News
STAR-Ghana Foundation, IOM Ghana complete livelihood project in U/E Region
Some hard working women on the field
The Star-Ghana Foundation, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Ghana, have successfully concluded the Community Livelihood Enhancement Project.
The initiative, which run from April to August, aims to bolster social cohesion and promote peace in the border communities of Namoo and Pulmakom.
Alhaji Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, emphasised the project’s focus on vulnerable groups, particularly women, youth, and men who are susceptible to radicalisation and violent extremism.
At the project’s handing-over ceremony, Alhaji Amadu noted that the construction of two fenced gardens, each measuring 25m by 25m, and fitted with mechanised boreholes were developed to support 55 individuals by offering them plots of land for the dry season farming, to ensure sustainable income sources for the beneficiaries.
According to him, two mechanised boreholes, two 5000-litre water storage tanks, and generator sets were provided to ensure a reliable water supply for both the community and the farms.
This infrastructure is expected to be a vital asset, especially during the dry season, improving agricultural productivity and overall community well-being.
To further empower the beneficiaries, 40 tins of seeds—including onion, pepper, tomato, and hibiscus— were distributed to enable successful dry season farming in a bid to improve food security in the region.
Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, Chief of Mission for IOM Ghana, remarked on the broader impact of the project, stating, “This initiative marks a significant step in addressing communal insecurity and enhancing livelihoods in these vulnerable border communities.”
She praised the active participation of women in the project, commending them for viewing the initiative as their own and for working collectively to ensure its success and urged the women to continue to use the platform to become financially independent.
Mr John Theodore Azam, representing the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, commended STAR-Ghana and IOM Ghana for the timely intervention, acknowledging the positive impact the project has already made in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the border communities.
The Community Livelihood Enhancement Project forms part of broader efforts by STAR-Ghana Foundation and IOM Ghana to address the root causes of instability and promote lasting peace in vulnerable border communities across the region
From Geoffrey Buta,
Namoo, Upper East Region
News
Street Academy distributes learning material to over 200 pupils
The Street Academy in Accra last weekend distributed exercise books, pens and other learning material to over 200 pupils from the Academy and neigbouring children within the vicinity.
The gesture was an annual activity of the Academy to commemorate its ‘Back-to-School’ programme aimed at equipping children with essential school supplies as they prepare for the new academic year.
Held at the precincts of the Academy, it brought smiles to the faces of the children most of whom were drawn from the streets.
Each beneficiary was presented with items such as notebooks, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, mathematical sets, and other school essentials, ensuring they were well-prepared to begin their studies with confidence.
Speaking to the media, the Founder and Director of the Street Academy, Ataa Lartey, expressed joy and appreciation over the support the Academy continues to enjoy from institutions and individuals.
According to him, some of these donations cannot be possible if individuals, corporate and religious bodies fail to support.
Ataa Lartey extended special gratitude to a Director of the Academy and a philanthropist, Nii Boye Abbey, who donated the items to the Academy for onward distribution to the needy children.
Mr Abbey presented the stationery worth GH¢68,000 to the Academy as part of his 61st birthday celebration for onward distribution to the needy children.
“We are grateful to Mr Abbey especially and other donors. His presentation went far to support the Academy’s ‘Back to School’ project that supports the children’s return to school.”
He thanked the media for the extensive publicity given to the Academy’s programmes over the years and expressed hope that this support would grow even stronger in the years ahead.
“We believe that as you sow into the lives of these children, God will continue to bless and reward you abundantly,” he said.
The Street Academy is a sports and culture organisation that draws children from the street and support them with education and teach others with skills in various sectors including sports to make an earning for themselves.
It is known for its commitment to providing education and skills training for street children and underprivileged youth and it continues to serve as a beacon of hope in the community, transforming lives through education, sports, and arts.
By Spectator Reporter
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CSOs applaud outgoing IMF representative Dr Medina
CIVIL society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana have commended the outgoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative, Dr. Leandro Medina, for his commitment to fostering open and inclusive dialogue throughout Ghana’s ongoing IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.
At a farewell event organised in Accra by the Economic Governance Platform (EGP), CSO leaders praised Dr. Medina for sustaining constructive engagement between the IMF and local stakeholders, a move they said had strengthened Ghana’s policy discourse and enhanced transparency in the programme implementation.
Professor Godfred A. Bokpin, an economist at the University of Ghana (UG), described Dr. Medina as tolerant and accommodating of diverse perspectives.
“We have, at times, disagreed openly with the IMF, but you never closed the door on engagement. These interactions sharpened our thinking and practice.
You are leaving at a time when Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators are beginning to improve, a testament to the collaboration we have seen under your leadership,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh, lauded Dr. Medina’s inclusive approach, which she noted built on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
“You sustained and strengthened the momentum of civil society engagement with the IMF. This was evident when CSOs were the first stakeholders the IMF Managing Director met during her visit to Ghana last year,” she added.
Mr Abdul Karim, Coordinator of the EGP, also applauded Dr Medina’s openness, saying; “Your commitment to include our perspectives in IMF-related discussions is deeply appreciated.”
Similarly, Mr Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), commended the outgoing representative for deliberately creating space for CSO participation during each review mission.
“You ensured there was room for dialogue before every review, strengthening our ability to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions,” he noted.
Reacting, Dr Medina expressed gratitude to the CSOs for the partnership built over the past years.
“Effective collaboration does not require agreement on every issue. Even in our differences, we found common ground to advance Ghana’s economic progress,” he said.
The farewell event was graced by key figures from civil society and academia, including Dr. Kojo Asante of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Mrs Mary Awelana Addah of Transparency International Ghana, and Dr Steve Manteaw of the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas (CSPOG).
By Abigail Annoh
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