Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio has on Monday, 5th June, 2023 explained the need for the reduction in the Green Ghana tree planting exercise target to 10million seedlings this year, saying that the trees planted in the previous years needs to be monitored and nurtured into maturity. The Deputy Minister was speaking in an interview on UTV's Morning Show, "Adekye Nsroma" on the 2023 Green Ghana Day. He said this year's strategy is really looking forward to ensure that Ghana's forests reserves are restored and revegetated with trees from the planting exercise on June 9th. Answering a question on how to monitor and protect tress after planting, Hon. Benito said the Forestry Commission officers at various Reginal and District offices will go monitoring while he also ensures that the Green Ghana Committee joins in the frail. The Deputy Minister was quick to applaud the National security who have been on top of the monitoring system since the inception of the project and hoped that they will extend same aid this year. He also applauded Ghanaians for the support leveled up for the Green Ghana Project since it's inception, adding that as an annual project, the Ministry will need more of same support to keep wining each year. The Minister admonished all Ghanaians and residents of Ghana not to end at planting come June 9th 2023 but to also ensure that they monitor and nurture every seedling planted to maturity in the days after the exercise. He sent out special appreciation to the Green Ghana Committee, the Ministries of Environment ScienceTechnology and Innovation, Local Government, Parks and Gardens and all other partners and stakeholders for the support for the Ministry and government's aggressive afforestation and reafforestation agenda. The Public Relations Manager of the Forestry Commission, Madam Joyce Ofori Kwafo in her submission gave out the pick up points for seedlings, spoke on the process for planting, the types of trees seedlings available, and explained the type of tree seedlings and the appropriate places to plant them. She mentioned some to be fruit trees, ornamental plants among others. She informed Ghanaians that seeding distribution has commenced as off today, Monday 5th June, 2023 at the Forestry Commission Head Office and as the week progresses. Madam Joyce added that all other pick up points including Forestry Services Division, Regional and Districts across the the country offices will have all kinds of seedlings in stock. The Public Relations Manager also gave out a number of contacts to call for seedlings and more information on the 2023 Green Ghana Day; 0244643780, 0553231031, 0506167130 and 0553250117. The Green Ghana Day was first launched by Government in 2021, under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and as part of an aggressive afforestation and reforestation agenda, to restore the lost forest cover of the country and contribute to global warming efforts. The maiden edition targeted to plant five million (5,000,000) trees, but over seven million (7,000,000) trees were planted. Last year, over twenty-six million (26,000,000) trees were planted, exceeding the target of twenty million (20,000,000). Story by: Think News Desk

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama charged the NDC to dare to be different from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) should it take office come January 7. According to Mr. Mahama, the NDC must set new standards in governance which Ghanians will appreciate. Speak at 44th Anniversary of June 4 uprising at Hohoe in the Volta Region, he said "Ladies and gentleman in government we must be different from what the NPP has been" "We must set a new standard in governance so that Ghanians will appreciate that we're not condemned as people to live with this level of greed and impunity" "I hear people say we must come to power and do also exactly a pound of flesh. But as the haters of the Spirit are twofold, I dare see we cannot become a copy of the NPP or else Ghanians would have lost all hope of salvation" "Let us all be guided by our history as a nation and do the things that are necessary to restore hope and confidence in our increasingly despondent people. That this democratic experiment experiment we embarked on in 1992 is the most effective means of achieving national progress and development" "We have no other choice than to do this and to do it quickly made a flame of the June 4 uprising continue to burn in all of us, even as we mark the four decades and beyond that have passed since our national density was permanently changed by the events of those heady days" "Ladies and gentleman. I wish to congratulate all those who have participated in this event to commend the parade commander and those who participated participated in the parade for the very smart turnout that we have seen today" The NDC Flagbearer also reminded the gathering that it was the June 4 uprising which gave birth to the principles of probity and accountability. He tasked the citizenry to observe the June 4 uprising with greatest respect and gratitude. "The June 4 uprising gave birth to the principles of probity and accountability, which remain essential in Ghana’s governance" "This historical event should inspire current leadership to work selflessly and tirelessly towards a brighter future for the country while upholding the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives" "The