News
Ellembelle chief calls for sustainable livelihoods for repatriated refugees
Chief of Ampain in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, Nana Nyameke Fofole II, has called on United Nations (UN) Systems to ensure that repatriated Ivorian refugees get sustainable livelihoods back home.
“Yes, we now have voluntary repatriation but people are going home, how do we safeguard their stay? Government and the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB) must provide some package for say six to one year for them to become self-sufficient. This is also to assure of their safety.” he pleaded.
Nana Fofole made the call in a solidarity message at this year’s World Refugee Day which was marked at the Ampain Camp on Monday, on the theme ‘Whoever they are, wherever they come from, whenever they are forced to flee. Everyone has a right to seek safety.’
He noted that the day was dedicated to displaced people around the globe fleeing from conflicts, adding that such people needed attention no matter their race, colour, citizenship or ethnicity.
“Care for refugees is a global responsibility and so we need not leave anyone behind. Shelter underscores everything including security and dignity and it’s not just a roof and so the theme is appropriate. But, the question is, who should provide the safety? Safety is important and it’s a worry for refugees”, Nana Fofole said.
He said, to neglect refugees meant that , they would turn to the street for survival by engaging in social vices, saying “ The good news is that, our neighbours in the Ampain camp have been law-abiding, friendly, God fearing and disciplined, and co-existed perfectly with us.”
Recalling the creation of the camp, he said that in 2011, and being aware of the plight of the Ivorian friends and also having families in Cote d’ Ivoire, he contacted the Ellembelle District Assembly to see to the welfare of the displaced at the Ampain camp.
“I was touched by people being killed by animals on the streets and so decided to act with the council of elders. We sacrificed our land to save humanity”, Nana Fofole stressed.
He told the gathering that, the palace strategised with the camp management to provide foodstuffs and fish to the Ivorian refugees, which “we have never, ever regretted to host our neighbours at the Ampain camp.”
The Ampain chief commended the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Esther Kiragu, for her efforts and particularly, the pioneer camp manager, Kelly Forson and team for their dedication and service to humanity.
The Chairman of GRB, Prof. Ken Attafuah, said, the camp which was set up in 2011 at the peak of the influx of distressed neighbours from La Cote d’Ivoire became one of three camps established to host Ivorians who were facing generalised violence in their home country.
He said: “Nana Fofole and the people of Ampain have lived in harmony with their guests from Abidjan for the past 11 years. You have continuously and willingly shared your valuable resources with them. We are proud that Ampain and other communities welcomed the refugees with love and open arms and stood by them.
“That is what the theme of the World Refugees Day is about. It is also important to acknowledge the role the UNHCR has played in our system of government to ensure that refugees live in our country in dignity and respect.”
From Clement Adzei Boye, Ampain
News
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
News
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
