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Asomdwee Park gets facelift …Atta Mills’ memory lives on
Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, traditional leaders, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and family members, converged at the refurbished Asomdwee Park in Accra last Saturday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of former President John Evans Atta Mills.
blessing the tomb
late John Evans Atta Mills
It was a solemn occasion which, among other things, witnessed the unveiling of a bust in memory of the third President of the Fourth Republic as the dignitaries laid wreaths on his tomb.
Most Reverend Dr. Paul Boafo, The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, speaking at the ceremony, admonished Ghanaians to uphold the good traits of the former President who earned the title ‘Asomdwee Hene’ (King of Peace) during his reign.
President Akufo–Addo, in his address, recounted events leading to the renovation of the park and expressed satisfaction at the work done, saying the park “befits the final resting place of a President of the Republic of Ghana.’’
President Atta–Mills died on July 24, 2012 while in office. President Akufo–Addo reiterating his condolences said “the man from Ekumfi Otuam will not be forgotten.”
Members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) later in the day also honoured the late President at the same venue where the virtues and the contribution of President Atta Mills to national development were extolled.
Wreaths were laid by former President John Dramani Mahama who was accompanied by his former running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang. The party’s General Secretary, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and the Chairman, Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, were also present.
Other dignitaries were Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader in Parliament; Mr. Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Former Deputy Information Minister; Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, among others.
The park which was redesigned by the Coastal Development Authority has an ICT lab, a library, cafeteria, restrooms, among other facilities for the general public and VIPs.
A commemorative tree planting was also done as part of the remembrance service.
By Pamela Davordzie & Elizabeth Ackon
The First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has announced that the government will soon launch a Free Primary Health Care Programme aimed at improving access to healthcare across the country.
She said the initiative, which will be launched by her husband, John Dramani Mahama, will provide free primary healthcare services at facilities such as the Anyima Health Centre.
Mrs. Mahama made the announcement during the commissioning of the newly renovated Anyima Health Centre in Anyima, Brong Ahafo region.
According to her, the programme is expected to increase the use of health services, support early detection of diseases, reduce healthcare costs for families and improve the overall health and productivity of citizens.
“My husband, President John Dramani Mahama, will soon launch the Free Primary Health Care Programme, which will provide free care at facilities like the Anyima Health Centre,” she said.
Handing over the facility to the community, the First Lady urged health workers who will serve at the centre to treat patients with dignity and compassion.
She encouraged them to work towards ensuring zero maternal mortality and zero infant mortality at the facility.
Mrs. Mahama further called on residents of Anyima to take full ownership of the health centre by keeping it in good condition and making good use of its services.
She appealed to traditional leaders in the area to help protect the facility so that it can continue to serve the health needs of the community for many years.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for stronger action to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for women in the workplace.
She made the call in a Facebook post after joining staff at the Presidency of Ghana to mark International Women’s Day.
The celebration was held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Promoting Equity for Every Woman in the Workplace” and focused on recognising the achievements of women while reflecting on the work needed to ensure equal opportunities.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang extended warm wishes to women across Ghana and noted that women have always played key roles in the country’s communities and economic activities.
According to her, women in the past served as healers, traders and queen mothers who contributed to leadership and governance in traditional societies.
She explained that Ghana’s cultural history shows that women have long provided knowledge, leadership and innovation to help develop communities.
The Vice President however noted that current disparities require society to examine systems and structures that may have limited opportunities for women.
She stressed that advancing gender equity will require deliberate actions and the mentoring of young women to prepare them for leadership roles.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang recognised women whose work takes place in markets, streets and small trading spaces across the country.
According to her, these women form the backbone of local economies and continue to demonstrate resilience despite the difficult conditions they face.
She commended women working at the Presidency for their dedication and leadership and reaffirmed the need to promote respect, fairness and opportunity for every woman.
The Vice President further called on both men and women to work together to break barriers and ensure that women can fully contribute to Ghana’s development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
