News
One help at a time
The story is told of a devout young man whose car broke down, forcing him to make his way to his place of worship on foot. As he walked, he passed an area of startling poverty, where destitute people lined the streets, struggling to fi nd shelter; troubled and angry individuals wandered the streets. The depressing scene fi lled him with a sense of hopelessness. In his despair, he offered a prayer to God. In a voice both pleading and questioning, he said, “How can You allow all this suffering and do nothing?”
Then someone behind him whispered, “He didn’t do nothing. He made you.” At once the young man realised that he could be God’s hands. He could help a troubled world or at least a troubled individual. At times it can be easy to relate to the helplessness this young man felt, because we certainly do live in a world of turmoil. Society’s problems seem so immense, and we seem so small. Too often, we conclude that there is nothing we can do and we consequently do nothing. What we need is the gentle reminder this young man received: that we can be the instruments of constructive change. As one infl uential leader put it: “God does
notice us, and He watches over us. But it is usually through another person that He meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” Think for a moment of someone who made a difference in your life. Maybe it was a family member, a friend, a coach, a teacher, a neighbour.
It may even have happened a long time ago, but you still remember and cherish that person’s infl uence upon you. A young teenage boy thinks of a football coach who saw his potential, cared about him, and told him not to quit. A girl thinks of a teacher who helped her believe she was smart and could succeed in school.
A new father thinks of a brother who encouraged him through the challenges of parenthood. A middle-aged woman thinks of a neighbour who reached out to her during a heartbreaking time of loss. A thousand other examples could be given of simple moments when the right person at the right time made a big difference in someone else’s life. A song from the Lerner and Loewe musical Brigadoon pays tribute to the influence one person can have on the life of another: I saw a man with his head bowed low.
His heart had no place to go. I looked and I thought to myself with a sigh: There but for you go I. . . . Lonely men around me, trying not to cry, Till the day you found me, there among them was I.
It’s humbling to think what our lives might be like without those earthly angels who spread goodness and kindness along life’s pathway. They come into our lives at crucial times to set an example, to give us counsel or encouragement, or simply to be a loyal friend when we need one the most. Without them, we know we would not be quite the same. All around us are people who need that kind of friend, people “with their heads bowed low,” whose people with a highly developed sense of responsibility. While pessimists and optimists argue whether a glass is half-empty or half-full, the volunteer sees a glass of water and starts looking for someone who might be thirsty.”
Each of us can try to do something. We can volunteer our time in our communities, at a school or library, a hospital or care centre. In a hundred ways, small and not so small, we can open our hearts to whose hearts have “no place to go.” Now could be someone’s crucial moment, when just the right words or even just the right warmth of friendship might make a difference. To them, you can be the right person at the right time. We recognise and give thanks to those among us who are willing to help others, those who volunteer their time and talents, those who sacrifice in some way for the betterment of the human family.
One insightful observer noted, “In a world continually ripped by massive calamities, we … need an auxiliary corps of volunteers, ordinary citizens who willingly undergo discomfort and danger to help fellow humans. Volunteers are special others, down the street or around the world. Volunteering and helping build love and relationships, renew our faith in the goodness of people, and change our attitude and sense of well-being.
We were made with a purpose, and that purpose is to do something for others, to help and bless those in need, and thereby to make a difference in the world. Most often it doesn’t take much change of perspective that can lead to a change of heart, a willingness to accept our part in making things better, a simple desire to help others and look for the good. That positive energy and action can truly change the world in the way most real change happens: one person at a time.
By Samuel Enos Eghan
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.
