Why Timely Access to Songotra-T Cowpea Seeds Is Vital 4 Farmers in Northern Ghana

The genesis of Songotra-T Cowpea Seeds; In the Nanton District of Ghana’s Northern Region, cowpea farmer Aminu Alhassan has spent years struggling to feed his family. Without access to modern tools or technologies, he relied on sheer determination. But when the Maruca vitrata pest began destroying crops across his community, Aminu took action—organizing pesticide access for fellow farmers and searching for lasting solutions.

That search led him to a breakthrough: a genetically modified cowpea variety designed to resist Maruca infestations. He discovered it through a Ministry of Food and Agriculture extension officer who introduced him to the CSIR–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI). From there, Aminu joined a group of farmers piloting the new Songotra-T Cowpea—an innovation he now considers transformative.

During a severe drought last year, Aminu planted just one acre of the new seed. While most farmers saw total crop failure, he harvested between 9 and 10 kilograms. He used only two pesticide applications instead of the usual twelve and saw no signs of Maruca. With reduced production costs and a reliable yield, Aminu now views farming not as survival—but as a business.

The Songotra-T Cowpea, also known as the PBR Cowpea, is Ghana’s first genetically modified crop. Approved in July 2023, it contains built-in resistance that kills Maruca larvae when they feed on flowers or pods. According to Dr. Jerry Nboyine, principal investigator for the BT Cowpea Project at CSIR-SARI, Maruca is one of the most destructive pests affecting Ghana’s cowpea production, capable of wiping out as much as 80% of yields.

Field trials during the 2023 drought confirmed the seed’s resilience. In regions where conventional cowpea varieties failed, Songotra-T matured quickly and produced reliable yields. Seed companies that planted late—after August—still managed to harvest. Dr Nboyine confirmed that over 7,000 kilograms of breeder seed have already been produced, and CSIR-SARI is working with licensed seed companies to ensure distribution across the country at standard Ministry of Food and Agriculture prices.

Seed suppliers say the demand is rising quickly. Abdulai Abdulai Rafael, CEO of Prosperity Farms, described Songotra-T as a game-changer, noting that farmers now want yield without excessive spraying. Alhassan Alhassan Baba of Heritage Seeds Company Ltd added that they are actively multiplying certified seeds to meet growing demand, especially in regions prone to erratic rainfall.

Distribution has reached parts of the Northern, Upper East, and Bono East regions, but access remains a significant concern. Many farmers are eager to adopt the variety but are unable to obtain the seeds on time. Despite the seed’s proven success, delays in availability continue to be a critical bottleneck.

Aminu and others say the science has delivered—now, they need logistics and support. Farmers are calling on the government and MoFA to step in, ensuring that this breakthrough doesn’t stall due to poor distribution.

The stakes go beyond agriculture. With rising pest pressure and the challenges of climate change, Songotra-T represents more than just improved yields—it’s a matter of resilience and national food security.

As Aminu put it, the cowpea isn’t just a crop anymore—it’s salvation. The tools for change exist, but timely access is the missing link. The future of thousands of farmers may depend on it.

Gbane; Illegal Miners confront Minerals Commision Officials with gunfire

An inspection by Minerals Commission officials and Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited at a mining site in Gbane, Upper East Region, took a dangerous turn when illegal miners underground fired a warning shot at the team.

The team had descended into the tunnels of the Chinese-owned mine to investigate a smoke incident and assess safety conditions. However, deep within the shafts, they encountered groups of illegal miners—some of them reportedly teenagers—scavenging for gold ore. When asked to leave, the miners refused and responded with aggression. One individual allegedly issued a direct challenge before gunfire rang out, forcing the inspectors to retreat for their safety.

Mine Manager Firibu Salia described the encounter as tense and dangerous, saying the team realized they were not safe and had no option but to abandon the inspection and resurface.

The company has raised alarms over the increasing boldness of illegal miners, especially at Shaft 4, which it says has effectively been taken over. According to management, illicit activities are now widespread across various levels of the mine, severely disrupting operations and endangering lives.

