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Ghana Beverage virtual awards held
The maiden virtual edition of the Ghana Beverage Awards has been successfully organised in adherence to the stipulated COVID-19 protocols with Club Beer emerging winner of the prestigious Product of the Year award.
Other winners on the night include, Voltic Natural Mineral Water, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Alomo Bitters, Blue Skies, Rush Energy Drink, Vitamilk Chocolate and Kpoo Keke Liqueur.
The maiden virtual edition of the awards which was streamed live online and on e.TV Ghana, GTV and GTV Sports Plus was held under the theme, ‘Inspiring excellence in Ghana’s beverage industry’ with the aim of promoting both local and foreign beverages as well as the participation of small-scale beverage enterprises in Ghana.
The Chief Executive Officer of Global Media Alliance Group (GMA), Mr Ernest Boateng in his remarks explained the rationale behind the virtual awards: “Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic both in Ghana and globally, as a nation we have been advised by the President of our Republic to adhere to all the social distancing protocols and other directives which will help us to control the spread of COVID-19. We have therefore gone ahead to organise the virtual awards and stream live both on TV and online.”
“As an organisation, this is our way of proceeding to celebrate excellence in the beverage industry while adhering to all the recommended directives without endangering lives,” he explained.
In a lead-up to this year’s awards, a beverage industry tour was organised for the GBA board to visit nominated companies to familiarise with their work and practices.
This initiative is one of the new activities which was introduced in the build-up to the 2019 Awards Night.
This year, GBA introduced two new categories; Local Beverage Advertisement of the Year and International Liqueur of the Year.
The addition of the new categories is to acknowledge feedback from stakeholders, particularly consumers who have been instrumental in the nominations phase. The Local Beverage Advertisement of the Year Award went to Kasapreko at 20 while the International Liqueur of the Year was won by Bailey’s Irish Cream.
The Ghana Beverage Awards is organised by Global Media Alliance. Supporting partners are the Food Research Institute under CSIR, Ghana Tourism Authority, Consumer Protection Agency and the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana.
Source: Ghanaian Times
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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
