We want to be hub for maize production in Ghana-Savannah based Babato farms

We want to be hub for maize production in Ghana-Savannah based Babato farms

Management of Babato Farms Company Limited, a Commercial Farming Hub located in the Bole-Bamboi District of the Savannah Region has said they were positioning themselves as the biggest maize production centre in Ghana

Disclosing this during a working visit by a team of stakeholders from the region led by the Savannah Regional Minister,Eric Abeku Cudjoe, the Northern Sales Manager for new Agric solution and Superviser for Babato Maize field said to the hub currently has the potential to become the biggest maize producer in Ghana.

He said there was currently over 9,000 hectors of unutilized land on the project that can be explored for large scale maize production with the necessary investment in electricity,since power generation was their major challenge.

He appealed to the minister and his entourage to help them address the power challenge in order to enable them achieve this vision and more.

The Savannah Regional Minister,Saaed Muhazu Jibreal hinted of plans to extend electricity to the farm in order to help them cut cost and boost production.

The minister,who was in the company of all the MMDCEs in the region and the various security heads as part of activities marking their annual retreat said government support was very necessary to help the company operate efficiently and profitably.

According to the minister,the farm has the ability to provide employment to the teaming youth in the Savannah Region and the Bono East Region when supported with the needed logistics.

"We are in the Bole District as Savannah Regional Coordinating Council. We actually came for a retreat to talk about government policies for the past year and what is ahead of us for 2022. Today was designed to see investments by private people and government projects within the Savannah Region...

"And as can be seen, Babato Farms is one of the biggest agricultural investment we have in the Savannah Region with employment potentials for the youth. One of the major problems of the farms is electricity. As can be seen,they have giant machines generating power for the irrigation plants, which in a day takes up to 1500 littres to 1800 littres of Diesel within 30 hours to irrigate this land. 

"And so,there is the need for us to cut cost and by cutting cost means that government in its power will have to make sure that we bring the national grid to this facility here...So as I speak now, myself and my DCE for Bole are going to put our heads together to make sure that we go to see the minister of energy to speed up electricity connection to the farm. We intend to link the ongoing electricity extension work between Babato village and the next Village where the farm is located so that they get access to electricity. We will make sure that the electricity is provided so that they are able to develop 50% of their under utilized land,"he said.

He encouraged investors to take advantage of the many investment potentials in the region, adding that, Savannah Region was poised to reclaim its lost glory as the biggest maize producing region in Northern Ghana.

The manager of Babato Farms,Mahabaleshwar Hegde disclosed that the Babato farm was established in 2016 by a UK based African Agricultural Company,AgDevCo to lease 10,000 hectors of land from the people of Babato to setup a commercial farming hub. The farm in his narration is now being fully owned by Obaapack Ghana,a fruit and vegetable agribusiness conglomerate located at Techiman in the Bono East Region.

According to him,the Babato Farms Company Limited currently has about 353 hectors of land in utilization with 9,000 hectors of under utilized land,adding that,they intend to fill the shortage in maize production in Ghana.

He said they rotate four crops cycles in a year to reduce pest and disease build up in the soil,thus Maize, Soyabeans,onion and Banana with a major focus now on Onion and Soyabeans, which is the main focus of Obaapack.

Recounting the challenges of the farm,he said the high production cost from diesel for the plants is their major challenge and sometime, the weather conditions which affect their output and profit margins. 

The District Chief Executive for Bole-Bamboi, Veronica Alele Heming commended the management of Babato farms for the good work they were doing for the region and pledged the full support of government. 

The Babato Farms located in the Bole-Bamboi District draws water from the Black Volta through floating pipes to irrigate at present about 2 hectors of Banana field,2.4 hectors of onion nursery among others.

Source: Ananpansah,B Abraham

Hands on skills training- Fresh Yogurt production in Canteen etal

Hands on skills training- Fresh Yogurt production in Canteen etal

Give-Back Component of MasterCard Foundation 

(Target: Yogurt production,soap making,beads making,tye and dye,etcetera).

