News
Efua Sutherland Children’s park losing its spark?
Is the once beautiful, entertaining and activity-packed Efua Sutherland Children’s park in Accra is somewhat becoming a pale shadow of itself?
The venue appears to be malfunctioning as no major event has been held there recently. Swings, slides, playground climbers, see saws, merry-go-rounds, roller coasters, and other basic equipment have become rusty and unattractive.
A caretaker, speaking to The Spectator on a recent visit, acknowledged the inactivity of the venue but did not speak to the condition of the playground equipment.
According to him, the venue was frequented only by individuals who wanted to cool off or catch some rest from their busy rounds, adding that some of the facilities could, however, be put in good shape ahead of any public event.
The park used to attract pupils, families, celebrities and event organisers especially during public holidays and peak periods such as Christmas and Easter.
Some members of the public, attributing the ‘silence’ at the park to lack of financial muzzle by event organisers, believe the venue could be redesigned and maintained well to rake in revenue for government.
They have, therefore, called on the authorities to replace the dilapidated playground equipment while efforts are put in place to make the venue more friendly and attractive to children.
By Richael Ammah
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana has signed a debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Belgium as part of efforts to restore the country’s economic stability after the financial crisis that hit the nation in 2022 and 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, today disclosed that he signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
He explained that Ghana experienced a very difficult period during the crisis, which forced the government at the time to declare a debt default.
However, he indicated that the country is now recovering and witnessing a significant economic turnaround.
According to him, stronger systems are also being put in place to ensure that Ghana does not return to such a situation again.
Dr Forson noted that the agreement with Belgium is the eighth deal Ghana has concluded with countries under the Official Creditor Committee as part of its external debt restructuring programme.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Belgium for its support and partnership with Ghana during the process.
The Finance Minister thanked Carole van Eyll, Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana, for her role in strengthening relations between the two countries.
The agreement forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to restructure its external debts and stabilise the economy following the crisis.
By: Jacob Aggrey
