Here are major Environmental Stories from January to December 2014 JANUARY Accra, Jan. 1 - Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG), a group opposed to Genetically Modified Food, says Ghana is in serious danger from the Plant Breeders Bill, currently before Parliament. Accra, Jan. 14, - Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called for a global effort to tackle the menace of climate change which is impacting negatively on human endeavors, irrespective of geographical location, stage of development, race, gender or religion. Abu Dhabi, (UAE), Jan 20, - President John Dramani Mahama on Monday morning joined other world leaders to participate in the Abu Dhabi sustainability week in a renewable energy conference. Langa (N/R), Jan. 21, - Some small holder farmers in five communities in the Savelugu Nanton Municipality have adapted to climate change effects such as low rains, often resulted in low crop yields. Abu Dhabi (UAE), Jan. 21,- Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the Minister of Energy and Petroleum, on Tuesday gave the assurance that government would embark on an effective renewable policy as it was cheaper and beneficial to all sectors of the economy. Accra, Jan. 25, - Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur has underlined the need for collaborative efforts to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. Accra, Jan 29, - Ms Barbara Serwah Asamoah, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has cited negative effects of climate change as one of the major causes of poverty in Ghana. Koforidua, Jan 30, - The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Eastern Region is preparing a massive tree planting exercise in flood prone areas to serve as wind breaks during the rainy season and around illegal mining sites to reduce disasters. Accra, Jan 30, GNA - Naa Professor John Nabila, President of the National Houses of Chiefs, has appealed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen its supervisory role on environmental governance to meet the needs and aspirations of the people. Accra, Jan. 31, - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday launched its 40th Anniversary celebration to chart the way forward towards speedy social and economic development. FEBRUARY Fumesua (Ash), Feb. 11, - Research institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have been given an 18-month ultimatum to go commercial. Hohoe, Feb 12, - Experts welcome the new push to address the enduring problem of booming illegal transnational trade in wildlife but warn that efforts could fail without appropriate incentives for local peoples involvement. Accra, Feb. 13, - An organic fertilizer was on Wednesday launched in Accra to ensure food security, good health, and safe environment and usher Ghana into a second green revolution. Accra, Feb 13, - Mining activities, both legal and illegal are increasingly threatening agriculture production in the country, Dr Mamaa Entsua-Mensah, Deputy Director General of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has warned. Accra, Feb. 20, - A number of international non-governmental organisations have petitioned Parliament over the Plant Breeders Bill. Benin (Cotonou), Feb. 20, -African political leaders have been urged to ensure that access to potable water and improvement of environmental sanitation become their priority agenda. Sunyani, Feb. 21, -The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) will organise workshop for the establishment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for resource management at its Sunyani campus. Accra, Feb 26, - Dr George Essebgey, Director, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) says Rain Water harvesting (RWH) would go a long water to reduce the pressure Ghanaians put on the Ghana Water Company when hit by water crisis. Accra, Feb. 28, -The United Nations annual publication dedicated to assessing its own impact on climate change has revealed that UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes had made progress towards climate neutrality. The report said in 2012, the UN emitted about 1.71 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas - the same as nearly 86,000 homes in the United States. MARCH Koforidua, March 25, - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of its Capacity Development Mechanism (CDM) has trained its Eastern Regional staff on how to handle internal Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems. Tamale, March 26, -Some 1,500 women in five districts of the Northern Region are to benefit from a four-year climate change project to be implemented by Northern Sector Action Centre for Awareness Creation (NORSAAC) and IBIS Ghana. Kumasi, March 27, - Female tertiary students in the biological and allied sciences have been urged to pursue careers in plant pathology to enable them to play leading roles in forest management and the drive towards national food security. Accra, March 27, - Dr Charles Annoh, Senior Lecturer at the Central University College, has appealed to the government to establish scientific centre in the country. Koforidua, March 29, - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Capacity Development Mechanism (CDM), has trained its Eastern Regional staff members to handle internal Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems. Cape Coast, March 29, - Professor Alfred Apau Oteng-Yeboah, Department of Botany of the University of Ghana, has advocated an effective science policy interaction among stakeholders to enhance better knowledge