World Climate Simulation Training in Ghana

Climate Interactive and Abibiman Foundation, have organized a World Climate Simulation and Training Event at the United Nations Information Centre in Accra on July 11 to 12, 2016.

Young people from civil society and Ghana’s universities participated in the event. There were climate and environment activists and students.

World Climate Event, WCE, basically, is a simulation of the World Climate Negotiations that takes place at the annual COP events. The goal is to help young people understand the full picture on how to address climate change and other critical challenges. The event was to equip the delegates to join others from other parts of the world in running the World Climate Simulation and engaging others on climate change.

Delegates played the World Climate game and worked with the C-ROADS software to model global temperature changes. The exercise raised the level of engagement of participants when they were faced with the reality of how much work needed to be done to keep global temperature rise below 2°C by the year 2100.

The Accra World Climate Simulation Event was facilitated by Juliette Bohland from Climate Interactive World Climate Africa Project and Travis Franck from Boston.

With the COP22 climate negotiations happening in Morocco later this year, Climate Interactive and its partners around the world want to make sure everyone has a chance to better understand the climate challenge.

ABIBMAN FOUNDATION PARTICIPATES IN CLEAN COOKING ALLIANCE MEETING

Abibiman Foundation on 19th August 2016 participated in the 2nd ordinary general meeting of the Ghana Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (GHACCO) as member of the Alliance. The 2nd ordinary general meeting was held to brief members of the achievements and on-going activities of the alliance and to discuss new developments for effective promotion of clean cookstoves in Ghana towards the achievement of the sustainable energy for all agenda.

The workshop saw the participation of about 50 members including the presence of Arjit Basut and Kwesi Sarpong of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves who also briefed the members on the programs that the Global Alliance is implementing in Ghana and West Africa which includes the Awareness Creation Campaign and lessons learnt.

Executives from the Regional Steering Committees from the Ashanti (Mr. Michael of Man and Man Enterprise)and Greater Accra regions were also present and shared their activities for the year, challenges and experiences and plans for the rest of the year.

The meeting provided opportunities for members to be updated on on-going activities including the evidence based advocacy voices for Change project of SNV, the awareness creation campaign, elections of regional executives and the clean cooking festival of the Ghana Education Service aimed at educating youth on the clean cooking.

Mr Kenneth Nana Amoateng is a Naitonal Executive Board member

Speech Delivered By Abibiman On The 5th Africa Students And Youth Summit Theme: “Climate Change, Implications For Food Security In Africa

Madam Chairperson,
H.E Mrs. Pavely Tenal Musaka, 
The minister of Mesti, Hon. Mahama Ayarigah,

The Minister of foreign Affair and Regional Integration, Hon. Hannah Tetteh,

The minister of Education, Hon. Prof. Jane Nana Opoku-Agyeman,

All protocols observed, 
The issues of climate change and food insecurity have become topical around the globe. The agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to climate change, especially where farming relies heavily on rain. African countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change because, in addition to their dependence on rain-fed agriculture, they experience high levels of poverty, low levels of human and physical capital and poor infrastructure.

As both staple and cash crop agriculture are almost entirely rain-fed, rainfall variability during the growing season leads to fluctuating food production from year to year. Changes in rainfall also often lead to reduced harvest of staple foods, thus contributing to food insecurity.

Madam Chairperson, distinguished guest, many crops have annual cycles, and yields fluctuate with climate variability, particularly rainfall and temperature. Maintaining the continuity of food supply when production is seasonal is therefore challenging. Droughts and floods are a particular threat to food stability and could bring about both chronic and transitory food insecurity. Both are expected to become more frequent, more intense and less predictable as a consequence of climate change.

In rural areas that depend on rain fed agriculture for an important part of their local food supply, changes in the amount and timing of rainfall within the season and an increase in weather variability are likely to aggravate the precariousness of local food systems.

It is to be noted, the affordability of food is determined by the relationship between household income and the cost of a typical food basket. Global food markets may exhibit greater price volatility, jeopardizing the stability of returns to farmers and the access to purchased food of both farming and non-farming poor people.

