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Almonds Innovations launches Healthy Options e-commerce site
Almonds Innovations on Thursday at a ceremony chaired by Prof. Nii Quaynor, Internet Pioneer in West Africa and creator of first e-commerce system in Ghana launched its flagship brand, Healthy Options Lifestyle e-commerce portal that trades in healthy products.
The platform is accompanied by a free online information hub which provides pertinent wellness information, sourced from various platforms and experts for its users.
Leveraging technology, the e-commerce portal is an interface of partner companies essentially, local entrepreneurs trading in various healthy products such as seeds, spices, juices, dried fruits, essential oils and skin care products, allowing clients to choose from a varied range of healthy products, as per their health needs.
The portal comes at a crucial time when the COVID-19 pandemic has made more people health conscious and has accompanying features that are in line with recent trends – flexible payment systems (mobile money and online payments) and swift delivery services across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Eric Akumiah, CEO of Almonds Innovations, expressed his optimism for the brand and noted that the idea of the e-commerce site stemmed from a need to make the right choices to remain healthy with age amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adding, “this can only be arrived at when one has an alternative option to choose from, the reason we have developed this innovative portal to be a one-stop online shop for healthy foods and beverages.”
Mr. Akumiah further indicated that natural organic food and beverages have inherent healing capabilities when utilized can be of enormous help for the young and old alike. Consequently, the information hub is designed to guide users on the benefits of natural foods and how to apply them healing diverse illnesses.
He finally encouraged Ghanaians to patronize the platform and urged producer groups who fall within the company’s product categories to join as brand partners to further expand its reach.
Some of the partner companies who graced the event include Crescent Juices, manufacturers of sugar-free beverages; Yvaya producers of dried fruits; True Moringa, manufacturers of moringa-based food supplements and Miss Cookie, producers of spices.
Almonds Innovations is a registered entity in Ghana, dedicated to providing solutions to problems across sectors through innovation.
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Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
