Category: General

Managements and workers of community information centres have been encouraged to prioritise issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights to help address challenges facing the growth and development of adolescents.

The Forum for African Women Educationalists Ghana (FAWE Ghana), a Non-Governmental Organisation, which made the call, urged them to develop programmes and content that engaged experts, to educate the public about risky behaviour of adolescents.

That, it said, would help reduce cases of teenage pregnancy, child marriage, domestic abuse, gender-based violence, abuse of emergency contraceptives, transactional sex, and harmful cultural practices among others to achieve gender parity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ms Dora Mochiah, the Programmes Manager, FAWE Ghana, made the call on the sidelines of a three-day training workshop on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), organised by FAWE Ghana for workers of eight community information centres in some di
stricts in the Upper East Region.

It is part of a five-year Global Affairs Canada sponsored project dubbed ‘Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE)’ being implemented by a consortium led by Right to Play, WaterAid Ghana, FHI360 and FAWE-GH in the Kassena-Nankana and Builsa North Municipalities, and Bongo and Kassena-Nankana West Districts.

The project, among other things, seeks to advance gender equality through providing access to age-appropriate sexual and reproductive education and gender responsive care for young people, particularly girls and young women, as well as build the capacity of young people to become advocates for their own health and wellbeing.

Ms Mochiah noted that due to the nature and operations of the community information centres, they were able to connect well with the people and added that the training was part of efforts to engage the public at the grassroots level on important issues.

‘As part of the advocacy on SRHR and gender equality, we are using radio stations but be
yond the radio stations, we think we can use these information centres to reach more people because these centres are mainly within the communities,’ she said.

The Programmes Manager explained that apart from playing appropriately developed jingles, the staff would develop programmes and content that educated the public as well as engage experts in the form interview and discussions to explain issues related to SRHR to the public.

Ms Mochiah said for the country to achieve the SDGs, especially goal four and five, which put emphasis on access to quality education and achieving gender equality respectively, there was the need for collective efforts to address issues of teenage pregnancy, child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence among others harmful cultural practices which were still prevalent in the communities.

‘We hope these stakeholders will go back and work with other relevant stakeholders such as children, adolescents, parents, chiefs and assemblies to ensure that we continue disseminating info
rmation on SRHR and harmful cultural practices,’ she added.

Ms Victoria Binnah, a participant from Biu community in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, noted that effective communication between parents and children was key to preventing adolescents from risky behaviour and urged parents to be open to their children particularly the girls.

Mr Solomon Anabila Asampana, another participant and an Assemblyman for Bongo-Kunkua Electoral Area in the Bongo District, noted that teenage pregnancy had contributed to school dropouts in the area and noted that the knowledge acquired through the training would help to educate parents to reduce the problem.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady of Ghana, has launched this year’s ‘Wear Ghana Month’ campaign with the aim of promoting and showcasing the rich heritage of Ghanaian fashion.

The campaign organised by the National Commission on Culture (NCC) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is also to support local designers and artisans every year in the month of March.

During the month- long celebration various activities and events would be organised to highlight the beauty and diversity in Ghanaian fashion, including fashion shows, pop-up shops, exhibitions, workshops, and panel discussions. Designers and brands from Ghana would also be given a platform to showcase their latest collections and connect with a wider audience.

Speaking at the launch, in Accra Mrs Bawumia said one of the main goals of the ‘Wear Ghana Month’ was to encourage people to support and buy locally-made products.

She said by promoting Ghanaian fashion, it helps in crea
ting awareness about the importance of sustainable and ethical fashion practices, adding that it would boost the local economy and support small businesses in the fashion industry.

‘In addition to promoting Ghanaian fashion, Wear Ghana Month also celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage. Traditional Ghanaian clothing, such as Kente cloth and Adinkra symbols, are often featured in the designs showcased during the event. This helps to preserve and promote Ghanaian culture and traditions,’ she added.