Madam Chairperson, distinguished guests, the change in seasonality attributed to climate change can lead to certain food products becoming more scarce at certain times of year. Such seasonal variations in food supply, along with vulnerabilities to flooding and fire, can make livelihoods more vulnerable at certain times of the year. Although these impacts might appear indirect, they are important because many marginal livelihood groups are close to the poverty margin, and food is a key component of their existence.

Agriculture is often at the heart of the livelihood strategies of these marginal groups; agricultural employment, whether farming their own land or working on that of others, is key to their survival. In many areas, the challenges of rural livelihoods drive urban migration. As the number of poor and vulnerable people living in urban slums grows, the availability of non-farm employment opportunities and the access of urban dwellers to adequate food from the market will become increasingly important drivers of food security.

Agriculture-based livelihood systems that are already vulnerable to climate change face immediate risk of increased crop failure, loss of livestock and fish stocks, increasing water scarcities and destruction of productive assets. These systems include small-scale rain fed farming, pastoralism, inland and coastal fishing and forest-based systems. Rural people inhabiting coasts, floodplains and drylands are most at risk.

The urban poor, particularly in coastal cities and floodplain settlements, also face increasing risks. Among those at risk, pre-existing socio-economic discriminations are likely to be aggravated, causing nutritional status to deteriorate among women, young children and elderly, ill and disabled people. Future vulnerability is likely to affect not only farmers, fishers, herders and forest-dependent people, but also low-income city dwellers, in developing countries, whose sources of livelihood and access to food may be at risk from the impact of extreme weather events and variable food prices, and who lack adequate insurance coverage.

Madam Chairperson, distinguished guests, the youth run the risk of them also contributing to climate change and failing to mitigate it, just as past generations have been doing. In order for the youth to actively and meaningful participate and influence development into the direction of climate resilient development, it is important that they understand these issues and the challenges to their achievement.

Given this scenario, there is need to allow the youth to actively participate in addressing the climate change problems, not as victims but more importantly as solution providers. It is in this context that the African youth should be recognised (not only on paper) as an age group with a lot of potential in addressing the climate change problem which spans within and across generations.

Madam Chairperson, distinguished guest, in order for Africa to achieve climate resilient development, there is a need create appropriate packages for climate change adaptation and mitigation for the youth in particular. If the youth are not actively involved in the current climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, they themselves when they pass the youth stage will keep on doing the same old ways which have been found to go against the objective of climate resilient development.

This therefore require everyone’ participation, which calls for the active participation of the youth; it is in the youth that today and tomorrow’s development foundation is anchored. Growing attention to climate change and sustainable development offers a chance for green economic growth. Green jobs not only provide much-needed employment opportunities for youth, they also give the youth an outlet to contribute directly to the fight against climate change by adopting green behaviors in their private lives.

Thank you
Kenneth Nana Amoateng
Abibiman Foundation-
http://www.abibimmanfoundation.org

http://www.modernghana.com/news/711664/speech-delivered-by-abibiman-on-the-5th-africa-students-and.html

Congratulate parliament of Ghana officially ratified the Paris Agreement on Climate Change by Abibiman

Abibiman Foundation wishes to congratulate the parliament and Government of Ghana for the ratification of the Paris Agreement. This is the first bold step in the quest for sustainable development and the pursuance of clean energy and to that extent, sustainable energy for all.

The parliament of Ghana officially ratified the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on the Thursday 4th of august 2016. This comes to play as we work towards achieving the sustainable development goals and to put an end to fossil fuels and move to cleaner forms of energy.

We recognizing that climate change represents an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to human societies and the planet and this requires the widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response. Parliament’s ratification of the Paris Agreement now make it legally binding on us to pursue the agenda of the Paris Agreement.

This Agreement, in enhancing the implementation of the Convention, including its objective, aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty, including by first of all, holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. Also, increasing the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production; making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

This Agreement will be implemented to reflect equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. Abibimman Foundation recognizes the efforts of Government in its quest to address the issues of climate change which the country now faces its effects across the various sectors. The energy sector is one of the worst hit by climate change as the country struggles to put an end to the power crisis through some interventions. We therefore congratulate the government and also express our support to the government in ensuring the best for our communities and work towards achieving the sustainable development goals.

