News
Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S. mourns Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as a bold and visionary leader who made a lasting impact on Ghana’s political history.
In a tribute issued by the Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Ambassador recalled how Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings played a pivotal role in shaping his political journey.
He said he was “awakened far away in Iowa” by the heartbreaking news and had initially hoped it was untrue. Upon confirmation, he felt a profound sense of personal loss.
Mr. Smith recounted that Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings introduced him to active politics in the early 1990s and gave him the opportunity to serve in public life when he returned from the United Kingdom in 1994.
He expressed gratitude for her confidence in him and acknowledged her influence on his career and the lives of many others.
Reflecting on their past relationship, he noted that though they faced challenges over time, he chose to remember her for the significant impact she made on him, on the many women she inspired, and on Ghana’s democratic growth.
The Ambassador extended his condolences to the Rawlings family Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi reaffirming his hand of friendship and support during their moment of grief.
He described Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings as a “bold, visionary, and courageous leader,” adding that her legacy as a champion of women’s empowerment and political reform will endure for generations.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace,” he concluded.
By: Jacob Aggrey
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