Earlier on the same day, 42 illegal miners were trapped underground after smoke from a controlled blast filled the tunnels. A rapid response by the company’s emergency team successfully rescued the miners, highlighting the ongoing safety risks tied to unauthorized incursions.

Assistant Public Relations Officer Albert Azongo confirmed that the inspection was intended to understand the cause of the earlier smoke incident. Instead, it turned into a life-threatening episode that underscored the severity of illegal mining operations within the concession.

Earl International has reiterated its concerns over both the operational impact and safety implications of these invasions and is calling for stronger enforcement measures. Authorities are now expected to step up security in the area as tensions between large-scale mining operations and illegal miners continue to mount.

Mahama Appoints Moses Asaga to Lead PURC Board

Former Nabdam MP Moses Asaga has been appointed as the new Board Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). President John Dramani Mahama confirmed the appointment, which includes four other newly named board members.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah urged the new board to uphold transparency and efficiency in regulating public utilities. He said the administration expects diligent and meticulous service, noting that the government was elected to serve the people’s interest and must act with both urgency and care.

Debrah emphasized the importance of high performance, particularly in the energy sector, stating that strong oversight and commitment from institutions like PURC are vital to satisfying public expectations and enhancing the government’s image.

Moses Asaga brings considerable experience to the role. An economist and banker, he previously served on the PURC board while Minister for Employment and Social Welfare. That board, chaired by Dr. Emmanuel Annan, included Samuel Sarpong and three other members.

Asaga also headed the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) from 2013, following his appointment by President Mahama. He succeeded Alex Mould, who went on to lead the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). In Parliament, Asaga chaired the Select Committee on Mines and Energy and played a key role in shaping Ghana’s oil and gas policy.

The newly constituted PURC board is tasked with enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring that utility services remain affordable, reliable, and sustainable for all Ghanaians.

Businessman Convicted for Illegal Water Pump Installation in Tamale

A 50-year-old businessman, Ibrahim Baako Alhassan, has been convicted by the Tamale Circuit Court for illegally installing in-line pumps to draw water from Ghana Water Limited (GWL) pipelines. The court found him guilty on two counts: unlawful use of an in-line pump and obstruction of public officers in the course of their duties.

He was fined GH¢3,600, with a default sentence of 12 months in prison. The court, presided over by Francis Asobayire Ayamwune, also ordered him to sign a bond to be of good behaviour. His wife, who reportedly obstructed GWL officials, was issued a caution.

The case stemmed from a February 22, 2025, complaint by residents of Sakasaka, a suburb of Tamale. Though water was flowing through the network, most households received little to none, while one individual was reportedly selling water to others.

Investigations by GWL’s Loss Control Team revealed that Mr Alhassan had installed an in-line pump at his home, drawing excess water and reducing pressure in the surrounding network. This caused a water shortage for nearby homes. The illegal pump was removed, and Alhassan paid a fine.

However, on May 2, 2025, during a routine inspection, officials found that he had reinstalled the pump. When GWL officers attempted to access the site, Alhassan obstructed them, prompting the involvement of the police.

Further inspections on May 5 and 6 led to the discovery and removal of three water pumps from his property, two of which were again illegally connected to the GWL pipeline. The water supply to the household was disconnected, and Alhassan was surcharged GH¢7,694.80, covering penalties and arrears.

GWL’s Northern Regional Chief Manager, Stephen Amihere-Mensah, welcomed the court’s decision. He said such actions are more than just regulatory violations—they pose a threat to national water security. Illegal installations like these divert resources from others and undermine efforts to ensure equitable water distribution.

He encouraged the public to avoid illegal connections and cooperate with GWL to maintain reliable access to water for all.

Nabdam Education Director Appeals for Urgent Help to Protect Kindergarten Pupils

The Director of Education in the Nabdam District, Mary Magdalene Wompakeah, has issued a strong call for support to improve conditions at two kindergartens in the area. Her concern centres on the poor state of infrastructure at Pelungu and Kongo Kindergartens, where nearly 100 young pupils are at risk.

In Kongo, the school buildings are in horrible shape. With the rainy season approaching, the Education Director fears the situation could turn dangerous if nothing is done. She described the structures as extremely unsafe and warned that delays in fixing them could lead to tragedy.