Abibiman Foundation- http://www.abibimmanfoundation.org

http://www.modernghana.com/news/710366/abibiman-foundation-congratulates-parliament-for-the-ratific.html

http://www.modernghana.com/news/710366/abibiman-foundation-congratulates-parliament-for-the-ratific.html

Abibiman Foundation joins the rest of the World to mark the World refugee Day 2016

Abibiman Foundation joins the rest of the World to mark the World refugee Day 2016.  Let recall our common humanity‚ celebrate tolerance and diversity and open our hearts to refugees everywhere, we stand together #With Refugees

World Refugee Day is a time for us all to reflect even as Ghana prepares to go to the polls. Electoral process gives the citizenry the sole right to elect their preferred political leaders. As if this is not enough, electoral process in Africa have most often been characterized by violence at various stages, from pre-election, during elections and post elections. This electoral process which give rights to the people to govern themselves is been challenged by the threats to security, peace and development.

Conflict has destroyed thousands of lives and families. An estimated 60 million people around the world have been forced from their homes. Among them are nearly 20 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18 are forcibly displaced in the world - as refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and internally displaced persons. 

There are also 10 million stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement.  In a world where 42,500 people are forcibly displaced every day as a result of conflict or persecution (source UNHCR)

In time of reflecting let us provide support and protection for refugees and effectively managing migration which requires a global response.

Ensure every refugee child gets an education and safe place to live for them to learn new skills to enable them make positive contribution to their community.

We call on the Ghanaian media to report responsibly on the refugee crisis and present a balanced, fair picture of events, and not to fuel people’s fears and prejudices, as indicated in the UN convention below;

– Article 13 provides for the rights of aliens; UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951); African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights 

– Article 12 guarantees the right to seek asylum and protection from expulsion; and Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa

– Article 11 places an obligation on states to protect asylum seeking women‚ refugees‚ returnees and internally displaced persons‚ against all forms of violence‚ rape‚ and other forms of sexual exploitation”.

We therefore call on Ghana refugee board to take a serious look at Ghana asylum policy and help make that aspiration a reality.” On World Refugee Day,

We hope that the Ghana refugee board will not use this year’s celebration as another opportunity to make bold statements and promises that will never be fulfilled. Instead the national authorities must place this year celebration and the theme in its proper context to the benefit of our people.

I call on UNHCR Ghana and the international community to continue to advocate and intensify efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, and to help achieve peace and security so that families can be reunited and refugees can return home.

For any further information don’t hesitate to contact the Abibiman foundation on Tel 0506766466 and Email:info@abibimanfoundation.org, our website www.abibimanfoundation.org

ABIBINSROMA PRESS STATEMENT - World Day to Combat Desertification

PRESS STATEMENT - World Day to Combat Desertification 2016

DATE: 17th June, 2016

We in Abibinsroma Foundation, in solidarity with every Ghanaian, especially those living in desert prone areas, wish you all a happy and memorable World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. This year’s theme for World Day to Combat Desertification is “Inclusive cooperation for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality, Protect Earth, Restore land and Engage people.” 

Desertification is a form of land degradation in which a relatively dry land region becomes increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water leaving no plants either wildlife on it. It is caused by a variety of factors, such as disasters or climate change which mostly resulting from irresponsible human’s activities. Desertification is a significant global ecological and environmental problem.

There are many strategies that can be adopted to help save lives and livelihoods in drought‐affected communities. By reframing policies in terms of drought preparedness and risk management, as opposed to disaster response, investments can be made that are much more cost‐effective and life‐ saving than sending humanitarian aid after a crisis has occurred. Through social and economic interventions among vulnerable communities, capacity and resilience to withstand the effects of drought can be strengthened. 

By encouraging sustainable land management, establishing early warning systems leading to early actions and incentivizing alternative livelihoods to agriculture and pastoralism, the effects of drought, especially among the world’s poor, need not be so devastating.