Mrs Bamumia indicated that the month was a celebration of Ghanaian fashion and culture, bringing together designers, artisans, fashion enthusiasts, and the public, saying it was a time to appreciate the beauty and creativity of Ghanaian fashion.?

‘Whether you are a fashion lover or simply interested in learning more about Ghanaian culture, Wear Ghana Month is a must-attend event that celebrates the best of Ghanaian fashion.’

Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, an
d Caretaker Minister, MoTAC, stated that the initiative was not just about promoting the Ghanaian? local industries, but also celebrating the rich cultural heritage and supporting the economy.

‘When we choose to wear Ghanaian-made products, we are not only showcasing our national pride, but we are also contributing to the growth of our local businesses and the creation of job opportunities for our people.’

He added that ‘by supporting our local artisans, designers, and manufacturers, we are helping to preserve our traditional craftsmanship and promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry.’??

He said wearing Ghanaian-made products described us as people and a reflection of our unique identity.?

Mr Asamoah Boateng noted that ‘it was a way for Ghanaians to tell the world that we are proud of our heritage and that we value the skills and talents of our local artisans and also a way for us to show our support for the growth and development of the country.’

He appealed to Ghanaians to come together
to support the local industries and promote the Ghanaian cultural heritage. ‘Let us show the world the beauty and diversity of Ghanaian fashion’ he added.

Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, Executive Director, NCC, said, ‘the Centres for National Culture, entrusted with the responsibility of organising and hosting the 2024 edition of the ‘Wear Ghana Month’ would be transformed into cultural hubs, bringing together artisans, designers, performers and enthusiasts to engage in a collective celebration of Ghana’s cultural identity.

This, he said, would serve as a beacon, guiding Ghana towards a future where the Ghanaian fashion industry would flourish on the global stage, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of? designers, artisans and entrepreneurs.

Nana Acheampong urged Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of unity and collaboration, nurturing the talents and empowering the communities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Ebenezer Amoah, the Chief Director, Western North Regional Coordinating Council has appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional integration to consider setting up a passport application centre in the region to enable residents easily acquire traveling passport.

According to the Chief Director, residents usually have to travel all the way to Kumasi or Takoradi for biometrics data which according to him, was cumbersome considering the distance.

‘We already have immigration service office in the region that can help with the process.’ he pointed out.

Mr Amoah, made the appeal when officials from the Ministry paid a courtesy call on the Regional Coordinating Council prior to a sensitization workshop for students and other identified groups on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols in achieving vision 2050.

Mrs Perpetua Dufu, the Coordinating Director, Multilateral and International Organisations, Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a response assured of making a case for the
establishment of passport application center in the region.

Checks by the Ghana News Agency revealed that residents from the nine Districts in the region have to travel to either Kumasi, Takoradi or Sunyani to access passport application center services.

Source: Ghana News Agency

AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, has held its 20th non-denominational annual thanksgiving service to express gratitude to God for sustaining the Mine and taking them through another year successfully.

The service was attended by traditional rulers, politicians, clergy, Muslim leaders, heads of decentralised agencies, employees, and their dependents as well as business partners of the Mine.

There were worship and praise sessions in honour of God that featured gospel musicians including Pastor Joe Beecham, Team Impact, Tarkwa and the Tarkwa Crusaders Choral Group.

All the attendees dressed in white apparel sang and danced to the glory of God for his faithfulness. Prayers were said for the company and its employees.

‘Praising the Goodness of the Lord’ (Psalm 135:3, 65:11), was the theme for this year’s thanksgiving Service.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Samuel Boakye Pobee, Managing Director of Iduapriem Mine, said in 2023, the company began the year with challenges in mining, followed by the announcement o
f the proposed joint venture with Goldfields Tarkwa Mine, which made their employees a bit startled.

‘It felt like we were going to swim against the tide throughout the year. By the grace of God, last year turned out to be one of the best years in the history of this Mine.’

