News
Birthday on a ship!
Kutsoati (middle) being assisted by other military
officers onboard to cut the birthday cake.
Birthday celebrations have undoubtedly been idolised as special days by many people and celebrated to mark their days of entry into this world.
It is usually characterised by different forms of celebrations, partying, gifting and well wishes from loved ones including colleagues, family members and friends.
As special as it may be to the celebrant, some are usually planned and even preceded by pre-birthday photo-shoot and a symbolic celebration to mark the day.
But different situations may alter that popularly adopted way of birthday celebrations for some people and one of such was the birthday of a Ghana Navy Officer, Lieutenant Commander Frederick Kutsoati.
Lt. Cdr Kutsoati had to celebrate his birthday on a Navy Ship for the second time since he joined the Ghana Navy 16 years ago not because he chose to, but was rather unable to decouple the two birthdays from duty calls.
His birthday fell on March 20 during a four-day national assignment onboard a Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Volta to the Equator on March 19-24 which obviously captured his day of birth.
The four-day national assignment by the Navy of the Ghana Armed Forces dubbed ‘Exercise Sea Lion 2024’ was to test the endurance and combat readiness of selected navy ships; GNS Volta and Ankobra in the company of a United States (US) Navy Ship.
Speaking to The Spectator newspaper onboard GNS Volta, after celebrating his birthday almost at the Equator, Lt. Cdr Kutsoati said he was privileged to have celebrated his birthday onboard a warship for the second time with the first one in 2010 onboard an American Navy Ship on a rescue course also to the Equator.
According to him, it was fascinating and intriguing to combine a national assignment with such an equally important day in his life though away from home and his close family.
For the reason of not just a celebration onboard a ship but during a 340 nautical miles voyage to the center of the world, Lt. Cdr. Kutsoati described it as rare privilege as such open birthday celebration during a voyage to the center of the earth was pertinent to only the Naval arm of the Ghana Armed Forces.
As a logistics officer, Lt. Cdr kutsoati acknowledged the Captain of GNS Volta Ship, Lt Cdr Samuel Sabbah Sarbah for the opportunity to celebrate his birthday onboard the ship clarifying that, such privileges were usually the preserve of officers of the organic unit to the Ship.
He used the opportunity to encourage all stakeholders including the citizenry to support the work of the Navy to safeguard the country’s territorial waters while also securing the nation’s maritime domain.
From Ken Afedzi, Tema
South Africa’s Minister of Police Professor Firoz Cachalia, has strongly
condemned the recent xenophobic acts of violence and intimidation directed at Ghanaians and other foreign nationals within the Republic of South Africa.
“These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded. South Africa is a constitutional state governed by the rule of law. No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, irrespective of grievances or frustrations,” he noted.
The Ministry of Police advised the members of the public that acts of xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) has.been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation in addressing these incidents.
All those found to be participating in, inciting, or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts.
The Ministry of Police called on all communities to remain calm and to reject any attempts to sow division and hatred among residents of our country.
The Ministry further urged community leaders, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to work together with law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence and to promote dialogue and understanding.
The Government of Ghana, through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has commenced the disbursement of grants to beneficiaries ?(2025 cohort) under The Adwumawura Programme, an ambitious national initiative designed to support youth entrepreneurship, stimulate business growth, and drive job creation.
Launched to empower young Ghanaians with the entrepreneurial skills and resources needed to build decent and sustainable businesses.
The Adwumawura Programme, has to date, successfully trained and mentored 10,887 beneficiaries across the country.
These beneficiaries underwent 5 weeks intensive entrepreneurial training, followed by 6 months structured post-training mentorship to strengthen their business models and operational capacity.
As part of the transition from training to funding, a rigorous and transparent selection process was implemented to identify high-potential businesses for grant support.
A Grant Management Committee was duly inaugurated to oversee this process and ensure fairness, accountability, and merit-based selection.
The Committee is composed of representatives from academia, government institutions, financial agencies, development partners, and the private sector, ensuring a balanced and credible oversight structure.
Following the training phase, beneficiaries were required to submit detailed business plans outlining their proposed businesses and Innovations. These submissions underwent an initial one-week screening process, during which applications were assessed based on key criteria, including:Scalability – the potential for business growth and expansion, Job creation potential – the ability to create at least two decent employment opportunities, Sustainability – long-term viability of the business model Feasibility – practicality and readiness for implementation
Shortlisted applicants proceeded to a nationwide pitching phase, where they presented their business ideas before the Grant Management Committee. This stage provided an opportunity for further evaluation and validation of proposals, culminating in comprehensive assessment reports to guide final selection decisions.
Following this rigorous process, 3212 successful beneficiaries have been selected across all regions of the country
The commencement of grant disbursement marks a significant milestone in The Adwumawura Programme’s implementation, reinforcing Government’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, reducing youth unemployment, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
According to NEIP remains dedicated to providing continuous support to beneficiaries through post-disbursement monitoring and business advisory services to ensure the sustainability and success of funded enterprises.
Young entrepreneaurs who could not make it in the year 2025. The 2026 cohort application portal will soon be opened.
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