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Beware of choices you make when angry …It can define your path in life, youth told
The third edition of Aj Inspires, a flagship school outreach programme by Aj’s Help the Needy Project, has been held.
The event reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to nurturing and empowering young people through education, mentorship, and practical life guidance.
It focuses on inspiring students through structured guidance and counselling sessions and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 6.
This edition attracted experts from different professional backgrounds to engage learners on critical aspects of personal development, emotional intelligence, health awareness, and academic excellence.
Delivering the first session of the day, the Founder of Dangana Foundation, Mr Nashiru Momori, spoke extensively on anger management, a topic he described as both “timely and essential” for young people, explaining that while anger was a natural human emotion, the inability to manage it effectively can lead to serious consequences.
“Anger is not entirely negative,” Mr Momori stated. “In some situations, it can push you to stand up for what is right. However, when it becomes excessive or uncontrolled, it can destroy relationships, affect your academic performance, and even harm your future.”
“Learn to manage your anger before it manages you,” he advised. “The choices you make in moments of anger can define your path in life.”
Students responded positively to the session, with many expressing appreciation for the relatable examples and practical advice shared.
On health education, Miss Amanda Akonnorbea, a Health Promotion Officer, said menstrual hygiene was not only a matter of cleanliness but also a critical component of overall health and self-confidence.
“Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is essential for your well-being,” Miss Akonnorbea said. “It helps prevent infections and allows you to feel comfortable and confident, especially in school.”
She educated students on the correct use and disposal of sanitary products, stressing the importance of changing pads regularly and maintaining personal hygiene.
She also encouraged young girls not to feel ashamed of menstruation but rather to embrace it as a natural biological process.
Adding to the day’s impactful discussions, Mr Eric Grundberry Aidoo-Gabrah, Founder of Tads Fashion Institute, addressed students on the importance of education, discipline, and personal values.
Mr Aidoo-Gabrah urged the students to remain committed to their goals despite challenges, reminding them that perseverance was key to achieving success.
The programme concluded with a powerful address from the Founder of Aj’s Help the Needy Project, Mrs Anita Opoku-Appiah, who reiterated the importance of education and determination in shaping a better future.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced the commencement of enforcement of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), warning institutions that fail to comply with the new requirements of possible fines of up to 2,000 penalty units.
The Authority says it will deploy a Biometric Verification Implementation Task Force to inspect institutions and ensure they comply with the regulations, following the expiration of a three-month grace period granted to businesses and public institutions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, November 2, 2026, the NIA’s Corporate Affairs representative, William Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, said the Authority had completed its public education and stakeholder engagement activities and was now moving into the enforcement and compliance monitoring phase.
He explained that the regulations require institutions that verify the identities of customers or applicants as part of their operations to use the NIA’s approved biometric verification platform instead of relying solely on visual inspection of the Ghana Card.
Under the new rules, institutions are prohibited from photocopying, scanning or keeping copies of the Ghana Card for identity verification purposes.
Mr Darlas stressed that simply collecting a customer’s Ghana Card, looking at the photograph and comparing it with the person presenting it would no longer be accepted as a valid method of identity verification.
He, however, clarified that the Ghana Card remains the country’s official national identity document and that citizens are not required to register for a new card or capture their biometrics again under the new regulations.
He said the new system is intended to reduce identity fraud, impersonation and other crimes by ensuring that the person presenting the Ghana Card is the actual owner.
According to him, the biometric verification process will rely on information already captured during Ghana Card registration, including fingerprints, iris details and facial features stored in the card’s chip.
Mr Darlas warned institutions against using third-party companies or individuals to access the NIA’s identity verification platform, insisting that the Authority does not work with intermediaries.
He said institutions seeking access to the National Identity Register must deal directly with the NIA and complete its official onboarding process.
The process requires institutions to prove that they are legally registered companies in Ghana, obtain certification from the Data Protection Commission and work with the NIA’s technical team to establish the necessary connection to its platform.
He further cautioned institutions already connected to the platform against subletting their access to other businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
He disclosed that the Authority had received reports of some institutions providing their verification services to other businesses without the NIA’s approval and warned that those involved would face legal action.
Mr Darlas said organisations that fail to comply with L.I. 2523 could face fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 penalty units, depending on the nature of the offence.
He explained that the NIA does not have the authority to impose the fines directly but would take offenders to court for the appropriate punishment.
He indicated that Institutions found guilty could also face additional administrative measures, including being barred from accessing the NIA’s verification platform in the future.
The NIA representative further clarified that the new regulations do not prohibit all institutions from physically using the Ghana Card during transactions.
The Managing Director of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited, Nana Kwesi Boatey, has revealed how he transformed a major overstaffing challenge into a success story through the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, November 2, Mr. Boatey disclosed that when he assumed office in February 2025, and inherited a bloated workforce of 250 employees doing work that could be efficiently handled by 150 people, a situation that created serious liquidity challenges for the state-owned company.
Instead of resorting to downsizing, he adopted an innovative approach by instituting a 24-hour operational system.
Under the new system, staff were redistributed across three shifts: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
This not only ensured optimal use of labour but also maximized machine utilization and improved overall output.
According to him, the single move redefined the productivity culture within the company, reinforcing discipline, accountability, and efficiency.
The Ghana Publishing Company’s turnaround is being cited as a practical example of how the 24-Hour Economy policy can drive growth without job losses.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
