News
Ambassador tours Ghanaian businesses in Washington DC
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), Hajia Alima Mahama has embarked on a tour of some Ghanaian-owned businesses in the Washington Metro Area. With a commitment to make the welfare of Ghanaians a priority, the Ambassador interacted with the business owners to know their concerns about importing products from Ghana to the United States and also discussed investment opportunities in Ghana. She encouraged Ghanaian businesses in the diaspora to abide by the regulations and requirements established by various countries, especially the United States. Hajia Mahama and her team visited the Nyame Ye Restaurant in Alexandria.
The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Darkwa warmly received her and gave her Ghanaian culinary reception. The team went on to Nana Buor Boutique (in Alexandria), a retail outlet stocked with Ghanaian food items, shoes, native sandals and clothing.
Nana Buor the owner of the shop walked the Ambassador through the big shop and expressed her appreciation to her for the visit and also making herself available to the community. The Ambassador’s next point of call was the Wellcana Hair Gallery. Wellcana Hair Gallery in Alexandria has been around for the past 25 years and operated by Mr. Samuel Akosah Sarpong and Mrs .Sophia Sarpong. Mrs. Sarpong also welcomed the Ambassador warmly with her excited team of hair stylists and barbers. Ambassador Alima Mahama commended them for the service they were providing to the community. She rounded up her tour with a visit to the Makola market in Alexandria. Makola Market International Foods is a grocery store that retails Ghanaian and Caribbean food items and 220 electrical products for Ghana. Mr. Gordon Agyekum, the owner, took Ambassador Alima Mahama around the shop, and they discussed the possibility of reestablishing a Ghana Business Council in the Washington Metro Area to bring businesses together to forge unity and explore potential investment opportunities in Ghana.
From George Kwasi Bright, Washington DC, USA
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
