Mahama speaks on ‘y3n tie obiaa’ dance with Otumfuo

President John Mahama has spoken for the first time about a video of him and Asante Monarch Otumfuo Osei Tutu II dancing to Daddy Lumba’s ‘y3n tie obiaa’ song.

The viral video shows the President and the Asante Royal dancing to a live rendition of the hi-life song after they had jointly inaugurated the first phase of rehabilitation work on the Kumasi Airport.

The development project comprises rehabilitation of the defective runway and installation of airfield lights on the runway. It is meant to facilitate night operations at the airport.

The absence of those facilities frustrated the operation of airlines at the Airport at night. Local airlines bore the brunt of the Airport’s deficiencies.

Mr Mahama and the Asantehene were both elated by the completion of the project and celebrated with a dance later in the night after the inauguration ceremony.

Addressing delegates of the governing party at Saturday’s national congress held at the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi, the President said: “I wish to say irrespective of how many videos are shown of me and Otumfuo dancing, the fact is that Kumasi Airport has witnessed a considerable facelift far above what it was before we came and met it.”

He said the improvement of the Airport will benefit every Ghanaian.


Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5fm

Gov’t, NDC know I told them the truth – Ivor

General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Ivor Greenstreet has toldStarr news that his blunt message about corruption, irregular power supply and the uncaring nature of the Government are truths well known by members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Greenstreet on Saturday December 20, 2014 told President John Mahama and Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur in the face at the NDC’s congress that: “You don’t care”.

“Nobody is feeling your better Ghana”, Greenstreet shouted when he delivered his party’s solidarity message to the NDC at the congress at the Baba Yara Stadium in the Ashanti regional Capital, Kumasi – stronghold of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In the full glare of the President, Vice President, former President Jerry Rawlings, and thousands of leaders and supporters of the NDC, a defiant Greenstreet said: “…Currently nobody, I mean nobody is feeling your better Ghana.”

“Continuous ‘dumsor dumsor,’ corruption from top to bottom, left right inside out, and all the challenges you are facing [are] suffocating the Ghanaian people.”

He added: “We would have thought that perhaps you may have used an occasion like this to discuss policies, programmes and solutions to all the difficulties we are facing as a nation, but no, you chose today to share your Christmas gifts with each other.”

“Ghanaians are not happy at all. This ‘bronya’ is dry. Too too dry,” he told the President, adding: “The most painful thing of all is that you don’t care.”

“NDC continue, we are watching you, Ghana is watching you, do what you want to do, we also know what we’ll come and do…make sure you’ll elect executives who will be able to steer your parties affairs when you are in opposition. Boys abr3.”

Leaders and supporters of the NDC and Government have called Greenstreet names after his comments. The President described the criticism as smacking of “incurable selective myopia. Majority Leader Alban Bagbin said the Lawyer was demon-possessed and presidential staffer Sam George wrote on his Facebook wall that the wheelchair-bound politician needed “elevation to see the Better Ghana.”

Greenstreet later told Tawakalitu Braimah in an interview that despite the attacks on him, he believed the NDC and the Government know very well that the things he spoke about are the truth.

“I spoke what most of they themselves know is the truth and I hope that will spur them on to greater things.”

He urged the President to interact with ordinary Ghanaians to get a firsthand feel of the frustration he talked about.



Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5fm

NDC has a fantastic team – Asiedu Nketiah declares

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah

Undefeated General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has given a thumbs up to party delegates for electing a “fantastic team” to steer the affairs of the NDC.

The just ended NDC’s delegates’ congress in Kumasi registered two significant casualties. National Chairman of the party, Dr. Kwabena Adjei lost his position to his vice Kofi Portuphy, whilst the incumbent National Organiser Yaw Boateng Gyan lost out to Kofi Adams.

But in Mr. Asiedu Nketiah’s analysis, the current leadership is just a reshuffle of the old stock. Majority of those elected were part of the previous executive, it is just the positions that have changed, he explained.

Kofi Adams for instance was the Deputy General Secretary and Mr. Kofi Portuphy served as a Vice Chairman of the party.

Nonetheless, “it is a fantastic team. I am looking forward to working with them”, he stated.

He indicated that he has no qualms working with any of the elected executives, especially Mr. Kofi Adams as many perceived them to have a frosty relationship.

But after congress, he said the party would have embarked on a “reconciliation process” to unite the party and “hit the road running” as 2016 beckons.

To him, his dedication to his work as well as discharging his duty religiously helped him to retain his position.