As we mark this year’s World day to combat Desertification and Drought, let us be reminded that when land degradation reaches a level where it seriously threatens people’s livelihoods, it can turn into a security issue. Let be bold to take action and investment in sustainable land management can boost food security, improve livelihoods and help people adapt to climate change One important approach is sustainable, climate-smart agriculture.  This will not only help communities to build resilience to climate change if we Investing in our resilience today costs a fraction of the relief price we will pay tomorrow

We regret the slow pace in the implementation of the UNCCD in Ghana and the lack of holistic programmes by government to address the problems of land degradation across the country. These are serious concerns that we condemn. This lack of political will is reflected in the general absence of collaboration and action among relevant institutions that have the remit of developing practical responses to the desertification and water pollution problems in Ghana.

We therefore call on government to take a serious look at its own obligations to the UNCCD and also the plight of people living in desert prone areas and beyond

 We hope that the government will not use this year’s celebration of the World Day to Combat Desertification as another opportunity to make bold political statements and promises on desertification that will never be fulfilled. Instead the national authorities must place this celebration and the theme in its proper context to the benefit of our people.

For any further information don’t hesitate to contact the Abibinsroma foundation on Tel 0506766466 and Email:info@abibinsromafoundation.org, our website www.abibimanfoundation.org

UNIC Accra embarks on UN4U outreach activities in Northern & Ashanti regions

Kumasi, May 23, 2016 – UNIC Accra has undertaken a series of community and youth outreach activities in the Northern and Ashanti regions of Ghana. The key message during this exercise was on the Sustainable Development Goals and what it means for us as a people and for our planet.

The first community was Boakurugu, in the Sagnarogo District of the Northern region. The team later on visited the Tamale Senior High School, where over 2000 students gathered to hear about the SDGs. In the Ashanti region, four activities were held at the Ejisu-Adadientem Church of Christ Senior High School, the Ejisu Central market, Edwenase community and the Kumasi Senior High Technical School for over a thousand students. The audiences at all the events were very enthused about the information on the SDGs and expressed appreciation to the team for including them in the outreach plans.

These events were organized by UNIC Accra in collaboration with its local partners, Abibimman Foundation, Young People we Care and Global Shapers Community, Tamale.

Despite much global efforts at raising the needed awareness on the subject, only a handful of students we reached and the people in local communities we visited were aware of the SDGs.  The local partners were therefore encouraged to set up SDGs Clubs, especially in schools, to enable students learn about the SDGs, its relationship to national development efforts and what they can do to create awareness about the 2030 development agenda.

  http://accra.sites.unicnetwork.org/category/latest-news/

Market women and farmers in Ghana learn about SDGs

Kumasi, May 23, 2016 – Sharing the message of the global development agenda has never been this interesting as it was during UNIC Accra’s interactions with three communities in the Northern and Ashanti regions.

Located some 20 minutes from Tamale, the Northern regional capital, is Boakurugu, a relatively small community in the Sagnarogo District of the Northern region. Inhabitants of this community are mainly small holder farmers. They plant maise, pepper and groundnut. UNIC Accra and its local partner, Global Shapers Community, Tamale, first paid a brief courtesy call on the Chief of the area, Alhassan Naporo to announce its mission.

About 50 residents later gathered to be briefed when suddenly a rain storm hit the community. Not deterred by the sudden storm, the residents rushed to the Chief’s palace where the briefing took place. The Sustainable Development Goals and its contribution to development was the topic for presentations and discussions.  Much to our delight, Madam Fati, a 45-year old farmer in the community, stood up at the end of the event to voluntarily express her appreciation to the team for thinking of their community to share information about the SDGs with them. She also expressed her delight to know that the world has not forgotten about their plight and that of the future generation.

Perhaps the climax of the outreach activities was at the Ejisu Central market.  It was on Thursday and indeed a market day when farmers and and traders

bring their goods and wares to sell on the streets.  Market days are usually busy and hectic for traders and farmers. This was the moment UNIC Accra and its partners, Abibimman Foundation and Young People we Care (YPWC), decided to present the SDGs to the traders and the general public of the area. Some market traders and shoppers stopped to listen to us as others went by their own business. For this group of audience, the five Ps – People, Planet, Progress, Peace and Partnership was the focus of the presentation.