There couldn't have been a better way to begin the year 2022. Happy to say that through our humble brother,Salifu Abdul Hamid (MasterCard Foundation Scholar), we secured an intensive Yogurt production skills training program for the smart and dedicated young girls and women of the Canteen Electoral Area.

Through a collaborative effort,over 60 young girls and women drawn from various women groups in Canteen benefited from the free skills training/Self Help Project. Participants were drawn from Savannah Ladies, Surviving Ladies,Kanyiti Wale Group, Asezele Women group of no.5 and Number 6 Frafra Women Group.

After two days of intensive training,our galant women were able to produce fresh Yogurt of different flavors ( Fan Yogurt,Fanice,Fanchoko,apple yogurt, mango yogurt,nut yogurt,banana yogurt,just mention them).

Infact,after learning with our young girls,I am also able to confidently produce yogurt of any Flavor.😘

All you need is your milk source,raw liquid or pasteurized form,starter culture and addictions (flavors or sweeteners). You then get your equipment and run the process from Standardization, homogenization,heat treatment, cooling,innoculation,fermentation, mixing & smoothening, mixing & homogenization,cold storage and drinking yogurt. Sounds simple, right?

If His grace continue to remain sufficient in our lives,our next phase will focus on soap making among others.

I committed to buy the first bottle from any of the women or groups that will start production of the yogurt for commercial purposes at a cost of Ghc50.00 plus an undisclosed surprise package for further production.

Mind you,under the project,there is a window to solicit for support for those that would implement the outcome of the training seriously in order to put body and soul together!!!

Whilst commending our women for responding massively to our invitation, even at a very short notice,I wish to say that given the necessary support, Canteen can produce fresh and delicious yogurt to feed the entire Savannah Region. All we crave for now is the packaging machine, equipment and some little push and we'll become the world bank of fresh Yogurt production. Most of the raw materials can be produced locally.

If you believe in this vision,kindly come to the aid of our trainees in whatever way you can and you'll never regret investing in this worthy course. Kindly get in touch and let's together empower our communities and young women! Employable skills with the necessary support leads to empowerment that reduce the unemployment gap!

I want to thank my big brother, Abdul Hamid for remembering home and making time for us to impart this life changing skills on our community. We use God to bless you.

I am looking forward to working more with you and other like minded individuals for the larger benefit of the people of the Canteen Electoral Area. 

The big vision is on!

May God bless Canteen Electoral Area and make her people bold and strong.

A productive 2022 to you and your family.

Shalom!

........................................

Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham (AB)

(Assemblyman, Canteen Electoral Area)

0241129910/0200704844)

Baafira are 2021 champions of Canteen Gala Matches as Okocha grabs draft bragging rights

Baafira are 2021 champions of Canteen Gala Matches as Okocha grabs draft bragging rights

•Assemblyman for the Canteen Electoral Area, Ananpansah,B Abraham calls on stakeholders to explore sports as avenue to promote unity and community development.

•Baafira Young Starlets topple Digo Base FC to lift ultimate trophy.

•Bragging rights conferred on Abudu Iddrisu (Okocha) as winner of 2021 draft competition.

•Chairman of sports committee,Dabo Shaibu Ewuntomah lauds gala games initiative and calls for more support. 

The honourable Assemblyman for the Canteen Electoral Area in the West Gonja Municipal of the Savannah Region, Ananpansah, B Abraham has reiterated the important role sports plays in uniting the youth and promoting community development.

Addressing a gathering of youth and community members at the just ended 2021 3rd Edition of the Annual Gala Matches and related activities of the Canteen Electoral Area to mark the end of the year,the honourable Assemblyman said he was committed to promoting sports in the area as an avenue to unearthing young talents and growing a healthy community.

According to him,there was an expansion and improvement in this year's tournament to include Indoor games(Ludu,draft and quiz competition), and an intended edutainment street carnival program.  

