News
Government urged to create a supportive environment for local businesses
Mr Jeroen Verheul
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, Mr Jeroen Verheul has tasked government to create a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive.
Speaking at the official closing ceremony of the SNV GrEEn Project in Accra, the diplomat said the reduction of inflation and interest rate must be tackled by the government to achieve this goal.
The SNV GrEEn Project is a four-year action plan implemented in the Ashanti and Western regions under the anchor of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.
The project was funded by the European Union in Ghana and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands.
Juxtaposing the results of the GrEEn Project, Mr Jeroen Verheul cited that such achievement “is a drop in the ocean” because Ghana would need 500, 000 jobs annually to help the population overcome the high rate of unemployment.
“We need 500, 000 jobs per year and SNV has produced 6, 000 jobs over four years, however we need to scale up through the support of the environment which is a key element for entrepreneurs to flourish,” he stated.
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is a not-for-profit international development organisation creating a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services.
Since its commissioning in 2019, the Project aimed to enhance employability and entrepreneurship opportunities within Ghana’s green economy, contributing to the development of a climate-resilient local economy.
The primary objective of the Project was to address the root causes of irregular migration amongst Ghanaians, by promoting green and climate-resilient local economic development.
This initiative provided affordable financing aid to SMEs and micro businesses, especially in the sustainable and circular economy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Asaasepa Naturals, Mrs Matilda Stemn, noted that the project has aided her set up a factory and purchase some equipment to upscale her business.
However, Mrs Stemn, also a beneficiary of the Project, mentioned that accessing loans was a challenge for SMEs on increasing productivity despite the fact that they have the raw materials and machineries at their disposal.
Present at the ceremony were the Country Director of SNV Ghana, Mrs Barbara Nkoala amongst other dignitaries.
SNV specialises in three sectors: agri-food, energy and water systems and is present in over 25 countries.
By Yunusah Essandoh
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.
