In a bid to bolster its fight against climate change, a high-powered delegation of Liberian parliamentarians and environmentalists has sought strategic collaboration with Nigeria, recognizing the country’s climate policies as a model for Africa.

Led by Hon. Ernest Manseah Snr, the Liberian team engaged with Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Ecology and Climate Change at the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday.
Their discussions centered on Nigeria’s climate governance framework, particularly its pioneering Climate Change Act, and how Liberia can adapt similar measures to tackle environmental challenges.

Speaking at the Senate session chaired by Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Hon. Manseah Snr highlighted Nigeria’s proactive climate strategies as a benchmark for Liberia’s own climate resilience efforts.
“We have come to learn from you, distinguished members of this committee, on how Nigeria has been mitigating the effects of climate change,” he said.
“In Liberia, we are considering the establishment of a Climate Fund, but beyond funding, we want to tap into Nigeria’s strategies for tackling environmental challenges.”
In response, Senator Dickson emphasized the urgency of African nations working together to combat climate change.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s ‘Climate Change Act—the first of its kind in Africa’ provides a legal foundation for the country’s mitigation and adaptation measures.
“Climate change is a major challenge that requires collective efforts across Africa,” Senator Dickson said.
“Nigeria is ready to support Liberia’s climate initiatives, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership.”
Other committee members, including Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), and Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), applauded the initiative and called for a continent-wide collaboration on climate policies, disaster response, and environmental sustainability.
While discussions focused on policy frameworks, experts have stressed the need for grassroots climate adaptation projects to protect vulnerable communities from rising sea levels, deforestation, and extreme weather events. Liberia, which faces severe environmental threats, hopes to learn from Nigeria’s experience in implementing climate-smart solutions at both national and local levels.
The delegation later proceeded to meet with the House of Representatives Committee on Ecology and Climate Change for further engagements.
As Africa grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, this proposed Nigeria-Liberia partnership could serve as a blueprint for broader regional cooperation—one that not only strengthens climate policies but also empowers communities to adapt and thrive in an era of global environmental uncertainty.

The appointment of Randy Abbey as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) by President John Dramani Mahama has ignited widespread optimism within the cocoa industry.
Stakeholders see this leadership transition as a defining moment for Ghana’s cocoa sector, one that could reshape policies, empower farmers, and reinforce the country’s position as a global cocoa powerhouse.
The Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) has been among the most vocal in welcoming the appointment. In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke; Public Relations Officer, Nana Yaw Reuben; and Secretary, Nabyoullah Dosso, the association lauded Abbey’s expertise and vision.
“This appointment comes at a crucial time for Ghanaian cocoa farmers. We believe Mr. Abbey’s leadership will bring innovative policies that enhance sustainability, productivity, and farmer welfare,” COFAAA’s statement read.

Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, is at a crossroads. Challenges such as climate change, fluctuating global prices, and the need for greater local value addition require dynamic leadership and forward-thinking policies.
Abbey’s tenure is expected to prioritize solutions that not only secure fair pricing for farmers but also promote sustainable farming practices and industry modernization.

His appointment also comes amid renewed global focus on Africa’s role in the cocoa value chain.
The recent visit of ICCO Executive Director Mitchel Arrion to Yaoundé, Cameroon, for the 111th Ordinary Session of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) highlighted the continent’s collective push for better conditions for cocoa farmers.
COFAAA and other industry leaders have pledged their full support to Abbey, stressing the importance of partnerships, innovation, and policies that put farmers at the center of the industry’s growth.

As Abbey steps into this pivotal role, the expectations are high. His leadership will be measured not just by Ghana’s production output but by the tangible benefits felt by the farmers who form the backbone of the industry.
“We are eager to collaborate and drive meaningful change that ensures cocoa farmers get the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve,” COFAAA reaffirmed.
Abbey’s tenure could mark a turning point for Ghana’s cocoa sector—one that moves beyond raw exports to a more value-driven, farmer-focused, and globally competitive industry. His ability to navigate these challenges and opportunities will define the next chapter of Ghana’s cocoa legacy.

Ghana’s Supreme Court has upheld the controversial Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, rejecting two bids to overturn it. The bill, which severely curtails LGBTQ rights, was approved by Ghana’s Parliament in February and has since sparked international condemnation, particularly from human rights groups and western countries.

The legislation mandates jail terms of six months to three years for individuals found engaging in LGBTQ sex, a move that has garnered significant public support within the conservative country. However, the bill has faced criticism from the global community, including the United States, and raised concerns within Ghana’s finance ministry over the potential risk of losing billions of dollars in World Bank funding.

The court’s ruling, delivered by judge Avril Lovelace-Johnson, emphasized that the bill cannot be acted upon until it receives ratification from the outgoing president, Nana Akufo-Addo, who is set to step down on January 7 after serving two terms in office. Akufo-Addo has stated that he would wait for the Supreme Court’s ruling before making a decision on whether to sign the bill into law.

Judge Lovelace-Johnson clarified, “Until there is presidential assent to the bill, there is no act of which the Supreme Court will use its supervisory jurisdiction to overturn.” The decision follows legal challenges from Ghanaian broadcaster Richard Dela-Sky and university researcher Amanda Odoi, who questioned the constitutionality of the bill.