He said Canteen Electoral Area will always continue to set the pace and be a shinning example to the world,while commending the Sports and Youth Management Committee for the zeal and commitment exhibited throughout the period of the competition.

The young leader indicated that his vision was to ensure the formation and registration of a division team in Canteen, known as Canteen FC, with the players that were being selected from the tournament, adding that,all the zones that participated in the games will be supported with the needed logistics(footballs, whistles, etal) to continue with their training after the tournament.

The Assemblyman specially mentioned and acknowledged all the sponsors for the invaluable and unflinching support that saw to the success of this year's activities,while praying for more collaboration for future endeavors.

The Annual Gala competition and related activities initiated by the current Assemblyman two year's ago, saw Baafira Young Starlets beating Digo Base FC in the finals on penalties to lift the 2021 trophy. Defending Champions, Central Canteen FC, who lifted the trophy in 2020 despite their zeal, were eliminated at the group stages. Baafira Young Starlets,winners of the maiden edition of the tournament in 2019 made efforts to return the glory home once again.

The Assemblyman commended all the teams for the zealous participation and prayed for more years ahead for a better and unified Canteen and sports,whilst wishing all electorates a productive 2022. He hints of efforts to get the Canteen Park fenced.

"It is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. Today will go down history as a very great day in the administrative and political history of the Canteen Electoral Area that we've been able to successfully organize the 3rd edition of the annual gala games and related activities.And as can be seen,the jubilant youth wish this could be an everyday and all year round activity. But my joy is that we've seen true display of talents and you can tell that given the opportunity our younger folks can do better. They can grow in sports and they can come back to help the community.I can only thank the Almighty God that today has been a success and to thank our sponsors, whose names I have already mentioned for their invaluable contributions towards the massive success of this years activities

"I want to assure that as pacesetters and given life,we will continue to sustain this activity into the future with the proud support of our sponsors and stakeholders. Sports in the community will never be the same again,"He said.

The chairman of the Sports and Youth Management Committee,Dabo Shaibu Ewuntomah said the whole essence of annual gala is to develop talents and this year is no exception. He said during their time, Canteen Electoral Area use to be very active in sports,but the euphoria suddenly came down and so the brilliant initiative by the Assemblyman came at the right time and worth supporting.

"When the Assemblyman decided to organize a non partisan committee to see how we will support him to achieve the common goal of developing sports in the area,I and my colleagues gladly agreed to serve on the committee knowing very well what sports means to the development of the community,

"I want to use this opportunity to thank all our sponsors as already acknowledged by the Assemblyman for their unflinching support. Infact,they didn't disappoint us,and I pray that they should never leave us,but continue to Support us,"he said.

The top goal scorer,Mumuni Jalil shared joy and excitement for winning the golden boot and prayed for more support towards the gala matches initiative to enable them sell their talents to the world.

The Annual Gala Matches initiated by the Assemblyman three years ago,aims at uniting the youth and community members, unearthing young talents, promoting a sense of belonging and providing a common platform to discuss and champion the development course of the community.

The 2021 third edition of the tournament had a total of seven teams drawn accross the various zones in the electoral area taking part and competing for the ultimate trophy. The teams were:Baafira Young Starlets, Central Canteen FC,Digo Base FC,Ayarihene Palace Stars,St. Anne's FC,Agric Settlement Young stars and Agric Offices All Stars.

Baafira Young Starlets,who lifted the ultimate 2021 trophy (Gold place) went home with a cash amount of Ghc500.00.

2nd runners up (Silver place winners),Digo Base FC received a cash amount of Ghc300.00, whilst Ayarihene Palace Stars placed third (3rd)(Bronze place winners) and grabbed a cash amount of Ghc200.00.

The rest of the four participating teams took home a consolation prize of ghc50.00. Logistical support is to be extended to the teams as well for further training.

