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Abantu urges journalists to promote gender equity
Abantu for Development, a women centered NGO has underscored the need for aspiring journalists to familiarize themselves with gender-sensitive reporting from the onset of their career.
According to the group, the training of journalists must also focus more on raising awareness on gender issues because of its relevance in the society, especially in developing countries where women are often the driving change agents on the ground.
This call was made during a day’s workshop for female media practitioners held at the Yiri Lodge, Legon, Accra last week.
It was organised by Abantu for Development with support from the University of Bristol.
As a main component of the training, a historic film to challenge misrepresentation of women centered issues and gender activism in Ghana was screened for participants and learn and share their views.
The non-fictional film, titled “When Women Speak” directed by prominent film director, Ms Aseye Tamakloe featured powerful Ghanaian women including wife of the late former president of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, former editor of the Daily Graphic, member, Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT) Madam Ekua Ansah-Eshon, Executive Director Salt and Light Ministries, Ms Joyce Rosalind Aryee and Professor Dzodzi Tsikata, founding member, NETRIGHT.
The documentary challenges perceptions that Ghanaian women’s activism around existential and political issues was of more recent or originated from the western world.
It traces 16 women who came of age in the 1960s and 1970s and follows their experiences narrated in their own words, as Ghana passed through periods of military, single-party and multi-party rule.
Director, Abantu for Development, West Africa Region, Dr Rose Mensah-Kutin said women’s contribution towards development could not be underrated, adding that all women must join forces “so that our voices can be heard in every part of the world.”
She also called on men to join the fight for gender equity.
She also revealed that “When Women Speak” was available online for free on https/whenwomenspeakfilm.com.
On her part, a representative of the University of Bristol, Professor Kate Skinner commended participants for their input to the workshop, which she described as mind opening and hoped that the film would change negative perceptions about women empowerment in Ghana and the world at large.
Meanwhile journalists who benefitted from the workshop expressed gratitude to organisers for the training and assured that they would focus more on gender sensitive issues in their various news coverages.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
