News
Alhaji Seidu Abdulai conferred with Royal Appreciation Certificate
The Metropolitan Chief Imam of Kpone-Katamanso, Alhaji Seidu Abdulai, has been conferred with a Royal Appreciation Certificate by His Royal Highness Nii Teye Kojo Amankwah Sune I, Chief of Gbetsile.
The certificate was in recognition of Imam Abdulai’s exceptional commitment and contributions to the development and cohesion of the Gbetsile community.
This was made known in a statement issued and copied to The Ghanaian Times over the weekend.
The statement noted that the citation accompanying the award highlights Imam Abdulai’s remarkable commitment and invaluable support towards the growth and development of the Gbetsile Community.
“In recognition of your remarkable commitment and invaluable support towards the growth and development of the Gbetsile Community. Your selfless dedication continues to make a lasting impact,” it said.
It stated that the Chief Imam’s selfless dedication has made a lasting impact on the community, and he is widely respected for his religious leadership and multifaceted role in community advancement.
“Imam Abdulai’s work transcends the mosque, encompassing socio-cultural development, interfaith engagement, and grassroots governance initiatives,” it noted.
It underscored that he has played a vital role in fostering peaceful coexistence between the Muslim and Christian communities in the area, reflecting the national efforts of the Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.
With a master’s degree in Democracy, Governance, Law, and Development from the University of Cape Coast, Imam Abdulai brings both theological insight and academic training to his work.
He is also a trained counsellor, certified by the Ghana Psychology Council and trained at the TUCEE Institute of Technology and Counselling.
This dual expertise enables him to offer holistic guidance spiritually, emotionally, and socially to members of the community.
His Royal Highness Nii Teye Kojo Amankwah Sune I described Imam Abdulai as “a pillar of unity and development,” whose enduring dedication continues to strengthen the social fabric of Gbetsile.
This recognition serves as a testament to Imam Abdulai’s individual efforts and an affirmation of the critical role that religious and traditional leaders play in promoting social harmony, interfaith cooperation, and community progress.
The award is a well-deserved recognition of Imam Abdulai’s outstanding contributions to the Gbetsile community
News
Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
