Story: Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Sunyani
THE Sunyani office of the Attorney General’s (A-G) Department has recommended that 11 people should be tried at the high court for their role in the death of Anthony Yeboah-Boateng, former Administrator of the Goaso Government Hospital at Atronie, near Sunyani.
The 11 are among 30 suspects standing trial at the Sunyani Magistrate’s Court “B” for their role in the death of Yeboah-Boateng on Easter Sunday this year.
The late Yeboah- Boateng was also the Presiding Member of the Asunafo North District Assembly before his death.
After his murder, the 30 suspects were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, contrary to the Section 23(1) and 46 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960(Act 29).
They are also facing charges of murder, contrary to Section 46 and causing unlawful damage, contrary to Section 172(i) of the same Act.
A source close to the courts in Sunyani named the 11 suspects to be tried at the high court as Douglas Afriyie, aAlias Dougie, Stephen Donkor, alias Kofi Ankamah, Kwasi , alias Nana Kusi, Kwaku Agyeman Badu, alias Wakuu, Adama Hamidu, James Dankwah, Kwame Yeboah, Addae, alias Akolo, Kwadwo Awuah, alias Koo Wuaa or “I see”, Kwame Anokye, Emmanuel Kwaku Lartey, alias Adjetey and Kwame Krah, alias Koo Krah.
The source said the A-G’s office also directed that the police should make efforts to apprehend 14 others who were now at large for prosecution.
They are Yaw Kwateng, alias Akiel, Kwabena Mensah, alias Alasisi, Julian Coffie, alias Akro Danel, Kwame Gyau, Kwasi Boampong, alias Kaisser Jnr, Yaw Akoto and Yaw Asamoah, alias Dagaa or Gongong.
Some others are Kwame Dada, Yaw Michael, alias Mike, Osei Kwabena, Kwadwo Nsafoa, alias Polar, Kwadwo Brenya, Kwaku Fitter and Kwadwo Boadi.
However, the sources indicated that the law office further advised that the charges preferred against six of the suspects, including the Chief and the Queen of Atronie, Nana Amponsem Darko, and Nana Wirekoaa Afriyie, respectively and Agbonovi Abuja, Charles Kwaku Yeboah, Emmanuel Kwabena Ampong and Kwadwo Boadi should be dropped.
According to the source, the A-G’s office explained that “the six denied any knowledge of the charges preferred against them and the available evidence was inadequate to sustain the prosecution of the charges preferred against them. In the circumstances, I advise that the charges preferred against them should be dropped”.
The source further indicated that the police were to prepare a summary of evidence and a bill of indictment against the suspect after which they would be discharged from the Magistrate’s Court presided over by Mr Albert Zooga and commit them to the high court for trial.
Apart from Nana Darko, Nana Afriyie, Ampong and Yeboah, who have already been granted bail, all others are still on remand and are to appear again on January 14, 2008.
According to the source, the police were dissatisfied with the advice to discharge the chief and the queen of Atronie, and the prosecution would meet with officials of the AG’s office to commit the two for trial on a charge of abetment, since they were alleged to be linked to the murder.
On April 8, 2007, Yeboah-Boateng in the company of his wife and two other women travelled from Goaso to Sunyani to convey the corpse of a relative from the regional hospital to the Goaso Hospital’s mortuary.
When they got to Atronie with the corpse, the accused persons, together with others at large, blocked the main road with rocks and cement blocks, forcing Yeboah-Boateng to stop.
The accused persons, together with the others, rushed on Yeboah-Boateng and accused him of being a ritual murderer, because he was carrying a corpse in his car.
Before the deceased could offer any explanation, the accused and others pulled him out of the vehicle and clubbed him to death, attempting to set his body and car ablaze.
The accused persons then vandalised his car and the corpse, and bolted from the town.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
TIMBER FIRM IN MASSIVE TREE-PLANTING EXERCISE (Back Page)
Story: Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Adabokrom
A MEMBER of the Council of State, General E.K. Sam, has commended the management and staff of Ayum Forest Products (Mim) Limited, a private timber company operating in the Goaso municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region, for embarking on a massive tree planting programme in all its catchment areas.
Since 2002, when the company started its reforestation programme at Atronie, near Sunyani, a large number of tree species have been planted.