At the end of the day, the translated SDGs post cards were distributed to the traders who were very keen on understanding what the SDGs meant to their wellbeing. They also had the opportunity to ask questions which were addressed by the UNIC Accra National Information Officer, Ms. Cynthia Prah and translated in Akan by the Executive Director of YPWC, Mr. Harrison Obeng Debrah.Earlier, the people of Edwenase, an outskirt of Kumasi, the capital of Kumasi, had their share of information on the SDGs. Here the Chief of the town, Nana Antwi Bosiako warmly welcomed UNIC Accra and the team. He also encouraged the people of the community to do what they could to help promote the SDGs. http://accra.sites.unicnetwork.org/category/latest-news/

Ghanaian students enthusiastic about the SDGs

Kumasi, May 23, 2016 – Nearly the entire school population of about 2000 students at the Tamale Senior High School turned out to participate in UNIC Accra’s UN4U outreach event in the school. UNIC Accra’s National Information Officer, Ms. Cynthia Prah presented the 17 SDGs to the students. She told the students that the SDGs are about people, planet and prosperity to ensure peace through partnership. She emphasized the need for students to know what the SDGs are and what they mean since it would inform development direction for the next 15 years.

The Head of Sub/Area Office of the World Food Programme, Mr. Abebe Hankore provided further explanation on the SDGs that are directly linked to food, nutrition and good health.

At the Ejisu-Adadientem Church of Christ Senior High School (CHRISEC), the students, mostly in their first and second year, wanted to learn more about the role of the UN to support countries to attain the SDGs and about theactions to be taken against countries that will fail to attain the SDGs. For many of these students, including about 50 students from Mancell College, a nearby school, UNIC Accra’s presence was actually their first encounter with UN officials. They were very pleased for the opportunity to enable them learn about such a global subject matter. “I have learnt from the presentation today how the youth can also contribute to the development of Ghana. I am very delighted that I would be able to share this information with my peers”, says Samuel Boateng of CHRISEC.

The authorities of both schools expressed the hope that such presentations would be held regularly for their students.

UNIC Accra team visited the Kumasi Senior High Technical School at the final leg of the outreach journey. Here, over 1500 students also heard about the SDGs for the first time. The students were very interactive during the  http://accra.sites.unicnetwork.org/category/latest-news/

WORLD EARTH DAY CELEBRATION 2016

There is a Patriotic song that every Ghanaian tongue knows; “Yen Ara Asasi Ni”, which simply translates: this is our own land. It a patriotic song that charges all inhabitants of the land to contribute their quota to making the nation or earth a better place. Mother Earth day or world earth day is an ancient concept common to many languages and cultures, acknowledging the connection to the planet which sustains and nurtures us. The Earth is the ultimate mother, an astounding planet that has, since time immemorial, supported life in myriad forms. As humans, we outgrow the need for constant maternal care.  Interestingly, we can never outgrow our reliance on Mother Earth.  As long as we live, we need air, water, fertile soil and the countless other gifts that this planet bestows.

This year, Mother Earth Day coincides with the signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which will take place at the UN Headquarters in New York. Celebrated on the 22^nd of April yearly, International Mother Earth Day recognizes that the Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with life and sustenance. It also aims to raise awareness that humans have a collective responsibility to promote harmony with nature and to balance the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations.This year’s theme of the International Mother Earth Day is “Trees for the earth”. Trees will be the first of five major goals to be undertaken in honour of the five-year countdown to the 50^th anniversary. On these initiatives will make a significant and measurable impact on the Earth and will serve as the foundation of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all.

Abibimman foundation, together with The Coalition of NGOs in Tema (Greater Accra Region of Ghana) commemorated this year’s celebration of World Earth Day with a talk on trees with the youth and students of Sakumono TMA No.1&2 JHS. The programme saw the presence of over 200 students and special guests including: Mr. Jeruson, a director representing the Tema Mayor; Mr. Appiah representing the Managing Director for Tema Development Corporation; Kenneth Nana Amoateng, the CEO of Abibimman Foundation; Mrs. Theresa Tetteh, the Circuit Supervisor for Tema Metro of the Ghana Education Service and Lamisi of “Ghana’s Most Beautiful.” fame 2009. The programme climaxed with a tree planting exercise that gave birth to several “ambassadors for the earth” and the students pledged to take care of the trees planted today with zeal and dedication for posterity. The headmaster of the School, Mr. Richard Parku, was very grateful to Abibimman Foundation and its kind sponsors, Total Logistics Limited and the Supermaritime Group Ghana Ltd, for making it an honour to choose his school for the programme. He raised the issue of how important the trees would be to his school as the trees would serve as windbreak to protect the roof of the school which breaks down frequently following heavy storms.