Mr. Asiedu Nketiah who is popularly known as General Mosquito described the 82% votes he obtained to beat his sole challenger as the worst results in his last three outings. According to him, he garnered 83% and 93% respectively in his last two contests.

Source: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com

NPP tells Mahama: We need action, not talk

The General Secretary of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyepong has said Ghana requires an action-oriented rather than a talking leader to steer the country into progress.

“What we require now is less talk and more action,” the former presidential aspirant said Saturday when he delivered his party’s solidarity message to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the former’s national delegates’ congress.

“Political leadership must be seen as a privilege to serve society. Indeed, political leadership has to be anchored on pillars of selflessness, sacrifice, and service,” Agyepong added.

He said: “What Ghana needs now is a political leadership that is courageous, competent and compassionate.”

“The re-orientation of the political class and the populace at large must be our top-most priority. We need to revive the spirit of love for our country,” he said, adding: “The current waste of our nation’s meager resources must be checked in order to ensure that every pesewa is well-utilised for the benefit of the ordinary Ghanaian.”

The NPP also said despite a promise by President John Mahama to transform the economy this year, “general despondency” has rather been the lot of Ghanaians.

“It is with a heavy heart that I stand here before you. At the beginning of this year, the president H.E John Dramani Mahama assured all Ghanaians that 2014 was going to be a “transformation year”.

“However, events over the past 12 months have paralysed businesses, caused pain, depression and general despondency,” Agyepong stressed.

He said: “The results of recent afrobarometer survey graphically illustrate/confirm the level of degeneration.”



Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5fm

Tap experiences of Adjei, others to succeed – Mahama urges Portuphy

President John Mahama has formally congratulated and welcomed into office the Portuphy-led administration of the National Democratic Congress.

The NADMO boss beat incumbent chairman Kwabena Adjei at the ruling party’s 8th Congress in Kumasi in the Ashanti region, Saturday December 20.

In a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson Ben Dotse Malor, the President urged the new leadership to tap into the experiences of the outgone executives to achieve success for the party.


Below is the full statement



President Mahama congratulates newly-elected Executives of the National Democratic Congress



President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated all the newly-elected Executive officers of the National Democratic Congress, (NDC), following the conclusion of the 8th National Delegates’ Congress in Kumasi, in the early hours of this morning.

“I have called our new party Chairman, Mr. Kofi Portuphy, and congratulated him on winning a fair and democratic fight,” stated President Mahama, who is the leader and flagbearer of the party. “I have also conveyed, through him, my congratulations and very best wishes to all the other members – both retained and newly-elected – who will now form a new solid leadership to provide an even more effective organisation for our great party, so that all Ghanaians can benefit from the skills, commitment and expertise we have to offer.”

The President has equally extended his immense gratitude to all the outgoing national executives of the NDC. “Dr. Kwabena Adjei, Yaw Gyan and others who have been replaced are committed social democrats and lifelong NDC stalwarts, and we must thank them very much for all the sacrifices and contributions they have made for the sake of the party and for Ghana,” President Mahama stated. 

He added that these experienced party colleagues will still be needed to share their knowledge and advice to assist the new executives and the party in moving the Government’s agenda forward. “We have a lot to do for Ghana, and a lot to offer Ghanaians now and in the years to come. Only the best will do and we will strive to offer the best.”

The President commended Alhaji Hudu Yahaya for the great maturity he displayed in standing down from the Chairmanship contest in the larger interest of the party.

President Mahama also extended his congratulations to all members of the National Democratic Congress – at home and abroad - on the successful delegates’ conference that has concluded peacefully, smoothly and successfully in the Ashanti Regional capital. 

He urged all members of the party to rally together quickly behind the new executives, in a renewed spirit of unity, dedication and commitment, so that the party can become stronger, better, and more effective in delivering excellent governance and prosperity to the people of Ghana, based on integrity, vision and patriotism.



Ben Dotsei Malor

Head of Communications and Presidential Spokesperson

Office of the President,

Accra.



Source : Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5 FM

We’ll gently, cautiously speed into 2016 to retain Mahama – Portuphy

The newly elected chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Portuphy has declared getting President Mahama re-elected in 2016 his primary target.

He said his election is an indication that the party has moved forward and made a giant leap in readiness for 2016.

Mr. Portuphy who is the national coordinator of NADMO out staged incumbent Dr. Kwabena Adjei and walloped Dan Abodakpi to win the chairmanship slot.

