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Minister Designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection pledges to champion maternity leave policies
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The Minister Designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey has promised to champion maternity leave policies in Ghana.
She also emphasized the importance of extending the current three month maternity leave period to support the well-being of both mother and child.
Madam Lartey said this on Wednesday during her vetting by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Wednesday in Accra.
“It is important for women to have a prolonged leave period, not only to take care of the children but also to properly heal,” Dr Lartey said
In an attempt to promote gender equality, she pledged to support parental leave to benefits fathers.
Also, Dr Lartey said there was the need for collaboration with key stakeholdrers, including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and gender advocates, to achieve these policies.
“I will sit with all stakeholders, CSOs who are deep into it, and I will join the many advocates to look at what is best and ensure that we push it,” the Krowor Member of Parliament said.
Also, she indicated that, the Ministry will explore ways of providing affordable sanitary pads vulnerable girls.
This, she said will ensure girls do not fall victim tomen who offer to buy them sanitary pads in exchange for sex, leading to teenage pregnancy.
“There must be a way to provide affordable sanitary pads for vulnerable girls so they don’t fall prey to the men who buy it for them,” she said.
The Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister Designate also mentioned that she will set up a Child support scheme to provide support for vulnerable children rescued from trafficking.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).
His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.
In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.
“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.
The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”
It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.
“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.
The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.
The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.
He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.
“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.
He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.
According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.
Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.
He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.
Background
Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.
The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.
Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.
It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.
That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