 As the school is situated close to the Atlantic ocean, the wind that comes in are very intense, thereby causing loss and damage as well as financial loss to them as they have to always bear the cost of maintenance of the roof every now and then. In a statement read on the behalf of the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive concerning the programme, the Mayor pledged to host next year’s Earth day celebration and involve Abibimman Foundation following its tremendous efforts over the years to aid in greening Tema. The Tema Mayor also added that, he would make it a point to liaise with the Organization to implement other projects in the Metropolis in the future. The Managing Director of Tema Development Corporation was also glad to always be part of the activities of the Foundation in Tema. In a statement also read on his behalf, emphasized the work Abibimman Foundation played in the development of the metropolis over the years and hope the foundation extends its projects and Programmes to every corner of Tema.  Amongst the several trees planted for today were fruit trees to help supplement the school feeding program with vitamin C.

Target 15.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) captures the importance of promoting the sustainable management of all types of trees and forests and, in many cases, enhance the socio-economic contributions they offer mankind and as we celebrate International Mother Earth Day, it is virtually impossible to sum up the importance of trees and forests in just a few words. Trees are essential to support life on Earth as we know it. Let us take action for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of forests in order to ensure that they continue to provide the vital products and services so necessary to the lives of billions of people around the world, to address climate change, and protect the Earth for future generations. 

REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL WATER DAY 2016

REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL WATER DAY

 On World Water Day, people around the world express their care and that they have the power to make a difference. World Water Day is observed worldwide each year on March 22nd. It is an opportunity to focus attention on a natural resource that all our lives and livelihoods depend on. Each year, UN-Water, the entity that coordinates the UN’s work on water and sanitation sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a global challenge. This year, World Water Day highlights how water and jobs interact to transform people’s lives. Almost half of the world's 1.5 billion workers are working in water related sectors and nearly all jobs depend on water and sanitation are essential workers’ lives and health.

On this day, millions of people who work in water are often not recognized or even protected by basic labour rights. This needs to change. It is a day on which to be inspired and take action to make a difference for those who can’t take water for granted.  Every hour 38 workers die from water-related diseases. These deaths can be prevented with better water and sanitation (improved quality drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and related knowledge).

 Abibimman Foundation therefore on the 22^nd day of March 2016 celebrated the world water day in collaboration with the Kingdom Dynamic Future Home with the pupils of God Almighty International School in Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The pupils participated in an interactive talk on the basic provision of adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services at home and in the school. They also asked questions on how to purify water from various sources and they relate to impacts lives through its presence, quality and quantity.

The pupils engaged in the formation of a club that would be coordinated by the Abibimman Green-Life Club to help the students become ambassadors of WASH in their district. Water has the ability to create paid and decent jobs. It can contribute to a greener economy and sustainable development. But for this to happen, we need more qualified workers. And we need those workers to work in dignity, equality, safety and have a fair income. The President and founder of Kingdom Dynamic Future Home, Mr. Prince Anthony Blessed Amegbor, promoted the day’s celebration with the assistance of the head teacher of the School

 Mr Emmanuel Modzaka and a teacher, Mr. Antwi Agyeipong. The pupils engaged happily in the global celebration and sang songs to show how much water means to them and everyone. Many have lived without love, yet not one without water. It is therefore a necessity to commemorate this day of a substance that is substantial and crucial, and a unique source of life.

Miss Christiana Bonni, Project Coordinator of Abibiman Foundation  said access to a safe, reliable and affordable supply of water and adequate sanitation services, creates an enabling environment for long-term employment opportunities, as well as development and growth across different economic sectors.