Wompakeah made the appeal during a short ceremony where the MP for Nabdam, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, donated learning materials to BECE candidates. While she acknowledged the MP’s continued support for education, she stressed that fixing classroom infrastructure must now become a top priority.

She pointed out that pupils should not be learning in fear and urged all stakeholders to help create safe and hopeful learning spaces. Wompakeah emphasised that education cannot thrive in buildings that discourage children or put their safety at risk.

Although the donation of materials will help ease pressure on BECE candidates, the Education Director encouraged stakeholders to also consider the long-term needs of early learners. She emphasised the importance of addressing the root problems in the district’s education system, particularly the condition of the school buildings.

She called on NGOs, individuals, and companies to partner with the Ghana Education Service to improve classroom infrastructure and ensure that every child in the Nabdam District has access to safe and quality education.

Ena Foundation to Support Over 800 BECE Candidates in Bolga East

More than 800 students preparing for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Bolgatanga East District are set to receive vital support from the Ena Foundation, a nonprofit committed to improving access to education.

The effort is part of the foundation’s “Pencil Up” initiative, now in its fifth year. Launched in 2021, the project was a direct response to the setbacks many students faced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has become a lifeline for students in underserved communities across the Upper East Region.

“We designed the Pencil Up project to ensure that no student feels unprepared because of where they live,” says Grace Mawuena Koveh, CEO of the foundation. Under her leadership, the project has provided mathematical sets, pens, pencils, and erasers to hundreds of candidates each year.

This year, the outreach will take place on Monday, June 9, targeting schools in the Zuarungu Circuit of Bolga East, as well as select schools in the Bolgatanga Municipality. The distribution isn’t just about supplies—it also includes motivational sessions aimed at boosting students’ confidence ahead of their exams.

So far, the project has covered Sumbrungu, Yorogo, Tongo, and Paga circuits. Despite limited funding, it has remained consistent thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers—mainly students and young professionals—along with the help of friends and family.

“We do what we can with the little we have,” Grace explains. “But to keep going and reach even more children, we need support.”

The foundation is calling on individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations to assist—whether through donations of learning materials, transport services, refreshments for volunteers, or financial contributions.

Support can be sent via: 0591818142 / 0249262538.

Ena Foundation believes that every child deserves the tools to succeed, and with the community’s help, they’re working to make that a reality—one pencil at a time.

Adangabey Builds Dreams from the Ground Up in Builsa South

In the heart of Kadema, a rural town in Ghana’s Builsa South District, a man with a quiet resolve is rewriting the story of early childhood education—one child at a time. Yaw Rockson Adangabey, living with cerebral palsy, has turned his triumph into a mission to empower young minds. His motivation is simple but profound: “It hurts to see abled children denied the opportunity to have a good start to their education,” he says. “This moved me to establish a preparatory school in my hometown.”

His school, the Adangabey Royal International School, is more than just an institution—it’s a beacon of hope. In Gbedema, where the only government school admits children aged five and above, many younger children are left idle during their most formative years. “That left me with no choice but to start a school that welcomes children as young as two,” Rockson explains. His initiative became the first private school in the entire district, serving families often overlooked by the mainstream education system.

Housed in a modest rented two-bedroom home, the school caters to over 160 children, offering nursery to Primary 4. But for Rockson, affordability is key. No child is turned away due to a lack of fees. “Parents pay GH¢120 or less. We’ve designed flexible payment terms tailored to each family’s situation,” he notes, a policy that has allowed peasant farmers and low-income parents to enrol their children without fear of shame or rejection.

Though the space is limited, the vision is expansive. “My goal is to build a strong early foundation for our children,” Rockson says with pride. “It’s fulfilling to know that these children now have the opportunity to grow into responsible citizens who can someday give back to their communities.”

His extraordinary commitment has not gone unnoticed. Sofia Ayaric, a retired lecturer from Tamale Technical University, nominated him for the prestigious MTN Heroes of Change award. In her words, “Being a differently abled individual from a poor background, Rockson has defied the odds to make a meaningful impact in his community. Despite his own challenges, he has dedicated his time, knowledge, and limited resources to provide education for the less privileged.”