At the Amama Forest Reserve in the area, the company has planted Cedrella, Ofram, Ceiba, Mohagany, Edinam, Wawa, Makore, Utile, Kyenkyen, Koto, Kokrodua, Mansonia, Asanfina and Akosa.
General Sam gave the commendation in a speech read on his behalf at the handing-over of a ¢550 million (GH¢55,000) palace for the chief and people of Adabokrom in the Bia District of the Western Region where the company also operates.
The successful completion of the palace project, which comprises bedrooms, an open courtyard, offices, store and other facilities, formed part of the company’s social responsibility programme.
According to the Member of the Council of State, the decision by the company to carry out the reforestation project was in the right direction, since trees are the foundation of a successful and fruitful future for the timber industry.
General Sam said the company recognised that unless it put back what it had taken out of the forest, the industry would have no future, adding that future generations deserved a better deal for a guaranteed livelihood in the preservation of whatever their ancestors bequeathed to them.
He also expressed satisfaction that the management of the company was planning a major replication of the tree planting programme at Dormaa Ahenkro, Bomaa, Ayonso and its environs, all in the Brong Ahafo Region and Asankragwa in the Western Region where the company also operates.
The Council of State member again observed that since its inception over six years ago, Ayum had undergone significant changes from logging and sawmilling to wood processing, and that the company had become a net exporter of processed lumber to Europe and neighbouring countries.
“Indeed, Ayum has won national awards in this category for the past two years and is convinced that logs are the basic raw materials for its operations. It has embarked on three planting in all its catchment areas,” he emphasised.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bia, Mr Benjamin Armah, suggested that the company institute a scholarship scheme for schoolchildren in the area to enable them to access quality education, which would eventually make them contribute their quota to the development of the area in particular, and the country as a whole.
He commended the people for having lived in peace, unity and love over the years and urged them to continue in that spirit of togetherness.
The DCE appealed to the people to draw a programme to regularly maintain the building, which he described as a laudable legacy so as to prolong its lifespan.
Nana Kwadwo Adowa IV, the chief of Adabokrom, and the Managing Director of the Company, Mr Ziady Naji, jointly unveiled a plaque to inaugurate the palace.
Nana Adowa expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the management of the company for responding quickly to the request he made on behalf of the people for the construction of the palace.
A MEMBER of the Council of State, General E.K. Sam, has commended the management and staff of Ayum Forest Products (Mim) Limited, a private timber company operating in the Goaso municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region, for embarking on a massive tree planting programme in all its catchment areas.
Since 2002, when the company started its reforestation programme at Atronie, near Sunyani, a large number of tree species have been planted.
At the Amama Forest Reserve in the area, the company has planted Cedrella, Ofram, Ceiba, Mohagany, Edinam, Wawa, Makore, Utile, Kyenkyen, Koto, Kokrodua, Mansonia, Asanfina and Akosa.
General Sam gave the commendation in a speech read on his behalf at the handing-over of a ¢550 million (GH¢55,000) palace for the chief and people of Adabokrom in the Bia District of the Western Region where the company also operates.
The successful completion of the palace project, which comprises bedrooms, an open courtyard, offices, store and other facilities, formed part of the company’s social responsibility programme.
According to the Member of the Council of State, the decision by the company to carry out the reforestation project was in the right direction, since trees are the foundation of a successful and fruitful future for the timber industry.
General Sam said the company recognised that unless it put back what it had taken out of the forest, the industry would have no future, adding that future generations deserved a better deal for a guaranteed livelihood in the preservation of whatever their ancestors bequeathed to them.
He also expressed satisfaction that the management of the company was planning a major replication of the tree planting programme at Dormaa Ahenkro, Bomaa, Ayonso and its environs, all in the Brong Ahafo Region and Asankragwa in the Western Region where the company also operates.
The Council of State member again observed that since its inception over six years ago, Ayum had undergone significant changes from logging and sawmilling to wood processing, and that the company had become a net exporter of processed lumber to Europe and neighbouring countries.
“Indeed, Ayum has won national awards in this category for the past two years and is convinced that logs are the basic raw materials for its operations. It has embarked on three planting in all its catchment areas,” he emphasised.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bia, Mr Benjamin Armah, suggested that the company institute a scholarship scheme for schoolchildren in the area to enable them to access quality education, which would eventually make them contribute their quota to the development of the area in particular, and the country as a whole.
