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Former student receives laptop, cash and books for winning Mfantsipim essay competition
Master Jeffrey Baiden, a former student of Mfantsipim School, Parker House has been presented with his prize of a laptop, cash prize and a collection of books for emerging the overall winner of ‘The House of Mfantsipim’ Essay Competition organised for the students of the School.
The presentation was witnessed by Rev. Ebenezer Aidoo, the Headmaster of Mfantsipim School and executives of the Rex Danquah Legacy Trust, namely Paul Rex Danquah, the President and his two Vices, Daniel Rex Danquah and Magnus Rex Danquah, Junior.
Presenting his prizes, Mr. Paul Rex Danquah congratulated the winner on the depth of his essay, writing style and skills as well as the use of language to paint a vivid picture of the person, whom his dormitory was named after, recounting his character traits, vision, exploits and contributions to the School’s achievements over the years; and entreated the winner, Jeffrey Baiden not to throw away such a gift in Literature, irrespective of which course he pursues at the tertiary level.
He assured the recipient that the Trust would follow his future academic exploits and be ready to offer any assistance towards his academic pursuits.
Receiving his prize at the Tesano Offices of the Rex Danquah Legacy Trust, Master Baiden thanked the institution for its continued interests in the affairs of Mfantsipim School and its students, particularly for the role played by Mr. Magnus Naabe Rex Danquah over the past decades towards the development of the School.
He mentioned stories of the diverse support provided by the father of the Trust’s President in the area of sports and also serving on the School’s Board of Governors.
He stressed on his hope to contribute his own quota to the growth of Mfantsipim School in future and thanked the Trust for defining a future role for all old students to give back to their alma mater.
The Headmaster of Mfantsipim School, Rev. Aidoo also thanked Senior Magnus Naabe Rex Danquah of MOBA 1972 Year Group for his continued support for the School and prayed that his three sons, Paul, Daniel and Junior – all past students of Mfantsipim would continue with the path their father had set for the Trust.
He further prayed for continued collaboration between the Trust and the School through all kinds of support in addition to the organisation of the House of Mfantsipim Essay Competition.
Mr. Kwabena Bomfeh, Junior, a friend of the Trust also presented a copy of Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhen of Essikado Traditional Area’s bestselling book, ‘African culture in governance and development, the Ghana paradigm’ to Master Jeffrey Baiden in appreciation of his feat and exhorted him to continue to keep the Mfantsipim standards, “even as he enters the next phase of his life at the tertiary level.”
The House of Mfantsipim Essay Competition was instituted by Rex Danquah Legacy Trust for Mfantsipim School students to write a not more than 1,200 words about the person in whose name their dormitory in the School is named after.
By Spectator Reporter
News
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
News
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
