News
Women encouraged to gain technical knowledge in media work
The Creative Director and Founder of Cedar Femme (CeFem) Media, Regina Odigie-Olatayo, has urged women in the media to gain technical knowledge in the field.
She said women who acquire technical knowledge within the media landscape have the opportunity of securing better jobs while embarking on entrepreneurial ventures in the media industry.
She said this at the maiden edition of the (CeFeM) Media Skills for HER Initiative held in Accra last week Friday.
The programme is a free training workshop aimed at empowering young women in Africa with essential media production skills.
The programme is focused on addressing the gender gap in Africa’s media industry by providing hands-on training in smartphone media production, filmmaking, digital marketing, video production, photography, lighting, sound production, business of media, communication, and drone piloting.
It is also designed to foster digital literacy, economic independence, and gender equality through practical experience.
Ms Odigie-Olatayo identified a significant gap in operational media skills among women, saying many women were unaware of the opportunities available behind the scenes.
She stated that her own challenges in media production motivated her to create this initiative to empower more women to venture into operational media roles.
“The Media Skills for HER Initiative is not just a workshop but a movement to open women’s minds to the vast opportunities in media.
“Women have long been relegated to limited roles in front of the camera, but this initiative aims to change that by highlighting the numerous possibilities behind the camera,” Mrs Odigie-Olatayo added.
Ms Odigie-Olatayo stated that these skills could lead to economic independence and entrepreneurial ventures, enabling women to produce their own content, create films, and build media businesses.
Touching on the programme, Ms Odigie-Olatayo said the comprehensive curriculum ensures participants gain confidence and competence to enter and excel in the media industry.
She said due to the success of the workshop, it would be held bi-monthly, in an attempt to reach more young women across the country and other African countries, saying the programme had attracted participants from beyond Ghana.
“The workshop’s success has prompted plans to hold it bimonthly, expanding its reach to more young women across Ghana and other African countries because it also attracted participants from beyond Ghana, making it a Pan-African event,” she said.
Ms Odigie-Olatayo therefore called for support from individuals and corporate organisations to sustain and expand the programme.
By Raissa Sambou
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
News
Speaker joins Ugandan Parliament’s inaugural sitting
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, was among distinguished African leaders who witnessed the Inaugural Sitting of the 5th Session of Uganda’s 11th Parliament yesterday.
The event, presided over by Uganda’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Anita Anette Among, marked the beginning of the final legislative session before the country heads to the polls to elect new lawmakers.
Speakers and presiding officers from Namibia, Congo, East African Legislatures, Kenya’s Senate, South Sudan, and the Leader of the West Africa bloc of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) also attended the session.
In accordance with Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, President Yoweri Museveni delivered the State of the Nation Address, highlighting his government’s achievements.
Using pictorial evidence and videos, he showcased progress in infrastructure development, particularly road construction, and efforts to ensure food security.
The President also emphasized advancements in healthcare, including research initiatives and improved service delivery.
He further noted groundbreaking innovations in science and technology, such as the production and export of the Kirra electric cars.
President Museveni thanked Parliament for supporting government initiatives and pledged more developmental projects, including additional roads across constituencies. As Uganda prepares for elections, he expressed confidence in his National Resistance Movement’s performance while wishing all political parties well.
Following the address, Parliament is set to commence debates next week before receiving the President again for the budget presentation.
Speaker Among commended the President for his support to the legislature and urged Members of Parliament to uphold patriotism and dedicated service.
Bagbin Calls for African Unity
At a dinner hosted for visiting delegations, Rt. Hon. Bagbin, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), urged Uganda to remain committed to African unity and socio-economic development.
The event reinforced the spirit of Pan-African cooperation as nations strengthen parliamentary ties for continental progress.