He commended the people for having lived in peace, unity and love over the years and urged them to continue in that spirit of togetherness.
The DCE appealed to the people to draw a programme to regularly maintain the building, which he described as a laudable legacy so as to prolong its lifespan.
Nana Kwadwo Adowa IV, the chief of Adabokrom, and the Managing Director of the Company, Mr Ziady Naji, jointly unveiled a plaque to inaugurate the palace.
Nana Adowa expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the management of the company for responding quickly to the request he made on behalf of the people for the construction of the palace.
Monday, December 10, 2007
KESBEN FC WIN AGAIN (Back Page)
Story: Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Sunyani
NEW entrants, Kessben F/C, continued with their winning ways when they deepened the troubles of their city counterparts, King Faisal, by beating them 2-0 in their own backyard at their adopted Sunyani Coronation Park yesterday, reports Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah.
Two goals from James Boadu (47th minute) and Dan Addo (62nd minute spot kick) sealed victory for ‘Aseda Nkoa’ boys.
NEW entrants, Kessben F/C, continued with their winning ways when they deepened the troubles of their city counterparts, King Faisal, by beating them 2-0 in their own backyard at their adopted Sunyani Coronation Park yesterday, reports Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah.
Two goals from James Boadu (47th minute) and Dan Addo (62nd minute spot kick) sealed victory for ‘Aseda Nkoa’ boys.
STAKEHOLDERS DISCUSS ROOT, TUBER IMPROVEMENT (Page 20)
Story: Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Sunyani
Stakeholders of the implantation of the Root and Tuber Improvement Programme (RTIMP) from across the country have met in Sunyani to review the progress of the project, which started last year.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Ghana are jointly funding the eight-year project with a total of $21.8 million.
The RTIMP, which is a follow up to the Root and Tuber Improvement Programme, [RTIP], which was started in 2000, has the objective to build competitive, market-driven and inclusive root and tuber commodity chains, supported by relevant, effective and sustainable delivery mechanisms of services that are easily accessible to the rural poor.
Cassava, Yam, Cocoyam, Sweet Potato and Frafra Potato, found in the Upper East Region, are classified as root and tuber crops.
About 100 participants, made up of researchers, farmers, processors, representatives of non-governmental organisations and staff of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, attended the two-day workshop.
The National Programme Co-ordinator of the RTIMP, Mr Akwasi Adjei Adjekum, explained that there were several farmers who cultivated varieties of the crops in the 1980s, but their yield was low owing to an attack of the African Cassava Mosaic Disease.
In view of that, he said, MOFA in collaboration with the Crop Research Institute in Kumasi, developed new varieties with improved yields in 1996, but the farmers were not aware of the availability of those varieties so IFAD came in to support the government with the RTIMP.
Mr Adjekum explained that the RTIMP was initiated with emphasis on processing and marketing of the produce in addition to the production aspect under the RTIMP in the first phase so that the farmers would this time around benefit.
He indicated that the project would assist cassava processors to acquire more efficient equipment, since currently, the cassava processors were using less efficient machines in the processing of cassava into gari, adding however that, the equipment would be supplied in the form of grant and credit.
He noted that with a more efficient equipment, the processors could purchase more cassava and process them, and in the end earn more money as the project would also assist them to access market for their produce.
Stakeholders of the implantation of the Root and Tuber Improvement Programme (RTIMP) from across the country have met in Sunyani to review the progress of the project, which started last year.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Ghana are jointly funding the eight-year project with a total of $21.8 million.
The RTIMP, which is a follow up to the Root and Tuber Improvement Programme, [RTIP], which was started in 2000, has the objective to build competitive, market-driven and inclusive root and tuber commodity chains, supported by relevant, effective and sustainable delivery mechanisms of services that are easily accessible to the rural poor.
Cassava, Yam, Cocoyam, Sweet Potato and Frafra Potato, found in the Upper East Region, are classified as root and tuber crops.
About 100 participants, made up of researchers, farmers, processors, representatives of non-governmental organisations and staff of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, attended the two-day workshop.