events that unfolded 44 years ago, acknowledging the loss of lives during the catastrophic events of the June 4 uprising" "The sacrifices made by those involved in the uprising paved the way for Ghana’s democracy and constitutional governance, which the nation enjoys today" Flagbearer Mahama reminded Ghanaians of the importance of honouring the past, learning from it, and striving to build a better future for the nation based on principles of justice, accountability, and democratic values. The June 4 uprising, which occurred in 1979, was as a result of corruption and perceived bad governance. The uprising resulted in public frustration and tensions within the Ghanaian army, leading to the execution of three former military heads of state and several senior military officials by firing squad. On her part, Member of Parliament (MP), Korley Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings charged the leadership and party faithfuls to let their speech as well actions have a true reflection of the love they claim to have for the NDC party. Newly elected Parliamentary Aspirant for Hohoe Constituency, Worlanyo Tsekpo has promised Flagbearer John Mahama and NDC saying, he will ensure the party re-claims the Hohoe seat. General Secretary of the NDC, Fiifi Kwetey said "The June 4 celebrations actually started some 22 days earlier. He explained that two weeks before June 4 fell on May15. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Member of Parliament (MP) for Korley Klottey Constituency, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings says the June 4 celebration is not about one person, rather the entire National Democratic Congress (NDC) fraternity. According to her, a collective effort will not only project the party's ideas and image but also help secure victory in the 2024 upcoming general elections. Speaking at a public lecture at the 44th Anniversary of the June 4 uprising at Hohoe in the Volta Region, she said "Let us deal with what we have. If we are promising leadership with integrity, we have to practise. Ghanaians are tired of this government. June 4 is not about one person" She reminded the gathering that if the NDC is a product of the revolution and its leadership are poised to capture power and fix it, it ought to take down every demon blocking its victory. "Anyone who is 44 and below, the government has failed us. The leaders who led the revolution in 1979 were below 44. This government is doing things that is not building the nation. The nation was built on disciple and transparency. Today, anyone with money is fighting for power. It is our duty to change things" She described as worrying how crime had taken over the country yet it has more police officers. "This is not the Ghana we know. We have to do better for ourselves and the generation let to come. We have to make a commitment" He charged the gathering to have the courage to protect the ballot boxes during election day at the various centres. "We have to stand as one and defend and save our democracy. No one is doing anything about corruption in this government. There is a whole generation of Ghanaians who do not understand what led into democracy. We have to speak the truth of how far we have come. We must remember where we come from" "Any nation that forgets its past makes mistakes. We gave birth to this and wemust fight ad protect it. Let us remember the truth. Be proud whether you are in power or opposition" She charged the party faithfuls to be proud of their heritage adding that they should not give up hope. "Let us not allow anyone to devide us. The fiture of this country is in our hands. Principles do not die. Be proud of your legacy" "Start speaking to the younger generation now anx that will materialise in 2024. We must not betray the people of Ghana when we win power" Taking his turn, Member of Parliament (MP), Adaklo Constituency, Kwame Agbodza said "NDC is not a stranger at Hohoe. We shall go to St. Francis and hold campaigns there" "If you dont believe in June 4 and Dec. 31; then I dont know why you are in NDC" He reminded the gathering that June 4 is not about late President Rawlings, adding that party faithfuls ought to be courageous just as its late founder. "Too many of us are afraid. That was nit the vision of the founder. We must not be bullied in 2024. Let us believe that this is our legacy" He charged the citizenry to rise up against injustice in the country if it believed in the June 4 revolution. Takibg a swipe at President Akufo-Addo, The MP for Adaklu Constituency said "God will not have asked Akufo-Addo to build him a national catherdal if he wanted one. Okudzeto Ablakwa will go to heaven before Akufo-Addo" He told the gathering to stand against galamsey. "Stay with the judiciary if they speak truthfully. That judgement by the judiciary on birth certificate is unwise. The judiciary should go back and revise their own ruling again. Jean Mensa is a foot soldier of the NPP. If the judiciary is becoming a tool in the hand, it is a call to disaster. Don't be afraid. Show a little bit of the revolutionary in our dealings. Win 2024 for your own nationality. There must be an uprising against galamsey and corruption" The NDC party noted that the June 4 celebration was a process and an action. "It was conceived on May 15 and it happened on June 4. The resurrection of May 15 started with the arrestof some Senior