2021 Bragging rights was also conferred on the winner of the 2021 Draft Competition,Abudu Iddrisu (Okocha). He was rewarded with a cash amount of Ghc100.00 plus a draft for his base.

Awal Mushie (Drogba) came second in the draft competition and received a cash amount of Ghc60.00,whilst Nsor Clement, a nurse at the West Gonja Hospital placed third and took home a cash amount of Ghc40.00.

Next year promises to be bigger and better!

Source: Office of the Assemblyman, Canteen E/Aw

New Year's Eve:Call For Resolutions Not Revolutions

New Year's Eve:Call For Resolutions Not Revolutions

By: Ananpansah,B Abraham

Here cries the beacon of a New Year,

And nay,here comes a new day;

A new day and God's will to bid thee good bye 2021.

On the Eve at mass,

As the candles glow,

The glory of the Lord blows.

And here beacons the flow and cry of a New Year;

A cry that awakens the call for resolutions not revolutions;

A cry that decree thee holy heavens to crossover with a "build over" to build bridges;

To build bridges in our marriatal and family life,

To build bridges in our relationship,friendship and political life,

To build bridges in our financial, economic, social,racial and work life,

To build bridges in our national and community reconstruction and struggle.

For it's grace for our race,

And we are in a raise in the face of 2022; Glory!

A grace and raise that blossoms and is wholesome above average. Grace!

Oh cry thee,it's a dying year,

And the regrets are the sins and things that stole the happiness from another man; God have mercy!

It's the coming and going of seasons;

And 365 reasons to turn things around this time around.

We are good to set new goals,

And be bold to work on the past blows of life;

Staying down after those blows is an error of grace that will erase our raise. Favor of determination!

Oh thy holy glory!

See your children not in gory, but deliver us from the sorrows and "sorry's" of life;

Keep us awashed,

When our minds go astray in sinful compromise for the vanities of the world;FORGIVE!

Cry and pray thee for divine grace,

Divine grace for the loved one's and lost one's in 2021.

For thy gave and took but 2022 will see us through;

Not by our might,

For grace abounds in leaps and bounds.

We are champions,

So let's pop champagne;

Not in pain but in God's gain we rain; 'Adom kua'.

Let's stress out the stress,

And dress up the mind off distress for God's greatness again!

Let's look forward, revitalised and break cowards!

The year is long gone,

So let logic reign and let go along with it the pain of unforgiveness;

For the kingdom of God must be established,

And all men must be at peace with ease;

Where toes were stepped on,

I step out and blow the trumpet...I am only but fallible me!

For a new year dawns!

Cry thee with cheers,

I say my dear;

Not a tear or fear of the unknown is here to weigh us down in 2022;

Our minds will blend with the best;

We will stand the test;

As we resolve to dissolve the past and evolve divinely into the present;

I will be here always as your humble servant to say cheers in 2022;

CHEERS to a New Year!

Resolutions,not revolutions!

The writer is a PASSIONATE BLOGGER/WRITER,FREELANCE JOURNALIST, YOUTH ADVOCATE, ASSEMBLYMAN FOR CANTEEN ELECTORAL AREA and nothing more....

He believes he is a still VOICE TO THE MARGINALISED.

Get in touch and let's get connected!

Read more of his works on his blogspot (ananpansah-ab.blogspot.com).

Share but don't edit.

Republished!

©ANANPANSAH,B ABRAHAM(AB)

(Village Writer)

0241129910/0200704844

Emails:aananapansah@yahoo.com/aananapansah@gmail.com

Facebook:1.Ananpansah B Abraham

                     2.Critical Political Thinker

Twitter:@AnanpansahA

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/New-year-s-eve-Call-for-resolutions-not-revolutions-613829

I've gathered enough experience to serve as constituency Secretary-former Student leader declares intention

I've gathered enough experience to serve as constituency Secretary-former Student leader declares intention

A former student leader,who recently competed for the position of Municipal Chief Executive for the West Gonja Municipal, Kadri Abdul Rahman has declared his intention to  run for the position of constituency Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In a declaration statement,the determined young Patriot disclosed that he believes he has gathered enough experience working at the student front and various party positions to avail himself for higher leadership roles in the party in the Damongo constituency.