The National Programme Co-ordinator of the RTIMP, Mr Akwasi Adjei Adjekum, explained that there were several farmers who cultivated varieties of the crops in the 1980s, but their yield was low owing to an attack of the African Cassava Mosaic Disease.
In view of that, he said, MOFA in collaboration with the Crop Research Institute in Kumasi, developed new varieties with improved yields in 1996, but the farmers were not aware of the availability of those varieties so IFAD came in to support the government with the RTIMP.
Mr Adjekum explained that the RTIMP was initiated with emphasis on processing and marketing of the produce in addition to the production aspect under the RTIMP in the first phase so that the farmers would this time around benefit.
He indicated that the project would assist cassava processors to acquire more efficient equipment, since currently, the cassava processors were using less efficient machines in the processing of cassava into gari, adding however that, the equipment would be supplied in the form of grant and credit.
He noted that with a more efficient equipment, the processors could purchase more cassava and process them, and in the end earn more money as the project would also assist them to access market for their produce.
'CREATE SEPARATE MINISTRY FOR LIVESTOCK' (Page 20
Story: Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Sunyani
THE Principal of the Sunyani Polytechnic, Professor Kwasi Nsiah-Gyabaah, has called on the government to seriously consider the creation of a Ministry for Livestock so as to provide the needed impetus for growth and development.
He argued that the separation of that sector from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture would not only increase the resources needed to accomplish its tasks and responsibilities effectively and efficiently but also put it in a front line position in the treatment of new diseases.
Speaking at the 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) in Sunyani, Prof. Nsiah-Gyabaah emphasised that the foundation of the dynamic growth in tourism in South Africa, Kenya and other East African Countries was the result of corporate support of veterinarians in maintaining diverse animal population in national parks and nature reserves.
He pointed out that any progress veterinary professionals could make to fight the spread of animal diseases would depend on hard work, determination and their capacity to undertake research and learn more to improve on their knowledge for the benefit of the people they served.
Prof. Nsiah-Gyabaah commended members of the association for the professional manner in which they handled the recent outbreak of the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the country, which he said was acknowledged worldwide and had become the envy of many other African countries.
“The important role of the veterinary professionals was recognised when bird population came under serious threat as a result of the outbreak of bird flu in Togo and in Ghana. It was the first time that many people came to know about what veterinarians do and your role in controlling the spread of animal diseases,” he noted.
Dr Enoch B. M. Koney, the President of the GVMA, disclosed that barring any unforeseen circumstances, training of veterinarians would begin at the University of Ghana, Legon in Accra next year.
That, he said, would undoubtedly help improve human resource potential of the veterinary profession to the benefit of the country as new veterinarians would be trained and the few already in the system would have access to different professional training packages.
The Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, in a speech read on his behalf, called on veterinarians to help remedy the problem of protein deficiency, adding, “I have no doubt of your technical capabilities and expertise to lift Ghana out of this protein deficiency syndrome.”
THE Principal of the Sunyani Polytechnic, Professor Kwasi Nsiah-Gyabaah, has called on the government to seriously consider the creation of a Ministry for Livestock so as to provide the needed impetus for growth and development.
He argued that the separation of that sector from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture would not only increase the resources needed to accomplish its tasks and responsibilities effectively and efficiently but also put it in a front line position in the treatment of new diseases.
Speaking at the 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) in Sunyani, Prof. Nsiah-Gyabaah emphasised that the foundation of the dynamic growth in tourism in South Africa, Kenya and other East African Countries was the result of corporate support of veterinarians in maintaining diverse animal population in national parks and nature reserves.
He pointed out that any progress veterinary professionals could make to fight the spread of animal diseases would depend on hard work, determination and their capacity to undertake research and learn more to improve on their knowledge for the benefit of the people they served.
Prof. Nsiah-Gyabaah commended members of the association for the professional manner in which they handled the recent outbreak of the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the country, which he said was acknowledged worldwide and had become the envy of many other African countries.
“The important role of the veterinary professionals was recognised when bird population came under serious threat as a result of the outbreak of bird flu in Togo and in Ghana. It was the first time that many people came to know about what veterinarians do and your role in controlling the spread of animal diseases,” he noted.
