News
Azumah Nelson eulogizes Former President Rawlings
Ghanaian boxing legend, Azumah Nelson, has eulogised the late former President Fl.Lt. John Jerry Rawlings, describing him as “A true champion like no other”.
In a statement the three times World Boxing Champion noted that the death leaves a lot of void in his family, because he played service above self.
Read full statement below
Thursday 12th November, is a day I will never forget. It’s a day that brought me
excruciating pain after my number one fan and mentor, J.J. Rawlings passed away.
His death leaves an unfillable void in my life. To the world, His Excellency J.J. Rawlings was an influential Statesman etched in Ghana’s history as a dynamic force who helped shape the foundation of our beloved Ghana.
Away from the spotlight, he was even more dynamic and impactful.
A profoundly thoughtful man who placed service above self, J.J. Rawlings hugely shaped my view on life, work, and many other things.
I will forever thank God for his wise and
confidential counsel. If he were before me today, I would say, without haste, that
undeniably, God used you to change my life into the man the world celebrates today, as a former world boxing champion.
You are indeed the true champion, a champion like no other.When I think of you and the impact you had on my professional career, and on the careers of countless others, you are unquestionably Godsent! I dedicated my biography, “The Professor” to you, because you taught me so many life-building skills that played a direct role in bringing out the champion in me.
You believed in me, even when I doubted myself. As the true professor, you shared “lessons in life” that demonstrated humility,
gratitude and faith.During your time as the Head of State, you showed effortless humility by cleaning my room and ensuring that my fellow boxing colleagues and I had a place to rest after rigorous training.
Always a man of subtle acts of kindness, for years while I trained as a struggling
boxer, I would randomly receive portions of beans and gari. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered we were beneficiaries of the debt you owed the beans sellers. You even rented an apartment for me.
In return, you only asked me to train hard and represent our beloved Ghana for the world to see that greatness can come from Ghana, the true gateway to Africa.
When it came to counsel, you freely shared priceless guidance with me. When I wanted to join the military after representing the force at the World Military Games where I won gold, you advised me against it saying “you saw greatness in me and joining the force will limit my growth in boxing”.
You saw things I didn’t see. I dare say you are a prophet we failed to acknowledge.
I speak on behalf of many of your mentees, and give you our heartfelt thanks. You have
motivated us, enabled us, supported us and promoted our personal growth and professional development.
You recognized our individual potentials and helped us reach that potential and beyond. We all have similar stories to share about how you have personally advanced our careers and still continued to help us, until your untimely demise.
We collectively represent your leadership and mentorship legacy.“Leaders like you are true champions, fighting in the ring of life, where bouts can bring you down, you pushed on, rose above and won.
And as a true champion, you shared your
greatness with others, empowering them to rise higher and help make Ghana, Africa, the world a better place for all.”
Rest well, and know that your undeniable legacy is etched in the minds of all, and many generations ahead will celebrate you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Journey well Papa J, A True Champion like No Other.
Fondly, Azumah Nelson
News
Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
