News
E/R CNC holds kindergarten festival
Children from various kindergarten schools in Koforidua showcased their talents and cultural heritage through captivating performances during a Kindergarten Festival organised by the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in the Eastern Region (E/R).
The event, filled with joy and excitement, saw enthusiastic participation from schools including Lizbern Educational Complex, Bolder Journey Academy, Charles Wesley Academy, Solomon Schools, and Unique Kiddie Care Montessori.
The young learners delighted their peers and the adult audience with patriotic songs, traditional dances, and poetry recitations, earning loud cheers and applause.
Other participating schools included Betlin Educational Complex, Trinity Royals Presbyterian, Liberty Academy, and Koforidua Grammar Schools.
The children performed traditional dances such as Adowa and Borbor, and recited poems celebrating Ghana’s cultural identity and values.
At the end of the festival, all participating children received certificates and gifts from CNC, Top Choco, and Yumvita.
Speaking on the theme “Building Up Self-Confidence for National Development,” the Acting Regional Director of CNC, Madam Salamatu Alhassan, emphasised the importance of nurturing self-confidence in children through arts and culture.
She explained that developing self-confidence at an early age equipped children to become capable and impactful adults who can contribute meaningfully to national growth.
Madam Alhassan also reaffirmed CNC’s commitment to organising such programmes, aimed at using culture and the arts to enhance the personal development of children.
Also addressing the gathering, Madam Joan Abankwa, the New Juaben South Municipal Monitoring and Supervision Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), noted that self-confidence was the foundation upon which dreams were built.
“When children believe in themselves, they unlock their full potential. Confident children are eager to learn, embrace challenges, and grow from their mistakes,” she said.
She added that when a child sings a song, solves a puzzle, speaks up, or helps a friend, they are building the foundation of confidence that would shape them into responsible and empowered citizens.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
