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Corporate executives attend ‘2nd Stress Knock-Out Workshop’
Manager from reputable firms across the Ashanti and Bono/ Ahafo regions have attended the second edition of the Stress Knock-Out! Workshop, a one-day stress-management conference designed to equip busy executives with practical coping tools.
Hosted by Okoriwaa.com, an organisational and people-development partner and facilitated by learning-and-development expert, Ms Augustina O. Oti-Twumasi, the workshop combined expert instruction, group activities and hands-on relaxation techniques.
The inaugural event was held in March 2025 at Aburi in the Eastern Region.
In her opening remarks, Ms Oti-Twumasi reminded attendees that “although stress is an unavoidable part of life, its long-term harmful effects can be managed or even avoided.”
She guided participants through four interactive modules including Understanding Stress, Essential Skills for Effective Stress Management, Relief Strategies, Techniques and Practices and Action Planning and Resource Toolkit.
She engaged participants in group discussions to brainstorm and exchange strategies, fostering peer support and networking.
The art-therapy segment drew particular praise, with participants selecting it as a key addition to their personal stress-relief toolkit.
Giving a background, she said stress had become a significant concern for employees and businesses globally with it related challenges projected to cost the world economy over US$1 trillion a year in lost productivity.
Headspace’s Workforce State of Mind Report (2024) reveals that around 86 per cent of workers experience moderate to extreme stress, and 77 per cent say it negatively impacts their physical health. High stress levels can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, rising medical costs and, in some cases, burnout. Chronic stress undermines cognitive function, diminishes creativity and raises the risk of staff turnover.
Okoriwaa.com plans to extend the Stress Knock-Out! series to Ghana’s major business hubs.
“Our mission is to make stress management an integral part of employee development and wellness programmes nationwide,” said Ms Oti-Twumasi.
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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
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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
