News
GAR Minister pays courtesy call on Ga Mantse under heavy security
There was heavy security presence at the Ga Mantse Palace yesterday when the Greater Accra Regional Minister; Mr Ishmael Ashitey led a team of state officials to pay a courtesy call on the newly installed Ga Mantse, KingDrNiiTackieTeikoTsuru.
Armed to the teeth, the security personnel mostly made up of operatives from national security and the Ghana Police Service were to ensure law and order at the palace.
They wereconspicuously positioned at the entrance and back of the palace, in readiness to combat any group that might try to destroy the beauty of the occasion.
DrNiiTackieTeikoTsuruwas formerly introduced by the Ga Traditional Council as the new Ga Mantseon May 10, 2020 after having undergone the customary purification rites at the Nungua, GborbuWulomlo’s Shrine.
Addressing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who were led by the Regional Minister, King DrNiiTackieTeikoTsuru appealed to the MMDCEsto rally behind him to ensure a united front.
He explained that the disunity among elders of the land was hindering the development of the Ga community who were dwelling in poverty and distress.
King DrNiiTackieTeikoTsurusaid, the Ga State was underdeveloped following the absence of the Ga Mantse, and that the only way to address the situation was when elders of the land see unity as a solution to their problems.
He called on factions within the Ga state to use laws governing the country and that of theGa Traditional Council to resolve their grievances.
Mr Ashitey who presented assorted drinks to the Palace ahead the celebrations of the Homowo, the annual Ga traditional festivity, asked commercial entities including those in the financial sector to support the Ministry to rehabilitate the Ga Palace and the Ga Traditional Council Offices.
“Because of the numerous quarrels they have had over the years, the buildings had become deteriorated, and therefore it’s up to the commercial entities in the region to assist to renovate the building for occupancy,” he said
Mr Ashitey called on the King DrNiiTackieTeikoTsuru and the Ga Traditional Council to do everything possible to ensure peace and unity between the Ga State.
Meanwhile, a faction led by the Ga Dzaasetse, NiiOto-Ga II has denounced the installation of DrTackieTeikoTsuru as the Ga Mantse.
A statement issued to the press on May 14 2020, said King TackieAdamaLatse II, remained the only Ga Mantse.
“King TackieAdamaLatse II , was nominated, elected and enstooled Ga Mantse to succeed the late BoniNiiAmugi II in accordance with customs, traditions, conventions and usages of the Ga State in 2011” the statement said.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
News
Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
News
First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