Officers, but within some few hours, the resurrection was coiled. In those days, there was shortage of everything." "Ghana could not import anything into the country years ago. When May 15 happened, the decision by the Supreme Military used did not hold as June 4 got them arrested, trialed and were charged to be executed. Late Rawlings took that move because he was Ghanaians were tired of military action. May 15 was the begin of change" "During the trial, one if the mistakes Acheampong fid was public trial. The opportunity given to Rawlings, meant he was responsible for the action but not an economist. "The image of the military had been tarnished with corruption. Inflation by then was in three digits. A principal term called 'kalabule' was derived during that period. Almost 2 million professional left Ghana to Nigeria and other countries for greener pasture. Import license system was introduced. Redistribution of good to the supermarkets" Comrade Antwi Boasiako said "The spirit of June 4 is here today. The idles of June 4 was articulated my the leader. Revolution does not end, it continues unabated" "Late Rawlings during revolution told Ghanaians that he will make sure that the ordinary people will be part if the decision makung process. Power to the people" The District Assembly concept is power to the people. June 4 brought hope and pride to Ghanaians. It made the citizenry know that they belong to a great nation called Ghana. J. J. Rawlings was not allergic to constitutional rule. June 4 united and made Ghanaians realise that they are each other's keeper." He added that only NDC can save Ghana from the Akufo-Addo hardship. "We have to win 2024 and set that as a legacy for our late Founder" Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said "We shall reclaim the Hohoe seat. That abomination that happened in 2020 will be esponged from our records. 44 yeaars ago, a 31years old young man became an icon of the party. He had couragw and he sacrificed" "There were no guarantee but he knew that the tike had come for men of courage to speak up and fight the corruption and hopelessness tjat had characterised Ghana" "We have to let that story to inspire us. We are not young to speak about corruption, take a stand to be heard and exhibit courage and patriotism" "The relevance of June 4 has became even more profound. Domleve's crime was that he touched someone close to President Akufo-Addo" "Late J. J. Rawlings never stopped anyone from fighting corruption during his era as head of state. Late J. J. Rawlings protected the public pursue and never misused any funds" He told the gathering that late J. J. Rawlings worked with only 20 staffs at the Presidency while Akufo-Addo has appointed 361. He also mentioned that late J. J. Rawlings would not have spent a billion dollars to build a national cathedral. "Late J. J. Rawlings was a builder and not a demolisher. Don't let his legacy down. Let us make the Nkrumah and Rawlings dream for Ghana a reality in 2024" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

New Patriotic Party (NPP) Abuakwa North Parliamentary hopeful Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has been appointed a board member of South Africa-based ‘Go Live Dare’. ‘Go Live Dare’ is a Gospel-advancing movement committed to activating a generation in South Africa and the rest of Africa to influence their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. According to its website, ‘Go Live Dare’ is an organization that is passionate about seeing the current generation reach to their peers who are mobilized, trained and equipped to gospelize to make disciples who can also make disciples. Announcing the appointment, Founder and  Team Lead at ‘Go Live Dare’ Don Olding said: “Please take a moment to pray for one of our members who has such a heart for their communities, their country and their continent”. “As we build to advance the kingdom together, please pray for Palgrave Boakye-Danquah who represents the country of Ghana. Together for the Cause we want to see every young person reached with the gospel and every missionary on the field, in the trenches, supported holistically!” Don Folding remarked. Mr Boakye-Danquah, who is also Government’s Spokesperson on Governance and Security, has a rich background in Theology. Credit: 3news.com

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has organised a massive clean up exercise at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra to create public awareness on environmental sanitation in commemoration of World Environment Day. The activities included weeding on the shoulders of the principal streets, manual and mechanical sweeping of the roads, waste collection as well as desilting of choked gutters among others. The exercise was undertaken and led by senior staff of Zoomlion and in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, the security services such as the Ghana Police and the Armed Forces who offered security support throughout the exercise. Celebrated globally on June 5 annually, the day is set aside by the United Nations (UN) to inspire worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment. This year’s event is being celebrated under the theme “Beat plastic pollution”. The Managing Director of Zoomlion Private Services, Mr. Edwin Amoako, in an interview reiterated the need for constant education and awareness creation for the general public on