Ghanaian authorities and conservation groups are stepping up efforts to combat the illegal poaching of pangolins, one of the world’s most trafficked mammals, ahead of World Pangolin Day on February 15.

Over the past decade, an estimated one million pangolins—commonly known as scaly anteaters—have been poached worldwide, with demand for their scales particularly high in Asia.

In Ghana, the three native species—the giant pangolin, ground pangolin, and white-bellied pangolin—are all endangered and at risk of extinction.

To curb illegal hunting, Ghana’s wildlife conservation agency has increased patrols and launched awareness campaigns in local communities.

Despite strict national and international laws protecting pangolins, enforcement in Ghana remains weak, with an estimated 5 to 10 tonnes of pangolin scales illegally exported each year, according to the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).

Pangolins play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling pest populations and aerating soil through their burrowing habits.

In the Asukese Forest Reserve, the NGO Alliance for Pangolin Conservation-Ghana has been actively working with local communities to safeguard the species.

Public awareness is also driving change at the grassroots level.

Obaa Yaa, a restaurant owner in the Bono region, used to sell pangolin meat but stopped after learning about conservation efforts.

“Now, I educate my customers about the importance of protecting pangolins to ensure food security,” she said.

With conservationists and communities joining forces, Ghana is taking crucial steps to safeguard its endangered pangolin population for future generations.

By Laudia Sawer 

Ahwiam-Ningo, Feb. 15, GNA – Residents of Ahwiam in the Ningo-Prampram Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, have expressed worry over the lack of access to potable water supply in the coastal community. 

According to the residents, the situation was disturbing, putting them at risk of contracting communicable diseases. 

They noted that due to the situation, sometimes their children could not go to school as they had no water to bathe or wash their school uniforms. 

Since the stream the residents relied on for water, has dried up, they have resorted to digging the ground around the stream to collect water for their daily activities. 

Ms. Naomi Narh, a resident, said the community only gets water during the rainy season, as the stream they relied on often dries up during the dry season, adding that for over one year, no water flowed through their pipes. 

Miss Nora Tetteh, another resident, stated that “We don’t have water from anywhere, the pipe does not flow, and our assemblyman and MP are not doing anything for us.” 

She added that buying water from tank operators was also very expensive, as a gallon of water was being sold at GHS 5, which could not fully cater to their needs, pushing them to collect the worm-infested stream water. 

“We beg them to intervene on our behalves. If we have sinned, forgive us and give us water. We bathe with the water we collect from the digging, cook with it, and also drink it. It is, however, full of salt, and for the fear of germs, I have to put antiseptic in it before bathing or my body will itch.” 

Madam Patient Mensah stated that “We can see worms in the water; can you imagine if we bathe in it and the worms enter our private parts? Buying from the tank operators is also expensive; one gallon is 5 cedis, and that does not even reach us. The stream is also dried, so we dig around it to get water. We boil it before we can use it to cook and bathe our children.” 

Master John Nartey, a pupil, said  “I didn’t get water to bath so I cant go to school, therefore I have come to dig to see if I can get water.” 

He disclosed that they use cutlass and hoes to dig before getting water to wash their uniforms, bathe and eat. 

GNA 

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) seems to be grappling with uncertainty over what charges to prefer against the former Finance Minister, former Attorney General, Ayikoi Otoo, has said.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, February 15, Ayikoi Otoo expressed serious concerns about the handling of the case, highlighting inconsistencies and legal missteps that could undermine the credibility of the investigative body.

He argues that the OSP’s decision to declare the former minister a fugitive despite not having a single arrest warrant against him raises fundamental legal questions.

“If all you want is for him to come and help you with investigations how do you declare him a fugitive when you don’t even have a single arrest warrant saying that he should be arrested and that you are looking for him and you can’t find him?” he asked in an interview with host Selorm Adonoo.

For him, reports that the former minister is unwell, raises questions to the necessity of aggressive measures to secure his cooperation.

Ayikoi Otoo further argues that the Special Prosecutor appears uncertain about the exact charges it intends to press against the embattled official.

“….This one from the way you are going it appears you don’t even know what charges you want to give to him. because your duty is to prosecute the man,” he stated.

The former AG emphasized that the OSP’s primary duty is to prosecute, not to rely on the suspect’s testimony to build a case, stressing that the responsibility lies with the prosecutorial witnesses to gather evidence, rather than coercing the accused into providing self-incriminating information.

