By WILFRED CLARKE

This year’s World Radio Day celebration slated for the 13^th of February 2025 by U.N.E.S.C.O has been themed as ‘RADIO AND CLIMATE CHANGE’.

Using the Drive-Time Show on the 6^th of February 2025 by Ghana Broadcasting Corporation’s Unique FM to promote and propagate the Climate-Change agenda ahead of this year’s thematic World Radio Day celebrations, was indeed a great example as a national broadcaster setting the pace while in charge.

Adjoa Isaka, the anchor of the show together with her astute panel members, rightfully discussed the issues and elements pertinent to the challenges facing the global climate story. As well as how radio could be used to harness the dissemination of information by reaching audience in Ghana and across the globe.

Scientifically and statistically speaking on the show, Mr Eric Kofi Afornorpe, an Environmental Science candidate and a climate expert said: “Climate Change is a very critical issue in the 21^st century.

“Beginning from the 20^th century, due to the industrial revolution, temperatures have increased, rainfall patten has changed. It is either scanty or too intensive when it rains.

“After raining, there will be a lot of flooding. And these are the changes that happen in climatic conditions such as the wind, rainfall, sunshine and humidity.

“In our development space, a Climate Change is more like a program or an issue of litigation: how do we take action with response to combat Climate Change or how do we take actions in reducing the global emissions causing the Climate Change.”

In his crucial explanation, he reiterated: “The whole thing hovers around the rising temperature or the warming of the earth and this is what we call global warming.

“And global warming occurs when a lot of radiant energy from the sun reaches the earth and about to escape and being shielded by carbon dioxide or green house gases. And when this changes, everything else changes.”

Sitting in on behalf of the citizenry while making her point clear, lady Alice Azu, a Procurement Consultant Officer added: “My understanding is that, the human activities that we undertake are the results or consequences of the Climate Change.”

Talking of deforestation without afforestation in Ghana, she opined: “We are cutting down our trees, so how would the trees absorb the heat from the sun.

“The heat will not be able to evaporate into the air, thereby disturbing and worrying us and also destroying our environment. So, if we do not mitigate our activities, our activities will start to bite us as we are experiencing with the Climate Change. The impact is against our health, our lives and our future.

“Last year some part of the Northern and Bono Ahafo area had some serious drought and I think this is a practical result of the Climate Change, losing some foodstuff as a consequence. And when the rain started falling, places were being flooded.” She concluded.

In solving the issue of Climate Change Mr Afornorpe and lady Alice seem to believe in some factors, namely Mitigation and Adaptation.

Having taken those factors into consideration, what about taking a critical look at countries that are not following ‘The Montreal Protocol’ as well as nations that are not adhering to ‘The Kigali Accord’. 

Actions to reduce the emission is paramount in the equations of the solution if ‘Refrigerant Management is properly checked and adapted by most countries if not all countries.

If On-Shore Wind energy could be turbined based, like in Norway and if the culture of the world’s Agriculture production could consider a Plant-Based Food.

All things being equal, if all these measures are strictly adhered to with regards to the culture of recycling and the usage of renewable energy, the result will be clear.

To spread the word in the remotest part of the country, Community Radio Stations and Rural Information Centres would have to be involved in targeting and tackling this situation head on. Most especially within Ghana and across the Africa region as a whole.

Going Off Fossil Fuel completely in Africa at the moment is somehow difficult without funding, due to the financial difficulties it will bring in its wake. In its implementation, some or most citizens will have to forgo so much, in terms of money in order to make up for the usage of electric energy.

To push ‘The Climate Change’ and its related ‘Global Warming’ Agenda forward and across the world, a concerted effort from the world’s Multimedia and Cross-media channels, together with Bloggers and Vloggers, should be telling the narrative with empathy and facts in the right educational direction and perspective.

Wamuchomba insisted that regardless of the position she seeks in the future, the UDA party will not be an option for her. 

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has announced that she will not vie for any elective seat under the ruling UDA party ticket, citing betrayal.

Speaking on Wednesday, Wamuchomba insisted that regardless of the position she seeks in the future, the UDA party will not be an option for her.

She accused the party leader, President William Ruto, of imposing excessive taxes and enforcing mandatory deductions on payslips without proper consultation.

“I was elected under the UDA party. I am not going to vie again under UDA. UDA has betrayed me. I did not campaign for President Ruto to abduct and kill my sons and daughters. I did not campaign and endorse my President to invade people’s payslips and force them into serious mandatory deductions,” Wamuchomba stated.