Sofia sees in Rockson a model of perseverance and purpose. “Recognising him with an award would not only be a well-deserved commendation but also a boost to help him continue serving humanity,” she adds. For her and many others, his story is a reminder that “everyone can make a difference, no matter their circumstances.”

Parents like Lamisi Ajutie and Eric Azungbiik echo this sentiment. Their children, now enrolled at the school, have shown remarkable improvement—not just academically but in their confidence and social skills. “The school has filled a critical gap,” says Eric. “We used to travel long distances and spend so much. Now, our children can learn right here in our own community.”

Perhaps most inspiring is the ripple effect Rockson’s mentorship has created. One young boy, Ransford Ajutie, now dreams of becoming a police officer—a goal sparked by Rockson’s encouragement. It’s just one of many stories that reflect the school’s deeper purpose: not just to educate but to inspire.

As his nomination for MTN Heroes of Change gains attention, Rockson remains grounded. His focus remains on the children, their parents, and the community that has embraced his vision. And in doing so, he continues to prove that even the smallest school can shape the brightest futures.

E-Levy Out, D-Levy in – Saving Ghana’s Power Sector

In a bold move to avert what it calls an impending crisis in Ghana’s power sector, the government has introduced a new GH¢1 levy on every litre of petrol, diesel, and related petroleum products.

The proposed levy, outlined in the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill presented to Parliament, is aimed at raising critical funds to address a staggering US$3.1 billion energy sector debt that Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says threatens the country’s economic stability.

“The power sector is the biggest economic and fiscal risk we face presently,” Dr. Forson warned lawmakers. “It could lead to a major crisis if we fail to confront it head-on.”

The Finance Minister explained that without immediate intervention, Ghana risks further fuel shortages, unpaid bills to independent power producers, and the collapse of financial guarantees, including a US$512 million World Bank IDA guarantee and a US$120 million GMPC guarantee—both of which are fully drawn down in 2024.

“To restore these guarantees alone, the government requires an additional US$632 million,” Dr Forson said, noting that an estimated US$3.7 billion will be needed to clean up the sector’s debt in total.

With the country’s growing reliance on thermal power generation, fuel costs have surged. Yet, current electricity tariffs do not fully account for these expenses. Including fuel costs in tariffs, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission estimates could spike electricity prices by 50%—a burden the minister said households and businesses could not afford.

“In 2025 alone, we will need US$1.2 billion just to procure fuels for thermal power. The fiscal space cannot absorb this,” Dr Forson stressed.

To bridge the funding gap, Dr Forson proposed the GH¢1-per-litre levy, assuring Parliament that this would not cause a rise in fuel prices. “Simulations show there will be no increase in the ex-pump price of petrol and diesel in the current pricing window if this levy is imposed,” he said, crediting the stability of the Ghana cedi for absorbing any potential impact.

Opposition Cries Foul

The Minority, however, rejected the proposal outright, accusing the government of introducing what they described as a rebranded version of the controversial Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy), which was recently repealed.

“You said in your budget that you wouldn’t introduce new taxes,” Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin told the House. “You repealed the E-Levy, and now you’re reintroducing it under the guise of an Energy Sector Levy.”

Mocking the bill’s acronym, Afenyo-Markin quipped, “What is Energy Sector Levy, short form? E-Levy. Energy starts with ‘E’. The Hansard is watching, and one day, this precedent will come back to haunt you.”

He also criticised the Finance Minister’s assurance that the levy would have no financial impact, describing it as “misleading.”

Speaker Steps In, Majority Defends

First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor stepped in to calm tensions, clarifying that the proposed fuel tax bears no resemblance to the repealed E-Levy in either purpose or mechanism.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga also came to the bill’s defence, framing it as a collective sacrifice to prevent the return of power outages. “It is not E-Levy,” he said. “This bill simply asks Ghanaians to contribute GH¢1 per litre of fuel to help end dumsor. We all have a part to play in fixing the power sector.”

The bill has since been referred to the relevant parliamentary committee for further scrutiny and is expected to be passed shortly.