He recounted his days at the University of Education,Winneba,where he served dilligently as the Students Representative Council president,a platform that helped sharpen his leadership skills, negotiation, diplomacy and administration. 

According to him,in the tough days of the New Patriotic Party in opposition,he served as Polling Station Secretary, Deputy Constituency Youth Organizer and and a Constituency Communication team member; where he contributed massively to the 2016 and 2020 victory of the party.

He therefore, holds the strong conviction that this is the right time for him to respond to the many calls from the grassroot of the party by availing himself to be considered for the position of constituency Secretary in the upcoming elections,whilst pledgding to be a unifier and a team player.

"Earlier this year, I presented myself to be considered for the appointment of MCE for the Damongo municipality, but that was not meant to be within the will of God who controls the affairs of man. As a firm believer of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition however, I firmly understand that our service to the growth of this tradition is not limited to only people serving in government, but even more importantly is to serve through the party that births the government.

"In view of this, fellow patriots,  I wish to respectfully bring to your attention my ambition to contest for the office of the CONSTITUENCY SECRETARY in our great party; the New Patriotic Party, here in the Damongo constituency when the time is due for nominations"- he said.

On his leadership experience,he said,

"In our tough days in opposition, I served  as a polling station Secretary from 2009-2013 and also served as a deputy Constituency youth organizer in the Damongo constituency from 2013-2017 where I served faithfully. In the last ten years however, I have also served as a communications team member for the party.

"This eventually culminated into our massive victory as witnessed in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

" During my student days at the university, I also served at the highest level of student leadership as the  SRC president. This singular honour, created a huge platform for me to sharpen my leadership skills, negotiation, diplomacy, administration and broaden my horizon".

Source: Ananpansah,B Abraham

We'll protect our lands without resorting to violence-youth of Wasipe

We'll protect our lands without resorting to violence-youth of Wasipe

The youth of Wasipe in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region have pledged their commitment to maintaining peace in the area,even as they desire to protect the lands their forefathers bequeted onto them.

In a press statement signed by Mahama Shaibu Baba,the youth indicated that the era of acquisition of land by conquest was over, describing as unfortunate threats of violence purportedly being authored by some chiefs and elders of Janga in the North East Region.

Whilst appreciating the role played by the Savannah Regional Minister in calming tensions in the area,they called on the security agencies to investigate the intimidation and threats of war by the elders and chief of Janga.

Read full statement below:

PRESS RELEAS BY WASIPE YOUTH

2ND DECEMBER, 2021

Our attention has been drawn to a news item which was carried by Joy New on 30th November, 2021 about looming tension at Lukula of the Wasipe Traditional Areain the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region. Said report by the Joy News Reporter, Eliasu Tanko of the North East Region, was unfortunate and regrettable. It was completely needless as it seeks to promote conflict in the area.

The people of Wasipe Traditional Area in particular, and Gonjaland in general are peace loving people who always promote peaceful co-existence with other people who have common boarders with them, as part of efforts to develop their young Savannah Region. We will therefore not be unnecessarily drawn into any form of exchange arising from intimidation and threats of violence purportedly coming from some elders and chiefs of Janga in the North East Region.

It is a known fact that Gonjas, as a people, are always guided by the basic principles of Rule of Law in their efforts to develop their land.

The leadership and membership of the Wasipe Youth Association are therefore urging the youth of Daboya and Gonjaland in general to remain calm in the height of the unfortunate and uncultured comments coming from the so called dirty chief who called himself “Soo Naba” of the Mamprugu Area.

We however find it important to state that, though the said intimidations and threats may be coming from some elders and chiefs of Janga, which could be considered irresponsible and uncalled for, we urge the youth and people of Wasipe to treat the intimidation and threats with the contempt they desire.

