News
‘HIV/AIDS not death sentence’
HIV and AIDS advocates have reiterated calls for the public to offer support to people living with HIV in the communities to help them recover and live their normal lives.
They stressed that understanding the situations and conditions of affected persons would help reduce stigmatisation and discrimination in the society.
“Having HIV is not a death sentence. It’s not that they got infected through prostitution or make you are a prostitute.We need to reduce the stigma for people to come for the test and reduce the defaulting statistics.” Ms Dzid Enyonam Kwame, Media Specialist on the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) project said.
She made this observation at an engagement with queens and religious leaders at Takoradi in the Western Region, last Wednesday, to highlight the need for key stakeholders to act as agents of change in helping to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Ms Kwame described defaulters’ rates in treatment due to stigma and discrimination as worry, adding “We are trusting you to support us to achieve the targets”.
‘We can’t do it alone We need you leaders in our communities in achieving targets in Anti- Retro-viral Therapy (ART) support programmes.Together in our collective efforts, we can effect change in our communities.”She stated.
She advocated that discrimination at health facilities must also stop, saying “HIV stigmatisation hurts the well-being and health of people living with HIV and even prevents them from accessing treatments.”
HIV and AIDS Ambassador, Ms. Charity Owusu-Darko also said societal support to persons with the HIV and AIDS conditions was key in managing the disease and giving hope to affected individuals.
The disease condition, she claimed, could be compared with hypertension, diabetes and all other chronic diseases and called for proper management of cases to save the patients.
The ambassador said:” I have lived with HIV for the past nineteen years but because I have been constant on my drugs, I am still strong and going about my daily business. If I don’t disclose my health status, you will not know I have the disease.”
Ms. Owusu-Darko mentioned that stigma and discrimination against affected persons had not enabled society, families and religious groups to do their best in helping them to continue with their medication, and thereby worsening their conditions.
The Senior Social Mobilisation and Advocacy Advisor of USAID Strengthening the Care Continuum Project, Mr Benneh Diawuo, said the project hoped to reach lots of affected people by September this year, under the 95-95-95 targets.
The targets, he told the participants, hoped to get 95 per cent of people to know their statuses, be on drugs and have viral suppression.
Again, he said, the project target strategies included behavioural change through information and education and believed that the collaboration with queens who are key stakeholders would help reduce the HIV spread.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Takoradi
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
