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Green Ghana Day: A Call for Sustainability and Improved Tree Care.

by webadmin
written by webadmin

The GDAAR Foundation applauds the launch of yesterday’s Green Ghana Day, a nationwide initiative aimed at restoring Ghana’s forest cover. We acknowledge the importance of tree planting in combating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and enhancing our overall well-being.

However, we believe the current approach to Green Ghana Day requires a critical reassessment to ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful impact.

Challenges and Recommendations

While well-intentioned, past tree planting efforts in Ghana have often faced challenges, including:

  • Tree Selection: The choice of tree species often lacks consideration for economic value to communities and suitability for local climates. This leads to low survival rates and decreased community engagement. We recommend planting trees offering economic benefits alongside native species adapted to the specific region.
  • Post-planting Care: Newly planted trees frequently lack adequate care like watering, protection from bush fires, and pest and disease control. The government and communities must collaborate on sustainable tree care programs, ensuring resources are available for maintenance.
  • Program Organization: A more organized approach, with clear guidelines on where to plant, how to maintain the trees, and who is responsible for their care, would greatly improve efficiency and impact.

The VRA Model: A Path to Success

The GDAAR Foundation urges the government to consider adopting the successful model of the Volta River Authority (VRA). The VRA’s tree planting program along the Volta Lake demonstrates long-term success due to its emphasis on species selection, community involvement, and consistent tree care.

GDAAR Foundation’s Commitment

We at the GDAAR Foundation remain committed to environmental stewardship in Ghana. We offer the following recommendations to ensure Green Ghana Day’s enduring success:

  • Partnerships: Collaborate with civil society organizations and local communities for a comprehensive tree planting, maintenance, and sustainability plan.
  • Education: Raise public awareness through educational campaigns on the importance of tree care and the benefits of a sustainable approach.
  • Economic Incentives: Encourage businesses and individuals to support tree planting and care by providing tax breaks and other incentives.
  • Tree Nurseries: Invest in developing tree nurseries to produce a steady supply of native and economically valuable seedlings.

The GDAAR Foundation stands ready to support the government and the people of Ghana in making Green Ghana Day a transformative initiative that leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Let’s make every tree count!

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Nkonya Tepo : A Hidden Gem Beckons African Americans Seeking Roots and Opportunity.

by webadmin
written by webadmin

By Joseph Kwame Okyere Darko Bekoe

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Ghana’s Oti Region lies Nkonya Tepo, a community brimming with history, serenity, and untapped potential. This hidden gem extends a warm invitation to African Americans seeking a unique and enriching experience, be it a visit or a chance to settle and reconnect with their ancestral roots.

A Land Steeped in History and Natural Beauty:

Nkonya Tepo’s story is intricately woven with Ghana’s rich tapestry. As one of the Volta River Authority’s resettlement communities, it sits peacefully amidst the serene atmosphere surrounding the Volta Lake. The community boasts an abundance of touristic attractions, promising unforgettable experiences. The village’s close association with Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, adds another layer of intrigue, hinting at the significance this land once held. Imagine exploring the enchanting Obeng Island, a haven within the lake, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the lakeside setting.

Untapped Potential for Agriculture and Sustainability:

The fertile lands of Nkonya Tepo hold immense potential for agriculture, particularly for shea butter cultivation. The proximity to the lake ensures year-round irrigation, making it an ideal alternative area for this valuable crop. This presents exciting opportunities for sustainable development and economic empowerment, both for the community and potential settlers.

A Legacy of Education and a Welcoming Embrace:

Nkonya Tepo holds the distinction of being the most educated community amongst all the Nkonya settlements. This strong emphasis on education fosters a progressive and welcoming environment, where knowledge and cultural exchange are valued. The community warmly embraces visitors and newcomers, creating a space for genuine connection and shared experiences.

A Place to Connect with Roots and Build a Future:

For African Americans seeking to connect with their heritage, Nkonya Tepo offers a unique opportunity. The historical significance of the OTI Region, coupled with the community’s welcoming spirit, creates a powerful bridge to the past. Moreover, the potential for agriculture and entrepreneurship presents exciting possibilities for building a fulfilling future in this beautiful and serene setting.

A Stone’s Throw from Accra and a Conducive Climate:

Accessibility is another advantage. Nkonya Tepo is just a 3-hour drive from the bustling capital, Accra, making it easily reachable for day trips or extended stays. Additionally, the climatic conditions are highly conducive for shea butter trees, creating a familiar and comfortable environment for those accustomed to warmer temperatures.