the need for clean environment. "There are individuals who think that just sweeping and gathering rubbish at their frontage is enough; No it's not and that's why we are here to sensitize them," he noted. He insisted that constant education and awareness creation will bring about the needed change in protecting and keeping the environment clean. He advised the public to segregate their refuse to facilitate the process of reuse, recycling, and recovery of waste. "Segregating waste can improve the recycling process. For example, separating wet waste from dry waste is a simple way to help recycling companies. It will help to recycle non-biodegradable waste and treat biodegradable waste directly," he emphasized. "It is important not allow plastics to pollute the environment when indeed plastic has value," he stressed. The Korle Klortey Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Victor Acquaye, noted that the Assembly will continue to do it's bit in ensuring that the environment is always clean. He also warned that recalcitrant offenders will be arrested and prosecuted. He mentioned that last year during the 'Operation Clean Your Frontage', over 200 offenders were sent to court for various environmental breaches. He therefore urged the public to observe the rules and keep the environment clean. "The cost of maintaining the environment and cleaning the water bodies have become costly: hence people must obey the environmental laws, adhere to keeping the environment clean and help save money for other critical areas," he advised. Director of Monitoring and Service Quality- Zoomlion, Mr. Ernest Kusi noted that people's attitude to waste management have improved over the years. "From our monitoring, many people, particularly shop operators, now use bins and have improved upon their waste management," he asserted. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Hohoe Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Newton Darkey has charged the party's young cadet corps to remain discipline in their preparations ahead of the June 4 celebrations slated for Hohoe in the Volta Region. According to him, discipline goes with punctuality. Addressing a young NDC cadet corps ahead of the June 4 celebrations on Sunday, he said "We are grateful for the sacrifice that you are making to undergo this training towards the programme we have on Sunday" He reminded the young cadet corps saying it is good to be disciplined and also part of the cadet corps or scout adding it goes with a lot of responsibility. "The training you are undergoing, will transform and make you a better person and in the future, you will take the leadership mantle" "Discipline goes with punctuality. The work you are going to do for us this Sunday and the training you are undergoing, make sure that you come on time." "And on the d-day, you give out your best and at the end of the day, everything be successful and everyone will salute you" Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Aspiring Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah says, with humility, he has answered the call of his Constituents to serve the area and Ghana. According to him, he will ensure that there is fairness and transparency in his role as MP for the good people of Abuakwa North Constituency and the country. In his post sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah who doubles as Government's Spokesperson on Governance and Security said "With humility, I have answered the call to serve. I am a fervent enthusiast in building vibrant communities" Mr. Boakye-Danquah also noted that he is verry prudent in relational dynamics as well as has established knowledge regarding community development. "I have devoted trust, optimistic in delivering a robust mandate for Abuakwa North and unquestionable sincerity" He also revealed that he will be applying extraordinary efforts to achieve his goals likewise an unwwavering resilence to achieve his mandate. "I have a clear vision for the community for Abuakwa north community and unmatched endurance to serve Abuakwa North constituents" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Member of Parliament (MP) for Buem Constituency in the Oti Region, Kofi Iddie Adams has described Palgrave Boakye-Danquah an aspiring MP for the Abuakwa North Constituency as a fantastic material whom when elected will transform the lives of the residents and the area. According to Kofi Adams, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah is NPP's best bet for the Abuakwa North Constituency seat. Speaking on an Accra-based television channel, he said "Palgrave is a fine material" "He is a fantastic material and I have observed him from afar and he will be a good representative for the NPP party" "You can't keep such a good material away from the house" Palgrave Boakye-Danquah who doubles as Government’s Spokesperson on Governance and Security has showed interest to lead the ruling New Patriotic Party to victory come 2024 in the Abuakwa North Constituency as its MP. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah⁩ has demonstrated his preparedness to take up the mantle. The Government’s Spokesperson on Governance and Security says he has a clear vision for the community for Abuakwa North Constituency. He hinted that he is here to serve the people of Abuakwa North Constituency and Ghana. Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