She further explained that she is opposing Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration in Parliament because the President has failed to consult leaders who supported his campaign, including herself.

Despite her dissatisfaction, she noted that she remains a member of UDA only because the party sponsored her election to Parliament.

Wamuchomba said Kenyans must call out betrayal by political parties as leaders frequently turn against the electorate once in power.

“I think it’s time we realize that these political parties are con games [and] am done with UDA regarding the next elections. I remain in UDA because it sponsored my seat in the National Assembly, but I do not support many of its policies, which have suppressed the economy and the livelihoods of Kenyan people,” she said.

Gachagua-led outfit

Her remarks come amid ongoing speculation about a potential political realignment, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has positioned himself as a key figure.

The legislator, consistent at events organized by Gachagua, said she is still searching for a leader with a strong, people-centric vision.

She hinted at the possibility of joining Gachagua’s highly anticipated political party if it aligns with her principles and expectations.

“I have a different opinion when it comes to Wamunyoro. I will join whoever embraces my principles and expectations for the next government. If he comes in and tells me, ‘I have this political vehicle that will deliver what I am fighting for,’ I will be at liberty to make my decision. But as of now, I am watching,” she stated. By Sharon  Resian, Capital News

The Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda, East Africa, will be performing at St George's Community Centre on Saturday, February 22, at 4pm.

The concert will feature music from their new album, Better Days—There Is Hope.

The choir is part of a Christ-centred ministry in Uganda, which aims to help orphaned and abandoned African children rise above their circumstances.

The choir has been touring since 1994, spreading a message of hope for Africa's most vulnerable children and women. 

They have performed for Queen Elizabeth II and at almost every major parliament in the world.

The concert is free, but tickets must be booked in advance at eventbrite.co.uk/e/watoto-childrens-choir-in-better-days-2025-weston-super-mare-tickets-1107240529229?aff=erellivmlt.

A spokesperson for the choir said: "Like Africa, the production is vibrant and colourful, taking you on an emotional journey as the children sing, dance, and share their personal stories of restoration and hope. 

"As people see their smiles and are embraced by their hugs, the children have the privilege of telling people, 'No matter what you’re going through, Jesus is our hope and there are better days ahead.

"Look at what he has done in my life.'"

The proceeds from the album will help Watoto continue to provide vulnerable children with education, medical care, a safe place to call home, and the love of a family. By jack Roberts, Weston Mercury 

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel member Prof Adams Oloo has cleared the aid over claims of conflict of interest over his membership to the team. Prof Oloo says he resigned as President

William Ruto’s advisor soon after his appointment as a member to the select commission. Oloo revealed that he relinquished his appointment as an advisor and member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. 

He made the move immediately after being nominated by the Public Service Commission (PSC) as a member to the selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment of the chairperson and members of the IEBC.

Prof Oloo’s clarification comes after his appointment to the selection panel was challenged in court by lawyer Apollo Mboya, who argued that the appointment was unlawful as Oloo also serves as an adviser to the president.

Mboya asked the court to quash the appointment noting that Oloo’s role in President Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisers could compromise the fairness of the selection process.

Oloo was appointed an advisor to President Ruto on December 20, 2024. His appointment was part of a move by the Head of State to include allies of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in key government positions.

Improper perceptions

In response, Oloo clarified that he consulted with the president before stepping down in late January.

“Given that my name was due to be forwarded to the President for formal gazettement as per the law, I, after consultation and in concurrence with the President, resigned from the position of advisor to the president. That resignation is contained in a letter dated January 24, 2025,” he said.

He also noted that he resigned as Ruto’s adviser because he believes a credible IEBC is essential for the country’s future stability. Oloo explained that his decision was aimed at ensuring the selection process for the IEBC chairperson and commissioners remains free from any perception of bias.

Oloo further reiterated that he was appointed to the IEBC selection panel as one of the Public Service Commission’s representatives following a competitive process.

He dismissed calls for his resignation from the panel, maintaining that his decision to step down as Ruto’s advisor ensured impartiality in the recruitment of electoral commissioners. 

“I was one of the nominees of the PSC that had two slots. I became one of the nominees of PSC courtesy of competitive interviews conducted under the chairmanship of the Speaker on July 26, 2024,” he said.

He insisted that his focus remains on ensuring a credible electoral process, saying the integrity of the IEBC is key to the country’s democratic stability. By Alvin Mwangi, People Daily