News
Fmr Pres Kufour, FDA CEO, others receive ‘The Change Maker Award’
The Youth Leadership Parliament of Ghana on February 15, 2021 under its initiative of theMillennium Youth Impact Awards (MYIA) conferred the honour of “The Change Maker Award’ on Mrs Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
Mrs Darko had been nominated for the award under the Innovation, Science and Technology category of the awards on the November 28, 2020.
The award is in recognition of her distinguished leadership as CEO in bringing about an innovative transformation of the FDA that directly impacts on the contribution of Science and Technology to the socio-economic development of Ghana.
The annual awards programme seeks to honour distinguished young leaders, individuals, businesses and multinationals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and impacted lives in their areas of endeavour under an initiative called ‘The Millennium Youth Impact Awards’.
Winners of the 2021 award in other categories included, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Hon. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Mr Daniel Addo, CEO of Consolidated Bank Ghana, Nana Kwame Bediako, CEO of Kwarleyz Group of Companies and Former President, H.E John Agyekum Kufuor.
Explaining the steps that led to the selection of award winners, the coordinator of the MYIA indicated that nominees for the Millennium Awards were carefully selected and vetted by the nomination board before they were voted upon by an electoral college from across the 16 regions of Ghana in order to confirm winners of the award in the various categories.
The Awardee of the awards must have been distinguished in one of the three (3) thematic areas of the initiative: (i) Transformation of Lives; (ii) Value Addition; and (iii) Enabling Environment for Human Development.
Mrs Darko has expressed appreciation to the Youth Leadership Parliament of Ghana for the honour conferred on her and assured them of the continued commitment of the leadership and staff of FDA in contributing to ensuring an effective public health and safety system in the country.
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