“You are not supposed to use what the man is going to say as the basis of your charge. it is your prosecutorial witnesses who should come, collecting the evidence left and right.,” he argued.

The former Attorney General also pointed out that the OSP, which was previously constrained by a lack of personnel, now boasts of a staff strength of about 340, a substantial workforce, that should help the OSP  focus on putting together a solid docket rather than resorting to questionable legal tactics.

Additionally, he cited constitutional provisions that protect individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves.

“Is it not clearly written in the Constitution that nobody can be compelled to give evidence at their trial? And again, is it not the case that when you arrest somebody, you read them their rights and inform them that they have the right to remain silent because anything they say will be used against them in court?” he questioned.

Ayikoi Otoo drew comparisons to past cases where individuals were tried in absentia and sentenced, questioning why a similar route cannot be taken if the OSP is confident in its evidence.

“What do you need him for? why should he come and give you evidence and when he say I won’t give you evidence you say I have declared you a wanted person.

“Were we not in this country when somebody was tried in absentia? and they even jailed him, sentenced him to serve and we are still looking for him. So go ahead and do what you want to do. unless you want to play to the gallery. Otherwise, just go ahead and do your work.”

Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared a fugitive by the OSP over his alleged involvement in some corruption cases when he was in government.

Ofori-Atta is in abroad and has evaded investigations, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has said indicating  all necessary steps would be taken to bring him back.

Ofori-Atta has been accused of causing financial losses to the state, including the alleged spending of $58m (£46.6m) of government money in the controversial national cathedral project, which remains a hole in the ground.

Jude Bellingham was sent off as Real Madrid missed the chance to move four points clear at the top of La Liga in a frustrating draw against Osasuna.

The England midfielder, who scored Real’s late winner at Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, was shown a straight red in the 39th minute for foul and abusive language towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.

Bellingham’s only previous dismissal for Real came after the final whistle in a 2-2 draw at Valencia in March 2024, when he received a second yellow for complaining to the referee.

France forward Kylian Mbappe had given Real the lead at Estadio El Sadar, latching on to Federico Valverde’s inch-perfect cross to fire home his 17th league goal of the season.

But Osasuna were given a lifeline in the 58th minute after Eduardo Camavinga was adjudged to have fouled Ante Budimir in the box – and the home striker scored from the spot.

As the second half wore on, Real continued to push for a winner, but Mbappe wasted an opportunity to find Vinicius Jr in acres of space in the Osasuna box.

The Brazil forward carved out a chance to fire Real back in front with 15 minutes remaining, dribbling past two defenders in the area before his effort was headed off the line by Alejandro Catena.

Vinicius also dug out a back-post cross with 10 minutes remaining but Luka Modric could not direct his side-foot volley on target.

Atletico Madrid, who are two points behind Real, will go top if they win against Celta Vigo later on Saturday.

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will also leapfrog Real on goal difference if they beat Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ghanaian highlife musician, Kwabena Kwabena

Ghanaian highlife musician, Kwabena Kwabena, has expressed concern over how his works are not appreciated enough in the country.

In an interview with Starr FM on February 14, 2025, Kwabena Kwabena stated that he has inspired and groomed many young talents in the creative arts industry, however, he is not regarded.

“My music has inspired many, but I was never appreciated. I have dedicated years of my life to creating timeless music, yet I feel like my efforts are taken for granted,” he said.

Kwabena Kwabena further bemoaned the trend of Ghanaian talents not properly receiving acknowledgments until they die.

“This is the same country that waits until you are gone before they honour you. While you are alive, they won’t even recognise your efforts,” he added.

You can also watch as some Ghanaians share what they consider the best and worst Valentine’s Day gifts below:

JHM/EB

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama is championing a proactive approach for African nations to cultivate self-reliance through enhanced agricultural investments toward sustainable food security and economic independence.

This comes in response to a $156 million funding shortfall caused by the suspension of USAID programs, which has significantly impacted critical areas such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.

However, during the 2024 Munich Security Forum in Germany, President Mahama emphasized that this challenge presents an opportunity for African nations to refocus their efforts on agricultural investments, driving economic growth and reducing dependency on foreign aid.

“But I was just reading that US farmers are beginning to complain because USAID was the biggest buyer of excess food for food aid to Africa, and USAID is not conducting these auctions anymore. This situation is an opportunity for Africa to increase food production.

“And so if that aid stops coming, we would make the necessary investments to make our farmers more productive, ensuring food security in Africa instead of waiting for USAID handouts,” Ghana’s President stated.

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel