Ghana News

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.

Three Ghanaians have recounted their combat experiences in the ongoing conflict between Islamist insurgents and the military in neighboring Burkina Faso, according to a BBC report. They claimed to have participated in multiple battles since 2018, describing gruesome scenes of violence and significant casualties, sometimes witnessing up to 100 dead in a single engagement. The fighters emphasized that their motivations are primarily rooted in protecting civilian communities rather than religious extremism. One participant stated that they crossed the porous 550-kilometer border undetected and sought revenge after family members were reportedly killed by the Burkinabe military. Reports indicate a concerning trend, as a France-based NGO estimated that between 200 and 300 young Ghanaians have joined jihadist groups, although the scope of this recruitment remains debated among analysts. As violence spills into Ghana, heightened tensions in the northern town of Bawku accentuate fears of the insurgency spreading, driving local authorities to prioritize conflict resolution in the region. Ghana, while relatively untouched, is grappling with the implications of ongoing violence in its neighboring countries, putting it at a critical juncture.

A violent altercation broke out in Ghana's Parliament during a session to vet new ministerial appointments, leading to the suspension of four lawmakers. The incident took place on Thursday, January 30th, when Members of Parliament (MPs) engaged in physical confrontations that resulted in damaged tables and microphones, as captured in videos circulated on social media. The turmoil is reported to have stemmed from disagreements over the vetting process of three nominees from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) following their victory over the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in December. According to reports from BBC, MPs were dissatisfied with the pace of the vetting process, which took more than five hours for one nominee. Some lawmakers accused NPP leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of intentionally delaying proceedings for political retribution. In response to the chaos, Speaker of Parliament announced two-week suspensions for three NPP members and one from the NDC. Afenyo-Markin defended the questioning process, asserting that committee members are entitled to thoroughly examine each nominee, and alleged that the NDC aimed to disrupt the proceedings.

A massive cleanup operation is underway in Ghana following a fire that ravaged the Kantamanto secondhand clothing market in Accra. The blaze, which broke out around 10 PM on January 1, 2025, destroyed thousands of stalls and is believed to have been sparked by faulty electrical connections, though arson has not been ruled out. Emergency services deployed 13 fire tenders, managing to control the flames but too late to save the extensive market, which is vital for the livelihoods of approximately 30,000 people. Initial estimates suggest that as many as 8,000 individuals have already been significantly impacted by the destruction, with damages amounting to millions of Ghanaian cedi. Local traders, such as Alhassan Fatawu, expressed devastation over their losses and the sudden disruption to their daily income. "Everything has gone," he lamented, reflecting the widespread sentiment among those affected. The Kantamanto market had been a critical hub for secondhand clothing, receiving an estimated 15 million garments weekly from the global north. It played a crucial role in promoting sustainability through resale and recycling practices. In response to the crisis, the Or Foundation has pledged $1 million towards cleanup efforts and is urging support from the global fashion industry. As community members begin to sift through the ashes, calls for government assistance remain unfulfilled. Many traders are in debt, and the path to rebuilding the market may take considerable time and resources.

A significant fire has wreaked havoc on the Kantamanto secondhand clothing market in Accra, Ghana, destroying two-thirds of the market and leaving thousands of traders facing financial ruin. The fire began late on January 1 and quickly spread, prompting the Ghana National Fire Service to dispatch 13 fire tenders to combat the flames. Initial reports indicate that faulty electrical connections may have caused the blaze, though investigations into potential arson are ongoing. While there have been no severe casualties reported, the economic impact is expected to be substantial, with millions of Ghanaian cedis in goods destroyed. It is estimated that around 8,000 individuals, including stall owners and employees, have been directly affected by the disaster. Kantamanto is known for receiving approximately 15 million used garments from countries in the global North each week, supporting a thriving community of about 30,000 people. The market is a critical hub for those seeking alternatives to fast fashion, emphasizing resale, reuse, and upcycling. Community leaders and advocates are working tirelessly to clear the debris, with hopes of rebuilding the market within a week. However, concerns are mounting regarding the lack of governmental assistance and the urgent need for traders to resume their livelihoods. In response to the crisis, the Or Foundation has pledged $1 million for cleanup efforts and is appealing to the global fashion industry for additional support.

A significant fire swept through Kantamanto Market in Accra, Ghana, on January 1, 2025, destroying approximately two-thirds of the sprawling secondhand clothing hub. The blaze, which ignited around 10 PM local time, prompted the Ghana National Fire Service to deploy 13 fire tenders to control the flames. Authorities report that goods worth millions of Ghanaian cedi have been lost, although significant casualties have not been reported. According to preliminary investigations, the fire may have been caused by faulty electrical connections, with arson not being ruled out. The fire has impacted an estimated 8,000 people, many of whom depended on the market for their livelihoods. Alhassan Fatawu, a stall owner, expressed despair upon discovering that his business, where he created designs from secondhand materials, had been reduced to ashes. Before the incident, Kantamanto was known to receive around 15 million secondhand garments from the Global North each week, serving as a vital resource for approximately 30,000 people involved in reselling, repairing, and upcycling clothing. Yayra Agbofah, founder of a community-led initiative, noted the urgency to rebuild, stating, "People have to return to work because they don’t have anything." The Or Foundation, an organization focused on textile waste, has pledged $1 million to the recovery efforts and is urging support from the global fashion industry. Creative director Daniel Mawuli Quist emphasized the need for true sustainability within the fashion ecosystem, highlighting the importance of valuing every part of the supply chain. As cleanup operations continue, the community remains hopeful for a swift recovery, but concerns linger for the many families who have lost everything.

A devastating fire has ravaged the Kantamanto secondhand clothing market in Accra, Ghana, destroying approximately two-thirds of the facility and affecting thousands of traders. The blaze erupted around 10 PM on January 1, 2025, resulting in millions of Ghanaian cedi lost in goods and materials. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded with 13 fire tenders, managing to contain the flames, but not before extensive damage was done. Fortunately, no severe casualties have been reported, according to GNFS spokesperson Alex King Nartey, who indicated that investigations are ongoing into the causes, which may include faulty electrical connections. Kantamanto, a vital hub for approximately 30,000 people, received an estimated 15 million secondhand garments weekly from countries in the global north prior to the fire. Local traders observed the quick destruction of their stalls, and many are now grappling with significant losses that threaten their livelihoods. Community leader Yayra Agbofah remarked on the urgency of the situation, stating that efforts to rebuild the market must commence quickly to allow traders to return to work. The Or Foundation has pledged $1 million to assist with the cleanup and is urging the global fashion industry to provide additional support, emphasizing the need for a sustainable circular system in the fashion sector. The aftermath of this disaster reveals the essential role of Kantamanto in combating fast fashion and offering an alternative model for textile resale and reuse. Many affected individuals face an uncertain future without immediate government support or resources to recover.