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COTA moves to tackle insecurity, leadership disputes in Teshie
THE Coalition of Teshie Associations (COTA) has announced plans to address longstanding leadership disputes and security concerns in the Teshie community while promoting peace and youth empowerment ahead of the 2026 Homowo Festival.
The coalition said the initiative formed part of efforts to foster unity among the five quarters of Teshie, namely Kle Musum, Lenshie, Agbawe, Krobo, and Gbugbla.
The announcement was made during a unity walk, organised in collaboration with COTA and Laboma Beach Resort, on Saturday in Accra. The event was sponsored by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Resort, Dr Albert Tetteh Kwarshie Botchway.
More than 2,000 participants joined the walk through the principal streets of Teshie, starting from the Laboma Beach Resort, to promote peace and highlight the need for harmony within the community.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Botchway said peace among the youth was essential for the development of the community. He noted that when young people embraced peace, it creates an enabling environment for development and improved social interventions in the area.
He also indicated that several activities had been planned to promote unity and harmony in the community ahead of the Homowo Festival in August 2026. These would include indoor and outdoor games, competitive sports among community groups, and weekly peace messages broadcast through the public address system.
In his remarks, the Chairman of COTA, Alfred Amarh Lienks, explained that the leadership disagreements among the various quarters had in the past created uncertainty for investors and organisations seeking to support development in Teshie. He, however, stated that the situation was not driven by ill intent but rather by the desire of different leaders to see development in the community.
According to him, the coalition was working to strengthen coordination among community leaders to create a more unified front for development initiatives. To address the situation, he revealed that the coalition was establishing a task force that would be stationed at key junctions in the community to enhance security and protect both residents and ride-hailing drivers.
Meanwhile, the Kpeshie Divisional Commander, ACP Emmanuel Odonkor Baah, urged the youth to stay away from violent activities and support efforts to maintain peace in the community.
By Stephanie Birikorang
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