‘Indeed, God is good, and I think I will be right to say if it has not been for the LORD on our side where will Iduapriem Mine be? I am therefore truly grateful to God, our employees, and all stakeholders for the immeasurable support’ he said.

Mr Pobee announced that the Mine achieved a relatively strong production and financial performance in 2023 and that they were among the best performers across all key metrics within the AGA group.

‘Our success was not only on the production front but also on the social front, where we won 12 company and six individual awards. These accolades are a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do. They speak volumes of the outstanding contributions of not only our employees, b
ut also stakeholders, and together we celebrate their collective success.

‘We share this great achievement with you and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the employees who were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, Indeed, the Lord has been good to us,’ he stated.

Mr Pobee used the opportunity to thank the government, traditional authorities, host communities, ministries, departments and agencies, contractors, employees, and all other stakeholders for their unwavering support and cooperation, which continued to propel the Mine to shine and excel in all aspects.

He said as part of addressing the unemployment situation in the Mine’s host communities and improving the income of beneficiary households, the company was currently running a four-year Girls’ Apprenticeship Programme in dressmaking for females selected across the host communities in Teberebie.

‘The Mine has also constructed a vocational centre with a business unit fully furnished with industrial equipm
ent for commercial garment production in Teberebie as part of this initiative’ the managing director said.

Furthermore, Iduapriem Mine has established a fully equipped soap and detergent production factory in New Tokunaso. The beneficiaries of this project have been trained and assisted by the Mine to obtain the required certification and approvals from the Food and Drugs Authority to produce in commercial quantities, he added.

Mr Pobee encouraged the public to purchase some of their products available on the market, under the brand name; Adwenpaye.

Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, who was the special guest, revealed that ‘The journey of AngloGold Ashanti may have been marked by challenges, but here we are standing strong in unity and in prosperity. This affirms our collective acknowledgement of the goodness that has accompanied our endeavours.’

He requested that in the same way that AngloGold had been able to develop an economic plan for the people of Obuasi, so should AngloGold
Ashanti Iduapriem Mine also develop a prosperity plan for the people of Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.

Apostle Dr Daniel Okyere Walker, Area Head, Church of Pentecost, Tarkwa, in a sermon, advised Ghanaians to learn to acknowledge what the assemblies, security agencies, managers, employees, and leaders among others do for them.

‘I have observed that people appreciate only those they support. I am not happy about this, and it is my prayer we change from this attitude. We need to appreciate one another, let us have a spirit of gratitude because that is the only key we can use to open God’s storehouse,’ he stated.

‘At any point in time, we will have leaders to run the affairs of this country. If these people are doing well let us praise them, and if they perform badly let us be bold and speak out. We need to work together and transform our country because God has blessed us with all the resources, and we cannot continue to live in poverty.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, (MoTAC) and the 2004 Ghana Culture Policy Review Committee has presented the final policy draft? to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture, in Accra.

The presentation was to afford members of the parliamentary select Committee the opportunity to have a fair idea of the draft, have further discussions and deliberations on it before coming out with the final draft.

Nana Kwesi Gyan-Apenteng, Chairman of the Review Committee, said the Ghana Culture Policy had been in existence for the past 20 years and the Committee as part of its mandate was tasked to review the policy to conform with current trends.

He said since the policy was formulated many things had happened, especially in the area of technology, and the development of the Ghanaian culture.

‘New ideas have come up, and especially we want this policy to be based more on the 1992 constitution of Ghana. So what we have been doing is to hold series of consultations with various stakeholders
. And today what we are meet the Parliamentary Select Committee to have their input before coming up with the final draft.’

Mr Gyan-Apenteng noted that with these consultations, they expected stakeholders to state their positions and add to the ideas that they already had in the draft so that together there could make it a better policy.

He said one thing they were optimistic about was for? the policy to go a long way to preserve and promote the use of Ghanaian languages.

‘The truth of the matter is that so many Ghanaian languages are dying because they are not being promoted, and preserved. And when we say preservation of languages it means using them in music, and more widely outside the area where it is spoken.’

Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Caretaker Minister, MoTAC said? the purpose of the meeting was to share ideas to make additions and subtractions to the draft, in order to renew and improve upon it, to fit into the current trends.

He said the need
had arisen to improve areas like technology that was fast changing the world so that it did not interfere or change entirely Ghana’s rich culture.

‘We are also looking at the education aspect, architectural designs of our buildings and also how culture is fluid and moves on and so we do not have to be static to be overtaken by events.’

Mr Asamoah Boateng said the committee was also looking at the?overall diversified people of Ghana and how language and the way of life had all worked together in tandem, and how to work on improving that.

‘For the past 20 years things have changed and technology is fast growing and has taken over, and the human nature of people want to do things differently?to catch up quickly and so there must be some discipline in our way of life.’

Mr Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy (MoTAC), said culture was?the heartbeat of any country, and the thread that wove together the tapestry of our identity, heritage and aspirations.

‘It also serves as a guiding light, shaping our collective journey
towards a future that is rooted in our past and the ability to open endless opportunities.’

He said the?attention to the pace with which the world was changing through technological advancements, shifts in societal values and the

interconnectedness of global communities made it imperative to ensure that the Cultural Policy, was relevant and could be adapted by all.??

‘What is? being developed must be inclusive, diverse, and sustainable. Since our cultural heritage belongs to all of us, it is the duty of all of us to safeguard it for future generations while allowing it to also evolve in response to changing times.’

The Deputy Minister urged the Committee to engage in rigorous deliberations, foster open dialogues, think creatively and examine other successful cultural policies around the world. ‘With this, I believe their recommendations will shape the foundations of our cultural landscape for years to come.’

He assured the Committee of Government’s unwavering support for them, saying, Government was comm
itted to providing the needed resources and creating the enabling environment that encouraged innovation and excellence in the realm of culture and the arts.

He reminded members of the Committee of the need for the policy to reflect the collective aspirations of the people,? their shared values and act as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

He said, ‘it must be a beacon that will guide us towards a future of unity, creativity, and sustainable progress, and prayed that the efforts made in getting the policy developed be rewarded such that it would uplift, empower, and unite our nation.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Minister-Designate for the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, says indifferent human behaviour is the source of Accra’s filth.

She has therefore called for an attitudinal change among the citizenry.

Madam Alhassan made the statement on Tuesday when she appeared before the Appointment Committee of Parliament to be vetted.

She was asked about the progress of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s initiative to make Accra the cleanest city and what she would do to continue with the initiative.

President Akufo-Addo at a durbar organised by the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Area at Jamestown on April 24, 2017, promised to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa by the end of his tenure in office.

Madam Alhassan, also the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wugon said: ‘Mr Chairman, the unsanitary conditions in the capital are purely attitudinal.’

‘I will say that it is not really about the President, it is about us, it is about Ghanaians, our attit
ude towards cleaning Accra. Provisions have been made, all the infrastructure and investments have been provided and what we have is attitudinal.

‘The people to ensure that we keep our environment and workplaces clean are ourselves. We all need to join in this noble course to achieve the purpose of the targets that the President has set not only for himself but for us all,’ she said.

In a statement dated February 14, 2024, signed, and issued by Mr Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, it announced that the reshuffle was with immediate effect.

‘The President personally expressed his sincere appreciation directly to each of the Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who have exited Government, for their commitment, competence, dedication and hard work in an office, which helped in the realization of Government’s mandate to the Ghanaian people over the last seven (7) years, and wished each of them well in their future endeavours,’ the statement said.

Following the reshuffle, President Akuf
o-Addo submitted to Parliament, for prior approval, the names of the new persons for appointment as Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State, by articles 78, 79 and 256, respectively, of the Constitution.

Among the nominees who appeared before the Committee on Tuesday were; Mr Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister-Designate for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Mr Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development; Madam Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Madam Darkoa Newman, Minister-designate for the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.

Source: Ghana News Agency