diffusion. Accra, March 30, -The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) has predicted that the country will experience early onset of rains and which will last for long period this year. APRIL Garu (UE), April 16, -World Vision Ghana (WVG) has inaugurated ten school clubs in the Garu Tempane District of the Upper East Region, whose members have been trained in the Farmer Managed and Natural Regeneration (FMNR) concept as part of measures to help stimulate the interest of school children in environmental issues. Accra, April 16, - New Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates of greenhouse gas data show that emissions from agriculture, forestry and fisheries have nearly doubled over the past fifty years. Gambaga, April 17, - Mr Adam Imoro, District Chief Executive (DCE) for East Mamprusi, has indicated that Climate Change poses serious business risks to farmers, especially those in the North. Ahamansu (V/R), April 20, - The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has presented assorted relief items to victims whose dwellings were ravaged by a rainstorm recently. Koforidua, April 29, - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has cautioned agrochemical sellers against operating their business without permit. Accra, April 30, - A workshop on Environmental Health issues for Africa, aimed at identifying and engaging interested governments and development partners with the vision of building an Africa Partnership for the reduction of hazardous waste and toxic pollution, opened in Accra on Tuesday. MAY Accra, May 20, - President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday said climate change must be seen as a developmental issue and not an environmental problem because it impacts all aspect of social lives. Accra May 24, - The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Government, Mr Emmanuel Agyekum has expressed concern of the deplorable sanitation situation in the Accra Metropolis over the last couple of weeks. Kumasi, May 25, - Government had been entreated to increase the budgetary allocation for science and technology education. Accra, May 25, - More than 40 policymakers, researchers and practitioners have taken part in a four-day workshop in Ghana on the theme: West Africa Mangroves A Key to Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Akwaykrom (Ash), May 28, - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expressed concern about the growing misuse and unsafe handling of pesticides by farmers. Abokobi (G/A), May 29, - Mr John Quao Sackey, the Abokobi Municipal Chief Executive, has said all hands must be on deck in finding a lasting solution to the waste management problem in the country. Tamale, May 29, – A consultant on the environment has appealed to journalists to use the media to take governments on to adhere to actions that would address Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation issues. JUNE Diaso (C/R), June 22 - The Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission has cautioned Ghanaians, particularly in areas where Small Scale Mining (SSM) is predominant, against the acquisition of SSM licenses on behalf of foreigners. Accra, June 25 – United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) has expressed concern about environmental criminality and called for vigorous action against environmental criminals around the globe. Accra, June 27 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acquired more than 100 acres of land at Danfa, off the Dodowa road in the Greater Accra region to be developed into a miniature botanical garden and also as a research facility. Accra, June 27 - Accra’s annual population growth rate of four percent makes it one of the fastest-growing metropolis in Africa giving rise to municipal waste management problems. Nyankrom (WR) , June 28 – Managing Ghana’ s Oil waste has been given a boost with the commissioning of a three million United States dollar Anaerobic Thermal Desorption Unit (ATDU) by Zoil Services Limited. JULY Accra, July 22 - President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday announced that government is exploring ways of carrying out sustainable surveillance on the emergence of climate change and environmental degradation. Accra, July 25 - Government representatives and experts meeting at the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, on Thursday endorsed global plans of action to halt the escalating degradation of soils. Accra, July 29 - Dr Bob Offei Manteaw, Director of Research, Innovation and Development of Africa Institute of Sanitation and Waste Management (AISWAM), said the launch of the National Climate Change Policy was in the right direction. Accra, July 30 - Sub-SaharanAfrica spends more than US $ 1.2 billion annually on pesticides, mainly for usein migratory pest control, and on commodities like cotton, coffee, cocoa andhorticultural crops. Fumesua (Ash), July 31 – The Rev Dr Hans Adu Dapaah, Director of the Crops Research Institute (CRI), has urged parliament to speed up the passage of the Plant Breeders’ Bill. Abono, (Ash), July 31, - Government is to set up a permanent committee to oversee the efficient and sustainable management of the Bosomtwe Lake and its resources, which is the source of livelihood for about 30 communities with a population of 70,000. AUGUST Tamale, Aug. 25 - Dr Felix Akpabey, an officer in-charge of the Northern Regional Water Research Institute (WRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), at the weekend said about fifty-two per cent of urban vegetable growers in the Northern Region