News
Gifty Twum Ampofo donates to Local Council of Churches.
The Member of Parliament (MP for Abuakwa North Municipality and Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Mrs Gifty Twum-Ampofo has donated a number of boxes of infra-red thermometer guns to the Local Council of Churches in the municipality.
The thermometer guns were to be distributed to all the churches in the municipality to help check temperatures of their members to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the churches.
Presenting the items to the Local Council of Churches, (LCC) Mrs Twum-Ampofo explained that considering the safety protocols slated for the churches, it was necessary for every church in her municipality to get a thermometer gun to check temperatures of their members.
“I realised that among the safety protocols slated for the churches, the thermometer guns were the most expensive equipment that they would need and acquiring a number of them would be a challenge,” she said.
She added that to ease their challenge and reduce the financial burden on them, “I decided to buy them some boxes so that they can use for the time being.”
“By this, I believe that we would be able to prevent a possible spread of the coronavirus in and outside the church.”
Mrs Twum-Ampofo advised the LCC in her municipality to make good use of the equipment and observe all other safety protocols that has been slated for them.
“I would urge the churches to ensure that they observe all the safety protocols by washing their hands regularly, wear their nose masks well and observe proper respiratory hygiene among others so that we can all help to stop the spread of the coronavirus,” she advised.
For his part, the Chairman of the LCC in the Abuakwa North municipality, Reverend Isaac Ofori Asirifi on behalf of the churches thanked the MP for her kind gesture.
He explained that the churches have been able to buy some of the items with the exception of the thermometer guns which were very expensive.
“We are grateful to her for providing us with this equipment and we assure her that we would use them judiciously to prevent the spread of the virus.”
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
