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Brand J’KARTA excites patrons at Frankfurt ‘Ambiente 2023
• Ms Okbell Majdoub (left) speaking to a client at the fair
About 19 Ghanaian businesses joined over 4,460 exhibitors from 92 nations at one of the biggest trade and exhibition fairs dubbed “Ambiente 2023” which ended recently in Frankfurt, Germany.
The fair which took off on February 3 to February 7, 2023, showcased the latest range of related consumer goods such as lighting, gifts and souvenirs, household items, arts and crafts, jewellery, watches, tableware, among others.
It sought, among other things, to reflect the dynamic nature of the consumer goods industry and enable participants appreciate factors shaping the future of the industry, such as the shift towards sustainability. The show was interspersed with presentations, competitions and award ceremonies.
J’KARTA, an emerging handicraft business in Ghana, which produces sustainable fashion apparel and accessories from jute, featured prominently at the fair and attracted positive reviews for its range of products.
Ms Okbell Majdoub is the Chief Executive Officer of the company which is transforming locally-sourced jute bags into fashionable products.
Speaking to The Spectator after the fair, she said the inspiring response from patrons was a “solid backing” to the existing reputation and admiration brand J’KARTA had gained over the years.
Commending the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) for the recognition, she said the fair presented “a great opportunity” for her company to meet international standards as it continued to meet the demands of clients locally.
She said J’KARTA remained committed to the concept of “sustainable fashion”, where “clothing is designed and manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner.”
“Our bags and shoes caught the interest of international consumers. They liked the attention to finishing details and the idea that every piece was handmade.
“As the company continues to grow, we would do more in helping build skills in the youth and emphasise the essence of sustainability in the fashion industry,” she added.
Ms. Majdoub noted that emerging business like J’KARTA would need financial support in order to purchase more sophisticated machinery to increase productivity and ensure “the development of enhanced finished products.”
She, therefore, urged the government to support and rebuild defunct jute factories in the country to ease the burden on businesses which relied on the raw material for other finished products.
J’KARTA has so far left its footprints in Ivory Coast, Liberia, the United Kingdom (UK) and looks forward to producing exquisite fashionable products and promoting the Made-in-Ghana brand in 2023 and beyond.
By Ernest Nutsugah
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
