Chaos Erupts in Ghana's Parliament Amid Ministerial Vetting Dispute

An investigation by BBC Eye has uncovered that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, a Mumbai-based company, is producing and illegally exporting unlicensed and highly addictive opioids to West Africa, exacerbating a public health crisis in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire. The drugs, notably a dangerous combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol, are being marketed under various brand names, including Tafrodol, and are available cheaply on the streets. The BBC's undercover investigation revealed factory footage of Aveo's director, Vinod Sharma, acknowledging the harmful effects of these drugs but candidly referring to the trade as "business." These opioids are reportedly popular among teenagers who misuse them alongside alcoholic energy drinks to enhance their effects, raising concerns about rising addiction rates in the region. Officials like Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa of Nigeria's Drug and Law Enforcement Agency noted that opioids are wreaking havoc on families and communities. Amidst increasing scrutiny, Indian pharmacological regulations are reportedly being violated, putting at risk the integrity of India's broader pharmaceutical reputation, which supplies essential medicines globally.

A recent study by Climate Central reveals that climate change is significantly impacting cacao production in West Africa, the source of approximately 70% of the world’s cacao. According to the report, rising temperatures, severe droughts, and unpredictable rainfall have led to reduced yields and increased cultivation costs for farmers in countries like Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria. The study indicates that over the past decade, climate change has added an average of three weeks of extreme heat—temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius—during the crucial growing season from October to March. Last year, noted as the hottest on record, climate change caused temperatures in two-thirds of the analyzed areas to surpass 32 degrees Celsius on at least 42 days. This decline in cacao production has resulted in skyrocketing chocolate prices globally, with experts warning that further climate impacts could exacerbate costs for both consumers and the chocolate industry. As environmental stresses continue, the future availability of this beloved product remains uncertain.

Recent research reveals that climate change is significantly impacting cocoa production in West Africa, which accounts for about 70% of global cacao supply. A report by the independent research group Climate Central indicates that soaring temperatures, driven by fossil fuel emissions, are leading to decreased harvests. Farmers in regions like Ivory Coast and Ghana face extreme heat, disease, and unusual rainfall, negatively affecting crop yields. Over the last decade, global heating has added an average of three weeks of temperatures exceeding 32°C during critical growing months, leading to diminished cocoa quality and quantity. Christian Aid highlights that extreme weather patterns, including droughts and heavy rainfall, have drastically altered farming conditions, threatening the livelihoods of many farmers. As a result, cocoa prices have surged, reaching over $10,000 per tonne recently, down from a high of $12,500 in December 2023, according to market data. Experts stress the need for collective action to address climate issues, emphasizing that the fight against aridity is essential not just for chocolate production but for global sustainability.