Accra: The West Africa Food System Resilience Project (FSRP) under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has initiated construction work aimed at completing the rehabilitation and modernization of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme. Financed with World Bank support at a cost of $22.6 million, the project aims to upgrade infrastructure and enhance water management in the Eastern and Greater Accra Regions. According to Ghana News Agency, the rehabilitation efforts will focus on improving irrigation and drainage systems, installing automation equipment, upgrading road networks, and establishing better management practices for the irrigation scheme. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, noted in a speech at the sod-cutting ceremony that this project is a continuation of previous government investments in irrigation infrastructure, which included a $62 million investment in the initial phase of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme. The initiative is set to benefit at least 2,000 smallholder rice far mers, primarily in the Asutsuare and Akuse areas, as well as Golden Exotic, a banana export company. Additionally, the scheme will provide water for aquaculture companies involved in the production of tilapia and catfish in Ghana. The project is part of a broader effort by the Ghanaian government to strengthen food production and delivery systems across the country. The first phase of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, completed under the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) from 2017 to 2021, covered 4,000 hectares. GCAP also facilitated the passage of the Water Users Association Law and funded the modernization of major irrigation schemes, including the Kpong Left Bank and Tono Irrigation Scheme. Richard Oppong-Boateng, Acting CEO of the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority, expressed gratitude to the government for securing World Bank funding for the project. He highlighted the potential for increased crop production and food security through improved water use efficiency in the remaining 931 hectares not covered in the first phase. Ashwini Rekha Sebastian, World Bank's Task Team Leader for FSRP Ghana and West Africa, emphasized the importance of stakeholder ownership in project implementation. The FSRP aims to bolster food system resilience across multiple West African countries by integrating climate-smart agricultural practices and enhancing value chain facilities. Supported by ECOWAS and the World Bank Group, the FSRP in Ghana will focus on rice, maize, broiler poultry, soybeans, and tomatoes, with plans to develop vital infrastructure including laboratories, seed banks, and irrigation schemes to support sustainable agricultural practices. ZCZC

Ghana Launches Child Online Protection Framework to Tackle Cybersecurity Threats

Accra: The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF) has lauded the launch of the Ghana Child Online Protection Framework as a significant regulatory advancement aimed at safeguarding children in the digital space. The framework, introduced by the Second Lady, Hajia Mrs. Samira Bawumia, seeks to shield children from cybersecurity threats such as cyberbullying and online abuse, forming part of the broader efforts to promote a safer digital environment in Ghana. According to Ghana News Agency, Emmanuel Adinkra, President and Chief Information Security Officer of GISF, expressed optimism about the framework's potential to transform the online landscape for children. He emphasized the importance of protecting children online to ensure their safety and promote healthy digital habits and experiences. The framework was officially unveiled during the grand finale of the 2023 National Cybersecurity Challenge, under the theme "Empowering Young Minds: Creating Opportunities, Promoting a Safer Digital Ghana." The event, o rganized by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) with support from UNICEF and other partners, saw St. Peters Senior High School emerge as the winner. Adinkra highlighted the growing internet usage among children for education, entertainment, and social interaction, exposing them to various online risks. He pointed out the dangers of online harassment, age-inappropriate content, and exploitation by predators due to the anonymity of the internet. He also noted the risks of identity theft and the spread of false information, which could affect children's education and worldview. The framework, developed in collaboration with international initiatives such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNICEF, aims to provide a safer online experience for Ghanaian children. Mrs. Bawumia stressed the framework's importance in addressing the increasing global and national cybersecurity risks faced by children, citing a Microsoft survey that found 49 percent of teenagers worldwide encounter negative online e xperiences. She called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to tackle these issues. Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director General of the CSA, stated that the framework would enhance efforts to protect the digital lives of Ghanaians, with regulations supporting the Cybersecurity Act 2020 expected to be completed by year-end. Plans are also underway to establish a National Steering Committee for the National Cybersecurity Challenge to provide strategic direction and ensure a more inclusive selection process for future competitions. ZCZC

**AMA Partners with DasBiogas to Launch Eco-Friendly Biogas Plant in Accra**

**accra: **The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art onsite biogas plant capable of processing 180 tonnes of organic waste daily, marking a significant leap toward sustainable waste management and renewable energy production in the city. Developed by DasBiogas and Construction Limited, the facility aims to convert organic waste from the AMA's canteen into biogas for cooking and produce organic fertilizer, aligning with the city's Climate Action Plan for 2020-2025. According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey, the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the biogas plant's potential in reducing landfill waste while generating clean energy. With Accra producing over 1,200 metric tonnes of waste daily, the plant is expected to play a crucial role in waste reduction and energy generation. Plans are also underway to build a larger facility at Kaneshie to meet the rising demand for clean energy through compressed natural gas. Mrs. Sackey highlighted th e plant's capability to mitigate harmful gas emissions and address waste management challenges, underscoring the AMA's commitment to sustainable solutions in collaboration with DasBiogas Limited. Mr. Enock Kofi Boadu, CEO of DasBiogas, expressed excitement over the project, noting the company's continuous efforts since 2016 to transform waste into clean energy. The DasBiogas Portable Prefab Biogas Plant, launched in 2022, is seen as a pivotal development in waste management and energy accessibility. Mr. Boadu called for government support to scale up biogas technology across Ghana, emphasizing its potential to decrease reliance on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports and reduce landfill waste. Mr. Herbert Krapa, Deputy Minister of Energy, commended the initiative as a stride toward Ghana's renewable energy objectives, addressing critical issues of waste management, energy security, and environmental sustainability. The inauguration event at the Omanye Aba Hall, AMA, drew key stakeholders, including governm ent officials, diplomatic corps members, business leaders, and Assembly members. The project is poised to serve as a model for future waste-to-energy ventures in Accra, fostering sustainable development and advancing the city's green energy transition.