The GDAAR Foundation: Your Partner in Exploration and Connection:

The GDAAR Foundation is committed to supporting the development of Nkonya Tepo and its potential as a destination for African Americans. We invite you to explore this hidden gem, experience its rich history and natural beauty, and discover the possibilities it holds for connection, growth, and a fulfilling future.

Together, let us unlock the potential of Nkonya Tepo and create a space for cultural exchange, sustainable development, and a shared journey of rediscovering our roots.

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ArticleEnvironmental ProtectionIncountry AssistanceNewsPeace & JusticeQuality EducationSocial Venture & InterventionTourismUncategorized

Empowering the Diaspora and Building a Brighter Ghana: Why the GDAAR Foundation Needs Your Support

by webadmin
written by webadmin

By Kwame Okyere Darko Bekoe

The GDAAR Foundation isn’t just another non-profit organization. It’s a beacon of hope, a bridge between the Ghanaian, Global diaspora and their ancestral homeland, and a driving force for positive change in Ghana. Our work is multifaceted, touching on crucial aspects of life like environmental protection, quality education, peace and justice, advocacy, and social intervention. But to continue this vital work, the GDAAR Foundation needs your support.

Why Donate to the GDAAR Foundation?

  • Environmental Protection: Ghana’s natural beauty is under threat, but the GDAAR Foundation is fighting back. We educate communities about sustainable practices, support eco-friendly initiatives, and advocate for environmental policies that protect the land and water. Your donation can help us plant trees, clean up plastic pollution, and promote renewable energy sources.
  • Quality Education: Every child deserves a chance to learn and thrive. The GDAAR Foundation provides educational resources, builds schools in underserved areas, and empowers teachers. Your contribution can help bridge the educational gap, equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
  • Peace and Justice: A peaceful and just society is the foundation for progress. The GDAAR Foundation promotes conflict resolution, advocates for human rights, and supports initiatives that foster understanding and tolerance. Your donation can help us build bridges between communities, empower marginalized groups, and fight for a more equitable Ghana.
  • Advocacy: The voices of the diaspora deserve to be heard. The GDAAR Foundation champions their interests, lobbies for policies that benefit them, and provides a platform for them to share their stories and concerns. Your donation can amplify their voices, ensuring they have a say in shaping the future of Ghana.
  • In-Country Assistance: Relocating to a new country can be daunting. The GDAAR Foundation offers invaluable pre-arrival and transitional support, helping diasporans navigate visas, find housing, and settle into their new communities. Your donation can make the journey smoother and more welcoming for those returning to their roots.
  • Social Venture and Intervention: The GDAAR Foundation tackles complex social issues head-on. We support community projects, empower women and youth, and provide financial assistance to those in need. Your donation can help us address poverty, inequality, and other social challenges, building a stronger and more inclusive Ghana.

Free Events, Paid Impact: While many GDAAR Foundation events, like the pre-arrival and transitional support, are offered free of charge, the impact of our work is far-reaching and requires financial support. Your donation goes beyond just funding events; it fuels the engine behind our crucial initiatives, empowering us to make a lasting difference in the lives of Ghanaians and diasporans alike.

Investing in the Future:

Donating to the GDAAR Foundation is not just about giving money; it’s about investing in the future of Ghana and its people. It’s about building a brighter tomorrow where environmental protection is a priority, education is accessible to all, peace and justice prevail, and the voices of the diaspora are heard. It’s about creating a legacy of positive change that will resonate for generations to come.

Open your heart and your wallet. Donate to the GDAAR Foundation today and be a part of something truly transformative. Together, we can build a brighter future for Ghana, Global and the Ghanaian diaspora.

Visit our website at www.gdaarfoundation.org to learn more about our work and how you can contribute.

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Environmental ProtectionNews

Discussion on Mining in the Kakum Forest and the Position of Ghana Diaspora Advocacy and Resource Foundation

by joseph.bekoe
written by joseph.bekoe

By Kwame Okyere Darko Bekoe

The Kakum National Park is a protected area in Ghana that is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. The park is also a popular tourist destination. However, there are plans to mine for bauxite in the park, which has sparked a debate about the need to balance economic development with environmental protection.

The Ghana Diaspora Advocacy and Resource Foundation (GDAAR) is opposed to mining in the Kakum National Park. The organization believes that the environmental damage caused by mining would outweigh the economic benefits. GDAAR has called on the Ghanaian government to cancel the mining plans and to protect the Kakum National Park for future generations.

Key Issues

  • The potential environmental damage caused by mining in the Kakum National Park.
  • The need to balance economic development with environmental protection.
  • The importance of the Kakum National Park for tourism and biodiversity.