Dr Enoch B. M. Koney, the President of the GVMA, disclosed that barring any unforeseen circumstances, training of veterinarians would begin at the University of Ghana, Legon in Accra next year.
That, he said, would undoubtedly help improve human resource potential of the veterinary profession to the benefit of the country as new veterinarians would be trained and the few already in the system would have access to different professional training packages.
The Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, in a speech read on his behalf, called on veterinarians to help remedy the problem of protein deficiency, adding, “I have no doubt of your technical capabilities and expertise to lift Ghana out of this protein deficiency syndrome.”
2,200 UNDERGO TRAINING IN PLANTAIN, GINGER PRODUCTION (Page 20)
Story: Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Ntotroso
TWO thousand two hundred people who have been affected by the operations of the Ahafo Mine of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) in the Asutifi District in the Brong-Ahafo Region have undergone training in improved methods of the production of plantain, ginger, chilli pepper, maize, as well as the processing of gari and oil palm.
Out of the total, 500 of the farmers who have formed groups have been assisted to obtain micro credit in the form of farming inputs.
NGGL in collaboration with the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre International (OICI) and African Connection Ghana Limited, a Ghana-based consulting firm, has initiated three programmes with the aim of sustaining and improving upon the livelihood in the mining communities.
The programmes are the Agricultural Improvement and Land Access Programme, the Ahafo Agribusiness Growth Initiative and the Livelihoods Enhancement and Community Empowerment Programme.
In view of the success story of the various interventions, the NGGL has organised an Open Day to showcase some of the farmers’ produce.
In a welcoming address, the acting Superintendent incharge of Agricultural Improvement Programme at NGGL, Mr Duut Nelson, said the rationale for the open day was to provide a platform to put in the public domain the achievements since the inception of the various programmes.
“We have covered a significant ground in these programmes and we think it is important that we meet to take stock of what we have been doing and where it has brought us so far,” he said.
According to him, the event was also to remind the public of the commitment by NGGL to deliver improved agricultural practices, thereby making the Ahafo the food basket of Ghana, adding, “We are hopeful that this will provide us with the insight into the future direction of our endeavours.”
Mr Nelson said the company wanted to use the occasion to reflect the spirit of true partnership which the management demonstrated as a true mine of choice, and commended the beneficiaries for their hard work and dedication.
Dr Ayesha S. Hakeem, the Managing Director of African Connections, explained that her organisation designed and implemented training programmes for farmers to improve the quantity and quality of their produce to enable them to meet international marketing standards.
She said the overall objective of the project was to stimulate long-term economic growth and to improve the livelihoods of the communities of Ahafo.
Prizes were presented to those farmers whose farm produce were outstanding.
TWO thousand two hundred people who have been affected by the operations of the Ahafo Mine of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) in the Asutifi District in the Brong-Ahafo Region have undergone training in improved methods of the production of plantain, ginger, chilli pepper, maize, as well as the processing of gari and oil palm.
Out of the total, 500 of the farmers who have formed groups have been assisted to obtain micro credit in the form of farming inputs.
NGGL in collaboration with the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre International (OICI) and African Connection Ghana Limited, a Ghana-based consulting firm, has initiated three programmes with the aim of sustaining and improving upon the livelihood in the mining communities.
The programmes are the Agricultural Improvement and Land Access Programme, the Ahafo Agribusiness Growth Initiative and the Livelihoods Enhancement and Community Empowerment Programme.
In view of the success story of the various interventions, the NGGL has organised an Open Day to showcase some of the farmers’ produce.
In a welcoming address, the acting Superintendent incharge of Agricultural Improvement Programme at NGGL, Mr Duut Nelson, said the rationale for the open day was to provide a platform to put in the public domain the achievements since the inception of the various programmes.
“We have covered a significant ground in these programmes and we think it is important that we meet to take stock of what we have been doing and where it has brought us so far,” he said.
According to him, the event was also to remind the public of the commitment by NGGL to deliver improved agricultural practices, thereby making the Ahafo the food basket of Ghana, adding, “We are hopeful that this will provide us with the insight into the future direction of our endeavours.”
Mr Nelson said the company wanted to use the occasion to reflect the spirit of true partnership which the management demonstrated as a true mine of choice, and commended the beneficiaries for their hard work and dedication.