This is especially important when we factor in the important role water quality and water quantity play. For example, in the irrigated agriculture sector, which represents 70 per cent of freshwater withdrawals globally, a farmer's job depends on their ability to manage the available freshwater while at the same time facing challenges such as groundwater depletion, climate change and water scarcity. Agriculture accounts for more than 90 percent of freshwater withdrawals. Without improved efficiency measures, agricultural water consumption is expected to increase by about 20 per cent globally by 2050.  In the forestry sector, it is often necessary to reduce deforestation to avoid water shortages or excess water flows with negative impacts on a region, resulting in lay-offs in the industry.

Christiana Bonni,

Project Coordinator

Abibimman Foundation.

www.abibimmanfoundation.org

Email:info@abibimmanfoundation.org

ABIBINSROMA REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS

REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS.

            The 21^st day of March each year marks the international day of forests, popularly known as international forest day. The day is celebrated globally in diverse ways to portray the gratitude of all humans to mother earth for the provision of forest reserves and its unlimited benefits. This year,  Abibinsroma Foundation in collaboration with Kingdom Dynamic Future Home, celebrated the day with the pupils and Staff of Only Believe International School (Kukurantumi) in the Akim District of the Eastern Region here in Ghana. The day was not originally popular with pupils and therefore presented an opportunity for them to be part of the event.

The Project Coordinator of Abibinsroma Foundation and the President and founder of Kingdom Dynamic Future Home, Mr. Prince Anthony Blessed Amegbor, who presented the opportunity to several students to understand the significance of forests and the role they play in climate change mitigation, how useful they are as sources for food, water, raw materials and other uses.

As the UN theme for this year is “water and Forests”, Forests are home to more than 80 per cent of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. They provide shelter, jobs and security for forest-dependent communities, with approximately 1.6 billion people relying on forest resources for their livelihoods, with most of them (1.2 billion) using trees on farms to generate food and cash. Ecosystem services are essential for human wellbeing. They provide food, water, energy and other benefits. Thus it is important to connect ecosystems to global development priorities.

The head teacher of the School, Mr. Justice Nii Klu and his assistant, Mr. Francis Ampaw were grateful to the two organizations for coming together to promote the international day of forests celebration with his school. The students partook in a tree planting exercise to mark the day and help support the Chinese proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, and the best next time is now”. The event saw some students who pledged and dedicated themselves to taking care of their trees they planted for posterity sake.  

            The pupils of the school participated in the event by expressing their views on how forests should be protected in relation to its role as a source of fresh water for most communities, asking interesting questions and answering very challenging questions which proved that the young understood the benefits water and forests play in their lives and the climate change mitigation process as a whole. All the students were glad they were part of a global celebration of this kind and expressed their keen interest in celebrating the day annually. Abibinsroma Foundation therefore seeks to promote the integrity sustainability of our forest reserves as they are vital to the water cycle and the best ticket to carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation.

Isaac Korku Dorgbetor

Project Coordinator

Abibinsroma Foundation.

www.abibinsromafoundation.org

Email:info@abibinsromafoundation.org

Coalition of Animal Rights and Welfare Action in Ghana. (CARWAG)

Animal Rights and Welfare: A call to peaceful coexistence.

Animals, be it wild or pet, food or sport, there is much humans must do to be humane towards them. Some years back, Ghanaians were agitating for freedom and they finally became the first sub-Saharan country to gain theirs. Other countries followed and still are. Non-human animals sadly, have no champion, but fortunately some humans have stood up for them in many countries. Ghana is now gaining grounds as an online search can reveal to you there are animal right activists in the country. Critics of animal rights argue that animals are unable to enter into a social contract, and thus cannot be possessors of rights, a view summed up by the philosopher Roger Scruton, who writes that only humans have duties, and therefore only humans have rights. One may ask, what are animal rights and animal welfare and how similar or different are they? The simple answer to that is: Animal rights is the philosophy of allowing non-human animals to have the most basic rights that all sentient beings desire: the freedom to live a natural life free from human exploitation, unnecessary pain and suffering, and premature death. This is what the animal rights movement is about; it is not about working for equality between human and non-human animals. Animal welfare on the other hand seeks to alleviate the suffering of animals while they are being exploited, without attempting to question the fundamental basis of whether it is acceptable to exploit animals in the first place. How does humanity intend to solve differences among its own species when it cannot learn to make peace with the other animals on earth? Humans need to start thinking and living in terms of co-existence, as opposed to dominance. You certainly do not have to love your neighbors, but you should be able to get along with them. Peace begins with the individuals who make a conscious effort to go through life making the least negative impact possible. The 21st-century debates about animals can be traced back to the ancient world, and the idea of a divine hierarchy. In the Book of Genesis 1:26 (5th or 6th century BCE), Adam is given "dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." Dominion need not entail property rights, but it has been interpreted, by some, over the centuries to imply ownership. However, Bernard Rollin writes that "dominion” does not entail or allow abuse any more than does dominion a parent enjoys over a child. According to Immanuel Kant, cruelty to animals is wrong only because it was bad for humankind. He argued in 1785 that "cruelty to animals is contrary to man's duty to himself, because it deadens in him the feeling of sympathy for their sufferings, and thus a natural tendency that is very useful to morality in relation to other human beings is weakened. There is a saying which reflects how animals’ rights have been abandoned by their neighbours (humans in this sense):