depended on polluted water due to scarcity. Kumasi, Aug 28 - Mr Isaac Osei, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has appealed to the media, government and stakeholders to act together to intensify public education to stem the incessant degradation of the environment. Accra, Aug. 28 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is partnering stakeholders to find lasting solution to the menace of e-waste at Agbogbloshie in Accra. Accra, Aug. 29 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), would on Monday September 1, distribute more than 700 waste bins to 60 state institutions to enable them to segregate their solid waste from others. SEPTEMBER Accra, Sept. 13 - The Earth's protective ozone layer is well on track to recovery in the next few decades, thanks to concerted international action against ozone depleting substances, according to a new assessment by 300 scientists. Tamale, Sept. 15 - Dr. Alfred Oteng-Yeboah, Chairman of the Ghana National Biodiversity Committee, has been named as one of the three individuals to be awarded the MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2014. Accra , Sept. 22 - The Forestry Commission is to embark on a maiden REDD+ roadshow to draw Ghanaians attention to the negative effects of Climate Change and encourage behaviour change that ensures sustainable use and management of natural resources. New York, Sept. 23 - Former President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday called on world leaders to scale up education on climate change as its neglect could have negative repercussions on survival. Accra, Sept. 26 – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and Ghana, have launched the first ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum and Exhibition, to promote the mining and oil potentials of member states. OCTOBER Dumasua, (B/A), Oct. 19 – Professor Peter Kwapong, an Entomologist at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has advised Ghanaians to change their attitude towards the environment, to conserve biodiversity for national food security. Bolgatanga, Oct. 24 - Mr. James Ware, Upper East Regional Director of Forestry Commission, has decried the alarming rate of deforestation in the Region and called on communities close to forest reserves not to misuse the vegetative cover as that would adversely affect the environment. Tema, Oct 27 - Mrs Hannah Owusu-Koranteng, Associate Executive Director of WACAM, an environmental friendly NGO, has called on Ghanaians to appreciate and protect the nation’s water bodies and forest reserves from further destruction. Accra, Oct. 30 - The Convention People's Party (CPP) has called on the Mahama Administration to withdraw, what it called “the disgraceful Plant Breeders Bill (PBB) submitted to Parliament by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice”. NOVEMBER Buipe (NR), Nov 21 - The Institute of Continuing Education and Interdisciplinary Research (ICEIR) of the University for Development Studies (UDS), has organised a day’s workshop on effects of flooding, for representatives of some communities along the Black and White Volta basins in the Central Gonja District. Tarkwa, Nov 24 - Mr. Nii Osah Mills, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has appealed to mining companies to pay more attention to their workers to reduce fatalities and serious injuries resulting from mining operations. Bolgatanga, Nov 24 - Mr Nicholas Atubiga, Bongo District Crop Officer, has said underground water in the district contained a high concentration of fluoride, thus causing dental fluorosis, a disease of bones and teeth. Half Assini (W/R), Nov 28 – A chief has appealed to the government to use the Algalbooms or Sargassum for fuel production to ensure environmental sanitation. Tamale (N/R), Nov. 28, – Environmentalists in the Northern Region have called for intensified environmental awareness creation and the implementation of the laws to check environmental pollution in the region. Accra, Nov 29 – A two–day Regional Workshop on “Support for the Management of National Biosphere Reserves for Effective Biodiversity Conservation” in West Africa opened on Friday in Accra. Sunyani, Oct. 31 – The Sunyani Municipal Assembly has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Canadian developer and investors to convert all solid waste generated in the municipality into energy of not less than 25 megawatts. DECEMBER Accra, Dec. 16 - Government on Tuesday said it could not roll-out the national fertiliser subsidy programme for the 2014 cropping season. Accra, Dec. 18 - A road map towards the launch of Ghana’s first satellite, Ghanasat 1, has been outlined by Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC). Kumasi, Dec 22 - Mr. Julius Debrah, the Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) Minister, has said it was important to combine efforts to keep the country clean and rid it of filth. Bolgatanga, Dec. 22 - A Non-Governmental Organization known as Centre for National Development of Girl Education, Environment, Water, Agric and Sanitation (CENDEGWAS) Advocacy Foundation Ghana has joined Presidents Mahatma’s national campaign on sanitation. Asiwa (Ash), Dec 26 - Mr. Julius Debrah, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, has asked Ghanaians to put premium on environmental sanitation to prevent diseases. Bongo (UE), Dec. 27 - The problem of fluoride content in water in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region would soon be a thing of the past, says Mr Alexis Ayamdor Adugdaa, District Chief Executive. SOURCE: GNA