Dr Ayesha S. Hakeem, the Managing Director of African Connections, explained that her organisation designed and implemented training programmes for farmers to improve the quantity and quality of their produce to enable them to meet international marketing standards.
She said the overall objective of the project was to stimulate long-term economic growth and to improve the livelihoods of the communities of Ahafo.
Prizes were presented to those farmers whose farm produce were outstanding.
Monday, December 3, 2007
KOTOKO WHITEWASH ALL BLACKS (Back Page)
Story: Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Sunyani
KUMASI Asante Kotoko reduced visiting Gamba All Blacks to a mere side at their adopted Sunyani Coronation Park yesterday after whipping them 3-0 in a Onetouch Premier League opener.
In what could be the fastest goal in the first week, Kotoko opened the scoring when midfelder, Daniel Nii Adjei, expertly took a free kick just outside the 18-yard box that beat All Blacks keeper, Isaac Akrong.
In the ninth minute, Kotoko striker, Kwabena Yaro, messed up a bright chance before the visitors took over the game and dictated the pace.
All Blacks kept Kotoko’s goal area boiling but poor marksmanship denied them the equaliser until the 44th minute when Kotoko’s new-found striker, Eric Bekoe, headed home beautifully from Francis Coffie’s cross.
Kotoko’s third goal was classic by all standards and a delight to watch as full back Harrison Afful raced into attack to unleash a 30-yard thunderbolt, which zoomed into the net to the amazement of goalkeeper Akrong and the huge crowd.
The second half began with former Bofoakwa goalkeeper Ransford Cudjoe, replacing Akrong, while good old Emmanuel Osei Kuffour came on for Nii Adjei.
KUMASI Asante Kotoko reduced visiting Gamba All Blacks to a mere side at their adopted Sunyani Coronation Park yesterday after whipping them 3-0 in a Onetouch Premier League opener.
In what could be the fastest goal in the first week, Kotoko opened the scoring when midfelder, Daniel Nii Adjei, expertly took a free kick just outside the 18-yard box that beat All Blacks keeper, Isaac Akrong.
In the ninth minute, Kotoko striker, Kwabena Yaro, messed up a bright chance before the visitors took over the game and dictated the pace.
All Blacks kept Kotoko’s goal area boiling but poor marksmanship denied them the equaliser until the 44th minute when Kotoko’s new-found striker, Eric Bekoe, headed home beautifully from Francis Coffie’s cross.
Kotoko’s third goal was classic by all standards and a delight to watch as full back Harrison Afful raced into attack to unleash a 30-yard thunderbolt, which zoomed into the net to the amazement of goalkeeper Akrong and the huge crowd.
The second half began with former Bofoakwa goalkeeper Ransford Cudjoe, replacing Akrong, while good old Emmanuel Osei Kuffour came on for Nii Adjei.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
POULTRY FARMERS ATTEND WORKSHOP IN TECHIMAN (Page 19. Sat Dec 1, 2007)
Story: Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Techiman
A VETERINARY Officer in the Brong Ahafo Region, Dr Agyemang Atuahene Kontor, has suggested the establishment of Biosecurity Schools for poultry farmers as the way forward to completely curb Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the country.
He stressed that the most effective defence against the spread of Bird Flu was through biosecurity and that should mean clustering together poultry farmers in groups of between 10 and 15 and then taking them through certain practices in poultry management and disease prevention.
Biosecurity is the implementation of policies and practices that prevent infectious diseases from entering poultry farms.
Throwing more light on his suggestion to the Daily Graphic in Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region as a resource person after a workshop on Farm Biosecurity for Poultry Farmers from Nkoranza, Wenchi, Kintampo and Techiman, Dr Kontor insisted that if the farmers went through the management and disease prevention over a period of time, they could adopt and adapt measures that would halt the spread of the disease.
The Poultry Development Board organised the workshop for the poultry farmers to educate them on biosecurity measures to improve upon the system on poultry farms, even in the aftermath of the bird flu outbreak in the country.
He explained that after the adoptation/adaptation of those measures, they would then be placed in categories according to their levels of adoption and adaptation and that those complying excellently, would be identified in what he termed as compartment A, B and so on.