     When they came for the socialists, I didn't do

     anything, for I wasn't a socialist.

     When they came for the Gypsies, I didn't do

     anything for I wasn't a Gypsy.

     When they came for the Jews, I didn't do

     anything for I wasn't a Jew.

     When they came for me, there wasn't anyone

     left to do anything for me.

So the choice is ours. We can seek for the welfare of animals or their rights, and it all depends on background factors, such as gender, occupation, type and level of education, religion, and one's attitude towards nature. This is because, animals whether kept as a pet or food at least deserve:

1.      suitable environment to exhibit normal behaviour patterns,

2.      housed with, or apart from, other animals,

3.      suitable diet and water

4.      and be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Abibimman Foundation is therefore dedicated to promoting Animal welfare and rights in Ghana and the World. Let’s Join hands and create an environment for peaceful coexistence with our neighbours: animals. If you are interested, call or send an Email to Join the Coalition of Animal Rights and Welfare Action in Ghana. (CARWAG)

Isaac Korku Dorgbetor

Coalition of Animal Rights and Welfare Action in Ghana. (CARWAG)

Abibimman Foundation

P.O.BOX B1 Tema

-Ghana

info@abibimmanfoundation.org

Pontius140@live.com.

Abibiman Foundation, Press Release: International Women Day celebration 2016

Press Release: International Women Day celebration 2016

March 8th each year marks International Women Day originally called international working women day. This is a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. The UN theme for this year's celebration is" planet 50_50 by 2030: step it up for gender equality”. A mission that we all have to embark on for the achievement of a society where gender parity is a basis of harmony and mutual development.

For us, it is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to honor actions of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of our country and communities. As this year marks another year for elections in Ghana, Abibimman Foundation would like to use this day to promote the interests of women in leadership as the previous elections saw more women in positions which would be a drive and motivation for others in the ultimate goal of achieving gender parity in some few years to come. Abibimman Foundation’s theme for this year’s International Women’s Day celebration is “The role of women in national elections and governance" as a talk on the progress made by women in positions would help other nations make way for such inputs.

Abibimman Foundation therefore urges all Ghanaians and organizations to know that discrimination, stigmatization and outrage are major barriers to the achievement of gender parity as to suit the UN theme for this year's celebration " planet 50_50 by 2030: step it up for gender equality”.

The role of women in national elections and governance is important and therefore, women’s rights has to be at the center of every political party’s manifesto as a strategy to address the staggering and growing challenge of gender parity. There is therefore the need to stress for platforms to discuss issues that militated against women’s empowerment. Women play an important role in society when it comes to elections and governance. As we approach yet another season of election where tension and violence are prone in certain communities, there is the need for extra measures for peace and security to be put in place for their rights to be protected by stakeholders and organizations.

Everyone, both men and women can pledge to take a concrete step to help achieve gender parity more quickly, whether to help women and girls achieve their ambitions, call for gender-balanced leadership, respect and value difference, develop more inclusive and flexible cultures or root out workplace bias. Each of us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence and commit to take pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity.

Christiana Boni

Projects Coordinator (Gender and Human Rights)

Abibimman Foundation