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UPSA hosts International Women’s Day Convention
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Black women in academia continue to navigate a complex landscape marked by invisible rules, shifting expectations and systemic inequities, speakers at the International Women’s Day Convention hosted by the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA), have said.
The event organised in collaboration with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Department of Business Administration and the Women’s Executive Office of UTAG, brought together professors and scholars from various institutions who highlighted the experiences of black female academics.
They shed light on both the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to thrive.
Speakers at the day’s event which was organised under the theme: ‘navigating the academic academy as black woman,’ were Prof. Krish Marsh, Professor of Sociology, University of Maryland, USA; Dr Natalie Williams, Associate Professor of Speech Communication; Prof. Cadace Moore, Professor of Clinical Psychology; and Prof. Helen Arkorful, Former Dean of Evening School, UPSA.
One of the key issues raised was the existence of ‘unwritten rules’ within academic institutions.
According to Prof. Marsh, these informal expectations often differ from person to person and are rarely communicated clearly, leaving Black women at a disadvantage.
“There is no clear guideline, the expectations keep shifting it’s a moving target. What is acceptable today may not be acceptable tomorrow, and that uncertainty can be exhausting,” she explained.
At the event, Professor Marsh also highlighted how performance expectations are interpreted differently depending on race and gender.
She recounted being labelled ‘arrogant’ and ‘unapproachable’ for meeting publication targets, standards that were typically praised when achieved by their white male counterparts.
Prof. Moore noted that academia, historically structured without women and particularly Black women in mind, often imposes disproportionate scrutiny on their work and behaviour.
She said while women were frequently called upon to represent diversity and excellence, they are simultaneously overlooked for opportunities such as promotions, grants and recognition.
“You are asked to show up and showcase your achievements so the institution can celebrate diversity,” another participant said. “But when it comes to decision-making, funding or advancement, you are often overlooked.”
Prof. Moore underscored the importance of self-care and maintaining a sense of identity beyond academia.
“There is no award for being the most burnt-out woman; you have to protect your peace,” she added.
Prof. Akorful stressed the need to intentionally support and uplift other Black women, particularly students, by sharing knowledge and experiences.
“I make it a point to pass on everything I’ve learned; if I can prepare the next Black woman so she doesn’t have to struggle the way I did, then that’s part of my responsibility,” Prof. Arkorful said.
Prof. William stated that networking beyond one’s department was also critical, adding that building relationships across institutions and disciplines can open doors to opportunities and provide support systems when challenges arise.
She called a clear understanding of institutional policies, warning that informal practices are often misrepresented as official rules.
“Prof. Williams said it was important to know the written policies, stating that sometimes what people call ‘policy’ is simply tradition.
“When you understand the actual rules, you can challenge unfair practices.” she said.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Mr Issahak Ibrahim, the Atwima Mponua District Chief Executive (DCE), has stressed the need to invest in initiatives that will encourage school children to read at all times.
He said a nation that invested in reading invested in its future, since a reading child was a potential future leader.
Speaking at the District Reading Festival for 32 schools in the district, at Nyinahin, he said reading strengthened literacy skills and inspired young leaders to unlock their full potentials while nurturing a lifelong love for learning, which leads to success.
Mr Ibrahim, therefore, enjoined teachers, parents, pupils and all stakeholders in the district to inspire every child to discover the limitless possibilities that begin with the act of reading in order to make it reflect the shared commitment to building a generation of confident readers, critical thinkers and lifelong learners in the society.
He pledged his commitment to support and empower more children and help them to achieve higher educational laurels in the area, while championing the cause of reading among children to achieve the related benefits.
“I remain committed to supporting educational initiatives that would empower our children with the knowledge and skills they needed to succeed in an ever-changing world,” he stated.
The festival was organised by the District Directorate of Education in conjunction with the ISMAT Foundation, a local educational non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded by the DCE, to support needy learners in the district and beyond.
The festival was under the theme: “Turn a page to begin a journey.”
The festival was aimed at encouraging and motivating the interest of pupils in reading and general learning.
All the 32 participating pupils from four zones within the district received school bags, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, mathematical sets and certificates.
Lawal Kwame from the Botrampa D/A Basic and Sadique Bamba from the Mpasatia African Faith Preparatory schools in the Nyinahin Zone, emerged first in the KG One and two classes, whilst Alice Fosu, Beatrice Sarfowaa and Priscilla Agyemang from the Adiembra Anglican Basic School also in the Nyinahin Zone, came first from Basic One to Basic Three classes respectively.
Ernest Duah from the Mampong Abebrese D/A and Blessing Sika from the Sreso Presby School in the Sreso Zone as well as Eric Osei Agyemang from Adiembra Anglican Basic School came first in the Upper Primary department.
Ms Ama Adwubi Asafu-Adjaye, the District Director of Education, commended the DCE for the programme, which was the first of its kind after the year 2022 one, which was supported by the USAID.
She said a Basic One boy called Obed Awuku from Mampong Abebrese D/A Basic School climbed from the district through a Regional contest, won and placed second at the national level in the year 2022 as one Salam Mohammed of the Otaakrom D/A Islamic Basic School, who also emerged as the 2024 winner in the district also placed fifth among the 16 regional participants even though they had a very short notice for preparation.
She said other achievements encouraged her and her management to make the programme an annual event in June and July as part of the activities on their academic calendar and a source of pride for the district.
She, therefore, encouraged the teachers to work harder to produce talented kids for higher achievements from the area. -GNA
The forecourt of the Gbewaa Palace, was a mixture of rich tradition and emotional scenes as thousands of mourners concluded the three-day adua for the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa Naa Abukari II.
For the period, the Gbewaa Palace became the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of the Dagbon Kingdom as Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, politicians, security personnel and ordinary citizens united in prayer for the repose of the soul of the revered monarch.
From dawn each day, streams of mourners, mostly dressed in traditional smocks and black attire, steadily filled the palace grounds and adjoining streets, transforming the royal seat into a sea of mourners.
Men, women, youth and children sat under canopies and open spaces while verses from the Holy Qur’an echoed across the palace, creating an atmosphere of reverence and reflection.
The air occasionally reverberated with ceremonial gunshots and traditional warrior displays, symbolising honour, bravery and the rich cultural heritage of the Dagbon Kingdom.
The adua, observed in accordance with Islamic tradition following the burial of the Yaa Naa, was attended by eminent Imams and Mallams who offered continuous prayers, seeking Allah’s mercy and eternal peace for the departed King.
Throughout the three-day observance, a steady flow of dignitaries visited the Gbewaa Palace to pay their respects and sign the book of condolence.
Among them were the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John Mburidiba; the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe Issifu; and the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who joined members of the royal family, traditional rulers and mourners in honouring the late Yaa Naa.
Security remained tight throughout the mourning period, with the Ghana Police Service deploying 450 personnel to ensure law and order.
The officers were stationed at strategic locations, including the Gbewaa Palace, major entry points into Yendi and other key installations, where they managed traffic, maintained public order and provided security for thousands of mourners and visiting dignitaries.
Beyond the official ceremonies, the event reflected the deep respect the people of Dagbon and Ghanaians at large had for the late monarch.
The conclusion of the three-day adua marks another important milestone in the funeral rites of the late Yaa Naa and signals the gradual transition towards the customary processes leading to the selection and enskinment of a new Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom.
Although the formal three-day prayers have ended, mourning activities continue, with the seventh-day Islamic prayers expected to draw another large gathering of traditional authorities, government officials, religious leaders and well-wishers from across the country.
From: Geoffrey Buta, Yendi