According to Dr Kontor, those in compartment A had a lower risk of disease attacking their farms from outside than for instance those in compartment D who did not practice those poultry management and disease prevention.
The veterinary doctor further indicated that those in compartment A could hence be recommended to easily obtain financial assistance from the banks and at the same time, he said, in the event of disease outbreak in the region or country, it would not be necessary to ban the movement or sale of birds from such farms.
"This is recommended as the next way forward for the poultry industry in Ghana as the Biosecurity Schools concept is being practised elsewhere, especially, the compartmentalisation idea," he said.
He again pointed out that there were biosecurity components, including isolation, which meant the separation of poultry premises from sources of infection, as well as building a fence around specific entry and exit gates.
Dr Kontor also mentioned movement control as another component where the farm management should restrict the movement of people and vehicles in and out of susceptible areas and between farms, to limit exposures, by designating sales point outside farms to prevent retailers entering farms, and that egg trays taken out of farm should never be taken into poultry houses.
On sanitation as a component, the vet indicated that, the avian influenza virus was very sensitive to detergents, disinfectants and even high temperatures, hence the need to disinfect barriers and vehicles, as well as hand wash with soap and water after attending to the birds.
For Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), he said the disease may appear in a flock and many birds may die, either without signs or with minimal signs of depressions, ruffled feathers, no specific clinical signs, no specific pathological signs and different diagnosis.
He, therefore, pointed out that a rapid diagnosis of HAPI was paramount in their early control and eradication, adding, "Report all unusual signs on farms to the nearest veterinary office."
A VETERINARY Officer in the Brong Ahafo Region, Dr Agyemang Atuahene Kontor, has suggested the establishment of Biosecurity Schools for poultry farmers as the way forward to completely curb Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the country.
He stressed that the most effective defence against the spread of Bird Flu was through biosecurity and that should mean clustering together poultry farmers in groups of between 10 and 15 and then taking them through certain practices in poultry management and disease prevention.
Biosecurity is the implementation of policies and practices that prevent infectious diseases from entering poultry farms.
Throwing more light on his suggestion to the Daily Graphic in Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region as a resource person after a workshop on Farm Biosecurity for Poultry Farmers from Nkoranza, Wenchi, Kintampo and Techiman, Dr Kontor insisted that if the farmers went through the management and disease prevention over a period of time, they could adopt and adapt measures that would halt the spread of the disease.
The Poultry Development Board organised the workshop for the poultry farmers to educate them on biosecurity measures to improve upon the system on poultry farms, even in the aftermath of the bird flu outbreak in the country.
He explained that after the adoptation/adaptation of those measures, they would then be placed in categories according to their levels of adoption and adaptation and that those complying excellently, would be identified in what he termed as compartment A, B and so on.
According to Dr Kontor, those in compartment A had a lower risk of disease attacking their farms from outside than for instance those in compartment D who did not practice those poultry management and disease prevention.
The veterinary doctor further indicated that those in compartment A could hence be recommended to easily obtain financial assistance from the banks and at the same time, he said, in the event of disease outbreak in the region or country, it would not be necessary to ban the movement or sale of birds from such farms.
"This is recommended as the next way forward for the poultry industry in Ghana as the Biosecurity Schools concept is being practised elsewhere, especially, the compartmentalisation idea," he said.
He again pointed out that there were biosecurity components, including isolation, which meant the separation of poultry premises from sources of infection, as well as building a fence around specific entry and exit gates.
Dr Kontor also mentioned movement control as another component where the farm management should restrict the movement of people and vehicles in and out of susceptible areas and between farms, to limit exposures, by designating sales point outside farms to prevent retailers entering farms, and that egg trays taken out of farm should never be taken into poultry houses.
On sanitation as a component, the vet indicated that, the avian influenza virus was very sensitive to detergents, disinfectants and even high temperatures, hence the need to disinfect barriers and vehicles, as well as hand wash with soap and water after attending to the birds.
For Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), he said the disease may appear in a flock and many birds may die, either without signs or with minimal signs of depressions, ruffled feathers, no specific clinical signs, no specific pathological signs and different diagnosis.
He, therefore, pointed out that a rapid diagnosis of HAPI was paramount in their early control and eradication, adding, "Report all unusual signs on farms to the nearest veterinary office."
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