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Food security top Agenda for NSA- Director General
The Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gyamfi Felix, has assured Ghanaians of the Authority’s commitment to spearheading initiatives that will promote food security under his leadership, thereby addressing food inflation and unemployment challenges in Ghana.
He said this during a media interview today after the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, upon assuming office, paid his first-ever working visit to the National Service Authority (NSA) headquarters in Accra to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing greater opportunities for the youth through national service.
Mr. Gyamfi emphasised that with the current challenges posed by rising food prices and Ghana’s reliance on imports, the NSA was strategically positioned to leverage its extensive agricultural resources.
The Authority’s large t racts of arable land, he explained, could be utilised to create sustainable solutions to the twin challenges of food insecurity and unemployment.
“We cannot overlook the opportunity we have as an institution with vast arable lands at our disposal. The NSA’s contribution to agriculture will not only reduce our dependency on food imports but also tackle unemployment, especially among the youth. This is a vision we are keen on pursuing to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic recovery,” he said.
He said there was more to be done at the Authority and revealed plans to reassess and expand the Authority’s agricultural activities to achieve measurable outcomes.
“It is important to acknowledge the groundwork laid by those before us. Our approach will be to evaluate and continue successful initiatives while identifying areas where expansion or improvement is needed to ensure that the desired impact is realised by all stakeholders,” he stated.
Mr. Gyamfi specifically decried the issue of “ghost names” under the former administration, noting that it had undoubtedly caused significant damage to the Authority’s reputation.
He indicated his resolve to clamp down on such incidents under his watch, ensuring that the NSA continues to achieve significant progress in mobilising, deploying, and training the youth from tertiary institutions during their mandatory one-year national service.
For his part, Mr. Opare Addo stated that the visit formed broader efforts to collaborate with one of the key agencies like NSA to address challenges faced by the Ghanaian youth and identify potential avenues for empowerment.
He stressed the critical role of the National Service Authority in building the capacity of the youth and preparing them for the job market.
He assured that his ministry will closely collaborate with the Authority to create a supportive framework for service personnel to ensure meaningful contributions to national development.
“We must position the National Service Authority as a foundation for skills development and entrepreneurship to give young people a viable start after their service year. I will continue to champion the interests of Ghana’s youth to fulfil the promises of President John Mahama,” he stated.
He added that President Mahama’s government focus on youth policies and empowerment programmes will be met under his leadership because the youth are the country’s greatest asset, and efforts must be made to protect them, invest in them, and give them a helping hand if Ghana is to realise a better future.
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.
