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Eastern Region holds Festival of Arts and Culture
• Dr Akosua Abdallah (left), greeting Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III
Cultural display was at its best in the Eastern Region during this year’s Regional Festival of Arts and Culture which was celebrated at the Koforidua Jubilee Park.
The region which has 11 traditional areas namely Anum, Boso, Manya and Yilo Krobo, Akuapem, Akyem Abuakwa, Bosome, Kotoku, Kwahu, Akwamu and New Juaben had their cultures displayed through beautiful performances.
Several performances, including the dipo, adowa, borborbo, among other traditional dance were performed by the Ohu Cultural Group from Akropong, Klama Cultural Group from Odumase-Krobo, Nyanyui Borborbor and Centre for National Culture (CNC) Cultural Group in Koforidua, to the admiration of the audience.
The Asokore Seventh Day Adventist, Oyoko Methodist and Ghana Senior High Schools were among schools that performed through poem recitals, brass band performance and singing of corals.
The Eastern Regional Police Band was also present to grace the occasion which was chaired by the Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III.
Speaking on the theme: “Reviving Patriotism, Peace and Unity Through Cultural Diversity for Sustainable Development,” the Director in charge of Community Education and Youth Development (CEYD) at the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Dr Akosua Abdallah said it was worrying to note that modernisation and globalisation had affected and continued to affect every aspect of national life and culture.
“You will go to a house and they are eating fried rice, noodles and other foods that are not Ghanaian. Where are our traditional foods like ampesi, fufu and the rest? We need to go back and teach our children our traditional foods and culture and stop adopting western culture which was depleting our culture,” she said.
She said there was an urgent need to imbibe into the youth, a sense of patriotism, nationalism, unity and a selfless ideal towards the country, adding that the NCC believed in a national strategy that sought to promote and sustain the interest of Ghanaians, particularly the youth and called for some stock-taking and deeper reflection on “our ideals so that we can teach our youth.”
She said the NCC was committed to promoting the national culture and would continue to hold such events to promote the cultures to the international community.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong stated that the Culture and Creative Arts Industry was an essential component of the country’s economy which was making significant contribution to national development.
“We consciously need to guard it by steadfastly holding on to it for employment and wealth creation and it is important to uphold the rich cultures handed to us by our ancestral heritage taking cognisance of its vitality and values,” he said.
He said the theme was apt since the country had allowed for western cultures to permeate the Ghanaian culture through technology, adding that the situation had caused a lot of indiscipline among the youth.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu
Agyeman, Koforidua
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