Kofi Portuphy chalked a landslide victory in the results declared by the Electoral Commissioner on Sunday dawn obtaining 2,457 of the valid votes cast at the NDC’s national delegates’ congress held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. Dan Abodakpi placed second with 508 votes with Dr. Kwabena Adjei trailing behind with 316. The fourth contender Alhaji Hudu Yahaya shockingly withdrew at the eleventh hour for undisclosed reasons.

Mr. Portuphy exclusively told Joy News’ Evans Mensah the sound victory represents the loud voice of the delegates, which means “expectations are high, expectation may be overrun but with God we will make it”.

Having shown Ghanaians that the NDC is a peaceful party, he said the new leadership is bent on “achieving good results for the party and we will tread gently, cautiously and we will speed into 2016”.

He said he would ensure that no stone is left unturned to ensure victory for President John Mahama in 2016.

Mr. Portuphy is looking forward to tap into the experience of the current executive as well as experienced party members to confront challenges facing the party.

He credited his victory to his humility.

Source: Ghana /Myjoyonline.com

NDC congress: Portuphy is new NDC chairman

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is heading into the 2016 elections with a new national chairman, Kofi Portuphy.

The boss of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) beat incumbent Dr Kwabena Adjei at the 8th national delegates’ congress of the ruling party in Kumasi, Saturday.

Portuphy polled 2,413 as against Adjei’s 392 after a marathon vote cast in the stronghold of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Former MP for Keta, Dan Abodakpi, managed 610 votes. The other contestant Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, who was a vice chairman, prior to voting pulled out.

Seventy candidates slugged it out for 15 national executive positions at the party’s national delegates’ congress. About 4000 delegates across the country were involved in the voting process to elect new leadership ahead of the 2016 elections.


Below are certified results by the EC for other executive positions of the party.

National Chairman

Kwabena Adjei 316

Kofi Portuphy 2,457

Dan Abodakpi 508


General Secretary

Abdula Ishaq Farakhan 666

Johnson Asiedu Nketia 2,685


Vice Chair

Jemima Anita Desooso 372

Lee Ocran 286

Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo 517

Betty Mould-Iddrisu 401

Anthony Gyampo 347

Harry Zakour 374





National Organiser

Yaw Boateng Gyan 734

Kofi Adams 2,543



Communications Officer

Godson Kobla Agbeli Fiagbe 1439

Solomon Yaw Nkansah 1526

Nii Duodu Duodu 339 -



Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5FM

Ghana ranked 7th most prosperous nation in Africa

Ghana has been ranked as the seventh most prosperous nation in Africa and the second safest nation on the continent, according to the 2014 Africa Prosperity report by the Legatum institute.

The Legatum Institute is a charitable public policy think-tank headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, whose mission is to help people lead more prosperous lives.

The report described Ghana - the young oil producing nation - as a country with a “vibrant economic spirit”.

The new research ranked prosperity in 38 African countries around criteria ranging from economics to education to health, the title went to Botswana, the diamond-rich country in southern Africa.

As well as posting a relatively high per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $15,176, Botswana also fared well in terms of governance, education and personal freedom. As the country spends 8% of its GDP on education, it is among the biggest proportional spenders in the world according to the World Bank. This is the third year in a row that Botswana has topped the index.

In contrast, the Central African Republic was the lowest ranked country on the continent. The country, which has a per capita GDP of $584, has seen increasing violence since the end of 2012, and only 21.5% of the population have access to sanitation according to the prosperity index.

Biggest gainers 
Rwanda was the best improver, gaining five ranking places to end up as the eighth most prosperous country in Africa. The country was found to have the sixth highest ranking in regulation and government effectiveness, the eighth highest score in rule of law and the lowest perceptions of corruption in Africa.

"Rwanda deserves credit for actively encouraging women to play a central role in shaping the future of their country. And it seems to be paying dividends," says the report.

These findings bucked trends across the continent, where 41% of women are out of work, as opposed to 23% of men.

"We cannot talk about the prosperity of women in Africa if we don't change the inappropriate policies that hinder their progress," argues Marieme Jamme, a Davos Young Global leader and CEO of SpotOne Global Solutions. "We cannot sugar coat the issues of funding, mentoring, gender equality, recognition and representation and expect women to come winners within the current framework and plans we have in Africa."

Senegal ranked as the continent's 10th most prosperous nation up nine places since 2012.

Burkina Faso ranks ninth in the report, having risen by five places since 2012.
The sixth most prosperous nation in Africa is Algeria. The country, where 93% of respondents have a cell phone, topped the economy index.

