News
We shall take The Spectator to new heights – Editor
The new Editor of The Spectator, Mr Emmanuel Amponsah, says he will adopt an enterprising editorial culture to make it possible for the newspaper to appropriately inform, educate, entertain and inspire readers, so as to attract wider readership to rake in more revenue.
“The return to profitability to cope with the changing trends in the media landscape means The Spectator will be using creative and innovative approach to enhance consumer satisfaction experience, and loyalty,” he said.
Mr Amponsah was speaking on Monday in an interaction with the Editorial staff of this paper in Accra about what he plans to do to turn around the fortunes of the weekly newspaper.
He said in view of the thirst of people for quality news, and also their desire for exclusive stories, “there is the need to fill this vacuum in the newspaper to catch the eye of readers.”
The Editor said an aspect of life that was of great interest to readers, which The Spectator was going to aggressively pursue, was social-related matters in their various dimensions.
Amongst others, Mr Amponsah said the weekly newspaper would focus in-depth on the performance of various business entities in the country to catch the eye of readers.
“Dealing with business issues as well as highly social and human-interest stories will make The Spectator stand the chance of capturing the attention of a substantial number of readers and help rake in more revenue,” he said.
Mr Amponsah said that he intended making The Spectator venture big into digital/online media with in-depth analyses of credible news to capture more consumers, particularly the youth, who have acquired high taste for online news.
He noted that introducing attractive products and services would be of great interest to vendors, readers and other stakeholders, adding that, “with the needed support and cooperation from all of us, the sky will be the limit.”
Until his appointment, Mr Amponsah, who is a Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) graduate with more than 32 years experience in journalism, was the Deputy Editor of the Ghanaian Times, the flagship newspaper of the New Times Corporation (NTC).
Before assuming the role of Deputy Editor three years ago, Mr Amponsah was the Business Editor of the Ghanaian Times, where his job responsibilities involved selecting and analysing business and finance news for publication in the Ghanaian Times.
Prior to that, he was in charge of the Sports Desk of the Ghanaian Times and doubled as a columnist (The Watchdog) for the erstwhile Evening News.
A product of GIJ and Saint Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, both in Accra, Mr Amponsah’s areas of interest include sports, business/finance and environment.
He has attended a number of national and international conferences and tournaments, and written extensively on global and local events bordering on various fields of human endeavour.
The Board of the New Times Corporation (NTC) appointed him the new Editor of The Spectator, the weekly newspaper of the NTC on Monday, November 2, 2020.
He took over from Mrs Tina Aforo, who retired from the company in August, 2018.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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.