GDAAR’s Position

  • GDAAR is opposed to mining in the Kakum National Park.
  • GDAAR believes that the environmental damage caused by mining would outweigh the economic benefits.
  • GDAAR calls on the Ghanaian government to cancel the mining plans.

Recommendations

  • The Government should conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment before making any decisions about mining in the Kakum National Park.
  • The Government should consider alternative sources of bauxite that would not damage the environment.
  • The Government should invest in sustainable development projects that would benefit the local community without harming the environment.

The Kakum National Park is a valuable natural resource that should be protected for future generations. GDAAR urges the Ghanaian government to heed the concerns of the Ghanaian people and to cancel the mining plans.

Additional Information

  • The Kakum National Park is home to over 550 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, and 350 species of butterflies.
  • The park is also a popular tourist destination, generating millions of dollars in revenue for the Ghanaian economy each year.
  • Mining in the Kakum National Park would destroy a significant amount of forest habitat and could lead to the extinction of several plant and animal species.

GDAAR believes that the Ghana Government has a responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. The organization calls on the government to cancel the mining plans and to invest in sustainable development projects that would benefit the local community without harming the environment.

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GDAAR Foundation Condemns Shama Explosion, Calls for Stronger Regulations

by joseph.bekoe
written by joseph.bekoe

By Kwame Okyere Darko

GDAAR, Foundation a Ghanaian environmental NGO and advocacy group, has condemned the explosion at a quarry in Shama, in Ghana’s Western Region, which has killed at least four people and injured many more. The explosion, which occurred on Saturday night, is the second major mining disaster in Ghana in two years.

In a statement, GDAAR said that the explosion was a “tragic reminder of the dangers of mining in Ghana” and called for stronger regulations to prevent future disasters. The NGO also called for an independent investigation into the cause of the explosion.

“This is a preventable tragedy,” said GDAAR Executive Director, Joseph Bekoe. “The government must take immediate steps to strengthen regulations and ensure that the mining industry is safe for workers and for the public.”

The explosion comes just two years after a similar explosion at a mining site in Appiate, which killed 17 people and injured hundreds more. The Appiate explosion led to the government of Ghana imposing a moratorium on the transportation of explosives by road. However, the moratorium has since been lifted.

GDAAR is calling on the government to reinstate the moratorium on the transportation of explosives by road and to implement other measures to improve safety in the mining industry. The NGO is also calling for an independent investigation into the cause of the Shama explosion and for the government to hold those responsible accountable.

“We must learn from the lessons of the Appiate explosion,” said Joseph Bekoe. “We cannot afford to have another disaster like this.”

In addition to the call for stronger regulations, GDAAR also called for the following lessons to be learned from the Shama explosion:

  • The importance of proper storage of explosives. The explosives at the quarry in Shama were reportedly being stored in an unstructured manner, which may have contributed to the explosion.
  • The importance of safety procedures. The workers at the quarry in Shama were reportedly not following safety procedures, which may have also contributed to the explosion.
  • The importance of independent investigations. The government of Ghana must conduct an independent investigation into the cause of the Shama explosion in order to ensure that lessons are learned and that future disasters are prevented.

GDAAR is also calling on the Mineral Commission, which is responsible for regulating the mining industry in Ghana, to play a more proactive role in ensuring safety. The Commission must ensure that mining companies are complying with safety regulations and that they are taking steps to prevent accidents.

“The Mineral Commission must step up its game,” said Bekoe. “They cannot afford to be complacent in the face of these preventable tragedies.”

The Shama explosion is a wake-up call for the government of Ghana and for the mining industry. It is time to take action to prevent future disasters.

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Environmental ProtectionNews

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo Calls for Bold Action on Climate Change at Africa Climate Summit

by joseph.bekoe
written by joseph.bekoe

By Joseph Bekoe

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered a strong speech at the Africa Climate Summit on Tuesday, 5th September 2023, calling for bold action to address the climate crisis.

“Climate change is a global emergency, and Ghana calls on all Parties to act with equity and a sense of responsibility,” Akufo-Addo said. “Africa, for her part, must commit herself to resolve the issue of climate change by implementing ambitious measures within her reach.”

Akufo-Addo pointed to the devastating impacts of climate change that Africa is already experiencing, including more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and heat waves. He said that these impacts are threatening food security, water security, and economic development across the continent.

“We cannot afford to wait any longer,” Akufo-Addo said. “We must act now to build a climate-resilient future for Africa.”

