News
GNASSM nat’l executives inaugurated.
A nine-member national executives of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM), has been elected and sworn into office by the Supervising High Court Judge, Justice Kofi Akrowiah, in Kumasi.
Headed by Mr Philip Akufu as President, he polled 160 votes to beat Emmanuel Yirenkyi Antwi who managed to get 57 votes in a hot contest conducted in the 10 mining districts of GNASSM.
Sampson Kofi Wiredu went unopposed as vice president whilst Godwin Armah beat Stephen Baidoo massively to maintain the General Secretary position.
Alhaji Baba Ahmed was re-elected as the National Organiser by defeating Philip Kwabena Bawa with a wide margin while Razak Abdul Alhassan went unopposed to become the Director of Communication.
Former Communication Director, Francis Opoku is the new Financial Director following massive endorsement by delegates when he locked horns with one Nana Meisu Adu.
The rest of the elected executives are Joseph Blankson Aidoo, National Technical Director, Janet Esi Kusi, National Treasurer, and Victoria Adobea Guerrieri, National Women Coordinator.
Two hundred and twenty-six delegates participated in the election which was supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC).
The election was initially scheduled for March 24, 2020, but it was delayed due to the emergence of COVID-19.
Mr Richard Kofi Afenu, a former Director of the Minerals Commission, in his keynote address stressed the importance of the GNASSM in the mining industry describing it as a key sector to the economy.
He reminded the association of the provisions of Act 933 which regulated the industry and urged members to monitor their own activities in order not to operate outside the law to sustain the industry.
Mr Afenu urged the members to ensure good mining practices as well as maintain peaceful co-existence with communities in which they operate.
The newly elected President of GNASSM hinted that he would work hard to rebrand the association, to re-position it to promote and regulate small scale mining as well as seek the welfare of members.
He assured that the new executives would work vigorously to avoid illegal mining and sustain the mining industry.
The national president said he would promote women in mining in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure gender balance as part of transformational measures to develop the fortunes of the GNASSM.
He said his administration would work to promote a responsible and sustainable small scale mining sector and promised an all-inclusive, transparent administration that would respect existing structures.
Mr Akufu, therefore, called for support of all members to enable the executives turn round the fortunes of the association.
The Chairman of GNASSM Election Transition Management Team (ETMT), Frank Osei, commended all members and urged members to support the national executives as they chart a new direction for the association for the needed change.
From Kingsley E.Hope, Kumasi
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
