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African youth blend dialogue, art to push for environmental accountability

The 2025 African Youth Conference on Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (AYC-NREG) opened in Accra with a colourful mix of policy dialogue, poetry, dance and cultural performances.
The three-day gathering was held on the theme “Transforming Africa’s Natural Resource Governance through Youth-Led Solutions.
It brought together over 2,000 young leaders, policymakers, civil society actors and environmental experts.
Beyond speeches and panel discussions, participants used creative expressions, spoken word on climate justice, dance dramatisations of deforestation, and music on clean energy—to capture the urgency of environmental sustainability.
Performers blended culture with advocacy, reminding participants that protecting the environment was both a moral duty and a survival strategy.
Mr Mohammed Saani, Adams Director at the Ministry of Youth and Empowerment, urged the youth to view themselves not only as beneficiaries but as custodians of Africa’s resources.
He stressed that while Africa was blessed with oil, gold, timber and new minerals like lithium, poor governance has stifled development.
Mr Oko Nerquaye Tetteh board member of the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), called for stronger youth-led innovations in renewable energy, reforestation and waste recycling.
Panels on responsible mining, climate financing and green entrepreneurship emphasised the need for policies that empower young people to lead change.
They urged governments to establish frameworks that make leaders more accountable to citizens, particularly the youth, in how resources are managed.
By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley
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Muslims mark Eid-ul-Adha with call to be peaceful, united

Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.

While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.




The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.



Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
News
My Muslim boyfriend’s snoring is my headache
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.




