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Centre for National Culture sensitises public on COVID-19 through drama
The Eastern Region Centre for National Culture (CNC) with support from the COVID-19 National Trust Fund has embarked on a nationwide campaign to educate the public on the need to curtail the spread of the virus.
Five district and municipal assemblies have been selected for the campaign dubbed: “Stop The Spread, Hy3 Wo Mask, COVID-19 is Real.”
They are; New Juaben South Municipal Assembly, Fanteakwa North District Assembly, Asuogyaman District Assembly, Lower Manya Municipal Assembly and Suhum Municipal Assembly.
Stakeholders in the campaign include district and municipal chief executives, chiefs, the municipal health directorates, security personnel, assembly members, local council of churches, the Islamic communities and the general public.
The CNC together with these agencies would engage in series of drama and other public engagements to sensitise the public on the need to observe safety protocols and take preventive measures against the disease.
Mr Peter Marfo, the Acting Eastern Regional Director of CNC, quoting statistics from the Ghana Health Service, said that most people had given up on the protocols hence, the drama to convey information on the dangers associated with abandonment of safety protocols.
He said that following the reopening of schools, there was the need for additional educational platforms to also help inform students and the general public on the devastating effect of the disease.
“We need to have the needful measures to do away with Covid-19 with the use of the cultural tool (drama) at the various selected assemblies.
All the District/Municipal Chief Executives present at the programme highlighted that though the region records major cases, the public should be mindful to adhere to the protocols to reduce and eventually stop the spread of the Covid-19.
“This virus is not to be taken lightly for it is real and has taken the lives of our friends and family.
“We should all be reminded with the “STOP THE SPREAD, sloganand continue to wear the face masks as one of the surest ways to stop the spread,” he said.
Mr Marfo added that periodic education on the spread of COVID-19 must be emphasised to reduce the rising number of cases in the Easter Region and the entire country.
Participants at the event received face masks and sanitisers and applauded the National Commission on Culture (NCC) for the initiative, stressing the need for the commission not to relent on its effort in educating the public through cultural events.
By Edem Mensah Tsotorme
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to regional Queenmothers Association to support efforts to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation in leadership by the close of 2026, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in elected positions.
The ministry said queenmothers had a critical role to play in identifying, mentoring and grooming the next generation of women leaders.
Speaking at an engagement with regional paramount queenmothers, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament (MP) of the Krowor Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, said the ministry required active collaboration from queenmothers to encourage more women to contest elections.
Dr Lartey noted that negative stereotyping and the persistent association of female politicians with promiscuity continued to discourage many competent women from seeking leadership roles.
“The attacks, insults and shaming push many capable women out of the race before they even start,” she mentioned.
She urged queenmothers to provide direct support to young women in their communities who aspire leadership positions.
According to her, such support should include mentoring, coaching and guiding women through the processes of declaring interest, campaigning and navigating political party structures.
Dr Lartey encouraged women to remain persistent in pursuing leadership opportunities despite setbacks.
“Leadership is not always won on the first try. They should not give up if they do not succeed at first,” She added.
Responding on behalf of the association, Nana Otubea II, President of the All Regional QueenMothers Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, described the call as laudable and pledged the association’s support towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
She commended Dr Lartey and the ministry for their efforts in advancing the welfare and empowerment of women.
Nana Otubea II also praised Parliament for passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, describing it as a landmark legislation that would deepen Ghana’s democratic governance architecture.
She said the law would help improve female representation in leadership by mandating progressive targets and promoting gender parity in public life and decision-making.
Nana Otubea II urged that the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act should include the integration of queenmothers into the National House of Chiefs, describing their exclusion as inconsistent with the principles of equity and inclusion.
She further stated that queenmothers play central roles in dispute resolution, chief nomination, community development and women’s mobilisation, yet are sidelined when national chieftaincy policies are formulated.
She called for legal and administrative reforms to permit the election of paramount queenmothers to the National House of Chiefs, suggesting that at least one queenmother from each region be represented. – GNA