Tunisia was the fifth most prosperous African nation in 2014. The country ranks first in the health sub-index and citizens have a life expectancy of 75 years -- 17 years higher than the African average.

Namibia ranked fourth in the report while Morocco was adjudged the third most prosperous nation in Africa for 2014.

South Africa ranked as the second most prosperous country in Africa; with nearly 40% of people surveyed saying it's a good time to find a job.

Other notable gainers since 2012 included countries from East Africa -- while neither Kenya nor Mozambique featured in the top 10 most prosperous countries in Africa, they both rose by four places in the rankings since 2012.

As over 44% of Kenyans thought it was a good time to find employment, the country ranked ninth in terms of entrepreneurship and opportunity. But following the 2013 siege in Nairobi's Westgate Mall, the country ranked 32 of 38 in terms of safety and security.

Falling down the ranks 
Regional partner Tanzania, by contrast, fell eight places since 2012 going from 11th to 19th in the latest rankings. A drop in five-year average growth and an increase in inflation were coupled with a decline in confidence in financial institutions and falling satisfaction with living standards.

The country fared particularly badly in terms of personal freedom, where it fell from 24th to 28th.

While Tanzania's education score rose by one place in the rankings, the report argues that Tanzania needs to improve the quality of education in schools rather than focusing on enrolment rates.

"Tanzanian education is not producing graduates with the skills needed to work in the formal sector," the report says. "The lack of an adequately skilled workforce is a hindrance to investment in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, mining, agriculture, finance, and communications...Tanzania needs education that improves students' chances of finding employment."

The biggest faller was Malawi, which dropped 11 places since 2012 to 20th in the index. The report cites a drop in the five-year GDP growth rate as part of the reason the country fell by 18 places in the Economy sub-index.

In all, average prosperity in Africa has been on the up since 2012. In the past two years all countries have seen increases in at least one area tracked by the report.

But Nathan Gamester, program director of the Prosperity Index, added a cautious note to the findings: "As African economies grow, a chief concern for many governments is how to ensure that the fruits of growth benefit a majority of the population and contribute to true long term prosperity."



Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM

Koo Fori Grabs A Fiancee In The U.S

Ghanaian actor, Samuel Seth Kwabena Kyere Karikari, otherwise known as Koo Fori in long running TV series, “Efie Wura”, has finally grabbed a fiancee in the States three (3) years after he lost his wife, Mary Nana Aba Enchill Karikari. Making the announcement via social networking site Facebook, the new fiancee, Naa Ameley Tagoe (Tulip), a popular radio presenter (with Sankofa Radio) among the Ghanaian community in the States shared photos of herself and the actor describing him (Koo Fori) as the one who makes her “heart melt”.

Source: nydjlive.com

Ghana needs 2nd Chamber, must lean towards parly system - Griffiths

An America Law Professor has said Ghana should consider having a second chamber of Parliament and also shifting more towards a parliamentary than a presidential system of governance.

Prof John Griffiths, formerly of the University of Ghana law faculty believes a full parliamentary system offers an opportunity for the Legislature to properly check the Executive.

“Most parliamentary systems have a second house, it might be interesting for Ghana to consider such a system, even the British have a second house. The second house can be elected regionally, possibly also by indirect elections…that too I think will help reduce at least the stranglehold of two national parties,” he said Thursday at a public forum organised by the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) on the “role of constitutional reforms in consolidating peace, stability and national cohesion”.

He nonetheless admits that there is an inherent danger in the full parliamentary system because it could plunge the country into a gridlock between the President and Parliament, but points out that such a situation is highly unlikely since Ghana is practising multi-party democracy.

Ghana is currently practising a mixed system of the parliamentary and presidential system.

There have been intermittent debates about the need for a second Chamber in the House of Parliament.

The merits and demerits of a parliamentary vis-à-vis a presidential system have also been widely debated in the country.



Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5fm

NDC congress: Behave or we’ll detain you - Kofi Boakye warns

The Ashanti regional police command has said about 700 men are on high alert to forestall any eventuality at the national delegates’ congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking to the media at the Baba Yara Stadium, the venue for the congress, the regional police commander DCOP Kofi Boakye said they will not tolerate any wrongdoing “in the name of congress.”

“Our prime concern is to control crowd. All the laws in the country are applicable here. We will ensure that nobody enters the premises with an offensive weapon… whoever comes with an offensive weapon – knife etc – will be detained until the end of the congress,” DCOP Boakye warned.

