Community Advocacy Against Poverty (CAAP Ghana), in collaboration with Ho Technical University, has organized a training workshop for rice farmers in the North Tongu District.
The workshop trained farmers on how to convert rice waste into bio-charcoal.
According to the Executive Director of CAAP Ghana, Mr. Antonio Gamado, the initiative is in line with the core mission of the organization – to advocate against the burning of rice straw and chaff after harvest.
He explained that burning causes health hazards, and farmers can instead convert the waste into useful domestic commodities to reduce poverty in their communities.
He commended the Clean Air Fund for the financial support and Ho Technical University for allowing its students to train the farmers.
The Head of the Civil Engineering Department of Ho Technical University, Ing Dr Mrs Patricia Asantewa-Tanno, in her address, expressed excitement about the opportunity given by CAAP Ghana to train local farmers. She said Ho Technical University is a practical-oriented institution that ensures every theory taught is backed by full practicals.
The Country Director of Clean Air Fund, Mr. Desmond Appiah, whose organization is financing the advocacy, said one major challenge they face is that trainees often fail to put what they learn into practice. He therefore advised the trainees to form groups after the workshop, acquire the needed materials, and start production. He also commended CAAP Ghana and Ho Technical University for their efforts.
The Presiding Member of the North Tongu District Assembly commended CAAP Ghana, Clean Air Fund and Ho Technical University for their efforts. He promised the farmers that he would have discussions with the District Chief Executive to see how they can support the trainees and, if possible, establish a factory for them to create jobs.
The Consultant for CAAP Ghana, Dr. Akofa Ahiafor, outlined health risks associated with burning rice straw and other waste materials. She said smoke from such burning causes various illnesses and advised the general public to desist from burning rice straw and chaff and rather embrace the CAAP Ghana initiative to cut down on daily health expenses.
The trainees expressed excitement about the workshop, commended CAAP Ghana, Clean Air Fund and Ho Technical University for the initiative, and promised to put into practice everything they were taught. They also appealed to the DCE and the Member of Parliament to assist them with resources and materials to start businesses and create jobs.
A total of 52 people are undergoing the Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop to enable them to return to their various communities to train others.
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