Akufo-Addo called for a number of specific actions to be taken, including:

  • Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency
  • Reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable agriculture
  • Adapting to the impacts of climate change
  • Providing financial assistance to climate-vulnerable countries

He also called for the developed countries to fulfill their promise to provide $100 billion per year in climate finance to developing countries.

“We need the developed countries to step up and deliver on their promises,” Akufo-Addo said. “We cannot solve this crisis alone.”

Akufo-Addo’s speech was well-received by the other participants at the Africa Climate Summit. They acknowledged the urgency of the climate crisis and pledged to work together to address it.

The Africa Climate Summit is a key moment in the global effort to combat climate change. The summit’s outcome will be closely watched by the international community, and it is hoped that it will lead to concrete action to address the climate crisis.

In addition to his speech at the Africa Climate Summit, Akufo-Addo has also taken a number of other actions to address climate change. In 2021, he launched Ghana’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. He has also committed to making Ghana carbon neutral by 2050.

Akufo-Addo’s leadership on climate change is an important example for other African countries. It shows that it is possible to take bold action to address the climate crisis, even in the face of significant challenges.

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Environmental ProtectionNews

Ghana’s Annual Tree Planting Exercise Needs a Change.

by joseph.bekoe
written by joseph.bekoe

By Joseph Kwame Okyere Darko Bekoe

Ghana has a long history of tree planting, dating back to the days of the Ashanti Empire. However, the current annual tree planting exercise is not sustainable and is not having the desired impact on the environment.

There are a number of problems with the current tree planting exercise. First, the trees that are planted are often not of economic value to the community and are not suited to the local climate. This means that many of the trees die before they have a chance to mature, since it does not entice people to plant.

Second, the trees are not properly cared for after they are planted. This means that they are not watered regularly or protected from bush fire, pests and diseases. As a result, many of the trees do not survive.

Third, the tree planting exercise is not well-organized. There is no clear plan for where the trees should be planted or how they should be cared for. This leads to a lot of wasted resources and effort.

In order to make Ghana’s tree planting exercise more sustainable, there are a number of changes that need to be made. First, the trees that are planted should be of economic value to the community and suited to the local climate. This will increase the chances of the trees surviving.

Second, the trees need to be properly cared for after they are planted. This means that they need to be watered regularly and protected from bush fire, pests and diseases. The government should provide funding for tree care programs.

Third, the tree planting exercise needs to be better organized. There needs to be a clear plan for where the trees should be planted and how they should be cared for. This will help to ensure that the trees are planted in the right places and that they receive the care they need.

In addition to these changes, there are a number of other things that can be done to make Ghana’s tree planting exercise more sustainable. For example, the government could create a tree nursery to produce native trees that are ready to be planted. The government could also provide tax breaks to businesses and individuals who plant trees.

However, planting trees is not enough. We also need to nurture, maintain, and sustain them.

Nurturing trees means providing them with the water, weeding around it and nutrients they need to grow. This can be done by regularly watering the trees , weeding around and applying fertilizer.

Maintaining trees means protecting them from pests bush fire and diseases. This can be done by inspecting the trees regularly and taking steps to weeding around, control pests and diseases.

Sustaining trees means ensuring that they have a long and healthy life. This can be done by planting trees in the right places and providing them with the care they need and putting activity in the planted tree area to put a check on the activity of people felling the trees indiscriminately .

All of these activities require the participation of individuals.

Individuals can plant trees, nurture them, and maintain them. They can also educate others about the importance of trees and how to care for them.

By working together, we can make Ghana’s tree planting exercise a success and help to protect our environment for future generations.

Here are some specific recommendations for how to make Ghana’s tree planting exercise more sustainable:

  • The government should work with civil society organizations to develop a comprehensive plan for tree planting, nurturing, maintenance, and sustainability.
  • The government should provide funding for tree care programs and for the creation of tree nurseries.
  • The government should educate the public about the importance of trees and how to care for them.
  • Businesses and individuals should be encouraged to plant trees and to care for them.

By taking these steps, Ghana can make its annual tree planting exercise a success and help to protect its environment for future generations.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has a good module for tree planting that can be adopted by the government.

The VRA has been planting trees along the volta lake for many years. The VRA’s program is well-organized and sustainable. The VRA plants trees of economic value that are suited to the local climate that will entice the community to be involve . The VRA also provides regular care for the trees. As a result, the VRA’s tree planting program has been very successful.

The government can learn from the VRA’s success and adopt a similar program for tree planting. By doing so, the government can make Ghana’s annual tree planting exercise a success and help to protect the environment.

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