New research suggests that men should sit down to urinate rather than stand up. In a YouGov study on male urination habits, a renowned urologist asserted that sitting down is more hygienic and healthier for men's bladders. Most men stand to urinate, but this may not be the healthiest way. According to Gerald Collins of the Cheshire's Alexandra Hospital Department of Urology, sitting down is the most efficient way for men to urinate. The latest result of male urination habits came from a survey that included more than 7000 men from 13 countries. The result was 40% of German men reported "always" sitting down to urinate, making Germany the country with the highest percentage of men who sit to urinate. Collins believes more men should sit when urinating because it relaxes the pelvis and the spine. As men age, it becomes crucial for them to sit down when urinating since a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), colloquially known as an enlarged prostate, is more widespread among older men. BPH is caused by a change in the prostates' hormonal environment which begins when men clock their 40s. Collins said, "You experience a surge in a certain testosterone breakdown product, which causes the prostates' cell growth and size to increase. Men begin to discover that sitting down makes it much easier for them to urinate.” Even though sitting is less popular than standing, it is believed from the study that sitting is a much better option. Credit: Pulse GH

The fortunes of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Abuakwa North Constituency, which is one of its strongholds, seem to be dwindling in recent times, as the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) votes are gradually appreciating. In the last general elections for instance, the NDC parliamentary votes in the constituency appreciated by 12% whilst the NPP’s votes suffered a decrease by the same margin. Current Member of Parliament for the area, Gifty Twum-Ampofo, garnered 17,653 of the valid votes cast, representing 53.17% whilst Mr Charles Yeboah Darko, who represented the NDC, obtained 15,551 representing 46.83%. During the 2004 general elections, Mr Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu won the seat for the NPP with a margin of 62% whereas his NDC contender, Simon Peter Asirifi, secured 29% of the votes. Four years later, Samuel Kwadwo Amoako who represented the NPP decreased the party’s votes to 59% from the previous 62% whilst the NDC’s Simon Peter Asirifi’s vote margin increased to 39%. The late J.B Danquah Adu re-entered the race as the NPP’s candidate in 2012 and squared it out with Mr Emmanuel Victor Smith of the NDC. J.B Danquah Adu obtained 60% of the votes whereas Mr Smith gained 40%. Madam Gifty Twum-Ampofo, who led the NPP in the 2016 elections, following the demise of J.B Danquah Adu secured 59% while Mr Smith had 39% at the time the wind of change was beckoning across the country. It is believed that she benefited largely from sympathy votes, following the gruesome manner in which the then Member of Parliament for the constituency, J.B Danquah, was murdered at his private residence in Accra. However, when Madam Gifty Twum-Ampofo staged a second straight fight to retain the seat for the party, she was successful, but the party’s vote margin sharply declined to 17,653 of the valid votes cast, representing 53.17%. A new entrant on the ticket of the NDC, Mr Charles Yeboah Darko garnered a total of 15,551 representing 46.83% for the NDC, which was unprecedented since 2004. The trend has shown clearly that Madam Gifty Twum-Ampofo’s chances of winning a third straight victory for the party is at the cross road, which has raised serious concerns among the rank and file of the party in the constituency. In view of the above, many have tipped Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, as the surest bet for the party in the constituency, going into the 2024 general elections. Mr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah’s affable nature and selfless leadership qualities have endeared him to the hearts of many constituents across the political divide in the constituency. He has a very rich and enviable profile which includes political activism for the NPP, spanning close to two decades in various portfolios and capacities, including being the head of programmes at the Danquah Institute, a CSO affiliated to the NPP. To many party big wigs, it is time he is given the mandate to serve his people and made to bring his experiences, particularly his international relationships and links to bear in order to aid in job creation for the masses. Meanwhile, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has demonstrated his preparedness to take up the mantle to lead the party as a parliamentary candidate in the 2024 general elections and win the seat for the party, should the delegates give him the nod. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah is one of the several young thought-leaders in the NPP, who is oriented towards assisting young people to discover their potentials and make meaningful contributions to their lives and the growth of the country. As an ardent party and grassroots person, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has made remarkable contributions in consolidating the NPP as a party of choice for young people and scaled up the provisions of development for his party and country. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah is committed to putting himself up, yet for another service to party and country by contesting the Abuakwa North constituency seat on the ticket of the NPP. Findings from a research conducted in the constituency recently placed him on top of several other speculative names, as the one with the potential to win the Abuakwa North seat with a huge margin for the NPP. I am “here to serve”, which indicates his willingness to put the interest of his constituents first, is gradually rekindling a new sense of awakening among the delegates. Credit: The Chronicle

Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a social commentator has expressed worry over building activities at some parts of the Weija-Gbawe Municipality in Accra. Allotey Jacobs is concerned that the choice of location of the houses which include that of legendary Ghanaian footballer, Asamoah Gyan gives him headache as the area is prone to all kinds of natural disasters including landslides and earthquakes. Speaking on Peace FM, Allotey Jacobs noted with concern that the area in question used to be a quarry site that has now been turned into a human habitat. He sounded words of caution to Asamoah Gyan and his neighbors to be wary of the situation and take necessary measures to avert any form of danger. “It started in the late 80s and that place used to be a quarry site. I’m always concerned that Asamoah Gyan and those who have their houses up there, one day it will collapse on them,” Allotey Jacobs. The mansion of the highest-scoring footballer in history has been topical since it was discovered to be in an earthquake-prone area. In December 2018, a former Executive Director of the Centre for Geographical Information Science at the University of Ghana, Professor Emmanuel Amamoo Okyere said that Gyan and the thousands of people who live in Weija and Gbawe in the Greater Accra Region should relocate following frequent earth tremors in that part of the country. “The residents, including Asamoah Gyan living around that area, must consider relocating following the tremors. We are moving from house to house, office to office educating the people on why they need to reconsider relocating to other areas. Asamoah Gyan is Ghana’s highest goals-scorer with 51 goals in 109 games. He is also the highest African scorer in World Cup history. Credit: Ghanaweb

Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu says Ghana has taken giant steps in tobacco control. According to him, some of the giants steps include; the Protocol to Eliminate illicit Trade Products which came into force in January 2022. In a speech read on his behalf by the Chief Director, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adams at this year’s World No Tobacco Day on the theme, 'We need food and not tobacco' in Accra, he said "This includes the Protocol to Eliminate illicit Trade Products which came into force in January 2022, inclusion of tobacco specific provisions in the Public Health Act, 2012, passage of the Tobacco Control Regulations 2016 (L.I. 2247), the introduction of graphic health warnings, continuous enforcement of tobacco control (FCTC) 2030 Project. He noted that this World No Tobacco Day launch commences a year-long nationwide campaign which includes media engagements, public education in secondary schools and community sensitization. He stressed that the campaign can only be successful with the support from one another. "We are privileged on this day to have our cherished stakeholders and partners here for the commemoration of this year’s World No Tobacco Day and look forward to your continuous collaboration in oour vision towards a tobacco free society" Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) sets aside May 31st to campaign together with global partners, against the harmful and deadly effect of tobacco use and to discourage in any form. "As the world commemorates World No Tobacco Day today, we cannot exempt ourselves from the global campaign to raise awareness on growing sustainable food crops instead of tobacco which is in line with the theme for this year’s celebrations, 'We Need Food, Not Tobacco' " The WHO estimates that tobacco is grown as a cash crop on an estimated 4 million hectares of land in more than 125 countries, clearing an estimated 200,000 hectares of forest each year in the small amount of arable land and water that could be used to grow more food crops. Due to the increased likelihood of desertification in tobacco farmlands, this practice has resulted in the death of thousands of trees and had a much worse impact on ecosystems. According to the Tobacco Atlas, more than 6,700 Ghanaians die every year due to tobacco-related illnesses of which sixty-six percent (66%) of these deaths are individuals under age 70. He revealed that about 18% of Ghanaian lives are lost from exposure to second-hand smoke. The statement hinted that the tobacco industry frequently promotes itself as an advocate of good livelihood for tobacco farmers, but this is far from the truth. "Indeed, the annual celebration of this day is a constant reminder of the efforts we can all put into the fight against tobacco use and support the government of Ghana in developing suitable strategies and an enabling market condition for the tobacco growing farmers to shift to growing food crops" He applauded efforts of the Food and Drugs Authority, World Health