We the leadership of Wasipe Youth Association will use every lawful means to ensure that not even a small piece of land legitimately belonging to Wasipe Traditional Area and for that matter Gonjaland get lost to anybody, either through intimidation, threat, conflict, or any other reason, as some useless acclaimed chiefs and elders of Janga appear to promote.

As youth of Gonjaland, we place a very high value on the lives and properties of our people, and shall guard our land forever. It must be noted that, the era of acquisition of land by conquest is long gone, and this is well settled under law of Ghana. 

All peace loving and civilized groups are expected to take particular note of this and act accordingly.

In this regard, we wish to urge the Security Agencies who have been working very hard to maintain peace and order in the Traditional Area and its environs to investigate  and establish the veracity or otherwise of the intimidation and threats of war, conflict and violence by the elders and that dirty chief of Janga, called Soo Naba Nantogma Seidu. 

Any adverse findings should be dealt with accordingly and decisively. 

The Wasipe Youth Association is willing to assist and cooperate with the security Agencies in this regard.

It is worth nothing that we are aware and appreciated efforts by the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Saeed Muhaz Jibril, to maintain calm in the area. 

We therefore urge him not to be distracted by any threats and unsubstantiated allegations against their persons by some individuals who are seeking their parochial interest.

As the youth of Wasipe, we shall remain committed to our honourable duty and responsibility to protect every piece of our land conquered for us by our ancestors and great Warrior and Founder of the Gonja Kingdom, Alhaji Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa. We have absolute confidence in our Traditional Authorities and their ability to protect and defend our land without resorting to violence unless otherwise compelled by circumstance to do the contrary with full vigor without fears.

The leadership and membership of Wasipe Youth Association wish to express our profound appreciation to youth, elders and chiefs of Wasipe Traditional Area and Gonjaland in general for remaining calm amidst the baseless and unwarranted intimidation and threats coming from the dirty pig who called himself a chief of Janga.

May the Almighty Allah bless us all.

Sign.

Hon. Mahama Shaibu Baba

PRO, Wasipe Youth Association.

0542202751

Source: Ananpansah, B Abraham

We need a formidable candidate to win election 2024- NPP Tallahassee Chapter

We need a formidable candidate to win election 2024- NPP Tallahassee Chapter

The intellectual wing of the ruling New Patriotic Party in Tallahassee in the United States of America has made a strong case for the party to present a very strong candidate moving into the 2024 general elections.

This the groups believes will go a long way to consolidate the gains of the party and help the elephant family break the eight years election cycle.

In an inaugural statement, Abubakari Shani Bawumiah,the president of the group recalled what he described 'the painful memories of the 2008 elections, noting that the party risk going into opposition for more than a decade if the right choice of a presidential candidate is not made to help the party 'break the 8'.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, our resolve for the theme for today’s program is ' strategizing to break the 8 in 2024'. We choose this theme because , we are of a strong believe that, our party risk going into opposition for over a decade if we don’t get involved in making the right call for the right and deserving person to lead us into the 2024 elections. The sad and painful memories of the events that took place in Ghana after 2008 elections are still fresh in our memories". 

According to the group, president Kuffour had build Ghana to the status of a middle income country with a promising future,but because the party could not manage its internal primaries well and went into elections 2008 with a divided front,it lost power to the NDC.

The president reiterated that fact that the unity and bond that birthed the Danquah,Dombo and Busia Tradition was not just the party colors,but the exceptional allegiance the party pay to the principles and tenets of development in freedom.

He pledged to work faithfully and dilligently together with his colleague executives to increase the lots of party.

The group commended Hanan Aludiba,the CEO of National Buffer Stock Company, who was present at the occasion for the immense support.

They were equally grateful to Obaa Yaa Frimpong,Salam Mustapha and the Northern Regional Chairman of the party, chairman Samba.

Source: Ananpansah B Abraham