“We are going to control traffic around the environs so people should obey all traffic regulations. Drink-driving is going to be checked and those who drive on the shoulders of the road will not be tolerated in the name of congress.

“Those who try to assault people in the name of the congress will be arrested and it will not be treated as a family matter,” the police capo, popularly called ‘Commander One’ in Kumasi stated.

He served notice: “The police are well prepared to secure the place against infiltrators. What we are going to enforce rigidly is that nobody should wear any paraphernalia of any candidate to the stadium.”

Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5FM

Obed Asamoah flays NDC aspirants; accuses chair of insincerity

Former Chairman of the National Democratic Congress Dr Obed Asamoah has questioned the competence of aspirants vying for national positions in the governing party.

According to him, the "characters" vying for positions in the party are not competent but are seeking the positions for personal benefits.

His successor Dr Kwabena Adjei who is seeking reelection appears to be worst hit by the attack.

The former Attorney General who was launching his new book told Joy News' Beatrice Adu that Dr Adjei is insincere and is playing a politics of convenience.

Dr Adjei has been vehement in his criticism of persons he accused of infiltrating the party.

According to him, the persons, whose names he failed to mention have abandoned the philosophy of probity and accountability which formed the foundation of the NDC and are pursuing an agenda of vote buying, mudslinging and vile propaganda.

But in a subtle response Dr Obed Asamoah hinted that Dr Adjei has no right to accuse people of infiltrating the party.

He said even Dr Adjei was not an NDC stalk. According to him, Dr Adjei was then a member of the Progress Party. It was through him (Dr Asamoah) that the incumbent chair became a member of the NDC.

Dr Asamoah's comments come only hours to the much anticipated Congress that would elect new executives for the NDC.

He would not comment on who would win what in the elections except to conclude most of the aspirants are not competent.

Source: Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah 

NDC’s free SHS different from NPP’s – Ablakwa

          

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Tertiary Education

 The Deputy Education Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has asked critics of the progressive free Senior High School(SHS) policy not to compare it with a similar programme the opposition New Patriotic Party(NPP) preached in the 2012 election.

Speaking at Thursday’s  “Government For the People” forum in Accra, Ablakwa said“ the difference in our policy is that we believe that you must do things right…”

“…by September 2015 we would have increased the number of spaces available to our products from the Junior High School. President Mahama indeed had a right diagnosis and he is keeping according to his pledge.”

“Free SHS policy was the main campaign message of the NPP in the 2012 general elections.

It was criticized by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) but President John Mahama in his 2014 State of the Nation address announced that his administration was going to introduce a progressive free SHS education.

His announcement has received wide spread criticism from different quarters while some teacher unions have also expressed grave concerns that the policy will affect the quality of education.Government nonetheless is putting measures in place to begin the implementation of the policy in January 2015.

Mr. Okudzeto said government has begun rolling out series to programmes to ensure that the policy becomes a reality next year.

Meanwhile government has revealed that over 3,000 students are expected to benefit from the programme.

The Deputy Minister has said he is confident government will sustain the free SHS programme. 

By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Ofosu-Ampofo Tells NDC To End Propaganda of Lies

An aspiring National Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has warned the party of the dire consequence propaganda against aspirants seeking national officers in the party's upcoming congress in Kumasi, could do to the NDC if not nipped in the bud. Amongst the vibrant political parties in the Ghana, only the NDC seems to place more priority on using propaganda to propagate their message. Within the party’s structure, there is a Propaganda Secretary ably assisted by a deputy. Ahead of the NDC’s congress to elect officers on Saturday, Hon. Samuel Ofosu- Ampofo was confronted with a question which sought to know the camp he belongs to. In response to the above question on Peacefm’s midday news, the former minister of Local Government and Rural Development simply stated that “I don’t belong to any camp. I am in the NDC camp”. He explained that some weak candidates deliberately tried to tag their contenders with camps just so delegates would hate them. Hon. Samuel Ofosu- Ampofo further added that they were all propaganda tactics which was bad for the NDC if allowed to continue. According to him, if such ploys were allowed to stand, it could only create an environment for people to run down credible candidates who can move the party forward.

Source: peacefmonline.com

How Ghanaian cassava farmers are saved by a beer

The introduction of Ruut Extra has provided ready market to cassava farmers.

Ghanaians are embracing the use of locally produced raw materials even though it is seen as inadequate.

Ghana produces food crops in abundance and in their raw state, these food items often go waste due to lack of ready market for consumption. This is the case with cassava, Ghana’s most highly produced crop and a staple of the Ghanaian consumer diet.