Organization, Ghana Health Service, Vision for Alternative Development and all stakeholders in tobacco control for their continuous efforts in spearheading tobacco control in Ghana. "As a nation, we remain committed to closing the gaps in tobacco control and are resolute that our vision of a tobacco free society is closer than ever" In a speech read on behalf of the World Health Organization Country Representative for Ghana, Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo by the Technical Officers in charge of Quality and Safety, Dr. Angela Ackon said "The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health challenges the world has ever faced, killing more than eight million people around the world every year" She noted that while the number of people using tobacco products is decreasing in other parts of the world, it is rising in the Africa Region. "For example, the number of tobacco users in the WHO African Region increased from an estimated 64 million adult users in 2000 to 73 million in 2018. This is partly due to the increased production of tobacco products as well as aggressive marketing by the tobacco industry" Dr. Ackon explained that Tobacco growing and production exacerbates nutrition and food insecurity adding that its farming destroys the ecosystems, depletes soils of fertility, contaminates water bodies and pollutes the environment. "Any profits to be gained from tobacco as a cash crop may not offset the damage done to sustainable food production in low- and middle-income countries" She hinted that nearly 828 million people are facing hunger globally, f these, 278 million (20%) are in Africa . "In addition, 57.9% of people in Africa suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity. This jeopardizes the region's attainment of SDG 2 which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The intensification of the major drivers behind recent food insecurity and malnutrition trends, such as conflict, climate extremes, and economic shocks, further compounds this situation. Therefore, our concerted actions are essential, so everyone has enough food" The WHO disclosed that it is working with Member States and other partners to assist farmers in shifting from tobacco growing to alternative crops. "In the last two years, an initiative in Kenya has assisted over 2000 tobacco farmers to turn to alternative crops. This has resulted in improved food and nutrition security, increased income for farmers, healthier farming activities as well as environmental rehabilitation" The WHO charged government of Ghana to support tobacco farmers to switch to alternative crops by ending tobacco growing subsidies and using the savings for crop substitution programmes to improve food security and nutrition. Such initiatives, she revealed will also combat deseltification and environmental degradation, raise awareness in tobacco farming communities about the benefits of moving away from tobacco and growing sustainable crops and exposing the tobacco industry's efforts to obstruct sustainable livelihoods work in the Africa Region. "Finally, we appeal to Ministry of Health and stakeholders to step up the implementation of Articles 17 and 18 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) by enacting legislation, developing, and implementing suitable policies and strategies, and enabling market conditions for tobacco farmers to shift to growing food crops that would provide them and their families with a better life while enhancing the protection of the environment and the health of people" Miss Williams, a JHS student who read on behalf of the students said "Tobacco, Just the word alone conjures up images of smoke-filled rooms, stained teeth, and the debilitating effects it has on our health. Yet, despite all the warnings and knowledge available to us, it continues to claim countless lives, snuff out dreams, and cast a dark shadow over our world" "We are not alone in this fight. Our voices are joined by millions of advocates around the world who have the knowledge or have been affected by the consequences of tobacco. Together, we have the power to ignite change, break the chains of addiction, and inspire others to live a life free from the shackles of tobacco use" "We must empower ourselves with knowledge, arming ourselves with the facts to make informed decisions and to choose a path that leads to a brighter and healthier future" Other speakers called on Government to engage tobacco farmers in a dialogue to switch food cultivation. The "We Need Food, Not Tobacco" campaign this year strives to raise awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco on health, the environment and the economic implications of tobacco use and cultivation. It will highlight the need to focus on food cultivation rather than tobacco. The campaign aims to embark on a mass media campaign to enhance social media presence of anti-tobacco related messages. The World No Tobacco campaign also unveils the tobacco industry's efforts to obstruct measures to substitute tobacco farming with sustainable cash crop production. World No Tobacco Day 2023 will serve as an opportunity to expose the tactics of the tobacco industry as well as dire implications of tobacco use and cultivation. This campaign will also support the development of suitable strategies for the ultimate aim of creating a tobacco-free society. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith