.

Protecting Our Coasts

Mangroves are natural barriers that protect coastlines from storms and erosion. Their roots hold the soil together, which helps prevent the land from washing away during heavy rains and strong waves. When storms hit, mangroves act like a shield, absorbing the energy of the waves and reducing damage to the inland areas.

During hurricanes and cyclones, mangroves can save lives and property. For example, in 2004, when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck, areas with mangrove forests suffered less damage compared to those without. The thick roots and dense canopy of mangroves slow down the water and lessen its impact.

Mangroves also help build up land over time. They trap sediments carried by rivers and tides, which helps create new land. This pr
ocess is important in regions where land loss due to rising sea levels is a major concern. By stabilising the shoreline, mangroves provide a first line of defence against the sea’s advancing tides.

Home to Many Creatures

Mangroves are home to a variety of animals and plants. They provide food and shelter for fish, crabs, birds, and even some mammals. Many fish species, including commercially important ones, spend part of their lives in mangrove forests. These areas act as nurseries for young fish, where they can grow safely before moving to the open sea.

The rich biodiversity of mangroves supports local communities that rely on fishing for their livelihoods. By protecting mangroves, we also protect the food sources and income of these communities. The health of mangrove ecosystems directly impacts the well-being of people who depend on them.

Mangroves are also important for bird species. They offer nesting sites and feeding grounds for many birds, including migratory ones. This makes mangrove forests crit
ical for maintaining bird populations and supporting biodiversity.

Carbon Sequestration Powerhouses

Mangroves play a key role in fighting climate change by trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process is known as carbon sequestration. Mangroves store carbon in their roots, branches, and leaves. They also trap carbon in the soil, where it can remain for centuries.

Mangroves are more efficient at storing carbon than many other types of forests. In fact, they can store up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests. This makes them a vital tool in the global effort to reduce carbon dioxide levels and combat climate change.

The ability of mangroves to trap carbon is significant because it helps slow down global warming. By protecting and restoring mangrove forests, we can enhance their carbon sequestration capabilities. This is a crucial step in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The Importance of Restoration

Restoring mangrove forests is essential for
maintaining their protective and carbon-trapping functions. Unfortunately, mangroves are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to human activities such as logging, agriculture, and urban development. This destruction not only removes the benefits that mangroves provide but also releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

Efforts to restore mangroves involve replanting trees and protecting existing forests. Successful restoration projects have been carried out in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh. These projects help bring back the benefits of mangroves, such as coastal protection and carbon sequestration.

Restoration also involves educating local communities about the importance of mangroves. When people understand how mangroves benefit their lives, they are more likely to support conservation efforts. Community involvement is key to the success of mangrove restoration projects.

Mangroves and Human Activities

Mangroves are not only crucial for environmental reasons but also have an
interesting link to human activities. In some coastal communities, betting on the health and growth of mangrove forests is a form of live bet which has become a way to engage people in conservation efforts. People place bets on how well newly planted mangroves will grow, adding an element of excitement and involvement in protecting these vital ecosystems.

Global Efforts and Challenges

Many groups and governments are trying to save mangrove forests. Agreements like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands know mangroves are important and work to protect them. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local people also help with projects to save mangroves.

Even with these efforts, there are still big problems. Mangroves are being cut down for building and farming, which hurts these forests. Climate change also threatens mangroves. Rising sea levels and changing weather can damage these ecosystems.

To fix these problems, we need to enforce conservation laws and make new ones if needed. We should support development
that does not harm mangroves. It’s also important to study and watch mangroves to find the best ways to protect and restore them.

Conclusion

Mangroves are very important for protecting coasts and trapping carbon. They act as natural shields against storms and erosion, support lots of wildlife, and store large amounts of carbon. It’s crucial to protect and restore mangrove forests to keep these benefits and fight climate change.

Source: Ghana News Agency

 Over 300 young individuals from the Bono Region have been mentored and empowered to develop entrepreneurial mindset through the Barcamp Sunyani 2024 event.

The Barcamps programme is a series of free networking forums designed to provide young people with a platform for learning, idea sharing, networking and mentorship.

This initiative provided a unique platform for these young people to engage in learning, sharing, networking, and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset through a series of informative sessions led by industry professionals.

The Barcamp Sunyani 2024 organized by the GhanaThink Foundation in collaboration with key partners held at the Sunyani Technical University was on the theme: ”Culture, Finance and Quality.’

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr. Ato Ulzen-Appiah, the Director of Ghana Think Foundation, emphasized the significant impact of the Sunyani Barcamp event on youth empowerment and positive change within the Bono region.

He noted that providi
ng participants with valuable knowledge, mentorship, and a robust network indicated the event had laid foundation for a promising future for the youth in the region.

Mr. Ulzen-Appiah highlighted that the Barcamp Sunyani aimed to empower young people to enhance their mindset, develop themselves, and improve their livelihoods.

He said the Sunyani Barcamp served as a catalyst for fostering growth and progress among the youth in the Bono Region, setting them on a path towards success and prosperity.

In a related interview, Mr. Charles Oduro Owurani, project assistant at the Sunyani Young and Wise Centre of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana, emphasized the critical role of Sexual and Reproductive Health in enhancing the quality life of the youth.

He underscored the significance of fostering open communication about sexual and reproductive health matters to empower young individuals in making informed decisions about their health, as well as financial security.

The interactive sessions of the Barcamp
event generated discussions on various pressing issues and relevant topics, such as ensuring clean air in Ghana and promoting a healthier environment.

Other sections included ‘Health for Quality Life,’ which highlighted the importance of open communication and access to reliable reproductive and health resources, as well as strategies for building successful businesses, sustainable development, and literacy on insurance and investments.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) has trained 83 national experts on energy modeling tools.

The gathering was to build efficient energy systems as Africa accelerates its transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient development.

Co-convened by the ECA and the Climate Compatible Growth (CCG), the Energy Modelling Platform for Africa (EMP-A) is a capacity building initiative designed to create optimized investments for the energy transition in Africa and to meet its growing demand for low-carbon development.

Mekalia Paulos, Research Officer, Energy Transition and Climate Finance in the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division of ECA, stated that the EMP-A was held as African countries find themselves at a critical juncture, where global decarbonization efforts were gaining pace, demanding a holistic, system-wide shift towards low carbon development pathways.

‘As Africa striv
es to meet the considerable energy requirements of its rising population, attain the SDGs as well as realize its industrialization ambitions enshrined in Agenda 2063, the urgent need for strategic long term energy planning cannot be more essential,’ said Ms. Mekalia.

‘Harnessing open-source modelling tools, the EMP-A can support African governments analyze policies and challenges specific to their respective countries in such a way as to ensure their energy resources meet national imperatives towards sustainability and climate-resilient growth.’

The CCG programme is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to support investment in sustainable energy and transport systems to meet development priorities in the Global South and brought together energy planning and modeling community in Africa to share experiences, models, and data in climate, land, energy, and water systems.

The training culminated in a high-level meeting on May 31, where in collaboration with World Resources Ins
titute (WRI) Africa, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the African Union Commission, and the African Energy Commission (AFREC).

ECA organized a panel session on the Africa Energy Dialogues and launched recently, the dialogues aim to stimulate open, evidence-based discourse across the African continent among public and private sector stakeholders, research institutions, civil society, and development partners on issues related to the design and implementation of African countries’ energy pathways.

Titled ‘Data-Driven Policymaking in Africa’s Energy Transitions’, and moderated by Mekalia Paulos of the ECA, the panel brought together experts from Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa to delve deeper into the challenges and opportunities the energy transition presents as well as share perspectives on how data and the modelling tools provided by the EMP-A can inform their respective transition plans.

There was consensus on the urgent need for African voices to converge in the development of nuanced ene
rgy transition and crucially, the urgent need for strengthened international cooperation, increasing concessional finance and de-risking facilities which will be pivotal for amplifying private investment on the continent.

Mercy Kimwa, from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya stated, ‘the training will greatly contribute to my work as we embark on implementing the Kenya Energy Transition and Implementation Plan (ETIP). Considering the priorities for the current government, we will be able to run scenarios that relate to the BETA agenda and see how best to adopt the strategy to meet the current government priorities.’

For her part, Alison Hughes, a researcher from the University of Cape Town, said, ‘The training sessions placed firm deliverables on the various teams, and it was an opportunity to interrogate and present model results.’

Improving energy access in Africa in the context of SDG7 goals requires game-changing policies and investment. The goal should be pursued within the context of a transi
tioning energy system that leverages the continent’s immense clean energy potential while phasing out carbon-intensive technologies and resources.

The EMP-A continues to gain interest and momentum, growing year on year in participant numbers.  The first EMP-A training took place in 2018 in Addis Ababa.

The 2024 iteration is the fifth, during which national experts were trained on an expanded set of 8 tracks, namely OsEMosys, OnSET, CLEWs, FinPlan, ETP, MAED, Microgrids and Energy Access Explorer.

The course attracted participants from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Source: Ghana News Agency