Ghana is said to be the 6th largest producer of cassava in the world in terms of value, with the commodity constituting 22% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to a Country Case Study of Cassava Development in Ghana prepared by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and published by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2005.

According to the FAO, about 50% of cassava produced in the country is lost along the value chain despite an annual production growth of 6% over the past six years.

While the crop is cultivated in large enough volumes to produce an annual surplus of over 5 million metric tons, its commercialization is said to be significantly limited by rapid spoilage upon harvest and a lack of processing capacity close to production areas.

Cassava is most commonly consumed as Gari – fermented and ground into granules similar to fine couscous – or pounded into a mashed potato-like consistency as Fufu – eaten with soups or sauces.

The crop is now slowly shedding its image as a “poor man’s crop” or a “home crop” to a business venture crop for farmers. Some experts in the agricultural sector are tipping it as a game changer crop for many local farmers. This is because of the ready market platform provided by some multinational brewery firms like Diageo Plc with its Ghanaian subsidiary Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL). Businesses are now attracted to cassava, thus the sharp rise in price of the crop; therefore an attractive proposition for farmers.

In December 2012, following the introduction by the Ghanaian government of tax rates that promote the use of local raw material inputs, GGBL created Ruut Extra Premium Beer - a well-balanced, premium clear beer based on cassava.

Through technological developments and close collaboration with the farming community, GGBL was able to bring to market Ghana’s first commercial cassava beer at a price affordable for a broader number of Ghanaian consumers.

This is Diageo’s first beer brewed using cassava and also holds the Diageo record for speed of development: eight weeks from concept to commercialization. Its introduction was made possible due to the Ghanaian government’s progressive policy on local raw materials, which has resulted in concessions on products containing a majority of local ingredients. This innovation also supports Diageo’s ambition to increase local sourcing in Africa, helping support agricultural development and benefiting local smallholder farming communities.

According to the Agric Sector Annual Progress Report 2013 published by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the introduction of the beer has provided ready market to cassava farmers. This is partly responsible for the general increase in the area put under cassava production.

The MoFA report indicated that as of 2013, GGBL has purchased more than 3,500 metric tons of cassava from local famers mainly in Atebubu (Brong Ahafo Region), Ho (Volta Region), Nkwanta (Volta Region) and Suhum (Eastern Region). 

The report noted that a total 4,741 metric tonnes of cassava purchased for beer brewing in Ghana, GGBL buys over 74% of them.

The opportunity to make beer by using cassava in Ghana is unique, perfectly fitting into the 2014 Farmers Day theme “Eat What We Grow”. Cassava farmers over the years have complained that after harvest, they are unable find buyers and majority of the crop goes bad. For this reason most farmers gave up cultivating cassava.

“But now we are very happy with the introduction of Ghana’s first beer Ruut Extra many are now cultivating more cassava,” James Akwetey Moore, farmer based in Suhum said. During the main crop season, farmers now cultivate about 100 to 150 acres of cassava and sell it to factories such as the Ayensu Starch Factory which the government has partnered GGBL to operate.

“First and foremost, having a local supply chain that is resilient is important to the business. Furthermore, you do not have to spend huge amount of foreign exchange to import raw materials. The benefits of local sourcing for the community are extremely obvious. 

To be connected as a farmer to a business like Guinness Ghana is absolutely important,” said Kweku Sekyi- Cann, Marketing Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited.

According to the beverage company, it is committed to developing its local procurement in partnership with the government and the local smallholder farming community to provide economic opportunity within the agricultural sector while creating great products for the Ghanaian consumer.

About 75% of consumers in Africa exist on about $4 a day, a situation that a consumer insight revealed and that led to the Ruut Extra project. It was to deliver quality product at a price the consumer can afford.

Combined with the knowledge in production and using local material to do something that is refreshingly unique to the Ghanaian people, the Ruut Extra project, according to officials was delivered in record time from idea to market within weeks.

GGBL’s intention was to significantly expand the use of locally sourced materials. “We have developed programs to support farmers and we intend to invest in this program in further support of stakeholders including government,” said Sekyi-Cann.

GGBL approaches its agricultural supply chain knowing that the future prosperity of farmers, suppliers and the business is closely linked with the ability to create partnerships and generate joint business value in ways that are sustainable, secure, and mutually beneficial.

The company supports sustainable sourcing and, where appropriate, local sourcing of raw materials which meet their quality standards. Increasingly, it is looks at alternative raw materials which are more resilient and better adapted to their local climates.

Source: Kweku McForson