News
Gender Ministry commends Police for Swift action, condems abuse of 12-year-old boy
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has commended the Ghana Police
Service for their swift intervention and the prompt arrest of individuals involved in the abuse of a 12-year-old boy in New Ankasa, Western Region
The Ministry has strongly condemned the inhumane and degrading treatment captured in a disturbing viral video circulating on social media.
The footage shows a young boy with his hands tied with anylon rope, being subjected to severe physical assault by two adults.
The Ministry noted that such barbaric and degrading acts of violence against children constitute gross violations of their rights and dignity.
“They have no place in our society and are in direct contravention of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which mandates the Government and all stakeholders to safeguard the survival, protection, and development of every child in Ghana:
The Ministry is relieved to learn that the victim has reccived medical attention and has been
reunited with his father,” they added.
The Ministry pledged to follow up on the case and collaborate with law enforcement, social welfare agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure the child receives the necessary psychosocial support and protection.
In addition, the Ministry stressed that it remained committed to advocating for the rights of all children and ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse are brought to justice.
According to them, public awareness efforts will also be intensified through the Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) campaign to promote the protection and well-being of every child in Ghana.
We urge the public to be vigilant and report all cases of abuse, violence, or neglect against children
to the appropriatc authoritics. Every child descryes to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, frcc from fcar and harm.
“The public is encouraged to report cases of child abuse and related concerns,” they added.
News
Gov’t to build new public technical university in Western Region – Pres. Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will build a new public technical university in the Western Region to expand access to technical and vocational education for young people.
In a speech at the Jubilee House during a courtesy call by the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, and other members of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, President Mahama said the new university forms part of a broader plan to prepare the region’s youth for emerging job opportunities in mining, oil and gas, agribusiness, and digital industries.
He explained that the technical university will be designed to meet the practical needs of industries in the region and across the country.
According to him, this move is crucial to Ghana’s long-term development goals, especially as the Western Region continues to contribute significantly to the national economy through natural resources.
“The Western Region holds immense potential to lead Ghana into a new era of industrialization and job creation. But we must equip our young people with the right skills. That is why we are building a new public technical university here” the President intimated.
He added that this new institution will work alongside other youth-focused programs, including a region-wide employment initiative focused on agri-tech, tourism, green jobs, and digital entrepreneurship.
President Mahama revealed plans to upgrade the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital into a modern teaching hospital that will serve as a referral center for the Western and Western North regions.
This, he said, would improve healthcare delivery and provide training grounds for medical students.
He assured the chiefs that these initiatives would help bridge development gaps and ensure that the youth in the region have better access to education, training, and jobs.
The President urged the chiefs to support these efforts by promoting peace, unity, and development in their communities.
News
Oil-producing communities in Western Region to benefit from sea defense and social projects – Prez Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has assured that coastal communities in the Western Region affected by oil and gas activities will see direct improvements in infrastructure, sea defense, and social services under his next development agenda.
The president made it clear that the discovery of petroleum in the region must be a blessing and not a burden.
He stated that towns like Essiama and Anochie, located in the oil-producing enclaves, would benefit from better roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, and agribusiness support as part of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
He explained that the government is expanding sea defense projects along the coast to protect fishing communities from tidal wave erosion.
These efforts, he noted are also aimed at preserving marine livelihoods and supporting the coastal economy.
President Mahama revealed that the government will establish a dedicated oil and gas services hub at the Takoradi Port through a public-private partnership.
He said the expansion of the port would include new container terminals and dry bulk facilities to boost exports and reduce delays for vessels.
He added that the (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations, 2013 (L.I. 2204) would be strengthened to ensure young people in the Western Region gain access to petroleum jobs, contracts, and technical training.
The president also announced that the Ministry of Energy had been directed to renegotiate land arrangements with landowners around the planned petroleum hub.
He said the government will release unused portions of land back to communities and pay compensation for land that will be used, starting with 5,000 hectares instead of the initially acquired 20,000 hectares.
He stressed that oil wealth must translate into better living conditions for the people whose lands and livelihoods are affected by exploration and production activities.
Jacob Aggrey
