News
Corpnation empowers 7 Coastal Districts in Western Region on sustainable development
A not for profit organisation based in Takoradi, Corpnation has completed a phase 1 of empowering 7 districts in the Western Region on sustainable development.
Spanning from 4th to 18th November 2023, CorpNation Foundation in collaboration with SEB Foundation and the leadership of 11 coastal communities within the 7 Coastal Districts of the Western Region namely; Brawire, Apewosika, Lower Dixcove, Upper Dixcove, Busua, Esiama, Atuabo, Ahobre, Half Assini, Bentsir and New Takoradi embarked on a transformative project titled ‘Empowering Coastal Communities for Sustainable Development.
Identified problems within the coastal communities in the Western Region include coastal erosion and poverty to limited access to basic healthcare and education. A significant concern is the escalating issue of plastic waste, which not only threatens the environment but also infiltrates the food chain and impacts human health.
The project which was significantly marked by a beach cleanup activity and advocacy on SDG 13 (climate change) witnessed the active participation of an estimated number of 700 volunteers.
Among the volunteers include youth groups, fishermen and fishmongers.
Branches of CorpNation Foundation’s Corporate Youth Clubs (CYCs) have been established within all host communities, serving as indigenous ambassadors of the initiative.
These clubs connect with community leadership and other key stakeholders, epitomizing a community-led approach. The SEB Foundation’s engagement drives STEM education and supports awareness and engagement sessions.
The clubs shall have their engagement programmes which include hand skills and entrepreneurship trainings, common amongst them are weekly meetings and monthly community and beach cleanup exercises for which each community was presented 2 sets of wheelbarrows, 5 rakes, 4 shovels, 3 spade, 5 standing broom and a set of picking rods to aid routine clean up activities.
Speaking to the founder of CorpNation Foundation Mr. Savior Kwaku Adzika, he disclosed that “the ultimate goal of the initiative is not to just achieve results but to make it effective, efficient and ultimately, sustainable. The establishment of the youth clubs is pivotal to the success of this initiative, as in the case of Sekondi-Takoradi where our these clubs have driven community-led and sustainable development.”
He added that “CorpNation Foundation’s initiatives and projects are all in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
The Director of the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and observe good hygiene during the flooding and rainy season to prevent a cholera outbreak.
According to him, although flooding in some parts of the country has subsided, the risk of cholera remains because the conditions that promote the spread of the disease still exist.
“The risk of cholera still exists,” Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe said, explaining that cholera is closely linked to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation.
Speaking on 3 FM on Thursday, he cautioned the public against becoming complacent a few days or weeks after the floods, stressing that people should continue to be careful about the food they eat and the water they drink.
“I want to urge Ghanaians to be careful what we eat and drink. Let’s not assume that because the flood came last week, we can lower our guard,” he said.
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe noted that countries with access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation have largely eliminated cholera, adding that Ghana still has challenges in those areas.
He therefore advised the public to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, especially by washing their hands regularly with soap and clean water.
According to him, handwashing remains the most effective and affordable way to reduce the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases.
“The most cost-effective intervention is handwashing with soap and water,” he said.
According to him “That does not depend on whether there are floods or not. Make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and water.”
He called on Ghanaians to maintain clean surroundings and practise proper sanitation to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Supreme Court has dismissed all four suits challenging the removal of Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office as Chief Justice.
The court delivered its rulings earlier this morning, ending the legal challenge at the domestic level.
This follows last week’s judgement by the ECOWAS Court, which also rejected applications seeking to overturn Justice Torkonoo’s removal.
Each of the four cases filed at the Supreme Court argued against the processes that led to Justice Torkonoo’s exit. The court, however, found no legal basis to grant relief and dismissed each application in its entirety.
In a brief statement by the Deputy Attorney-General Jusrice Srem-Sai after the rulings, he expressed appreciation to the legal team.
“Gratitude to our team of State Attorneys and members of staff,” he posted on Facebook, acknowledging their role in defending the state’s position through both ECOWAS and Supreme Court proceedings.
Background
Justice Gertrude Torkonoo was removed from office as Chief Justice following proceedings initiated earlier this year.
The move triggered multiple legal challenges, including four separate suits at the Supreme Court and petitions before the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Both courts have now ruled against the challengers.
Last week, the ECOWAS Court dismissed the regional applications, and this morning’s Supreme Court decision closes the matter in Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
